Maci Martell, Author at Sonoma Magazine

Meal at Stockhome restaurant in Petaluma. Courtesy photo, Elise Aileen Photography.

Petaluma, Napa Restaurants To Be Featured on ‘Check, Please! Bay Area’

January 2026

A Swedish restaurant in Petaluma and a barbecue smokehouse in Napa will be featured in an upcoming episode of KQED's Emmy Award-winning show.

The Pollo al Horno featuring chicken, black beans, rice, and plantains at El Coqui Puerto Rican Cuisine in Santa Rosa Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Santa Rosa’s 12 Essential Dishes: The Default Orders Locals Swear By

January 2026

These aren’t Santa Rosa’s trendiest dishes. They’re the ones locals order on autopilot because they never let them down.

Chef Arnold Myint will host Thai dinners and a Valentine's dinner at the Flamingo in Santa Rosa. (Arnold Myint)

Chef Arnold Myint Hosting Thai Pop-Ups at the Flamingo

January 2026

The James Beard Award-nominated chef, cookbook author and drag icon will host a series of pop-up dinners in February at Santa Rosa's Flamingo Resort.

SingleThread's Kyle and Katina Connaughton will open SoNoMa by SingleThread in Kyoto this spring. Chef Keita Tominaga, formerly of Hana restaurant in Rohnert Park, will head the kitchen. (SingleThread)

Michelin-Starred SingleThread Is Bringing Sonoma to Kyoto

January 2026

Healdsburg’s three-Michelin-starred SingleThread is opening its first international restaurant, SoNoMa by SingleThread, in Kyoto in March 2026.

Moroccan rice pudding topped with poached pomegranate and crushed almonds at Pearl Petaluma in Petaluma Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Why Diners Keep Seeking Out Pearl, a Tucked-Away Petaluma Bistro

January 2026

Open only for breakfast and lunch, Pearl is a quietly beloved Petaluma restaurant serving Levantine- and North African-inspired dishes built around bold spices, wood fire and a light touch.

Clam chowder on the docks at Rocker Oysterfeller's at the Wharf Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, in Bodega Bay. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Chow Down at the Sonoma Coast’s Annual Chowder Crawl

January 2026

For the coast's annual Chowder Day, a dozen Sonoma County restaurants will fire up their giant kettles and dish out samples of their finest chowder.

The Olla Latté with piloncillo syrup, cinnamon and a dried orange slice Friday, Nov. 7, 2025 from Cafe de la Olla in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

6 Delicious Hot Drinks To Get in Sonoma County Right Now

January 2026

Craving warm winter drinks? Here are some of the best cups of cheer in Sonoma County for the dark days of winter.

From left, avocado toast topped with prosciutto and sprouts, and the Sweet Crunch toast with almond butter, bananas, strawberries, coconut and almonds from Succo Cold-Pressed in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Flavor Meets Art at Succo Cold-Pressed in Santa Rosa

January 2026

Artfully presented toasts steal the show at this Santa Rosa juice shop known for its superfood-filled elixirs.

Partners Hayley Cutri and chef Efrain Balmes at Sonoma Eats in Sonoma Tuesday November 22, 2022. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)

Parkside Eats To Replace Lepe’s Taqueria in Santa Rosa This Spring

January 2026

Parkside Eats will open this spring, taking over the former Lepe’s Taqueria space with a California comfort food menu influenced by Mexican flavors.

Pick’s Roadside in Cloverdale opens, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

Pick’s Roadside Reopens With Burgers, Wine and a Nod to Its 100-Year Past

January 2026

The century-old Cloverdale drive-in returns with Wagyu burgers, milkshakes and a Wine Country upgrade — without losing its old-school soul.