Eater events this weekend


Lots of eating to be done this weekend and BiteClub’s on the case.

Taste of Petaluma

If you don’t get down to P-town nearly as often as you should, call this a perfect opportunity to see what you’re missing in the dining department. If you’re a local, consider this a convenient smorgasbord of hometown faves. Either way, this weekend’s Taste of Petaluma has more than 30 opportunities to nosh and nibble your way around town.

Here’s the 411: Things kick off on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 11:30am and run until 4:30pm. For $40 ($35 in advance) eaters get 10 tickets (along with some other goodies) to sample small dishes, local wines, beer or other beverages. One ticket, one taste. A handy map directs you to the grub, along with what’s on the menu.

Well worth a ticket to try:
Zoe’s Meats (killer charcuterie) at Aurora Colors Gallery
– Kashaya’s wood fired pizza next to Vino Grigio
– Pazzo’s goat cheese tart
Kay Baumhefner’s tomato and bread soup at I Leoni
– The old school is new school Chicken Cordon Bleu (a favorite last year) from De Schmire at Sienna
– Out to Lunch Catering at Jungle vibes

Dessert
– Divine Delights petits fours and Korbel champagne at Haus Fortuna
– Gelato at Powell’s Sweet Shoppe
Viva Cocolat’s house made milk toffee truffles with Valley of the Moon port

Check out the website for a full menu of all the deliciousness and tickets. And as you’re stuffing yourself silly just remember that it’s for a good cause — that being the Cinnabar Theater in Petaluma.

Farm Trails
I’ve become a serious CSA junkie. As in my Friday delivery from Canvas Ranch is cause for a weekend of eating and cooking celebration: Roasted kale! Carrot soup! Zucchini bread! Homemade tomato sauce! I’ve never been so giddy with joy at getting a hefty bag of fruits and veggies (and bread and cheese and flowers) in my life.

Whether or not you’re among the CSA converted or just farm-curious, this weekend’s Farm Trails is a choice opportunity to visit local producers of fruits, veggies, cheese and meat who aren’t often open to the public as well as a handful of restaurants. Gush about organic greens, play with the goats or just wander about.

Some of my top picks;
– Angelo’s Meats/Bud’s Custom Meats: For the inner carnivore in all of us
Canvas Ranch: Walking tour, pick strawberries, CSA gushing
– Crane Melon Barn: The famous melons
– Gabriel Farms: Pear and apple tasting & a Ska Klezmer band from 3-5pm on Sunday
– Healdsburg Walking Tours: HIdden Culinary Treasures
– Spring Hill Jersey, Peter’s Pumpkin Patch: Pumpkin ice cream, cheese and a petting zoo
Tierra Vegetables: Because I never get there often enough
Get maps and details on classes, workshop and visits from the Farm Trails website.

Bonus: Handcar Regatta

Erasmus P. Kitty presents the Great West End and Railroad Square Handcar Regatta and Exposition of Mechanical and Artistic Wonders. Oh my goodness the fun you’ll have (for free!) including music performances by the Lemon Lime Lights and the Hubbub Club marching band, Uni and her Ukelele as well as Mister December, Dr. Solar and plenty of sideshow curiosities. The vibe is 1860’s medicine show meets groovy crafters, tinkerers and creative types. Get your imagination (and perhaps a costume) on from 11am to 6pm on Sunday in Railroad Square. Stark’s Steakhouse will be serving up grub and the Roshambus is scheduled to be pouring. And wherever the Roshambus is…that’s where the party is. Did we mention it’s free?