Short Rib Barbacoa Tacos from Quiote in downtown Petaluma, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
It’s no secret that Sonoma County is a hotbed of divine cuisine. From world-renowned, Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden gem favorites, one could throw a rock in any direction and stumble upon a worthy eatery. With a vast culinary pool to pull from, our dining editor was tasked with finding the best, must-try local dishes — and these eats do not disappoint.
Barbecue
A&M BBQ
Barbecue powerhouses Kris Austin and Marvin McKinzy teamed up last year for the ultimate Texas ‘cue in Sebastopol. The line can snake out the door, and sometimes they sell out, so it’s good to get there early. “We don’t try to cover up the meat with sauce, so you can taste the time we put into it,” says Austin. 495 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-888-1315, ambbqllc.com
Texas Toast, cornbread muffins, pork ribs, links, brisket and tri-tip, barbecue chicken, baked beans, coleslaw and collard greens at A&M BBQ in Sebastopol. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)Ten-layer lasagna at Catelli’s in Geyserville. (Chris Hardy/for Sonoma Magazine)
Ten-Layer Lasagna
Catelli’s
You can literally read a newspaper through each layer of super-thin pasta going into the dish. A family recipe that’s been refined over the years, it has a three-cheese filling of creamy Bellwether Farms ricotta, goat cheese and aged Parmesan. 21047 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-857-3471,mycatellis.com
Whole Roasted Branzino
Glen Ellen Star
Just about anything from chef Ari Weiswasser’s wood-fired oven is pretty magical, but the flaky, crispy whole roasted fish rises above, especially when served with shaved fennel, preserved lemon and tomato-y romesco sauce. 13648 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, 707-343-1384, glenellenstar.com
Glen Ellen Star uses their wood-fired oven for a variety of dishes, including this whole fish served over a romesco sauce. (Erik Castro/for The Press Democrat)The Market Plate with sautéed spinach, copper, roasted tomatoes, hard boiled egg creamy polenta and cambozola toast from Willow Wood Market Cafe in Graton. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Perfect Breakfasts
Willow Wood Market Café
Since 1995, this charming spot has welcomed west county neighbors for excellent French folded eggs with fontina and basil, or golden polenta crowned with exquisite poached eggs and crispy prosciutto. 9020 Graton Road, Graton, 707-823-0233, willowwoodgraton.com
Lamb Chops
Willi’s Wine Bar
This Santa Rosa institution is a not-so-secret clubhouse for many of the county’s movers and shakers, an office away from home. Lamb chops are just one of the many small-plates favorites here, along with curried crab tacos and roasted carrots. 1415 Town and Country Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-526-3096,starkrestaurants.com
Moroccan-style barbecued lamb chops with mint chutney and preserved lemon couscous is a traditional dish at Willi’s Wine Bar in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)Jok porridge at Jam’s Joy Bungalow. (Courtesy of Jam’s Joy Bungalow)
Jok Porridge
Jam’s Joy Bungalow
We’re special fans of this morning hangover helper: a tummy filling rice porridge with spicy ginger, herbs, fried shallots, a custardy 6-minute egg, and khao man gai sauce, a traditional Thai street-food favorite. You’ll never look at oatmeal the same way again. While the storefronts have closed, Jam’s Joy Bungalow offers catering for all types of events, as well as occasional pop-ups around the county. Reach out on Instagram for more details. 707-843-9001, jamsjoybungalow.com
Blue corn tacos
Quiote
Handmade blue corn tortillas topped with fresh rock cod, cochinita pibil with pickled onions, or al pastor and salsa verde, always make our “best tacos” list. Add a side of guacamole with serrano chiles and crispy raspadas or brothy Rancho Gordo beans to get the full experience. 121 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707-774 -6130, quiotemx.com
Tacos from Quiote in downtown Petaluma is a must-try dish. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Slices of mushroom and potato pizza with chimichurri at Psychic Pie in Sebastopol. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Pizza
Psychic Pie
Rectangular, Roman-style pizza with a fermented sourdough crust is served by the inch (you tell them how much you want) at this casual slice house in Sebastopol. The picks switch up weekly, and there are always veggie and vegan types in addition to meatier options. New this winter? They’re trying out round pies every once in a while — what a concept! 980 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-827-6032, psychicpie.com
Parking spots with a vineyard view. (Michelle Dondero)
There are countless ways to enjoy and share the beauty of Wine Country and Northern California — longtime friends and car aficionados Aaron Hagar and Rick Kaufman are doing it with classic horsepower.
In 2020, the two launched the Napa Valley 750 — a vintage car road rally and culinary crawl that spans 750 miles over five days, taking drivers on a scenic route from the heart of Wine Country to the rugged coastline and through a variety of Northern California locations.
The event’s name is a nod to both the distance covered and the classic 750 mL bottle of wine. But it’s not just about iconic cars and stellar food and wine. The event also benefits a good cause — in just six years, the spirited road rally has helped raise more than $1 million for the St. Helena Hospital Foundation.
