I haven't had brunch in the majority of restaurants in Sonoma. Heck, I haven't even scratched the surface when it comes to brunch spots in the area. But I don't care. It isn't going to stop me from raving about brunch at Healdsburg's Chalkboard, declaring it the finest midday weekend chow down in California's wine country.
No question, I went to plenty of wineries when I hit Sonoma last month. (Gorgeous evidence of one such stop pictured above.) Still, excepting for a Pinot Noir that knocked my socks off at Siduri, my socks were firmly on throughout my vineyard-hopping weekend with pals -- until said brunch.
One word review: Wow!
Need proof? Take a gander at a few things we ordered for the table...
That's right. We're talking homemade Tater Tots topped with Dungeness Crab, Creme Fraiche and sipped Chives.
Not enough for you? Try this...
... magnificent plate of King Trumpet Mushrooms with a Slow Poached Egg that sang out with "umami" in every bite.
Follow that up with these...
...bite-sized Maple-Glazed Pork Belly Biscuits served with Pickled Onion and Chipotle Mayonnaise.
Then, it's time to let the kitchen pull out all the pasta stops, starting with...
...Herb and Ricotta Gnudi with Brown Butter and Sage, as well as a sprinkling of sharp Gran Padano cheese.
Next up...
...Strozzapreti with Gulf Shrimp, Garlic, Preserved Lemon, Garden Burnet and Parsley.
Did I mention the Buttermilk Chicken Thighs and Beef Sliders with Shortrib Marmalade and Blue Cheese?
All I can say, is I'm glad we were a big party, so we could order up a good portion of the restaurant's menu. But, that still leaves a good portion for when I'm back in Sonoma. And, trust me, next time I'm in Sonoma, I'm going to Chalkboard.
'Nuff said.
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