Element — Restaurant in Sutter Creek

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Element, located in the charming Hanford House in the heart of Sutter Creek, California. This delightful restaurant offers an ambience that perfectly blends coziness and culinary excellence, making it a gem in Gold Country.

The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the OG SMASH BURGER, a dish that can only be described as an epicurean delight. This burger is a masterpiece, featuring a half-pound of two expertly smashed beef patties, which are the heart and soul of this culinary wonder. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures – from the subtly sweet caramelized onions to the crisp, refreshing shredduce. The house pickles add a delightful tang, while the rich goat cheese and creamy avocado elevate the burger to new heights of deliciousness. The addition of a perfectly cooked egg and crispy bacon rounds off the experience, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate.

What makes this burger truly exceptional is Element's special sauce, a secret recipe that they call "Element 61." This sauce adds an indescribable depth of flavor, tying all the elements together on a beautifully toasted brioche bun. And let’s not forget the hand-cut frins - a perfect, crispy complement to the burger.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere at Element is one of genuine warmth and welcoming. The vision of Element is simple yet profound: to create a space where guests can indulge in home-cooked meals that not only satisfy hunger but also comfort the soul. This vision is brought to life by their talented chefs, who blend timeless culinary traditions with innovative twists. The use of the freshest local ingredients ensures that each dish not only bursts with flavor but also supports the local community.

A special shout-out is deserved for our host, Sarah, and our server, Jenny. Their exceptional service greatly enhanced our dining experience, adding a personal touch that made our meal at Element truly unforgettable.

In summary, Element at the Hanford House is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary destination that offers a unique and delightful experience. Whether you're a local or just passing through Gold Country, a visit to Element is a must for any food lover. Their OG SMASH BURGER alone is worth the trip, but it's their overall commitment to quality and service that will keep you coming...

The menu and food were very nicely prepared and presented. The Summer spritzer cocktail was just right. The Service providers were excellent, however I downgraded my review over two pieces of toast. We found that there wasn't enough bread on the mezze for enjoying all the items on the platter, so we asked for more bread, we were provided two more pieces, which was just the right amount, however when getting our check I was shocked we were charged for this bread.. Come on??? First we were not advised we'd be charged and secondly, how ludicrous to charge for two pieces of toast. When I questioned it, the server removed the charge, so thank you to the server for doing that and thank you to management for empowering the server to be able to do that. But Really??? Chef and management, you work so hard on every detail of the cuisine and the guest experience, why risk it all over two...

We have been wanting to try this restaurant for many years, but it always seemed to be closed when we were in town (we usually are here during the mid-day.) We finally decided to make a special trip just for this place and I'm glad we did.

I was a bit worried to bring a group because the menu seems a bit sparse. I need not have worried, for the food was excellent all around. I had the NY Steak, which was delicious and cooked to perfection. My wife opted for the shrimp and grits which was equally excellent. On the table was also a Spring Pasta and a Comfort Bowl with added chicken. All were delicious.

The service was attentive without being overbearing. We had everything we wanted when we wanted it. The bartender does a great job and the ambiance is very comfortable on the eyes.

I look forward to going back and highly recommend...