WELCOME
The time has come for Backyard to say thank you for all of the love and support. It is time for us to express the gratitude for all of the people who have entered through our doors. From staff to guests, every single one of you, who have crossed the threshold, had a significant impact on our and each other’s lives.
In the last nine years, we have watched children grow up, relationships blossom, people go off to start, and return, from their adventures. Families come together, and community grow around us. You have allowed us to be part of, and share, in all of these memories with you. Whether it was a plate of onion rings to sooth the soul, or a hug that was needed, you allowed us to be part of the lives we were feeding everyday.
To the staff that worked with us, we can not thank you enough for all of the work and dedication you gave. We would not have survived one day, without all of you that shared our vision, and ideals, for Backyard. We hope that you take what you learned at Backyard and use it as a launch to your own next chapter. There are not enough words to truly express our gratitude.
To the guests and community who we had the honor to feed. Thank you for inspiring our passions, and keeping us ever evolving. You welcomed us with open hearts and empty bellies, giving us the pleasure of filling both. You allowed us to execute our biggest mission, to be part of and grow with the community around us. As we close our doors, and have our final services, please savor the flavors and enjoy the memories that we created together.
To the community of farmers, ranchers, forager, and artisans that we have had the pleasure of working with. It is your passion and dedication that allowed our restaurant to shine. It was our honor to allow your hard work be the inspiration. or the highlight, that so many got to enjoy. Our job was made easy by the quality and standard that you delivered everyday.
There are so many people to thank, from the ones who believed in our crazy idea to open a restaurant, to those who have given us never ending support. You helped tell the story of Backyard. All of the community organizations that we have worked with, Backyard would not have survived so long with out you. Our community would not be what it is without all of the work that you all do everyday. You have been the support and voice for so many that needed it. Working with you fed our soul.
As we close the doors in Forestville, and say good bye to our unique space, it is not the end of our story. You will find us popping up all around. You will see us at events, wineries and you know it would not be the Gravenstien Apple Fair without a fried chicken sandwich.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts,
Daniel and Marianna
Backyard is a seasonal, sustainable restaurant nestled in the small town of Forestville, California. We draw our inspiration from Sonoma County, with all of its amazing bounties; orchards, farms, ranchers, foragers and fisherman. Every fruit, vegetable and animal is grown, raised or line caught locally. We value community and the moral, ethical practices of sustainability — which shine through in every dish.
Our menu features whole animal butchery from local ranchers, house made sausages, charcuterie, pasta, vegetarian cuisine, local beer and wine, and our famous buttermilk fried chicken. With our farm, Bee Run Hollow, located just a few miles away, we are able to truly share with you the season's harvest.
Dine with us, or grab a box of our buttermilk fried chicken to-go & enjoy at your destination.
With our style of rustic, California cuisine, in a West Sonoma County fashion, we are able to create seasonal menus that change daily as the lush bounties of our surroundings provide. Backyard's mission is to bring the experience of Sonoma County's backyard to your table.
CHEF DANIEL KEDAN and CHEF MARIANNA GARDENHIRE met at the Culinary Institute of America in 2006, and the now husband/wife team have been sharing stories, recipes, and ideas for their passion of food, sustainability and community since.
During late spring of 2012, they decided it was time to take the "leap of faith" and open their own restaurant, where they call home, Sonoma County. Having the good fortune of working locally over the past few years, they have individually, as well as together, built amazing foundations within the community.
