2005-08-19
The Front Room Bar and Lounge –
An Experience Worth Talking About John Ash & Co. in Santa Rosa has unveiled a new look with the grand opening of their bar and lounge, The Front Room, located in the heart of Sonoma County’s wine country. Surrounded by lush gardens and 92 acres of breathtaking vineyards, The Front Room is the perfect place to relax, sip a glass of wine or a specialty cocktail, or try a bite to eat while enjoying the unforgettable view.
The Front Room’s bar, lounge and dining area were thoughtfully designed by renowned restaurant designer Pat Kuleto, the man behind some of San Francisco’s most legendary restaurants including the Fog City Diner, Farallon, and Boulevard, as well as the Martini House in St. Helena. Owners Don and Rhonda Carano, of Ferrari-Carano Winery, have a long-standing friendship with Pat Kuleto, and sought his expertise in designing a bar and lounge that would showcase the vineyard setting. “Pat’s creativity is unbelievable. It starts at the front door and continues throughout the entire space. He has visualized and created the classic farmhouse, front room and sun porch where the old vintner of Vintners Inn once lived,” marvels Don Carano.
Inside The Front Room, a curved bar, hand-crafted from fir with accents of madrone and black walnut and featuring an iridescent cobalt blue mosaic tile top, winds its way along one wall. A massive stone-cut fireplace and glass-enclosed wine cellar add dramatic touches to the intimate room. European-inspired chandeliers and carefully restored antique lamps with hand-beaded shades light The Front Room with a soft, warm glow. Plush furnishings in luxurious fabrics – mohair, chenille and soft-rubbed leather – accented by handmade “farmhouse” tables with black sable accents complete the alluring atmosphere.
The lounge opens to a glass-enclosed terrace … the classic “farmhouse” sun porch of yesteryear. Walk along the reclaimed, antiqued and aged wood floors to the inviting woven wicker chairs or timeless porch swings, each appointed with comfortable cushions in soft florals and gentle stripes. Accented by an old Victorian hutch, an antique bird house and vibrant palms, the terrace harkens back to simpler times – relaxing on wicker sofas with caramel leather cushions for a glass of wine or cocktail, a bite to eat and an unforgettable vineyard view.
“If I could, I’d be in The Front Room every sunny afternoon, sharing a great bottle of wine with friends and enjoying the vineyard view. It’s so relaxing and beautiful here, and now it feels even more like home,” said Pat Kuleto.
Featuring an award-winning wine list, more than twenty Sonoma County and international wines are available by the glass, in addition to a specialty cocktail menu that utilizes fresh juices and infused spirits to create one-of-a-kind blends. Chef Jeffrey Madura creates gastronomic delights such as Six-Pack Grilled Lamb Chops, Grilled Diavola Shrimp Lollipops, Deep-Fried Olives, Ahi Tuna Tartare Tower, River Dog Farms Organic French Fries, and Pizza Margherita, to name a few. Small plates are prepared with fresh, local ingredients from some of Sonoma County’s finest purveyors of lamb, shellfish, herbs, fruits, vegetables and cheeses.
The Front Room is an ideal setting and the perfect gathering place for private parties such as receptions, weddings, anniversaries, or special celebrations of any sort. And, located directly next door to The Front Room is Vintners Inn, an idyllic 44-room, AAA Four Diamond Wine Country resort. The spacious and beautifully appointed rooms feature either their own private balcony with vaulted ceilings or a lovely patio, each with views of the vineyards or the flower-filled central courtyard with its soothing decorative fountain. Most rooms also have fireplaces, and a continental breakfast is included as part of your stay.
The Front Room is located at John Ash & Co. restaurant next to Vintners Inn, and is open daily from 11:30 a.m., with live music on Friday nights from 8:30 p.m. Call (707) 527-7687 for more information, or visit the website at www.vintnersinn.com. Vintners Inn is located in Santa Rosa at 4330 Barnes Road, just west of Highway 101. John Ash & Co. is currently open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. 
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