This is a small gem you would not see on a casual drive through Petaluma. It is a couple of blocks east of Petaluma Blvd S. in the redeveloped river front area. It is a small restaurant with about six choices in each of the categories of appetizer, pizza and pasta, and other entrees, with the addition of many nightly specials. We loved the atmosphere - simple wood tables and walls painted in a rich earthy color, highlighted by a couple of nice paintings, and a wine bar. There are a few outdoor tables with heat lamps for cool nights.
I had the pasta special of the day - bucatini with bolognese sauce topped with lightly sauteed bell peppers and a few plump cherry tomatoes, which helped counter the richness of the sauce. It was delicious! My husband's steak was well prepared but the chimichurri sauce was a little too spicy for his taste. For appetizers we shared the bruschetta - three pieces topped with a soft white cheese and on one a tomato-less ratatouille, different things on the other two. These were very tasty, especially with the Argentinian wine we tried. For dessert we had the chocolate cake, but the couple next to us was ecstatic over their Key lime pie!
The atmosphere and service here is great - this was our first visit but we were greeted like long lost friends. The smaller tables are close together, but you can be as friendly or as private as you want. We engaged in conversations with the people on both sides of us, and this made our evening even more special.
The menu and the specials suggest that the food here is a creative interpretation of several ethnic cuisines. We're anxious to go back and try more!
