Our overall experience was better than in years past. The food was good and made the benchmark for expensive dining. The lack of finesse of the wait staff, the austere room and the safe choices from the kitchen makes this an expensive dinner out in wine country and one we do not rush to repeat.
The table ordered the tasting menu, but the requirement of the whole table ordering it was waived for our young dinner who ordered crab cakes as an entree - and were too heavily seasoned for him to enjoy.Tasting Menu
Amuse: Crudite of Carrots, Celery, Radish and Cucumber with Aioli
A surprising amuse. Would have been better if the vegetables chosen were special in some way. One of the carrots was not well trimmed. The aioli was a bit mild.
Seven Tomato Gazpacho with Haogen Melon Sorbet, Young Basil
Good. The bell pepper was a strong element in the soup. The brioche was more of a construction item for the sorbet to sit upon than a great choice to mesh flavors. The sorbet on it own was pleasant and the melon and tomato pairing was an inspired choice. (Jack gives them a bonus point for using Haogen melon.)
Ahi Tuna Tartare with Haas Avocado Relish, Togarashi, Chili-Ponzu, Sesame Wonton Crackers
A dish hard not to love. The tuna was fresh, piled in a little tower, and topped with guacamole. The sesame crackers resembled small papadams and were the perfect crunchy thing to scoop up bites.
Hook & Line Caught Local Halibut with Fox Island Mussels, Fennel Spinach, Oregano Infused Tomato Broth
The fish was sadly overcooked, ruining a pleasant dish.
Roasted Petaluma Chicken Breast with Fines Herb Gnocchi, Poultry Jus, Chanterelle and Corn Ragout
Pieces of a breast and on the stringy side. Certainly nothing special. The mushrooms were good but a small element of the dish. Quite a lot of salt.
Black Pepper Crusted Painted Hills New York Strip with Yukon Gold Potato Puree, Beer Battered Onion Rings, Truffle Jus
Served quite rare. Not a wonderful steak, but a good one. This course would have been vastly improved by a better choice of beef - and we expected better on a chef's tasting menu. Nice onion ring.
