The Compass Star

Was great while it lasted. Now gone from Martinez. Chef Rachel is a genius with meat and charcuterie. We miss you Compass Star!

I’m very sad to report that The Compass Star closed its doors for the final time, June 28^th, 2014. This restaurant will be sorely missed. I’ve never found its like.

My husband and I went here during the evening hours. We were the only individuals in the restaurant yet service was very slow. The atmosphere was horrible and hard to look over. No salt and pepper on tables. Dirty wine classes with tea lights for «décor»
The food itself was three stars. The only thing we really enjoyed was the seafood appetizer. My husband got a burger that was missing parts. My gnocchi was good but very heavy and buttery.
Kuttos for the organic selection!!!
I will not be returning. Overpriced with poor atmosphere and questionable platters. I do thank the chef for coming to say hello. Also, out waitress was friendly and kind.

First off, let me just say the customer service deserves 5 stars. The lady who works the register has a very cheerful disposition and she’s so welcoming. Sadly, I cannot vouch the same for their food and this is where my 2-​stars come in.
Today marks my second visit to the Compass Star. During my first visit, things were so-​so and it persuaded me to give this place another shot.
I had the turkey sandwich & beignets. The sandwich was alright, but it was a little on the dry side… Okay, A lot on the dry side. I barely tasted the spicy mustard that probably would have made it more favorable. I really enjoyed the bread but that’s about it. I was expecting more out of the sandwich because the description sounded appetizing but let’s just say I could have made a better sandwich at home. Now, for the beignets. Ah. The home made grape preservatives was good and the actual beignets were promising until I reached a bite where it tasted like… baking soda mixed with soap :(At first, I thought it was just me making up flavors, but my boyfriend gave me this weird look as he was eating one and actually had to spit out his bite.
I hate wasting food so I forced myself to finish my share despite of my disappointment. I feel bad for lying to the lady up front that things were good, but I can’t stand being that person who makes a fuss while other patrons are around. Plus, the lady was so sweet I couldn’t bare to say something negative in person.

Look at the distribution. Nearly every review is 4 or 5 stars. The owner, Rachel, takes great pride in her cooking and work, and every experience I have ever had at the Compass Star was phenomenal. Last weekend was no exception. Haters are going to hate — you can’t please some people. Fine with me — leaves more for the rest of us.
Three of us came in for a late dinner and immediately were greeted — we were offered tastes of various wines (since we wished to order a bottle), and settled on a lovely tempranillo-​graciano blend by Kidder. The charcuterie plate came out — two kinds of coppa, one aged and one new, if I recall, a firm andouillle and finocchiona. It was also served with crostini, caperberries, and pickled onions, which were excellent.
We were offered a lovely amuse of crostini with bone marrow — a fantastic way to start the meal.
The soup was served next, a tomato and cream soup which was filled with meat and vegetables. Just amazing — the seasoning was piquant without being spicy, and the flavors all blended together marvelously. The bite of the meat was a beautiful contrast to the smooth soup and the cooked but not-​overdone vegetables. A sublime dish.
Next was Pierogi with an amazing cheese sauce — we were lucky to get to taste it, because we received the penultimate (second to last) order left! It was absolutely amazing — creamy filling, delicious sauce, and the pasta was cooked to perfection. We ended up asking for more crostini to sop up all of the excellent sauce, and if it was just our group, I would have licked the plate. I am a stickler for manners, and as much of a faux-​pas as this would have been, it would have been worth it tenfold!
We then ordered some rosemary wedges and three of the sliders, chicken, beef, and a pork. They were served with house-​made mustard. Each was delicious, although we lamented that there was no more lamb to get the entire set of sliders!
By this time, we needed another bottle of wine, so we ordered a Super-​Tuscan style blend. Bold without being overwhelming, it paired wonderfully with the beef wellington. The wellington was perfectly cooked, rich and hearty with substance without being completely overdone. The roasted root vegetable were an excellent pairing, and the sauce ornamented them very well.
I think that I was on my fourth glass of wine by this point, so I honestly don’t recall if we enjoyed a dessert =) I don’t think we did, but I definitely recall a fantastic chat with the chef and server (Derek) about their inspiration for the food, and how they have pulled from historical recipes as inspiration for some of their food. It is a horrible shame that this place is not closer, or I would be here all the damn time.

The food was tasty and I love how the chef came and told us a story about the food. Love that personal touch!

