From dramatic waterfalls that tumble onto the beach to peaceful redwood groves hidden along fern-lined trails, Northern California offers some of the most stunning places in the country to pitch a tent. That’s according to a recent article from travel website Matador Network, which highlighted 60 of the most scenic campsites across the United States. Among them, two standout destinations — Wildcat Campground in Point Reyes and Van Damme State Park in Little River — represent the rugged natural beauty of California’s north coast.
Both campgrounds made the cut in the site’s West Coast roundup for offering more than just a place to stay. With striking landscapes and immersive access to the wilderness, they’re ideal for campers looking to unplug and reconnect with nature.
Marin County
The safest way to get to the Alamere Falls, according to the National Park Service, is to hike to Wildcat Campground and then to Wildcat Beach. (Eddie Hernandez / Shutterstock)
Wildcat Campground, Point Reyes
Perched on windswept coastal bluffs with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Wildcat Campground offers an unforgettable backcountry camping experience. It’s one of the few places where campers can hike to a secluded beach and watch a waterfall, Alamere Falls, plunge directly onto the sand. Accessible only by foot, Wildcat features eight walk-in sites spaced apart for solitude, surrounded by rolling meadows that burst with wildflowers in spring and early summer. During migration season, lucky visitors may spot gray whales breaching offshore.
Hiking distances to the campground vary depending on trailhead, but expect to trek at least 5.5 miles one way. There are vault toilets and water access on site, but no campfires are allowed. Advance reservations are required year-round. 1 Bear Valley Road, 415-464-5100, nps.gov
Abalone diving group Ab Camp, at Van Damme State Park in Little River. (Chris Hardy)Pygmy Forest Swamp at Van Damme State Park in Little River. (R. Alan Meyer / Shutterstock)
Van Damme State Park, Little River
Nestled in a quiet canyon just south of Mendocino, Van Damme State Park blends coastal access with ancient forest immersion. While the main campground offers drive-in sites, the best experience is found along the Fern Canyon Scenic Trail, where five walk-in campsites sit beside a babbling brook in dense redwood forest. It’s only a 2-mile hike to reach them, but the atmosphere feels far removed from the modern world — perfect for campers seeking peace and quiet without a long backcountry trek.
Van Damme is also home to pygmy forests, tidepools and beach access. Amenities are available at walk-in sites and reservations — especially in peak season — can fill quickly. 8001 Highway 1, 707-937-5804, parks.ca.gov
Chef/ownerJacob Harth will bring a world of culinary experience to Bistro Lagniappe Friday, April 25, 2025, opening this spring in the former home of Molti Amici in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Chef Jacob Harth is leading the charge at the new Healdsburg bistro. He first captured local attention last September at a pop-up preview of Winnie’s, a seafood restaurant centered around responsibly sourced West Coast seafood.
While Winnie’s is still in development, Bistro Lagniappe is set to make its debut this spring with a menu focused on wood-fired dishes inspired by both California and French countryside cooking.
“Bistro Lagniappe will showcase California countryside cooking inspired by the rural routiers (roadside restaurants) and bistros of France, informed by the best ingredients from Sonoma County,” Harth said.
Though the menu is still in the works, Harth described his cooking style as “minimalist and straightforward, allowing our exceptional local artisans to shine.”
The back patio at Molti Amici in Healdsburg Wednesday, July 19, 2023. The restaurant is reopening as Bistro Lagniappe later this spring. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
A new chapter
The Bistro Lagniappe announcement ends months of speculation surrounding the future of the 330 Healdsburg Ave. space, which had been vacant since Molti Amici’s closure. It comes in the wake of the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by Molti Amici co-owner Jason Cutrer against the shuttered restaurant’s founder, Jonny Barr. The lawsuit had sought more than $1.5 million in damages.
In a joint statement released April 11, Cutrer and Barr said, “While we will not be working together moving forward, we have worked collaboratively to reach an agreement that enables each of us to focus on our respective paths and future endeavors.”
Harth said Thursday that Cutrer is no longer in the public-facing role he assumed after the closure of Molti Amici, but that Cutrer and other Molti Amici investors will retain ownership stakes in Bistro Lagniappe.
Sustainable seafood is a specialty of chef Jacob Harth, who is opening Bistro Lagniappe in Healdsburg. (Jacob Harth)
The menu
The Healdsburg Avenue space will give Harth a key tool to use in crafting his cuisine. A large wood-fired oven, which can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees, is a centerpiece of the expansive patio behind the restaurant.
The oven was built by chef Ari Rosen when Campo Fina occupied the space. (The Italian restaurant closed after 10 years in 2022, with a downtown Healdsburg funeral parade mourning its loss. It was forced to shutter due to skyrocketing rent, according to Rosen.)
“It’s a powerful heat source and has been used in people’s homes for hundreds of years,” Harth said.
Though brick ovens are a favorite of pizza-makers, the Lagniappe menu will feature comfort dishes like cassoulet, gratins, roasted oysters and wood-fired fish – no pizzas.
A chef with national recognition
Before taking over the former Molti Amici location, Harth earned national acclaim for his Portland-based restaurant, Erizo, which was named one of Eater’s “16 Best New Restaurants of 2019.”
Erizo’s menu was built around a sustainable seafood tasting experience, with an emphasis on invasive species such as purple sea urchins, bycatch and seasonal seafood from sustainable fisheries.
Taking sustainability a step further, Harth even obtained a commercial fishing license to harvest rarely used seafood, like sea grapes and gooseneck barnacles.
Bistro Lagniappe will initially be open for dinner, with plans to expand into weekend brunch down the line.
Croissants at Cafe Des Croissants on Lomitas Ave. in Santa Rosa. (Crista Jeremiason)
A Cafe des Croissants bakery will replace the former Pharmacy café at 990 Sonoma Ave. in Santa Rosa. It will be Cafe des Croissants’ sixth location in Sonoma County. The cafes serve croissants, bagels, coffee and other breakfast items.
