A Santa Rosa home built in 2023 and inspired by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright is currently listed for $2,545,000. The three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom custom property was recently featured in a New York Times article on homes available for sale in California.
The newly built one-story, 2,625-square-foot home at 7749 Foothill Ranch Road is the result of a family collaboration. Lorraine Etchell, who grew up in Healdsburg and graduated from the The School of Architecture (founded by Frank Lloyd Wright), did the site planning and designed the landscaping and parts of the home’s interior. Her brother, licensed contractor Matthew Etchell, Jr., built the home, while their father, contractor of record Matthew Etchell, Sr., assisted greatly throughout the build. Lorraine and Matthew Jr.’s mother, longtime Healdsburg realtor Jacqueline Etchell, listed the home for sale.
The family chose a design plan from Lindal Cedar Homes’s Lindal Imagine Series, which is “inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian houses and updated for modern living.” This particular plan was designed by Lorraine’s mentor at the Taliesin Preservation, a learning center at Frank Lloyd Wright’s former estate in Wisconsin.
Lorraine and Matthew Jr. temporarily relocated, from Arizona and Sacramento respectively, to work together on the project. Many of the home’s elements were built in the studio of Matt’s 30-year-old business, Cable Car Classics.
“Work took over many dinner conversations and at times it felt overwhelming. But in the end the beauty of the final product is something we are all very proud of,” said Jacqueline.
The result of the family collaboration is a sleek and modern building with concrete floors and tranquil white and gray walls, all warmed by German beechwood cabinetry and Douglas fir beams. With enough windows to call it a glass home, the structure gives focus to the natural setting. Click through the above gallery for a peek inside the home.
For more information on this home at 7749 Foothill Ranch Road, contact listing agent Jacqueline Etchell, Sotheby’s International Realty – Wine Country – St. Helena Brokerage, 1229 Adams St. Unit A, Saint Helena, 707-490-5119.JacklynEtchell.com, 7749FoothillRanchRoad.com, sothebysrealty.com
The garage is often the least attractive and organized area in any house (according to a 2022 survey by Craftsman, 36% of homeowners have too much clutter in their garage to park their cars).
In a home on the outskirts of Sonoma, a renovation by SDL Residential Design shows how the oft-ignored space can become something special.
Samuel Lowe and Samuel Hayward of SDL Residential Design converted the garage into a main bedroom suite that overlooks a transformed backyard, complete with an outdoor kitchen, fountains that empty into the pool and a drought-tolerant xeriscape garden. Whitfield Construction in Santa Rosa did the construction work on the project.
“This project is emblematic of the increasing awareness of homeowners to make better use of spaces that already exist rather than over-build a property,” says Lowe. “Garages are often the largest room in the house, so with careful space planning it’s possible to divide them into multiple programs that better serve the needs of today’s households.”
Modern detailing—like angular bronze fixtures and Makoto Kumo Gray tiles in the bathroom—shine in the new living space. A few contemporary paintings, plus a view of the outdoors, take the focus, while geometric and faintly colored textiles enhance the modern aesthetic.
Double doors open to an Alaskan yellow cedar deck that overlooks the pool, which is accented by a trio of black fountains. Water pouring into the pool creates a relaxing ambient sound, while the raised deck provides a view of the vineyards just beyond the fence. A steel-framed pergola offers shade in the summer and heaters in the eaves take care of cool nights.
Forget the last minute trip to the grocery store for a bunch of wilting roses. We’ve got you covered with excellent flower farms and floral shops for beautiful blooms that will make thoughtful, impressive gifts on any occasion. Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments.
BEES N BLOOMS/ SIDEKICK FLOWERS
Farmer/florist Seth Gowans leases land at Bees N Blooms and sells his organic flowers alongside Bees N Blooms lavender. Farmstand at 3883 Petaluma Hill Rd., Santa Rosa. 707- 293-8293, beesnblooms.com
CALIFORNIA SISTER
The team at California Sister, owned by Nichole Skalski and Kathrin Green, uses locally grown, seasonal flowers to create artistic, “thoughtfully composed” designs that are “a little bit wild.” Delivery only. californiasister.bloomnation.com
DRAGONFLY FLORAL
A longtime favorite, this local farm in the Dry Creek Valley offers local delivery and event design. 707-433- 3739, dragonflyfloral.com
Flower arrangement from Dragonfly Floral in Healdsburg. (Dragonfly Floral)Flower arrangement from Dragonfly Floral in Healdsburg. (Dragonfly Floral)
FEATHER FLOWER FARM
Farmer/florist Sierra Bannister sells homegrown flowers at her own small farmstand (email for details) and at Bill’s Farm Basket in Sebastopol. Her Instagram feed (@featherflowerfarm) is stunning. featherflowerfarm.com
FLATBED FARM
A diverse farm and flower operation with a farmstand, farm products, and bouquets for sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Farmstand at 13450 Hwy. 12, Glen Ellen. flatbed-farm.com
FLOWER CASITA
Tali Bouskila of Flower Casita works with local growers and unique foraged finds to create stunning flower arrangements. 140 Second St., Suite 116, Petaluma. 707-559-5243, flowercasita.com
