$475 MENU & $1500 WINE PAIRING - Dining at One of CALIFORNIA'S BEST Restaurants - Single Thread

We are here in California, on a journey to discover the best restaurants this state has to offer.
5 days, 5 restaurants, each with 3 Michelin stars.
Now, we take you to the second restaurant on our list. For that, we hit the road for Healdsburg.
It's called Single Thread, and the head chef is Kyle Connaughton. In 2019, the restaurant was awarded 3 Michelin stars.
www.singlethreadfarms.com/
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Instagram - / alexandertheguest
My name is Alexander. I’m the co-owner of a ONE Michelin star restaurant, and I’m on a mission - to find inspiration in gastronomy. I love fine dining, good wine and sharing what I know with other people.
Check out my restaurant:
/ 42restaurant

[@chrishart4170]

Love your California tour! Just a fun fact about the 24 year old sommelier, he has only been allowed to legally drink wine for 3 years, but if his education was in California, we passed a law largely for the UC Davis wine program (one of the best in the world and benefactor of the Mondavi fortune after some family drama, see the book “House of Mondavi” for more on that!). If you’re a wine student or sommelier, you can legally sip and spit wine as young as 18 here!

[@iamstillvoltron]

Very interesting info. I didn't know that. Otherwise, young sommeliers from other countries would have a huge head start.

[@chrishart4170]

@@iamstillvoltron Not just sommeliers but winemakers too! UC Davis is consistently recognized as one of the best Viticulture and Enology programs in the world. I say that as a proud alumnus of their Engineering School who was lucky enough to have a few friends in their wine, beer and food science programs!

[@sujankumar4301]

Ha ha sip and split is very interesting!

[@giuliovalenti1682]

It’s so barbaric you still have the 21 age limit, it literally brings no advantage whatsoever

[@anonmeatcheesebun]

This seems like one of the most genuinely impressive restaurants you've posted, with regards to the service, atmosphere, and the food itself. Not a lot of stuck up, pretentious, "modern avant garde" foofy presentations, just good food with good technique. Love the energy from the younger staff especially the sommelier as well to make it seem approachable.

[@Andre-Nader]

I wouldn’t call what they showed as classic technique. I think they just mastered things in a way that feel much more organic and unnecessarily pretentious.

[@munchindiafoodtruck]

Love your comments. We agree with everything that you said about this place. We dined here a few years back and loved the food. The service was just ok for us. All in all a great place to experience !!!

[@JonasReichert1992]

That Somelier could easily lead a whole company into war….

[@anonmeatcheesebun]

@@Andre-Nader fair point. I edited that to just say good technique because you're right :)

[@Hollis_has_questions]

@@anonmeatcheesebunI noticed the good/classic difference and wondered. “Good” editing.

[@JK-sw3qp]

Seeing a 24 year old sommelier really brightened my day. The passion and level of service he offered seemed amazing. Great video once again!

[@JesseComments]

Study study study

[@jjhaya]

He really has the qualities of a young man but doesn't forget to be a professional. How he interacts with Alexander makes him relatable and definitely leveled up his service, kinda cool since he's only been legal to drink for 3 years.

[@joshuafoster1772]

Singlethread is the only 3 starred restaurant I’ve been to. I took my family last August to celebrate my 30th birthday. I echo the same opinions of this place. It was simply an incredible experience with an astonishing attention to detail. I was simply blown away from my experience here.

[@Hollis_has_questions]

Where to this coming August? Have you decided? O Lucky Man!

[@atlastheend]

you know who else is top tier? the editor, like WOW, every video!

[@Hollis_has_questions]

I agree. Every video is a gem. Raise a glass to the videographer!

[@ChumbahNutz]

So far, two 3* restuarants, and the experience and contrast between Atelier Crenn and Single Thread could not be wider. Single Thread appears to be one of those encounters, that if you only got to experience it once you would count yourself very fortunate, and very happy.

[@fadew55]

The difference is the price though. The guide weighs it all, value for experience. This is clearly a better experience.... But waaay higher price tag.

[@althegreat1968]

@@fadew55 The tasting menu is around the same price for both - he just chose the highest tier wine pairing here which inflates the price tag

[@ChristianLee-xd9yo]

I have eaten here three times, and each time has been better than the last. The best restaurant I’ve ever visited.

[@johnnysins1171]

You must be rich rich

[@Supperconductor]

@@johnnysins1171 Nah, just make it a priority, if that's your passion. You don't have to be rich to enjoy places like this, just skip spending on other things so casually.

[@8300dvo]

@@Supperconductor 100% this, people make out that this is just for the uber rich. But then spend £200 a month on takeaway... literally just skip take out for 2 months and you can happily afford to experience this within your current budget. Shit man that's several times a year experiencing once in a lifetime restaurants like this. Make it your passion and you'd be surprised what you can afford. I say this on minimum wage lol

[@nnamuenmada]

How do you compare it with Tom’s laundry?

