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2 0 1 5 T R A V E L G U I D E T O C A L I F O R N I A 21 Sustainability is the keyword in all things agriculture, and we can tip our hat to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for its impactful Seafood Watch program that helps diners make informed choices, whether selecting fish at Whole Foods or dining at classic Pacific Grove spots like Passionfish and Fandango. Niman Ranch, a pioneer in hormone free, humanely raised meats, set the stage for conscious consumption. Look for it on finer menus everywhere. Sonoma and Marin counties have become the Cheese hub, with names like Barinaga (Marshall), Cowgirl Creamery (Point Reyes) and Harley Farms (Pescadero) consistent award-winners. Check out cheesetrail.org. Apple lovers can rejoice in Sebastopol, home of Gravensteins, and in Apple Hill, where 50 farms welcome you to pick. On the coast, berry farms (Swanton) and pumpkin patches (Arata's in Half Moon Bay, complete with corn labyrinth) beckon, and Duarte's Tavern in Pescadero will warm you on foggy days with cream of arti- choke and chile soup. California's olive oil production has skyrocketed, with favorites like Stella Cadente (Fort Bragg), Victorine Valley Farms (Livermore) and Olea (Paso Robles), all producing decadent flavor-infusions, along with balsamics. Restaurants with farm-to-table partner- ships are prevalent, including The Restaurant at Wente in Livermore with its sustainable gardens, and Michelin darling Manresa, in Los Gatos, whose relationship with Love Apple Farms is legendary. Cham- inade, in Santa Cruz, holds a series of farm-to-table wine dinners featuring local wineries and farm-fresh produce. Top Dining Destinations LA & Environs Trendy dining spots in star-studded LA include Animal, Bestia, Faith & Flower, Gjusta, Maude, Mozza, Petit Trois, Pot Commissary Café, Providence, Rivera, Red Medicine, Sqirl and Trois Mec. San Diego San Diego's food scene is buzzing over Baci Ristorante, Bottega Americano, Comun Kitchen & Tavern, Cucina Enoteca, Juniper & Ivy, Prado, PuestoTidal and Trulucks. San Francisco San Francisco is a constant blender bender of change, with restaurants opening and closing weekly. New on the scene are Lazy Bear, Le Clos, Monsieur Benjamin, Quince, Tradesman, Urchin Bistro and Michael Mina's latest, his first Japanese foray, Paubu, along with The Ramen Bar. Classics still at the top of their game include NOPA, Gary Danko, Slanted Door and Jardinière. GOAT CHEESE strata woodboard, fresh buraXa and prosciuXo, California benedict, leV; seafood dining at Laguna Beach, below.