Mendocino County

In article , "Neil W. Henry"
Someone wrote:

> I'm looking for recommendations of restaurants to visit in May, on the
> Mendocino coast or inland. I'll be staying in Ft. Bragg for a few days
> and also in the Anderson Valley. I've got the standard guidebooks, and
> have scanned the CofC websites, but would appreciate any more personal
> reports.
> I'm interested in all types of food, but like to try chef-owned and/or
> smaller places rather than the big 3*** operations.
> Thanks.

Three recommendations:

(a)  Booneville Hotel in, of course, Booneville (Anderson Valley) for lunch.  Probably the best Mexican food I've ever eaten.  Most recently I loved the cubed pork, marinated in orange juice and chiles, then braised in the marinade and stock until meltingly tender, and served with house-made (I think) fresh corn tortillas.   Without anything else, the fresh fried tortilla chips and two equally fresh salsas are worth the visit.  I expect taht dinner is at least as good, although it's not Mexican -- different chef.

(b) Pangaea in Point Arena (about 50 miles south of Mendocino).  Excellent California cuisine -- fresh ingredients, including fresh house-made bread.   Most recently:  perfectly cooked crab cakes flavored with lemongrass and chockful of fresh crab drizzled with a cucumber-dill yogurt sauce; roast salmon, intense flavors, crisp exterior, meltingly tender interior.

(c) Cafe Moosse in Mendocino.  Only tried it for lunch, but every dish I've had has been intensely and robustly flavored and served in ample amounts.  As Cafe Beaujolais is no longer serving lunch, for my tast, this is the only good place in town.

In the waning years of the 20th century, "Neil W. Henry"
 wrote (with possible deletions):

> I'm looking for recommendations of restaurants to visit in May, on the
> Mendocino coast or inland.

Breakfast at Cafe Beaujolais in Mendocino at 961 Ukiah.  Be sure and buy bread and Beaujolais blend spices to take home.

Didn't really find a good bakery, deli or pizza place in Mendocino.

The good dinner spot was on the same street as the Beaujolais Cafe, but further west towards town on the same side of the street, but not sure of the name.  According to the net at http://www.555-1212 and looking up restaurants in Mendocino the only possibility is Lu's Kitchen at 45013 Ukiah St..  I remember that in Sept of 1993, the restaurant hadn't been open very long.  They served wonderfully prepared fresh food and veggies.  Flowers on the plate and a sorbet that was excellent.  The restaurant was located on the 2nd floor of the building, just can't locate a receipt for the specific name. Sorry.

Haven't stayed at Ft. Bragg, but have made 3 all day trips on the skunk train. What a wonderful experience.  They have two trains depending on the time of the year (and how high the fire danger for the area is) and I have made trips on both.  It gives you a relaxing day with a midway stop, if you only want a 1/2 day trip.  The food at the midway stop is also fairly good.  You can buy homemade jams, preserves and baked goods at the midway point.

Have a wonderful trip, our now 18 year old didn't appreciate the trip as much then, but wants to return now and has mentioned the area to several friends within the last year.

Barbara Lull
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