Old Favorite in Santa Rosa

I was up north getting a haircut and Dad went along for the ride. He was so enjoying the vineyard scenery that we decided to head up Hwy 12 until we came upon a place for dinner that called to us. As we passed Kenwood, we remembered a casual but good Fish & Chips place that our friend Linda had introduced to us. Betty's Fish & Chips has been a long time family favorite of Linda's, and this was our second visit.

The interior was clean and inviting. It's a casual place, and there were locals with their dogs enjoying a meal on the outside where a few tables have been set up as well.

The fish batter is perfect, the main part being mostly Icelandic cod with just enough batter to crispy it up without overpowering the fish. The chips are made with fresh potatoes with their skins on, cut up in the back. The tartar sauce is smooth, without appreciable chunks in it, and well flavored. This would be a great place to relax and change gears from wine tasting to a good beer with the fish & chips. The service was friendly and prompt as well.

English by the Sea

I went with family (while ago now, time flies!) to have some lunch one weekend at the Pelican Inn, near Muir Beach. It was a gorgeous day, and we were all primed for some English pub fare, which is what this place excels at, besides beautiful surroundings of course.

I enjoyed their Fish & Chips, and always love the peas they serve with it.

And one of the men enjoyed Bangers & Mash, and offered up bits of bangers to others who all agreed it was great.

Another person hankered after the Shepherd's Pie and enjoyed it as well.

And the report on the Chicken Salad came back that the chicken was tender yet well grilled and the greens fabulous! And the locals among us decided we'd definitely come back for their weekend brunch soon. A lovely place to get some sea air and country relaxation.

Previously Reviewed:
September 19, 2007
July 29, 2005

English fare in the countryside. It had been awhile since I'd been to the Pelican Inn. In fact, I had only been back a couple times (once for a nice brunch) since I reviewed it in July 2005.

And it's the first time that I enjoyed sitting in the greenhouse attached to the main Tudor-style building. How charming and peaceful on a temperature-perfect evening. I had come with Sachiko, who I'd tried to bring here before after wandering around West Marin one time. We were in good luck. Not only in getting such a pleasant place to sit, but that the food had much improved over my last visits!

Sachiko ordered some very-English-import vegetable curry. She was delighted with it, and had me try a spoonful too. What a nice melding of freshness with curry made mild with coconut milk.

I turned a blind eye to my diet, and went for the Fish & Chips. How English of them to serve it with fresh peas! The batter was perfectly fried, not overly greasy, encasing some tender white fish. I couldn't even finish the half of it, but it was nice to try.

Sachiko and I decided to try the lightest of desserts on the menu, the English Trifle. She exclaimed upon seeing it that she hadn't seen sprinkles in such a long time! Neither had I, and we enjoyed the light, fruity concoction as the sun was sinking. A lovely end to a lovely day.