Etude you don't need an appointment for. You can just walk in as they have a huge tasting room.

At worse, the most passionate of CHs can branch off on their own and start a new venture. I think this idea brings a lot of merit.

Try the Original Fish Company in Los Alamitos. They always have some on hand.

We love the Pasty Kitchen. That gravy is a perfect compliment to their delicious pasties. Just don't go to the broasted chicken place in the same strip...not so good.

I saw fried asparagus on the menu at Mahé in Seal Beach last week. Didn't have a chance to order it, but it sounded good.

While you said no deep fried, I adore the fresh-fried potato chips.

That sounds like a fabulous idea! Now I wish I had the pork version instead of chicken. Next trip to the store.

Touché. I stand corrected. Thanks, ns1.

Yelp reviewers = not worth a grain of salt
Chowhound is far superior.

Available at Sprouts Farmers Market, if they're in your neighborhood.

Carneros/Sonoma area-
Adastra Wines (Pinot Noir/Merlot/Syrah)
Sojourn Cellars (Pinot Noir/Cabs)

St. Helena area-
Delgadillo Cellars (Cabs aged at least 5 years, they're pouring 2010 now)
Meander Cellars (Sauvignon Blanc/Cabs)

Calistoga area-
Amici Cellars (Sauvignon Blanc/Pinot Noirs/Cabs)

All suggestions are appointment only.

It would likely be easier for you to use the search function to research options and then come back to board with more specific questions. There are likely many posts related to what you'd like to do. This board can confirm if those options are still viable or offer suggestions like what you're considering. maria lorraine has given you some pretty solid ideas to consider as you put together an itinerary.

A mere 3% is nothing when you walk into an establishment with the intent of spending at least $100 on a meal. I don't mind at all.
These people who are making a big deal out of it have other choices for establishments to dine at. They can easily skip these places if they don't agree rather than make a fuss.

That looks so good...I'm game to try it this weekend.

(Animal-style fries) Melted American cheese, grilled onions, and Thousand Island spread top In-N-Out fries...I like to get my fries well done so they'll hold up more with the toppings.

The aforementioned Papilles and Mare would likely suit your needs. Happy Hour at Petrossian might work, too.

I think Dal Rae is out of their range unless all they're going to get are apps and salads.

I'm quite certain you're looking for unicorns. Any place with a $10-15 range are certainly not dress up.
You might want to consider having a dinner party at someone's apartment instead.

Quality Seafood...fresh crab and sea urchin...so good!
Also try using the search function. Should yield you even more options.

Also delicious and probably not too good for you at Paul's Place. Locations in Buena Park and Cypress and a few other cities in the general area.

Scarpetta's happy hour is great...and I use it as an excuse to have the divine spaghetti.

The breakfast cupcakes at MyDelight are fantastic.
For a more traditional breakfast, BC Cafe/Kickback Jack in Claremont makes blueberry pancakes that taste like blueberry muffins smashed flat.

For northern Napa, I'm a fan of Midsummer Cellars, Meander Wines (the Conspire Sauvignon Blanc is spectacular), Delgadillo Cellars (a cab staple), and Amici Wines.
For southern Napa/Sonoma, I like Adastra Wines and Sojourn Cellars.
I haven't had a chance to get to know to Sonoma County much yet.
You might want to review posts from maria lorriane as she's super familiar with the area and always has lots of helpful tips.

If traveling on the 10, a great mid-way stop is the Back Abbey in Claremont. Great selection of beers, really good burgers, and duck fat-fried french fries...along with housemade condiments. So so good!

Using the search function would have resulted in these recent mentions about Saddle Peak.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/1019...
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/9878...
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/1012...
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/1020...

Ess-a-bagel is fantastic.

I recently made cucumber cups filled with smoked salmon, creme fraiche, lemon juice, dill, and pepper for snacks the other week and they were fabulous. Light, refreshing, canape-sized. I used English cucumbers, and removed only a bit of the skin with a vegetable peeler. I cut them about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch and used a melon baller to remove the seeds to create a cup.

I consider myself fortunate whenever I can get out of a place paying less than $15 per drink. I've come to expect the $15+ per drink pricing.