At Harbor House Inn breakfast is included with your room. If you stay in the lodge you can eat in the dining room that looks out at the coast line. If you are in one of the cottages they will bring it to your place. The policy after Covid was to eat in your room when staying in the old redwood lodge and now it’s much nicer to be at a proper table with coffee refills and the view. They’ve added more options to the breakfast choices and we tried some of them. Here I’ve pictured some of the new items as well as including past photos of our in-room breakfast trays (in case you stay in a cottage). Your breakfast includes beverage including changing fresh fruit juice. You also get some of their milk bread (which is quite toasty and thickly sliced), butter, jam and a seasonal pastry with your entree choice. It is a lovely breakfast that is just one more reason you should stay there when you go. I must say Frankie mostly doesn’t eat breakfast so I only got her posing with some decorations. Continue reading →
This blog has multiple posts about Harbor House in the Mendocino area of California, but it is a current favorite so you, dear reader have to put up with another post about our recent visit. If you want to see other meals you can click here for one in 2025, 2024, 2023 or 2022. The setting is spectacular, being on the coast and the drive there through the twisting mountain roads is beautiful. The Inn, where the restaurant is located, is an old lodge built with redwoods and decorated with abalone shells and Michelin men, as the restaurant has 2 Michelin stars as well as a Michelin Green award for sustainability. The tasting menu is not my usual in-your-face smack of flavor but instead offers the delicate flavors of ultra fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Their farm raises many of their herbs and vegetables and local fisherman supply the seafood portions. Chef Matthew Kammerer forages for sea lettuce and other ingredients and shares the how-to information with his incredible staff. Unfortunately Chef Kammerer was away this weekend but Chef Sam Miller-Hicok and the team made us two fantastic meals with a good bit of variation from one night to the next. We were also happy to meet the new Beverage Director Todd Brinkman, Service Director Adam Merchant and superb server Sequoia. I truly hope that you’ll be able to have a dinner there soon – you will love it. Continue reading →
Whether you stay in the main house or one of the cottages at Harbor House you often have required 2 or 3 night stays. Dinner can be in your room or this site has some other restaurants in the area but your best bet is to eat 2 nights at their restaurant. When you let them know, Chef Matt Kammerer and his team will try and change the menu for you the second night but when possible he will also repeat those courses you ask to have again. We’ve done the 2 night dinners many times but this one they knocked it out of the park with variation while still serving the quality of food we have come to love. It’s hard to explain the purity of flavor and the seeming simplicity of the dishes (especially when I know how many steps were involved in the process) but it is always a glorious meal that leaves you feeling satisfied even though you know it was really healthy too. Combined with the fantastic staff and beautiful setting I can’t encourage you enough to go and try it. The Santa Rosa airport is about a two and half hour drive away and the twisty road through the mountains is gorgeous. Then being from Texas it’s also thrilling to watch the temperature drop as you leave the valley and cross the mountains. If you regularly read this blog you’ll see this place again many times and that speaks volumes. Continue reading →
The Maritime Cafe opened last summer in the spot where Queenie’s Roadhouse was, in the little town of Elk. Rodney Workman and Alexa Newman were both chef’s in upscale Bay Area restaurants before moving to this remote location. They are open Thur to Sun for dinner Thur to Sat and lunch on Sat and Sun. It’s a small place with a small menu serving local produce and seafood. They offer some organically farmed wines. They have patio seating out front, a counter with stools inside and tables inside. Windows in the room afford a view similar to the patio and music was in the background. The room was decorated with some sea articles and the staff was super friendly. The menu appeared to have more choices at dinner but we were there at weekend brunch time and it had plenty of interesting sounding choices. It was good enough that I’ll go back. Continue reading →
Harbor House is undoubtedly one of my very favorite restaurants and so we try and visit often. It’s been several months and a different season so it’s fun to see what’s new on the menu. Staying at the Harbor House is the best way to go – the view is beautiful as is the property and they’ve been working on upgrades to the rooms and bathrooms. Their ranch/farm is in full production which along with other local fisherman and ranchers give them access to top quality ingredients. The food has a purity to it without 25 ingredients on each dish and smears, foams and unnecessary green garnishes. Sommelier Jason Chin has taken over the wine program and will find you a fine wine in your price range to go with the tasting menu. As they require a 2 night stay you can look forward to another Harbor House meal in a few days! Hope you’ll go and tell them Frankie sent you. Continue reading →
We visited the Mexican Restaurant in Point Arena in Nov. of 2023 and had a fine meal so we popped in for a snack. I noticed it’s now “My” Mexican Restaurant but you’ll know it when you see the “Uneda Meat Market” sign on the building. The place hasn’t changed except that in addition to the radio on the TV was also playing and unmuted. It’s a small place with little staff -one in front and one in the kitchen. Things are made to order and are of good quality. I will gladly stop by them again when in need of a Mexican food fix.
