American men’s magazine Esquire published its 15th annual “best bars in America” list this week, highlighting “places that managed to remain intrinsic to the fabric of drinking culture in America” during the pandemic. Among the 27 bars featured on this year’s list is Sonoma’s new Valley Bar + Bottle, a wine bar, restaurant and bottle shop that opened in the former Harvest Moon Cafe location in July 2020.
Founded by four friends (two couples) who previously worked together at Scribe Winery in Sonoma, Valley’s wine list focuses on natural wines, which can be paired with small bites and a selection of entrees, made from local produce and prepared by chef Emma Lipp, formerly the Culinary Director at Scribe, and chef Stephanie Reagor.
“It’s that rare idyllic spot where for hours you can find yourself snacking on small plates of Spanish anchovies and piles of mortadella between sips of a cold, cloudy, funky esoteric orange from a varietal you’ve never had from a country you can barely place,” said Kevin Sintumuang of Esquire magazine.
Due to the pandemic, guests have not been able to belly up to the bar at Valley since it opened last year — instead enjoying wine and food on the outdoor patio. Now, with eased restrictions, wine lovers can finally have the experience the owners intended for this Sonoma spot.
“[Esquire] named us one of the top bars in America. And, now, you can actually sit at said bar,” announced Valley Bar + Bottle on Instagram and Facebook (indoor seating remains limited in accordance with COVID-19 regulations).
Valley Bar + Bottle is housed in the Leese-Fitch Adobe, built in 1836. While the interior has received upgrades, the owners have worked hard to maintain the atmosphere of the building.
“We wanted it to feel inviting and open but also European and kind of cozy,” said Lauren Feldman, co-founder of Valley. “We didn’t change anything architecturally; we just wanted to make it feel humble and clean and as original as we could.”
The Valley wine list offers an opportunity to explore wines and grape varieties from other parts of the world. Apart from a few bottles from Sonoma Valley producers like Gail Wines, Source & Sink and Scriber Winery (of course), most of the lineup hails from Europe — France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia and other European countries.
Pair a glass of wine with the XO Egg, topped with the iconic, spicy Hong Kong condiment, recommends Sonoma Magazine contributor Jess Lander. Dinner entrees include half chicken with broccoli and chili oil and King salmon with peas and miso broth (see full menu here). Valley also is open for brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays (see brunch menu here).
Ashes & Diamonds Winery in Napa, featured in Sonoma Magazine as one of “the hottest tastings experiences in Wine Country,” also made the Esquire list as “the coolest tasting experience in Napa.” View the full list here.
Gordo Macho Burrito at at Taqueria Mi Pueblo, Petaluma on Wednesday, November 7, 2012. (Jeff Kan Lee/ The Press Democrat)
It’s been a tough few years for downtown Santa Rosa restaurants, with ongoing construction, recurring fire seasons and the pandemic. More than a few have shuttered, including Bollywood, Stout Brothers, Jade Room, Tex Wasabi’s, Parish Cafe (the Healdsburg location has changed ownership and remains open) and Bistro 29.
That’s left plenty of openings for brave souls willing to take their shot in what’s been a notoriously challenging landscape. Hopefully, the success of outdoor parklets and some fresh new flavors will make those challenges a distant memory.
Here are some of the newest arrivals to downtown Santa Rosa:
Warike: Luigi Dagnino, owner of Ayawaska Peruvian restaurant in Petaluma, is close to opening a sister restaurant at the former Stout Brothers location on Fourth Street just west of Courthouse Square. Called Warike, it will feature a menu similar to Ayawaska with ceviche, empanadas, lomo saltado, burgers and vegan dishes with lentils and quinoa. There’s a lengthy dessert list along with dozens of signature cocktails, including their top-notch pisco sours, mules, rum drinks, wine, beer and Inca cola, a Peruvian staple. The name is a combination of Quecha words “wa” (hidden) and “rique” (stew). Dagnino, who is Peruvian, said it’s about creating a secret spot to enjoy great food. Mid-June is the anticipated opening. 527 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, warikesf.com
Mi Pueblo: This favorite Petaluma Mexican restaurant is expanding its empire with a downtown location at the former Parish Cafe. With outposts in Windsor and Cotati and several in Marin County, it’s bound to find plenty of new fans. A summer opening is likely. 703 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
SushiRosa: There aren’t many details on this one yet, but there is a sign announcing a new sushi spot in the former location of Tex Wasabi’s, on Fourth Street between Courthouse Square and Santa Rosa Plaza. 515 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
La Fondita: A second La Fondita restaurant (the other location is at 816 Sebastopol Road in Roseland) will be opening at 630 Third St. A summer opening is likely.