[@tanishqsagar3440]

@@8300dvo And what about the money for groceries? It's still gonna cost $200. I don't think any tasting menu is worth starving for a month lol

[@ThePysen100]

watching this while eating my $0,5 ramen noodles

[@oskarkairbekow6077]

Bro I’m smoking my ramen.. be grateful

[@jjhaya]

What wine pairing did you have? 😅

[@zes7215]

wrr

[@FishareFriendsNotFood972]

This restaurant really seems like they are having fun playing with their food, and that's the highest compliment I can give a fine dining place

[@markharris2798]

The best channel of this kind anywhere. So glad you started it....AWESOME!

[@aq5426]

Now this is a fine dining restaurant that I want to go to before I die. Beautiful and tasty, and professional without a hint of pretentiousness.

[@sinocte]

Came here to make this comment myself. It's lovely to see the staff not walking around like they have a fence post up their arse. It can be pretty magical when you find someplace where they take what they DO seriously, without taking themselves just as seriously.

[@Merlin_Price]

This one is gonna be hard to top this year. The fight to get here for the owners/chefs is a great asset. And the presentation is just superb. Love that they are letting that young man find his feet too. Rare to see.

[@rustinpieces]

You put the smile on my face that was lacking here all day; in miserable, late October-like climate conditions in The Netherlands. Keep up the good work Alexander!

[@KamiKaZantA]

Same in Sweden. Where the hell is the summer?

[@mikealbright4994]

​@KamiKaZantA The sun and heat have finally arrived in(outside) Seattle, Wa.😊

[@AwesometownUSA]

meanwhile a lot of the US has been battered by excessive heatwaves for the past couple weeks - we’d gladly let you take some of the heat!

[@graceclement5922]

Thank you for sharing your dining experience. Your insightful observations and experienced palate make your videos a pleasure to watch. And thank you for your honesty, you call it as you see and taste it!

[@pomelo4086]

Never seen him so happy before ahaha goes to show this place was unforgettable

[@zes7215]

wr

[@AndrewP957]

This is the most appealing one I’ve seen on the channel for a while, looks really great. Nice job Alex

[@Kees247]

A beautiful episode. Thank you. I loved the sommelier too. Just a new fresh breeze through the 3 star environment.

[@donladmulligan4676]

Always excellent compliments when a restaurant is outstanding. One of my most enjoyable KZbin subscriptions.

[@Riskmangler]

What a fantastic review. The staff's confidence and enthusiasm comes through and in a word, is inspiring.

[@DJPAOLO]

This is the best review you have done yet - bravo Alex! Keep it up! And so glad you show what makes California cuisine so incredible. Hope you are passing by Yountville next...

[@MokusGreen]

So wonderful content - thank you Alexander :-)

[@VanDerPol]

I am really excited that your content will be extended to include not "only" restaurants❤

[@thejackoss]

The wine pairing was absolutely exceptional. Wow!

[@EdenWallace-v5n]

Very excited to see your future videos expand outside of restaurants! I love the educational component you include in all of these experiences.

[@Korkloo]

Hooray!!! New video ❤️❤️❤️

[@tarapiglet]

I could not eat 80% of these fine dining dishes - but I am obsessed with this guy and this channel. 😅 It reminds me how much good living is out there to be had.

[@murrayr1495]

excited to see what the more varied videos will be like :)

[@t23c56]

This looks like one of the best ones yet! Thank you again for sharing your passion for fine dining with us all.

[@Admiral-Blackbeard]

Fantastic video, amazing restaurant. A suggestion. Could you start the title with "episode xx, California part 2"? Its nice to keep track of a journey from start to finish, knowing i didnt skip a video.

[@burakoto6439]

You are a great storyteller, not like other high-end dining channels, you make it easy and enjoyable to watch by interpreting it with on-point observations, without using unnecessary and exaggerated terms.

[@JackWWtravels]

Great video! This was on my shortlist for a trip in October so you've made the decision easy

[@Jake-kr8sc]

First, I absolutely love this suit. Second, I am very happy to see the enthusiasm for this restaurant. Very happy to see there is American culinary excellence.

[@jerotso]

Greetings and salutations from Navajo Nation in Arizona! 🎊 🎉love your channel and insights..cheers!

[@DrMistousCz]

Every time I see that you have released a new video, it makes me happy, I haven't had such a feeling from any creator for a long time.

[@rvanrossum4275]

O my god I’m so exited my favorite KZbin account just posted a new video!!❤

[@okaykuro]

This might be my favorite episode. As an American, I think it's important that we respect other cultures and cuisines. This restaurant makes me feel like it respects Japanese cuisine to it's fullest while also not trying to imitate it. That sommelier was such a pleasure to watch as well. Thank you for the great episode! Can't wait for the new series you're teasing!

