sonoma

A visit to the Central Market in Petaluma, Ca

off the vine — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 02:27:46 +0000

The Central Market and Chef Tony Najiola provide an eclectic, seasonally varied menu in downtown Petaluma. Well versed with in slow food concepts, I fully enjoyed the sophisticated ‘big city’ vibe. Almost everything here is made from scratch and many dishes are cooked using the large wood fired oven in the center of the restaurants central kitchen Pictured here a wood fired pizzetta with shaved mushrooms, roasted garlic and fontina. Good wine list with a local focus. Open seven nights a week.

otv rating:
food: 16
service: 15
vibe: 15

42 Petaluma Blvd. North
Petaluma, California
(707) 778-9900

The edK at the Eldorado Hotel in Sonoma

off the vine — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:36:37 +0000

Off the Vine stopped by Chef Justin Everett’s “farm driven” El Dorado Kitchen (the edK) on the plaza in Sonoma for a spot of lunch. The restaurant is quite handsome with a sort of wine country meets urban chic vibe.

Starting things off was a wonderful and well prepared Rillette of Ham Hock served with a pickled red onion and black pepper marmalade. The marmalade was a revelation, with sweetness balanced by a warm pepper-pot of yummy goodness. The dish was served with toasted baguette and a soft herb brioche roll with butter. The dish paired well with a rich glass of unfined and unfiltered 2006 10 Rows Pinot Noir from the Carneros AVA.

The Sunny-side up Farm Egg Pizza with tavern ham and mozzarella was a good concept, and well presented, but fell a bit short on the execution. The crust could have used a bit more fire, and the flavors were a little flat despite the quality of the ingredients. All in all, a great place to enjoy a fine meal in Sonoma.

El Dorado Kitchen
405 First St. West
Sonoma, Ca
(707) 996-3030

otv rating (0 to 20)
food: 16
service: 15
vibe: 15
$$$

A stop at Barndiva in Healdsburg

off the vine — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:16:10 +0000

Over the long Winter Wineland weekend, I made a pit stop at Barndiva in Healdsburg. Just off the square, it is an open and inviting space. Chefs de cuisine Michael Ellis and Jaime Dillion are doing some nice work here, cooking in an easy and comfort food oriented style, using sustainable ranchers, fishmongers and farmers. They call it “Modern Country” which works for me.

I tried a first course dish of Goat Cheese Croquettes made with Laurel Chenel cheese and house-made tomato jam. This was served with a local organic dipping sauce sprinkled with lavender blossoms. Perfectly made, well presented, it paired well with a glass of 2005 Fort Ross Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast.

(0 to 20) otv rating
food: 16
service: 14
vibe: 14
price $$ to $$$

231 Center Street- Healdsburg, Ca - (707) 431-0100
online