This place has managed to pull off having California frontier aesthetics without being Disneyland campy. The place was built in 1881 and has managed to avoid bastardizing it original decor. Once you mount the rickety steps you enter a culinary WONDERLAND. The establishment is part general store and therefore carries survival standards like soap and Bisquick. They also carry taste bud teasing artisanal meats, cheeses, preserves, confections, pastries and snack foods galore. There is a gourmet deli that serves up insanely delicious handcrafted sandwiches with ingredients like speck, Molinari Salami and aged Gouda. There is a full bar in the back of the store.
I initially went kicking and screaming into this place. I was being a snob, having just been spoiled on the first leg of an indulgent wine tour. However once I entered I heard whispers of "Mama's home" in my head, which echoed as I perused the deli meat counter and studied the menu. My poison of choice was the speck sandwich. I could taste it before it even hit my lips...the aroma emanating from the warmed speck had a similar aromatic effect as truffle oil. Toasted crusty baguette, paper thin speck, fig compote, aged provolone and arugula. Each bite was savory delicious. I almost had to be carried out. This is a great place to stop before, during or after you hit the wineries. And yes I made sure to do a last stop visit before I departed the Sonoma area the next day. The Dry Creek General Store's sandwiches are what dreams are made of...Mickey Mouse ain't got nothin' on them! Two words...eat here.
Dry Creek General Store
3495 Dry Creek Road
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-4171