FRONT PORCH FARM
A 110-acre farm by the Russian River with orchards, vegetables, and wine- grapes in addition to flowers. Flowers are sold at the Saturday farmers market in Healdsburg, to the FEED Sonoma produce hub, and wholesale to local designers. fpfarm.com
At Front Porch Farm in Healdsburg. (Eileen Roche)At Front Porch Farm in Healdsburg. (Eileen Roche)
FULL BLOOM FLOWER FARM
Owner Hedda Brorstrom grew up in the area and runs a pretty farmstand along a country road, marked by a red mailbox. She also does events and offers weekly flower subscriptions in summer. Farmstand at 9516 Graton Rd., Sebastopol. 707-591-6968, fullbloomflower.com
THE HAPPY DAHLIA FARM
When dahlias bloom, these growing fields are awash in color. A fun place for families to explore together. Farmstand at 2478 E. Washington St., Petaluma. 707-338- 9478, thehappydahliafarm.com
JENNIFLORA
Jennifer McClendon cultivates 1,500 heirloom roses on her 1.5 acre family farm in Sebastopol and designs stunning events. Call for bouquet pickup and local delivery. 707-495-9402, jenniflora.com
JOLEE BLOOMS & DESIGN
Owner Daniele Strawn has a diverse design background and runs a quarter-acre farm and a thriving event business in Occidental, with organic bouquets available for pickup or delivery. 707-775-0101, joleeblooms.com
OAK HILL FARM
This landmark spot in Glen Ellen on over 700 rural acres has been farmed by members of the Teller/Bucklin family since the 1970s. Fresh flowers available at the Sonoma farmers market on Fridays and at the Red Barn Store farmstand from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. 15101 Hwy. 12, Glen Ellen. 707-996-6643, oakhillfarm.net
POPPIES AND PETALS
At this you-pick farm, visitors can design and cut their own bouquet packed with organic, seasonal blooms. Bring your own vase. Open Tues., Thurs., Sat., and Sun. 500 Sanford Rd., Santa Rosa. 707-752- 7891, poppiesandpetalsfarm.com
STORIA HOME
This home goods store in Sebastopol is expanding to include a floral shop led by local flower farmer Jennifer McClendon, of JenniFlora. The grand opening will take place Friday, May 12. 961 Gravenstein Hwy. S., Suite 130, Sebastopol. 415-501-0024, storiahome.com
At Zannah Farms in Santa Rosa. (Eileen Roche)
SUNRAY FARM
A vegetable and flower farm in Sonoma focused on healthy soils and organic growing practices. They sell flowers at the Petaluma Eastside farmers market on Tuesdays, deliver weekly bouquets, and will sell large flower buckets for DIY arrangements. 707-210-9720, sunrayfarm.com
ZANNAH FARMS
Jude Crawford cuts and arranges fresh bouquets daily for their farmstand, and sells buckets of flowers for DIY arrangements. Farmstand at 5583 Occidental Rd., Santa Rosa. 707-247-5881, zannahfarms.com
Bag O’ Crab is exactly that: a steaming pile of seafood dumped onto a communal plate that’s a love-it-or-hate-it kind of thing. Wearing a large plastic bib and eating with your fingers is also self-selecting. If you’re up for both, or just find pulling off shrimp heads weirdly satisfying, Bag O’ Crab is your new favorite restaurant.
Primarily found in California, the seafood chain recently opened an outpost in Santa Rosa at the former Steele & Hops restaurant on Mendocino Avenue. The concept is pretty simple, especially if you’re into seafood boils. You pick your seafood, pick your sauce and wait for the hot mess to arrive. It’s literally hot. And messy.
Combos are the best bet, offering mix-and-match choices of Dungeness crab, king crab legs, clams, crawfish, shrimp and lobster ($31.95 to $83.95). Combos also include corn, potatoes and sausage. Sauces are the critical decision — we recommend Louisiana flavor, which has a hint of sweetness. Spice levels are up to you, from mild to “on fire xx.” Don’t be a hero, especially if you’re sharing. Go with mild or medium.
Your order includes plastic gloves, wet napkins and other torture implements for the shelled seafood. The whole shebang is mixed in a large plastic bag and not-especially ceremoniously dumped onto a metal platter in the middle of the table. Or you can eat the entire thing alone. Plan to make a mess and smell like Bag O’ Crab sauce for the next four to eight hours.
Add the garlic noodles ($7.95) and garlic bread ($3.95) to your order. Neither is especially impressive, but they bring back fuzzy childhood memories of spaghetti with butter and garlic salt and your mom’s buttery garlic bread — served, natch, on paper plates. The bread is a great way to soak up the sauce, too.
You’ll find other offerings including fried fish, chicken tenders, po’boys and grilled beef short ribs on the menu, but stay on brand and just go with the seafood unless you want people to look at you funny. Because who orders a hamburger at Bag O’ Crab?
The restaurant is still awaiting its beer and wine license, so if you’re craving a beer with your bag, call ahead and see if that’s changed.
Bag O’ Crab is at 1901 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-843-7267. bagocrabusa.com
Savory Vietnamese Crepes with prawns, egg, coconut milk, bean sprouts, cabbage, cilantro, basil, romaine lettuce, mint from chef Tony Ounpamornchai’s Mandarin Kitchen in Montgomery Village in Santa Rosa Friday May 5, 2023. (Photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
In a village outside Hanoi, Vietnam, an unassuming food vendor cooks what chef Tony Ounpamornchai considers the best banh xeo he’s ever had. The sizzling Vietnamese crepes stuffed with seafood and vegetables have been a street-food staple for centuries, favored by farmers working long days in the fields.