Prior to this visit we dined at Harbor House last May 2024 and Nov. 2023 but many other times as you’ll find if you search for it on this site. We would go more often if we were a bit closer – it’s definitely at the top of our list of favorites. The staff are all very welcoming and the meal truly deserves its 2 Michelin Star rating. They also achieved a Green Star for their protection of the environment and no-waste ethic. Chef Matt Kammerer and his team have created a jewel for this beautiful coastal setting which serves locally sourced proteins and ingredients harvested from their ranches. They put great effort into creating new items for your second night but will repeat some of your favorites too. Their wine list continues to evolve nicely under Kelly Eckel and we trusted him to select for us and he finds some wonderful choices. The restaurant changes a few things every time we visit and this visit found carpet in the main dining room. Another means to buffer the perfect noise level but I’m not sure I liked covering the gorgeous wood floor. Now that most amazing staff can whiz by and you won’t even notice. I must also mention that one of their fabulous captains, Jaclyn Bisantz won the young server competition and will now represent the U.S. in the international competition! Quite an honor but you couldn’t find someone more deserving. Great staff are a huge component of a restaurant’s success and I look forward to seeing every one of them again soon. Hope I’ll see you there too! Continue reading →
Good Bones was in a turn of the century roadhouse, the Casper Pub House(and music venue) and is currently only open for lunch Friday to Sunday. They plan to open for dinner soon and bring live music to their stage area too. Owner Miles McCreary has a background in cooking (as well as ceramics) and his crusty sourdough is for sale also as a loaf. The large place opened last May after a series of pop-ups. I loved that a large martini glass still was stenciled on the top of the roof. A long bar with stools leads to the open room in back which has the stage area and a raised area that seemed to be for kids. Various sized bare wood tables were available for you to chose from and art was on the walls. A couple tables did have some of McCreary’s vases on them. It’s definitely an out-of the way location but it’s worth the trip. We both got a half-sandwich with soup, which does up the price to $18 if you want the pork sandwich. The place had good honest food and the bread was outstanding. It is a wonderful and tasty lunch spot. Continue reading →
Harbor House Restaurant was last visited here in Nov. 2023 but there are many other write ups if you search in my posts and with good reason – it’s a fabulous place to eat and stay. We were lucky to be able to eat in the small dining room 2 nights this trip and enjoy the spectacular cuisine prepared by Chef Matthew Kammerer and his all star staff. From the moment you check in you are pampered with first rate service that more importantly feels like friendship with everyone there. The facility and kitchen continue to make additions which you’ll also see in the expanding wine list. While they offer wine pairings for the tasting menu Sommeliers Kelly Eckel and Jason Chin will assist you in selecting a wonderful wine in your price range. They’ve also added electric shades to the dining room which allow you to still enjoy the fabulous view without the glare of the sun. Chef Kammerer works to make differences in the tastings if you spend 2 consecutive nights but some items need repeating. Rather than repeating I’ll post the photo from the first night and then post the different options only from the second meal. I urge you, if you get the opportunity to go! Do it! Continue reading →
entrance – 32096 N Harbor Dr, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Princess Seafood also has a market shop about 100 yards away but we were interested in eating not taking seafood home to fix. The restaurant had a window to place your order and then 2 large tented open areas to sit in. The seating areas looked right out onto the water where we had a very fun show of gulls, seals and sea otters. After you place your order and pay they give you a number and will bring your food out to you. It took a fairly long time to arrive but the wild life show gave us plenty to focus on while waiting. They have lots of beers as well as non-alcholic drinks and a few specials of the day. Primarily a seafood spot, they also have burgers and Philly sandwiches. It was founded in 2018 by best friends Wendy Holloway and Heather Sears who shared a passion for seafood. Heather, who had a commercial fishing background, purchased the Princess named boat in Canada in 2009 and couldn’t change the name due to nautical superstition. A small replica of it is out in front of the entrance. Continue reading →
Ledford House was visited in July of 2022. The basic set up hasn’t changed much except that the large sign out front by the road blew down in recent storms and hasn’t been replaced. That visit we ordered a la carte but this time we tried their Bistro Special menu which is a 3-course meal for just $35 that changes daily. The same couple, Tony and Lisa Geer run the place and she was in the kitchen while he welcomed us and showed us to a lovely window table. However, he is the breadmaker. The wine list features many local wines at a moderate price point and there is a full bar. The view from every white cloth covered table is lovely with the Pacific Ocean rippling over the many rocks and providing the place with a good breeze. They are open Wed – Sun and if you find yourself anywhere near Mendocino I’d make a reservation to dine here. Continue reading →
