Chalkboard Expanding and Expanding

Intimate prix fixe dinners and expanded patio


Work has started on the new Chalkboard patio at the Les Mars Hotel.
Work has started on the new Chalkboard patio at the Les Mars Hotel.

The wildly popular Chalkboard, which took over the Cyrus space at the Les Mars Hotel last year, is upping its game.

Starting in late April 2014, they’ll be offering an 8-plus course prix fixe tasting menu in the hotel’s revamped “library room” on Friday and Saturday night. The intimate space seats just 16, and according to Chef Shane McAnelly, and is “the next step up” for the Bill Foley-owned restaurant.

It’s hard not to start making comparisons to Cyrus, with its haute tasting menus and Michelin-star status, but McAnelly says the vibe will be all Chalkboard. “For us its just a chance to have some fun. I am really excited and passionate about this next evolution of our restaurant,” he said.

The menu is still in development, but an exclusive sneak preview includes dishes like kampachi crude, bacon consommé with pork belly and 63-degree quail egg, pancetta wrapped duck breast with duck liver mousse, grilled ribeye steak with bone marrow, and a dessert called the “Drunk Elvis” with banana, peanut butter, rum, bacon and chocolate ganache. The prix fixe dinner will run about $100 per person, and additional wine pairings will be offered.

But wait, there’s more. The hotel’s pool has been filled in (who even knew there was a pool?) to make way for an expanded patio area, expected to open later this spring.

Chalkboard, 29 North St., Healdsburg, 707-473-8030.