Rustic

Over the holiday season I had the chance to check out Francis Ford Coppola’s new winery and its restaurant Rustic.

Over the last several years he has remodeled what many of us knew at Chateau Souvereign in Geyserville.  A nice 45 minute drive up the highway from Petaluma.  Just long enough to feel like a getaway but know that you will be back in your own bed that night.

We went up with the in-laws for a celebration day, as we arrived at the winery you felt like you were in a magical place (even a bit Disney-esc).  From the entrance to the drive in he has looked at every aspect.  The grounds are beautiful, and the building perfectly restored.  We arrived the day after the pool was closed for the season, but they have a great area with outside dining and cabanas that is open to the public over the summer.  The staff (even at the closed pool and working in the gardens) were very accomdating and eager to discuss the facility.

The restaurant Rustic was comfortably rustic chic, with heavy wooden tables and leather banquets; all very comfy for settling in to conversation and a meal.  They bring out a fresh warm bag of Zeppole (Italian fried bread) that is lightly salted as you are reading the menu –I could have eaten 10 but shared with the rest of the table.  I had made reservations the week before and needed them even for a Wednesday lunch.

I felt the menu was a bit confusing as they have printed all of the daily menu items for every day on the week on the menu and then tell you which are for that day.  I had hoped for the lamb tagine but it was not being served that day.  The spaghetti was very tasty, the calzone that I had was enormous, it could have fed two.  The pasta bumbola was interesting; it is made with a red wine cream reduction and the pasta was almost rouge in color

We enjoyed our day and the meal was quite nice.  Next time I hope to make it up for dinner.

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