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Your Saturday Lunch at Costco Returns: Air fryers, booze and toilet paper have been about the only reasons for a run to Costco over the last year. But, heavenly hair nets, samples are returning in June. While most of us thought these free snack magnets would go the way of salad bars, they’re making a return with a few post-pandemic changes.
But wait, there’s more! Fro yo is out and ice cream is in. Those “These Are Probably Healthy, Right?” sundaes with strawberry topping will be replaced by vanilla ice cream sundaes and $1.99 waffle cones. Now if we could just get those Vitamix salespersons to whip up a smoothie.
“Welcome back to paradise,” Rene Byck said to guests when his family opened their new events center at Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa in December 2019.
The Fountaingrove winery and tasting room had been destroyed in the 2017 Tubbs fire, breaking the hearts of not only the Bycks but also locals and visitors who flocked to Paradise Ridge’s perch on Thomas Lake Harris Drive for its expansive views of the Santa Rosa plain, romantic sunsets, modern sculptures and, of course, wine.
As Paradise Ridge has risen from its ashes, its wildly popular Wines & Sunsets Wednesdays are back — perhaps better than ever. More appreciated, at least. Live music, local food trucks, Dan Barwick’s wines from the Russian River Valley and Rockpile regions, the now-iconic metal LOVE sculpture and, yes, postcard-perfect sunsets all celebrate recovery, both from fire and COVID-19.
The Love sculpture in Marijke’s Grove is illuminated at dusk, at Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)
Running through Oct. 27, Wines & Sunsets’ June offerings ($15) are Ron’s One Man Band (with Sushi Shoubu) on June 9; Dave Chapman (with Zazu Black Piglet) on June 16; Lara Louise (with Lata Indian Couzine) in June 23; and Da Puna Bruddahs (with Dry Creek Catering) on June 30. Visit the website for the full schedule.
4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-528-9463, prwinery.com
Other Sonoma wineries have plugged their mics and amps back in, now that many pandemic restrictions have lifted. Reservations are required and physical distancing is factored into concert setups. The music is back, more intimately yet just as exuberantly, at these tuneful Sonoma wineries.
Adobe Road Winery
While owners Kevin and Debbie Buckler advance with construction of a Petaluma riverfront tasting room, event center and auto racing museum (Kevin is a professional race car driver and team owner), they offer a range of tasting experiences at their current Great Petaluma Mill location, including the Thursday night concert series. From 4:30-7 p.m., tasters are entertained by live music, the most recent performer being Dan Durkin of the band Petty Theft, which covers the songs of the late Tom Petty. Check the website for upcoming performances, under Events. There is no cover charge for those with reservations for tasting experiences on Thursday evenings; multiple wine flights are available, with the Racer Series, bold red wines inspired by Kevin Buckler’s racing career and targeted to gear heads.
President Jeff Bundschu and his family love to drink wine with musical accompaniment and to share their joy with visitors throughout summer. Intimate Wine and Music experiences are indeed that: Groups of up to six are set up with their own “circle” to enjoy — physically distanced — good wine and music. A circle is $500 and includes a tasting flight of wine. Act quickly, as circles sell out fast. On June 10, 5:30-8 p.m., Bonnie “Prince” Billy and Matt Sweeney perform; the next night, June 11, features the group Superwolves. A concert by Alabama-based Waxahatchee (real name Katie Crutchfield), postponed last year, has been rescheduled for Sept. 21 ($32).
In addition, Gundlach Bundschu hosts the annual (except for 2020) Huichica Music Festival, with indie performers taking the outdoor stage, food trucks supplying the eats and Gun-Bun wines flowing. The 2021 event is Oct. 16-17. Visit sonoma.huichica.com/about-huichica for the lineup announcement and information on how to buy tickets.
