# Gathering Table Restaurant At Ballard Inn *By James Hills — Updated December 2020* I haven't had too many chances to do restaurant features this year but The Gathering Table Restaurant at Ballard Inn, located in California's Santa Ynez Valley was absolutely worth the experience. It goes to show that you can still offer a fine dining experience in a safe way despite challenges from the pandemic. While their outdoor space would normally be more decorative than functional, there's a certain sense of romance to sitting in a garden with a string of lights above you while enjoying fine wine and food on par with anything you could find in Los Angeles. Chef Budi Kazali has created a menu that melds Asian and French culinary traditions to create a truly unique menu that feels uniquely California. In 2004, Budi and his wife Chris purchased [Ballard Inn](https://www.ballardinn.com) and leveraged his experience having worked in some of the top restaurants, including San Francisco's La Folie and helped open Boston's James beard Award-winning Blue Ginger. Our host from [Visit the Santa Ynez Valley](https://www.visitsyv.com/) told us that this is one of the most popular and hardest to get reservations in the Santa Ynez Valley and I can see why. ### American Cruise Lines Debuts First All-U.S. Great Lakes Cruises for 2026 Season American Cruise Lines Great Lakes 2026: Domestic-only cruises avoid immigration interviews. 130-guest American Patriot offers exclusive small-town access. U.S. travelers seeking authentic cultural dis CruiseWestCoast [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/qbmUoqvVpCROu8SJK9B_gA.445) ### How to Plan a Caribbean Golf Trip That Will Make The Guys That Didn't Join You Jealous Planning a Caribbean guys golf trip: which courses justify the flight, what all-inclusive covers, and how to keep a mixed-handicap group happy. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/qbmUoqvVpCROu8SJK9B_gA.2156) ### 21-Day Beauty of Vietnam, Cambodia And Thailand A 21-day cultural and beach tour through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, ideal for travelers seeking guided sightseeing plus relaxation. Viator (affiliate) $2,419.00[See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/qbmUoqvVpCROu8SJK9B_gA.548) ### 12 Day Explore Sri Lanka A 12 day Sri Lanka tour focused on local tradition and culture, ideal for travelers seeking a unique and remarkable holiday experience. Viator (affiliate) [See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/qbmUoqvVpCROu8SJK9B_gA.1805) Promoted by FlowAds Service, Food, Wine list, and artistic creativity were all exceptional here. This is the type of place you should go if you want to celebrate something special. Sometimes when I look at a menu there are only one or two items that jump out at me - clear icons of the house that you have to try. Here though, I was impressed by the fact that even things as basic as "Burger Sliders" had the option to add a Quail Egg on top. Likewise, you will notice a perfect blending of influences here such as Lamb Chops - but with Japanese Eggplant or Duck Breast with Japanese Turnips.  This made our dinner choice a challenge and so went with the waitress's recommendation. ## Man Gear Pick of the Month November's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### COROS Pace 4 Pro GPS Sport Watch Why we picked it: a screen big and bright enough to double as a photo frame, a titanium and sapphire build that came through a month of daily wear without a scratch, and battery life that still runs weeks between charges. $449.00 [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/UHqL2Hw-czMQ6IQSwVcMkg.2471) [October's Pick Made In Cookware - Cleaver - Full Tang With Olive Wood Handle - Crafted in France $199.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/UHqL2Hw-czMQ6IQSwVcMkg.2472) [August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,393.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/UHqL2Hw-czMQ6IQSwVcMkg.2350) [July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $39.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/UHqL2Hw-czMQ6IQSwVcMkg.2397) Promoted by FlowAds  To start with, we had the warm bread basket accompanied by a white bean dip. For bean haters like my wife, no worries, they were happy to provide olive oil and/or butter instead.  