Susan

Kam, maybe we'll make Erna's a special treat for our last meal in the Yosemite area, the website shows that they have dinner for $78, that includes several courses, etc...not sure about wine, it really does look special. Thanks for the suggestion of Sow's Ear in Cambria...I had not thought about where to eat there yet, we are doing the nite tour of Hearst Castle. Also, we have reservations at Fandango's in Pacific Grove, I have seen several recommendations for it on this site.
I just saw your suggestion of Betelnut in SF to another poster...I had already made reservations there! This has been a lot of fun, planning our trip this way. Have a great time in England!
p.s. The weather has been more humid again..but nothing like when you visited!

BillJ

Hi Susan, me again. Erna's Elderberry House is indeed a very special place for dinner. The menu is fixed for each day, depending on what she has been able to find at her various fish, meat, and vegetable markets. The dinner is begun with a glass of Elderberry champagne, and a verbal description of the evening's fare. There might be one or two choices for the entree. The deserts are wonderful, and you can take them out on a neat little patio. The $78 does not include wine. The courses are all wonderfully presented, and dinner will take 1.5 to 2 hours, if you go at her pace. Erna's is viewed as a special occassion dinner (anniversaries, birthdays, etc) by most of us down here in the flat lands.
It will be about 1 hour to your hotel in Fresno from Erna's. Hope this helps.
Fresno has a large number of very good Italian and Mexican restaurants. I would be glad to give you some ideas if you'd like, limited, of course, to those in the "good" areas.
In Cambria, check out the motels/inns on Moonstone(?) Beach. Or better yet, search here for Cambria. You will find a wealth of info about that wonderful little coastal community.
Have a great trip.