Harbor House Restaurant is a favorite of ours, if you haven’t guessed due to the frequency of its write-ups. It’s a bit of an effort to get to but with a direct flight from Dallas to Santa Rosa, CA airport (named for Charles Schultz and decorated with Peanuts characters), then pick up a rental car and it’s a 2 hour drive filled with wonderful scenery including forests, grape vines, grazing animals, coastal vistas and lots of fun twisty roads. When you go, try and arrange to stay at the Harbor House Inn. A lovely historic place, the building sits on the coastline and overlooks the water and some of the restaurant’s gardens. The staff at the Inn and the restaurant are all first-rate and will make you feel like VIPs. The accommodations have great linens and a superb breakfast is included with your stay. Chef Matthew Kammerer has recruited wonderful people to be a part of your experience and the wine list is growing under the tutelage of Wine Director Kelly Eckel (beverage pairings are optional). It’s not inexpensive ($285/pp) but it’s worth every penny to be able to enjoy a 2 Michelin-star meal filled with fresh fabulous flavors without the stuffy atmosphere that so often is part of it. The room is small (just 20 people) so book now. (No, I’m not on the payroll but when I find some magical, I want everyone else to enjoy it too.) Continue reading →
Mexican Restaurant offers authentic Mexican food with many parts house made. It was a small place with half dozen tables and doing a healthy take out business They serve no alcoholic beverages and charge an extra fee to pay with a credit card. Service was efficient and friendly. If you find yourself in the Mendocino area and want a tasty Mexican fix, this would be a great choice. Continue reading →
Gama calls itself a coastal Izakaya, which is a type of Japanese pub where small plates are served with alcoholic beverages. They have a large sake list as well as beer. The good sized space was divided into two rooms by a short light wood divider. One side has the bar seating and the other has tables. Music was in the background and lots of windows brought in even more light than the already bright house lights. Service tried to be helpful but our server hadn’t worked there long enough to know a lot about the food. I was surprised that they bill themselves as highlighting local products but only one locally caught fish was on the menu. The pair that were behind the opening were seasoned restaurant people with a desire to bring Japanese flavors to the area. I’m not sure if it was having a server new to the place without good experience to guide us or that Japanese cuisine is mild in flavor, but this felt like an off night. I think the place has much more potential than what we saw. Continue reading →
The restaurant at Harbor House has been on this site numerous times (3/23, 11/22, 3/22, 7/22, 7/21, 8/20) but I never get tired of taking photos and writing descriptions of the exquisite food produced in the 2- Michelin-star kitchen of Matthew Kammerer and his team. The Harbor House Inn is situated on a beautiful piece of property overlooking the Pacific Ocean and jutting rocks. The 1916 Craftsman-style house has around 20 ocean view seats for this Coastal-cuisine-focused tasting menu experience that is not to be missed. The place also received a Michelin Green Star for the sustainable nature of its processes. Now there are 2 farms raising produce for the restaurant and local farms and fishermen supply the rest. The staff treat all like royalty and the food is as delicious as it is stunning. With the addition of Sommelier Kelly Eckel, who most recently was at Single Thread, there should be some exciting new additions to their wine list also. I urge you to plan a trip here, stay a couple nights and enjoy the very fine food and ambiance. I know I’ll be back soon and post it again here. Continue reading →
The Elk Store is not just a deli but also a grocery and a general store, selling lots of specialty and locally made goods. The old building has a good selection of meats, cheeses and breads some ready made into sandwiches which they will heat for you. Filled with charm and a creaky old floor it is fun to browse around while you’re waiting for your order to be filled. Near the cash register the 2 menu boards hang overhead and the counter on the opposite side holds the ingredients and heating area. Other parts of the store have fresh produce, wines, dry goods, beans, teas and a surprising selection of things. The people were all very friendly and I’d go if you’re in the area. Such a unique little place and the sandwiches have good ingredients. Continue reading →
Café Beaujolais is a French style restaurant that opened in 1968 and garnered some fame when Chef Margaret Fox purchased it and started serving breakfast and lunch in 1977. Chef Christopher Kump came on in 1984 and started the dinner service. The Brickery was added in 1990 that sells wood-fired brick oven bread and later pizza. After several other turnovers, in 2016 Peter and Melissa Lopez bought the cafe and set their Michelin trained son, Julian up as Executive Chef. The location is in a house that dates back to 1893 where it served as a shoemaker shop later becoming a maternity home. It has been updated but still holds much of the original charm with music in the background, white tableclothes and black napkins, windows to the outside array of plants and photos on the walls. The wide plank wood floor looks new and the wood ceiling has been painted but it’s obviously an old house. Service was delightful, with our server turning out to be the owner of a farm that supplies much of the produce to the restaurant. It was a lovely meal in a pretty setting and a fine choice for dinner when in Mendocino. Continue reading →
