Glen Ellen’s Songbird Parlour is a rare culinary bird indeed
Photos by Jess Cudworth
Sometimes the best restaurants feel a bit like a well-kept secret. Those places with thoughtfully prepared food, attentive service, and ambiance that encourages good conversation and genuine conviviality. Songbird Parlour in Glen Ellen is just such a spot. Tucked into historic Jack London Village, which dates to 1839, Songbird Parlour offers an elegant and sophisticated dining experience that is utterly appealing.
Steeped in what co-owner Lauren Kershner calls “modern Victorian” décor, featuring emerald green walls, expansively tall ceilings, and well-spaced classic white tables, Songbird feels like stepping into a big hug and part of another era, even though it is just steps from Arnold Drive and a stone’s throw from downtown Glen Ellen.
Kershner shared, “I was drawn to a vintage feel that would be comfortable for our private events. I love the Victorian era but without all the clutter, so we kept it streamlined.” Songbird is home to not only the restaurant but also Goodness Gracious Eats & Catering, a private chef and catering service specializing in fine culinary experiences and farm-to-table cuisine.
On a recent relaxed Thursday evening, Chef Miller McCrae showcased his considerable talents and deep background with Sonoma County culinary arts and agriculture. Raised in Sonoma County, McCrea worked at Michelin-star restaurant Saison in San Francisco, where he was also the head forager in the culinary garden. In addition, he opened restaurants with Chef Morimoto, experience that clearly informs his work at Songbird. Kershner shared, “Miller’s experience and talent are what really make us stand out.”
Thursday night’s dishes were classic while highlighting seasonal local offerings: the delicate lesser-known fish kampachi crudo with blood orange and sweet potato chips, melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon, and pan-roasted salmon with forbidden rice and herbed yogurt were all featured players on the highly recommended Chef’s Tasting Menu. A roasted beet salad with Big Rock blue, apple, and crispy onions shone. Beef tartar with raw egg yolk and crunchy artisan bread was truly memorable.
The menu changes with the season so be ready to experience whatever is fresh off the farm. “We’ll build a menu from an item that inspired us at the farmers market, and we know all of our producers,” shared Kenneth De Alba, Kershner’s life and business partner.
Chef McCrae’s experience working on small farms is elemental to the dishes. “I have a passion for organic farming, and understanding how food is grown gives me a deeper appreciation for the dishes we offer.”
Kershner and De Alba acquired the Songbird space in 2020, using it as a base for catering and special events. The dining room opened in November of 2024. At its core, Songbird Parlour is also a neighborhood spot, where people gather for community meals and special events like Mother’s Day or farm-to-table collaborations. De Alba shared, “The staff is a small team connected to the community; our kids all go to school together, and we enjoy making genuine connections with our guests. It makes a big difference.”
De Alba’s wheelhouse includes curating the wine list at Songbird, which mirrors that community commitment. “Just like developing relationships with farmers, we also want relationships with wine producers. I want to know their story, and we enjoy highlighting really beautiful wines that may not get the attention they deserve. Some don’t even have a tasting room and may release as few as 75 cases each year.”
A well-prepared meal, thoughtfully created and served with care, can improve just about any outlook and is deeply satisfying. That may seem like a bold statement, but dinner at Songbird Parlour in Glen Ellen serves up local cuisines with attention to detail that allows the richness of our place to shine through.
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Songbird Parlour
14301 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen
707 343 1308 | songbirdparlour.com