[@DouglasJWalker]

I love that the song is back. Looking forward to whats to come

[@niranalmog4773]

Your videos are always such a joy to watch. Your commentary as you go through these culinary journeys is great, and always impressed by your knowledge of wine. Out of curiosity, when you do wine pairings, is it intentional to leave some of the wine in each glass until they all pile up at the end? Seems like an interesting strategy since the flavor of the profiles of each wine change as your go through the course progression. Curious to hear more about this

[@johnnysins1171]

I love watching these videos, even though I cant even afford mcdonalds 😢

[@jacoba4230]

I like how you appreciate and value the vibes of the space and the employees.

[@Flokey_2]

Great video! Have to try it soon

[@danteMdie]

My dining budget is definitely a long way from these kinds of restaurants and tbh, I feel my palate isn't refined enough to enjoy this kind of food. However, I just can't stop watching your videos. It's art in one hand and food science in the other. Thank you for broadening my horizons.

[@MrGerben29]

This is your best review sofar.❤

[@jdude9922]

I always love when you come to America. Its great to see out best culinary foot put forward.

[@surft]

Now this looks like a restaurant worth saving money for! Thank you for aiding us less affluent in choosing what restaurants are worth it to go to.

[@ericstashak4474]

I had such an amazing meal here a couple years ago. Glad you loved it. As a Bay Area native I’m so happy to see you romping around my region!

[@Zach-wp5mu]

Love your videos!

[@MajWin]

thx for the content :D

[@AlexanderG.-rd3hx]

as always top notch quality. keep going!

[@OhLookItsDavid]

The only thing better looking than the food is your jacket’s tailoring - wow !

[@hoozentroger]

He should start a second channel about tailored garment...

[@daxharper7170]

Always appreciating Alexanders tailoring choices 🙃

[@chantalferreirapulzone3630]

This restaurant service and excellent quality really stands out

[@vincentbernatchez3250]

Love all your videos!

[@AwesometownUSA]

“Like a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape/ I’m fine like wine when I start to rap” - The Beastie Boys

[@PeckishMarcio]

Outstanding video. This restaurant is going on my bucket list.

[@beetroot48]

I think this is one of the best, if not the best all-around restaurants you’ve reviewed in 2024. Top notch on all levels, and super interesting. ❤

[@kajisan09]

Love it!

[@pandoragirl9424]

Always watching alexander's video while eating my homemade nasi goreng.

[@Question_Marked]

More videos of the best guest I’m all in !!!🎉

[@AppliedScience]

How does tipping work at high-end restaurants? Do guests tip 15 to 20 % even when the bill is $3K? I noticed the 3% service charge on this bill. Is that more common?

[@KlausValk]

Your channel is very inspiring and informative! It is not only showing the amazing and unique, top tier cuisine and service in the world of gastronomy but reminds us of an important point: remember to support local cuisine and gastronomy whenever possible. Visit restaurants, be radical, be amazed, be unpredictable, be open to the world of food and gastronomy as it opens to new cultures, people and experiences!

[@williamdietrich9819]

Another enjoyable review, but I’m wondering how you manage to eat through all these multi-course meals. I know portions are small, but every restaurant looks like a lot of calories. Do you fast ahead of time? Is the meal so slowly paced that you have more time to digest? I’ve obviously never tried the experience.

[@thomtompkins9696]

Stunning !

[@lucyliu2171]

Finally! my favorite restaurant in the states!

[@magicjuand]

there's gotta be half a million invested into this channel just in the year or so it's been around.

[@shanicestella2226]

The Video Thumbnail itself is the most floral but artistic thumbnail that I see in this channel

[@ChefMychel]

Hope to have you at Stanford University next time my Friend! -Chef Mychel

[@Nordic_Sky]

Stanford University is a must see!

[@OrganicMachoCapitalist]

Do you mean a restaurant or the university itself?

[@ChefMychel]

@@OrganicMachoCapitalist I'm an Executive Chef at Stanford, so a tour and food. We do some pretty fun stuff, I have some videos up for our Chef tables and other events.

[@Nordic_Sky]

@@OrganicMachoCapitalist The university. My daughter goes there. It is well worth a visit. They probably have some decent food nearby as long as it's not campus food service! Lol!

[@OrganicMachoCapitalist]

@@ChefMychel Nice, sounds good!

[@moonthing02]

Within 3 minutes I have gasped and said “What” more than I ever have, the experience must have been absolutely insane!

[@PtolemyXVII]

The presentation was quite nice. I loved the opening tier design of the 1st course. Japanese food is so intricate and delicate, and I love all the attention to detail with particular sauces and garnishes. The edible flowers always makes a dish look beautiful. I’m surprised there was no sake in the wine pairings. Sake also has a large range, different flavours and adds nicely to wines and champagnes

[@dchevron77]

Would love wine content!

