Our stay at SingleThread Inn on the night of March 7, 2021, was nothing short of magical, transforming my birthday celebration into an unforgettable experience. Joined by our dear friends Joyce, who flew in from Los Angeles, we were ready for a much-anticipated culinary adventure, even amidst the ongoing pandemic.

Upon entering our room at SingleThread Inn, the immediate impression was one of unparalleled thoughtful luxury. It felt less like a hotel room and more like a meticulously curated personal haven. A beautiful, handwritten birthday card was prominently displayed, an incredibly touching and personal touch that instantly made us feel cherished. Beside it, an exquisite spread awaited: decadent desserts, a bottle of fine wine, and a state-of-the-art matcha machine. Every detail, from the elegant presentation to the bespoke amenities, signaled an extraordinary stay.

The rooftop garden at SingleThread is an absolute oasis, offering a serene escape with panoramic views of Healdsburg. More than just a pretty space, it's a living larder, contributing fresh herbs, flowers, and even some vegetables directly to the restaurant's exquisite dishes.

SingleThread’s innovative response to the times, their "Usu-Zan" tent setting, promised an evening of both safety and unparalleled immersion. From the moment we entered the Usu-Zan tent, we were transported. It wasn't just a tent; it was a meticulously crafted environment designed to evoke the serenity of a Japanese forest. The attention to detail was astounding, from the traditional furnishings that invited a sense of calm to the artfully placed greenery that blurred the lines between indoors and out. It was a testament to SingleThread's commitment to creating an all-encompassing experience, even within the constraints of the time. The ambiance was intimate and exclusive, making our celebratory dinner feel even more special and personal.

Inspired by winter in Hokkaido, SingleThread Farm presented a special 9-course hot pot dinner on March 7, 2021. Available exclusively to Inn guests as part of their Usu-zan outdoor dining experience (which had reopened on February 11th and continued through March 31st), this unique offering featured ingredients sourced from their farm, Sonoma, and Hokkaido.

The first course features an array of tiny bites, artfully presented on a bed of flowers and branches from the restaurant's farm.

The heart of SingleThread's philosophy lies in its deep connection to the land. The menu was a direct reflection of what Katina Connaughton's 24-acre farm yielded. This wasn't merely "farm-to-table" as a trend, but a profound commitment to seasonality and hyper-local sourcing. Over 70% of the produce, along with honey, eggs, and olive oil, came directly from their farm, harvested daily to ensure peak freshness and flavor. This dedication ensured that every dish was a vibrant snapshot of the spring awakening in Sonoma.

The Usu-Zan experience offered a unique twist on SingleThread's renowned tasting menu: a hot pot centerpiece. That evening, we indulged in the Wagyu Shabu-Shabu hot pot, a truly exquisite choice. The thinly sliced, marbled Wagyu beef was presented impeccably, alongside an array of seasonal vegetables and delicate broths. The joy of swishing the tender beef and vibrant produce through the simmering broth was a sensory delight. Each bite was a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, showcasing the pristine quality of the ingredients that SingleThread is celebrated for.

The spotlight belonged to dessert: a whole orange pumpkin nestled in a mossy bed. Its roasted, sweet flesh was expertly spooned into a ceramic dish, paired with a quenelle of burnt orange sherbet. This bittersweet, penultimate course beautifully symbolized the resilience and journey of the restaurant and its peers through recent times.

Celebrating my birthday at SingleThread Farm, within the unique Usu-Zan setting, was an experience that truly exceeded all our expectations. It wasn't just a meal; it was an immersive journey that engaged all our senses, a testament to culinary innovation and heartfelt hospitality during challenging times. Sharing this extraordinary evening with Joyce made it even more memorable. SingleThread proved once again why it stands as a pinnacle of fine dining and bespoke accommodation, leaving us with cherished memories of a truly special celebration.

p.s. SingleThread offers a delightful surprise: komatsuna seeds tucked within the menu. This thoughtful gesture allows guests to take a piece of the farm home, fostering a deeper connection to their philosophy and the seasonal bounty they champion. It was a truly unexpected and charming discovery!