Cherylynn N.
Yelp
3.5 STARS
COVID-19 OUTDOOR DINING
As I'm getting older, I appreciate hip places that make be feel like I'm in my 20s again. Not to mention, collagen-rich foods...chicken feet, pig's feet, etc. I mean, there's a reason they say, "AZN don't raisin!"....we love our feet.
While researching places to eat during a recent staycation, I was immediately sold on North Block, a new restaurant in Yountville...
Momofuku alum. Refined Californian Cuisine using locally grown ingredients. Full bar. Dog-friendly.
And....new AND hip!
Big city vibes in a small charming town.
YAS!
Unfortunately, I agree with Paul L....North Block has promise but they're not there yet (or I visited on an off night). Our dishes ranged from great to underwhelming. That's the risk you take when dining at the new new but I'm confident that they'll improve.
C O V I D - 1 9 S A F E T Y P R E C A U T I O N S
* Staff wore masks properly.
* Single-use menus.
* Outdoor tables were spaced out more than 6+ feet. Open-air front patio and courtyard seating. Heat lamps available.
* Hand sanitizer available.
D R I N K S / F O O D
* Northside: Ford's Gin w/ guava, lime, mint ($16): https://bit.ly/3aqEPlA
Pretty drink with a nice tropical tartness but light on the booze.
* Vesper ($19)
Decided to just order my usual and it didn't disappoint....stiff!
* Hendricks Tonic: $15
Standard.
* Tomales Bay Oysters w/ yuzu mignonette (1/2 dozen - $21): https://bit.ly/3tE1XVm
Loved the simple, oceanic presentation. I only tried one oyster which was a bit fishy but mainly because the yuzu mignonette leaked out from the sides of the oysters. Easily solved by adding a side of the mignonette with the oysters.
* Cured Mt. Lassen Trout w/ almond milk, bay leaf oil, trout roe ($18): https://bit.ly/3tE4Ghy
Between the two crudos, this my fav. The fresh trout was silky soft and I liked the pop of saltiness from the trout roe.
* Big Eye Tuna Crudo w/ rhubarb, meyer lemon, ginger ($22)
While the tuna was fresh and silky, it didn't have any flavor. IMO, needed more acid; didn't taste the meyer lemon or ginger.
* Smoked Lamb Ribs w/ green romesco sauce, pistachio, turnips (1/2 order - $20): https://bit.ly/2QGEMLs
BEST dish of the night! Lighting issues outside so the picture doesn't do these bomb ribs justice (not dry as my pic makes them to look).
The smoked lamb ribs were deliciously smoky and tender with a flavorful dry rub. Enjoyed eating all fatty, sinewy sections and the cartilage.
Loved it so much that we ordered another round. Just as great, as the first round but the portion was different (1st round: 5 ribs, 2nd round: 4 ribs).
* Duck a la Gray: Dry-aged Liberty Duck, preserved lime, crème fraîche, tatsoi ($39): https://bit.ly/3eijtYT
Perfectly rendered, the duck had a crispy skin and the breast was tender, albeit a tad dry. This is a matter of preference but I wasn't a fan of the gravy. I think something fruity would have complemented the duck more.
* Wood-fired Sourdough Pizza - Duck Sausage, tomato, mozzarella, basil, chili oil ($21): https://bit.ly/3sAX2TO
Great blistered crust with leopard spotting, the sourdough crust had a good chew and flavor. The sprinkling of sesame seeds on the exterior crust was genius! Loved the toasty, nutty flavor it added. A better proportion and distribution of ingredient(s) are needed as only half the pizza had cheese.
* Burnt Cheesecake ($12): https://bit.ly/3vanYf5
Been on a hunt for a burnt basque cheesecake that rivals Basuku's so I was excited to order this. The burnt top layer added a strong and distinctive caramel-y flavor but the cheesecake itself was dry and mealy.
S E R V I C E
Friendly, approachable, and attentive.
Food service was timely and we were never waiting long for another course.
A M B I A N C E
Minimalist and contemporary. We sat at the quiet front patio so enjoyed people and dog watching during our meal. The courtyard patio was more lively.
P A R K I N G
Private lot at North Block Hotel.
Overall, the food was a mixed bag but we still enjoyed our meal, the service, and the vibe. They're super new so I'm sure they'll get there. 3.5 stars rounded up.