Troubadour, in downtown Healdsburg, is owned by Single Thread veterans Melissa Yanc and Sean McGaughey who bring the quality that their past experience would lead one to expect at a tiny bakery/sandwich shop by day and a French inspired prix fixe menu at night. Founded in 2021, the place is getting lots of press and people for their evening service as well as their ready made sandwiches. Desserts are on display, if you desire that too, as well as a huge array of beverages, stocked mostly for the evening service but available to daytime visitors. It’s a small place with counters facing the windows on 2 sides and one larger middle table. There were also some tables outside that people took their food to eat at. Music is in the background and a large jug of ice water is available with cups. You place your order with the friendly clerks and pay up at the same counter and then it’s time to enjoy some really delicious sandwiches. They were thoughtfully assembled and cut in half. Both were on fabulous breads made in house. This has my highest recommendation as well as me hoping I’ll get back for dinner too! Continue reading →
One of the aspects of Harbor House Restaurant that I haven’t written much about is its status as a sustainable site. In 2020 they received a Michelin Green Star for their efforts in recycling and local sourcing. Nothing is wasted. For example, they make their candles from recycled fryer oil and beeswax, they repurpose wine corks for mulch and re-use vegetable rinsing water to water growing plants – and that’s a small accounting of their efforts. It’s wonderful to think you can come here and have the elegant and sophisticated experience of a 2 Michelin star restaurant and still not leave a huge carbon footprint as a result. It’s excellent food and the staff is first rate. Frankie enjoyed visiting with a number of the team during our visit. Make your reservation for this tasting menu today! Continue reading →
exterior – 38820 S, CA-1 Unit 104, Gualala, CA 95445
Gualala Seafood Shack is a small place with shared picnic-style tables inside and tables on the outside patio. Located in a one-story shopping center, you order at the counter from the menu hanging above but there are also signs about specials hanging on the window as you walk in. After you order and pay, you get a beeper to buzz you when your order is ready. Afterward, there is a place to stack trays and baskets and throw out the trash. Music is in the background and bathrooms are available inside but this is a no-frills place. They advertise that their seafood is sourced locally and are closed on Monday and Tuesday. Continue reading →
Harbor House Inn and Restaurant – 5600 CA-1, Elk, CA, 95432
Harbor House Restaurant has been written up on this site numerous times and they continue to excel even with the weather challenges California has faced. The most recent rains and wind did real damage to their ranch and all the growing produce but, other than less vegetables on the menu the food there just gets better and better. The wine list also grows and a new beverage director will be in place very soon but in the meantime sommelier Jason is doing a fine job with new additions. The setting is beautiful and I encourage you to stay either in one of the rooms of the Inn or the cottages on the property. Breakfast is another fun treat. We were thrilled to spend 2 nights and enjoy 2 dinners with Chef Matthew Kammerer and the dynamic team working at the place and I’m sure you’ll see more posts about dinners there in the future. Put this one on your list! Continue reading →
Harbor House Restaurant has been on this site a number of times but this was our first winter visit. We were lucky to find an opening to stay at their lovely main house for 2 nights and also open reservations for dinners those evenings. This is when you know you should have bought a lottery ticket cause your stars are aligned. There are only 20 seats at this ocean-view dining room on the Pacific coast. Matthew Kammerer is the chef of this 2 Michelin-starred restaurant, and other well-deserved honors like Food and Wine‘s Best New Chef of 2019. However, as I’ve said before, a chef alone can not make a restaurant this great, it takes a wonderfully talented staff too. It’s one of those amazing places where you can ask your server pretty technical questions about the food and they know the answers, without having to run to the kitchen. Sommelier John Miller continues to add to the wine selections, especially those from this region. At this point, the whole staff knows me but everyone who goes gets the same caring attention that makes this a magical place to dine. I heartily recommend it, especially now that their ranch is up and running and supplying some fabulous produce that you can enjoy along with the marvelously fresh seafood, also obtained locally. They do stress sustainability and thus will highlight some less common items. Continue reading →
building –21021 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, CA.
