Previously located in Winters, Monticello is the Davis version of the former Monticello Bistro and Tastebuds Catering. Owners Rhonda & Tony Gruska have joined forces with local farmer Jim Eldon, the owner of Fiddlers Green Farm to provide a seriously local and fresh dining experience. In addition to the Davis restaurant, they offer full-service catering, and continue to have a booth at the Davis Farmers Market. The new restaurant location was formerly occupied by Osaka Sushi. While the shopping center where it's located is rather dated, the decor inside is quite modern and very classy.

In addition to interesting and flavorful food, the menu showcases seasonal appropriateness, regional resources, freshness and minimal interference between source and plate. The wine and beer list features local and regional selections. The wine list is reasonably expansive, and while the beer selection is small, it includes some excellent beers from local and regional breweries like Berryessa Brewing and Bison Brewing. There's a small bar where you can sit and enjoy your selection. Coffee is provided by local roaster The Pepper Peddler. It's pressed and quite strong—in a good way. This "farm to fork" business reflects the values and sustainable future of Yolo County and the region.

Their weekend brunch has a separate menu with a decent mix of breakfasty and lunchy options, most of which include some seasonal veggies. If you're looking for something unusual and delicious, try the savory cheese strata. Portions for most dishes are modest—not small, but certainly not overwhelming. If you bring a big appetite, you'll probably want to to order a side with your meal. Most of the brunch entrees run about $8-12 (from memory), while most of the sides are $3-5.

The staff are quite friendly, and they seem to know the food very well—generally a good sign. They do seem to run out of some of the menu options, so be forewarned. Possibly an indication of the tastiest options?

Sign up for their mailing list at [email protected].

Wine Tastings

Join Davis Enterprise Wine Columnist Susan Leonardi, Wineaux, to sample four (sometimes more) specially selected wines for $5. Susan pours wines from their extensive wine list, in addition to wines from winemakers who would like to be on their list. Appetizers are available until the kitchen starts serving dinner at 5:30pm. Come for wine tasting and appetizers at the bar or start at the bar and then move to a table for dinner or come in for dinner before Susan departs at 6:30pm and participate in the wine tasting at your table. Anyway you choose, it is a pleasant way to spend a Tuesday evening!

Local Farms/Farmers/Ranchers/Wines/Winemakers

They source their ingredients and local wines from: Fiddlers Green Farm (Jim's Farm),Bledsoe Pork, Beryessa Gap, Bogle, Cache Creek Lavender, Capay Valley Vineyards, Coco Ranch, Dixon Ridge Farm, Fiddlehead Cellars, Five Dot Ranch, Free Spirit Farm, Fulll Belly, Full Circle Farm, Good Humus, Lester Farms, Lloyd Johnson, McDonald Orchards, Mike & Diane Madison, Riverdog Farm, Marr Cellars, Matchbook, Mt. Moriah Farms, Murdock Farm, Putah Creek Winery, Sawbuck, Senders Wines, Simas Vineyards, Tomei Cellars, Traverso Wines, Vezer Vineyards, Wilson Vineyards.

Images

The absolutely stunning bar. Live music at happy hour!