WALNUT GROVE –The days are getting shorter.
The temperatures and leaves are dropping.
You’re getting cabin fever.
And you’re in the mood to splurge.
Then how about a brunch and a Sunday drive?
The only Delta on the Pacific Ocean side of the western hemisphere is either minutes or an hour or less away from most parts on the valley floor of the 209.
The southeast portion of the Delta isn’t exactly upper end travelogue material as drives go.
But while it may not be an autumn leaves drive through New England or the eastern Sierra, it offers a bit of its own charms on twisty roads across some 57 reclaimed islands held back by more than 1,000 miles of levees.
There’s plenty of birds, although not in wildlife refuge proportions.
The land is undisputably the richest farmland in California.
And there are more than a few fishing spots.
But if it is just a drive and lunch — or brunch — you’ve got in mind, the change of scenery will be pleasant enough.
There are unique places like Al the Wops (althewops.com) in and around Locke/Walnut Grove with many hugging the river.
They are accessed taking Interstate 5 north out of Stockton to the Walnut Grove/Thornton exit. You turn left and head west into the small town of Walnut Grove that is your starting part for levee drives that will take you to a dozen or so dining spots.
Locke — 14 acres of what can best be described as a hamlet with narrow streets jammed against a levee built as a Chinese community — in itself is worthy of a Sunday drive to explore as a half day trip complete with dining options.
But this is about indulging in Sunday brunch worthy that you could end up parting with some semi-serious cash or a Benjamin or two.
In exchange, you can dine where part of the One Percent lived back in the 1910s or where those indulging in risqué behavior traveled from Sacramento and Stockon during Prohibition to partake of the offerings at a speakeasy.
There are both located on Grand Island.
First the “upper crust option” that offers Sunday brunch only from November through February when it is the offseason for weddings.
Grand Island Mansion
A touch of Italy served with a romantic Sunday brunch awaits those venturing into the heart of the Delta at Grand Island Mansion.
The unique and historic 58-room Italian Renaissance villa is part of the largest private estate in Northern California. The four-story, 24,000-square-foot villa was built by European craftsmen in 1917 for Louis Meyers and his wife Audrey, daughter of Lubin of the Weinstocks Lubin department stores.
The mansion has been the subject of photo spreads and stories in the National Geographic, Sunset Magazine, Architectural Digest, Playboy magazine, Victoria’s Secret catalog, and Macy’s Furniture Catalog.
It is now primarily a wedding setting — with incredible and elegant overnight accommodations in suites on the third and fourth floors.
The mansion and grounds are open for public viewing and dining during the Sunday Champagne Brunch served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with reservations required.
Upcoming brunch dates are Nov. 17 and 24; Dec. 29; Jan. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19; and Feb. 2, 16 and 23.
Specialty brunches with special menus are on Thanksgiving, Nov. 28, as well as holiday brunches on Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22.
Regular Champagne Brunch is $79.95 per adult guest and $39.95 per child ages 5 to 11.
Specialty Brunches are $99.95 per adult guest and $49.95 per child ages 5 to 11.
The champagne brunch menu includes mixed green salad with pears, Mandarin oranges, pecans and goat cheese; red onion and tomato salad with goat cheese and vinaigrette; assorted grilled seasonal vegetables; parmesan roasted red potatoes; shitake mushroom crepes with sherry cream sauce; classic eggs benedict; Italian toast with toasted almonds and honey butter; breakfast frittata; alfredo penne pasta; chef inspired salmon; chef’s choice chicken; oven roasted herb seasoned prime rib; freshly baked rolls, focaccia bread and scones; dessert buffet; fresh brewed coffee, tea, orange juice with champagne served throughout the meal.
Reservations ae made through their open table reservation system. All Brunch reservations do require a credit card number. There is a $50 per person cancellation fee (24 hour) or no-show fee charged for Sunday brunches.
For reservations call 916-775-1705. For more information go to www.grandislandmansion.com.
To reach the Grand Mansion from the 209, take Interstate 5 north out of Stockton to the Walnut Grove/Thornton exit. Turn left and head west into the small town of Walnut Grove. Turn left at the stop sign and cross the bridge turning right onto Highway 160 when you get to the other side. You will travel north on the west side of the river before turning left just before the Steamboat Bridge Crossing. You will travel three miles on Grand Island Road to the mansion.
For reservations call 916.775.1705. For more information go to www.grandislandmansion.com.
The Ryde Hotel
The Ryde Hotel is about an hour drive, 43 miles from central Manteca, to the heart of the Delta where you’ll find the Ryde Hotel in art deco pastels with the required palm trees hugging the Highway 160 levee three miles south of Walnut Grove.
The Ryde Hotel has a rich history as a speakeasy.
Today it is a hotel and a popular spot for wedding receptions. There is even a small golf course and boat ramp.
Guests once included mobsters.
Herbert Hoover launched his presidential election campaign at the hotel.
Writers from the San Francisco area hosted parties at the hotel on a regular basis.
What attracts people today — besides wedding parties — is the Sunday brunch served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
You can enjoy brunch in the elegant 1927-era dining rooms or out on the front patio overlooking the river as the occasional highway traveler passes by.
The cost is $39.95 per person. Children under 10 are $19.95 and those under 5 are $10.
The menu, which is subject to change, includes fresh baked pastries and muffins; world potatoes; bacon and sausage; eggs Florentine with hollandaise sauce; French toast or crepes; buttermilk biscuits and country gravy; salmon; shrimp with cocktail sauce; roast beef with horseradish cream; chicken in a champagne bechamel sauce; seasonal salads; seasonal fresh fruit; sweet homemade dessert selection; and mimosas and champagne.
For more information go to www.rydehotel.com
To get there, take Interstate 5 north to Walnut Grove/Thornton (Exit 439). Turn left on Walnut Grove Road and follow the signs to Walnut Grove. Turn left over the draw bridge in Walnut Grove. On the other side of the bridge, turn left on to Highway 160 and travel three miles to the Ryde Hotel. Call 916-776-1318 for more information.
