Falcon’s Lair Brings Vintage Hollywood to Life.
By Chris Murphy
This October, we celebrate the Haunted Mansion and the vintage elements of Halloween lore, it is only appropriate that we explore the Hollywood legends and enjoy going back in time to the glitz and glam of the silent era. Rudolph Valentino was a legendary presence in silent film Hollywood, throwing elaborate parties and private gatherings at his exclusive home, the Falcon’s Lair.
Moe Willey and her family wanted to create a destination, an experience, an escape from the outside world to relax, eat, socialize, turn off your phone and lose yourself, even if for just a while. Adjacent to Highway 99 in Ripon, Falcon’s Lair does just that.
Upon entering, you are transported to the gilded age with two choices to make, dining room or the bar, or social room. The dining room is filled with tall-backed booth for privacy and in the middle, large round tables, named the Capone tables to see and be seen. In true Disney form, the servers are “cast members” and dark curtains cloak the entrances and exits.
Entering the bar feels like discovering a speakeasy where seating groups are named Gatsby, Gable, Rita, Buchannan, Chaplin and others. There is a long marble bar, featuring cocktail elixir stands, a Victrola, and green shaded lights. Once seated you halfway expect F Scott Fitzgerald to walk in, or even Valentino himself.
Before we go further, social is the name of the game here. Drink preparation is an experience. Plates are designed to be shared, appetizers come on birdcage style carriers and there is no rush as you navigate the selections with the guidance of knowledgeable and helpful cast members, some that are aspiring actors working their way to the big stage. This is an escape back in time. Around the walls, large TVs show vintage films.
Now seated, your first decision is which of the amazing cocktails you will select. This is truly craft cocktail preparation. If it’s your first time, I recommend the Falcon Smoked Old Fashioned. The Woodford Reserve whiskey is smoked in a crystal decanter, poured tableside and it is both tasty and beautiful. If you are thinking something lighter, I recommend the Lavender Gin Fizz. Empress gin infused with lavender and misted to perfection in a coupe glass. If you want something sweeter, the Strawberry Fields is a winner. The surprise of the day is the Ripon Almond Sour. If you share, Rick Dalton’s love of a whiskey sour, you need to try this with a local almond twist. It won’t be your last one. All of these are prepared and served by family members Jeremiah Willey and Katie Sperbeck.
With the second decision out of the way, it’s time to eat. There are many ways to start here. We recommend the Charcuterie Falcon Cage. This is a multi-level presentation, and well done by our server and aspiring actor Lawrence Smith. Next we enjoyed the Golden Age honey soy glazed Salmon and the 10 oz grilled New York with a buttery bacon relish. On the side we had the Truffle French Fry Festa. These plates are all meant to be shared, so they are all sliced and ready. These are the right portions for a group and invite the next selection.
There are also great side like broccolini spear, salads, herb rice and of course their amazing pizzas, like the Falcon Combination. The Willeys also own Gold Dust Pizza, so these are truly specialties you will enjoy. There is even a Munchkin menu so all are welcome.
This is a fun and elegant experience and plan on taking your time and working through the menu.
Bonus, if you love Absinthe like I do, you need to treat your friends to this experience, where Absinthe (the legal stuff) drips over a sugar cube into your glass. It is quite the presentation.
Please check back with them regularly as they are adding new menu items and they will have a classic elegant car show on October 7th. So get your Gatsby on and have a wonderful time at Falcon’s Lair.
Falcon’s Lair
1225 Canal St. Ripon
209-599-9999.
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