The funky Jack London Village in Glen Ellen has long been rife with dining possibilities, if not always success stories. Although the charming Olive and Vine and Himalayan eatery, Yeti, are flourishing in the village, the large Grist Mill building has seen restaurant after restaurant struggle and fail, despite its spectacular outdoor seating and quiet location.
That may soon change with the arrival of Aventine. The sceney bar and restaurant concept headed up by Alioto kin Adolfo and Gian-Paolo Veronese has locations in San Francisco and Hollywood, with a third slated to open in late spring in Glen Ellen.
Chef Adolfo (Wolfgang Puck, Drago, Evvia) plans an Italian osteria menu with arancini, Sicilian lemon marinated octopus, burrata, wood-fired pizzas (we’re especially excited about the Tartufo with black truffle honey, bechamel and arugula), roasted red beet pasta with short rib ragu (gluten free pizza and pastas are available), branzino, grilled lamb chops and desserts like coffee panna cotta, fried dough with Nutella and jam and caramel budino.
Full bar (one of only three in Glen Ellen), inside and outside dining and (hopefully) some staying power. With the several restaurants already under their belt–and in the family–chances are good.