The Pharmacy closed in November 2024 after nine years in business. Owner Kim Bourdet did not give a reason for the closure. She also owns a plant-based eatery, The Branch Line, at 10 Fourth St. in Railroad Square.
Sonoma Magazine reached out to Cafe des Croissants for comments and further details but did not receive a response. Stay tuned for more details.
Salt & Sea at The Barlow
Chef Jake Rand, owner of Sushi Kosho, is set to launch Salt & Sea, a poke and smoothie shack at Sebastopol’s The Barlow, with an opening planned for early summer.
The Chirashi sushi bowl features a variety of fresh sashimi from Sushi Kosho in Sebastopol’s Barlow District. Sushi Kosho owner/chef Jake Rand is set to launch Salt & Sea, a poke and smoothie shack, at The Barlow. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Though it’s just steps from his sushi bar and restaurant, this new spot will expand Rand’s casual dining options in the central food court. The menu will feature poke and donburi rice bowls, boba tea, acai bowls and snacky sides like togarashi-dusted wonton chips with plum sauce, spicy tuna nachos, Japanese potato salad and seaweed salad. 6570 McKinley St., Sebastopol, koshosushi.com
Mendocino Farms at Montgomery Village
Mendocino Farms, a fast-casual salad and sandwich chain, will open at Montgomery Village in Santa Rosa in May. (The Image Party / Shutterstock)
Mendocino Farms, a fast-casual salad and sandwich chain with more than 50 locations, will open at Montgomery Village on May 13.
The addition is part of sweeping changes at the historic shopping center after its sale to an East Coast developer in 2021. Other food businesses on the horizon include Salt & Straw ice cream, Blue Bottle Coffee, Sprinkles Cupcakes, Sweetgreen salad chain, and Fieldwork Brewing Co. 2400 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa, mendocinofarms.com
Chicken Panuchos from Yucamami, a food truck in Mitote Park specializing in Yucatecan street food Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Santa Rosa’s popular Mexican dining destination Mitote Food Park has reopened at 100 Sebastopol Road just three weeks after leaving its original Roseland location.
On April 19, Mitote owner Octavio Diaz posted a surprise social media announcement inviting diners to the new location, despite it still being a work in progress.
“This soft opening is our way of supporting our trucks, who have been impacted during this time of transition, so please stop in and show them some love,” wrote Diaz in the social media post.
A grand opening date is yet to be announced for the new Mitote location, which, once completed, will include a bar and ample indoor seating.
Mitote Food Park will move to a new location at 100 Sebastopol Road, the former home of Roseland University Prep. Photographed Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
The Meatball Sub on a toasted ciabatta roll with provolone and asiago cheese, marinara and french fried onions from Canevari’s Delicatessen & Catering in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
In Sonoma County, there are the restaurants tourists flock to. And then there are the restaurants where locals enjoy equally amazing food, without the hype.
Read on below for a few favorites that deliver time after time; the places locals like to keep under wraps, just for us. Scroll through the gallery above for a sneak peek of what to expect.
Canevari’s Deli
A junior college neighborhood classic that’s been around since, well, as long as anyone can remember. Tri-tip BBQ sandwich, meatball sub and housemade raviolis are on the menu, plus…where else can you get a good gabagool? 695 Lewis Road, Santa Rosa, 707-545-6941, canevarisdeli.com
Housemade ravioli with marinara and pesto from Canevari’s Deli Friday, March 14, 2025, hidden in the Santa Rosa’s JC neighborhood. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Italian tuna and hardboiled egg salad with lettuce, tomato served on housemade Focaccia bread at Cafe Citti in Santa Rosa, June 12, 2024. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
Cafe Citti
This former Kenwood restaurant is now a small spot in Santa Rosa with some of the best pasta and sauces in Sonoma County. We love their polenta with creamy porcini mushroom sauce and the classic tuna egg salad sandwich on focaccia. 2792 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-523-2690, cafecitti.com
Charm Thai Kitchen
A handful of dishes are standouts and unique locally, including taro empanadas, kee mao (also known as drunken noodles) and chicken larb. Taro, a mildly sweet purple cousin of the potato, is an Asian staple; here, it’s stuffed into fried pockets of dough and comes with a peanut-vinegar dipping sauce. 1710 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, 707-242-3016, charmkitch.com
Sam’s Mediterranean
You don’t stumble on this out-of-the-way deli unless you spend a lot of time cruising quiet office parks looking for hole-in-the-wall lunch spots. Thankfully, I do, and this charming little place is a Middle Eastern gem. Their panini-style chicken shawarma wraps are a delicious entry point, with gently-spiced meat and melted cheese. Comes with garlic and hot sauces and a Greek salad. Hummus gets a four-star rating. 613 Martin Ave., Suite 111, Rohnert Park, samsmeddeli.com
Real Döner
A real-deal Middle Eastern and Turkish stunner that’s stood the test of time. We’re especially fond of the doner wraps — long rolls of lavash bread with sliced meat or kebab snuggled inside — and the Pink Sultan, a roasted beet and yogurt dip. Their hummus gets a five-star rating. 307 F St., Petaluma, 707-765-9555 realdoner.net
One of the many locally-sourced dishes at Lunchette in Petaluma. (Houston Porter / Petaluma Argus-Courier)Dolsot Bibimbap, rice topped with vegetables and fried egg in a sizzling stone pot with beef, with traditional Korean side dishes from Soban Korean in Petaluma. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Lunchette
Chef-driven lunch dishes include salads, bowls, soups, pizza slices and seasonal specials. The best-selling Farro Chicken Salad features apples, shallots, herbs, candied almonds, harissa-roasted chicken breast, goat cheese, pickled onions and mustard vinaigrette. But our heart has always been with the Smoked Trout Salad. 25 Fourth St., Petaluma, 707-241-7443, lunchettepetaluma.com
Soban Korean Cuisine
