Author Archives: steve

SingleThread Farm – Restaurant- Inn

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Check presentation
Sorbet
Wagashi (course 11 of 11 courses)
Sonoma Grains (course 8 of 11 courses)
Duclair Duck (course 7 of 11 courses)
Bone broth for Ume Medai (course 6/ of 11 courses)
Ume Medai (course 6 of 11 courses)
Smoked Salmon with Steelhead Roe (our favorite course) (course 4 of 11 courses)
Duck Liver Parfait (course 5 of 11 courses)
Interior
Koginut squash (second half of course 3 of 11 courses)
Koginut squash (first half of course 3 of 11 courses)
Half of the second course of 11 courses, mussels and uni.
Second half of the first course (of 11 courses)!
Just half of the first course (of 11 courses)!
Kitchen
Exterior

***** (5 stars)

Phenomenal experience on Christmas Eve. Eleven courses (more like 40 if you count every item) and it’s hard to pick a favorite. But it’s my job, so I’ll make the call: the smoked salmon covered in steelhead roe!

But seriously, everthing was superb, and the service was that perfect balance of professionalism and friendliness that you rarely find accompanying elevated cuisine.

Although not inexpensive, I have to say that the dinner is very fairly priced.

The wine list has impressive breadth, and some depth, with stunning selections of the top wines, and stunning prices to match, but for those who invest some effort (I suggest a thorough perusal online before your visit) there are some gems here. A specific recommendation for chardonnay fans: 2015 Journeyman Chardonnay (complex, malolactic, good acid, touch of oak, apple, citrus, spice, caramel, honey, true expression of chardonnay fruit).

A really memorable dinner.

SingleThread Farm – Restaurant- Inn
131 North St
Healdsburg, CA
95448
(707) 723-4646
https://www.yelp.com/biz/singlethread-farm-restaurant-inn-healdsburg-7

Goose & Gander

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Downstairs bar
Orange tart
Fish and chips
Interior
Interior
Cheesesteak
Exterior

***** (5 stars)

This charming restaurant is located on a side street of St. Helena’s Main Street. The delightful space upstairs offers high beamed ceilings and an open kitchen, plus lots of duck hunting memorabilia. Downstairs is an atmospheric bar that also has table seating. And there is also lovely outdoor dining.

The menu offers elevated comfort food such as fish and chips, or cheesesteak sandwiches, both of which were good. The orange tart with kumquat marmalade was excellent.

The wine list is very extensive, with plenty of selections from around the world and a nice assortment of half bottles.

Service was very attentive and welcoming.

Goose & Gander
1245 Spring St
Saint Helena, CA
94574
(707) 967-8779
https://www.yelp.com/biz/goose-and-gander-saint-helena-2

Berghoff Cafe

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Rueben
Pepperoni pizza
Interior

**** (4 stars)

Really good for an airport restaurant. You order at a counter but the servers are really attentive in the restaurant. Menu is a subset of the original in the loop. The rueben sandwich was just as good as I’d expect there. The have their own brewed root beer, too!

Berghoff Cafe
10000 W O’HareTerminal 1, Concourse C, Gate 26O’Hare International Airport
Chicago, IL
60666
(773) 601-9180
https://www.yelp.com/biz/berghoff-cafe-chicago-5

Kikko

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***** (5 stars)

Another stellar restaurant from the Oriole folks. Chef Mariya has come up with a succession of genius courses, including the best nigiri in town. Gracious and informative bar service by Patrick.

The fixed course menu offers a variety of pairings at very reasonable prices.

Well deserving of the Michelin star they received in record time!

Have a cocktail designed just for you before or after at the Kumiko bar upstairs, with the best mixologist in town.

Kikko
630 W Lake St
Chicago, IL
60661
https://www.yelp.com/biz/kikko-chicago-2