“This lady was making them come out just perfect every time,” Ounpamornchai said while sitting inside his newest restaurant, Mandarin Kitchen (formerly Tony’s Galley) in Santa Rosa’s Montgomery Village shopping center.
Framed by the restaurant’s 500-gallon fish tank and its soothing purple glow, the longtime restaurateur talked about the sources for his culinary inspirations: walking the streets of large cities and small villages and observing what people eat.
“I just like to walk around towns and find things wherever I go. Traveling is part of my journey,” Ounpamornchai said.
Chef Tony Ounpamorncha, owner of Sea Thai Bistro and Sea Thai Noodle, has opened the Mandarin Kitchen in Montgomery Village in Santa Rosa. (Photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat)Kung Pow Ribeye with onion, zucchini, bell pepper, mushrooms, chili and peanuts from chef Tony Ounpamornchai’s Mandarin Kitchen in Montgomery Village in Santa Rosa. (Photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Now 54, he’s getting personal with his menu, with dishes pulled from his childhood memories and the expansive culinary landscapes of Vietnam, Malaysia, Bali, Singapore, Cambodia and Laos.
Central to the Mandarin Kitchen menu are recipes from his family’s Chinese and Thai traditions. It’s the memories of learning to make his mother’s massaman curry and picking fresh water spinach from the pools around his family’s floating house in Thailand that are particularly powerful.
“This is truly the food that I love,” said Ounpamornchai, who is also executive chef and co-owner of Sea Thai Bistro, also in Montgomery Village, and Sea Noodle Bar, in Santa Rosa’s Coddingtown Shopping Center.
The former Tony’s Galley opened in 2021 with a seafood-focused menu and closed in late March. After a quick menu revamp, it reopened in early April as Mandarin Kitchen.
Ounpamornchai said the high cost of very perishable seafood led him to change the concept, though seafood still figures prominently on the new menu. Sea bass in banana leaves and sauteed eggplant with sea scallops are among the best dishes here.
The restaurant’s namesake, a mandarin orange, symbolizes luck and happiness, Ounpamornchai said. But with a menu this endearing and filled with happy memories, luck already has found Mandarin Kitchen.
Best Bets
Savory Vietnamese Crepe, $16: This hard-to-find street food is the perfect mix of sweet, savory, crisp and fresh. The sizzling crepe (“xeo” means sizzling in Vietnamese) is filled with prawns, bean sprouts and cabbage and is accompanied by a side of romaine lettuce, mint, fennel fronds, basil and cilantro meant to create a second shell of flavorful produce. The mix of cold greens and hot crepe dipped in chile sauce brings a surprise to every bite. It’s a must-order.
Stir-fried Morning Glory, $13 and Mee Goreng, $18: In Bali, you’ll find these staples at many warungs (small eateries) as a side dish to suckling pig or even for breakfast. Mandarin Kitchen’s smoky-sweet black soy sauce sticks to wide rice noodles that slip and slide off your chopsticks (use a fork instead). Chicken, fried tofu, egg, bean sprouts, bell peppers, mushrooms and zucchini round out the dish.
Grilled Sea Bass in Banana Leaves, $24: The star of this dish is Jungle Curry, a Thai-style curry studded with zingy red chiles and cooled with fresh herbs and perfumed makrut lime leaves, galangal and lemongrass. Mild sea bass swiped with curry paste is steamed in a banana leaf (adding a distinct earthy flavor) and served atop a pool of sweet-salty Chinese black bean sauce with onions and zucchini. It’s an incredibly unusual fusion dish, but worth checking out.
Grilled Sea Bass in Banana Leaves with jungle curry paste and assorted mixed vegetables in black bean sauce from chef Tony Ounpamornchai’s Mandarin Kitchen in Montgomery Village in Santa Rosa. (Photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat)Sautéed Eggplant Sea Scallops with Japanese eggplant, chili, garlic and Thai basil from chef Tony Ounpamornchai’s Mandarin Kitchen in Montgomery Village in Santa Rosa. (Photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Sauteed Eggplant and Sea Scallops $24: At first, the combination of eggplant and seafood seems, well, odd. Initially, I didn’t order it. But on a second visit, I couldn’t resist the adventure. Five plump scallops float on a raft of sweet Chinese eggplant in a salty-sweet mix of soy and hoisin sauce studded with garlic bits. We couldn’t get enough of the sauce.
Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake, $10: Matcha is divisive. Either you love the herbaceous, slightly bitter green tea or you loathe it. In desserts, it can be overpowering, but the light touch of matcha mixed into a creamy crustless cheesecake is charming. Ounpamornchai also has a light hand with the scoop of sesame ice cream on top. The whole thing could easily come off as a mouthful of dirt with the intense earthy flavors of both, but it ends up perfectly balanced.
Other great picks: There’s almost too much to choose from, including other dishes we loved such as Hot and Sour Soup, $10; Shumai and Har Gow Dim Sum (lunch only), $12; and Chicken Massaman Curry, $20.
The restaurant has a full bar, with light and fruity cocktails including Beach, Please ($13) made with RumHaven Coconut Rum, pineapple liqueur, coconut milk, pineapple juice and orange juice; and the Magic Dragon ($13) with gin, dragon fruit, elderflower liqueur and fresh lemon. The standout, however, is the easygoing Easy On Me ($13) with a peculiar mix of bourbon, creme de peach liqueur and fresh lemon.
