Weekend mornings are a special time to step back from the everyday world and relax. And there’s just nothing I love more than taking a leisurely drive and finding a gem of a roadside diner off the beaten path for brunch. Fork Roadhouse is such a place.
Located on Bodega Highway, Fork is a charming rustic diner, painted barn red, that you don’t want to cruise past. Alex and I stopped in one Saturday morning around 10, and the parking lot was already filled with motorcycles, old pickup trucks, a few rental cars, a Mercedez Benz and a Range Rover. As far as I’m concerned, that’s always a good sign for an out-of-the-way place with great food.
A bright, cool sunny morning, we opted to dine alfresco on the patio. As we were seated, singer-songwriter John Gonazalez strummed a few notes on his guitar under the Wisteria and began to serenade diners with his special brand of folk music. As Alex and I sipped coffee and studied the menu, I watched as a young couple we’d encountered in the parking lot were seated nearby with their sweet son, Teddy, who was sporting a mop of dark, unruly curls. Teddy was instantly captivated by the music. Not yet ready to toddle, his dad set him on the ground, and Teddy set off on his hands and knees to get a closer look.
Sarah Piccolo is a hands-on proprietor, who greets guests and pitches in where needed. She opened the doors to Fork in 2015. Originally, it was open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But like most businesses, unprecedented times prompted a transformation. “A lot of people pivoted,” says Piccolo, who is all about striking work-life balance. “We began looking at life differently.” Currently, the restaurant is open for brunch, lunch and private events. And though it’s not a family-owned restaurant, it has that family feel. Teresa Lopez and Juan Monzen helm the kitchen. Emily Hine, who’s been with Fork since the beginning, serves as manager. Christina Ibarra pops in to help as needed, and Piccolo’s daughter, Simone, is routinely on hand to help, too.
We agree to let Piccolo lead the way and sample an assortment of brunch items. The pork belly fried egg taco with crema, queso, slaw, cilantro and radish is a savory sensation and one of Fork’s signature entrees. Artfully plated, each bite is an explosion of flavor and texture, and the slaw offers a fresh note. The French toast of the day is a griddled bread pudding served with organic maple syrup, whipping cream and sliced strawberries. I admit, I can usually glance over French toast on a menu, but this one is extraordinary—manna from heaven.
Fork also features a number of vegetarian items on the menu that can be ordered vegan and gluten-free. The chilaquiles (pronounced chee-la-key-less) is a traditional Mexican breakfast, courtesy of Chef Teresa. This plate of food is a masterpiece. Made with crispy fried tortillas, topped with two poached eggs, and covered with tomatillo salsa, salsa rojo, cilantro lime crema, queso, sliced radish and cilantro, it’s a hearty plate of food. We also sample the Tuscan bean breakfast. Served with a slice of toast, this is another artful plate of food and consists of braised Great Northern Beans and kale with a beautiful lemon-y taste, two poached eggs, breadcrumbs and pistou (an herb puree). Both are hearty vegetarian entrees sure to satisfy your hungry little heart, but you can include a side of bacon or sausage, if you like.
For those more interested in lunch, the menu includes a variety of burgers, sandwiches and salads. The fried chicken salad and the buffalo fried chicken sandwich are popular items. And if you’re looking to enjoy a libation with brunch, the menu features a nice selection of local spirited beverages.
What sets Fork apart from other brunch places is the attention to detail. Everything is homemade—the salsas, sauces, hand-cut Kennebeck fries, even the sausage. The bread is sourced from Full Circle Bakery.
As the soft melody, filled the air, Alex and I lingered over coffee and enjoyed the moment. Brunch carries a special sense of celebration—it’s not just a meal, it’s an experience. Next time, you’re looking to get away from it all, take a drive along Bodega Highway and stop at Fork Roadhouse to celebrate the day. And if you’re looking to host a wedding or special event, this charming venue provides an intimate place to gather with family and friends.
Fork Roadhouse & Catering
Fare: Breakfast & Brunch
Address: 9890 Bodega Highway, Sebastopol, Calif. 95472
Phone: (707) 634-7575
Website: forkcatering.com
Hours: Friday—Sunday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Price: Entrees $10—$16
Beverages: Wine/Beer/Bubbly
[Photos courtesy of Fork Roadhouse & Catering]
