I posted this on FTC, but neglected to report my findings here. Y’all were very helpful in my trip to Santa Rosa last month. And looks like I will be heading back up that way a couple more times in the next few months.
I just realized that I have been remiss in posting a report from my meal up there. Bottom line: it was an outstanding experience…I seem to be having issues with my photos posting sideways. With your kind permission, I will post some links to my IG postings for ease.
Reservation was for 9pm and the sun was still slowly setting below the hills in the west. After being greeted at the reception desk, I was taken to a window that opened right into the kitchen and given a glass of drinking vinegar cordial, and promptly whisked up to the rooftop. I was given a plate of snacks as the very friendly and efficient staff checked in with me with comfortable frequency: to provide status of my table, offer some information, and share in the beauty of the views that my photos can’t really convey.
If you are able to click into the IG link, it is a little slideshow of some of my highlights. The array of cold appetizers that were already in place when I was seated was stunningly beautiful. It reminded me very much of the hassun course of my kaiseki meal at Wa Yamamura earlier this year. And to top it off, Chef hand-delivered a series of hot appetizers to my table in turn! Pretty much everything that was seafood based was delightful – and the foie whch paired vegatal components quite brilliantly What slightly missed the mark for me were the lamb course (I tend to be historically soured by the “meat” course at quite a lot of extended tasting menu experiences) and the grain course. The lamb was a bit too gamey and had a disportionately large fatcap for my taste) and the grains just didn’t have much pop. On the other hand, the desserts were an undisputed highlight from palate cleanser to hojicha ice cream with apricots to an interesting take on wagashi (dates stuffed with miso is a beautiful thing!).
Service was spot on from beginning to end. The dining room is quite simply one of the most beautiful that I have ever laid eyes upon. I really dig the Tock thing – so nice to simply just get up and walk out the door at the conclusion of the meal and have to have anything swiped or signed. If given the opportunity to return, I would in a heartbeat. Even thought I think Michelin is pretty BS at this point, I don’t see any reason why they would not just slap three stars on them for round one.
And if I can figure out how to post more of my pics rotated in the proper direction, I will most certainly do so!