Routinely recognized as the best “true” Korean cuisine in Sonoma County, Soban serves up an array of hard-to-find dishes like savory pancakes with kimchi, Japchae (glass noodles), Tteokbokki (chewy rice cake that’s a popular street food), spicy pork Bulgogi, sizzling rice bibimbap and soft tofu soup. 255 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, 707-769-3112, sobanpetaluma.com
Grata
Honest Italian classics from a former Stark Realty Restaurants chef is why this charming cafe has become a neighborhood favorite. Don’t miss the ricotta gnudi. 186 Windsor River Road, Windsor, 707-620-0508, gratawindsor.com
Baci Cafe & Wine Bar
You’ll find plenty of Healdsburg locals who say this is a favorite spot often overlooked by tourists. Elevated Italian dishes are the specialty of chef/owner Shari Sarabi. Bolognese sauce is made with Kobe beef, veal and pork ribs for an extra luscious dish. 336 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-8111, bacicafeandwinebar.com
Cachapa, a fresh corn pancake with mozzarella fresco, shaved broccoli salad, and honey lemon vinaigrette at Guiso Latin Fusion restaurant in Healdsburg. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)Clockwise from top left, pressed rice Oshizushi with pickled shiso, unagi, tuna, pickled shiso and miso-cured salmon from Taste of Tea in Healdsburg. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Guiso Latin Fusion
Named one of the best restaurants in America by Open Table, this tiny cafe mixes Latin and Caribbean flavors with panache. Way off the beaten path of the usual Healdsburg suspects. 117 North St., Healdsburg, 707-431-1302, guisolatinfusion.com
Taste of Tea
Healdsburg gets plenty of play for its chef-driven cuisine, but we like the homey Japanese comfort food of this tea shop. The curry ramen, bento box and rice bowls pair perfectly with the extensive list of imported teas. 109 North St., Healdsburg, thetasteoftea.com
Corner Project Ales and Eats
At this family-run brewpub in Geyserville, one brother brews while the other operates the kitchen. More than just fried pub grub, chef Tom Adamian’s menu includes lots of comforting dishes like meatball sliders, pulled lamb on focaccia with preserved lemons, and a perfect pickled veggie sando on thick slices of bread (my favorite). They also sell beers from other brewers. 21079 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-814-0110, cornerprojectales.com
Mole verde Pipián, chicken with green pumpkin seed mole sauce, is served at El Milagro in Cloverdale, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
El Milagro
Regional Mexican cuisine that runs the gamut from pumpkin seed mole and guisado (slow-braised stew), to simple flautas and tacos. Everything is made from scratch, following authentic family recipes. The owners of El Milagro also opened a second location in Healdsburg, offering the same authentic regional Mexican cuisine that made the restaurant a comforting neighborhood staple. 485 S. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, 707-894-6334, elmilagrocloverdale.com; 14 Matheson St., Healdsburg, 707-385-4672, milagrohealdsburg.com
Spread Kitchen
Chef Cristina Topham (best known for her catering and farm market offerings) has opened a humble Lebanese-style cafe with fresh pita with hummus, beef and chicken shawarma, chickpea and black bean falafel and beef and lamb kofta. 18375 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, 707-721-1256, spreadkitchensonoma.com
Poppy
Slated to open soon in the former Fig Cafe hidden away in Glen Ellen, Poppy will celebrate the classic French dishes that Fig founder Sondra Bernstein and managing partner John Toulze loved about their trips to France. While the menu is still in final development, dishes like duck liver terrine, Coquilles Saint Jacques, roasted rabbit, and chicken with wild mushrooms will likely appear. 13690 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, 707-938-2130, thefigcafe.com
Croque madame at Pascaline Bakery and Cafe in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)Co-owner, Michele Wimborough shows off her pies at Hazel Restaurant in Occidental, Friday, January 24, 2025. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat)
Pascaline
French pastries with a crisp lacquered crackle and Parisian authenticity. Expanded lunch offerings are perfect for bringing on winery visits or to the office. 1021 Hahman Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-303-7151, pascalinebistro.com
Canneti Roadhouse Italiana
A passion for regional Italian cuisine is at the heart of this family-friendly roadhouse that’s as close to Italy as you’ll get in Sonoma County. Specials change up almost daily, but are always as delicious as they sound. 6675 Front St., Forestville, 707-887-2232, cannetiroadhouse.com
Hazel
A cozy bistro focused on wood-fired dishes. Must-orders include roasted chicken with smashed Yukon potatoes, spring onions, lemon vinaigrette and arugula; and Pt. Reyes blue cheese pizza with caramelized onions, Marcona almonds, mozzarella and arugula. Save room for housemade desserts that will astound. 3782 Bohemian Highway, Occidental, 707-874-6003, restauranthazel.com
Lightwave Coffee and Kitchen
Located by the Creekside Skatepark in Monte Rio, this curious little cafe is a mix of smoothies, bagels, pies and Middle Eastern cuisine. The desserts are outrageously decadent. 9725 Main St., Monte Rio, 707-865-5169, lightwavecafe.square.site
But, in difference to our reading habits, the brick-and-mortar bookstores have bounced back in recent years. Between 2009 and 2015, the number of independent bookstores in the United States grew by 35 percent, despite challenges in the form of big box stores, online retail and e-books. In 2023, over 200 new stores opened across the country.
This recent increase seems to indicate that, despite the infinite distractions of the digital world, there are some things that can’t be replaced by an easy search and click. Thumbing the pages of a book, chatting with the bookseller, discovering a rare treasure on a shelf; there’s a sense of authenticity in a bookstore often lost in the digital space. Beyond the benefits of this individual experience, independent bookshops also play an important role in our community as businesses supporting the local economy and as gathering places for a diverse group of people.