Mandarin Kitchen is located at 722 Village Court, Santa Rosa, 707-303-7007, mandarinkitchensr.com. Open 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 8:30 p.m. daily.
Healdsburg Bagel Co. will open a new Jewish-style deli in Healdsburg this summer. (Drew Ross)
Nope, that’s not a typo. Healdsburg Bagel Co., known for its New York-style bagels at local farmers markets, will open a Jewish-style deli at the former Wildflower Saloon later this summer. Owner Drew Ross has chosen to call his concept a Drewish Deli (a play on his name) because it won’t be exactly like the Jewish delis he grew up with.
“The deli is the natural progression to my business. I’ve eaten at Jewish delis my whole life, and mine won’t exactly be a full deli but a hybrid version,” Ross said. Expect traditional deli offerings like housemade lox, pastrami, corned beef, chopped chicken liver mousse, matzo ball soup, knishes, smoked whitefish and sturgeon, challah, bagels and schmears.
“We are going to start with a smaller menu but expand as we get into the rhythm of the deli,” Ross said.
Healdsburg Bagel Co. will open a new Jewish-style deli in Healdsburg this summer. (Drew Ross)
Founded in 2018 as a cottage business, Healdsburg Bagel Co. is a third career for Ross, who was a professional musician and family therapist previously. Unable to find good bagels when he moved to Sonoma County in 2016, he worked with his father-in-law to create a perfect recipe that resonated with locals. Big John’s Market in Healdsburg was his first wholesale account, allowing Ross to move into a large commercial kitchen. He now sells at six farmers markets per week throughout the Bay Area, including at San Francisco’s Fort Mason market, where he estimates selling around 650 bagels alone — by far his biggest farmers-market sales.
Like with other pandemic pop-ups, including Petaluma’s Ethel’s Bagels and Sebastopol’s Psychic Pie, home deliveries and farmers markets boosted sales for Ross as people avoided indoor spaces like restaurants and larger grocery stores.
“I saw that as an amazing avenue for business, and I dove into a lot of markets (12 to 14 a week through the pandemic). We survived and thrived because of markets,” Ross said.
Adding prepared foods to his market lineup — matzo ball soup, breakfast bagel sandwiches, knishes, schmears, house-cured lox and pastrami — helped him move further into the food business.
“I feel like I dumb-lucked myself into this. I worked in restaurants as a struggling musician, but I don’t have any formal culinary training. I just love food,” Ross said.
The Brooks Note tasting room in downtown Petaluma. (Gary Ottonello)
The plazas in Healdsburg and Sonoma have long been buzzing with winery tasting rooms. But, until recently, downtown Petaluma was something of a wine desert.
That’s starting to change as tasting rooms open in the downtown area, offering locals and visitors the chance to sip and stroll their way around town. With a manageable number of venues to choose from, limited tourist traffic and cozy tasting spaces, downtown Petaluma is a fun, laid-back alternative to some of Sonoma County’s better-known wine tasting destinations.
Adobe Road Winery
Owned by professional race car driver and team owner Kevin Buckler, Adobe Road pours a variety of Sonoma County and Napa Valley wines at their Petaluma tasting room. The compact tasting room in the Great Petaluma Mill extends into the parking lot, where a heated tent invites guests to sit and sip. Flights range from $30 for the classic tasting to $50 for the Racing Series flight, and fees are waived with a minimum purchase.
Adobe Road recently broke ground on a new 16,000-square-foot winery and tasting room on the waterfront, so expect to find a whole new setup in a year or so.
Open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. 6 Petaluma Blvd. North, Suite 1A, adoberoadwines.com
Barber Cellars
Set inside the Hotel Petaluma, Mike and Lorraine Barber’s sunny tasting room faces out onto Washington Street for optimal people-watching.
Once inside, sample small-production, Sonoma County single-vineyard wines including pinot noir, zinfandel and sauvignon blanc.
The $20 tasting fee, waived with a two-bottle purchase, is one of the most reasonable you’ll find in the area. If you’re feeling snacky, order one of Barber Cellars’ fancy grilled cheese sandwiches, made with Point Reyes Toma, or a charcuterie plate.
Open 1-7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 1-6 p.m. Sunday. 112 Washington St., barbercellars.com
Black Knight Vineyards
Black Knight gets its name from Mitch Black, owner of the Black Knight vineyard east of Santa Rosa. The small and stylish tasting room includes a small parklet on Petaluma Boulevard where guests can sip pinot noir, chardonnay and sparkling wines by the glass or flight. Prices range from $20 for a sparkling wine flight to $35 for a vertical tasting of chardonnay or library tasting. Fees are waved with a minimum bottle purchase.
The Brooks Note tasting room in downtown Petaluma. (Tina Caputo)
Brooks Note
Take a stroll up Petaluma Boulevard and you’ll find a stylish, modern tasting room with a comfortable bar, table and lounge seating.
Founded by former Kosta Browne winemaker Garry Brooks, Brooks Note focuses on elegant Sonoma County pinot noir and chardonnay, as well as cabernet sauvignon and syrah. Visitors can choose between three flights ranging from $30 to $75, which include a plate of local cheeses and charcuterie. The winery hosts live music on some Friday evenings, with wines available by the glass.
