Author: Diane Peterson

Diane Peterson is a staff writer for Sonoma Magazine.

Trail of the Week: Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail

Written by Diane Peterson for The Press Democrat. The Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail is a popular destination for dog lovers such as Genevieve Jago of Sebastopol, who hooked up her energetic, 8-month-old English Cocker Spaniel in the Highway 12 parking lot and embarked on a restorative walk on a warm, spring day in early […]
Writer Dana Gioia served as chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts and was appointed California State Poet Laureate by Jerry Brown in 2015. (JOHN BURGESS / The Press Democrat)

California Poet Laureate Returns to Santa Rosa

Santa Rosan Dana Gioia is the new California Poet Laureate, appointed to the post by Gov. Jerry Brown in December 2015. During his two-year term, Gioia will spread the art of poetry and inspire a new generation of writers while visiting schools and libraries in many of the state’s rural counties. He picks up where […]

A Grandmother’s Guidance: The Roots of Healdsburg Shed Owner

As a youngster, he helped in the kitchen of what would evolve into one of the most famous restaurants in the world, The French Laundry in Yountville. At 20, he was the sous chef at Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford, by 22 in charge of the kitchen at étoile restaurant in Yountville. At 25, he […]
Russian River Brewing Company's Vinnie Cilurzo, with wife Natalie, is a semifinalist for Outstanding Wine, Spirits or Beer Professional in the James Beard Foundation Awards.

2016 James Beard Award Semifinalists Announced

Two Sonoma County men were among semifinalists announced Wednesday for the James Beard Foundation’s 2016 restaurant and chef awards. Russian River Brewing Co.’s Vinnie Cilurzo of Santa Rosa and Littorai Wines’ Ted Lemon of Sebastopol were among the 20 making the cut for Outstanding Wine, Spirits or Beer Professional. About two dozen Bay Area restaurants […]
Cinnamon French toast made from Village Bakery brioche topped with butter, fresh whipped cream, organic raspberries and real maple syrup with sparkling wine and a cappuccino at Estero Cafe in Valley Ford. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)

3 Valentine’s Day Brunch Recipes from Sonoma County Chefs

This Sunday, instead of going out for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner, you can treat your sweet babboo to something a little different: an intimate breakfast in bed, complete with fresh squeezed juice and coffee. And, if you take the time to source your ingredients from local farms and producers you’ll get points for the […]
Keelyn Walker, right, peeks from under a lion costume while Brook Szczekocki greets guests arriving for a Chinese New Year celebration at the Veteran's Memorial Building in Santa Rosa on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015. The Redwood Empire Chinese Association hosted the event honoring the year of the Ram. (Jeremy Portje / For The Press Democrat)

Events to Celebrate Year of the Monkey in the North Bay

The Chinese will welcome the Lunar New Year starting Feb. 8, and the unpredictable Year of the Monkey promises to be a lot more fun than the last 12 months of the steady, surefooted Goat. Occupying the 9th position on the Chinese Zodiac, the Monkey is curious, mischievous, clever and playful. Those born in the […]
Seaside Chowder with fish, mussels, squid, shrimp, potatoes, bacon, cream, at Seasdie Metal Oyster bar in Guerneville, California on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)

Where to Find the Best Clam Chowders on the North Coast

In New England, a bowl of award-winning chowder can be found around every corner. But honestly, there are not many worthy of the honor. Most arrive at the table in the midst of a perfect storm: either so thick that your spoon stands at attention, or so overcooked the clams taste like rubber bands, if […]