To celebrate our local independent booksellers, and to encourage more reading, we’ve created a book-lover’s guide to Sonoma County. Enjoy these fabulous local bookstores on National Independent Bookstore Day, April 26, or any day of the year.
Morning light bathes cloth bound books at Treehorn Books in downtown Santa Rosa, Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)Lygia Burns from Santa Rosa looks for a particular children’s book at Treehorn Books in downtown Santa Rosa, Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
Treehorn Books, Santa Rosa
Founded by two Sonoma State graduates in 1979, Treehorn Books has an extraordinary selection of used books, specializing in classical literature. An ever-expanding inventory lines the shelves and tables. It’s hard to find a book-free spot in this tiny Santa Rosa shop. Treehorn caters to its many regulars, whose tastes are kept in mind for new purchases. The store buys books from customers but is selective in doing so, considering the shelves are already overflowing. Teachers receive a 10 percent discount. 625 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-525-1782.
Owner Jill Brown, accompanied by her dog, Marvin, restocks books, as customers Dan and Lyn Jacoby browse through the shelves at Paperbacks Unlimited in Santa Rosa on Monday, April 1, 2019. (Beth Schlanker/ The Press Democrat)Employee Curtis Farber carries a stack of books to put on the shelves at Paperbacks Unlimited in Santa Rosa on Monday, April 1, 2019. Paperbacks is the oldest bookstore in Sonoma County. (Beth Schlanker/ The Press Democrat)
Paperbacks Unlimited, Santa Rosa
Founded in 1972, Paperbacks is Santa Rosa’s largest used bookshop, and the oldest in Sonoma County. The store specializes in popular fiction but also has nonfiction on its well organized shelves. The mystery/suspense and science fiction sections are among the most popular in the store and there are also great books for young adults. The owners, Howard and Jill Brown, are now in their 70s but hope to keep the store open as long as possible for their many loyal customers. Customers who donate books to the store get a store credit and seniors receive a discount. 4625 Sonoma Highway, Santa Rosa, 707-539-8102, paperbacksunlimited.net
Levin & Company Community Booksellers in Healdsburg. (Bronwyn Simmons)
Levin & Company Community Booksellers, Healdsburg
“A good bookstore should be the nexus of a community – a place where friends and strangers can come together for a while and feel like an extended family,” says the family behind Levin & Company. Bookworms have come here for over 30 years to browse more than 2,500 titles in the fiction section (the largest of any independent bookstore in Sonoma County) while audiophiles enjoy the curated vinyl and CD selection. There’s nonfiction, too: history, science, biographies, eastern and western philosophy, gardening, cooking and more. The store hosts literary events such as book signings with authors, and upstairs is a collection of local art, jewelry and crafts. 306 Center St., 707-433-1118, levinbooks.com
Angela Abruzzi of Sebastopol browsed the books on display at Copperfield’s in downtown Petaluma on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. (Crissy Pascual / Petaluma Argus-Courier)
Copperfield’s Underground, Petaluma
Paul Jaffe and Barney Brown purchased Sebastopol’s Myst Bookstore in June of 1981 and changed the name to Copperfield’s Books. Over 40 years later, there are 10 Copperfield’s across the North Bay, including in Healdsburg, Petaluma, Santa Rosa and Sebastopol. In the Petaluma store, there’s a downstairs underground shop, a “haven for treasure seekers looking for used and rare books.” The cellar space is packed with thousands of titles, including some rare editions, covering a variety of subjects: art, history, science, fiction, poetry and more. 140 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707-782-0228, copperfieldsbooks.com
Eirinie Carson reading one of the winning stories in the Argus-Courier’s annual Scary Story Competition, on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, at the Word Horde Emporium of the Weird & Fantastic in Petaluma. (Ross Lockhart)
Word Horde Emporium of the Weird & Fantastic, Petaluma
Ross Lockhart founded Petaluma’s Word Horde Books during the pandemic after realizing there’s never a perfectly convenient time to start working on your dreams. He worked in book and music stores for much of his life and dreamed of one day opening his own shop and doing things differently. From a humble blog to a brick-and-mortar store in the Petaluma Village Premium Outlets, Word Horde specializes in “weird, horrific, fantastic and speculative fiction for all ages.” Beyond books, there are also toys, puzzles, board and card games, accessories, candles, bath and body products and other “fantastic” gifts. The bookstore and emporium also hosts literary events, typically spooky in nature, such as a Poe poetry reading on Edgar Allan Poe’s birthday in January. 2200 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite 805, Petaluma, 707-981-9110, weirdandfantastic.com
Readers’ Books in Sonoma on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020. The bookstore opened in 1991 with the mission to create a space for locals to hang out. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)Andy Weinberger, proprietor of Readers’ Books on East Napa Street in Sonoma, inside the bookstore in 2020. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)
Readers’ Books, Sonoma
This Sonoma bookstore opened in 1991 with the mission to create a space for locals to hang out, in addition to their homes and workplaces. Its most popular sections are literary fiction, cooking and, more recently, politics. Customers can read books on the patio in the garden, and bring their dogs for company. The bookstore hosts weekly author events and offers a 15 percent discount to teachers. Used books are accepted in exchange for store credit. 130 E. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-939-1779, readersbooks.com
Local resident Shariyah Scalise browses at Russian River Books & Letters in Guerneville Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2022. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Russian River Books & Letters, Guerneville
The location for this bookstore has been a destination for avid readers since the ’70s. The bookshop (previously named Mockingbird Books then Twice Told Books) was bought by new owners in 2021. Russian River Books & Letters boasts a collection of both used and new books and is connected to next door neighbor Coffee Bazaar. The bookstore hosts regular community events and writing workshops, as well as monthly book club meetings. 14045 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville, 707-604-7197, booksletters.com
Stephanie Culen, owner of Poet’s Corner Book Shop, “decorates” the outside of her tiny, 275-square-foot shop, before opening in Duncans Mills on Thursday, September 30, 2021. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Poet’s Corner Book Shop, Duncans Mills
This woman-owned shop might be the smallest bookstore in the United States — but what it lacks in space, it makes up for in community togetherness. Beyond the mix of books and poetry, the shop also offers calendars, stationery, puzzles, coloring books and other novelty gifts. For an extra cozy reading session, pick a book from the tiny shop and enjoy it in the outside sitting area with a cup of tea from the nearby Duncans Mills Tea Shop.
