Page 81 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 DISCOVERING MENDOCINO

ALBION RIVER INN DINING

COASTAL CUISINE WITH A twist
For our second evening in Mendocino we were Fortunately, we learned from our previous night's
fortunate enough to snag a reservation at the Al- dining experience to dress for the occasion. Which
bion River Inn, a 15 minute drive from our hotel at meant several layers and our warmest coats.
Little River. The highly recommended restaurant The sunset was spectacular. We would find it
is on everyone’s best Northern California Coastal rare on the coast of Mendocino when a sunset
dining list. Located in the tiny community of Al- wasn’t spectacular. Most of the tables were full
bion, the Inn’s hotel and restaurant is set on a bluff when we arrived. Most of the tables were on the
overlooking the Pacific. top terrace just outside the restaurant, but one
It’s a narrow windy road getting there, and on couple were celebrating a special occasion at a
this dark night we almost passed the entrance. We lone table within a few yards of the edge of the
entered the large dining room with an impressive bluff. All were bundled appropriately.
bar at one end, now empty because of Covid. They While waiting for the first course, Ron decided
led us to the bluff side lawn dining area just before to take a few photos of the restaurant. While he
the sun sank into the ocean. Tables were appropri- was inside he chatted with the friendly bartender
ately pandemic spaced, the servers were all who explained that they had a significant selection
masked and thankfully the space heaters at each of Scotch and Irish Whiskeys. Right away Ron
table cranked to full. It was already chilly, and the flashed back to drinking a delicious Writer’s Tears
mist and slight ocean breeze made it even colder. whiskey in Dublin a few years ago. The bartender

WINEDINEANDTRAVEL.COM 81