Any true traveler will tell you that the best way to learn about a culture is to eat with (and like) the locals. But what are the dishes that define Sonoma County? Some might suggest “Wine Country” cuisine — Cal-Ital dishes with tweezer perfection. Maybe its seafood (true on the Coast). Or what about Mexican?
When you really ask around, it’s none of these. Instead, it’s an eclectic group of familiar dishes that snap to mind when a friendly visitor asks for a recommendation. The answers are part history, part geography and part nostalgia. Mix that all together and you get an icon — a dish that may not be the fanciest, the trendiest or even the most perfectly crafted, but notable for its own merits.
We’ve come up with 10 of the best, though the number of times we’ve changed up the participants speaks to its subjectivity. You’ll find more online (because ten hardly seems fair) as well as plenty of your comments online at BiteClubEats.com.
1. Catelli’s Ravioli: Tissue-paper thin sheets of pasta dough are rolled daily, stuffed with a secret combination of sausage, beef, chicken, chard, sourdough crumbs, herbs and spices. “Our family never wrote down a recipe, so we recreated these from sensory memories,” said Domenica Catelli. Topped with her eponymous DC sauce (a new family secret made with organic tomatoes and local olive oil), they’re old world comfort with a new school freshness. Family friend Guy Fieri calls them some of the best he’s ever had. But don’t ask for them to-go, because these delicate beauties apparently self-destruct within a few minutes and don’t travel well. 21047 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 857-3471. Closed Monday, open daily for lunch and dinner
2. Chicken Livers at Bistro Ralph: Fried up with onions is the only way to eat these little nuggets of iron-packed offal. You either love ’em or you don’t, but Bistro Ralph is the only place to find them consistently and consistently good. Can’t bear the thought of poultry innards? Chicken Paillard, a pounded breast with lemon and capers, is a great alternative. 109 Plaza St., Healdsburg, 433-1380.
3. Reuben at Mac’s Kosher Style Deli: This Fourth Street cafe is about as close as you’ll get to the Big Apple, when it comes to deli food in Sonoma County. This version is unfussy, with tart sauerkraut, toasted rye bread, thousand island dressing, corned beef and Swiss. With fries, naturally. 630 4th St., Santa Rosa, 545-3785.
4. Harissa fries at Underwood: Garlic fries are fine, but West County’s favorite bar puts a spicy North African spin on their frites. Rolled in harissa, a spicy (but not hot) paste peppers and spices, they’re an iconic late-night eat. 9113 Graton Rd., Graton, 823-7023. We can’t mention fries, however, without a nod to the truffle fries at Willi’s Wine Bar, a dressed-up side dish that goes super model with the addition of truffled aioli. (4404 Old Redwood Highway, Santa Rosa, 526-3096).
5. Meatballs at Mary’s Pizza Shack: It’s our homegrown, hometown pizzeria where the sauces are still made from scratch and plenty of folks still remember the original Mary. But its the giant meatballs smothered in meat sauce and melted mozzarella that folks have a fondness for. Various locations, including 614 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 571-1959.
6. Fresh mozzarella at Rosso: Chef John Franchetti has many talents, but the one that keeps him busiest is his cheese making. The master of curds has a special way with creamy, fresh mozzarella. Stuffed with ricotta, melted on a wood-fired pizza or just drizzled with olive oil, it will make you swear off chewy, dry mozzarellas forever. New mozzarella bar at 151 Petaluma Blvd S., Petaluma; 53 Montgomery Dr., Santa Rosa, 544-3221.
7. Martini Prawns at Gary Chu’s: Even if Gary didn’t invent these devilishly crispy shrimps awash in a sweet-savory mayonnaise sauce, Sonoma County is happy to give him full credit. Served up in a martini glass, these prawns put cocktail shrimp to shame. 611 5th St., Santa Rosa, 526-5840.
8. Sticky Bun at Downtown Bakery and Creamery: If you haven’t stopped in lately for a sticky bun, there’s no doubt in my mind that the flaky, crispy, spicy buns of goodness are the best in Sonoma County. If not the planet. Not surprisingly the bakery was started by Chez Panisse alums in 1987, and since then the original recipes have only aged to perfection. 308 Center Street Healdsburg, 431-2719.
