Page 114 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 DISCOVERING MENDOCINO

THE HARBORVIEW BISTRO & BAR

During our stay, the Noyo Harbor Inn’s indoor
dining room was closed, but the deck overlook-
ing the docks was open. The dining area was
cool, but not uncomfortable, with some welcome
warmth from the late afternoon sun. We were
happy to have a gas heater nearby, even though
we, like the other guests, were bundled up in
warm sweaters and coats. Locals and guests
bundled up in their warmest coats filled the pa-
tio dining area. You only forget your coat once
when you dine out in Mendocino in the Fall.
We were looking forward to Chef Fabrice
Jean-Pierre Dubuc’s take on California Coastal
Cuisine, including fresh wild-caught seafood
from the harbor below and herbs and vegetables
gathered from the on-site garden. For starters,
Ron continued what was a tradition on this road
trip and ordered a steaming bowl of clam chow-
der. It was excellent, as was Mary’s Noyo Caesar
salad accented with citrus, avo, and cherry
tomatoes. Glasses of a smooth Navarro Pinot
Noir helped ward off the chill.
Before our first course appeared, dusk fell
tonight. Across the harbor, thousands of white
lights twinkled on the fishing boats below until
the fog rolled in. The lights blurred and temper-
atures plummeted. We shivered while waiting
well over a half-hour for our entrees to appear

114 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE 2021