Joan and Rich Little grow 17.5 acres of grapes and make no more than 2,500 cases of wine a year at their boutique winery in Glen Ellen. This year, they host five musical afternoons on their outdoor stage as part of the annual Music from the Vines series; three remain on the schedule, one of which includes guitarist Rich’s own Rich Little Band. Tickets are sold through eventbrite.com, not the winery.
June 20: Will Bernards and Freelance Subversives; Victor Little, Joe Begale and Wil Blades with the Rich Little Band. Tickets: mftvwillbernard.eventbrite.com
Aug. 15: The Pebbles, featuring Greg Anton, Stu Allen, Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz, Robin Sylvester and Stephanie Salva. mftvthepebbles.eventbrite.com
Tables are sold in configurations of two, four and six seats. All tickets include a glass of wine, souvenir wine glasses and a limited-edition poster commemorating the event.
On Simmer Down Sundays, this Sonoma Valley winery offers live music on its patio, from 2-4 p.m. June performances to come: Drew James (June 13), Don Trotta (June 20) and Matt Duo featuring Matt Langlois (June 27). Reservations are highly recommended, and a $15 purchase from the tasting room menu is required for access to Simmer Down Sundays. One of the high points is the All Things Italian Reserve Tasting Experience ($45), which pairs Muscardini wines, Vermouth aperitivo and digestivo grappa with salumi, olive oil and cheese, including Journeyman Meats’ salumi infused with Muscardini wine and Cassata Vineyards olive oil.
The Beach Boys. Hall & Oates. Alanis Morissette. Melissa Etheridge. The Temptations with the Four Tops. These are among the musical performers this winery, located between Windsor and Healdsburg, has presented in recent years in its Summer Concert Series. The pandemic derailed concerts in 2020, and the winery’s cautious response in 2021 is to slowly add live music to special events and a three-date Americana Festival (July 31, Aug. 28 and Sept. 25). The shows, all on Saturdays, are 5-7 p.m. and feature local bands, food trucks and arts and crafts makers. The Highway Poets will kick off the family-friendly festival on July 31. $10 for adults and free for kids.
Rodney Strong also welcomes Pops and his peeps for Father’s Day, June 20, to enjoy wine, music from Sebastian St. James and food from the Tisza Bistro folks. Cost varies by tasting experiences selected. On July 4, Hootenanny plays classic rock, pop and country tunes, accompanied by burgers, ribs and brisket from Healdsburg’s KINSmoke ($55).
11455 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg, 800- 678-4763, rodneystrong.com
The Drink
This space at Healdsburg’s Old Roma Station is a cooperative tasting room for bracing wines from Rootdown Cellars and Leo Steen Wines. Once a month through summer, The Drink (winemakers Mike Lucia and Leo Steen Hansen) offers live music. Next concert is June 4 at 5 p.m. Check the Rootdown Cellars website for dates and performers.
Glamping tent at Boon Hotel + Spa in Guerneville. (Boon Hotel & Spa)
Sleeping under the stars. Enjoying the great outdoors. Embracing nature. It all sounds wonderful, until you remember that sleeping on the ground isn’t exactly comfortable and that hot showers are a good thing. In Sonoma County, you can have the best of both worlds — being one with nature during the day, and spending the night in a plush bed. All you need to do is make a reservation at one of the area’s picturesque glamping spots. From safari-style tents to shiny Airstreams to towering treehouses, we’ve listed six of our favorite luxe camping spots in the gallery above.
The pool area at Flamingo Resort in Santa Rosa. (Stephanie Russo / Flamingo Resort)
It’s been a while since any Hollywood celebrities or jet-setters were spotted poolside at the Flamingo Resort in Santa Rosa. But following a recent renovation, reported to have cost nearly $20 million, the property is once again shaping up as a place to be seen.
