Brunch at The Girl and the Fig

On a recent annual trip to wine country, I had my fair share of amazing food. Obviously, with some of the best chefs in the country residing in the region the cuisine is extremely gourmet, innovative and full of fresh flavor. One of the things I love about California cuisine is the fact that the dishes are packed full of garden freshness and elements like texture and preparation are executed perfectly. The highlight of my culinary journey was an outstanding brunch at The Girl and the Fig. Known as a staple in the Sonoma community, this hot spot serves up delightful California cuisine with touches of elegant French technique. 

Lucky for us we managed to squeeze our way in for Sunday Brunch! The decor is rustic and charming, You'll find seating inside and outside under a clear canopy tent.

We ordered the:
Grilled Smoked Trout Benedict: it was wonderful and perfectly prepared. The trout added great texture, density and full flavor to a classic brunch staple. Plus the hollandaise was elegant and the combination was sensational. 
Brussels Sprout Salad: had great crunch and freshness from the accompanying kale, bacon lardons, pear and cider vinaigrette. This was a fabulous starter to get our palate ready. 
Croque Madame:  served on a delightfully fresh and fluffy baked brioche bread with brilliant yellow egg yolk, this was actually the first item that I ate when I arrived in Paris 2 years ago. This version was elegant and not as heavy as you'd think. Really nice. 
Fig & Arugula Salad: this was the only disappointing item, as there were only tiny bits of dried fig in the salad which wasn't enough to make it the first  element noted on the menu and their namesake as well. It was ok, overall disappointing. The arugula was tenderly picked and delicately tossed, not too spicy and had moderate flavor, but the actual figs in the fig salad was missing. 
Bacon Sandwich: with a name like that you know it's going to be good. Surprisingly this wasn't as heavy as you'd imagine and was loaded with meats, cheese and topped with frazzled onions. A well-rounded sandwich served with pommel frites (french fries) was a fabulous hangover meal or something to just pick at.
Wild Mushroom Risotto: One of the dishes we all agreed we would return for was this risotto, made with Carnaroli rice, foraged mushrooms, roasted cauliflower and touched with parmesan reggiano the silky, creamy, meaty, earthy, yumminess was decadent yet mildly addicting. Really delicious and perfectly prepared, this was wonderful. 
​Lavender Creme Brûlée: Expertly crafted creme brûlée with the aromatic essence of lavender delighted my sweet tooth. This lovely end was simply divine. 
Meyer Lemon Pudding Cake: Danced on my palate, the blood orange caramel was sinfully delicious and a touch of chantilly really made this dessert dance. Great combination of citrus, creaminess and comfort.  

Overall, this was a delightful and dreamy little cafe. The service was excellent, well-informed, friendly yet easy going. Don't forget to order a cocktail, glass of bubbly or 2 Balsamic Bloody Mary's like me! 

Happy Eating!

the girl and the fig
110 West Spain Street
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707)938-3634

thegirlandthefig.com