La Dolce Vita wine lounge pours an intriguing selection of 40 or so local and international wines by the taste, glass, half carafe and bottle. Take a seat inside or on the lively Theater Square patio to sample a variety of flights, ranging from $21 for Exotic Whites to $43 for the reserve tasting.
Friendly and knowledgeable owner Sahar Gharai also sells bottles to go at retail prices, so guests can enjoy their favorite selections at home. Food offerings include pizzas, panini, housemade hummus, salumi and other wine-friendly fare.
Port-style fortified wines are the specialty at Bill and Caryn Reading’s Sonoma Portworks, along with liqueurs, brandies and sherries including the popular hazelnut-infused Duet.
For just $15, guests can step into the cozy yet industrial-style tasting room in Petaluma’s Foundry Wharf to taste four California ports and two distilled spirits.
Open noon to 5 p.m. Thursday-Monday. 613 Second St., portworks.com
Vine & Barrel Wines
Jason Jenkins recently moved his bottle shop from cave-like digs on Petaluma Boulevard to a bright storefront space on Kentucky Street. Along with offering local and international bottles for sale, Vine & Barrel pours about a dozen wines by the glass, served with tapas-style snacks like cheeses, charcuterie and tinned seafood.
Design inspiration abounds at the 44th San Francisco Decorator Showcase, which opened April 29 and continues Tuesdays through Sundays until May 29.
This year’s showcase is housed in an 18th century-style Spanish-Mediterranean mansion in San Francisco’s Sea Cliff neighborhood. The 6000-square-foot home, built in 1927 by renowned architects Samuel Lightner Hyman and Abraham Appleton, features 28 spaces styled by the West Coast’s top designers.
The showcase covers a variety of eras and styles, from classic to midcentury t0 modern; from minimalist to maximalist; from constrained to whimsical. A few local designers and vendors have contributed to this year’s exquisite display.
Cotati artist Elan Evans (of Elan Evans Decorative Finishes) has decorated the three-level home’s elevator with paper cutouts of foxes and florals covered in gold leaf paint that contrasts beautifully with the deep-toned walls in the elevator and the rose-colored wall just outside. Evans came up with the idea for this design concept on a drive home from work, seeing sunlight reflecting off the plants along the road.
Elevator designed by decorative painter Elan Evans of Cotati. (Elan Evans Decorative Finishes)Paper cutouts of foxes and florals covered in gold leaf paint by Elan Evans of Cotati. (Elan Evans Decorative Finishes)
Napa interior designer Miyuki Yamaguchi (of Miyuki Yamaguchi Design Studio) has created a wisteria-themed bedroom. A hand-painted motif on de Gournay silk wallpaper and silk fabric covers the walls and sets the scene. Additional fabric creates a partial canopy and adds more softness and texture to the room. A wisteria branch is perched dramatically on a sideboard thanks to a clamp and vase system developed by Sonoma-based designer and curator Dave Allen (of Artefact Design and Salvage).
Bedroom designed by Miyuki Yamaguchi. (David Livingston)
San Francisco-based designer Noz Nozawa and the Noz Design team have taken whimsy to cosmic levels in a combined movie room and wine cellar. The bottles appear to take flight via an acrylic wine rack, fashioned by Architectural Plastics of Petaluma. Pillows, rugs and cozy spots to sit and relax bring the look down to earth.
A close-up view of a wine rack by Architectural Plastics of Petaluma in the combined movie room/wine cellar. (Christopher Stark)
Showcase regular Dina Bandman has created an elegant tea room, with a rich yet featherlight aesthetic. Hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper with jasmine and bougainvillea cover the walls while subtle shades of sage allow the shapes in the room – a beveled pedestal table, a palm chandelier, geometric floor patterns – to do all the design talking. Proper accessorizing is a must in this delicately designed room: elegant, light-reflecting glassware completes the look. (Many of the design elements in this room were sourced from Anthem SF, which has a store in Healdsburg.)
Tea room designed by Dina Bandman. (John Merkl)
The decorator showcase serves as a fundraiser for San Francisco University High School’s Financial Aid Program. To date, the showcase has raised over $17 million. Click through the above gallery for a peek inside a few of the rooms.
The 44th Annual San Francisco Decorator Showcase, at 625 El Camino Del Mar, is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last entry) Tuesday-Saturday and 11 a.m. t0 4 p.m. Sundays, until May 29. $45 for general admission; $40 for seniors (60 and over). For more information, call 415-447-5830 or visit decoratorshowcase.org.
A sprawling traditional-style farmhouse on one acre in east Sonoma is on the market. Built in 2002, this predecessor to the modern farmhouse features classic design details and has a pool, a pool house, a tennis court and a detached office. The three-bedroom, five-bathroom home at 1385 Castle Road is listed for $8,500,000.
The 5,496-square-foot home has cathedral and coffered ceilings, wainscoting, multi-paned windows and interior decorative transoms. True to farmhouse style, it has an open layout, and while white walls make the home feel more modern, the traditional lines enrich the look.
There’s a viewing porch from the second story and a screened-in porch on the bottom floor. The grounds are manicured with rounded shrubs and hedges framing large swaths of grass, paved seating areas and walking paths. A detached office has a sweetly nostalgic red-barn look.
Click through the above gallery for a peek inside this property.
