After a morning tour of the vineyard where my friend works (the biodynamic Eco Terreno, if you’re looking for something nice for your wine collection), we decided to head into town for lunch. My host, a friend since…well, 1993? 1994? quizzed me, then settled on SHED Healdsburg, a well-known restaurant and culinary shopping venue in town (that also happen to serve their wine). As Rob is crushing it with Cross Fit, and I was (at least on day #3 of my trip) still trying to keep to something of a diet, I was impressed with the number of healthy options available. Although really, it’s northern California, so perhaps I shouldn’t have been too surprised.
Inside this bright and airy restaurant, I also had a distinct moment of ‘this would never happen in the UAE.’ Although we come close in Dubai (The Lighthouse in D3 and Comptoir 102 on Beach Road both come to mind), there are very few places that easily blend retail and dining space. Even though you didn’t ask, I think a particular genre of mid-range restaurants would be wise to move in this direction. Given how large many of the venues are in the UAE, there is undoubtedly square footage to carve out small retail spaces. Ahem. This is all to say I was quite happy to wander around and view the many (many!) things to look at inside SHED, while my friend finished a call at the end of our meal. If you like kitchenware, local wine, fancy chocolate, and other unique foodie products, SHED is worth stopping in for a look around (even if you aren’t eating).
So, what about the food? I mean, really, that’s what motivates us to visit a restaurant, is it not?
Although I found the menu a bit short, we found plenty to share. As you would expect, the team at SHED focuses on highlighting seasonal produce. We tried bright and tart Heirloom Tomatoes and Pluots USD$15 and the filling Cured Fish Board (on the recommendation of my friend), USD$30 (and served with a fantastic charred sourdough bread that I would eat would absolutely everything). We also ordered another colorful salad (which I neglected to get the name or price of) and split the hearty main dish of Black Cod with Shellfish Broth, USD$28. There was probably room for dessert, but a glass of wine was, in my opinion, a better use of calories.
Overall, I think the menu could be expanded slightly, but there’s generally something for everyone (and plenty more to choose from at the in-house bakery). I don’t know enough about the market to understand if the pricing is in line — in dirhams, it all feels fair, if a tiny bit on the high side.
Would I go back to SHED? Yes, absolutely.
Who is SHED best for? Casual diners. Local foodies. Those looking to eat and shop.
A to Za’atar did not pay for this meal — her friend is and always has been a perfect gentleman, and picked up the bill (and drove her everywhere). A to Za’atar continues to think the world of her friends.
Have you been to Sonoma Valley? What is your favorite restaurant or vineyard?
