Chef David Bush, who propelled St. Francis Winery to be named “Best Restaurant in America” has left to open his own restaurant, Oso, on the Sonoma Square.
Bush says the restaurant will have two parts: The front lounge with small plates (around $6-$18) and wine by the glass–a casual drop-in spot that feels like an extension of the plaza. The rear part of the restaurant will be reserved for a prix fixe five-course tasting menu (around $65 per person) with a $35 wine pairing addition.
“The goal is to execute a tasting menu in the main dining room with a strong emphasis on pairing my food with local wines,” Bush said, making the fit a natural for the winery chef. With local sommelier Brian Kulich on board, the list is certain to have some stellar off-the-radar boutique gems on the list. The menu is still in development, but Bush calls it “New California: local, seasonal and eclectic, but not esoteric.” Because really, who needs esoteric on their plate?
“Opening a restaurant has been my goal since I started cooking at age fourteen,” said Bush. “Stuffy doesn’t work in Sonoma, (but) what does is excellent food and hospitality. We want to…give people an experience that has been absent for too long on Sonoma’s Plaza.”
Opening is slated for late May at 9 East Napa St.on the Sonoma Plaza. Oso will begin with dinner service, with lunch and brunch down the line.