An old-school, Vegas-style neon sign still welcomes guests as they arrive at the Flamingo. But when they pull up to the new porte-cochère, they’ll discover that the mid-century hotel has received a facelift that makes it look both stylishly retro and contemporary sleek. At the resort entrance, floor-to-ceiling windows now frame the pool and courtyard area beyond. It is a good spot for a picture — but you might just want to keep your phone handy, the photogenic lobby is just steps away.
Upon entering the resort, your eyes are immediately drawn to a large mural created by San Francisco artist Serge Gay, Jr. An explosion of color, it depicts a lobby receptionist called Monroe, who is busy taking room calls while channeling Marilyn. Don’t forget to look up: a chandelier that combines pendant lamps with foliage and feathers is another playful design element in the lobby.
Instead of a traditional front desk, guests are greeted at a counter that resembles a kitchen island. The intention behind this more informal layout was to make guests feel as if they are entering a home, rather than a business, said Wendi Gelfound, director of sales and marketing at the Flamingo Resort.
The lobby mural at the Flamingo Resort is titled Hello, Checking In? It was created by San Francisco-based artist Serge Gay, Jr. (Courtesy of Flamingo Resort)Jayne Mansfield poses by the pool at The Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa, 1960. (Sonoma County Library)
Set on 10 acres, the Flamingo Resort boasts 170 rooms and suites located in five two-story buildings. Built in 1957, the hotel has been carefully modernized to retain its 1950s charm. Along with comfortable beds and USB ports, guests will find fun retro touches in their rooms, like mint green Trimline telephones and matching tea kettles. Soothing color schemes, teak millwork and abundant natural light come together to create a relaxing vibe and nostalgic ambiance. There’s even a family room with bunk beds for kids.
Scattered throughout the property are half a dozen custom-made pieces by Bay Area artists. Guests are encouraged to wander the grounds to take in the artwork — the HYBYCOZO garden sculpture at the hotel entrance takes on a whole new life after the sun goes down as it glows in the dark. Returning guests should take a closer look at the rope art installation by San Francisco based artist Windy Chien, which hangs in the resort’s event foyer, in what was previously the hotel lobby. If you have memories of what this space used to look like, you might have trouble believing your eyes.
With an eye toward sustainability, hydration stations have been installed throughout hotel grounds. All rooms have refillable glass water pitchers as well as refillable toiletry dispensers in an effort to cut down on single-use plastics.
Renovated guest room at Santa Rosa’s Flamingo Resort. (Courtesy of Flamingo Resort)
Midcentury modern touches at Santa Rosa’s Flamingo Resort. (Courtesy of Flamingo Resort)
With California set to fully reopen by mid-June, the staff at the Flamingo has high hopes for the summer season and beyond. In addition to returning guests sharing memories of the resort with their families, the hotel is hoping to attract younger, millennial travelers.
“We think that people will look to something that’s fresh, a little different, it’s not a cookie-cutter box. It’s still very approachable in price and it has amenities,” said Wendi Gelfound.
A neighborhood hotel that once hosted Hollywood luminaries like Jayne Mansfield and Frankie Avalon, the Flamingo has plenty of stories from halcyon days spent by the pool. Heated year-round, the pool and spacious inner courtyard will continue to serve as the social hub of the property. A list of poolside plans are in the works, including a vintage trailer that will be converted into a bar, and a cold water bucket experience which guests will be able to pair with a dip in the hot tub.
The new Lazeaway Club restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining by the pool from a menu with a Cal-Pacific twist (read the review here). The pop-up Wild Bird, which gained a loyal following during the pandemic, will offer more casual poolside service and some of its menu items will be available for in-room dining, too. Work is also being finished on a music lounge, with hopes of hosting a series of outdoor concerts this summer.
The second Sunday of every month, guests and community members are welcome to take part in the resort’s self-care series, hosted in partnership with Montecito Heights Health Club and Spa. Activities like Vinyasa yoga, Shamanic breath work and sound healing with Tibetan singing bowls take place throughout the day. An additional fee is required.
Flamingo Resort, 2777 4th St, Santa Rosa, 707-545-8530, flamingoresort.com. Rates start at $189 a night, plus a $29 experience fee. Resort guests have access to the Montecito Heights Health Club and Spa.
