We reserved a quiet tucked-away table for 2 at Koberl at Blue for New Years - an early seating because, well, we're parents and all that. We like to ring in the New Year in bed.

(watching movies on the laptop, of course)

I couldn't resist a great glass of wine from the SLO area and the cheese plate - which turned out to be one of the best I've had (and locally famous, it seems). Seriously excellent, down to the very last vein.

Robbie had something else equally delicious and meat-involving, making the mistake of saving less room for dessert than I had (ha! I won!). I spared him a few bites of my chocolate mousse anyway, because I love him, and because it puts me firmly in the good books before the new year has even started.

If you find yourself in SLO for an evening, I strongly recommend this place for dinner. Book ahead!