Eschewing la Carte at the Hitching Post

Sure you can and should get that perfectly grilled artichoke as an appetizer at the Hitching Post II (406 E. Hwy. 246, Buellton, 688-0676, hitchingpostwines.com), but one of the joys of the place-besides mouth-watering steaks-is that you don’t have to order la carte. Does anyone else do this anymore? That relish tray full of olives, radishes, and, yes, scallions is a hint we’re not in even the 1990s anymore. And better for it-garlic bread and salsa are also coming, plus those glorious French fries (sure you could get rice or baked, but c’mon!), salad, or soup, and then a bay shrimp cocktail that is chilled. So skip la carte, and go straight for retro deliciousness.