The Historic Mono Inn

After having our fill of burger joints and family restaurants in Lee Vining area we wanted to escape and have a real meal at a real restaurant that actually had a wine list. We found such a place in the Historic Mono Inn. The restaurant is a couple miles out of town, right on the shores of Mono Lake. It has a panorama that is glorious for sunsets. The two owners graciously welcomed us in and were constantly in the dining area throughout the evening.  They spent their time talking with us, describing the dishes, suggesting wine pairings, taking the orders and serving the meals.  The atmosphere was very casual, but the food was very gourmet.  The maple brined pork chop (14 oz.) and the grilled Alaskan salmon were our favorites. The wine list was extensive and they had excellent recommendations for pairings with the entrees. After a wonderful meal we were relaxing chatting with some of fellow patrons and suddenly one of the owners sat down at the piano and reeled off some favorite pieces.   It was very cozy and we felt like we were being entertained in some friends' living room. We went back a second night and were equally impressed.

The one star is for customer service...never got to eat the food.  We arrived without a reservation, apparently a strict no no.  Despite EIGHT tables being open and available for seating (I could see the reservation book and it was wide open) we were told it would be a 20-30 minute wait before we could be seated.  "The chef would just be too overwhelmed by all the orders if we sat everyone now."  Huh?  Why have a restaurants open and full of tables on a Friday night if you aren't able to feed them all?

Great find at the end of an outdoorsy day of hiking and Sierra beauty.  We were so glad we saw the sign with dinner 5-9. There was more beauty with the view to enjoy wine tasting of the seasons wine "Rockhill".    The songs of birds lovely. The appetizers were yummy, had  Brussels(roasted with olive oil, balsamic, capers and almonds) and Mussels to die for.  Definitely will go back for the view, food, wine and visit with co-owners.