Interior of Ronan is dark & mysterious. A Gothic feel yet also feels like a man cave full of…read moreinteresting liquors and liqueurs to savour before or after a satisfying meal. There is a Stamtisch hewn out of a tall noble tree from some primeval forest for large groups as well as booths, high seat bar, patio seating.
Very chefly cuisine in the guise of earthy, multi-textural, comforting food that has subtle, haute cuisine touches. Chef Daniel Cutler is quietly passionate that shows in small details and gustatory flourishes that make for a good evening supper with Italianate twists.
Rodrigo is an excellent mixologist & wine connaisseur. He can clue you in to what would be a great pairing w/ the ordered foods, and great person to get information. He is the bridge between the food coming out of the kitchen and the libations if you sit at the bar.
1) Arancini di Funghi: Rice balls stuffed w/ Maitakè (mah ee tah keh) mushrooms, purée of Tartufo Nero/black truffle that still has a good dose of funky, earthy pungency even off season.
Stringy mozzarella adds dairy creaminess. Truffle honey increases the pungency with sprinkling of powdered Parmigiano Reggiano. Great left field take on a classic piatto Italiano.
2) Pizza Catarina: Crust is not too thick & has puffy, dry, leathery surface; moist, soft inside. Bit of starchy sweetness.
Pièce de Résistance is the Fennel infused Salame from Bologna, Pecorino Toscano, fennel pollen, wild Ruccola/arrugula. I love fennel & have them growing in my back yard.
After ravaging the pizza for its porky Sausage meatiness, the licorice-fennel scent and flavour has a long lasting finish.
Visiting in March 2026, Wines produced by female winemakers are 30% off on "Women in Wine Wednesdays" Love how Ronan supports women vintners!
1-2a) Vermentino, Ryme, HERS, 2023, Sonoma CA: Rather astringent, acidic-sour, lemon, kumquat peel, pronounced minerality, substantial body.
This version of Vermentino is assertive & packs a punch. Ryme white wine could definitely stand up to the truffle and fermented, fennel salame with aplomb.
3) Persian cucumbers: Fresh mélange of Italian parsley, shaved ribbons of rough fennel, mint, dill leaf, vivid red, mild Calabrian red chile. Gentle, creamy Italian dressing.
Great starter to refresh the mouth or as a palate cleanser between bites of other main courses.
Tried to order a side dish of avocado. Ronan's kitchen had none, but a bearded helper suggested their Sambal Oelek, crushed red chiles to intensify the salad which worked beautifully.
4) Whole Jidori Chicken: Roasted w/ crispy , fatty skin, mild herbal rub w/ licorice fennel pollen. Meaty, moist, even the breast doesn't have the usual dry, mealy texture. I suspect the chicken was salt brined to good effect.
Underneath there is a bed of rough chopped green olive Tapenade which adds a mild salty, aged, cured earthiness & evoo for a slight buttery undertone. The unusual finisher was bushy stems of bitter, fibrous, green watercress lashed on top of of the chicken as a contrast to all the meatiness.
Better deal to get the whole roast chicken vs a half. It's $37.50 vs $52. I had some great leftovers to make Taco de Pollo, Chicken Salad, Chicken Fried Rice, Chicken Salad sandwich without having to use a hot oven straining my central air. Cold chicken by itself with the Tapenade made for a tasty midnight snack.
4a) Lonely Warrior Cocktail suggested by Rodrigo was spot on. Toki Japanese Suntory Whiskey & Baller Single Malt Scotch added sweet, smokey, caramel-vanila.
Rucolino Amaro: Wild arugula leaves, citrus peels, roots, secret botanicals by Ischia Sapori on the volcanic island of Ischia in Campania.
Angeleno Amaro: California-style bitter liqueur crafted by Ventura Spirits, featuring bright Valencia orange zest, gentle chamomile, and earthy gentian root.
Demerara syrup is a rich, flavorful simple syrup made by dissolving Demerara sugar in water, typically using a 2:1 sugar-to-water ratio by weight. This raw, minimally processed cane sugar imparts a deep caramel, toffee-like flavor.
5) Tiramisù: Made with Savoiardi/light, airy lady finger pastry; copious amount of sweetened whipped, creamy Mascarpone cheese; a soupçon of strong Espresso. This serving is GINORMOUS, enough for three people. (no complaints).
For the leftover Tiramisù, I drizzled on Kalua coffee liqueur & sprinkled crushed Pecans at home.
6) House Made Ice Cream:
a) Satsuma Mandarin: Japanese varietal tangerine that is creamy yet tart with citric acid. Refreshing after a full meal.
b) Coffee Oreo: Bitter coffee and semi-sweet chocolate in a rich vanilla scented ice cream.
Definitely worth coming back to. 4+ stars and the 5th star for the friendly Chef, Barman and rest of the crew while whiling away enjoying a good meal.