Seared
Steak & Seafood
Petaluma's Premier Steakhouse
Dining
Detectives
By Carol & Joe Davis
Petaluma's
Historic 165 year old Wickersham Building on Petaluma
Boulevard North has started a new chapter in its long storied
history. It has housedrestaurants, retail shops, banks, storage
facilities and some say it was once a Speakeasy. We are big fans
of Steak Houses and when we heard that local Petaluma residents
Ken O'Donnell, Jeff Inglin and Kent Armbright had opened Seared
Steak & Seafood we knew we had to see what it was all about.
We were told that the kitchen had a major renovation and were
pleased to see that the exposed brick walls were refurbished as
well. The restaurant has a large bar area on the left with both
bar and table seating, dining room to the right with tables nicely
spaced for privacy and an exhibition kitchen in the back where
you can see the chefs preparing the cuisine. The vintage glass
chandeliers also add to the charm and the high ceilings help keep
the noise level low.
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We
were seated in the dining room and started out with Specialty
Cocktails from their Full Bar. The bartender made a fabulous Cosmo
served in a traditional martini glass with Grey Goose Vodka. It
was quite pink, strong and not too sweet which is how we like
it! We also enjoyed a refreshing Moscow Mule made with Hammer
& Sickle Premium Vodka, fresh lime juice and Fever Tree Ginger
Beer which was served ice cold in a Copper Mug.
The
Appetizers we enjoyed were both surf and turf. We loved the cold
fresh half dozen local oysters. We put together a combination
of Drakes Bay, Marin Miyagi and CA. Kumamoto which were served
with Mignonette and Harissa Cocktail sauce. The Dungeness Deviled
Eggs made with Kanani B. Farm Egg, Dungeness Crab salad and Bourbon-pickled
Jalapeno were excellent and very attractive. We especially loved
the kick from the Jalapeno. The 1200 degree "Seared Filet
Mignon Skewers" with Jalapeno Chermoula were served medium
rare and just slightly spicy. We also enjoyed the Monterey Bay
Calamari which was Crispy 5-Spice Dusted with cilantro, Fresno
Chilies, sesame seeds and sweet chili garlic aioli.
Our
next course was their excellent Apple A Day Salad made with Bloomsdale
Spinach, heirloom apples, candied bacon, 5-minute egg, roasted
pistachios, pickled shallot and mustard vinaigrette. The salad
was really unique and had a perfect balance of salty and tart.
The
menu entrees feature Steaks and Seafood which works out well so
there is something for everyone. The Sea Bass with beet puree,
toasted hazelnut brown butter, tangerine and Bloomsdale Spinach
was a favorite and a wonderful combination of flavors. There are
great choices as one might expect for steaks. We loved the King
Cut Prime Rib which was perfectly prepared rare as ordered
and so flavorful. However please note that it is only available
on weekends. Hearty eaters or those who wish to share a giant
steak will love the "El Jefe" which is a 32 ounce Dry
Aged Bone-In Rib Eye served with roasted marrow bones, mashed
potatoes and duck confit gravy. El Jefe is a Spanish term for
the chief or boss and this steak lived up to its name! We also
enjoyed Side dishes of Creamed Spinach with Crispy Shallots and
Crème Fraiche Mashed Potatoes.
The
Wine List has something for everyone and features Premium local
wines. We enjoyed a bottle of the 2010 Enriquez Tempranillo Petaluma
Gap Sonoma County Estate, premium local red wine with our dinner.
We were quite full and opted to share a dessert. The Chocolate
Indecision II was delicious as it included White Chocolate
Pot De Crème, Chocolate Cake, Malted Buttercream, and Salted
Chocolate Caramel. It was just fabulous. A Double Espresso and
a Numi Tea were the perfect finish to our excellent dinner.
Seared
Steak & Seafood which serves premium Dry Aged Steaks,
fresh sustainable Seafood and seasonal and local ingredients ups
the ante for premium dining in Petaluma. The service was professional,
knowledgeable and relaxed and the dining experience was worthy
of a Steak House.
Executive
Chef Joe O'Donnell is a graduate of The Cordon
Bleu Culinary Academy. He has previously been a chef locally in
the Bay Area and brings a wealth of culinary experience which
shows in the cuisine that is served. We look forward to returning
soon for dinner or to try their new lunch offerings.
Seared
Steak & Seafood
170 Petaluma Blvd. North
Petaluma, CA. 94952
707-762-5977
www.SearedPetaluma.com
Dinner
Tuesday-Sunday
Lunch (New Hours)
Closed Monday
Happy Hour Tues-Sat 4 PM-6 PM
Late Night Happy Hour Friday & Saturday 9 PM-10 PM
Reservations Accepted on Open Table or call
Banquet & Special Events Facilities Available