Diavola Pizzeria and Salumeria is in an historic building on the main street of Geyserville. They bill themselves as serving Califorian cuisine with an “Italian state of mine.” Their regularly changing menu features locally sourced meats, fish and produce. Chef/Owner Dino Bugica spent 10 years in Italy learning local methods. They are open daily for lunch and dinner, with a bigger menu at dinner. It’s a good sized places with 2 interior rooms, the larger one also housing a long bar with seats and the kitchen. The second room is a good bit smaller but there is also patio seating. There is a full bar, music in the background, lowered lighting, tin ceiling, wood floors, brick walls and parking is on the street as you can find it. In addition to the house cured salumi they make Neopolitan style pizza in the wood burning oven. The bread for their sandwiches comes from a bakery in Healdsburg. We were there to try the Prime Rib Sandwich which is only available on the lunch menu but got seduced by the oven to order a pizza too. It’s worth a visit. The food is great.
Set up
sign outsideentranceinteriorto another roomsecond interior roomkitchenbar areaFrankie found some artmenudrinkswinewine
Food
The Prime Rib Sandwich comes with thinly sliced prime rib, tonnato aioli, onions, giardiniera, salsa verde, Pt. Reyes Toma and horseradish. It also came with a good portion of chopped salad on the side. The well-stuffed sandwich was wonderful and plenty for 2, although it did not come cut. It was so stuffed that some of the meat and cheese dripped out into the salad which made it even tastier. The marinated cauliflower was almost meatlike and was part of one of the sauces on the beef. There were a lot of seasonings and some oil on the ingredients that made it pretty drippy, but also full of flavor. As I mentioned earlier, they did not make the bread it came on but it was great and nicely toasted. It was really good.
prime rib sandwichturnedturnedinsidesalad
The Boscaiolo Pizza was topped with sausage, mushrooms, house-smoked pork belly, peppers, local greens, and creamed onions. The onions were basically the sauce for the pizza. There was a generous amount of cheese on the pie and a lovely rise to the edge of the crust. The fresh mushrooms were thickly cut and added a wonderful amount of flavor as did the sausage. The pork belly melted into the cheese and onions but added even more fun flavor. Each table has a bottle of Calabrian Chili oil if you want to add it to the pizza. It is not too spicy, it just added even more flavor. This was a great one too.
