Wine Bar
Highway 101 goes right through the center of Santa Rosa. Sometimes it’s a quick corridor to get places, but more and more it’s jammed, worst at commute times, and it’s stop and go. A medical appointment recently forced us into considering other routes, since it was at peak commute times. Looking at a map we found an alternate city route, and discovered it would take us near Willi’s Wine Bar.
This place was a beloved destination for years. We had heard of it many times but somehow never got there. Then, during the disastrous Tubbs fire of two years ago it burned to the ground. It was the favorite of so many locals, a social gathering place as well as famous for excellent food. The owners decided to rebuild, a decision heralded by the community. And 19 months later they reopened in a new location.
So we found the new location, ensconced in a tiny shopping center in a neighborhood. We sat down outside on a hot afternoon and looked at the menu. I quickly commented via my phone on Friday’s KTK: OMG! This restaurant features small plates of every variety and I resolved to keep returning until I have tried everything on the menu.
For years I have enjoyed bone marrow in various permutations, most frequently as a salad component. I ordered it in a restaurant several years ago; good but small. Well, here on the menu was Roasted Bone Marrow with Toasted Brioche and Red Onion Marmalade. Of course I had to order it, and…...OMG!
For the first time I had enough to keep me happy. This is a delicacy one shouldn’t overdo. I’ll order it only every other month.
Another meal I love is sweetbreads. Thinking about these two meals reminded me of the receptionist at our dentist. I love to tease her about these dinners and also how much I enjoy the pork fat in baked beans. She practically faints when I describe how delicious they are.
Foods peculiar to certain groups can be misunderstood by others. For instance there’s glescagal’s famous Haggis. Also, too, there’s Lutefisk of Scandinavian fame. Tripe, blood sausage, even the sort of reasonable escargot (not for gardeners), and many other weird foods are considered edible in various places. YMMV; you might share your own favorites…..if you dare.
I felt I should write about food instead of philosophy since Chrislove is taking a hiatus from KTK. Maybe y’all will request that he stays.