The Drawing Board is officially open in Petaluma, offering an all-day menu of food meant to nourish both body and soul. It’s from Rosie Wiggins, a first time restaurateur, and Ariel Nadelberg, the opening chef at SF’s vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free restaurant Seed + Salt.
The restaurant is in part a result of Wiggins’ struggle with chronic illness, and the relief she found through a “wholesome diet.” That means the menu will focus on clean-eating, while hoping to avoid the inflexible nature of such cuisine (e.g. making things that people will want to eat). Minimally processed, locally sourced, whole foods (including some meat, seafood, and even gluten) will be the basis of dishes like duck confit cassoulet, smoked trout rillette with roe, and a beef burger.
At opening, the 65-seat restaurant will be dinner-only, followed by breakfast and lunch, a coffee bar with Healdsburg’s Flying Goat Coffee, smoothies, and juices. And, for those who grow weary of abstaining from vices, there will be full liquor, beer and wine (think lots of biodynamic, organic, sulfate-free options). Cocktails from bar manager Garrecht Metzger will be “apothecary-style,” which means herby tinctures, shrubs, and other potions created from foraged plants.
According to Wiggins’ plan, the whole idea is to create an inclusive, sustainable vibe from top to bottom, including community outreach. The restaurant will support non-profits and community organizations that focus on social and environmental causes.
In keeping with the theme, the interior is created of salvaged, reclaimed, and recycled materials; exposed brick walls, refurbished ceilings, and steel beams aid in the semi-industrial and vintage vibe.
To start, the restaurant will open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5 p.m.- 12 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; stay tuned for expanded offerings in the coming weeks.