Who doesn’t love a little home makeover? But who loves endless hours of DIY? Here are some home design tips that are easy to implement but can have a big impact on your space. Once you start small, and enjoy the huge rewards, you might be tempted to do another small task. But don’t worry, we’re not suggesting that you demo your shower or pull out the paint tarps. We asked a few local designers for ways they make homes shine with just a little bit of effort and a small investment. Click through the above gallery for details.
The Patchwork Show Modern Makers Festival, which has welcomed 500,000 people to shop local in cities across the U.S. for the past 13 years, is coming to Santa Rosa on June 6.
Taking place at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, the event will feature handmade finds — home decor, apparel, jewelry and more — from more than 100 vendors. It marks the beginning of a return to normal for local artisans, who, throughout the pandemic, have lost income due to shutdowns.
While many artisans have started to sell their goods online during the pandemic, craft shows like Patchwork offer an additional venue to connect with customers and other craftspersons.
“Not only do they make sales, increase brand visibility and grow their customer base but they also spend a day with other makers,” said Nicole Stevenson, a Santa Rosa-based artist and entrepreneur who organizes the festival. “Most of us creatives work alone in spare rooms or backyard studios. We don’t have a water cooler to hang around to talk shop.”
Stevenson, who owns and operates Dear Handmade Life, organized makers markets in Southern California before moving to Santa Rosa and also offers entrepreneurial coaching and community building for “creatives and passionate small business owners” through her blog, podcasts, conferences and annual maker camps.
The Santa Rosa artist likes to share the knowledge she’s gained from her own, sometimes bumpy, professional road. She started out by selling her paintings in the parking lot of the Hollywood Flea Market and on a blanket in Venice Beach alongside other artists — many of them homeless. After seeing that people were quicker to buy apparel than artwork, she put her hand-painted designs on handbags, which were sold in boutiques. As her artistic designs became increasingly popular, she began silk-screening them onto clothing.
But as Stevenson’s creative business grew, so did her sense of overwhelm. She left Southern California and moved in with a friend in Santa Rosa so she could finish a Master’s degree in English at San Francisco State University. She fell in love with the area — the country roads, the quaint little towns, the ocean and the easy access to San Francisco — and made Sonoma County her home.
Throughout her career, Stevenson has seen how artists and artisans often struggle when it comes to running a business. She realized that many could use some guidance regarding how to price their work, pivot or scale their business according to their goals, so she began offering “Craftcation Conferences,” which she jokingly calls “an MBA in a weekend.” The conferences are typically offered in Ventura, northwest of Los Angeles, but this year they are offered via Zoom.
Right now, however, Stevenson is looking forward to the in-person event at the fairgrounds, which, in addition to maker booths, will feature DIY craft stations and activities as well as music from local DJs. The family-friendly event will also have a Mini Music festival for kids with singalongs and dance from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Due to COVID-19 regulations, food will not be served at the event but attendees can check out a Yelp list of nearby restaurants created by event organizers. Booths will be placed ten feet apart, masks as well as social distancing will be required, and there will be hand sanitizing stations throughout the event area. Find more event information here.
Patchwork Show Modern Makers Festival, June 6, 2021, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sonoma County Fairgrounds (outside The Hall of Flowers), 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa, dearhandmadelife.com, admission is free.
With nearly four million visitors in 2023, there’s not much of Napa Valley that remains undiscovered but we’ve managed to round up 9 hidden gems that locals probably wish we wouldn’t mention. From grungy dive bars to the area’s best burrito and, yes, a burger with a cheese skirt, here’s where you can do Napa Valley like a local.
