travel by joseph schmitt
Romantic
mendocino
The beautiful rugged coastline of Northern California, outside Mendocino. Photography by Joseph Schmitt
Where to Dine:
The Restaurant at Stevenswood Resort (www.
stevenswood.com) has quickly become Mendo-
cino’s premier fine dining establishment under the
ownership of Seth and Michael. Using fresh and local
ingredients, including their own homemade salt
and butter, the menu changes with the seasons. On
my visit, I went with the chef’s ten course dinner, with
wine pairing. The shattered foie gras was unusual for
its frozen and shattered presentation, served with
pomegranate and “mendo terrior,” the chef’s version
of edible dirt and the small plate of seared sea scallop
was accompanied by a delicious meyer lemon foam.
Traditional large plate offerings include a dry-aged
Stevenswood Resort and Spa
sirloin steak, 48-hour slow-cooked pork shoulder
and duck confit with foie gras ravioli.
On a recent visit to San Francisco, I found myself with an opportunity to make a quick visit to romantic I found the intimate dining room, with its fireplace
Mendocino, a small town in Northern California rather famous for its towering redwoods and dramatic rug- and soft earth tones, to be a welcoming and romantic
ged coastline. There was only one glitch in my plans. I would be making the scenic three-hour drive from San environment, even for solo diners. The impressive yet
Francisco through California wine country over winding roads of pristine forest, dine in casual elegance and approachable menu stood up to a substantial and
stroll the artsy streets of Mendocino… alone. “Yet again,” I quipped to myself, “a table for one.” diverse wine list. My tasting menu afforded me the
While romantic Mendocino is best enjoyed à deux, especially given its gay-friendly environment, I skillfully opportunity to sample some of Mendocino County’s
managed to suffer the romantic sunsets and stave off the lust-inducing intoxication of the crashing waves local wines. Nearby Anderson Valley is home to
by filling that emotional hole in my lonesome soul with some of the best food I’ve had in recent memory. several of the wines I tried at dinner, including a non-
While I can tell you that the recently renovated Lighthouse at Point Cabrillo (www.pointcabrillo.org) is quite vintage Scharffenberger Brut sparkling wine and a
charming and loaded with history, and that The Village Toy Store (www.mendotoystore.com) in downtown Navarro Premier Reserve chardonnay, both of which
Mendocino is an absolute gem with unusual toys from around the globe for children of all ages, most of what I won me over for their taste and quality, as well as their
have to report on is epicurean in nature. price. It’s nice to report that many of the local wines
60 RAGE monthly | July 2009
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