When Rohnert Park Patch launched on Dec. 7, we led with a story about a who said Rohnert Park is dying for an eatery where you could get a quick lunch, or a sit-down upscale dinner — with each dish made from scratch.
Chef Glenn Cybulski opened the doors to Seasons Sports Bar and Grill, located at 563 Rohnert Park Expressway, in between Target and Reading Cinemas, less than a week ago.
Being an avid supporter of local businesses, I had to try it out. Cybulski stays true to local, sustainable ingredients, and presents a menu sure to please any appetite.
“I’m really big on sustainability, and there’s no wiggle room on the homemade aspect,” Cybulski said. “All of our sauces, even our pasta, is house made. I don’t believe in buying premade food and reheating it and serving it to my customers.”
As a self-described foodie, Seasons is really exciting for me. I found on the menu everything from a fresh “chop” salad, made with thick cut smoked bacon, avocado, eggs, tomato, onion and grilled chicken, to a authentic wood-fired chicken chipotle pizza to slow-roasted barbecue ribs.
My sisters, who I dined with, ultimately chose the Thursday night special prime rib with house-made jus, the ribs and the traditional .
My sister said it best, when she said “this is seriously like nothing I’ve ever tasted. I don’t want to dip it in anything. The cheese tastes so fresh, the tomatoes sweet and the basil aromatic.”
“There’s other places in Rohnert Park that you can get good meals,” said Cybulski, “but I like to think we’re going to raise the bar and bring more good quality restaurants to the area.”
“People here are dying for a choice that’s good and fresh; and it’ll help that we’re staying seasonal and local.”
Seasons owners are still putting the finishing touches on the wine list, made up of local vitners, and the menu changes weekly, if not daily. A selection of artisan beers on draft are also available, as well as domestics.
The idea behind Seasons is to be able to walk in and get a quick bite during lunch hour, or stay and sit for a while, like we did. There’s happy hour every day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and appetizers are half off. The menu also offers vegetarian choices and a catch of the day. Prices are mid-range; affordable.
A thick-cut “Texas T Burger,” goes for $10. For all that you get a half-pound Angus patty served with smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, house-made barbecue sauce, and oh yeah, plenty of napkins, as the menu promises. Entrees are between $8 and $12 — a steal for the quality.
I spent 14 years serving myself, and found the service to be friendly, quick and warm. Atmosphere is slightly industrial, with exposed ceilings and an open kitchen, so guests can see how everything is prepared. Plenty of televisions showcase a variety of sports games as well. This place will be a regular for me, both for my regular community office hours, and I think it's the perfect date spot too. One other cool thing I noticed is the tables can easily be moved around, for, say, large parties like graduation, or a large family meal.
Cybulski said he couldn’t have done this alone. It’s the ongoing support of the city and the community that made the restaurant possible. And, these days, when it seems like a business is closes every few months, it’s really great to have an entrepreneur open up shop in town, instead of close down.