La Luna Market & Taqueria, Rutherford
Mexican markets are a dime a dozen in Napa Valley, but ask a local where to find the best burrito in town and they’ll probably direct you to La Luna, which sits in the middle of Napa Valley off the Rutherford Cross Road (a few blocks down from the iconic Rutherford Grill). Head to the back counter, where you can choose from over 20 types of meat — from carne asada to tongue to cheek — and build your own burrito, tacos, quesadilla or torta. This spot tends to get extremely busy around lunchtime, so you might want to call in your order ahead of time for pickup. Don’t leave without a bag of housemade tortilla chips. 1153 Rutherford Road, Rutherford, 707-963-3211, lalunamarket.com
Turtle Rock Bar & Cafe, Napa
The world’s best egg rolls, according to Napa locals, can be found at Turtle Rock, a 1960s institution that’s one part bar, one part general store. Hundreds, if not thousands, of dollar bills hang from the ceiling of this divey biker’s haven, which is a popular stop-off for locals heading to and from Lake Berryessa. In fact, it’s really the only place to pull over for a snack in the rural area. Turtle Rock’s giant egg rolls are so notorious that they sell over a thousand on summer weekends, but they often have other specials too, like burgers, tri-tip, pulled pork, and monthly Taco Tuesdays. 2000 Capell Valley Road, Napa, 707-966-2246
Squeeze Inn Hamburgers, Napa
This hole-in-the-wall burger joint has made appearances on multiple national media outlets, but it remains mostly undiscovered. Tucked away in North Napa’s Bel Air Plaza, the interior is nothing special, but it’s the burger with a cheese skirt (a giant ring of crispy, melted cheese that protrudes from the bun) that people come here for. There are three signature ways to eat it: fold it into the burger, wrap it over your french fries, or pull it off and eat it as a side. And while Turtle Rock has dollar bills hanging from the ceiling, Squeeze Inn has hundreds of toothpicks. You can leave your own mark by shooting one up through a straw. 3383 Solano Avenue, Napa, 707-257-6880, squeezeinnhamburgers.com
Napa Valley Olive Oil Manufacturing Company, St. Helena
Hidden down a residential St. Helena street (a few blocks from Farmstead), the Napa Valley Olive Oil Manufacturing Company is housed in an unassuming white barn. The company has been in operation since 1931 and remains family-owned and operated. This authentic Italian grocery carries salumi, sausage, bread, cheese, pasta, and more, all imported from Italy, but they are locally-famous for their olive oil, sold in multiple sizes – from souvenir and carryon-friendly mini bottles to giant jugs that will last for months. It’s also made in a myriad of flavors, from garlic and black truffle to basil and blood orange. Note: they are cash only. 835 Charter Oak Ave., St. Helena, 707-963-4173, nvoliveoilmfg.com
Cordeiro’s Steakhouse, Napa
Most Napa Valley tourists in search of a steak dinner will head to Cole’s Chop House or Charlie Palmer Steak in downtown Napa, but you won’t find better hospitality than at Cordiero’s, a classic steakhouse — think, white table cloths and Ceasar salad prepared tableside — nestled off-the-beaten-path in the east side of Napa. The meat is cooked to perfection, the service is top-notch, and they even roll out a bar cart of after-dinner drinks before bringing you the check. 2025 Monticello Road, Napa, 707-224-1960, cordeirosssteakhouse.com.
Mozzarella “al Minuto,” St. Helena
It isn’t exactly a place, but this plate of cheesy goodness is one of the most locally-beloved eats in Napa Valley and the trick is knowing where to find it. This hand-pulled, warm, gooey, and made-to-order mozzarella drizzled in olive oil and served on a garlic crostini was a signature dish at the now-defunct Tra Vigne restaurant, but luckily the tradition lives on at two other locations: sister restaurant Pizzeria Tra Vigne and Brasswood Bar + Kitchen (it’s a secret menu item here, so you’ll need to ask for it), both in St. Helena.
Linda Falls, Angwin
Skyline Wilderness Park, Bothe-Napa Valley, and Robert Louis Stevenson State Park are Napa Valley’s most frequented hiking spots, but only one local hiking trail has a waterfall and it’s not the easiest to find. Linda Falls is located in Angwin, a small town on Howell Mountain, northeast of St. Helena. The moderate trail to waterfall is short—less than a mile-and-a-half round trip—though you can extend it and the best time to go is in the spring or after rain. More often than not, you’ll be the only hiker(s) there and many people like to wade around in the pools at the bottom. To find the trailhead, you’ll need to park on the side of the road off Howell Mountain and enter the bike trail located just south of Bishop Place (we recommend parking at the open fields across from the salmon-colored house, which is just next to the trail).
