PRESS
Proprietors/Owners - Andrew & Susie Pryfogle, Glen Ellen, CA
TIPS Roadside Opens for Business in Kenwood, CA
June 11th, 2018
Following an extensive remodel of the existing structure, proprietors Andrew and Susie Pryfogle officially opened the doors to brand new restaurant TIPS Roadside on June 6th, 2018. The restaurant is located at 8445 Sonoma Highway, at the corner of Adobe Canyon Road in Kenwood, CA.
The opening of this chic new eatery has been a long labor of love for the Pryfogles. After an eight-month wait, they received their building permits just one week before the October 2017 fires. Thanks to a tremendous outpouring of community support, the Pryfogles were able to use their mobile kitchens, the two Tri Tip Trolleys, to feed over 5,000 first responders in Glen Ellen and Santa Rosa in the aftermath of the fires.
After the fires subsided, construction began on the 90-year old building. The priority was to bring the building up to code and expand its capacity while honoring the history of the property. The back bar, banquets and larger tables within the restaurant were all built with reclaimed wood from the original construction.
There are several nods to the building’s storied history, including an original gas pump from when the location served as a 1930s era filling station. Several vintage photos showing young Sonoma Valley legends Sam Kunde, Angelo Sangiacomo, Giovanni Bianchini and current property owner, Hank Schukler, adorn the walls.
The restaurant is now home to heartfelt pieces of art that commemorate the fires of 2017, including an original painting by Glen Ellen artist Tom Rice, entitled “1:34 AM I smelled smoke”, a touching statement of gratitude, and a must-see American flag constructed from fire hose, designed by a Napa firefighter. Additionally, the Pryfogle’s commissioned an original art installation that honors the memories of countless survivors from the fire and features items salvaged from their homes. The large and moving work is entitled “Tree of Life”, and was created by Sonoma artist, Helena Donzelli, who also lost her own home in the fire.
While the building has gone through a tremendous transformation, the real star of the restaurant is, as it should be, the food.
“This menu is a culmination of 30 years in this business and reminiscent of my childhood,” said Executive Chef Thaddeus Palmese of his “wine country comfort food” specialties. With gluten-free fried chicken and a vegetarian “true grits” dish, there is something for everybody. The grass-fed burger is a juicy delight, while the slab-o-bacon and short ribs are unique and hearty. Guests can finish their meals with fresh and authentic New Orleans beignets with Meyer Lemon dipping sauce, among other sweet options.
TIPS Roadside features an extensive, locally focused wine list and unique craft cocktails from its full bar. The restaurant seats 110 guests, including a chef’s counter and open kitchen. The owners expect to complete construction on their spacious outdoor courtyard in the next month, with sweeping views of surrounding vineyards, Mount Hood and Sugarloaf Ridge. The courtyard and patio room is available for private parties of up to 60 people.
Currently open Wednesday through Sunday, 5pm-9pm, for dinner, the Pryfogle’s plan to add a daily brunch in the coming weeks.
Commented owner Susie Pryfogle: “We hope that you will feel the love of community, passion for food and the comfort of home everytime you walk through the door. Wherever you’re from, welcome home!”
TIPS Roadside is continuing to hire for all positions. Interested candidates should send their resumes to info@tipsroadside.com, or stop by to meet the team.
For more information, contact Susie Pryfogle, (707) 509-0078, susie@tipsroadside.com.Follow us on Instagram and Facebook or on the web at www.tipsroadside.com
Reviews
Jim Cheney
We've been waiting for almost a year for this place to open up. Since opening, we've been twice, and have not been disappointed! They offer a variety of unique dishes at a great price. I'd call it Wine Country Comfort Food. It use to be the Vineyard Inn, which served great food for decades. The owners of the Tri Trip Trolly bought it, and the building has been under renovation for what I'd guess, over a year. It finally opened this year, and it is great. Check out their menu on the web site. The service is some of the best I've encountered in Sonoma County. Fast and friendly. We always sit at the bar where you can watch the meals being prepared. The tables are cozy and the atmosphere unique. There is a special enclosed patio room and a fire pit out front. Great place to eat if you're local or passing through. Near all the major Valley of the Moon wineries.
Yummy! I had the Tri-tip veggie coleslaw bowl. And they were very accommodating to a food restriction. Love this food truck! Joan W, Yountville
Marc's party was SO WONDERFUL! Everything turned out perfect and the food was to die f
Screaming for more!! Louisiana style bbq holy moly!
Hello foodies and not so fine diners, This is a place you will want to go back again and again and again! Located on the Sonoma Highway corridor, "this hole in the wall," Louisana style comfort food is one of an kind! The waiter, Jose D, was our tables server and he went above and beyond to make sure every single person and detail was taken care of. He my friends, is the prime example of customer service and satisfaction. His honest take on the menu was superbly appreciated and accurate. Im a gnocchi freak, so instead of the burger, I tried the gnocchi. (Seen below in photo 2). Wow! What an interesting take on gnocchi smoked tomato sauce style with chicken meatballs!:Bites like a bandit caught red-handed! The chef was so animated and the servers were so attentive. Ot was almost like being VIP. So before we got seated, I almost didn't have a reservation but then they decided to go ahead and wait for another table at the bar,. The bartender was great, he must've seen the look on my face and knew exactly what I needed and handed me a cold "Roadside IPA". Wow! So if you are in the area for the day or even the weekend, stop here for either Brunch on Sundays, Lunch or dinner. Im going to try another tasty meal sometime soon! Cant get enough of that Louisiana flava! Call ahead for availability and reservations. Super busy on nights and weekends. Parking lot access. ADA compliant.
or! People are still talking about it and I've given your contact info to at least a handful of friends who have requested it already.
