Sonoma's new eatery, Valley Swim Club, officially welcomes patrons today, promising a unique approach to seafood dining. The venture, led by the team behind the successful Sonoma County restaurant and natural wine hub, Valley Bar + Bottle, aims to deliver a more casual experience. As noted by the San Francisco Chronicle, the roadside restaurant, situated in a former hamburger joint, will serve traditional seafood favorites like New England-style rolls and fried whole belly clams.
Bucking to establish a fine dining restaurant, Valley Swim Club opts for a rustic vibe with a no-reservation, counter-service model. Emma Lipp, co-founder of Valley, shared that the establishment is meant to be a casual locale, focusing on a neighborhood-friendly atmosphere and accessibility. The menu exhibits a diverse range, inspired by East Coast seafood shacks, California clam shacks, Mexican mariscos, and San Francisco seafood culture.
The menu at Swim Club extends beyond typical seafood dishes, offering a Wine Country flair across a variety of both casual and upscale options. According to the official Swim Club website, it's envisioned as a contemporary California clam shack, offering "all the delights of 'the diner'" with a farm-to-table approach.
Apart from its food offerings, elements of swim club culture and late '60s California Naturalism, are prominent in this establishment. The name 'Swim Club' pays respect to Sonoma's healing pools, a significant part of local Native American life and early Springs community settlers, and the Olompali Swim Club, home to the fledgling Grateful Dead and their Chosen Family in the summer of 1966.
The Swim Club's menu showcases International culinary influences, such as pescadillas (fried tortillas filled with fish), shrimp aquachile, and fried oyster rolls, as highlighted by the San Francisco Chronicle. Asian touches can be found in dishes like steamed littleneck clams with ramen noodles, and trout à la plancha served with kimchi and ssamjang—a spicy Korean dipping sauce. The small, considered wine list includes Le Lube, Valley's house wine, as well as a selection of affordable beers.
In a departure from Sonoma's high-end dining scene, Lipp aims for the Valley Swim Club to be a local staple, not just a tourist attraction. The Springs community, home of Lipp and co-founders Lauren Feldman, Tanner Walle, and Stephanie Reagor, is where the restaurant is conveniently located.
