Aquarelle

Boonville is a small town in Anderson Valley, about 115 miles north of San Francisco. We've been driving through it for years on our way to the coast. The town is growing and each time we pass through, there's another new establishment.

We decided to stop in Aquarelle recently. The restaurant opened in November 2012 and specializes in small plates.

 

Point Reyes Blue Cheese, Organic Baby Mixed Greens, Toasted Walnuts and Pear Slices, tossed in a Raspberry-Shallot Vinaigrette--$8. This was a nice salad. It was large enough for 2 people and the vinaigrette was delicious. It was overly sweet despite the Raspberry in the Vinaigrette.

 

Moroccan Style Meatballs, Fresh Ground Beef, Israeli Cous Cous, Micro Greens--$9. This was not good. The meatball was too dry and didn't have much flavor.

 

Duck Tostadas, Smokey Raisin Mole, Fresh Cucumber, Cotija Cheese--$6. I'm not a fan of mole but this mole did have a good flavor. I didn't think it worked with the duck though.

 

Roasted Garlic Mac 'N Cheese--$6. This was a tiny portion with not enough noodles and too much sauce. The noodles were limp and overcooked.

 

Panko Crusted Crab Cakes, Pan Fried, Lemon Basil Aioli--$15. This was canned crab and there weren't large chunks of crab.

 

 

Overall, I was disappointed. I was told this was the first time the chef was not in the kitchen so I may give it another try on another visit.

 

 

 

2013 08 19