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.
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
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