The Dining Divas Check Out a “Dive” in Clayton

Just because I couldn’t remember the name of the last Dining Diva’s restaurant a week after we’d visited shouldn’t mean that it was forgettable. It’s more about my “plate being too full” (see what I did there?). And any place with the word “dive” in it is unforgettable in my book.
Although I was not surprised because we were in Clayton, I was slightly disappointed to discover Louie’s Wine Dive is far from being a dive. It has a
rustic-feel to it, yet also slightly diner-ish with its open kitchen concept and counter seating, as well as booths and tables, and a patio out front. Located on Bemiston, there’s plenty of available parking in the lots across the street which is a bonus in Clayton.
Louie’s has a serious selection of wines but also cocktails and beer. The Vodka Lavender Lemonade was a popular drink choice and the drink special of the day. When asked what that special was, the Contemplative Diva said, “It doesn’t matter what it was. I just know it was good.” Good enough to forget the name of that too.
For starters, we tried the Guacamole with veggies and chips. Everyone loves good, fresh guacamole, and this was fabulous. Louie’s also has a good Roasted Beet Salad. And the Shrimp Taco appetizer is also a great option for a lighter dinner.
The Non-Drinking Diva really enjoyed the Champagne Fish and Chips, Alaskan cod made with a champagne and rice flour batter. The IPA Chicken, also known as roasted chicken, came with broccolini and garlic mashed potatoes and was delicious.
And after only being home less than a week, the Travelling Diva was so excited to have a pasta, since she ate mostly Mediterranean dishes while on her trip to Israel. Wild Mushroom Risotto or 4 Pork Gnocchi? It was a very difficult choice but the waitress convinced her to try the homemade gnocchi as it’s a dish that’s not on many restaurant’s menus. She wished she gone with the risotto. The gnocchi was too bland.
Speaking of the trip, almost the entire evening was spent talking about the Holy Land, answering questions about the country, and for one other Diva who’d been there before, reminiscing. In a country thought to be so dangerous, unpleasant, and torn, you really could find peace, beauty, and hope.
From the moment she entered Louie’s Wine Dive, the Nasal Sensitive Diva was overcome with a sewage odor without relief. Apparently, it bothered her the entire meal, but it didn’t make sense (see what I did there too?) to those of us who smelled nothing. Unfortunately, she really didn’t enjoy her dinner because of the lingering scent. Reminded me of a couple popular “dives” in North County that can relate to that!
Once again, it was a lively, enriching night of laughter and celebration (a new grandbaby!). And for that matter, as long as we have those memories, it doesn’t matter if we don’t remember the restaurant name.

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