Aubergine Vintage Emporium & Cafe

My girlfriend and I were heading out for a little road trip on the motorcycle during the 4th of July weekend and going through Sebastopol I saw the Citroen with the mini Eiffel tower sitting on top so I just had to stop and check it out.  We both needed a quick break off the bike so breakfast was in order.

I'm from southern Indiana which the food tends to lean towards southern-ish.  I tell you this so you'd know my credentials are in order when I say this.  :)  I decided to have the biscuits and gravy which is pretty much a staple in southern food.  I can honestly say it was the best biscuits and gravy I think I've ever had!  My girlfriend had the potato bowl which was also very good.

This place is about an hour drive from where we live so yeah, we will be going back.  Such good food and there were quite a few things on the menu that I want to try.

Well...  I have to disagree with some of the negative reviews for Aubergine's food and service.  Went there last night and I was so impressed with the place...  it's got a cool, funky vibe for starters.  But the food that arrived at our table was way better than I was expecting.

the meal started off with fresh baked bread sticks.  These were hot and delicious and were accompanied by a bleu cheese/ranch/dill dressing...  and, a plate of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  

We also had a roasted beet salad that was fresh with mixed greens, feta and a simple vinaigrette.

The Caesar salad had whole leaves of crisp Romaine lettuce, shaved parmesan, some deliciously crunchy homemade croutons and a fantastic homemade dressing with overtones of garlic and anchovy...  I really liked this Caesar, especially considering all the soggy, lackluster salads I have consumed elsewhere.

Then there was the lamb sausage.  Contrary to what an other reviewer had said, I found the sausage to be quite homemade and delicious...  especially since it was wrapped up together with caramelized onions and red peppers in a beautiful bread dough and oven baked!

And finally, the fries were some of the best I've ever had.  They were obviously fresh cut and they were cooked to absolute perfection.

All hot food was served hot...  and the salads were cool and refreshing.

As for service, it was top notch, and the owner came to our table several times to make sure that everything was to our liking.

So, Aubergine...  that was a great meal...  thank you!  I'll be back!

it's beyond me how such a cool people friendly place in this wine country mecca can have such a consistently poor wine selection & bad food.  They have been out of stock of Sauvignon Blanc for the last 3 weeks.  Last night the only 2 reds they had were Pinot Noir & Zinfandel.  Have they ever heard that there are some great wineries around here?  Or even a trip to Safeway, down the block, for some stock?

The food is pretty consistently bad.  Last night they were out of the burger & bacon patties, I guess there's a shortage of them.  I had a lamb sausage and fries.  The fries arrived first, and about 10 min later, the lamb sausage, which tasted more like a Louisiana Hot Link.  I can't believe with all the cooking schools and chefs around here they can't find someone who can make a good menu & serve decent food.  

I love the vibe of this place, but I think the owner guy who wears skirts must be preoccupied with something else, cuz he sure doesn't give much attention to the quality of what he serves.