Ever since I moved to San Francisco, I’ve heard nothing but glowing reviews of Glen Ellen Star Restaurant. When The Glen Ellen Star team invited me to join them for dinner, I was over the moon! Follow along to see The Fabulous Glen Ellen Star Restaurant.
Glen Ellen Star Restaurant
Besides knowing the rave reviews, I did not realize it was owned by a husband and wife team. I love to hear romantic success stories as well as support local small businesses. The restaurant is owned and operated by Executive Chef Ari Weiswasser and his wife, Erinn Benziger-Weiswasser. It was their mission to “create an inviting, neighborhood-friendly restaurant that consistently exceeds expectations.” With Chef Ari’s background working at New York restaurants including Daniel, Picholine, and Paul Liebrandt’s Corton, and The French Laundry he possessives extensive experience in well-known restaurants which he shares with guests at The Glen Ellen Star. 13648 Arnold Dr, Glen Ellen, CA 95442. 707-343-1384.
The Glen Ellen Star is a cozy 24 seat restaurant, plus 8 seats at the chefs counter with views of the chef & kitchen from every seat. It’s the type of place where you truly feel at home as if everyone knows your name. You must check out the Glen Ellen Star Restaurant Sonoma!
Executive Chef Ari Weiswasser and his wife Erinn Benziger-Weiswasser.
Delicious Dinner
We were welcomed with a gorgeous seafood platter. What a yummy way to kick off our meal. The presentation alone was fabulous, not to mention the tasty bites and light rose pairing. Perfection!
We progressed to a Spring Pea Soup with Ricotta Gnudi and a Kale Salad with Vadouvan Wanuts, Strawberries and a Spicy Peanut Dressing. Chef Ari and his sous chefs are picking ingredients daily or sourcing from local purveyors. With this we enjoyed a Benziger Family 2014 Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc. Being a lover of white wines, I really enjoyed this Sauvignon Blanc with it’s flavorful crisp taste pairing nicely with the soup and salad. I felt quite spoiled that with each food course we were able to enjoy a specific wine pairing. There was clearly a lot of thought and love put into this menu which says a lot about Chef Ari and Erinn.
How often are you able to talk to the Chef, hear his thoughts on the menu and really get to know the personality behind the amazing restaurant you’re experiencing. What a memorable experience!
The wood oven which is where the pizzas, whole roasted fish and vegetable side dishes are cooked
Some of the amazing veggies on the menu from the wood burning oven.
Brûléed bellwether farms fromage blanc cheesecake, serres ranch blueberry preserves.
Chef Ari welcoming us and spending the time chatting illustrates how intimate the restaurant is and what they stand for. I hope you’re lucky enough to experience this local gem. I promise you’ll be dying to return once you do.
Our goodbye surprise… I could not have been more excited to add a Glen Ellen Star KOOZIE to my collection!
The amazing pizza surprise we each received as we left the restaurant. As if the meal wasn’t fabulous enough I was going to have Glen Ellen Star pizza to enjoy as a souvenir. This may be the most memorable roodie I’ve ever had!
The gorgeous pizza which I enjoyed as a bed time snack and of course for breakfast the next day.
A huge thank you to Chef Ari and his team for a FABULOUS meal and wonderful experience. Looking forward to returning soon!
Select Photo Courtesy of The Glen Ellen Star Restaurant.
What do you think?