Boscaiolo Pizzaanother angleclosercloser Calabrian Chili oilFrankie enjoyed the bathroom arrangement
Frankie and I have visited Harbor House Restaurant before and it is on this site numerous times. Every time I go back I think I’ll just eat there and not do another write-up but the food is so good I really hate not to share the photos. We were lucky enough to dine there 2 consecutive nights so Chef Matthew Kammerer was kind to vary the menu some but other courses just need to be repeated – and you don’t mind. He continues to win awards for his culinary talents with the restaurant now having 2 Michelin stars. Their ranch is also now producing some incredible produce which he includes in the dishes. The wine program continues to evolve under the capable leadership of Wine and Beverage Director, John Miller. Both nights he managed to delight us with interesting choices from the area. The final component of the experience is the staff, which are all terrific. Friendly and knowledgeable (many of our other dining choices came from their suggestions) they make a 2-star Michelin meal feel like you’re dining in a friend’s home. The hotel it’s in, is a lovely place to stay, if you get the chance. My highest recommendation here – I’ll go again and Frankie hopes to see you there too. Continue reading →
Franny’s Cup and Saucer is a tiny shop on the main street of Point Arena. There is no seating inside or out but don’t drive by because it’s filled with wonderful bakery treats. It was opened in April 2006 by Franny and her mom who is an experienced, professional baker. Franny bakes too but she also has picked out some trinkets to sell and fill out their small space. They have sweet and savory baked goods as well as coffee and tea, but all items are to go. They are open Wed – Sun and accept only cash or check. If you are in the area, definitely go by. We sampled a salted caramel pecan brownie and an oatmeal anzac cookie. The cookie was huge, crisp, thick and filled with oatmeal, raisins and lots of other flavors. The brownie was very fudgy and moist with nicely roasted pecans on top and inside. The texture was great as was the flavor. Can’t wait to go back and try more items. Continue reading →
from the parking lot – 32390 N Harbor Drive, Fort Bragg, CA, 95437
Sea Pal Cove is on a local fishing pier in Noyo Harbor with all outdoor seating. The assortment of tables overlooks boats going by. The small walk-up window has beer and wine to go with your choices as well as non-alcoholic options. Dogs are welcome and the service was very efficient. They are known for their really fresh seafood but also have other options. We tried the fish and chips but what was extra fun were their prawns and chips. The fish was very moist with a really crisp coating that wasn’t so thick that it smothered the delicate fish. Not too greasy either. It was perfect with the tasty tartar sauce they supplied. The prawns were dynamite. Sweet and juicy with that fantastic coating, they needed no dipping or seasoning. The tray also provided lemon and malt vinegar. The fries were uninspired but adequate. Some crisp ones and all with nice potato flavor, but they were a frozen slab variety. Ketchup packets were also on the tray. All in all a fantastic find that I’ll certainly go back to. Continue reading →
The Ledford House Restaurant is south of Mendocino on a bluff overlooking the Pacific ocean. They can serve 65-90 people in 2 adjacent dining rooms that both are lined with windows looking through to the coastline. It is owned by a couple Tony and Lisa Geer, where she manages the kitchen and he the front of the house. The cuisine is influenced by southern France and the Mediterranean with an emphasis on using sustainable sources. Open Wed – Sun for dinner, they have nightly live music but not sure when it begins as it wasn’t happening when we were there, but we were in early. In addition to the menu, they have a 3-course bistro special and nightly appetizer and entree specials. There is a full bar with seating and people were eating there too. Both rooms had fireplaces and piped-in music in the background. There was plenty of parking out front and tables somewhere outside. Inside had open windows. Staff were all friendly and efficient. It’s not a wow place just good solid food with fun choices. Continue reading →
Mosswood Market is a Cafe and Bakery selling bakery treats, coffee drinks and lunch fare in downtown Boonville. It is small with some outdoor tables and lots of to-go business. The sandwiches and wraps are made to order, as are the coffee drinks but the bakery items come straight from the counter to you. You order at the counter and there is a separate place to pick up flatware and napkins, then they bring the hot food to you. Music was in the background and many windows to the street provide lots of light for this daytime place. The market is next door and you can walk through to it – it has the bathroom. The Cafe’s interior was decorated with photos of cats in Morocco so Frankie and I loved that. Continue reading →
The Harbor House Inn most importantly houses a fine 2 star Michelin restaurant but it was built in 1916 by the Goodyear Lumber Company as a place to entertain and showcase their redwood empire. It is a lovely place to stay when, especially when you have reservations for dinner there. I think a 2 night booking is mandated and they have rooms on two levels in the main house and several independent units on the property. All come with breakfast in the morning, delivered to your room. There is also an option to have dinner delivered to your room. I wanted to share our delicious breakfast trays and a few photos of the grounds and wonderful staff. Continue reading →
