Terrapin Creek Cafe

Terrapin Creek Café is a jewel tucked away at the north end of Bodega Bay. This lovely, intimate restaurant features creative, sophisticated cuisine prepared with local, responsibly raised produce, meats, and seafood. We’re always amazed by their exquisite presentations and delicious flavors.

They recently held a winemakers dinner, which we attended with some guests from out of town. Each course was paired with a selection from Moshin Vineyards of Healdsburg. (The event was sold out, the photo below was taken before everyone arrived.)



Winemaker Rick Moshin gave a presentation covering the history of his family winery, his philosophy, and how his wines are produced.


Our guests are major foodies and wine experts so it was fun and educational to hear their comments. They were very impressed and gave rave reviews of all the food, and enjoyed three of the four wines. Coincidentally, they were visiting while on their way to two wine festivals further down on the central California coast, so this winemakers dinner fit right in with the theme of their trip.

Here’s our menu and the accompanying wines from that evening:

Ceviche of Scallops, Shrimp & Calamari Salad
Citrus Segments, Creamy Avacado, Butter Lettuce, Cilantro
2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Larrick Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley

Pan Roasted Alaskan Halibut
Caramelized Fennel, Sun Dried Tomato & Herb Salad, Romesco Sauce
2006 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

Pork Tenderloin & Sweet Italian Sausage
French Navy Beans, Swiss Chard, Whole Grain Mustard Jus
2007 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

Créme Fraiche Cheesecake
Raspberry Sauce
Moshin Poshin No. 7, Late Harvest White

Obviously the lighting conditions were not condusive to appetizing food photography, but here are a couple of shots.





Terrapin Creek Café is owned by Andrew and Liya Truong, a delightful, hard-working, extremely talented young couple who met while going through culinary school.



The ambiance is very nice. They call it casual, I say it’s a step up from that. The dining area is comprised of two small rooms, yet it feels spacious and comfortable. They have an open kitchen where you can watch the food prep, and a small bar in the other room.

The tables are covered in white cloths, walls are painted in warm yellows and reds, the lighting is soft, and local artwork adorns the walls. The paintings are by Robert Devee of the Ren Brown Gallery here in Bodega Bay.



Terrapin Creek Café is located in the Blue Whaleship Shopping Center, 1580 East Shore Rd. right off Hwy. 1, in Bodega Bay. Phone 707.875.2700.

Hours
Lunch: Thursday thru Sunday, 11am to 2:30pm
Dinner: Thursday thru Sunday, 4:30pm to 9pm


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(Top food photo and photo of Andrew and Liya, courtesy of the Terrapin Creek Cafe website.)