We made reservations for a party of ten out on the patio where although it was a little cold was a fabulous atmosphere. They provided blankets for my kids and the hospitality and service was amazing!
They stayed up with all of our orders and requests (with a family our size we are always needing something). Derek and Chef Rachel (the owners) even took the time to chat and share their knowledge and passion for their food and their process, which is amazing!
In addition to the wonderful service the food was excellent and the deserts were to die for.
I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a great independent little restaurant that is run with great quality and passion in all that they do.

VERY OVERRATED. We ordered the sliders and a cured seafood sampler. The service was slow considering that the place was dead. Two of the sliders, including the chicken one, were almost inedible… underdone and rubbery. The food was also served barely warm. The server didn’t even ask how we liked the meal despite the fact that we didn’t finish. They even managed to screw up the order somehow even though there was only one other party there.
Considering the 5 star rating, we expected a much better dining experience. I guess there aren’t many food options in Martinez. The beer was the best part of the meal.

What a wonderful find! My bf and I had such an amazing time here.
We didn’t quite know what to expect upon walking here. It’s a really small, plain space which can accommodate about 5 – 6 tables. Since we made reservations (which is highly recommended), we were seated right away.
Derek greeted us warmly and gladly talked about the charcuterie and the cheese plate. When we asked about wine, he suggested this wonderful white wine from Lodi. I forgot what it’s called, but it was really nice!
Our charcuterie was delightful! I’ve never had it prepared this way, which was drier, which I actually preferred! The cheese selection was perfect! We also had another dish (name forgotten), which was seasoned thin slices of steak drizzled with some kind of sauce. The quality of the beef was up there, undoubtedly grass-​fed! The steak was not overly flavored.
Derek also highly recommended a chocolate dessert, which was sooooo good! We accompanied dessert with some wonderful pressed coffee. Derek and Rachel even gave us a sample of some red wine!
But wonderful food and wine aside, we really loved the warm and sincere service and hospitality coming from Derek and Chef Rachel. We almost felt like we went to their home and served us dinner instead of just being in a restaurant. We really appreciate the passion and love they have for their craft, which showed beautifully the whole night.
Thank you Derek and Rachel! We will definitely be coming back!

Super cute shop. Owner is great and really personable. Constantly changing and innovating menu.
Highly recommend the pastrami sandwich! Holy lords was that good. Thick cut and fresh!

Our dinner started with an amuse bouche of fig with goat cheese .
Arancini was crisp and an exquisite treat.
Sliders (fish sausage, brautwust and sausage) were solidly-​constructed but the beer-​mashed buns were too hard to be used in sliders. The mouth feel is just not right. The well-​salted golden fries were crisp and perfectly flavored though a tad over-​fried.
Beignets were not successful: the rustic dough did not have enough air in them and this made it a non-​fluffy bite. Home made jam on the side was delicious.
The menu offers an eclectic selection of local beers.
Service: *****
Fries: ****
Arancini: ****
Sliders: ***
Beignets: **

Most people will view dining as a get in, eat, pay check, get out… For me anything like that would be a 3 – 4 star affair. What makes this place truly a 5 star place for me is the experience given to you by your hosts. This was the first time ever stepping foot in Martinez Ca. and it was a positive note starting with this dining experience. The town could have been in flames and we would have been still been delighted with our stop.
The Chef (Rachel) knows her Charcuteries backwards and forwards… and bonus points for providing a «pescatarian» charcuterie. We got the PC, an order of pesto fries, and a cheese platter, which went easily with a great focused selection of local beers and wines. The menu is right to the point and offers exactly what it needs to, without distraction or over reach. Everything we ordered we found to be balanced, supreme in quality, and above all a bargain. Even with drinks we stayed under 20 a person, which is phenomenal considering the quality of the ingredients and the level of skill brought to the plate.
The location itself is personable, with a max seating of 27 (i believe this includes the outdoor seats). We chose the outside seating which had a nice view down mainstreet, and felt like a thowback to quiet simpler times. Derek (the front of the house) was a superstar and catered to every need. When you go here for the first time, it’s the type of place you can make a friend whether it’s another patron or the hosts themselves. They love food, they love fun, and we were able to clearly see and enjoy their passion.
Even though we live an hour away, I hope to frequent this place as much as I can… I know it will be a stop anytime we decide to trek to Santa cruz or San Jose via 680.