Harbor House Restaurant had made a couple changes since our visit last summer. Most importantly the wine list has really ramped up to include lots of French and Italian along with the large selection of Califorinia ones. It’s an exciting list and Beverage director John Miller will lend wonderful help if you need it. They also have added a pack of information cards to the table for you to take with you and learn about the details of the place. They cover the philosphy of the meal from Chef Matt Kammerer, a little history on the inn where it’s housed, about their new garden and ranch, their sustainability, cooking techniques and plateware and ceramics. For their efforts to sustainability they’ve been awarded a Michelin Green Clover designation. I can’t urge you enough to visit and enjoy a meal here! Continue reading →
Trillium Cafe serves lunch and dinner Friday thru Tuesday with indoor and outdoor seating. It is on the bottom floor of the Inn of the same name in the heart of Mendocino. On the second floor are several hotel rooms for guests. Small tables are well spaced in the interior dining room and the patio winds around with a good supply of seating. When you make reservations you can specify indoor or outdoor. As it’s in an historic home, there are lots of windows to the street and a fireplace. Art for sale is on the walls and there ‘s plenty of street parking. It has obviously been restored with the old wood floors in good shape and the light fixtures replaced with those made by local artisans. A bar was in a room to the right, when we entered but I only saw 2 vacant stools in front of it. Service was friendly and efficient but not particularly knowledgable about the history of the place. There were no daily specials just the changoing soup of the day flavor. However when I compared the menu we had to what was on line there were some changes. Continue reading →
Frankie and I last visited the Harbor House Restaurant in Aug of 2021 and they were as pleased to welcome us back as we were to be there. The 2 star Michelin Restaurant is run by Chef Matthew Kammerer in an inn built in 1916 by the Goodyear Lumber Company, to showcase their redwood empire. They offer a tasting menu only that is determined by what is seasonally and sustainably available. They have started a ranch/garden from which that bounty is now adding to their quality offerings. Courses are thought out in detail but not overwrought with tweezer and squirt bottle decorating. Many of their serving pieces are made by local artisans that add plenty of visual enhancements. Service is top quality as is the view of the coast from the dining room. This place is surely destined for a third star so book your reservation while you can still get in and if you can splurge for a room at the inn. The breakfast the kitchen puts out for you the morning after is icing on the cake. We were lucky enough to get 2 nights there, so look for another array of lovely dishes from Chef Kammerer in a few days. Continue reading →
building – 22900 Shoreline Hwy, Point Arena, CA 95468
Rollerville Café is a classic café serving lunch and breakfast in Point Arena, CA. It opened in 2007 and is adjacent to a Lighthouse Pointe Resort that both claim to be the last stop before going to Hawaii and for fueling up to tour the nearby lighthouse attraction. The interior is small but there is a patio with additional seating outside. Some of the well spaced tables have fun salt & pepper sets as decorations. There was faint music in the background – possible a radio in the kitchen and plenty of light in the room from all the windows. There were daily specials for breakfast and lunch but serving time seemed to be divided by 11:00 am or noon on the weekend. Service was friendly and efficient. It’s worth a visit. Continue reading →
The Brickery is the pizza part of Café Beaujolais’, a complex of restaurants in the artsy town of Mendocino. On the street is Café Beaujolais, a fine dining option open for dinner and in front of the Brickery is The Waiting Room which is a coffee and pastry shop till dinner time when it becomes a lounge. It is a bit confusing at first but we followed the path between the buildings and found ourselves in a lovely garden area furnished with an assortment of tables and a window to place your order. The daily menu and specials are written on chalkboards that hang on either side of the order window. Inside you can see the fired brick oven where the pizza is cooked. They also sell beer and wine along with offering a free jug of iced water. After you order you get a buzzer that makes a noise when you can walk back to the other window and pick up your pie. It is a truly lovely spot with good pizza. You can visit the Waiting Room up near the street if you need a bathroom break. Continue reading →
exterior (5600 CA-1, Elk, CA, 95432 / (707)-877-3203)
The Harbor House Restaurant is the Michelin starred restaurant in the Harbor House Inn in Elk, CA (Mendocino County). Super talented Chef Matt Kammerer and his excellent staff continue to turn out innovative and delicious tasting menus and thus Frankie chose to re-visit. The Inn is still lovely and they are now able to seat guests inside as well as outside, all over-looking the beautiful coast line. We were lucky to eat there 2 consecutive nights and Chef Kammerer was kind enough to make changes for the second night’s dining. They have a small kitchen so some dishes were repeated but there were a number of different dishes. I’ll present the two night’s meals but may omit photos for repeats, depending on which night I got the better photo. Frankie and I highly recommend visiting and if you can even stay at the Inn. The staff will make you feel very welcome and do allow several hours for the meal. Continue reading →
