New Burger and Milkshake Spot in Sebastopol Slated To Open in November

Plus, more dining news at The Barlow and a Santa Rosa cafe with a worthy fundraiser.


Sushi Kosho restaurant chef/owner Jake Rand has announced that his second Barlow restaurant, Oyster, will simplify its menu and be renamed Oyster Bar at Kosho.

The Parisian-style bistro, located across the street from the sushi restaurant, will continue to offer raw oysters, ceviche, tuna carpaccio, salads, baked oysters and octopus à la plancha as well as Champagne. Larger seafood entrées, including burgers, fish sandwiches, fish and chips and po’boys, will no longer be offered. The Sushi Kosho (6750 McKinley St.) menu will remain unchanged.

Oyster at The Barlow in Sebastopol
Spanish Octopus a-la-plancha with Shitake dressing, crispy fingerlings and black garlic aioli at Oyster in The Barlow, Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, in Sebastopol. (Darryl Bush / for The Press Democrat)

Meanwhile, the much-anticipated Cock Robin, a fast-casual burger and milkshake restaurant replacing Seismic Brewing at the 12-acre outdoor marketplace, is slated for a possible November opening.

Chef Jared Rogers of Petaluma’s Easy Rider is working with Barlow owner Barney Aldridge on the menu. It will include burgers, sandwiches, plant-based dishes and old-school classics with a modern spin.

Fundraiser for J & M’s Midtown Café

Louisiana Hash with onions, bell peppers, bacon, potatoes, cheddar, eggs, herbs, mushrooms and spicy seasoning from J & M’s Midtown Cafe, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Louisiana Hash with onions, bell peppers, bacon, potatoes, cheddar, eggs, mushrooms and spicy seasoning from J & M’s Midtown Cafe, Jan. 18, 2024, in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

The need for extra staff after emergency surgery and a long road to recovery for J & M Midtown Café chef/owner Joel Shaw has created serious financial hardships for one of Santa Rosa’s favorite breakfast and brunch spots.

In order to keep the restaurant afloat, Shaw and his wife have created a $6,000 fundraising goal to bridge the temporary gap in finances. If you’re interested in helping, go to pdne.ws/3NH9UVp or stop by the café for a Benedict. 1422 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-2233, jm-midtowncafe.com.

You can reach Dining Editor Heather Irwin at heather.irwin@pressdemocrat.com. Follow Heather on Instagram @biteclubeats.