Second Chances Used Books in Sebastopol. The bookstore hosts author book signings as well as open mic poetry nights. (Bronwyn Simmons)
Second Chances Used Books, Sebastopol
Located on the same block as everyone’s favorite ice cream shop, Screamin’ Mimi’s, Second Chances is Sebastopol’s only independent used bookstore. The owner of the store, Brandy Mow, previously owned Copperfield’s Used and Rare bookstore in Sebastopol. Mow has filled her new store with good books and added cozy armchairs for customers to enjoy a quiet reading moment. Brandy keeps a digital itinerary of the store’s books so that she can easily inform customers of available titles and she organizes open mic poetry nights in the store. 6932 Sebastopol Ave., Suite E, Sebastopol, 707-827-8291, 2ndchancesusedbooks.com
Many Rivers Books & Tea, Sebastopol
Many Rivers Books specializes in high-quality loose leaf tea and spiritual books, said Ellen Skagerberg from Santa Rosa. This Sebastopol store has an extensive selection of tea and incense, as well as some rare and niche books. 130 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-829-8871, manyriversbooks.com
Lumache al Pesto with spring pea pesto, morel mushrooms and aged parmesan from Stella Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Kenwood. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
I can’t remember when pasta became a bad word, but it’s time to welcome back a good plate of tagliatelle and step away from the Lacinato kale and spaghetti squash. Like forever.
But all pastas are not created equal. Kenwood’s newest restaurant, Stella, takes a deep dive into lesser-known Italian regional shapes like Roman tonnarelli (spaghetti’s chunkier cousin), Florentine creste di gallo (ruffled rooster’s crest), rigatoncini (a tiny tube) popular in southern Italy, or tagliatelle (ribbons) from the Emilia-Romagna region. Served al dente — not too soft or too hard — you’ll finally understand why Italians consider pasta part of their national identity.
Stella, which means “star” in Italian, is the realization of a longtime dream for chef Ari Weiswasser. After launching Glen Ellen Star 13 years ago and mastering the craft of wood-fired cooking, the French Laundry alum was ready for a new project.
Glen Ellen Star chef/owner Ari Weiswasser remodeled the old Cafe Citti on Highway 12 in the Sonoma Valley and opened Stella. Photographed Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Kenwood. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Teaming up with his wife, Erinn Benziger, and managing partners Spencer and Ashley Waite, Weiswasser began the journey of launching Stella — a vision nearly six years in the making that finally came to life in early March at the former Cafe Citti on Highway 12.
“We really wanted to explore Italian cuisine, and Stella just gives us the opportunity to do a lot more,” said Weiswasser. Glen Ellen Star’s chef de cuisine, Bryant Minuche, will run the Stella kitchen.
While pasta plays a starring role, Stella’s wood-fired grill steals the show. Orange flames leap several feet toward the hooded kitchen vent as bold cooks stoke the fire with bundles of wood. From the chef’s counter, you can feel tingles of heat with each flare.
Sam Fink works the wood burning open grill in the open kitchen at Stella. Photographed Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Kenwood. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Whole grilled dourade (sea bream fish), lamb ribs, mushrooms and soft Scamorza cheese get the kiss of the grill, imparting smoky flavor and gentle char unique to live fire cooking.
“We wanted to design an open kitchen so there is a show. The cooking should be on display because it connects our chefs and cooks with the dining room,” said Weiswasser.
The vibe
Stella’s modern dining room features warm lighting, long rows of banquette seating and smaller bistro tables along the walls. The indoor-outdoor style enclosed patio is a more casual option.
The main dining room with counter seating and a view of the open kitchen at the new Stella restaurant in the old Cafe Citti space on Highway 12 in the Sonoma Valley. Photographed Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Kenwood. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)The covered patio seating at Stella restaurant in the old Cafe Citti space on Highway 12 in the Sonoma Valley. Photographed Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Kenwood. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
The wine list is beautifully curated, featuring mostly small-production wineries in Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties. Low-alcohol spritzes are a favorite, like the white Negroni ($17) with vermouth, sherry and grapefruit; or the smoked strawberry margarita ($16) made with “coal-kissed” strawberry puree.
Lunch is expected to debut in mid-May. Stella also sells fresh, uncooked pasta and sauces for a quick meal at home.
“The pasta cooks in 3 minutes and 45 seconds, timed exactly to Dean Martin’s ‘That’s Amore,’” said Weiswasser.
With a clear focus, excellent service and dishes with broad appeal, Stella’s star is already rising in Sonoma Valley.
Best bets
Scamorza Impiccato appetizer with truffle honey and grilled garlic sourdough from Stella. Photographed Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Kenwood. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
SF halibut crudo ($24): Thin slices of this raw flatfish soak up the sweet strawberry “aqua pazza,” a featherlight dressing I licked from the plate.
Scamorza impiccato ($18): The smoky flavor of this melted mozzarella-style cheese is delicious with drizzles of smoked honey on grilled sourdough. The presentation of the toast on a greasy piece of paper left us cold, because this tasty dish deserves better.