9. Turkey dinner at Willie Bird’s: There’s nothing snooty or modern about Willie Bird’s Restaurant. In fact, that’s exactly the appeal: Year-round Thanksgiving dinners of turkey (white or dark), scoops of mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce all slathered with a sturdy brown gravy. And while the sides aren’t anything to write home about, the turkey is always impeccable — fresh Willie Bird turkey, raised in Sonoma County by the Benedetti family. 1150 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 542-0861.
10. Fig salad at the Girl and the Fig: Chef Sondra Bernstein is legendary for her goat cheese, arugula and fig salad, and with good reason. It combines spicy greens, sweet figs, creamy cheese and a tart vinaigrette in soul-satisfying harmony. 110 West Spain Street, Sonoma, 938-3634.
11. Porky goodness at Zazu:Black Pig Meat is the bacon business of John Stewart and Duskie Estes, who have proven again and again that they’re the undisputed King and Queen of Pork. Anything they cook up with venerable pig parts is worth checking out. Now with a pork-centric spot on the Russian River, you’ve got no excuse not to indulge.
12. Caesar Salad at Cafe Citti. Though my grandma would argue that it’s the tuna-egg-mayo.
13. Sweetbreads at La Gare.
14. Apple Pie at Mom’s Apple Pie.
15. Fried Green Beans at Zin Restaurant. Liberty Duck at Petite Syrah.
16. Donuts and the Farmer Benedict at Dierk’s Parkside Cafe. Pancakes at Hank’s Creekside.
17. French onion soup and sourdough at Costeaux Bakery.
19. Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit at the Farmhouse Inn.
20. A burger at Mike’s at the Crossroads.
21. Wild boar at Cafe Europe or Lococo’s.
22. Foccaccia at Wild Flour Bakery.
23. Mateo’s Tamales.
I’m leaving two openings for your best suggestions below…
24. ??
25. ??
Lobster Roll @ Willi’s Seafood in Healdsburg —–> Yum
Bacon wrapped figs at Zazu!
No longer around, but I sure do miss Ingram’s chili!!! Chili spuds! Chili spaghetti! Wish I had the recipe.
Agreed. The El Dorado – open- faced cheeseburger and hash browns with their chili smothered over the top.
No longer around, but I sure do miss Ingram’s chili!!! Chili spuds! Chili spaghetti! Wish I had the recipe.
Agreed. The El Dorado – open- faced cheeseburger and hash browns with their chili smothered over the top.
Wow, this all brings me back! I agree with many of the above and can remember those meals well. 😉 I can second the Willow Wood Open faced Egg Pesto Pancetta sandwich in Graton. Also, the Freestone Wild Flour Bakery – Sticky Bun or Lavender Bread .. Everything there is good! Also, Grateful Bagel in Sebastopol! Mombo’s Pizza in Sebastool. Back in the day, loved Papa’s and Pollo … They had an incredible blackened chicken and artichoke and potatoe burrito. Wow, thank god for SoCo food! Oh yeah, Zazu’s Beef Cheek!!
Wow, this all brings me back! I agree with many of the above and can remember those meals well. 😉 I can second the Willow Wood Open faced Egg Pesto Pancetta sandwich in Graton. Also, the Freestone Wild Flour Bakery – Sticky Bun or Lavender Bread .. Everything there is good! Also, Grateful Bagel in Sebastopol! Mombo’s Pizza in Sebastool. Back in the day, loved Papa’s and Pollo … They had an incredible blackened chicken and artichoke and potatoe burrito. Wow, thank god for SoCo food! Oh yeah, Zazu’s Beef Cheek!!
Bacon wrapped figs at Zazu!
Biscuits and gravy at The Cookhouse on South A st!
I’ll second that
Biscuits and gravy at The Cookhouse on South A st!
I’ll second that
Just occured to me as I read this list, the cinnamon buns at the bakery in Freestone. They are gigantic, more than enough for two people, delicious, and you need to visit the restroom afterwards as the wonderful sticky stuff does not wipe off your face and hands and needs to be washed off.
