A life-size cardboard cutout of uber-chef John Ash greets guests at the new Traverso’s, which opened Tuesday in Santa Rosa’s Fountaingrove Village. “Will Work With Food,” the great, grinning sign reads, accented with Ash’s signature and a promise that “I buy all my wine at Traverso’s.”
Beyond him yawns an open, airy space lined with neat, orderly rows of everything edible and drinkable. There’s a lot to look at, but if you could navigate the former Traverso’s layout in your sleep, you won’t need to wake up much here. The shiny, spiffy spots feels remarkably similar to the original which operated for 36 years on downtown’s B Street, though some of the sections are flip-flopped to the other side of the room.
The idea is grocery-to-go, naturally, though you can eat outside, if you’re quick enough to snag one of the half dozen tables scattered at the entrance. It’s a good place to park for people watching at the upscale shopping center, tucking into a caprese piadini, some frutti de mare salad, or ravioli and meatballs. Deli sandwiches are delicious, if daunting to choose, selected from more than three dozen meats, nine cheeses, eight breads, and a rainbow array of toppings.
One word of warning: take a seat facing away from the front door. That sign is awfully close, and Ash’s eyes are just a little too lifelike, following your every bite…
John watches your every bite...
Details:
Traverso’s
2097 ¬Stagecoach Road (in Fountaingrove Village)
Santa Rosa, CA
707-542-2530
I’m so glad to hear it’s open. Paradise Ridge will be pouring there this weekend on Saturday June 6th from 12 until 3 pm.
Traverso’s and Paradise Ridge, sounds like a good pairing to me. This is what we can taste:
2007 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Grandview Vineyard – One Puff, Connoisseurs Guide to California wine.
2007 Estate Chardonnay, Nagasawa Vineyard – Sneak peak, not yet released!
2007 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley – Sweepstakes, Double Gold, West Coast Wine Competition
2005 Elevation Cabernet Sauvignon – Best of Class, Sonoma County Harvest Fair
2006 Estate Zinfandel, Hoenselaars Vineyard – 92 Points, Connoiseurs Guide to California Wine