Burrata and Walnut in brown butter with 12-year aged balsamico and sourdough from the Mozzarella Bar e Fettunta at Stella. Photographed Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Kenwood. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Mozzarella bar ($25-$36): Yes, it’s as delightful as you might expect, though it’s not a bar but more of a list. Stick to burrata — cream-filled mozzarella imported from Puglia. Standouts include the Burrata and Walnut ($28) with walnuts cooked in brown butter and a drizzle of 12-year-old balsamic vinegar; and the Burrata and Prosciutto di Parma ($29) with a ribbon of salty prosciutto atop creamy burrata. Fettunta (fancy garlic bread) served on the side is one of my favorite things on the menu, perfect for soaking up anything left in the bowl.
Lumache al Pesto with spring pea pesto, morel mushrooms and aged parmesan from Stella. Photographed Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Kenwood. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Lumache al pesto ($29): You will be ruined for anything else after eating a plate of this snail-shaped pasta that’s cooked perfectly al dente, with seasonal spring pea pesto, mushrooms, breadcrumbs and edible violets. It’s almost too pretty to eat.
Tonnarelli cacio e pepe ($25): I’m extremely picky about this dish because of its deceptive simplicity. Made with pasta, pecorino cheese and pepper, it needs to be a bit creamy from the pasta, water and cheese, with a smack of fresh black pepper in your face. This version didn’t disappoint. The portion size is smaller than I’d expect but it makes up for it in flavor.
Duroc Pork Chop Milanese with lemon caper butter sauce from Stella. Photographed Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Kenwood. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Duroc pork chop Milanese ($42): A thinly cut breaded and fried pork chop with a creamy Meyer lemon and caper sauce was a favorite of the table. After seeing this dish on the restaurant’s Instagram, it was a must-try. Enough for two.
Half Roasted Chicken ($34): Glen Ellen Star has always received my vote for excellent wood-fired chicken, and this grilled version was excellent. A perfect char on the breast, moist meat and simple pan sauce with Chinese XO sauce give it an umami boost.
The interior of Stella’s Baked “Gelaska” with vanilla gelato, raspberry sorbet, sponge cake and cubes of torched marshmallow fluff. Photographed Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Kenwood. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Baked Gelaska ($16): A riff on baked Alaska, with sponge cake, raspberry sorbet and vanilla gelato topped with a swirl of torched marshmallow fluff. A dessert I won’t soon forget.
Stella is at 9049 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-801-8043, stellakenwood.com. Open daily for dinner.
Chili braised pork shoulder sliders on brioche with Napa cabbage slaw by chef Crista Luedtke of boon eat + drink at The Press Democrat’s North Coast Wine & Food Festival at SOMO Village in Rohnert Park, Saturday, June 10, 2017. (Will Bucquoy)
Entering the North Coast Wine Challenge certainly paid off for Balletto Vineyards this year. The Santa Rosa winery took home three Best of Class awards, four double gold medals and one gold medal for its Russian River Valley wines, including a 2019 Sparkling Brut Rosé, a 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, 2021 and 2022 Pinot Noirs, a 2021 Sexton Hill Vineyard Chardonnay and a 2023 Teresa’s Chardonnay.
It was stiff competition as a record 1,147 entries flooded in from Sonoma, Marin, Napa, Lake, Mendocino and parts of Solano counties. And that made the victory all the more important for the family-owned winery, which has participated in the competition since it launched 13 years ago.
“We’ve been part of the (North Coast Wine Challenge) since day one,” said John Balletto, who, together with his wife Terri Balletto, owns and operates the 180-acre vineyard, winery and hospitality center on Occidental Road, and owns more than 700 acres of additional prime vineyard land in Sonoma County. “Supporting our local community and celebrating the incredible talent in Northern California has always been at the heart of what we do,” he added.
Mikaela Tancioca and Taylor Pullen sample caviar on blini from Plaza de Caviar during the North Coast Wine & Food Festival. Held in Rohnert Park, on Saturday, June 8, 2019. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)
Wine lovers will have the opportunity to taste Balletto’s winning wines, along with dozens of other medal-winning wines, at the North Coast Wine & Food Festival, held June 14 at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa.
The wines will be served with food from 20 of the region’s top chefs, including Marc-Henri Jean-Baptiste, chef-owner of Maison Porcella. This is the third year Jean-Baptiste has been invited to the festival, and he plans to showcase his new catering and charcuterie programs at the June event.
“The North Coast Wine & Food Festival celebrates our region’s true bounty and brings together people who genuinely appreciate quality, craftsmanship, and creativity,” he said. “Donating my time and food is a natural way to give back to the community that inspires my daily work.”
Building relationships
Roommates Amanda Harrison, left, and Abby Vidana enjoy their afternoon at the North Coast Wine and Food Festival. Held at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa, Saturday, June 17, 2023. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
At the North Coast Wine Challenge, which took place April 1-2, panels of judges blind tasted and assessed flights of wines over the course of one day. They knew the category of each flight that they tasted — Pinot Noir, for example — but not any of the individual wines.
After each flight, the judges cast their votes — gold, silver, bronze or no medal — and, since there are often divergent opinions, the experts discussed the wines and negotiated. A wine that received a gold medal vote from every judge on a panel was awarded a double gold.
Competing for the third time this year, Petaluma’s Brooks Note Winery won a double gold for its 2023 Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir, as well as a gold for its 2024 Pinot Blanc from Mendocino County.
“I love that (the North Coast Wine Challenge) is local,” Brooks Note owner Garry Brooks said. “We’ll definitely pour our 2023 Petaluma Gap Pinot and the 2024 Pinot Blanc (at the North Coast Wine & Food Festival) — and there’s sometimes an under-the-table offering for people who love what we do.”
At the North Coast Wine and Food Festival in Santa Rosa, Saturday, June 15, 2024. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
Entering the competition is an investment for wineries, from the $85 entry fee (per wine) to shipping costs to donating wines to pour at the festival.
