Driving through Amador County’s wine region and Gold Country backroads—studded with rolling hills and wooded valleys—on Old Highway 49, my friends and I found ourselves in the historic town of Sutter Creek. Drawn in by the architecture, a contrast of small-town charm and modern living, we stopped for Saturday brunch.

Nowhere is the mix of old and new more evident than inside Element, part of Hanford House Inn. Co-owners Athena Padilla-Gordon and her husband Robert Gordon have transformed the circa-1800s establishment into a contemporary dining destination, featuring an eclectic menu focused on breakfast and brunch.

The restaurant was completely remodeled three years ago, and it features a full bar that serves up mouthwatering Bloody Mary’s and handcrafted coffee drinks. Indoor seating is open and airy, with works by local artists tastefully on display, and a view of Old Highway 49; when balmy autumn mornings allow, patio seating is a comfortable alternative.

We were fortunate to have a group of four when I visited, and even though it’s not customary to order family-style, we made the most out of Chef Athena’s menu. The Hanford House Benny, Element Chilaquiles and Pan of Gold (French toast) were all worthy of a return visit, but the consensus favorites were the Bunker Hill Cakes, Open Faced Butte Mtn, and Italian Picnic.

The Bunker Hill featured lemon ricotta flapjacks with a whipped ricotta topping and candied lemon zest, resulting in the best pancakes I have ever eaten—slightly crisp and not too sweet with a whipped ricotta “dollop” that was simply fantastic. The Open Faced Butte Mtn—with its maple-chili sausage, Havarti cheese and sunnyside egg on rosemary bread—was hard to share with the others, simply because I wanted it all for myself. Finally, the Italian Picnic—pan-fried polenta cakes with a balsamic mushroom medley, perfectly creamy egg yolk and arugula—brought a tasty twist to the morning meal.

What’s more, every egg I saw come out of the kitchen was perfectly cooked. Chef Athena also shared that guests of the hotel are treated to a complimentary breakfast…something to remember after a long day of wine tasting. 

Article by  Lorn Randall  //  photos by Dante Fontana

Element, 61 Hanford Street, Sutter Creek, 209-267-0747, restaurantelement.com.