Open for 4+ months now, the stock space is filling up and growing in diversity. I dropped in last weekend and was pleased to see some changes: most everything is marked with prices (sky high though they may be), bigger and more interesting selection of prepared foods in the "Larder", and staff that smiled and seemed more eager to answer questions. The enterprise still strikes me as too precious, but with more customers filling the aisles, it feels less like a museum and more like a retail space.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/9625129804/in/photostream/lightbox/
Though I whine about the prices and affectation, I continue to be impressed by the quality of the food and drink. Perfectionists reside in this kitchen. The cappuccino made with a house blend roasted by Flying Goat was not only pretty but as smooth and syrupy rich as can be imagined.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/9625150422/
Or the extraordinary kouign amann, taken all the way to the edge of darkness for better flavor but not crossing the line to burnt, that oozes with more butter, more caramel, more layers, more flakey texture, more salt, more flavor, just more of everything, shown here in higher res.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/9621903595/lightbox/
And upside down,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/9621906941/lightbox/
And the occasional "bargain" presents itself. One of my dinner guests found a small envelope of shiso leaves for $2 to bring me. They're grown in full sun instead of shade, so not as tender, but very fragrant and flavorful.
More photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/tags/healdsburgshed/
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