“While the ROI (return on investment) isn’t easy to measure in numbers, the real return comes in the form of connections,” said John Balletto. “From warm feedback from friends and colleagues to new faces in our tasting room, events like this are about building relationships and sharing our story.”
For Brooks Note, which produces just 2,500 cases per year, donating the wine and time is worth it.
“I think the ROI is a bit more anecdotal,” Brooks said. “We love it when someone places an order, but it’s just as valuable to introduce people to our wines who haven’t tried them before. As a newer, small producer, it can take a couple of years for people to recognize us. Sometimes, showing up a few years in a row (at the competition and festival) is how we make that happen.”
The North Coast Wine & Food Festival usually sells out — purchasing tickets in advance guarantees your spot. VIP tickets provide early entry — one hour before general admission. A portion of ticket sales will benefit local nonprofit Ceres Community Project.
Adam Parks of Victorian Farmstead Meat Company in Sebastopol. (John Burgess)
When Santa Rosa home cook Hunter Odem shops for pork, it’s different from the way many of us shop. He simply calls up a local rancher and orders an entire pig.
“I just sent a whole, 200-pound hog to the butcher,” he says. “I get one every six months for me, my wife, and our 2 and 4-year-old kids, and we pack our standalone freezer.”
For Camp Meeker resident Jennifer Sheehan, planning dinner for her husband and son is a breeze. Chances are good that the meal will include pork or lamb from the chest freezer in her workshop, perhaps posole with pork shank and hominy or a lamb ragu with hearty meatballs. It takes about a year for the Sheehans to eat a hundred pounds of lamb, she says, and maybe eight months to finish a whole pig.
A New Zealand Kunekune pig at Wild Things Ranch in Cazadero. (Charity Epperson/Courtesy Wild Things Ranch)
Sonoma County is home to plenty of home cooks who purchase whole animals, parceling and freezing the cuts to feast on all year long. Many believe in the importance of supporting local ranchers and reducing the distance from field to plate. Many local ranches practice rotational grazing and regenerative agriculture for optimum soil health, and their animals often enjoy more humane conditions.
Home cooks like Odem and Sheehan also love that the boutique, grass-fed meat they purchase is deeply delicious. “Oh my gosh, we eat that whole hog so quickly,” Sheehan says with a laugh. “It’s the best meat I’ve ever had. We got our first pig two years ago, made BLTs and said, oh my goodness, we can never eat bacon from anywhere else again. It’s just so much richer and meatier, and there’s just something to it that you can’t get from the grocery store.”
For Odem, who grew up raising livestock with his 4-H club, it’s always been important for him to know where and how his food arrives on his plate.
“I actually go out to where ranchers are raising my meat, and see how they take care of everything,” he says. “I want to know what those animals are going through and trust the meat. If you don’t know where the meat comes from, you have to cook it more for safety, and that usually makes it tougher and dryer.”
Rare Icelandic sheep at Wild Things Ranch in Cazadero. (Charity Epperson/Courtesy Wild Things Ranch)
Odem and Sheehan source meat for their families from Wild Things Ranch in Cazadero, where owner Charity Epperson specializes in unusual heritage Icelandic lamb and New Zealand kunekune pigs. Epperson grew up on the protected wetland Grizzly Island in Suisun Bay, with parents who worked a 2,500-acre preserve for cattle ranchers and sheep grazers needing vegetation management in sensitive areas.
“When we were growing up, we never bought meat from the grocery store,” Epperson recalls. “We either raised it or hunted it.”
Epperson’s husband, Sam, was raised on his family’s 1800s ranch in the rugged Cazadero mountains, 7 miles from the coast, where the business is now based. Epperson brought the first animals to Wild Things Ranch in 2018. Because the animals she raises are heritage breeds, they grow more slowly and naturally than commercial breeds. “That yields better flavor and texture, since the meat has time to mature,” Epperson says.
Rancher Charity Epperson and her rare Icelandic sheep at Wild Things Ranch in Cazadero. (Charity Epperson/Courtesy Wild Things Ranch)New Zealand Kunekune pigs at Wild Things Ranch in Cazadero. (Charity Epperson/Courtesy Wild Things Ranch)
“Kunekune” means ‘fat and round’ in Maori,” she explains, referring to the New Zealand Indigenous language. “The pork is outstanding, with excellent marbling, a deep red color similar to beef, and rich, sweet flavor. They’re a lard breed, so their bacon tastes almost candied after it caramelizes in cooking.” Her ranch’s Icelandic lamb, too, is sweeter than most other lamb meat, distinctively delicately textured and much leaner.
With the variety of cuts she receives in a bulk order, Sheehan says she never worries about driving her family into palate fatigue. “I love to create recipes and cook,” she says. “And pork and lamb are such versatile meats that I make little spins on it and really utilize every single piece.” Taking home bones for savory, soul-soothing broth is a given; brains, heart, and other offal are optional.
At Wild Things Ranch, animals are harvested by a mobile, USDA-certified slaughter service, saving the animals the stress of being transported to a facility. The harvested meat then goes to Willowside Meats butcher shop to be cut and wrapped for pickup. An animal’s hanging weight, or what the purchaser actually receives, is quite a bit lower than its weight at harvest.
Checking the fences at Wild Things Ranch in Cazadero. (Charity Epperson/Courtesy Wild Things Ranch)
For a 150-pound pig, purchasers take home about 120 pounds, and only pay for that final poundage. A 100-pound lamb nets about 55 pounds of product. “We eat a lot of meat, so we usually can power through it by ourselves,” Odem says. For smaller households, folks often split an order with neighbors or friends.
