The Blue Wing in Upper Lake: Worth a Detour

My husband likes to take the road less traveled on road trips, so I usually spread my search of places to eat by about a 30 mile radius of where I think we'll be. In the search for a place to dine on the way home from Mendocino I discovered a gem. We were staying in Ukiah, which is about 30 minutes away from Upper Lake, CA, but if you're at all in the vicinity you really should stop by The Blue Wing Saloon and Cafe, whether you're gluten free or not.

It looks like a cute blue house on Main St, but it's actually a nice eatery, with a pleasant little outdoor patio. As the evening went on it really did seem to be the place to be. The menu is simple, but still something for everyone, and as I discovered the chef is flexible and willing to accommodate you.

Our waiter was super nice, (and just happened to previously been from Sacramento) and informed me that I could have the calamari appetizer ($9), as the chef would use cornstarch instead of the normal flour mixture. And since the place was so small, they just had one fryer, but dumped the old oil to fry them up for me. I love deep fried calamari and have not had it since going gluten free so this was a thrilling moment for me, and you better believe that my husband and I ate up every last bit, despite the calories.

For the main course I ordered the fish special of the day ($19), which was grilled halibut (no breading) with mango salsa, rice pilaf, and broccoli. Everything on the plate was excellent! Add in great conversation, some twinkle lights overhead for mood lighting, and it was a great night. Some of the reviews I had read on the internet thought this place was overpriced, but I disagree. We loved the food so much that we went back for lunch the next day before we headed on our journey home. This time around we each ordered a burger, mine without a bun, and we both agreed they were some of the best burgers we've had in a long time.

On a scale of 1 out of 100, with 100 being "the best ever" I give this place a 90, and my husband rates it a 92. Excellent food, excellent service, excellent atmosphere.