With my job as the Director of Barketing for Mendocino County, I find myself traveling in and around the city of Ukiah quite often these days. One of the delightful consequences is the opportunity to dine at a restaurant called Patrona. For the last seven years Patrona, under the stewardship of the wonderfully creative husband and wife team of Craig Strattman and Bridget Harrington, has morphed into one of the most respected dining establishments in the county. Now with the addition of a larger seasonal outdoor patio seating area, I finally get to experience this gem of a restaurant much more often.
After an exhausting (but so much fun) Saturday at Hopland Passport recently, I was invited along with the uprights to stay in Ukiah and unwind with some dear friends of the two and four-legged variety. Upon waking on a warm, sunny Sunday refreshed and reenergized it was time to watch as my travel bag and I were once more loaded into the car. Expecting to be driven right home to the coast, you can imagine my delight when shortly we pulled up in front of Patrona. Even more exciting was the fact that my side car door was opened, my leash attached, my chair pillow (always a good sign) retrieved from the trunk. Was I really going to get to experience Patrona again? Yes, I was on my way with the uprights; could this really be happening! With my tail wagging, ears up to attention and nose twitching, my party and I were escorted to one of the tables set up under the welcoming shade of the trees.
At Patronas with friends, Jonathan & Richard
Even though I have eaten lunch at Patrona before with my uprights, we had never experienced their Sunday Brunch. Before I knew it a bowl of fresh cool water was brought out to me and the uprights were soon engaged in conversation with our delightful server and they got right to work ordering Bloody Mary’s and mimosas. The Brunch menu at Patrona changes like their menus for lunch and dinner do depending on what local fresh ingredients are available, with an emphasis very much on seasonal specialties. On this visit the uprights ordered the fresh crab Benedict, Patrona’s traditional eggs Benedict and their inventive twist on huevos rancheros. For moi, well, I dined on chicken apple sausage which was delicious and very satisfying, especially the morsels that had been dipped in hollandaise. I have to say, there were a lot of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhhs’ coming from the uprights – this I have come to recognize as upright-speak for ‘they like what they are eating and drinking a lot.’
This gem of a restaurant is located at 130 West Standley Street in the heart of historic downtown Ukiah and is open seven days a week for lunch, dinner and Saturday & Sunday Brunch. Patrona has developed a very loyal local following and is the epitome of what a neighborhood restaurant is all about. Whether you are dining inside or on the patio, locals and visitors congregate and enjoy a vibrant, yet relaxed atmosphere. This delightful fact has been illustrated time and again as often when we have dined with local Ukiah friends they always run into other friends at Patrona. The bartenders create delicious and inspiring cocktails that set one’s taste buds working overtime savoring the flavors that dance satisfyingly on the tongue. The chef creates food that constantly delivers taste sensations that linger seductively on the palate and dazzle the senses. Patrona prides itself on using organic, fresh, local and seasonal ingredients; this ensures that the food is always well-balanced, beautifully presented and delicious. Patrona‘s wine menu has some continental offerings but concentrates largely on local offerings and features a venerable who’s who of Mendocino County wineries at very competitive prices. Another great thing at Patrona is the extensive selection of menu items that are offered in two portion sizes.
The interior design at Patrona creates an atmosphere of subdued sophistication and that reflects equally in the presentation of the food. Patrona respects its place in the community and gives back generously. One of the wonderful things Patrona has initiated is Community Dinners where the chef creates a three course meal of exceptional value and the profits from these dinners go to local charities and causes. Patrona often features specials like reduced price taco evenings. And, on special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, be prepared for a menu experience that will make everyone feel romantic.
Whether it is for lunch, dinner or Sunday Brunch, if the sun is shining or the evening warm and you are in the vicinity and the patio is open – Patrona is the perfect place to while away a little time soaking up the charm of downtown Ukiah, while enjoying the pleasant and efficient service, the tantalizingly creative cuisine along with the charming atmosphere. Then take time to go for a stroll, because surrounding Patrona are a varied and interesting collection of unique boutique stores. Also, don’t let your uprights miss the opportunity to pick up some treats for us canine gourmets at The Barkery which is a short two blocks from Patrona. By the way, remember to tell them all that Hairy sent you.
Patrona Restaurant is open daily:
Monday-Sunday
Lunch 11:00-5:00
Dinner 5:30-9:00
Saturday Brunch 11:00-2:00
Sunday Brunch 9:00-2:00
Located = 130 West Standley Street
Ukiah, CA 95482
Telephone = 707-462-9181
Website= www.patronarestaurant.com
Patio Dining (seasonal)
Reservations Recommended
