We have had some great dining experiences in the last several years but I think the Singlethread experience tops them all. Every single detail from service to presentation to wine pairings was thoughtful and spot on. Everything about it was respectful of the guest’s experience and we will do our best to be as respectful in this review. There were two wine pairings offered and we chose to try one of each so there are two wines represented with each course. We got nice pictures to remember much of the evening but, being busy enjoying it, we missed a few things.
MID SPRING IN SONOMA
A gorgeous presentation with which to begin the meal. Each small bite seated on a vessel that augments its construction. A closer look at some of the dishes:
Pairing 1 – Robert Moncuit “Vozemieux” Blanc de Blancs, Oger Grand Cru, Champagne France 2010
Pairing 2 – “Norgard Vineyard” Chenin Blanc, Mendocino CA 2016
AKABANA KANPACHI
Jelly of Charred Local Citrus, Daikon Radish,Imperial Miso, and Komatsuna
Pairing 1 – Paul Jaboulet Aine “Domaine des Grands Amandiers” Condrieu, Rhone Valley, France 2011
Pairing 2 – Campovida “Campo Dos Robles” Viognier, Mendocino, CA 2015
DUNGENESS CRAB
Kohlrabi, Kani Miso,Makrut Lime and Fermented Turnip
Pairing 1 – Dagueneau “Silex” Pouilly Fume, Loire Valley, France 2011
Pairing 2 – Whitcraft “The Mind’s Behind Vineyard” Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley,CA 2016
KING SALMON IBUSHI-GIN
Shio Koji Vinaigrette, Steelhead Roe, and Myoga
Pairing 1 – Egly Ouriet Brut Rose, Ambonnay Grand Cru, Champagne, France NV
Pairing 2 – Caracciolo, Brut Ros, Santa Lucia Highlands,CA 2012
POACHED FOIE GRAS
Dried and Fermented Beets, Wild Spring Greens, Roasted Chicken Broth
Pairings – Tanagawa “Time Machine” Amber Sake, Kyoto, Japan
The Sake was posed from the flower pot.
BLACK COD FUKKURA-SAN
Saikyo Miso and Kishu Mandarin Kosho
Pairing 1 – Chateau Simone, Clairette, Palette, Provence, France 2011
Pairing 2 – Tablas Creek “Espirit de Beaucastel Blanc” Paso Robles, CA 2007
AMERICAN WAGYU
Flowering Komatsuna, Spinach and Sunchoke
Pairing 1 – Seavey, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA 1999
Pairing 2 – DuMol, Syrah, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, CA 2008
SONOMA GRAINS AND BAMBOO
Braised Wagyu Short Rib, Mugi Mochi, and Nettle Ochazuke
Pairing 1 – Dry Creek Vineyards “Reserve” Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, CA 1993
Pairing 2 – Nalle “Bernier-Sibary” Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, CA 2014
BUTTERMILK AND THYME SHERBET
Sumac, Green Almond and Citrus
CHAMOMILE ICE CREAM
Strawberry, Poached Rhubarb and Oat Streusel
Pairing 1 – Domaine Huet “Cuvee Constance” Vouvray, Loire Valley, France 2009
Pairing 2 – Navarro “Select Late Harvest” Reisling, Mendocino, CA 2007
WAGASHI
Mint, Japanese Cheesecake, Pineapple Sage