Girl & the Fig

My dinner at Girl & the Fig summed up everything I wanted for my birthday this year--simple, warm, cozy, loved and blessed.

G&F is a warm and cozy French restaurant in Historical Downtown Sonoma.

The place was not very big but instead of feeling claustrophobic, you will feel like you are getting a big hug when sitting at those big fluffy booths or even at just their regular tables for two. The place is decorated in warm earth colors. The lounge area is like being at one's homey, classy and pretty living room with a comfy couch. It's a perfect blend of French and wine country interior decoration.

This is a French/California restaurant but the service is very friendly, unpretentious and down-to-earth. Our server really made us welcome. A complimentary basket of bread arrived as soon as we sat down.

LAVENDER MOJITO: They must have known that it was my birthday because they have LAVENDER MOJITO! (I had this at Aziza on my bday last year!) The lavender in the mojito was very pronounced. A well-made cocktail. Lavender cocktails two years in row on my birthday! A real treat for me! Enrique had the regular Mojito and he said it was strong and good.

BUBBLY WATER: G&F makes their own bubbly water to be green and respect the environment. It was actually a good-tasting bubbly.

MATCHSTICK FRENCH FRIES: This is how good they were--I ordered/devoured two plates (with help from my fiance). They were like those shoe-string potatoes that I ate from the can when I was a kid except these were hot and fresh out of the frying pan. Addicting!

BISTRO PLAT DU JOUR (3 course for $32) for me:

1st Course: CRAB SALAD (for me): With citrus, avocado and kumquat vinaigrette. Delicious appetizer size portion but packed with fresh crab meat.

2nd Course: LOCAL PETRALE SOLE: With potato puree and brussel sprouts. Delicious but on the salty side. I still enjoyed the tender fish very much.

3rd Course: CHEESE AND FIG CAKE (for dessert): I had to take this home since I was so full but this is a nice plate of local blue and creamy cheeses, orange marmalade and slice of fig cake served with slices of baguette. I enjoyed devouring this at home.

FIG ROYALE: Gotta try the restaurant's namesake so I ordered this as my dessert wine. French-sparkling wine with house-made fig liquer. Meh! It was okay. The fig liquer made the drink a little bitter.

BRAISED WILD BOAR SHOULDER: Served with polenta. I convinced Enrique to order this instead of the hamburger. I don't think he was happy with his meal b/c I saw him googly-eyeing the big juicy hamburger with thick fries at other tables. I don't blame him. He said the braised pork was good though

BUTTERMILK PANACOTTA: Enrique's dessert. It was smooth and creamy. I could not bear to see any of it wasted so I ate his last 3 tablespoons of leftovers. Yummy!

Tab: $125 including 20% tip and tax. I think given the amount of food we had, this was very reasonable.

OVERALL:

The dishes at G&F were far from magnificent. Some of the dishes were on the salty side. However, it was still a very good meal from the tasty dishes that were served, to the kind service to the warm ambiance and decor. And next time I am back in Sonoma, you bet I will be dining here again!

FOODIE GIRL'S RATING: 4.5 Stars
A place I would keep on going back to when I am in Sonoma!

Key:
0 Star: Never again!!! These people should not be in business.
1 Star: Chalk it to bad experience. Live and learn.
2 Stars: Very disappointing but there it has some good things to offer.
3 Stars: It is okay but do not expect much. I will still return.
4 Stars: I like it! I will be singing your praises!
5 Stars: I will be dreaming of you at night!
6 Stars: Perfection (or close to!)