I am a sucker for octopus and I like to order it at fancy restaurants since I can immediately tell how good the chef that prepares it is. Octopus is extremely tender seafood - but only if it is cooked properly. A few seconds on either side of that line and it is tough or chewy. This Spanish Octopus with a squid ink vinaigrette was prepared perfectly with just the right seasonings. My main was unsurprisingly over-the-top fabulous too. The veal not only tasted great but was a hearty portion with a variety of flavors and textures that came together in a way that only a true master could prepare. While a Santa Ynez Valley Pinot would have been the perfect wine to pair with this meal, instead I went for a 2018 [Beckman Vineyards](https://beckmenvineyards.com/) Syrah from Ballard Canyon AVA. This is a local wine from a vineyard located less than a mile from [Gathering Table](https://www.ballardinn.com/restaurant/). This was a perfect pairing since I wanted something a bit bolder to pair with the onions, mushrooms, and cabernet demi-glace while still not overpowering the delicate flavor of the veal. While Gathering Table has an excellent wine list and very knowledgeable staff, should you prefer to bring a bottle of your own that you find during your journey visiting Santa Ynez Valley wineries, corkage is a relatively affordable $20 per bottle. Top Picks Flow Voyages ### Book your next cruise with Heather at Flow Voyages Flow Voyages is a travel advisor specializing in cruises and resorts. [Contact Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/uSH9cY6lXii6Nl8o22JYFA.617) Promoted by FlowAds Details Written by: James Hills Published: 04 December 2020 Last Updated: 04 December 2020 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Is Your Money Better Spent on Lobsters and Beer Than a Week Glued to Cruise Ship WiFi? Oct 26, 2026 [Is Your Money Better Spent on Lobsters and Beer Than a Week Glued to Cruise Ship WiFi?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/is-your-money-better-spent-on-lobsters-and-beer-than-cruise-ship-wifi.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### Made In Olive Wood Cleaver Makes Quick Work Of Chopping Chicken, Ribs and Carne Asada Nov 04, 2026 [Made In Olive Wood Cleaver Makes Quick Work Of Chopping Chicken, Ribs and Carne Asada](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/made-in-olive-wood-cleaver-review.html) #### The Victorinox Connex Reminded Me How Nice A Good Suitcase Looks and Feels When Traveling Nov 04, 2026 [The Victorinox Connex Reminded Me How Nice A Good Suitcase Looks and Feels When Traveling](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/victorinox-connex-review.html) #### Monument Grills Denali 605 Is The Perfect Grill For Cooking Outdoors This Fall Nov 04, 2026 [Monument Grills Denali 605 Is The Perfect Grill For Cooking Outdoors This Fall](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/monument-grills-denali-605-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### Why Richmond Virginia Is An Awesome Place For A Guys Trip Jul 26, 2024 [Why Richmond Virginia Is An Awesome Place For A Guys Trip](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/why-richmond-virginia-is-an-awesome-place-for-a-guys-trip.html) #### New Hampshire Guys Weekend Adventures Jul 30, 2022 [New Hampshire Guys Weekend Adventures](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/new-hampshire-guys-weekend-adventures.html) #### Ideas For An Awesome Guys Weekend Getaway In Houston Texas Feb 08, 2023 [Ideas For An Awesome Guys Weekend Getaway In Houston Texas](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/ideas-for-an-awesome-guys-weekend-getaway-in-houston-texas.html) ### Related Articles #### The Nelson Cottage: Park City's Chill Vibes Meet Fine Dining At This Whiskey Pairing Dinner [The Nelson Cottage: Park City's Chill Vibes Meet Fine Dining At This Whiskey Pairing Dinner](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/the-nelson-cottage-where-whiskey-meets-culinary-excellence-in-park-city.html) #### BJ's Restaurants MVP Bundle: The Perfect Homegate Helper For The Big Game [BJ's Restaurants MVP Bundle: The Perfect Homegate Helper For The Big Game](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/bjs-restaurants-mvp-bundle-the-perfect-homegate-helper-for-the-big-game.html) #### Star Of India Toledo Offers A Punjabi Perspective On Indian Cuisine [Star Of India Toledo Offers A Punjabi Perspective On Indian Cuisine](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/star-of-india-toledo-offers-a-punjabi-perspective-on-indian-cuisine.html) #### GWARbar Is A Must Visit Dive Bar In Richmond, Virginia [GWARbar Is A Must Visit Dive Bar In Richmond, Virginia](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/gwarbar-is-a-must-visit-dive-bar-in-richmond-virginia.html) #### El Tipico Fresh Organic Mexican Restaurant [El Tipico Fresh Organic Mexican Restaurant](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/el-tipico-fresh-organic-mexican-restaurant-toledo.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- *Source: [Gathering Table Restaurant At Ballard Inn](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/gathering-table-restaurant-at-ballard-inn.html)* **Tags:** Restaurant Review