Al Fresco Kitchen, Healdsburg

An under-the-radar food truck has hit the Dry Creek Valley in Healdsburg. Parked near Family Wineries, Papapietro Perry, and the Dry Creek Olive Oil company, the Al Fresco Kitchen offers a real alternative to the Dry Creek General Store down the road.

 

For me, if a Reuben sandwich is available, I order it. It’s my Control Sandwich, like tacos carnitas and al pastor or a Cesear Salad. It’s the dish I’ve had a hundred times and will probably have one hundred more times if I’m lucky enough to live that long. Some friends ordered the pulled BBQ pork sandwich, also pictured.

 

My Reuben sandwich was solid. 10 Times better than the Dry Creek Store reuben down the road, but that isn’t saying much. Al Fresco’s Reuben was moist, well dressed with the Thousand Island, not too much sauerkraut and the bread was grilled, not toasted. The potato salad was really good. A generous portion was served with my sandwich. The potatoes were tender, but not mooshy, seasoned well and perfectly cold. I haven’t gotten this excited about potato salad since I was in Portland and another deli.

 

Sandwiches at Al Fresco are Wine Country and Captive Location expensive, but the view on a clear day is unmatched by any restaurant in or out of Healdsburg. As I mentioned, the close-by alternative Dry Creek Deli General Store is equally priced and the Oakville Grocery in town usually offers long lines,  no vineyard views and high prices (albeit gourmet options). I think Al Fresco is worth the try.