Just occured to me as I read this list, the cinnamon buns at the bakery in Freestone. They are gigantic, more than enough for two people, delicious, and you need to visit the restroom afterwards as the wonderful sticky stuff does not wipe off your face and hands and needs to be washed off.
Do you realize how difficult this is? We live in a place for good food and restaurants. I know after I list some favorites I’ll be able to make another list in 10 minutes. Here goes in no particular order:
Ceviche Misto at Sazon
baguette from Basque Boulangerie
Starks Steaks for tartare and the Wagyu beef burger
Chowder and a crab sandwich from Spud Point Crab Company
Salmon from Cafe Europe with a plate of spaetzle on the side
Joe’s Special from Mac’s
Cesear salad from Citti (the dressing is the best)
Chicken Fried Steak and Cheese Blintzes at Jeffery’s Hillside
Fresh Pasta from Pasta Etc.
My grilled Rocky Jr. Chicken
The last thing on my list is not available anymore, and I miss it.
Bruce Campbell’s CK Lamb.
Do you realize how difficult this is? We live in a place for good food and restaurants. I know after I list some favorites I’ll be able to make another list in 10 minutes. Here goes in no particular order:
Ceviche Misto at Sazon
baguette from Basque Boulangerie
Starks Steaks for tartare and the Wagyu beef burger
Chowder and a crab sandwich from Spud Point Crab Company
Salmon from Cafe Europe with a plate of spaetzle on the side
Joe’s Special from Mac’s
Cesear salad from Citti (the dressing is the best)
Chicken Fried Steak and Cheese Blintzes at Jeffery’s Hillside
Fresh Pasta from Pasta Etc.
My grilled Rocky Jr. Chicken
The last thing on my list is not available anymore, and I miss it.
Bruce Campbell’s CK Lamb.
Any of the lunch specials at California Thai, and any pie from Mom’s.
Mom’s apple pie and the free ice cream cones at the Sonoma County Fair.
Calamari at Hopmonk
Classic potato salad and turkey sammies at Giovanni’s in Sebastopol
Meatballs at Mary’s
Open-faced egg salad sandwich at Willow Wood
Carnitas at Martha’s
Pork burger with fried green tomatoes at Zazu
Basque sourdough
Any of the lunch specials at California Thai, and any pie from Mom’s.
Mom’s apple pie and the free ice cream cones at the Sonoma County Fair.
Calamari at Hopmonk
Classic potato salad and turkey sammies at Giovanni’s in Sebastopol
Meatballs at Mary’s
Open-faced egg salad sandwich at Willow Wood
Carnitas at Martha’s
Pork burger with fried green tomatoes at Zazu
Basque sourdough
Also any peach from Dry Creek Peach and Produce, a chopped chicken liver sandwich at Mac’s and any of the Bun at Simply Vietnam.
The Loukaniko sausage from Yanni’s in Penngrove. Or any of their other sausages. Outstanding.
Also any peach from Dry Creek Peach and Produce, a chopped chicken liver sandwich at Mac’s and any of the Bun at Simply Vietnam.
The Loukaniko sausage from Yanni’s in Penngrove. Or any of their other sausages. Outstanding.
Bistro Des Copian’s – Salade à la Betterave (beets, micro greens, almonds and feta cheese) and Bœuf en Daube à la Provençal (short ribs and mashed potatoes) and don’t forget the mac & cheese. mmmmmmmmm
Bistro Des Copian’s – Salade à la Betterave (beets, micro greens, almonds and feta cheese) and Bœuf en Daube à la Provençal (short ribs and mashed potatoes) and don’t forget the mac & cheese. mmmmmmmmm
The Monti’s Cristo at Monti’s!
The lobster roll at Will’s Seafood!
A bacon milkshake (with rum) at Flipside!
Anything BBQ from the BBQ Spot (sauce is killer!)
The bahn mi from Noodle Bowl!
And totally, absolutely, any sausage sandwich from Yanni’s in Penngrove (and they are such nice people!)