For more information on this home at 1385 Castle Road, please contact listing agent Gina Clyde Gina Clyde, Sotheby’s International Realty – Wine Country – Sonoma Brokerage, 793 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-529-8504, 707-935-2289, 1385castleroad.com
Sonoma County is bustling with a renewed, sunny spring energy just in time for Mother’s Day. This year, treat your mom to a delicious brunch, lunch or high tea at one of these restaurants and wineries.
All events are on Sunday, May 14, unless otherwise noted. Reservations are required at most events, and tickets sell out fast.
Santa Rosa
Bennett Valley Golf Course
A Mother’s Day golfing session and brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the golf course’s Iron & Vine restaurant. The brunch menu includes danishes, yogurt parfait, eggs benedict, harvest salad, grilled asparagus, a fresh fruit platter, potatoes with peppers and onions, rosemary and pepper-crusted beef, strip loin with Moroccan chimichurri, shortcake and double chocolate brownies. Brunch is $58 per adult, $20 per child ages 4-11 and complimentary for children 3 and under. Moms golf for free with another paying golfer. Reserve a spot online.
A Mother’s Day celebration with wine, live music and a three-course lunch by Cibo Rustico from 2-4:30 p.m. at D’Argenzio Winery. Guests can enjoy the song stylings of Sonoma County-based Showcase Band while tasting a selection of award-winning wines and a menu that includes grilled salmon, short ribs or roasted portabella mushrooms with pasta and salad. Tickets are $36 for general admission and $28 for wine club members. Reserve a spot on Yelp.
1301 Cleveland Ave. Suite A, Santa Rosa, 707-546-2466, dargenziowine.com
At D’Argenzio Winery in Santa Rosa. (D’Argenzio Winery )
Flamingo Resort
The resort’s annual Mother’s Day brunch buffet will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the hotel ballroom. The buffet will include brunch classics such as bagels, pastries, pancakes, frittatas, yogurt parfait, spring salad, pesto pasta, prime rib, curry tofu, salmon and lemon dill chicken. Tickets are $65 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under. Reserve on Tock.
Vintners Resort’s John Ash & Co. will provide an a la carte brunch for Mother’s Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The seasonal spring dishes include Hog Island oysters, asparagus soup, Dungeness crab cake, eggs benedict, huevos rancheros, chicken and waffles, strawberry challah french toast and country fried angus steak. Reserve a spot on OpenTable.
Enjoy the flowers in the garden at John Ash & Co at Vintners Resort in Santa Rosa. (Vintners Resort)
Brunch at Vintners Resort in Santa Rosa. (Vintners Resort)
Matanzas Creek Winery
A Mother’s Day brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the winery’s pristine lavender fields. Brunch will include frittatas, pastries and savory bites paired with single vineyard wines. General admission is $90 per person and $65 for wine club members. Reserve on Tock. Note: Mother’s Day brunch tickets are currently sold out, but people can join a waitlist if a reservation becomes available.
6097 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, 707-528-6464, matanzascreek.com
Shady Oak Barrel House
Santa Rosa-based Smackin’ Soul Food will provide a special Mother’s Day brunch starting at noon at Shady Oak Barrel House. The brunch will include build-your-own waffle and omelet bars as well as beer cocktails like micheladas and “beermosas.” Brunch is $20 per person; reserve a spot on Eventbrite.
A Mother’s Day paint and sip event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, at Landmark Vineyards’ Kenwood estate. Guests will receive step-by-step instructions on how to paint a masterpiece while tasting select Landmark pinot noir and chardonnay. Tickets are $85 per person and include a tasting of three wines, all art supplies, and a cheese and charcuterie cup. Brunch boxes ($30 each) will also be available for pre-purchase. Reserve on Tock.
An a la carte Mother’s Day brunch menu served from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The menu includes croque madame, brioche french toast, steak and eggs, duck leg confit Cobb salad, sumac crusted snapper, Dungeness crab melt, lamb burger, cauliflower gnocchi and more, plus fresh fruit and a cinnamon buttermilk coffee cake for the table.
Poached egg salad at Tips Roadside in Kenwood. (Tips Roadside)
At Tips Roadside in Kenwood. (Tips Roadside)
TIPS Roadside
Family-style brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. includes cornbread with honey butter, vegetable scramble, fried chicken, shrimp and grits and various sides. Bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys will be available along with a full bar. Brunch is $55 for adults, $20 for children under 12 and free for children under 5. Reserve a table on Tock.
A Mother’s Day brunch and wine tasting from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at VJB Cellars. Tickets for wine club members are $65 per person and $25 per child, and tickets for non-members are $85 per person and $35 per child. The winery will also have Mother’s Day gift boxes available for sale, complete with rosé, cabernet sauvignon and chewy caramels. To reserve a spot call 707-833-2300 or email info@vjbcellars.com.
A Mother’s Day brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a four-course food and wine pairing on the piazza. The winery has partnered with local chef Tomas Guzman for the brunch, which will include fruit salad with strawberry-basil syrup, cucumber gazpacho, chicken and waffles with brown honey butter, and bread pudding with a raspberry crémeux and brown butter sauce. Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased on Tock.
A Mother’s Day brunch with live music from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on a garden patio. Breathless will team up with Criminal Baking Company to create a sparkling brunch, accompanied by music from guitarist Nate Lopez. Children are welcome and tickets are $35 per person. Purchase tickets on Tock.