Went with Wifey on a «jd» lunch break. This place was right on the Main Street and a few blocks from the courthouse. The place had a café feel and a couple of Daily specials. We went with 2 cups and a Bowl of Potato soup. I had ordered a Reuben sandwich and a Vanilla soda. The sandwich was good and the homemade chips made it a perfect lunch combo. It was nice sitting on the patio and the waitress was also friendly. A nice place if your in the neighborhood and looking for a quick bite. I saw a person order a daily special which was the Panini and it looked awesome. I know what to get the next time I go in. Also don’t forget to check in on Unilocal because the café also offered another sandwich deal, too.

Probably the best place to eat in Martinez. Rachel the owner is very nice and can tailor any dish to your taste. They have a nice variety of fresh and organic food that is served at a reasonable price for lunch. The dinner menu is absolutely amazing and the beer and wine selection is something I drool over. I would suggest bringing a large appetite here and picking out a few things to share.

We happened in here on a Friday afternoon, and what a wonderful find it happened to be! I had wanted a salad, and the sandwiches sounded great — but being unable to chew on one side of my mouth, I opted for the charcuterie plate or ploughman’s lunch, and found myself in a state of bliss! A lovely board filled with beautiful house cured meats, crostini, a date mustarda and incredible pickled cherries was delivered along with a presentation by the owner, describing each delight on the tray.
My companions who ordered a chicken pesto sandwich and a tri-​tip sandwich were also very happy with their choices, which inclueded heirloom tomatoes, and beautiful hand made rolls. They also enjoyed the home made potato chips (extra). Even the sandwiches were designed to savor, and we enjoyed it all leisurely.
It’s easy to understand how a line could form outside this tiny café (maybe 6 tables inside, and 4 on the sidewalk patio.), we were lucky to have come on a day some of the county offices were closed, so there was no crowd, but a steady stream of people in the know, stopping by for what must be the best take out in the city. Even their prix fixe dinners are available to take home… and we will have to try dinner soon!

I love food and wine! It is a blessed day the day I happened upon the Compass Star on one of the wine blogs I read. What? «Foodie Friday» and it’s in downtown Martinez?
I’d just moved to Martinez from San Ramon, and was certain there wouldn’t be any place nearby that could compete with The Vine at Bridges or the more approachable Wild Vine Hideaway in Danville. Martinez is cute, quaint, and I love it, but I wasn’t under the impression it housed a hidden food/​wine gem. Thankfully, I was wrong!
The first time I went there, the weather was perfect, so we sat on the patio. I quickly started chatting up Sean, one of the owners and a sommelier. While we were chatting, he suggested various small plates, and also made wine pairing suggestions. Very cool. Once he told me the other owner, Rachael, is a charcutier (a specialist in curing meats, making sausages, salumi, etc.), I was hooked. Hello? House-​made bacon?!
My first dish there was the butter lettuce salad with warm house-​cured bacon. It was exquisite, amazing stuff.
In addition to spectacular food and a knowledgeable, friendly sommelier, The Compass Star also has salumi making classes, and food-​and-​wine events, such as the upcoming Wine and Swine. If I were to describe the menu items for the Wine and Swine event, I’d be a drooling mess.
So, if you work downtown, run in and grab a bite to eat-​in or to go. You won’t be disappointed. Better yet, when you’re looking for a nice evening prix fixe meal or small plates with vino, go to The Compass Star, and eat on the patio (weather permitting of course).
Life can get crazy hectic, but I’ve noticed that when I move at a slower, more relaxed pace, life — along with everything in it – is better. It is during these times I seek out The Compass Star, when I know I’m in the frame of mind to get the most out of every delicious bite, every expressive sip.