Sausage Polenta at Roberto’s on Hwy 12! Delizioso 🙂
The sweet breads at La Gare. Absolutely perfect! And good thing, almost noone else is doing them….probably gave up trying to compete. Smart move!
The Monti’s Cristo at Monti’s!
The lobster roll at Will’s Seafood!
A bacon milkshake (with rum) at Flipside!
Anything BBQ from the BBQ Spot (sauce is killer!)
The bahn mi from Noodle Bowl!
And totally, absolutely, any sausage sandwich from Yanni’s in Penngrove (and they are such nice people!)
Sausage Polenta at Roberto’s on Hwy 12! Delizioso 🙂
The sweet breads at La Gare. Absolutely perfect! And good thing, almost noone else is doing them….probably gave up trying to compete. Smart move!
The best home made corned beef hash and eggs around!!! organic blueberry pancakes, and eggs benedict at the HIstoric Owl Cafe in Cloverdale.
The Market Plate at Willow Wood Market
The Reuben at Jackson’s
Meyer Lemon Pudding Cake at Willi’s Wine Bar
Cheese Sticks from The Basque Boulangerie
Sweet Chili Glazed Calamari from Willi’s Seafood
….. just a short list mind you. So much more here to love!
The best home made corned beef hash and eggs around!!! organic blueberry pancakes, and eggs benedict at the HIstoric Owl Cafe in Cloverdale.
The Market Plate at Willow Wood Market
The Reuben at Jackson’s
Meyer Lemon Pudding Cake at Willi’s Wine Bar
Cheese Sticks from The Basque Boulangerie
Sweet Chili Glazed Calamari from Willi’s Seafood
….. just a short list mind you. So much more here to love!
I moved to Sonoma county 15 years ago and one of the first places I ate was Cafe Citti in kenwood. Having moved from the Midwest I had no idea pasta could be so good. The fusilli AOP nearly brought me to tears, so simple and so so good.
I moved to Sonoma county 15 years ago and one of the first places I ate was Cafe Citti in kenwood. Having moved from the Midwest I had no idea pasta could be so good. The fusilli AOP nearly brought me to tears, so simple and so so good.
A “tuna-egg mayo” on foccacia at Cafe Citti on a warm sunny day.
A “tuna-egg mayo” on foccacia at Cafe Citti on a warm sunny day.
Catelli’s ravioli
Anything that doesn’t mention “SoCo” (Such a lame word lol)
Rosso’s Breakfast Piadini and Caprese Salad Pizza at the Farmer’s Market and their lemonade with cucumber and mint, refreshing!
Los Hermanos’ Huaraches Al Pastor [100 Burt St., off of Santa Rosa Ave].
Tipp Thai’s Mee Yok Gati Noodles.
Muffin Street Breakfast Sandwiches.
Caesar Salad – Cafe Citti
Seasonal Grilled Peach Salad – Zin
Fresh Turkey Sandwich – Mac’s
Tartare – any of the Stark’s restaurants
So much good food, so many restaurants, so little time…..
the free vanilla ice cream cone from Clover at the Sonoma County Fair
morning buns at Costeaux bakery
Como Loaf and the Polenta, poached eggs & greens breakfast at Healdsburg bakery
Any burger PLUS the tater tots at Superburger
beignets at Jackson’s Bar & Oven
Fish & Chips at the Toad in the Hole
Eggs Florentine at Macs
Country Benedict at Parkside Cafe
Egg salad sandwich at Parkside Cafe
truffle fries at Willie’s Wine Bar
Bahn mi sandwich at Noodle Bowl (Stark’s Happy Hour also has an awesome one)
Foccacia bread sandwiches at Pearson & Co
and so, so many more I could keep going forever….
You have convinced me. I will try Parkside Deli soon.
Duck curry at California Thai.
Catelli’s ravioli
Anything that doesn’t mention “SoCo” (Such a lame word lol)
Rosso’s Breakfast Piadini and Caprese Salad Pizza at the Farmer’s Market and their lemonade with cucumber and mint, refreshing!