A bottle of bubbly from Breathless Wines in Healdsburg. (Breathless Wines)
Comstock Wines
A 21+ Mother’s Day brunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., including elevated brunch favorites served with local wines. The menu will feature eclectic fare such as gratinée scallops in black truffle custard and housemade Thai sausage with scrambled egg bao, as well as more traditional brunch items like smoked striploin carpaccio and old fashioned chicken and waffles. Tickets are $125 per person ($110 for club members), plus a $75 deposit. Reserve tickets on Tock.
A three-course prix fixe Mother’s Day brunch from chef Wyatt Keith will include house favorites such as breakfast pastries with Palmer Estate blood orange marmalade for the table, spring fresh salads, hamachi crudo, vegetable minestrone, eggs benedict, asparagus rigatoni, petite filet and seared salmon, plus a selection of house desserts. Brunch is $95 per person and $45 for children 6 and under.
A Mother’s Day brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with dishes crafted by executive chef Jason Pringle and his culinary team. The buffet will include housemade pastries, traditional breakfast fare, a raw seafood bar, a carving station with leg of lamb and prime rib, plus a selection of desserts. Guests will also be treated to libations and a celebratory gift to take home. Tickets are $125 per person. For reservations, call 707-354-6900 or book on OpenTable.
Greek yogurt Panna Cotta from Hazel Hill at Montage Healdsburg. (Emma K. Morris)Pizza and cocktails at Roof 106 at The Matheson in Healdsburg. (The Matheson)
Roof 106
A special six-course tasting menu for Mother’s Day at the Matheson’s rooftop eatery Roof 106 will be available all day. The menu — designed to be shared among two people — includes citrus cured salmon, signature house pizza, burrata and spring peas, buttermilk panna cotta and more. $50 per person. Reserve online.
The Cornerstone Sonoma marketplace will host a weekend of Mother’s Day events. The weekend will include a pottery and flower arranging class ($55 per person) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a special pop-up shopping showcase from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 13; plus a Mother’s Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Folktable and a “Music & Moms” outdoor concert from noon to 3 p.m. on May 14. Purchase tickets for the “Pottery and Flowers” class on Eventbrite. Reserve a spot at Folktable for Mother’s Day brunch here.
A traditional Hidalgo-style barbacoa (barbecue) and mini charreada (rodeo) for mom from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, at Honrama Cellars’ ranch. Brunch will include slow-cooked meats and other barbecue fare. Tickets are $175 per person on Tock.
An annual Mother’s Day brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring catered boxed brunches prepared by Petaluma-based Out to Lunch Fine Catering. Each mom will be treated to a complimentary glass of sparkling rosé. General admission is $55 per person and $25 for kids, while admission for wine club members is $45 per person and $15 for members’ kids. Reserve a table on Tock or by calling 707-938-3031 ext. 20 or emailing reservations@larsonfamilywinery.com.
MacArthur Place Hotel’s Layla restaurant will host a three-course Mother’s Day brunch from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu includes trout tartine, brioche french toast, lobster benedict, huevos rancheros, bibb salad, sauteed mushroom sandwich, roasted turkey club and prime rib. Plus, a trio of mini desserts — carrot cake, a chocolate mint ice cream sandwich and lemon almond tart with strawberries – and creative spring cocktails. Brunch is $65 for adults and $35 for kids.
Outdoor dining area at Layla restaurant at MacArthur Place in Sonoma. (Karyn Millet/MacArthur Place)
Breakfast at Layla restaurant at MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa in Sonoma. (Emma K. Morris)
Roche Winery & Vineyards
A Mother’s Day brunch in the vineyard from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. includes a breakfast tower of bagels and breads, a parfait station, fresh fruit, morning pastries and a choice of spinach frittata, flat iron steak and fried egg, or sweet potato hash and fried egg. General admission is $85 per person, $70 for wine club members and $15 for children (free for children 3 and under). Price of brunch includes one glass of mimosa or dry brut rosé. Seating is limited and the last day to purchase tickets is May 3.
A Mother’s Day brunch at Fairmont’s Santé restaurant from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a lavish pre-fixe menu and fresh flowers. The menu includes seasonal delicacies such as seared scallops, truffled omelet, butter poached lobster benedict, grilled lamb rack, a shareable seafood platter, crepe station and dessert buffet featuring Watmaugh strawberry cheesecake, dark chocolate panna cotta, blackberry chamomile tart and Earl Grey crème brûlée. The brunch is $125 per person, $39 for kids ages 5-12, and complimentary for children 4 and under. Fairmont will also have a flower cart in the lobby to create unique spring bouquets.
Live music by Lara Louise will accompany this Mother’s Day brunch, catered by Italian chef Elena Fabbri, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The brunch will include a waffle bar, pancake station, assorted croissants, french toast, variety of quiches, sausages, avocado toast, open-faced crostini, pasta salad with roasted eggplant, spinach and goat cheese salad with strawberries, and a fresh seasonal fruit platter. Brunch is $85 per person and $25 for children 10 and under. Ticket includes a welcome mimosa, plus wine and a variety of gelato will be available for purchase. Reserve on Tock.