Clemente’s at Val’s, Napa
This isn’t a place you’re likely to stumble upon accidentally, but inside Val’s Liquor in downtown Napa hides some of the best Italian food around—and at half the price of the local eateries. At the back of Val’s is Clemente’s, which serves up traditionally-made Italian food to go, including the notorious malfatti, which was invented in Napa in the 1920s. Named for the Italian slang word for “mistake,” malfatti is basically ravioli filling without the pasta, invented on a night when founder Theresa Tamburelli ran out of ravioli at Napa’s historic Depot Restaurant. Grab a bottle of Italian wine before you go and you’ve got the makings of a perfect night in. Lawler’s Liquors is another, perhaps even lesser-known Napa corner store offering made-from-scratch Italian takeout, located just outside downtown. Clementes, 1531 3rd St., Napa, 707-224-2237
Pancha’s of Yountville
Yountville is by far Napa Valley’s most glitzy town, packed with high-end hotels, shops and wineries — but one spot is totally unlike the others. Pancha’s is a local institution that has managed to stick around throughout Yountville’s evolution from a blue-collar farming town to a luxury destination.
At nearly 40 years old, it is indeed the oldest business on Washington Street, the town’s main drag, and it looks it. This is the definition of a dive bar. It’s cash only and, until recently, patrons were actually still allowed to smoke inside. Even if it’s not quite your scene, a quick beer at Pancha’s at the end of the evening is the best way to rub elbows with the locals. If it is your scene, you’ll want to check out Napa Valley’s other iconic dives: Anna’s Cantina in St. Helena and Susie’s Bar in Calistoga.
After shuttering during the pandemic, locals feared Pancha’s would be torn down and replaced. But Ren and Marilyn Harris, owners of Paradigm Winery in Oakville, acquired the bar in October 2023 and kept it the same — with one or two exceptions. To follow current mandates, smoking inside is no longer permitted and two ADA bathrooms have been installed. 6764 Washington St., Yountville, 707-944-2125
The tiny private community of Dillon Beach has always been a hidden coastal gem worth exploring. With the recent reopening of Dillon Beach Resort and its small cafe, Dillon Beach Coastal Kitchen, now is an extra-special time to make the trip down the coast.
Chef Jennifer McMurray, who operates the gourmet meal-delivery business Viola Supper Club in Sonoma, has taken over the cafe’s kitchen and is offering a deceptively simple menu of burgers, fries, salads, fish and chips, mac and cheese and clam chowder. If you dig a little deeper, however, you’ll see that each dish is a tiny work of art made up of local produce, cheese, meat and bread.
We’ll tease you a little with this: vanilla bean panna cotta with organic strawberries and caramel corn. Or perhaps housemade hummus with organic sugar snap peas, asparagus and baby carrots is more to your liking? That, plus the chance for a walk along the beach and some fresh salt air, has us scrambling to get a reservation ASAP. If you’d like to stay awhile, the historic resort’s family-friendly cabins are now open, as is the charming general store and surf shop.
When was the last time you had a warm cookie, just out of the oven, all gooey in your hot little hands? If it’s been longer than you can remember, it’s time for some self-love at Crumbl, a new bakery devoted to saucer-size gourmet cookies in rotating flavors like Andes Mint, Kentucky Butter, Churro, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Rocky Road and Confetti Cake. Their signature milk chocolate and sugar cookies are permanent fixtures.
The open-kitchen bakery at 2154 Santa Rosa Ave. in Santa Rosa has had lines out the door since opening in late April. Offering cookies only, Crumbl is a national chain of more than 200 bakeries throughout the country. The mission of its two founders was simple — to create the perfect chocolate chip cookie. The Santa Rosa location is the first in Sonoma County and the only Crumbl bakery in the North Bay (there’s another in Brentwood in the East Bay).
You’ll likely want a friend — or five — to help you devour all six flavors. Or you’ll do like we did: just keep nibbling away at them for a few days as they taunt you on the kitchen counter. Each cookie is $4 and is served in an adorable pink box. You can please a crowd or a party with the 12-pack for $35.25. Cold milk is, of course, available as well. Crumbl offers delivery and pickup.
