Cuisine:

• Californian
• Others
• Mediterranean
• Bistro

Saffron Description:
Sleepy Glen Ellen always manages to feel as cushioned as the Shire from Tolkien's legendarium, even though it's a quick detour off Sonoma Valley's bustling wine artery. It blushes with bitty boutiques, B&Bs and bistros, including charming Saffron. The tiny room has a calm and comfortable presence, with picture windows, white linen tabletops, cork flooring, Buddha faces on one wall and the substance of earthy stoneware dishes. It's a heartfelt operation with cuisine that strives toward organic, a philosophy perhaps echoed by the dining room's framed photos of heart shapes found in nature. Starter options might include local sardines on garlic toast punchy from black olive puttanesca, mussels with chorizo and white wine, or a trio of crisped fried green tomatoes drizzled with tangy aïoli. Afterwards, try roasted halibut nestled atop spaghetti squash with red pepper coulis, or pork osso buco with cranberry risotto. The single menu mainstay, paella, features a langoustine centerpiece and composed plate of mussels, clams, chorizo and (of course) saffron rice; it's a decent rendition, though not the headliner one might imagine. Kudos for the smart wine list, low corkage fee and homey desserts such as chocolate bread pudding and fruit crisps.


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