A Frank Melis review:
Last week I took my wife and daughters to check out the new Walter Hansel Bistro in the beautiful Russian River Valley. The restaurant is about 1 mile away from the Walter Hansel Winery and 1 mile from Historic Railroad Square in Santa Rosa, California.
The Bistro is a cozy, single story converted farmhouse that seats about 90 people.
We started with
A great Amuse Bouche of cauliflower and pesto “shooter” served in a tequila shot glass
We shared some appetizers
Liberty Duck Rillettes – A Confit duck leg, baguette crouton, cornichons and quince apple chutney
Lobster Bisque “en Croute” – A Creamy lobster bisque in a puff pastry crust with a cognac topping.
Hickory Smoked Salmon Peruvian Causa – Whipped potato, hickory smoked salmon, quail egg, Aji amarillo cream
Mussels prepared in grandmother-like sauce served Belgian style with “skinny” fries
For entrees we ordered
Australian Rack of Lamb – Herbs Crusted, vegetables Tian, polenta, quince pear chutney
Corvina Sea Bass – Bloomsdale spinach, gratin Savoyard, micro Arugula, Beurre blanc
Day Boat Royal Sea Scallop – Sunchoke puree, fried capers, pommes “gaufrettes,” truffle butter
We ended with
An assortment of various Sorbets and a French Press Coffee
Our family always scores from 1 to 5, and according to my girls it was a 4.5 out of 5
The ambiance was a 4.1/5, Service was 4.8/5, Food was 4.5/5, Menu Pricing 4.2/5.
I would recommend a visit to Walter Hansel Bistro, and when you do make sure to use my name when making a reservation. Ask for Stephen Hansel (owner) www.walterhanselbistro.com
3535 Guerneville Rd, Santa Rosa, CA