Looking for a diversion between wineries? Then head to El Dorado Kitchen located in downtown Sonoma where they serve lunch and dinner daily and brunch on Sunday. I had the opportunity to dine here for lunch on my way to the Russian River Valley during my visit to Napa/Sonoma in July.
It was such a gorgeous day that I opted for the outdoor patio underneath the fig tree. Much to my surprise, I was presented with a small cocktail menu and promptly ordered myself the “EDK Mojito”. Let me tell you that it was a refreshing taste to my palate after a busy morning of wine tasting and spitting. The mojito was absolutely delicious, just the right amount of light cruzan rum, lime juice, soda and fresh mint. Of course, I did have a long look at the wine list and loved the great selection of half bottles mostly from Napa and Sonoma. The wine list itself was quite extensive and it broken down into grape varieties. I loved the “off the beaten path reds” selection featuring some interesting wines such as the Viader “Dare” Cabernet Franc or the Verdad Tempranillo from the Santa Ynez Valley.
For lunch I had the salmon croquettes which consisted of a single salmon and yukon gold potato cake topped with a frisee in red pepper remoulade which was absolutely delicious. Other lunch choices included a forest mushroom pizza (a nice Pinot Noir would pair nicely), steak and truffle fries and chicken curry flat bread.
Dessert is also a must have at El Dorado Kitchen and I indulged in the chocolate s’mores tart! Picture a chocolate ganaceh sitting on top a graham cracker crust bottom, decandant merangine on top with vanilla ice cream and you have heaven in bowl. I ate every last bite! Other interesting choices included a chocolate sea salt cake and the homemade ice cream sandwiches such as butterscotch cookie with carmel icecream with a carmel dipping sauce. Talk about over indulging in a good way! Just remember to watch out for falling figs if you happen to sit under the fig tree!