In days past, investing in a chest freezer full of meat could be risky. In wildfire seasons, power outages made protecting perishable foods difficult, and often impossible. Some Sonoma County residents took to hosting block parties to make sure their freezer victims didn’t go to waste while sharing some much-needed love with the community.
Now, though, freezing food is actually great for disasters, if you’re prepared. “Our deep box freezer is completely fine for about 24 hours,” Sheehan explains. “We do have a generator, because we live in the woods, so we kind of have to. And thawing meat is easier than driving to the store in a disaster.”
The nearest Sebastopol supermarket is about 17 miles round-trip from her rural home. Culinary survival is even easier for Odem, a professional electrician. “I have access to a lot of generators and I’m pretty handy with being able to get around anything that pops up.”
Adam Parks of Victorian Farmstead Meat Company in Sebastopol. (John Burgess)
Victorian Farmstead Meat Company owner Adam Parks is well known for the variety of locally raised meats he stocks at his stand inside Community Market at The Barlow. He works with nearly a dozen family-owned farms across Sonoma and Marin counties, hand-selecting unexpected meats like quail and Pitman Family Farms Cornish hen. He can also handle custom butchering, including succulent brisket-chuck burger mix and porchetta wrapped in skin-on pork belly.
“There really is a difference with local meats,” says Parks. “I can go to the ranches and see the animals being raised. I know what they’re feeding them, if anything, other than pasture. I know how they’re being humanely handled. And I trust these farmers.”
Set in a charming brick house, the Lola Wines tasting room offers a chill atmosphere and energetic wines in Calistoga. (Lola Wines)
Calistoga is one of my favorite Wine Country towns because it somehow makes me feel like I’m on vacation, even though it’s less than an hour away from my house. I love its low-key, casual vibe, its unpretentiousness and the cute shops along Lincoln Avenue. Now, after visiting Lola Wines, I have another reason to adore Calistoga. Like the town itself, Lola is the kind of place that inspires visitors to slow down and chill, all while exploring an array of vibrant and delicious wines.
The story
Lola House is all about showcasing the winery’s less-common varietals. (Lola Wines)
Growing up on Anna Maria Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Seth Cripe took an interest in wine at an early age. And I mean early. He was just 13 years old, working as a busser and dishwasher at a local restaurant called Beach Bistro, when his boss recognized the spark in him. Though Cripe was underage, he was allowed to taste wines from the restaurant’s extensive list and he learned all he could about the wines of the world. After meeting Swanson Vineyards founder W. Clarke Swanson at Beach Bistro, Cripe left school at age 17 and headed to Napa Valley. He worked at Swanson for four years before moving on to Pfeiffer Vineyards in Australia, and later, Caymus Vineyards in Rutherford.
Cripe founded Lola, named for his beloved dog, in 2008 on the idea that wine and the Napa Valley itself should be unpretentious, approachable and affordable. The winery works with Napa Valley vineyards from Yountville to Calistoga, along with sites in the Russian River Valley and Santa Lucia Highlands, to produce a wide-ranging lineup. In addition to nationally distributed Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, Cripe makes 20 small-production bottlings from esoteric varieties like Counoise, Chenin Blanc and Muscat.
The vibe
On warm days, the pretty back patio at Lola House is the place to be. (Lola Wines)
The Lola House tasting room, set in a petite 1892 brick house, lies just off Lincoln Avenue. Indoor tastings take place in the home’s traditional-meets-modern parlor, with its rustic brick fireplace and intimate groupings of mix-and-match tables and chairs. There, wall hangings that include historic photos, original art and Cripe’s prized surfboard combine to create a cozy and eclectic feel. On warm days, the pretty back patio is the place to be. Leafy potted plants and flowers provide natural separations between seating areas, ensuring a bit of privacy between groups, and a few slender palm trees tower overhead. You might find yourself — as I did — wishing this could be your very own backyard hangout.
On the palate
Lola House is all about showcasing the winery’s less-common varietals. Offerings go to wine club members first, then whatever they don’t snap up is showcased at the tasting room. Cripe makes the wines with minimal cellar intervention, using neutral oak to showcase the purity of the fruit. The wines are fresh and energetic without veering too far in the “lean and mean” direction.
Lola House is all about showcasing the winery’s less-common varietals. (Lola Wines)
Chenin Blanc is making a comeback in California, and Lola’s 2022 bottling from St. Helena ($45) makes a great case for its resurgence. The wine is crisp and bright, with floral accents and apple-pear flavors. The 2023 Calistoga Dry Muscat ($45), made in large clay vessels called amphora, has the floral aromatics of a sweeter bottling — yet the wine is delightfully dry. Think apricots and tropical fruits. The 2023 Yountville Counoise ($65) is another gem. It’s light on the palate, showing vibrant red berry aromas, mouthwatering acidity and a touch of spice.
Tastings cost $35 for a flight of five wines. Expect to spend around 90 minutes tasting through the selections.
Beyond the bottle
Cripe and his brother Mic are among the world’s only producers of bottarga, a caviar made from salt-cured and dried gray mullet roe harvested from the waters near Anna Maria Island and the neighboring fishing village of Cortez. Along with bottarga, they offer smoked mullet roe and blackfin tuna mojama — a salt-cured and dried tuna loin that’s sometimes called the “prosciutto of the sea.” Lola visitors can sample the delicacies via the Cortez Conservas Pairing add-on ($30), or the à la carte menu of snacks and small plates. The spring menu includes a gorgeously presented whipped burrata accented with bottarga, chives and lemon. I also sampled the seasonal mojama toast adorned with quince paste and Manchego. Both were delicious, with layered and complex flavors.
Tina Caputo is a wine, food and travel journalist who contributes to Sonoma magazine, SevenFifty Daily, Visit California, Northern California Public Media, KQED and more. Follow her on Bluesky at @winebroad.bsky.social, view her website at tinacaputo.com, and email her story ideas at tina@caputocontent.com.
