Why Red Dog?
Traveling in California, north of San Francisco, I instantly felt a kindred connection to the wine, food, and rustic feel of wine country living. On the same foothills, at a small winery in Napa Valley, I also encountered the inspiration for our restaurant's name – the Rhodesian Ridgeback, a red dog as unique and noble as I'd ever seen. Legend has it that these dogs were bred to hunt lions in packs – a skill that seemed entirely possible given this dog's imposing stature. He sat upright on his hind legs and appeared as stoic as possible despite the crowd. His name was Little Red Dog.
I loved the region's easy, slowed-down way of life – a feeling I hadn't experienced outside of a Caribbean island. Years later, together with Terri Savioe, my business partner and the Executive Chef, we opened Red Dog Diner. The idea was simple- focus on honest craveable comfort food, original crowd pleasing cocktails and gulp-able wines, in a rustic yet comfortable lived-in space with a soulful blend of southern rock & gritty guitar riffing blues filling the air. Man that's living!
Many things come and go, and there are times both good and bad. No matter your lot in life, a good plate, a full cup, and a loyal dog will always bring comfort and a smile.
–Michael Buchert, Co-Owner
These days I have my own little red dog, and his name is Roux.