KELSEYVILLE ? Leave it the folks at Konocti to make what was already cool, “The New Cool.” Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa hosted a grand opening of its premier dining spot Friday night.
During the day, the rock ?n” roll restaurant, The Classic Rock Caf?, remains a favorite, with album covers as place mats and various memorabilia decorating the walls for diners to observe.
New is the amazing transformation the space takes on in the evening. White tablecloths, gold plates and black napkins greet the fine diner.
For starters, the rock shrimp bruschetta is a mouth-watering choice. The appetizer menu offers an ample variety of soups, salads as well as crab bisque, steamed mussels and asparagus cheese fritters.
Pianist David Neft tickles the ivories in the background with recognizable songs by artists from Frank Sinatra to John Lennon.
Neft circles the room on his break and jots down requests unobtrusively.
The house specialties represent American, Italian, Mexican and French faire, while the main entrees may leave the guest contemplating nine difficult decisions, an internal monologue that may sound like this, “Should I try the ?Tournedo en Champagne,” ?Filet Mignon and Lobster tail,” ?Tropical Salmon” or the ?Fresh Filled Artichoke?””
A wine menu featuring some of Lake County”s best can be recommended for each dish.
“We”re featuring Northern California wines with an emphasis on Lake County wines,” Greg Bennett, president and general manager of Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa said.
All of the plates offer generous portions making the thought all but suffocating to consider the dessert menu boasting chocolate volcanoes, Snickers pie and a chocolate and Grand Marnier souffl?.
Food and beverage director, Mark Cogdill greeted approximately 70 guests, while gathering feedback and responding to each question and request promptly and accurately, while Executive Chef Charles Roseneau, a seasoned veteran at the resort for more than 10 years insured the presentation and quality of the opening night dinners.
Bennett said that during the 20 years that he has served as president and general manager, the resort has made many changes and updates and the time had come to create a place “Where California flair meets nouveau cuisine and everything in-between.” He says there”s nothing else like it in Lake County. The restaurant features candlelight dancing amid a warm atmosphere with World-class cuisine and wines overlooking beautiful Clear Lake.
Overall, the nocturnal facelift is the ultimate compromise for a resort that constantly strives to please all of its guests. “We shifted from basic classic fun to great ambiance,” Bennett said. The Classic Rock Caf? serves breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. when the restaurant transforms into “The New Cool … Evenings at Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa,” for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. weekdays and 5 to 10 p.m. weekends with lovely piano playing by David Neft for entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
The Star Card program, which boasts more than 100,000 members from all over the globe offers a 10 percent discount for services, stays, food and shows at the resort is offering an additional January special of 20 percent off of the bill at the “New Cool…”
For more information visit www.konoctiharbor.com, drop-in at 8727 Soda Bay Road in Kelseyville or call toll free: 800-660-LAKE.
Mandy Feder can be reached at mfeder@record-bee.com.
