Petaluma's Newest Neighborhood Dining Destination
By
Carol & Joe Davis
Dining Detectives
The
Petaluma dining scene continues to evolve to accommodate the seemingly
never ending appetite for quality cuisine. Luma Restaurant
in the Riverfront Warehouse District at the corner of First and
G. Streets was recently opened by Restaurateurs Tim
and Kate Tatum to be a local friendly neighborhood
dining destination. The stylish interior features a bar area for
drinks or dining, an exhibition kitchen with Wood Burning Oven
and comfy booths and tables creating a cozy but not too busy or
noisy atmosphere. We ordered some wine and settled in as we looked
at the menu and the specials board.
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We
were extremely pleased with all of our Starters. The creamy and
delicious Nanny Bea's Chicken Liver Mousse was topped
with clarified butter and came with chopped egg, onion and a crostini.
The Duck Confit Salad with persimmon, pomegranate, apples,
and five spice vinaigrette was excellent. We also loved the house
ground Luma Meat Balls which were made with both pork
and beef. The Baked Pear with blue cheese, figs, walnuts and port
glaze was unique, firm and delightful! Next, we had the Tomato
Ginger Bisque which was the Soup of the Day. It was silky, smooth
and tasty. The Pizzas are a must and you can create your own by
choosing from a list of additional toppings. Our choice was a
unique Wood Oven Pulled Pork Pizza.
The
Entrees were quite impressive as well! The Red Wine and Coffee
Braised Short Ribs with roasted root vegetables and mashed
potatoes were flavorful and tender. The Lomo Saltado
was an interesting Peruvian beef stir fry over ginger basmati
rice which was quite satisfying. We're glad we listened to our
professional server Christine who recommended the Herb Roasted
Half Chicken with lemon dark chicken jus and fabulous mushroom
bread pudding. This was our favorite! You must also have the Crispy
Brussels Sprouts with pancetta as a side dish. The texture
and flavors were superb.
The
Wine List is focused with excellent local and International choices.
The 2003 Stubbs Chardonnay, Marin County and the 2009
TuTu Pinot Grigio Napa Valley paired well with our starters.
The 2007 Stubbs Pinot Noir and the 2009 Chapoutier "Bila-Haut"
Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, France paired well with our entrees.
We relaxed with coffee which came in oversized cups and perused
the Dessert menu. We also ordered Sonoma Valley Portworks Deco
Port with essences of natural chocolate and Grahams aged Tawny
Port and were ready for a fabulous finish.
The
Almond Panna Cotta with brandied cherries, the Deep Chocolate
Pot De Crème with orange Chantilly cream and the Pear Bread
Pudding with port caramel sauce were all excellent. We loved the
dessert presentation and all were served with stylish long spoons
and forks. Perhaps, making it easier to share! Luma , with their
accomplished Chef Jen Solomon has once again helped raise the
bar for excellent, reasonably priced dining in Petaluma. It may
have started out as a neighborhood restaurant but will surely
become a destination from around the Bay Area.
Luma
Restaurant
500 First Street
Petaluma, CA. 94952
707-658-1940
www.LumaPetaluma.com