October 22, 2007
Cyrus
Wanted to do the Wine Country as part of our honeymoon. Of course, the French Laundry would've been the #1 dining option, but after a futile week's worth of the dialing-for-reservations game, I decided that Sonoma and the two-star Cyrus was the sane way to go. Booked a B&B near Healdsburg Square almost next door to the Hotel Les Mars where the restaurant is located.
Unfortunately, I was a bit under the weather that day, we were probably underdressed for a two-star, and mom hates Western food anyway, although she was at least impressed by the fresh matsutake mushrooms. Nevertheless, the service remained impeccable, and the food was tasteful and tasty as well. The Tasting Menu would've been ridiculous overkill, so we went with the three-course per person option, picking from a big list of options which didn't distinguish between appetizers, entrees, or desserts. Of course, the kitchen sent out the courses in perfect pacing, with amuses, ices, and other small tastes to create a much bigger variety of flavors than a three-course dinner would typically imply.
It was cool to experience one of Bay Area's finest restaurants, and thanks to the folks for picking up the (large) bill. But it was all a bit overwhelming and over-the-top for us, e.g. the caviar cart at the beginning and the cheese cart at the end. Maybe we'll try it again for an anniversary someday.
The Menu
Canapés
Amuse Bouche
* * *
Oxtail and Umeshu Consommé with Daikon and Wasabi
Matustake Mushroom with Sea Beans and Water Chestnuts, Sudachi Broth
Glazed Endive with Crisp Collard Green Cake and Baby Turnips
Seared Hamachi with Spinach Gomae, Chilled Shoyu-Konbu Consommé
* * *
Fois Gras Prepared Three Ways
Tasting of Tomatoes
* * *
Black Sea Bass with Haricots Verts and Cherry Tomatoes, Bay Leaf Nage
Crispy Poussin with Green Eggs and Ham
Pappardelle with Pork Shank and Red Cabbage, Mustard Froth
Roulade of Lamb with Spiced Eggplant and Tomato Confit, Verjus Sauce
Pumpkin Ice Cream with Pomegranate, Poached Pear Panna Cotta, Caramel Apple
Quince-Caramel Bread Pudding, Fig Caramel Napoleon and Dulce De Leche
* * *
Mignardises
Phew...
Cyrus
29 North St.
Healdsburg, CA
707.433.3311