Marin caterer Deb Lencioni Keith opened Kitchen on April 3, 2023, after spending 30 years catering events of all sizes. Her passion for food and dedication to excellence still carries through in her catering services, but Kitchen has quickly become a local favorite in Novato.
I had heard from several readers that Kitchen was a hidden gem, so a couple of friends and I decided to visit and see for ourselves.
The Atmosphere: Cozy and Inviting
When we arrived at Kitchen, I passed by a visually enticing pastry display that immediately caught my attention. We were seated at one of the few tables inside, which was cozy and well-lit, with small bouquets of flowers adorning each table. The community bulletin board on one wall gave the restaurant a charming, local touch.
The Menu: A Flavorful Journey
After reviewing the menu, we decided to dive right in. Our enthusiastic counter server, Cruz, gave us a rundown of the pastry offerings and explained that the desserts are crafted by pastry chef Sam Salman using both his and Keith’s recipes. After our dessert orders were placed, we moved on to the main course.
The Dishes We Tried
Our table quickly filled with colorful, beautifully arranged dishes:
Curried Chicken and Apple Toast ($14): This was an instant favorite. The open-faced sandwiches, served on toasted currant-walnut bread, were topped with chicken salad, Dijon dressing, apples, raisins, arugula, and toasted almonds. The mix of flavors was absolutely delightful.
Italian Tuna Salad ($14): The tuna was paired with red cabbage, cannellini beans, and a bright combination of lemon, olive oil, and capers. Every bite was full of varying textures and fresh, bold flavors.
Kitchen Grain Bowl ($18): Instead of a typical bowl, the ingredients were elegantly arranged on a large wooden platter. With quinoa, roasted vegetables, garbanzo beans, and avocado, it was a vibrant dish. I preferred the light lemon vinaigrette over the tahini dressing.
Grilled Tri-Tip Sandwich ($18): Served on Petaluma’s Della Fattoria bread, this sandwich was simple yet superb. Medium-rare beef, herbed aioli, sharp cheddar, and arugula came together beautifully on freshly baked bread.
The sandwiches and the grain bowl were satisfying and bursting with flavor, but we were all eagerly awaiting the desserts.
The Desserts: A Sweet Finale
We ordered three desserts: Bread Pudding ($12), Rustic Fruit Tart ($12), and Butterscotch Budino ($14).
Bread Pudding: This was not your typical bread pudding. Dense yet moist, with a caramelized top, the blueberry-studded bread was perfectly balanced in flavor and texture. It was not overly soggy and had a cakey richness that made it stand out.
Rustic Fruit Tart: Typically, I avoid tarts because of disappointing crusts, but this was a pleasant surprise. The crust was tender and flaky, while the mixed berries inside were juicy and perfectly balanced in sweetness.
Butterscotch Budino: This rich, eggy pudding had a velvet-like texture, complemented by Chantilly cream and an almond tuile on top. It was decadent and luxurious, offering a delightful finish to the meal.
To complement the desserts, we enjoyed a Cortado ($3.50), which was smooth and mellow, sourced from Vallejo roaster Moschetti.
Personal Touch
As we left, the manager, Julie Rhodes, handed us each a little pink heart, a special tradition they’ve been carrying on since their first anniversary. The gesture was a sweet reminder of how much they value their guests.
Final Thoughts
Kitchen in Novato offers a cozy dining experience with a menu that blends fresh, flavorful ingredients. While the lunch dishes were excellent, the desserts were truly the stars of the show. If you find yourself in the area, don’t skip dessert!
Kitchen Details:
Address: 6 Hamilton Landing, Novato
Phone: 415-234-8923
Cuisine: California
Noise Level: Moderate
Seating: Inside and outside
Liquor Selection: None
Vegetarian Selections: Yes
Vegan Selections: Yes
Gluten-Free Selections: On request
Dog Friendly: Service dogs
Reservations: No
Parking: Free parking lot
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. weekdays; closed weekends
Prices: $10 to $20
Summary: A delightful café offering both quality food and exceptional pastries.
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