CLOSED
Market eateries are a hot trend for 2011, and Woodruff’s Artisan Foods & Cafe in Sebastopol is the second to open in recent in recent months (the first being Fresh by Lisa Hemenway in Santa Rosa). Part restaurant, part take-out, part gourmet food market and wine shop they’re hybrid culinary one-stops inspired by European food halls.
Housed in a former bowling alley, owner David Woodruff is an SRJC culinary grad embarking on his second career after 25 years in the automotive industry. Lending serious culinary cred is Luz Quiroz, a native of Colombia who was the private chef of both the Swarovski (as in crystal) family and Rush Limbaugh.
With a mix of grab and go sandwiches, cheeses, gourmet groceries and sit-down dining, the crew is hoping to keep you coming back. The seasonal, local menu changes up frequently, and Quiroz’s Latin flair — including fresh arepas, (toasted corn cakes) and homemade chimichurri — keeps things interesting.
At opening, the crew are serving up impressive breakfast, weekend brunches and lunches inside the cafe (named after Woodruff’s fiance, Marcella, who also helps in the kitchen) with plans to launch dinner within a year. Homemade breads and pastries are baked daily in house, and menu items include dishes like French Toast Souffle, fresh blueberry scones, ragu Bolognese, steak au poivre, savory bread pudding with applewood smoked bacon and Point Reyes blue cheese, homemade soups and lighter salads.
Breakfast entrees range from $4.25 to $9 and lunch is $6.95 to about $12.
Adding to the mix is David’s special passion for handcrafted beers, which he’s included in the grocery section, along with local artisan foods, cheeses and wines. All menu items can be taken to-go.
It’s a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
Woodruff’s Artisan Foods and Cafe Marcella, 966 Gravenstein Hwy S., Sebastopol, (707) 829-2141. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 7:30 am to 6pm, Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Menus and daily specials online at Woodruff’s Facebook page.