Look beyond the plain-Jane sign and treat yourself to some sophisticated café cooking.
From morning to midafternoon, this casual establishment serves American comfort food that draws on local ingredients and, often, continental inspiration. Sonoma duck confit found a happy resting place (till I put down my camera) on warm diced apple; also accompanied by scrambled eggs and an especially feathery wad of hash browns ($11.50). On a bed of tomato sauce, a portobello mushroom was surmounted by spinach, goat cheese, and eggs, then decorated with a pool of pesto ($10.50). Good strong coffee ($2.25).
Nearby: Julliard Park (not shown), the Astro Motel (now with satellite TV to match its vintage sign), Prince Gateway Park (home to the leaping "Guardian of the Creek"), and the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens.
Dierk's Parkside Café
404 Santa Rosa Ave. (at Wheeler St.), Santa Rosa, California
707-573-5955
www.DierksParkside.com
Open daily 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
