I spent the weekend in Northern California and enjoyed another fabulous dinner at Larrupin Cafe in Trinidad. This cozy, little out-of-the-way restaurant is just off Highway 101 about twenty miles north of Eureka.
They don't advertise (I couldn't even find their number in a local phone book) and they don't take credit cards ... but none of that matters because they have big, thick Oriental rugs covering all of the tables and that, coupled with the warmth and friendliness of the staff, gives this little place a sumptuousness that is hard to match.
First things first and, at Larrupin Cafe, that means their complimentary appetizer tray; apples, duck liver pate, chutney, crackers, cucumber with lox and of course a side of their famous Larrupin Mustard Dill Sauce.
The rest of the meal consisted of mouth-watering offerings (created from organic and mostly locally-procured ingredients) such as artichoke stuffed chicken breast wrapped in phyllo dough with roasted winter squash, grilled portobello mushrooms with Manchego on baguette, and butternut squash filled ravioli.
Everything was amazing, but, in my opinion, the portobello/Manchego/baguette combination was truly inspired. I'm planning on trying to put together a reasonable facsimile to offer as a
Thanksgiving hors d'oeuvre.
So, if you ever find yourself near the Humboldt Coast don't miss Larrupin Cafe.
Stay in one of the cabins along Patrick's Point Drive that are withing walking distance of the restaurant and venture into "downtown" Trinidad in the morning to the Beachcomber Cafe for a fully loaded white chocolate mocha and the "Trinidad Special" bagel (it uses Larrupin's famous sauce!). Stay and drink out of their cups ... but make sure to bring your own if you want coffee "to-go". There is not a disposable cup in the place --
-- but they'll happily sell you a Mason jar with a lid for $1.
