The former Russian House # 1 in Jenner has reopened as a casual restaurant with global cuisine. Jill Rayna Lippitt is behind the new food venture, which features a frequently changing menu that has recently included barbecue pork belly banh mi, rice noodle bowl, chicken and tofu satay, boba milk tea, Thai tea and sesame vanilla cream soda.
Russian House #1 closed in December 2021 after co-owners Tatiana Ginzburg, Tatiana Urusova and Polina Krasikova lost their lease on the experimental, pay-what-you-want restaurant and spiritual center outside Jenner. Nested on a hill overlooking an estuary of the Russian River, it boasted epic views and Russian comfort food with a side of mysticism.
Jilly’s Real Food Roadhouse is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, but call ahead to confirm before you go. 9960 CA-1, Jenner, 707-756-0119.
On the horizon
An update on the former Oyster bistro at the Barlow: Acre Pizza owner Steve DeCosse will take over the 850-square-foot oyster and champagne bar formerly owned by Sushi Kosho’s Jake Rand. DeCosse, who founded Acre Coffee (now Avid Coffee), plans to open an affordable pasta restaurant at 6770 McKinley St. in Sebastopol.
“It’s always been a passion of mine to create a family-friendly pasta restaurant,” said DeCosse. “Over the last few years, I have been traveling and studying pasta in Italy, Portugal and Spain. I have now decided to create a pasta ‘bar’ restaurant focused on simple but elevated options.”
Pasta will be made fresh daily, and DeCosse hopes to crack the code on artisan-quality pasta at fast-casual prices — ideally under $15 per entrée.
“My intention here is to offer our community a very affordable dining experience with Old World hospitality,” he said. Watch for a spring 2025 opening.
You can reach Dining Editor Heather Irwin at heather.irwin@pressdemocrat.com. Follow Heather on Instagram @biteclubeats.