Girl in the Fig, Scopa, Bidwell Street Bistro and More

I like to think I am happiest in my kitchen whipping up food for friends, but I do enjoy a good meal out as much as anyone. An end of summer Labor Day getaway created some memorable - and not so memorable - food experiences all along the price spectrum. Below is the memorable list:

• The Girl and the Fig (Sonoma) - Comfy atmosphere and a mouth-watering, French-inspired menu. Standouts include the quiche and fries dunked in not-so-low-calorie aoli.
• Scopa (Healdsburg) - On my list of places to try for a very long time, Scopa reservations are hard to get but well worth the wait. Be sure to order the tender, housemade ravioli in marinara.
• Bidwell Street Bistro (Folsom) - Dished up an heirloom tomato gazpacho I can't stop thinking about (and recently tried to replicate) along with a perfectly cooked pork chop. Don't even get me started on the dessert...
• Sno-flake Drive In (South Lake Tahoe) - What you find here is fast food that's actually not produced lickety split-fast (some complaints about the wait) and a fair amount of outside seating you probably don't want to use during ski season. What you don't expect is above ordinary burgers and shakes that double as dessert (a good excuse for extra calcium!)
• Red Hut Cafe (South Lake Tahoe) - Gigantic 4-egg omelettes in a relaxed setting. Need I say more?
• Beretta (San Francisco) - Menu features a good set of apps and pizza in a hot spot brimming with energy. Call ahead to reserve your place in line or if you prefer, await your turn at the bar.
• Aldo's (Los Altos) - Italian menu which seems to favor the rich and hearty. Not a complaint unless you prefer lighter Cali-Italian food.

The sentimental side of me thinks dining out is as much about the food as it is the friends and memories. Have a favorite dining memory? Tell me about it by writing funfeasts@gmail.com.