Partake By KJ

Last year, our favorite meal on Restaurant Week was at Partake by KJ. This year, they offered a 3-course dinner for $29 and another for $39. Wine pairings were just $10.

When we sat down, we were given a mystery wine in a black glass and

an amuse bouche of mozzarella with pickled radish. The mystery wine turned out to be a Sauvignon Blanc.

The $29 options included:

Mushroom soup, Pickled Mushrooms, Crispy Pancetta, Creme Fraiche. This was delicious. It was creamy and rich and so much better than the mushroom soup at Restaurant Hazel. This was paired with Jackson Estate Outland Ridge 2013 Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley.

The other 1st course option was Farmer T’s Greens, Herb and Shallot Vinaigrette, Roasted Pistachios, Vella Dry Jack Cheese. No one at our table ordered this but it was a huge bowl.

One of the 2nd course offerings was Roasted Chicken Romesco, Estate Spigarello, Pickled Pepper Relish. I didn't like the Romesco and the chicken would have been better brined. This was paired with Jackson Estate Los Robles, 2013 Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County.

The other options was Potato Gnocchi, Chanterelle Mushrooms, Poached Purple Onions, Tuscan Kale

The dessert was the best. It was Caramelized White Chocolate Cheesecake Mousse, Bacon-Praline

Crumble, Chardonnay Caramel Sauce. The bacon praline was amazing--sweet and salty at the same time. It was paired with Grand Reserve Late Harvest Riesling 2013 from Monterey County.

The $39 dinner included:

Cured Hamachi crudo, Citrus Salad, Jalapeno, Juniper, Pea Shoots. This was paired with a chardonnay but since none of us were chardonnay fans, we opted for the pinot.

Grilled Squid , Bone Marrow, Chimichurri, Oyster Mushrooms. This was also paired with the Pinot from Anderson Valley. This was great. The squid was perfectly grilled and the chimichurri was the perfect accompaniment.

Roasted Lamb Loin, Estate Squash, Pickled Chantrelles, Fennel, Lam Jus. This was paired with Jackson Estate Alisos Hills Syrah, 2013 from Santa Barbara County. The lamb was perfectly cooked and tasted great with the Syrah. 

Braised shortribs , Rosted Winter Squash, Squash Puree, Turnips. This was paired with Jackson Estate Trace Ridge, 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon from Knight's Valley. This was tender and also delicious.

“Bowl of Cereal”, Oplay Panna Cotta, Graham Cracker instead of Caramelized Rice Krispies, Dulcey

Cremuex, Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream. This was also paired with the late harvest Riesling. This was not as good as the other dessert. I think the caramelized rice krispies would have been better.

Unfortunately, this will be out last meal at Partake. The restaurant is closing and will be replaced by a Siduri tasting room. So sad!

2016 03 12