Los Hermanos’ Huaraches Al Pastor [100 Burt St., off of Santa Rosa Ave].
Tipp Thai’s Mee Yok Gati Noodles.
Muffin Street Breakfast Sandwiches.
Caesar Salad – Cafe Citti
Seasonal Grilled Peach Salad – Zin
Fresh Turkey Sandwich – Mac’s
Tartare – any of the Stark’s restaurants
So much good food, so many restaurants, so little time…..
the free vanilla ice cream cone from Clover at the Sonoma County Fair
morning buns at Costeaux bakery
Como Loaf and the Polenta, poached eggs & greens breakfast at Healdsburg bakery
Any burger PLUS the tater tots at Superburger
beignets at Jackson’s Bar & Oven
Fish & Chips at the Toad in the Hole
Eggs Florentine at Macs
Country Benedict at Parkside Cafe
Egg salad sandwich at Parkside Cafe
truffle fries at Willie’s Wine Bar
Bahn mi sandwich at Noodle Bowl (Stark’s Happy Hour also has an awesome one)
Foccacia bread sandwiches at Pearson & Co
and so, so many more I could keep going forever….
You have convinced me. I will try Parkside Deli soon.
Duck curry at California Thai.
Burgers from Super Burger and Sequoia Burger.
Mom’s Apple Pie
Homegrown Bagels
Fried Green Beans with Mango Salsa at Zin in Healdsburg
Steak Frites at Monti’s in Santa Rosa
Burgers from Super Burger and Sequoia Burger.
Mom’s Apple Pie
Homegrown Bagels
Ahi Ceviche at Sazon Restaurant. Simply Amazing!!! Anything that Mark Maliki makes at the Casino Bar and Grill.
Fried Green Beans with Mango Salsa at Zin in Healdsburg
Steak Frites at Monti’s in Santa Rosa
Willie Bird’s turkey legs at the Downtown Market!
Ahi Ceviche at Sazon Restaurant. Simply Amazing!!! Anything that Mark Maliki makes at the Casino Bar and Grill.
Willie Bird’s turkey legs at the Downtown Market!
Sticky buns from Downtown Bakery~
Enchilada’s from Juanita Juanita~
Bagels from Homegrown Baking Company, bially with lox~
Sticky buns from Downtown Bakery~
Enchilada’s from Juanita Juanita~
Bagels from Homegrown Baking Company, bially with lox~
Nut crusted baked brie with garlic at Healdsburg Charcuterie
Banana pancakes at Singletree
Chicken wings at Russian River Pub
Chicken paillard at Bistro Ralph
Corned beef sammy at Mac’s
Pesto chicken pizza at La Vera
Pliny at Russian River Brewery
Lola’s bowl at Howard’s Station
Harissa fries at Underwood
Foie gras at Madrona Manor
Pork belly pizza at Diavola
Ribs at the Hamburger Ranch
All places that I drive out of my way to eat at…..
Addresses would be helpful.
Nut crusted baked brie with garlic at Healdsburg Charcuterie
Banana pancakes at Singletree
Chicken wings at Russian River Pub
Chicken paillard at Bistro Ralph
Corned beef sammy at Mac’s
Pesto chicken pizza at La Vera
Pliny at Russian River Brewery
Lola’s bowl at Howard’s Station
Harissa fries at Underwood
Foie gras at Madrona Manor
Pork belly pizza at Diavola
Ribs at the Hamburger Ranch
All places that I drive out of my way to eat at…..
Addresses would be helpful.
This is post is separated from my other choice as it fills in a different category of food. The other Iconic Sonoma County food that gives me the greatest of pleasure is the Garlic Caesar Salad at Cafe Citti! The garlic flavor permeates the very good Ceasar dressing they make. The lettuce is always crisp and the portion is more than enough. Beware, though, as its appeal is limited to garlic lovers who are not dating someone who pays attention to how your breath smells after you’ve eaten.
