Revival Abruptly Shutters Days Before Bauer Can Give It Three Stars

Bucking his trend of visiting a restaurant three times in its very early days (a first review often appears within six weeks of an opening), Chron critic Michael Bauer waited until November to publish his review of Revival in Guerneville, which opened in July. In this case it was an unfortunate delay, as the restaurant unexpectedly closed, just as Bauer was poised to give it a three star review.

The restaurant was a second incarnation of the restaurant at Guerneville’s Applewood Inn and Spa, led by local restaurateur and consultant Crista Luedtke (Boon Eat + Drink, Big Bottom Market) and chef Ben Spiegel (NY’s Skal). It was a complete redo of the more sedate dining establishment at the Inn, which had recently been purchased by Ric Pielstick (EpiSoul Hospitality). The menu focused on “West county cuisine,” with foraged seaweed and wild foods from Applewood’s property. According to Bauer, “the restaurant added a sophisticated dimension to the West County dining scene,” with Spiegel’s food offering a fresh perspective to local fare.

The Applewood Inn was to set close in January for a remodel, while the restaurant to remained open; however, both have been shuttered immediately by the management company, with plans to reopen in some capacity next spring, according to Bauer. Luedtke, who Bauer says was surprised to hear the news, hopes to host pop-up dinners with the staff, and help them find new employers. Stay tuned for more updates.

• Revival Opens in Guerneville's Former Applewood Restaurant [ESF]
• Revival at the Applewood Inn: The 3-star Review That Wasn’t [Inside Scoop]