Murphys Grade Restaurant – An Amazing Find!
A first time visit to Murphys Grade Restaurant and what an amazing find! Our oldest daughter Meghan was in town and we ventured off for some sashimi but the restaurant was closed on Monday’s. Walked a couple of doors down and saw the menu featuring oysters and assorted other foods from the ocean. Went inside to this small and charming facility located at 397 Main Street. Was met by the knowledgeable and enthusiastic owner Kathinka. Her entire family is involved with oysters, restaurants and gourmet cooking on the east coast.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
My daughter scanning over the menu with ten different oysters being offered trying to find the right ones to order. Kathinka suggested she bring a variety of them to determine her favorite. From the right going down to the left were the following oysters: Royal Miyagi, Patron, Shigoku, Malaspina, Chefs Creek and Kumamoto.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
They came with two dipping sauces and on the table were three sauces including one made from ghost peppers! I like the mildly hot and spicy sauce with horseradish. I ordered two of each of Royal Miyagi, Fat Bastard and Kumamoto oysters. The Royal Miyagi and Kumamoto have always been favorites and today they were exquisite. These were paired with a glass of J.Lohr Chardonnay with rich texture, Meyer lemon, minerality and loads of minerality that paired perfectly with the oysters hitting the bull’s-eye on the palate.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We finish and were still a bit hungry so my daughter ordered a sourdough French bread and I ordered the Pacific Shrimp Cocktail being wild caught and chemical free. Unfortunately they had sold out the night before. Kathinka brought us each a sample of their Smoke Halibut Habanero Spread with a slice of pickled Jalapeno’s and cracker. Upon on the first bite we were both clamoring for a full order!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This was perhaps one of the best seafood dishes I have had in years! It was halibut that was brined and smoke by Kathinka, then made into a delicious spread. It was heavenly and I can’t wait to return soon.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Their menu is unique with New England clam chowder, Sausage, Seafood, Lobster rolls, Steamed Crab, Caviar and both raw and smoked oysters. All in the Sierra Foothills! An in depth wine list by both the bottle and glass and beers are available. In July she will be adding new sausages and charcuterie boards to the menu.
While the foothills credo from John Sutter during the 1849 Gold Rush, was the Latin word “Eureka” meaning I found it, my credo is now also “Eureka” after finding Murphys Grade Restaurant.
Sláinte,
Michael