We ended the day with dinner at Valley Bar and Bottle in Sonoma. When we walked in, I was delighted in the ambiance and layout of the restaurant.

It was a cornucopia of gathered creativity.

Sara started with the XO EGG. Next up, was the SAUSAGE AND MUSTARD, shared between us.

The LETTUCES WITH GREEN GODDESS AND SEEDS was perhaps one of the most visually beautiful – yet casually put together – salad dishes I’ve enjoyed.

The MELON WITH PICKLED CHILIES AND MINT too the melon from its basic juicy sweetness and into a layered flavor of slight puckering on the tongue. Frankly, it was the radishes for me.

Shortly after, our collection of dishes that created our main course arrived. The CRISPY RICE WITH SCALLION-GINGER SAUCE paired well with the EGGPLANT IN GARLIC SAUCE and HALIBUT WITH GREENS IN TOMATO BUTTER. The fried rice with the halibut was outstanding.

Honestly, the music and the vibe just felt that we weren’t in a restaurant in Sonoma. We were in someone’s home, with meals prepared from recipes of the heart.

Unfortunately, the winds in Sonoma were incredibly high. The restaurant has two doors open – which made for a breezy dining experience. I tried my best to focus on the delicious food before us. But, at a certain point, I had to tap out. I was just completely full of the day. But I cannot stress how delicious, cozy, and comfortable feeling being in Valley was.

It simply felt like home.

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