Emberz Glowz in Sonora

By Antoinette May Herndon

Kathie and Charles Luke are foodies.   He’s a graduate of the Culinary Academy and a wine expert, she a journalist and critic.  When they talk, “my” Charles and I listen.  So, you can imagine how intrigued we were when they told us about an exciting new restaurant in Sonora.

As the new kid on the block, Emberz is generating lots of interest.  The four of us went early on a recent Sunday night and found the place filling up fast.   Very encouraging for an eatery that’s only been open seven months and has plenty of nearby competition. 

 The newly redecorated building is inviting with a hostess station at the back of a long shoebox shaped room.   The colors, vibes, lighting are all really cool.  The bistro has a lively grill feel to it. 

It’s always fun to find a restaurant with a full service bar and Emberz really outdoes itself.   Just imagine between a Crystal Kiss (espresso vodka,  vanilla vodka and frangelico), a Blue Balls (blueberry vodka, limes and Blue Bliss) or a Birthday Cake (whipped vodka, cake vodka, and Godiva chocolate.  Someone must have had a lot of fun thinking these up and naming them.

Kathie chose a lemon

drop (fresh lemon juice and Absolute Citron, house made syrup with a sugared rim.  She loved it!  A cocktail conservative, I went with a tried and true martini and found it everything a martini ought to be—though it did look a bit like someone had taken a sip or two.    All of these cocktails were priced $7.

Both Charleses opted for draft beer at $4.25.  Emberz has a nice selection of beers and our waitperson, Tricia Wolfgang, was very knowledgeable.   The bistro’s wine selection looked good, but Charles—on a wineman’s holiday brought a fabulous bottle of Tanner petit syrah.   Lucky us!

The four of us ordered two wedge salads.  What’s that word that everybody seems to be tossing around?  Awesome?  The leafy wedge at Emberz is really awesome.  Their dressing has a peppery “kick” to it that goes so well with the chunks of bleu cheese and thick-cut bacon that highlight the iceberg lettuce.  One $7 salad is definitely enough for two. There are lots of exciting things on the menu like Bacon Wrapped Scallops ($20) and Lemon Shrimp Rissotto ($15) but both Kathie and I ordered Cedar Plank Salmon Salads for our main courses.

 Yes, that is a lot of salad.  I wondered if we might suddenly grow buckteeth and long pink ears, but neither of us

could resist the description.  (Spinach, artichoke hearts, cucumbers, red onion, tomatoes with a tzatziki dressing.)  Now don’t ask me what tzatziki dressing is, just take my word that its tang brings out the delicate salmon flavor in a delightfully unexpected way.  It’s a perfect summer time entrée priced at $11.

Charles Herndon’s choice was the Reuban James Sandwich.  This consists of a half pound pressed beef patty, sliced pastrami, homemade sauerkraut, aged Swiss cheese coated with 1,000 island dressing.  Very tasty. 

Despite its name, the Bull Shit Burger, (Yes!  It really says that on the menu), Charles Luke had an elegant burger, cooked to perfection.    I think you could safely say that Emberz has a little attitude but we found the staff to be friendly and attentive.   This is a fresh, funky place with something on the menu for everyone.  We all said we’d be back for more. 

VITALS:  Emberz is located at 177 South Washington, Sonora.  Phone:  532-2272.  “Open seven dayz a week,” Sunday through Wednesday ll:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.  Credit cards accepted,  Reservations suggested.

              Tricia Wolfgang adds charm and efficiency to Emberz in Sonora.

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