[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 142 (Wednesday, November 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING ERNA'S ELDERBERRY HOUSE

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2014

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Erna Kubin-Clanin, 
proprietress and chef of Erna's Elderberry House Restaurant. Erna's 
Elderberry House is a small town treasure located in Oakhurst, 
California.
  In 1982, Erna purchased a nine acre property for the restaurant. In 
the beginning, she had to overcome a few challenges, but in 1983, 
construction began, and the following year, the doors opened for Erna's 
Elderberry House. Now, on October 19, 2014, she is celebrating the 
restaurant's 30th anniversary.
  Erna takes pride not only in the food she prepares, but also in the 
annual events that she holds, such as ``A Night in Vienna'' and Erna's 
signature ``Elderberry Harvest Dinner.'' These events, along with the 
delicious meals she prepares daily, are the reason why so many tourists 
from Yosemite National Park and the surrounding areas make sure to 
visit the notable restaurant.
  Guests continue to return to the restaurant to experience the quality 
of food and service. Only the freshest and most pristine ingredients 
from local Central Valley farms are purchased for the unique cuisine 
that is on the menu. They also work with the Maitre'd Hotel to ensure 
flawless service and hospitality and with the Cellar Master to create 
an extraordinary wine list, which complements the menu each evening.
  For more than fifteen years, the restaurant has maintained the 
Elderberry House Cooking School. It provides knowledge of the culinary 
arts to its patrons and transforms the restaurant into a creative arena 
where inspired cooks can develop their skills under the guidance of the 
executive chef.
  Continuing upon her culinary dreams, Erna opened the enchanting 
Chateau du Sureau in 1991, the elegant Villa Sureau in 1999, and the 
magical Spa du Sureau in October 2005.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing 30 years 
of outstanding culinary experience created by Ms. Erna Kubin-Clanin. 
She has undoubtedly made lasting contributions to the San Joaquin 
Valley and the entire state of California.

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