Page 180 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2025 GRAND VOYAGE
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SONOMA DINING
STORY AND PHOTOS BY ALISON DAROSA
ne of the the bill – from the
b e s t - signature fig and
O k n o w n arugula salad
restaurants in the (studded with
town of Sonoma goat cheese,
is the iconic girl & pancetta, pecans
the fig. (Yes, the and grilled figs)
entire name is lower case.) It’s where I to the plat du jour: braised rabbit under
started my Sonoma dining adventures. a blanket of buttery mashed potatoes.
I was solo, but seated at a prime Everything was happily enhanced with
window table for my 7 p.m. reservation. sips of a full-bodied Rhone.
The place was crowded with clientele As I pondered the dessert menu, a
who seemed to fit the low-key vibe of sparkling flute of champagne arrived
the lower-case eatery: dressed in jeans, at my table – a sante’ from strangers
sweatshirts, flannels and puffer jackets. across the room, a couple celebrating Left: Valley Bar and Bottle. Right: the girl and the fig
The noise level was warm and friendly, with a magnum. Their gesture made
not overwhelming, but sometimes ani- me feel at home, like family. It became
mated – a bit like the food diners were my perfect dessert. The dark chocolate
promised: “country, with French pas- sea salt cookie I’d ordered was the
sion.” proverbial cherry on top – right down
Owner Sondra Bernstein, who to the last crumb of its warm melty
opened the restaurant in 1997, describes goodness. Opens 11:30 a.m. weekdays,
the menu as rustic French. My meal fit 10 a.m. weekends. Closes at 9 p.m.
daily. www.thegirlandthefig.com.
180 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SPRING 2025
