The co-owners’ unique vision is one of purity, thoughtfully executed.
Nestled in the heart of Healdsburg in the Californian wine country, this Michelin three-star restaurant stands out as a culinary gem, captivating locals and visitors alike with its unique approach to dining. This establishment, founded by Chef Kyle Connaughton and farmer Katina Connaughton, seamlessly intertwines a Californian farm-to-table concept with Japanese kaiseki traditions, creating an unparalleled gastronomic experience.
The name comes from the establishment’s commitment to a single thread of service – a linear line from local, seasonal ingredients’ origins to table. This, combined with its devotion to the Japanese concept of ‘omotenashi’ (selfless hospitality) makes it a destination for those seeking not just a meal but an unforgettable culinary journey in the heart of Healdsburg.
The experience begins on the rooftop, enjoying a glass while watching the sunset (don’t even get us started on the wow-factor of the award winning wine list, packed with Californian vintages stretching back to the 70s), before you head down to a dining room which exudes tranquillity with its clean lines, warm wood accents and general abundance of culinary ambiance. The single-seating concept results in a personalised, immersive experience, where each guest becomes a focal point. There are also five rooms offered on the premises.
The emphasis here is on seasonality and sustainability. The much-used phrase ‘locally sourced’ is fully justified here: the restaurant has its own farm just outside of town, where they cultivate a diverse array of fruits, vegetables and herbs. This intimate connection to the land ensures that each dish is not only a meticulously crafted masterpiece of flavour but also a celebration of the region’s bounty, with a menu showcasing a poetic narrative of the season from the very first dish you’re greeted with (which is an explosion of colours and beauty in the form of what is pretty much a floral bouquet with small and tasty dishes around it).
In the heart of wine country, Single Thread stands as a testament to the marriage of agriculture and gastronomy. Little wonder this establishment has accumulated so much recognition – not least from our friends at Michelin, who enthuse about its “impeccable ingredients, precise, artistic presentation and pure, harmonious flavours”, as well as “the expert use of the donabe (Japanese claypot)… transforming seafood and vegetables alike.”
131 North St, Healdsburg, California 95448
(+1 707-723-4646 / singlethreadfarms.com/restaurant)