Glen Ellen Star Coming to,
Yep, Glen Ellen
The Glen Ellen Star will soon shine brightly in the cozy little burg of Glen Ellen.
And though we are mourning the closure of the former Saffron Mediterranean restaurant that it replaces, the Star will give us delicious new reason to visit downtown.
Think “refined rustic,” and you’ll get the idea of the concept coming in April from restaurateurs Erinn Benziger Weiswasser and her chef husband Ari Weiswasser. The duo may be new to the ownership business, but certainly have the chops to create something good. Erinn is the daughter of Mike and Mary Benziger (Benziger Family Winery, also in Glen Ellen), and her family bought the Saffron property in November.
Ari, meanwhile, used to work at big name places the French Laundry in Yountville, and Picholine, Daniel, Gilt, and Corton in New York.
The bistro is already ramping up with a spring inspired menu (follow along – ramps are another name for spring onions, so that is an inside joke, ha ha!).
Here are just a few of the delights awaiting us:
- Wood oven roasted Globe artichokes finished with local olive oil, parmesan and wild arugula; and blistered shishito peppers decorated with citrus and shabazi pepper
- Wood fired pizza topped in mushroom conserva, tomato, cured olive, mozzarella and oregano
- Oven roasted whole loup de mer with charred lemon and tahini
- Baby hen with creamy cauliflower and Swiss chard bread pudding
- Whole baby lamb with salsa verde, bamboo rice, Rancho Gordo beans and fresh masa.
Bring your friends – the 30-seat eatery is sure to fill up quickly, and that whole lamb serves eight to 12 guests.
Details: Glen Ellen Star, 13648 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen.