Woohoo! As good as it gets! Seriously, this place rocks.
Had to run up to Martinez to pick something up this evening, and I promised a good dinner to my wife if she would ride along with me.
Well, Yeh… Little do I know…
I did my Unilocal research and this place looked pretty darn good.
We arrived at about 6pm this evening to find the place packed. It seamed packed anyways. Come find find out, it was only at 50% capacity. There were five of us in here. lol… But don’t let the tiny inside dinning room fool you. (btw, they do have outside seating as well)
Smelled spectacular in there, and we were warmly greeted.
Wow, where do we start. Soup du jour was potato with bacon, cheese and beer. Winner-​winner huh? So of course I had to have a cup of that. Lauren ordered up the fried goat cheese salad. We love goat cheese, so this was a no brainer eh?
We shared a trinity of sausage sliders, one each of their Andouille, Bratwurst and Chicken Apple Bourbon (yes A.B.C.) And an order of the White Truffle Frites (fries) as well. OMG, this stuff was fantastic.
We had a couple beers with our meal. Nice (small) craft beer selection. And were feeling pretty complete (all is well) when the waiter (executive chef) stopped by to inquire about our interest in desert. He said they had a wonderful spicy crème brûlée made with mexican chocolate. Okay, «we’ll share of of those too» I stated… (although my wife’s reply was, «I’m so full». For the record, she had to problem pacing me on the desert.
We’ve eaten out quite a bit over the years. Have posted several «Woohoo! As good as it gets» on Unilocal.But honestly, it’s been a long time since we have enjoyed a meal like this. One of just a small handful of times actually, and I would say The Compass Star is «a cut above»…
It’s not big, it’s not fancy. It is owned and operated by folks who are passionate about food and the restaurant business.
Yea for them, and we who give it a try. Boo for all those who miss out. This is a «must experience place».
It’s about an 75 mile round trip for us, and we’ll definitely be back. Cant wait…

I was working from home and thought I’d go to downtown Martinez for lunch. I walked around and decided to come here.
The place was packed with people standing around and also sitting. I didn’t see anyone eat though?
There was an open refrigerated case with misc. premade items in it. I was hoping to have a nice lone sit down lunch. Kind of like you would at a normal restaurant.
I walked up to the counter and read the menu board and ordered the Tri-​Tip Salad. The girl working behind the counter pointed to the refrigerated case and told me they were over there.
«Oh?» I said. «You don’t make the food to order?». Then a guy from the back says «Every things made the morning of». I may sound stupid, but I was so confused.
I thought this was a small café and some of the photos indicate people sitting down and eating food but I didn’t see that happening. I grabbed my premade refrigerated Salad and started walking out.
At the same time the large group of people who were standing around got their to go orders and walked out behind me. The tables were all open but I was already walking to my car.
What were those people getting that wasn’t premade? I’m seriously confused.
The Salad was good and fresh. The Red Pesto sauce went really well with the Oil & Vinegar dressing that was on the side. It’s a little pricey but you’re definitely paying for quality and freshness.
I just wish that I knew what was going on in the place. I had hoped for an hour away from my laptop but instead I ate in front of it again.

My cousin and I headed off to Martinez for lunch. I know, Martinez usually brings images of jury duty or other legal activities. But with a high recommendation from a friend, off we went to The Compass Star.
We walked up to the register and look at the handwritten boards. I ended up ordering the Mediterranean Salad, a roasted rosemary chicken with kalamata olives, organic baby tomatoes, cucumbers, romaine tossed in a balsamic dressing with crumbled feta cheese on top. I also ordered a cup of their split pea and sausage soup. My cousin ordered their house-​made, hot cured pastrami sandwich. After we paid, we found a small table in the teeny dining space and squeezed in. There are five or six tables inside, mostly seating two (the tall tables seat three or more), but there are a few tables outside beneath some market umbrellas on the sidewalk.
The sandwich looked amazing. Thick slices of juicy beef piled high on fresh marble rye bread. I did not taste her sandwich but she assured me that it was divine.
I know, I know, I’m at a restaurant known for it’s charcuterie and I order a salad — but it hit the spot for me. The cubed rosemary-​scented chicken and crunchy salad greens was lightly dressed in a delicious light balsamic dressing.
We finished up with an order of beignets served with a small ramekin of homemade berry jam, just enough to satisfy a sweet tooth before heading to the farmers market around the corner. After checking that out, we wandered down Main Street, poked our heads inside a couple of antique shops and walked off our overfull tummies before getting back in the car.
This little café is only months old but it has a bright future. They offer catering services and have a fantastic looking menu on their website. They also offer a wine bar on some evenings and other events to draw you in.
Go. Point your compass toward Martinez and navigate to The Compass Star. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Love it!
I had the Beignets w/​homemade jam and Pressed Coffee — Yum! Perfect afternoon dessert.
YES, they have Soy Milk!
p. s. just found out that if you ask they always have seasonal Vegetarian Sandwiches available (off menu). Super Excited — Now I must go back!