25200 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 800-995-4740, viansa.com
Wit & Wisdom
A three-course prix-fixe brunch menu for Mother’s Day from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. that includes fun cocktails and shareable add-ons for the table, such as a cold shellfish tower and cheese and charcuterie. The menu features spring delights including pea soup, lobster risotto, eggs benedict, king salmon, crème brûlée french toast, basque-style cheesecake and warm citrus poppyseed bundt cake. The brunch is $89 per guest and reservations are recommended.
A large a la carte Mother’s Day brunch menu includes pancakes, omelets, french toast, breakfast hash, eggs benedict, sandwiches, salads and signature cocktails.
A Mother’s Day high tea, in partnership with Preferred Sonoma Caterers and Frances Lane Rentals, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Garden Valley Ranch’s rose gardens. The high tea will include a welcome bar with refreshments, chicken salad, egg salad, asparagus tips, deviled eggs, pastries, cookies, lemon tarts, chocolate bouchons and fresh baked scones. A fresh-cut flower bouquet bar will also be available. Tickets are $145 per person and ticket sales end May 7. Reserve a spot online.
A Mother’s Day high tea with seatings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, at Grand Central Petaluma. The high tea menu includes a variety of finger sandwiches, with vegetarian options available, as well as chocolates, dipped ice cream bars, scones with clotted cream and jam, and other small bites. The regular tea service is $55 per ticket and the vegan/gluten-free service is $65 per ticket. To-go options are available. Purchase a ticket here.
Grand Central Petaluma will also be partnering with Art Play Petaluma for a Mother’s Day celebration from 10 a.m. to noon on May 14 by the river. Art Play will provide painting and sensory play activities for children, Petaluma Mothers’ Club will provide cut flowers for mom, Cassie Green Photography will provide “mom and me” portrait sessions (advanced scheduling required; $30 per sitting) and Grand Central will provide coffee and treats. Tickets are $13 each and can be purchased here.
A Mother’s Day champagne brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sally Tomatoes. The event will include a grand buffet selection, an ice cream bar and $15 endless sparkling mimosas. Brunch is $27.95 for adults and $15.95 for kids. Call 707-665-9472 to reserve a spot.
1100 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park, 707-665-9472, sallytomatoes.com
DRNK Winery in Sebastopol will host two Mother’s Day themed events in May. (DRNK Winery)
West Sonoma County
Blue Ridge Kitchen
Blue Ridge Kitchen will be serving a special brunch menu 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mother’s Day. It includes dishes like Petite Shellfish Platter with six local oysters, smoked champagne mignonette and Meyer lemon hibiscus granita, Lobster Croque Madame, Pork Belly Benedict, Crispy Soft Shell Crab BLT and Strawberries and Cream for dessert with strawberry compote, lemon curd, almond streusel, hibiscus granita and sour cream foam. Moms will receive a complimentary glass of champagne. Make reservations on OpenTable.
6770 McKinley St., Suite 150, Sebastopol, 707-222-5040, brkitchen.com
DRNK Winery
DRNK Winery will host two Mother’s Day themed events in May: a wine tasting and bouquet building workshop from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, May 7, and a wine tasting and clay pottery making workshop from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 13. Each event will include gourmet chocolates and a flight of five wines. The May 7 bouquet workshop, led by Alé Rodriguez of Pollen Floral, is $80 per ticket. The May 13 pottery workshop, led by ceramicist Gina Kuta, is $90 per ticket. Reserve a space in either workshop on Tock.
Emeritus Winery will host a Mother’s Day weekend celebration from 3-5 p.m. on May 13, coinciding with the launch of its Hallberg Brut. The event will include a special food pairing with the new sparkling wine. Tickets are $50 per person. Reserve on Tock.
A Mother’s Day wine and food pairing from noon to 4 p.m. Reservations are $85 per person and a discount is available for wine club members. Reserve on Tock.
A Mother’s Day brunch picnic, catered by Pascaline Patisserie, with seatings starting at 10 a.m. Brunch options are quiche Lorraine with ham and gruyere or a veggie frittata, both served with spring salad, a selection of cheeses and a chocolate croissant. The brunch will also be served with a flight of five house wines along with bouquets for mom. Tickets are $70 per person on Tock.
Taste wine outdoors in Adirondack chairs at Ryme Cellars in Forestville. (Ryme Cellars)
On the coast
Dinucci’s Restaurant
A five-course Mother’s Day brunch starting at noon, with live piano music accompaniment by Nick Foxer at 1 p.m. The brunch menu includes minestrone soup, garden salad, beef and spinach ravioli, Sonoma Mountain filet mignon and fresh local halibut. Mother’s Day cocktails and limited Criminal Bakery desserts will be available. Brunch is $64 per person.
A festive two-course meal for the roadhouse’s 17th annual Mother’s Day brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., including a children’s menu for those 10 and under. The brunch menu includes beignets, deviled farm eggs, chilled spring asparagus, buttermilk fried chicken, smoked wild salmon benedict, Gulf shrimp and grits, chile verde chilaquiles and ricotta-stuffed french toast. Vegetarian alternatives as well as house bloody marys and mimosas will be available. Brunch is $42 per person. Reserve online.
Bloody Marys at Rocker Oysterfellers in Valley Ford. (Rocker Oysterfellers)
Mother’s Day Treats
Nom Nom Cakes
Nom Nom Cakes is offering spring-themed Mother’s Day specials such as floral cakes, cupcakes and fruit tarts. Prices range from $24-$85. Order online for pickup or delivery.