Everything everyone else has listed sounds Iconic and Wonderful, but the greatest Sonoma County dish in my life is the Ahi Tuna Tartar at K&L Bistro in Sebastopol. It features fresh cubes of raw Ahi Tuna that practically melt on your tastebuds leaving both flavor and texture you’ll long remember. Served with a base of Avocado and siracha, you find a zesty taste to add to your delight. It is served with crispy sesame crackers that serve as the perfect edible plate to enjoy this iconic Sonoma County treat.
Pull-apart Sourdough round from Basque is THE BEST!
Cape Cod in Cotati
Would say a Tri-tip sandwhich from Porter Street, but it’s closed now.
This is post is separated from my other choice as it fills in a different category of food. The other Iconic Sonoma County food that gives me the greatest of pleasure is the Garlic Caesar Salad at Cafe Citti! The garlic flavor permeates the very good Ceasar dressing they make. The lettuce is always crisp and the portion is more than enough. Beware, though, as its appeal is limited to garlic lovers who are not dating someone who pays attention to how your breath smells after you’ve eaten.
Everything everyone else has listed sounds Iconic and Wonderful, but the greatest Sonoma County dish in my life is the Ahi Tuna Tartar at K&L Bistro in Sebastopol. It features fresh cubes of raw Ahi Tuna that practically melt on your tastebuds leaving both flavor and texture you’ll long remember. Served with a base of Avocado and siracha, you find a zesty taste to add to your delight. It is served with crispy sesame crackers that serve as the perfect edible plate to enjoy this iconic Sonoma County treat.
Pull-apart Sourdough round from Basque is THE BEST!
Cape Cod in Cotati
Would say a Tri-tip sandwhich from Porter Street, but it’s closed now.
Fusilli AOP at Cafe Citti. I ordered it the first time I went there over 20 years ago and have had it every time since then. Also love their salad dressing.
Pizza at Mary’s Pizza shack, Mom’s Apple Pie, (She makes flavors, but I never seem to order any but apple.) Almost anything at the Girl and the Fig, and the old fashioned Italian dishes at the Villa.
I 2nd the Scramin’ Mimi’s and the Wildflower; very SoCO!
Filet Mignon Sliders from Willi’s Wine Bar; so delicious!!!!! and very, very rich…
spinach, goat cheese and pear salad from flavor; perfect SoCo salad!
Lasagna at Flavor. More Neapolitain than swimming in tomato sauce, you can taste the ragu of beef and vegetables (and a hint of wine?), the layers of pasta and ricotta. A true delight. Very light although one order (they don’t offer the half size on this one) is enough for two meals, if you can stop yourself midway!
The Japanese food at Sake-O in Healdsburg tucked away in the lot with Kragan Auto Parts and CVS Pharmacy. I start with the Martini shrimp, have then the Poke salad (ahi fresh tuna), and split the Utah Roll with a friend which is the HUGEST sushi roll I’ve ever seen. Have no idea why it’s called the Utah Roll. It has tempura shrimp in it for some crunch, crab, avocado, rice, and it’s rolled with fresh ahi tuna (maguro), comes with a tasty sauce. Unbeatable this lunch.
Fusilli AOP at Cafe Citti. I ordered it the first time I went there over 20 years ago and have had it every time since then. Also love their salad dressing.
Pizza at Mary’s Pizza shack, Mom’s Apple Pie, (She makes flavors, but I never seem to order any but apple.) Almost anything at the Girl and the Fig, and the old fashioned Italian dishes at the Villa.
I 2nd the Scramin’ Mimi’s and the Wildflower; very SoCO!
Filet Mignon Sliders from Willi’s Wine Bar; so delicious!!!!! and very, very rich…
spinach, goat cheese and pear salad from flavor; perfect SoCo salad!
Lasagna at Flavor. More Neapolitain than swimming in tomato sauce, you can taste the ragu of beef and vegetables (and a hint of wine?), the layers of pasta and ricotta. A true delight. Very light although one order (they don’t offer the half size on this one) is enough for two meals, if you can stop yourself midway!