Catelli’s has been around since the 1930s in Geyserville, CA. Opened by Italian immigrants, it is now run by third-generation siblings in the Catelli family. They feature local ingredients, hand-craft their ravioli and have many local wines. They currently offer patio and indoor seating as well as takeout on Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Located in a two-story brick building on the main drag of Geyserville, it is a large place. The entry room contains a long bar and the other 2 rooms have bench seating around the walls with bare wood tables and some center tables and chairs. Tables are set with a cloth napkin that contains the flatware. Music is in the background, acoustic tiles are in the ceiling and windows are uncovered to the street. Some decorations and art are placed about as well as historic photos. Service was friendly and efficient, but be aware of numerous upcharges on innocently offered personalizations. Continue reading →
The property where the Harbor House Inn is today was used as a place for the families brought in to work in the lumber industry in the late 1800’s. Goodyear Redwood Company bought the lumber mill and land in 1916 and hired Louis Christian Mullgardt to build a home that would showcase the beauty of the redwoods. Elk Redwood Company bought it in 1932 and from then it changed hands a number of times. In 2005 Jin and Eva Lu purchased the Inn and then closed it in 2013 when they did a 5 year renovation project. They have 6 traditional rooms in the main house and 5 standalone cottages that are on the grounds. We were lucky to stay in the Redwood Room of the main building. Normally I don’t post hotels on this blog but last post here was of the restaurant in the inn and I wanted you to also see the breakfasts that come with the rooms.
Harbor House Restaurant had a 25 seat dining room but now offers seating on its back deck overlooking the Pacific coastline. The Inn is in a 1916 logger’s retreat that has 9 rooms which were restored in 2018 by a 5 year remodeling. Chef Matthew Kammerer uses exceptional local products based on the season to produce a seafood based tasting menu that is cooked with fire and steam. The restaurant has one Michelin star and Chef Kammerer was named as a Best New Chef in 2019 Food & Wine Magazine. They serve only a tasting menu of 9 savory and 2 sweet courses, with wine pairings available. It is a pre-paid menu and not available on Tuesday and Wednesday. There is plenty of parking out front and a selection of accommodations if you wish to stay there also. The view is as magnificent as the food and they have a couple large awnings to provide some shade when the sun is up. Later in the evening they roll those back and turn on the lights that are strung above and the portable heaters. Staff were all friendly, helpful, masked and gloved and I noticed even during prep time in the kitchen the staff all wore masks. Chef Kammerer does come out to serve some of the courses and visit with guests. It appeared to have only one seating and the pacing was good but plan to spend about 4 hours, although it never lagged it was a nice relaxed pace. Portion control was good.
Noyo Harbor Restaurant is part of the historic Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg, CA. They have a good sized multi level patio for outside dining that overlooks the active marina and flowing river. Many of the metal tables, but not all, had umbrellas to provide shade, were set on the patio’s tile floor, had some heaters and no music was in the background. Servers wore masks and each table had a small bottle of hand sanitizer. The bathroom was inside by the inn’s check-in desk. The lovely view and multiple levels made it a very pleasant place to sit enjoy your meal. The restaurant had wild caught and daily catch from the harbor as well as vegetables and herbs from the Chef’s garden. We were there midday and they had a brunch menu as well as daily specials. It offered the aforementioned seafood as well as a number of breakfast items. They had cocktails, beer and wine by the glass or bottle. Service was friendly but less refined (one of the servers splashed coffee on my blouse while pouring). I saw some of the breakfast food come out and the plates looked generous. Continue reading →
Wild Fish was opened on November of 2011 by a British couple, Liz and Kelvin Jacobs, who had relocated to California. She was a food writer and he a chef and they wanted to create a restaurant that served local, seasonal and sustainable seafood and organic produce. They have an additional place in Pacific Grove, CA. They have been offering take out options but in Little River they also had a small patio behind the restaurant that overlooked the ocean and greenery leading up to the shore. There were only 6 small bare wood tables and one actually was on the parking lot. The restaurant was behind a gas station/convenience store/post office and there were no umbrellas for shade but heaters were there for later in the evening. There was music in the background, a small bottle of hand sanitizer on each table and lots of plants on the patio. Servers were friendly and wore masks. They had a small but well chosen wine list and many wines were offered by the glass (a good pour) as well as by the bottle. Each food item had a suggested wine to go with it and we chose to try their suggestions, creating our own tasting. Continue reading →
