2018 March PASO Magazine

(aka Mama’s Night Out)
By Sarah Pope
It’s not ALWAYS park playdates and DIY projects!
Getting away with the girls or the other half
is so good for the soul; there is nothing wrong with
a little recharge. But escaping away from the hustle
and bustle and routines that come with three
kids (or one, or two) can make it hard to do just
that. This is why my closest friends and I created
Birthmas — an evening we coordinate every year,
months in advance, to celebrate the many birthday
celebrations we missed, and of course, Christmas.
Hence the term, Birth-mas. Catching up on life, as
we nibble on delicious food and sip on our favorite
drink, is something I look forward to all year.
Our tradition begins at the Pony Club Bar — just
off the Hotel Cheval’s lobby — for their local wines,
appetizers, holiday atmosphere and live music.
Their outdoor fire pits and large oak trees covered
in twinkle lights make for a cozy setting to set the
evening’s mood. We plan our reservations just right,
to squeeze in their fabulous happy hour from 5 to 7
p.m., right before dinner.
Throughout the years, we have taken advantage
of the many places that Paso Robles has to offer —
Thomas Hill Organics and Cass Winery, to name
a couple. But we always make our way back to the
place of our very first Birthmas in 2012 — Berry
Hill Bistro — in downtown Paso Robles.
Their Pomegranate Martinis never disappoint
and those frites with endless dipping options are
so tasty! The Raspberry Chicken Panini is a dream!
And did I mention they make their own pickles?!
Their charming outdoor patio paired with our
gorgeous Central Coast also weather makes for a
fun afternoon out with the kids, and fur babies too,
with kid-friendly options on the menu.
So, CHEERS to an evening of good eats, drink,
laughter, recharging and enjoying beautiful downtown
Paso Robles.
Photos by Sarah Pope
26 PASO Magazine, March 2018