The Japanese food at Sake-O in Healdsburg tucked away in the lot with Kragan Auto Parts and CVS Pharmacy. I start with the Martini shrimp, have then the Poke salad (ahi fresh tuna), and split the Utah Roll with a friend which is the HUGEST sushi roll I’ve ever seen. Have no idea why it’s called the Utah Roll. It has tempura shrimp in it for some crunch, crab, avocado, rice, and it’s rolled with fresh ahi tuna (maguro), comes with a tasty sauce. Unbeatable this lunch.
cheeseburger at Mike’s Burgers with blue cheese crumbles (best burger in SoCo!)
cheese enchiladas & refried beans (& anything!) at El Charro (either location)
clam chowder @ Spud Point Marina
calamari @ Lucas Warf
In and out burger with fries……..simple but fresh and tasty
A double dip cone at Frozen Art, namely Pine Nut and Kahlua for starters…
cheeseburger at Mike’s Burgers with blue cheese crumbles (best burger in SoCo!)
cheese enchiladas & refried beans (& anything!) at El Charro (either location)
clam chowder @ Spud Point Marina
calamari @ Lucas Warf
The Moroccan carrots at Willis Wine Bar, absolutely delicious. Also, the Ahi Tartare, gotta have both.
In and out burger with fries……..simple but fresh and tasty
ANY bread fro Wildflour. Racer 5 and a burger from Bear Republic! Calm chowder from Spud Point!
A double dip cone at Frozen Art, namely Pine Nut and Kahlua for starters…
Okay, the Jalapeño poppers and the Grand Canyon Roll at Boat House Sushi!
Pollo A la Crema at Puerto Vallarta Restaurant
You can’t go wrong with some Tacos at Delicias Elenita’s Taco Truck on Sebastopol Road, but for sure an Elote with everything!
A Pupusa Revuelta at the Pupuseria Salvadoreña by the Fairgrounds.
And for dessert, just hit up Fruta and get a Mango with the works!
Filet Mignon Stroganoff at Cafe Europe
Red Snapper or Filet of Sole at Dinucci’s
Antipasti Della Casa at Cucina Paradiso (then any of their meat dishes)
Yet another vote for the amazing Fougasse at Wild Flour Bread. How can you get more SoCo? All local ingredients, mostly organic, and 100% delicious. It’s very hard not to eat the entire thing in the car before I get home!
Mt. Tam cheese from Cowgirl Creamery, Cheeseburger from SuperBurger, Oysters from Hog Island, Sticky Buns from Downtown Bakery in Healdsburg, Black Pig Bacon from Zazu, Raviolis from Catelli’s,
Flying Goat Coffee Drinks, Turkey from WilliBirds Restaurant, Potato Salad from Mac’s Kosher Deli, Fish & Chips from Betty’s, Meatballs from Mary’s, and Pesto from the Pasta King!! I better stop….I’m getting hungry!!
Josh’s crab cakes – Syrah Restaurant (now Petite Syrah)
Apple Fritters at Negri’s!
The Moroccan carrots at Willis Wine Bar, absolutely delicious. Also, the Ahi Tartare, gotta have both.
ANY bread fro Wildflour. Racer 5 and a burger from Bear Republic! Calm chowder from Spud Point!
Sounds like the word “iconic” is being made to work overtime here….
A plate of 50/50 spaghetti with garlic bread from The Pasta King (how is this not up there already??)
A scoop of Mimi’s Mud from Screaming Mimi’s
A loaf of Fougasse from Wild Flour Bread
A Pull-Apart Sourdough from Basque Bakery
Okay, the Jalapeño poppers and the Grand Canyon Roll at Boat House Sushi!
Pollo A la Crema at Puerto Vallarta Restaurant
You can’t go wrong with some Tacos at Delicias Elenita’s Taco Truck on Sebastopol Road, but for sure an Elote with everything!
A Pupusa Revuelta at the Pupuseria Salvadoreña by the Fairgrounds.
And for dessert, just hit up Fruta and get a Mango with the works!
Filet Mignon Stroganoff at Cafe Europe
Red Snapper or Filet of Sole at Dinucci’s
Antipasti Della Casa at Cucina Paradiso (then any of their meat dishes)
Yet another vote for the amazing Fougasse at Wild Flour Bread. How can you get more SoCo? All local ingredients, mostly organic, and 100% delicious. It’s very hard not to eat the entire thing in the car before I get home!
