Puttin'
on the Ritz in Old Town Eureka
John
Chiv/for the Times-Standard
Posted: 06/12/2012
02:38:20 AM PDT
Jack Wu has a penchant for offering good fare, and thanks to him,
the lights are on at the Ritz again. The historic Ritz at 240 F St. in Eureka's
Old Town reopened quietly on June 1 with a tasting menu. With only word of
mouth so far, they have had steady business.
On June 5, the restaurant unveiled its full
menu. The Ritz offers modern cuisine featuring French-style plates with a range
of Thai flavors. Chef Eric Nelson and Sous Chef Rudy Mujianto tempt your palate
with tapas, small plates and savory selections such as Ritz eggplant chevre
rolls on wood-fired pita bread, scallop and bay shrimp fritters with Ritz mild
curry, grilled duck breast with spicy hoisin glaze, shrimp and crab pizza with
lime thyme, tobiko and enoki mushrooms and sun-dried tomato and garlic cream
and desserts such as banana bread pizza with strawberries and frozen nutmeg
whipped cream.
Prices range from $6 to $18. Vegan and
gluten-free options are available.
How did they arrive at what kind of food to
offer? Building owner Dan Olivier had a wood-fire oven put in a few months ago.
Nelson's background is in French cooking, specifically Southern France. Wu
wanted a Thai influence. The result is the Ritz's current French-Thai fusion
with seasonal and local ingredients.
The Ritz is open seven days a week and currently
offers beer and wine. A full bar will be available soon. Works by local artists
Andrei Hedstrom and Jennifer Mackey adorn the walls.
Samuel Santangelo is the front-house manager who
oversees a staff of 30 employees, many of whom will be familiar faces to
regular patrons of Old Town. In the first week, many diners complimented
Santangelo on his excellent recommendations and great customer service.
”The community and nearby businesses have been
very supportive,” said Santangelo, “and we plan to be good neighbors and return
that generosity and welcome.”
Customers in this first week have had a chance
to give feedback on their favorite dishes. Like a painting in process, the Ritz
menu will evolve and update.
”The Ritz is one of the best locations in town,”
Wu said. “In my travels, I was inspired by some places I visited and wanted to
offer a local option which was artistic, different, comfortable and fun. This
business brings together my love for good food, support for the arts and to
offer Old Town a chance to share in my dream becoming a reality.”
The Ritz has been a landmark of Old Town since
1947. Olivier purchased the building and restored it in 1978. The renovation
and design took place over a 14-year period. The Ritz operated as a successful
nightclub during that time and since then has been home to many an upscale
establishment.
The Ritz's grand opening will be on Friday.
Nelson said a couple of new dishes will be introduced that day and some
specials. For reservations and more information, call 707-497-6294.