Things looked a bit gloomy for fine dining in Guerneville when Charizma restaurant closed its doors this past September. But things are brightening up again, with the opening of a new tenant in the Main Street space: Chef Patrick’s, serving California-French cuisine.
Chef Patrick’s isn’t new, actually. It’s the same “Chef Patrick” who used to serve dinner at Pat’s Restaurant just across Main Street, next to Pat’s Bar. It’s long been a favorite of diners savvy enough to know that, despite the unlikely setting of a dark room connected to an even darker pub, there was some good food to be had here.
Not that it was easy to understand. The Pat in “Pat’s Bar” was actually owner Richard Hines, who served casual breakfast and lunch. “Chef Patrick” is Patrick Wong, who was leasing space from Richard to offer more upscale dinner service several nights a week.
At the new Chef Patrick’s, Wong continues with his familiar classic recipes, but in a brighter, more sophisticated setting. White tablecloths are a nice touch, though the prices remain reasonable (the menu changes frequently, yet a recent visit found the highest price dish to be filet mignon in Sonoma Merlot sauce with mashed potatoes and vegetables for $25.95).
While Wong is Vietnamese, his background as San Francisco caterer and hotel chef trained him in French and Italian cooking. And so he sends out delicious but approachable dishes like porc champignon, poulet de onion confit, prawn risotto, and herb crusted lamb chops in mint Bordelaise sauce. Seared ahi is expertly rare, teamed with artichoke hearts and sun dried tomatoes, and drunken prawns are particularly good, sautéed and finished with cognac.
Things get much more relaxed at lunch, when it’s a choice of a salad or sandwich, such as field greens in champagne vinaigrette, roast beef with garlic remoulade on French bread, or prosciutto and dry salame with brie on French bread.
As nice as it is, keep in mind that Chef Patrick’s is still Guerneville-style comfortable. There’s no big city fuss or culinary flair. Yet finally, the satisfying fare can be enjoyed without sharing a restroom with a rowdy bar.
Details: Chef Patrick’s, 16337 Main St, Guerneville, 707-869-9161.
Chef Patrick’s new location is a nice touch in Guerneville; I can’t wait to check it out.
Chef Patrick’s is ultimately the BEST food in
West Sonoma County.
I often tell friends that Patrick should have a separate room for those of us who want to lick their plates!