Mt. Tam cheese from Cowgirl Creamery, Cheeseburger from SuperBurger, Oysters from Hog Island, Sticky Buns from Downtown Bakery in Healdsburg, Black Pig Bacon from Zazu, Raviolis from Catelli’s,
Flying Goat Coffee Drinks, Turkey from WilliBirds Restaurant, Potato Salad from Mac’s Kosher Deli, Fish & Chips from Betty’s, Meatballs from Mary’s, and Pesto from the Pasta King!! I better stop….I’m getting hungry!!
Josh’s crab cakes – Syrah Restaurant (now Petite Syrah)
Apple Fritters at Negri’s!
Sounds like the word “iconic” is being made to work overtime here….
A plate of 50/50 spaghetti with garlic bread from The Pasta King (how is this not up there already??)
A scoop of Mimi’s Mud from Screaming Mimi’s
A loaf of Fougasse from Wild Flour Bread
A Pull-Apart Sourdough from Basque Bakery
Chinese Chicken Salad at Checkers, downtown Santa Rosa. Best salad hands down in the County
Candied Bacon BLT at the Gypsy Cafe in Sebastopol – off the hook!
Chinese Chicken Salad at Checkers, downtown Santa Rosa. Best salad hands down in the County
Candied Bacon BLT at the Gypsy Cafe in Sebastopol – off the hook!
Gnocchi from Flavor! Delicious!!
Bone marrow at Wllis Wine Bar
Tri-Tip Sandwich at Lombardi’s in Petaluma
Gnocchi from Flavor! Delicious!!
Oh Yea…The Meatballs at Mary’s are the best on the planet…bar none!! I heard they baste them in the pizza over with beer. I would give just about anything for that recipe!!
Any of the sandwiches at Joey’s Pizza on Mendocino, not to mention the pizza.
Garlic Fries at Sam’s For Play…no one and I mean no one does them better.
And one of my sons (4 years old) faves’, the Shrimp Salad a Chelino;s Mexican Restaurant on 4th at College Ave. Also, one of the best Mexican Restaurant in Santa Rosa.
Johnny Garlic’s food truck at the Fair. Not *so* interesting, Captain, but oh so SoCo.
Bone marrow at Wllis Wine Bar
Tri-Tip Sandwich at Lombardi’s in Petaluma
Martini Prawns is a definite must on this list
Duck Breast from Syrah
Raviolis from the Union Hotel
Carnitas Burrito from the Guerneville taco truck
Mt. Tam cheese from cowgirl creamery
Loaf of Fugasi bread from wild flour bakery
Filet Hitchcock from Bayview in Bodega
And just because of its notability: The Jackass roll from Tex Wasabi
Burrata at Rosso (or any cheese shop)!
Oh Yea…The Meatballs at Mary’s are the best on the planet…bar none!! I heard they baste them in the pizza over with beer. I would give just about anything for that recipe!!
Any of the sandwiches at Joey’s Pizza on Mendocino, not to mention the pizza.
Garlic Fries at Sam’s For Play…no one and I mean no one does them better.
And one of my sons (4 years old) faves’, the Shrimp Salad a Chelino;s Mexican Restaurant on 4th at College Ave. Also, one of the best Mexican Restaurant in Santa Rosa.
Lobster Roll @ Willi’s Seafood in Healdsburg —–> Yum
gravenstein apple pie from Mom’s on Hyw 116
Johnny Garlic’s food truck at the Fair. Not *so* interesting, Captain, but oh so SoCo.
Martini Prawns is a definite must on this list
Duck Breast from Syrah
Raviolis from the Union Hotel
Carnitas Burrito from the Guerneville taco truck
Mt. Tam cheese from cowgirl creamery
Loaf of Fugasi bread from wild flour bakery
Filet Hitchcock from Bayview in Bodega
And just because of its notability: The Jackass roll from Tex Wasabi
Burrata at Rosso (or any cheese shop)!
gravenstein apple pie from Mom’s on Hyw 116