Not entirely satisfactory

Healdsburg, May 18, 2009—

LUNCH AND DINNER OUT today, as will be the case for the next four weeks. I wish I could be more enthusiastic about today, but it was merely satisfactory, which is not entirely satisfactory. Lunch at Willi's Seafood and Raw Bar (403 Healdsburg Ave. Healdsburg CA. 707.433.9191), where I had "Alaska halibut", "pan roasted and finished in the oven": which is to say, wet-sautéed, then held warm, in butter, lemon juice, and capers. The fish could have been fresher, I think: but then, it's Monday. I should know better than to order fish on Monday. The others had crab and lobster and reports were good, but I don't eat crustacea. There you have it.

Sauvignon blanc, Toad Hollow, 2008

Then after a fine green salad at home we were out again, again with others, for a hamburger at the Healdsburg Bar and Grill (245 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg; tel. 707.433.3333). It was okay, with nice dill pickles and lots of sweet raw red onions, and the fries weren't bad.

Whiskey sours