[@noewantstosleep]

Grew up in Sonoma County, can confirm that we love our farm-to-table food and delicious wines.

[@maxd3516]

Love your videos and California tour! I also would love to see you to go to the De Librije. It's the best restaurant of the Netherlands, and one of the two 3-michelinstar restaurants in this country. Keep it up :)

[@matteo1429]

GREAT VIDEO as always, you do an AMAZING job here! And 5:02 YES PLEASE!! You deserve MILLIONS of subscribers!

[@Joe_Ingles]

This is in my opinion, hands down, the Michelin restaurant in the Bay Area, and perhaps a strong contention for the best Three Michelin in the United States. Although I have yet to try Alinea, Smyth, and Addison, from what I've heard Single Thread is still one of the top contenders for that unofficial title. I'm glad you had the same experience!

[@Scientist12345678910]

A bit of a stretch to call Healdsburg the Bay Area haha

[@Joe_Ingles]

@@Scientist12345678910 Not to be that guy, but the bay area includes Sonoma County which is where Healdsburg is located. I know what you’re trying to say though ;)

[@HossinFW]

My favorite show on Utube!!!

[@paymedouble]

This has to be my favorite restaurant you have visited

[@streetsoffrisco]

We just went last night and the Somm is so talented. Great kid.

[@SU-oy1ty]

Would love to see a travel type of reviews from you of destinations / hotels that you visit ❤

[@Hollis_has_questions]

So far, my favorite destination + restaurant has been Hungary + 42, followed by Greenland + KOKS. Having been to none, I love (most of) them all. This time, I enjoyed seeing one of their non-alcoholic beverages. So exquisitely inventive, that I could easily drink my lunch at Single Thread.

[@weeksy79]

That water trick is just brilliant

[@OleBrur]

Please don't ever stop making videos

[@MarcoDiamante-c9o]

I recommend to watch the "mise en place" series, where they talk about this restaurant from the chef point of view. A beautiful pairing for this Alexander's episode.

[@belloscuro9039]

Worked with Jackson at Selby’s. Awesome dude

[@RS3Dutchie]

Amazing video, stunning restaurant

[@samsham8218]

NOW THAT is an impressive Restaurant.

[@karebeechuah]

Truly an amazing restaurant, thank you for sharing such a magical experience with us!

[@dlvanderpeet2602]

What a treat! Great presentation! Love your channel. Cheers.

[@rickguerrero2282]

Single Thread is on my list to visit this year! I am a resident of SoCal, so it is driving distance to Healdsburg. And with so many wonderful hotels to choose from, it is just a matter of securing a reservation once they are released each month. Great video!!!

[@hw260]

When you stay in overnight accommodations at Single Thread; securing a dinner reservation is easy. Expensive, yes. You won't regret it.

[@rickguerrero2282]

@@hw260 Hmmmm......get a room for $1,500+ and skip the "Unforgettable" wine pairing? Or sleep in my car and get the $1,500 wine pairing???? 1st world problem, for sure!

[@hw260]

@@rickguerrero2282 Looks like you are wishing above your pay grade. Don't go chasing waterfalls, stick to what you're used to: Fast Casual. Cheers.

[@foodgeektv]

First restaurant I've seen in a while looking like they are doing something original

[@PineapplePizzaBiS]

Haha, I live here and KNEW the video would be this place.

[@AlanDunkin]

I'm assuming you didn't get there in time to do the pre-meal hangout and drinks on the roof? That's the perfect way to start. Glad you did SingleThread, I was there when it had 2 stars, and I knew it was going to 3 and wanted to get there before the craziness happened. Just such a great experience in everything they do.

[@c_s_b_9_4]

"all star wine up full of heavy hitters" was an insanely good pun, especially for a non-native english speaker

[@Mighty_Dork]

Oh the sommelier is such a nerd, and that's so good for his career, happy for him

[@adamrasmussen7379]

1500 wine pairing. The alpha has entered the room.

[@johnmichaelbeakley7447]

Alexander was baptized in 'The Krug'

[@Bragglord]

Single Thread is not only one of the best in California, it's probably top 3 in America.

[@melissalambert7615]

Good service really does add to a meal. Love the water order and that you never run out. I really dislike running out of water. I would hazard a guess that the young sommelier enjoyed some fine wine at home before his 21st birthday.

[@melissaoleary2977]

Phenomenal video... But which was the better wagyu?

[@pheebsbee1280]

There's jasmine in the table flowers 🥰

[@hoozentroger]

Its hard to admit as a Eropean but this is probably my favorite restaurant so far! (well not like it can be judged without tasting)

[@michaelspillane2175]

Can i suggest seabourn cruise that have Thomas Keller michelin star would be a different look, and see how its made on water!? love the vids