So thank you again, I would recommend your business ANY TIME, so use me as a reference if you need one.
Thanks again!
Nicki T
Kristie M - "You drove it to our event so well--and in our tiny parking lot! Our employees raved about the quality of your food. We loved it. Thanks much! #BestFoodTruckinSoCo
That Tri tip is chronic
That Tri tip is dank!"
Candace S reviewed The Tri Tip Trolley — 5 star
November 8, 2016 ·
Tried The Tri Tip Trolley for the first time today at Kaiser in San Rafael. I ordered The Sando and The Fusion Bowl. Both were delicious. Now I wish I had ordered the chili and cornbread, maybe next time. Also, the young lady taking orders was extremely courteous, engaging, and very sweet. Thanks for a wonderful experience!
Sierra H reviewed The Tri Tip Trolley — 5 star
May 1, 2016 ·
Went here on a whim while I was leaving the Day under the Oaks and it was basically one of the best decisions I've ever made! I didn't know Mac and Cheese could taste so good until I had it with delicious cubes of Tri Tip on top! Congrats I'm a new person.
Kimberly S reviewed The Tri Tip Trolley — 5 star
December 28, 2015 ·
I haven't ate anything on the trolley that wasn't a mouth watering experience! Excellent tri tip salads and sandwiches. Sauce is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy!
Judy M reviewed The Tri Tip Trolley — 5 star
August 10, 2017 ·
BEST Mac Cheese & tri tip with Chipotle Sauce bowl!!
Jen H reviewed The Tri Tip Trolley — 5 star
March 6, 2017
The tri tip burrito is out of this world! Highly recommend!
Sandie C The Tri Tip Trolley — 5 star
May 31, 2015 ·
I had a taste bud explosion from Tri's Tri-Tip truck at Bottlerock. They offered a creole shrimp po-boy that was more like I was eating at Jazz Fest in New Orleans. The chef is from New Orleans & the shrimp was spot on creole, plus the French bread was light & crispy "just like home". This New Orleans girl is impressed. Laissez les Bon temps roulez.
Casey J reviewed The Tri Tip Trolley — 5 star
March 22, 2017 ·
If you see the Chili Mac on special, it's a game changer! But of course, I don't think I've had a single thing on this tri tip trolley that I didn't like. #fatkidproblems
Alfredino Freviewed The Tri Tip Trolley — 5 star
March 13, 2016 ·
Best darn tri-tip I ever had! Also, love their sandwiches too!
Do not miss this restaurant!!
While at one of the local wineries, our guide at the wine tasting mentioned this 'roadside' restaurant. We love suggestions by locals so decided to eat lunch here. And it turned out to be one of my favorite meals of the entire trip. The restaurant is famous for the tri-tip sandwich (which was good) but the star of the menu was the peach salad. I felt like I was eating something fresh from the garden - grilled peach with burrata, spiced nuts and greens with a ginger dressing. I literally am going to figure out how to make this at home! The vibe is also very new/modern and cool. Definitely a must-do while in the area!
Cathy, Chicago
Another Excellent Restaurant in The Kenwood-Glen Ellen corridor
Tips Roadside from Andrew who brought us the Tri Tip catering trucks has landed on solid ground with Tips Roadside Restaurant! A clever menu with twits on some classic food, polenta fries, tater tots, fried chicken, crispy oysters, steamed muscles, fish, steaks and burgers. A very stylish friendly interior w a fireplace has turned this old building into a gem. Wonderful wait staff and a cooking line in view from the tables and counter service, full bar local beer and lots more.
As of next week July 18th open for brunch/lunch 7 days a week. Locals and tourists are flocking to this well priced restaurant.
D NICOLAS LYRAS - London Foreign Press
A Wonderful Surprise!
Andrew and Susie put together a very impressive restaurant, one that we just visited for the first time. The combination of values at Tips Roadside promises to be a winner for a long time to come: location, atmosphere, decor, and food. We had their hamburger, frankly the best I can remember. It was uniquely flavorful and served on a relatively thin bun--incredible. Tip Roadside can expect to add a few more patrons to their list of regulars. Well done!
Kent S, Sonoma
Doug R.- Santa Rosa, CA
- 0 friends
- 4 reviews
10/26/2018
Wow! Just ate at Tip's for the first time. We explored all the sliders and Mom's tomato soup (with those amazing grilled cheese croutons....WHO DOES THAT ANYWAY?)
In one meal Tip's has been put on our preferred places to eat in Sonoma County. And for crying out loud...we are Sonoma County local FOODIES!