Heather Irwin, Author at Sonoma Magazine

Winter cocktails Mixologist Kilo Munoz serving a Spirit Works Barrel Gin Old Fashioned The grain-to-glass operation within SebastopolÕs The Barlow, run by Ashby and Timo Marshall, Spirit Works does everything in house, from milling the grain to creating the mash to distilling its gin, vodka and sloe gin on site and aging some of it in barrel. Its gin is made from Hard Red Winter wheat infused with juniper berries and then a mix of botanicals, some of them traditional, some inspired by whatÕs possible in California, a bit of coriander, citrus and cardamom in the propriety blend for sure. With its Barrel Gin, wintery overtones of oaky darkness add depth and complexity to the citrus-laden botanicals. It goes down easy, simply, over ice, with bitters. 2 ounces Spirit Works Distillery Barrel Gin 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters sugar cube soda

Taste The Best Booze in Sonoma at Wine Country Distillery Festival

February 2020

Coming up this weekend in Santa Rosa: taste vodka, gin, whiskey, bourbon and more from nearly 20 artisan distilleries.

Peche Melba crepe with preserved peach, berry jam, toasted almonds, chantilly cream with hard cider at Creperie Chez Solange in Larkfield. Heather Irwin/PD.

Holy Crepe: French Chef Opens Authentic Crepe Shop in Larkfield

January 2020

From Suzette to Nordic, there's a crepe and a cider for everyone at this Sonoma County creperie.

Gerard's Paella y Tapas in downtown Santa Rosa. (John Burgess)

Gerard’s Paella in Downtown Santa Rosa is Closing, Again

January 2020

“I just don’t have the staying power,” said owner and chef Gerard Nebesky, who has been featured on Food Network and is a popular caterer at large festivals like BottleRock.

Where to Try 2020’s Biggest Food and Drink Trends in Sonoma County

January 2020

The fried chicken trend gets hotter and sour drinks are all the rage. Here's more deliciousness to look forward to this year.

Korean fried chicken sandwich at Pat’s International in Guerneville. Heather Irwin/PD

Fried Chicken With A Side Of History at Pat’s International in Guerneville

January 2020

Take a seat at the retro-cool counter or pad into the dining room with wall-to-wall green carpeting and wooden picnic tables.

Persimmon and arugula salad at K&L Bistro in Sebastopol. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)

K&L Bistro Is Still a Sebastopol Star

December 2019

Animal tots, French onion soup and the best ravioli in the universe at Sebastopol bistro.

Lox and cream cheese sesame bagel at the Bagel Mill in Petaluma. Heather Irwin/PD

Petaluma’s Bagel Mill: New Yorker-Approved

December 2019

With a sourdough twist, it's meshugga how good these bagels are.

Shabu Shabu Coming to Santa Rosa, Plus New Italian in Sebastopol

December 2019

Japanese hot pots and Italian social food is on the way to Sonoma County.

You Don’t Have to Be Thankful This Thanksgiving

November 2019

No, really, I give you permission.

Fish and chips at Santa Rosa Seafood Raw Bar and Grill at the corner of Santa Rosa Avenue and Petaluma Hill Road in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin)

Santa Rosa Seafood Is Still Superb

November 2019

The small cafe is every bit as awesome as when it opened several years ago. Here's what to order on your next visit.