10.18.2020. SingleTread Farms. Kistler Vineyards. Forestville. California.

This meal was supposed to be for my birthday on 3.21.2020 before I left for Japan. Then the world went mad with a virus then the Northern California fires came, so it was postponed twice. My friend and I decided to go for the outdoor dining experience at Kistler Vineyards when that was an option. While I was disappointed that I did not get to experience SingleThread in its own space, I was so happy to have had this incredible experience when I needed it most.

SingleThread Farms

131 North Street

Healdsburg, CA 95448

707.723.4646

I walked by SingleThread in Healdsburg Friday evening on my stroll around town. You can still book a room in their inn and they are also doing rooftop drinks.

I can only describe this meal as exquisite California kaiseki. Its ethos echoes that of the traditional Japanese kaiseki from Kyoto, where you use the most seasonal ingredients for each course and plate it accordingly with the serveware to match. The amuse-bouche was a very great indication of the meal to come and even for this extreme cynic I was actually impressed, a rarity. We opted for the wagyu addition and one of us got the wine pairing, since the other 2 had to drive back home after this 4.5 hour meal. If you are looking for an exceptional fine dining experience, then I would highly recommend it. Especially since they are extending this outdoor dining experience at Kistler until end of November. It's actually worked out better as dining at night in Sonoma County means you can see the stars. Since we went during a tiny crescent moon, the stars and planets were glowing brighter than usual. The price is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it was worth every penny. So perhaps you can make a weekend out of it like I did too. Perhaps even spend the night so you are able to have more wine. I look forward to my return in another season!

EARLY AUTUMN IN SONOMA

WILD KAGOSHIMA KANPACHI

Farm tomatoes, Cucumber, and Pickled Wasabi

BLACK COD IBUSHI-GIN

Matsutake, Purple barley Crepes, and Shio Koji Vinaigrette

FARM BABY GEM

Cured Wild Salmon, Smoked Roe, and Chive Bavarois

SUMMER SQUASH

Spot Prawn, Squash Blossom, and Prawn Head Broth

DUCLAIR DUCK

Calimyrna Fig, Turnip, and Kanpyo *with Wagyu addition

SONOMA GRAINS

Wagyu Shortrib, Pickled Ramps, Maitake, and Beef Consommé

TRENTON ROADHOUSE CHARDONNAY

Mushroom and Oak

ALBION STRAWBERRY

White Chocolate, Sake Kasu, and Shiso

WAGASHI

Melipona Honey "Yakgwa"

Japanese Cheesecake with Umeboshi

Suiteki with Apricot

Miso Custard with Spiced Nashi

10.18.2020. Guerneville + Forestville. California.

On Sunday we went to Guerneville to grab lunch and hike Armstrong Woods. We stopped by Big Bottom Market to get sandwiches. My friend Bob owns the Guerneville Bank Club and I poked through the window to get a look inside finally. Sadly it was high fire warning so we had to skip the hiking. So instead we went to Andrea's vineyard and did a walk around there.

All the grapes on Andrea's vineyard were destroyed this year due to all the smoke from the fires. 

We met Harvey, nicknamed Fabio due to his blonde mane. And I found my new sound system.

We also stopped by Lynn's art studio across the street.

Hilariously, Andrea's vineyard is right next to Kistler's where we were to dine at for the SingleThread Farms dinner.

10.17.2020. Healdsburg farmer's market. Healdsburg. California.

 In the tradition of my farmer's market every Saturday...

10.16.2020-10.18.2020. Hotel Healdsburg.

Hotel Healdsburg

25 Matheson Street

Healdsburg, CA 95448

707.431.2800

Since both my holidays this year got cancelled, I decided to cash in all my credit card points for a nice hotel room at Hotel Healdsburg. I got myself a suite the size of my apartment and a tub the size of a submarine. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in my luxurious room and using all their spa products. Mostly I was outside around town in the shade or at the pool. I did not do daily room cleaning or turn down service due to COVID and it was very enjoyable.

I had dinner at the Spirit bar around the back since Dry Creek Kitchen was fairly booked, and I eat dinner early. It was extremely enjoyable and if you would like to dine at Dry Creek Kitchen, you should make a reservation in advance. Both have outdoor dining figured out and done right. There is also Pizzando down at the corner as well.

Since I had been stuck in my apartment mostly for 7 months, I realized how desperately I needed a change of scenery. I would highly recommend you all to do the same if you have beeb stuck at home for a bit. It does wonders for you!

10.16.2020-10.18.2020. Healdsburg. California.

I have not left my 400 square feet apartment in downtown San Francisco for more than 6 hours since 3.6.2020. I was long overdue for something different. Since I was to have dinner with SingleThread Farms at Kistler Vineyards on Sunday, I decided to cash in on all my credit card points and make a run for it in Healdsburg. It was exactly what I desperately needed. My only regret was taking so long to do a quick road trip.

Healdsburg is a cozy small town in wine country. There is a square in the middle and very walkable.

No trip to Healdsburg is complete without a stop at Noble Folk for a treat. Since the weather was so nice, I got a salted caramel Mississippi mud pie à la mode and ate it on a bench at the square. 

I got breakfast with a friend at Costeaux one morning before farmer's market and had a proper catch up for half a day!

Shoffeitts is amazing for vintage shopping. I found some spectacular chandeliers and a ton of china that were amazing.