Todd Brinkman

Harbor House Restaurant, Elk, CA., 8/6/26

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
dining room – 5600 South Highway 1, Elk, CA 95432

Frankie, my husband and I are regulars here.  You can see numerous meals at Harbor House Inn’s 2 Michelin stars restaurant by clicking here for one in 2025, 2024, 2023 or 2022.   Our last visit I didn’t write up since we were there with friends but this time I found some changes to the dining plan and a lot of new dishes, so I’ll have another post in a few days picturing our second fabulous meal with great Chef Matt Kammerer and his entire team.  I was cautious as there were several new staff members but rest assured they were all first rate and the food was hitting an all time high.  The ranch/farm that is associated with the restaurant is responsible for wonderful produce on the menu and Chef Kammerer has made connections with several local fishermen who bring them seafood.  It can be a creative scramble when what they planned for is not available but the team is up for the challenge and the diner would never know the difference.   Honestly if you haven’t been you really need to get there.  It’s hands down my favorite spot in this country with the small 25 seat dining room overlooking the ocean and the purest of flavors being served for some exquisite eating.  I don’t usually glow so much and I am not on their payroll but these past two meals varied greatly with each being tremendous.  Hope it you go you’ll tell them Frankie sent you – they are all fans of hers, even making a bed of fresh flowers for her each night. Continue reading →

Harbor House (update), Elk, CA., 9/11 & 12/25

~ hsnixon ~ 3 Comments
from the back – 5600 CA-1, Elk, CA., 95432

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 →