Mark K.
Yelp
Came here to meet some fellow former co-workers, and was glad we found a place they recommended. However, my research ahead of time did not fully reflect some limitations of COVID life, experienced here this visit.
The place itself is right off the main road, about 2 miles east of Guerneville, and parking seems easy - for a weekday in October, at least. Can imagine the crowds on a summer weekend, at least pre-COVID life!
The place is rambling, with a nicely welcoming entrance, and several rooms inside, including a well stocked store, a counter for ordering sandwiches or pre-made foods, and you can order specials off the meu board here as well. There is another area serving coffees and beverages, with a nice sitting area adjacent, complete with fireplace and TV. Other areas include an indoor covered deck, also accessible to the coffee bar, an outdoor deck running the length of the building and a stairway leading down to a flat grassy bluff literally next to the Russian River, with chairs set up for sun worshippers, semi-sun lovers (shade umbrella provided) or snow-people (me!) under the large trees. I toughed it out with the shade umbrella and a moving chair matching the sun's march across the sky.
Most of us got coffee and pastries, but having gotten up early and driving an hour to get here I was in the mood for something more substantial. Granted, the breakfast were limited (see pic of menu board) and looking back, I should have inquired when a lunch menu would be available, but I forged ahead and ordered the buttermilk waffles with extra syrup and an orange juice.
The breakfast came served in a small take-out box, which is understandable given the times we are in, but after getting the box, grabbing some plastic utensils and heading down to the river bank, I was regretting my not waiting until lunch or ordering a sandwich at the deli counter. **sigh**
The waffles were good sized in portion (4 of them) and freshly made as I watched, but were lukewarm when I got to actually eating them. The steam from their heat in the enclosed box also caused them to be not as crunchy as when they were cooked. Additionally, the challenge of cutting semi-moist and dense waffles inside a small box balanced on your knees (no table at river side) and with a dull plastic knife was a challenge on its own. Took some work, but I was ultimately successful! Thankfully there was indeed extra syrup, and I made the best of it. The waffles did have good taste, and a nice denseness worthy of buttermilk.
Overall, I know that in better times, the menu items would be more diverse, the dining options more ideal (plates served quickly, with metal utensils) and generally things would be more - normal. I am impressed with the staff, who were friendly, efficient and pleasant in their interactions. I can't fault the place too much for these restrictions, and it is a beautiful place to relax for a bite to eat or coffee and pastries.
I will give it 4-stars this visit, although "normally" I would rate it a 3-star, simply because I see the potential for a return to normal here (can't fault them for COVID) and with my own learning curve, I think it's most fair.
I hope to return for lunch perhaps, or being experienced now, to be aware of perhaps better options for my tastes. One of us did get a sandwich after a couple of hours, and it looked good, so that may be my next adventure!
