Author: Carey Sweet

Carey Sweet is a freelance writer in Sonoma County.
Slicing beef brisket at the Cochon Volant BBQ Smoke House in Sonoma. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Pig out at Sonoma’s new Cochon Volant

The metal flying pig sculpture soaring atop the roof of Cochon Volant BBQ Smokehouse in Sonoma promises pork, as does the name Cochon, which is French for “pig.” And certainly that succulent meat is a hallmark of this friendly little eatery from chef-owner Rob Larman. If the art piece from Glen Ellen talent Bryan Tedrick […]
The egg trend is big at Bird & The Bottle. Here Cheesy Grits with Grilled Hen of the Woods Mushrooms, Cured Egg & Spicy Schmaltz. (Photo: Loren Hansen Photography)

Unique Food Trends in Sonoma County

In the ever-frenetic world of modern restaurants, a chef is only as good as his last dish. Fickle diners get bored, and food trends move so quickly from fried chicken to kale that, increasingly, chefs are pushing limits to keep a buzz around their kitchen. It has become such a daily thought in menu planning […]
Dustin Valette, owner/chef of Valette in Healdsburg. (photos by Chris Hardy)

Back to His Roots

Dustin Valette opens his namesake eatery in a Healdsburg building once owned by his great-granddad.