|
Posted September 2006
Fine Dining at Bodega Bay
 Sonoma Coast Appellation
By ML
Hilton
(BODEGA BAY, CA) -- Beyond the beach combing (and watching the
sunsets over the ocean from your suite) there are other noteworthy
activities along the Sonoma Coast. High on the list? Great local,
fresh seafood prepared with a dedication to using home-grown
produce. It’s California Coastal Cuisine.
The Duck Club
Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa
The intimate Duck Club, located at Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa,
overlooks Doran Beach and sweeping coastal scenery. Its windows
are situated to make the most of the breath-taking landscape
and only three tables are placed against the three coveted window
nooks.
Its cuisine is prepared to take advantage of the bounty – both
from the sea and the land, of Sonoma County’s outstanding array
of local producers. Of course, fish, lamb, and poultry are part
of the region’s largess that can be enjoyed.
Sadly, there is no bar to linger out and watch the waves, but
the setting is intimate with a comfortable woodsy feel. And there
is a great fireplace
The staff seems flexible, as they let me order just three of
the Hog Island oysters vs the six on the menu. My dining companion
was not a fan of raw oysters. The cheese plate is served as an
appetizer (where some people feel it belongs – before the main
course, not after). I can’t resist cheese, so we tried it, but
be careful: it is very generous and could satisfy a light appetite
making dinner not necessary (that would be a shame).
For dinner, we tried the halibut which was lovely, cooked slightly
crisp on the outside and placed on a beautiful artichoke base;
and the seared diver scallops served with a light citrus sauce
that really allowed the taste of the fresh shellfish to come
through.
Other notable items on the menu included, lamb from the Sonoma
coast (preparation varies daily) and Petaluma Poussin.
The wine list is all Sonoma County wines, except for two Champagnes.
Reservations Recommended: (707) 875-3525.
Breakfast: 8 a.m. to
10:30 a.m weekdays; 8 a.m. to 11 a.m weekends
Dinner: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Other venues not to be missed:
One of Bodega Bay’s most well-known and oft-visited restaurants
is the Tides Wharf Restaurant just off Highway One, cantilevered
out over the bay. There is much to enjoy here: a fun bar; a seafood,
deli and wine shop; and delicious dining with views of the bay
from every table. Sunsets free nightly with every meal.
Open Daily 9 am - 11 pm
Restaurant & Bakery (707) 875-3652
Fish Market (707) 875-3554
Gift Shop (707) 875-3755
Bluewater Bistro
At Bodega Harbour
I didn’t get to eat the sumptuous late lunch that I was planning
on having here. My mid-morning wine tasting lasted through the
noon hour and I fell into that rat hole of after 3 pm and before
5 pm.
The bartender David at the bar upstairs (a savior in my opinion)
did break loose with a delicious basket of sourdough bread and
a big bowl of vegetable chowder that was wonderful. The secret
is to go on Thursday when a bar menu is available. That’s when
they are setting up for Martini Night, and from 5 pm to 8 pm
you will find many locals in attendance listening to regional
live bands that jam on the weekday night.
The bar is the local’s hidden treasure. It sits atop the Bluewater
Bistro and looks out over the seaside holes in the links-style
golf course, as well as parts of Doran Beach, as does the restaurant.
Executive Chef Mark A. Dierkhising has put together a nice menu
of fresh salads and soups, as well as roasted chicken, fresh
salmon, duck breast, leg of lamb, fire roasted vegetables and
the ever ubiquitous hamburger.
Open for lunch seven days a week from 11 am to 3 pm
Dinner, Thurs – Saturday 5 pm to 9 pm
Breakfast, Saturday and Sunday 8:30 am to 11 pm
Sunday Brunch 11 am to 3 pm
For more ideas on Sonoma County dining, check
out the listings on WineCountry.com. |
