A Coastal Adventurer's Pit-Stop — Cafe Aquatica, Jenner

Lucky for me, a large part of my research for my current book project (a sequel to Fog Valley Crush) requires lots of day-trip adventuring along the Northern California Coast. 

It's too early to drop in a spoiler or two, other than to share the best of the west in quirky and delicious pit-stops I find along the way.

Cafe Aquatica (open 8 am to 5 pm) certainly fits that bill. I liked everything about this funky little place, positioned at the mouth of the Russian River as it feeds into the coastal hamlet of Jenner, on scenic Highway 1. 

And what could be better than King Salmon and lox on focaccia bread sandwiches when munched by the waters-edge?

Musicians strummed and sang for tips in the mid-day sunshine as a small crowd of multi-cultural coastal visitors hung out in this harmonious spot, enjoying a fresh, local, organic range of tasty things to eat (including fresh chowder), espresso drinks too. 

What a decidedly uncomplicated place to chill out, with a few kayakers, some snowy egrets, blue heron and star of this coastal treasure, a colony of harbor seals for company.

Comments

[ANN]

Can't wait for the second book! This is my second year living in Sonoma County, and I am always on the look out for new and interesting things to do and explore.

I have two big-ish dogs, and so have a request re: your new book's content. Could you please include helpful dog-related info; such as, which places allow dogs and if there is enough shade for them once there. Yes, it is the law now that any restaurant with a patio must allow dogs BUT there needs to be an outdoor entrance to the patio. Thank you. It is usually much too hot to leave them in the car....

[frances rivetti]

Good point, Ann. Cafe Aquatica did have (partially) shaded outdoor seating with entrance from the street making this a great stop off point when out at the coast with your dogs. I visited on a weekday and business was brisk, so I'd suggest avoiding weekends so that you're able to secure seating in the shaded area when its not quite as busy.