“There’s so much to learn about this landscape,” Hagar said. “It’s a great experience and the philanthropy part is really honorable.”
(A small but very cool side note: Hagar is the son of Sammy “The Red Rocker” Hagar.)
Some of the vintage cars that took part in this year’s Napa Valley 750. (Michelle Dondero)
Since the inaugural road rally in 2020, a tight-knit group of car enthusiasts from all over the country (most from outside Wine County) have made the yearly trek to Napa Valley to drive motorcars built before 1972 — some trucked to Northern California from as far as Colorado.
“We’re pretty strict. If (the car) is not older than I am, it doesn’t come,” Kaufman joked. “The common thread is: Let’s go learn something together. Let’s do it with motoring. Let’s help each other get to the end.”
The collection of participating cars is eclectic and eye-catching — peering in windows and sharing stories during fuel stops and lunch breaks is part of the fun.
This year’s rally, held April 27 through May 2, featured a colorful lineup of vehicles, including a 1958 Lancia Aurelia B20, a 1965 Shelby Cobra 427, a 1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4 and a 1970 Mini Cooper.
Parking spots with a vineyard view. (Michelle Dondero)Napa Valley 750 co-founder Aaron Hagar preps a participating car for the first day of the 2025 road rally. (Michelle Dondero)
Hagar and Kaufman emphasize that the Napa Valley 750 is a rally, not a race. The duo plan four days of driving before each event, typically including two inland and two coastal routes.
Each ride begins and ends at St. Helena’s Harvest Inn. (Kaufman owns the hotel property.) This year, day one was a dash to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, crossing levees and scenic bridges, in addition to logging miles in Lodi.
Sonoma County had a starring role on day two, the ride winding its way through Knights Valley and across Highway 101 to Dry Creek Valley before stopping at the coast to take in the views and perhaps a sticky bun (or two) from Twofish Baking at the historic Stewarts Point Store.
The Napa Valley 750 includes four days of driving. Participants typically visit the Sonoma Coast during the event. (Napa Valley 750)
Drivers then got another taste of Sonoma County during lunch at Valette in Healdsburg. Chef Dustin Valette, co-owner of Valette and The Matheson, has been involved with the road rally for more than five years.
“This is a great group of leaders and philanthropists who are blazing an amazing trail for the rest of us to follow,” Valette said. “The Napa 750 loves to showcase the diversity of Wine Country. Our menus at The Matheson and Valette always showcase our amazing ranchers and farmers, though we love highlighting the best of Sonoma when they (Napa Valley 750 participants) are in town.”
More Sonoma County favorites, such as Graton, Occidental and Two Rock, made appearances on day three’s route, as well as notable Marin County locations like Point Reyes Station and Stinson Beach.
The sixth annual Napa Valley 750 road rally event included a number of sponsors. (Michelle Dondero)
The final day took drivers to Yolo County, past olive groves and farm stands before ending with a drive-by of St. Helena Hospital and a stop for lunch at Gott’s Roadside. A final dinner and fundraising auction at Harvest Inn capped off the sixth annual Napa Valley 750.
Throughout the five-day event, evenings were dedicated to dining experiences at wineries such as Nickel & Nickel, Ovid and Louis M. Martini. A bus shuttled guests back and forth, allowing drivers to taste wine from the vineyards they had admired from the road and bring some bottles home — even classic cars offer a decent amount of trunk space.
“We’re raising money around the culture of Wine Country, teaching people about where their food comes from, where their wine comes from,” Kaufman said.
Find out more: The dates for next year’s Napa Valley 750 will be announced on the event website and @napavalley750 on Instagram. Hagar and Kaufman are in the process of launching a nonprofit component to the road race called the Napa Artisan Legacy Project, Inc., which will focus on preserving Northern California’s cultural, agricultural and automotive heritage. More details will be revealed on the Napa Valley 750 website and Instagram.
Sonoma’s MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa received two separate four-star ratings from Forbes: one for the entire property and another for the recently refurbished Spa at MacArthur. (MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa)
With all that’s going on in the world, a lot of us are feeling overwhelmed, anxious and just plain stressed out.
As much as I’d like to whisk myself away for an all-day spa retreat complete with a 90-minute aromatherapy massage and 24-karat full-body mask with optional Beluga caviar and Cristal foot scrub, my current budget doesn’t always — and by that I mean practically never — allow for that kind of indulgence. I am a writer after all.
Fortunately for me and my wallet, Sonoma County offers lots of affordable ways to find serenity in stressful times. Here are some of my favorites, ranging in price from absolutely free to $50.
Join a Nature Walk
Summit at Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen. (Courtesy Jack London State Historic Park)
Taking a walk or hike in a beautiful natural setting is a proven stress reliever, so stop doom-scrolling on your phone and get outside. While you’re at it, why not meet some other humans? Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen regularly offers guided group hikes, like the upcoming Springtime Blooms and Birds experience (May 4) and Grounded in Nature: A Mindful Walk (June 14). Most hikes are just $20 to join and some are free.
Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, 707-938-5216, jacklondonpark.com
Say Ommmmmm
Yoga, especially the gentler hatha and vinyasa varieties, is a fabulous way to practice mindfulness and relaxation in a hectic world.
MacArthur Place in Sonoma offers $10 morning yoga sessions for Sonoma locals on Saturdays and Sundays, held on the property’s Burris Lawn or in Coach House. After you get your “om” on, stroll down to the Plaza for a caffeinated pick-me-up in the garden at Sunflower Caffé.
Sonoma’s MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa received two separate four-star ratings from Forbes. The ratings include one for the entire property and another for the recently refurbished Spa at MacArthur. (MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa)
Following an angst-inducing day at work, head over to Renew Yoga in Petaluma. Held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, their evening community yoga classes cost just $10. I can’t guarantee that you won’t be tempted into Old Chicago Pizza just down the hall for a post-yoga pie (the aromas wafting down the corridors are nearly impossible to resist), but cheesy comfort food can be its own kind of therapy.
Also in Petaluma, The Float House hosts free community yoga classes on the dock from May through September. The one-hour flow sessions take place on the first Friday of each month, and one Sunday per month.
The Sea Ranch Lodge offers free yoga (to the public) on Saturdays and Sundays in The Meadow Room. When you’re finished refreshing your mind and spirit, grab a craft cocktail and a seat on the ocean-facing deck to see if you can spot a passing whale.
MacArthur Place, 29 E. MacArthur St., Sonoma, 707-938-2929, macarthurplace.com. Renew Yoga, 35 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-762-7760, renew.yoga. The Float House, 50 Water St., Petaluma, 707-971-3640, thefloathousepetaluma.org. The Sea Ranch Lodge, 60 Sea Walk Drive, The Sea Ranch, 707-579-9777, thesearanchlodge.com
The Floathouse on the Petaluma River was moved across the basin to accommodate dock construction. Photographed on Monday, June 17, 2024. (Crissy Pascual / Petaluma Argus-Courier)
Get Out on the Water
When I’m feeling wound up or burned out, I grab my inflatable paddleboard and head for the water. Even if I can only spare 45 minutes between meetings, a leisurely paddle always makes me feel calm and relaxed.
If you don’t have your own watercraft, it’s easy and affordable to rent — and you won’t have to waste time and energy lugging your SUP or kayak down to the lake. The Float House in Petaluma rents paddleboards, kayaks and canoes for $30 per hour, and for $35 an hour you can rent a SUP at beautiful Lake Sonoma. Spring Lake in Santa Rosa also offers rentals during the summer and the lake’s compact size makes it a terrific place for paddlers.
Lake Sonoma Marina, 4200 Skaggs Springs Road, Geyserville, lakesonoma.com. Spring Lake Regional Park, 393 Violetti Road, Santa Rosa, 707-539-8092, sonomacountyparks.org
View of Lake Sonoma near Florence Vineyard in Geyserville. (Courtesy of Jack Florence)
Take a [Figurative] Bath
Forest bathing has become a “thing” lately, and Sonoma County, with its woody landscapes, is tailor-made for the Japanese eco-therapy practice. It involves going out into the forest with a guide and consciously using all five senses to slow down and connect with nature.
The Sonoma Land Trust hosts free community forest bathing sessions in local parks, led by well-known local practitioner Jenny Harrow-Keeler. Check out the online calendar for upcoming dates. The nonprofit also hosts a free series of “Wellness Wednesday” and “Mindful Monday” events.
Take a “forest bath” in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Preserve. (Kent Porter)
Sound bathing is another option to soothe the soul. (If your favorite part of a yoga class is Shavasana, aka: “corpse pose,” this one’s for you!) As participants lie on their mats, facilitators use instruments like singing bowls, gongs and chimes to surround them with resonant sounds. Occidental Center for the Arts offers sound bath sessions on the second Tuesday of each month for $25-$35 on a sliding scale,
Poolside dining at Lazeaway Club at the Flamingo Resort in Santa Rosa. (Courtesy of Flamingo Resort)
When I feel like I need a vacation but can’t get away, a poolside retreat with tropical ambiance is the next best thing. Flamingo Resort & Spa in Santa Rosa offers a $49 Daycation Pass that includes access to the resort pool and lounge chairs, plus the hot tub, steam shower and sauna. (You can also use the hotel’s fitness facilities, but why disrupt the chill vibe with cardio?) When you’re ready for lunch and a cool drink, saunter on over to the Lazeaway Club for a bite.
Flamingo Resort and Spa, 2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-8530, flamingoresort.com
Cuddle a Cute Critter
Genesis Torres plays with one of the 20 rescued cats at the Mini Cat Town in the Santa Rosa Plaza mall in Santa Rosa. Photographed Monday, May 1, 2023. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
When the going gets tough, there’s nothing like quality time with a furry friend to leach the stress and worry from your body and mind.
Feline fans can find comfort at Mini Cat Town’s Kitten Lounge & Adoption Center at Santa Rosa Plaza. Fifteen bucks will get you 30 minutes of play and cuddle time with adorable kitties, and if you happen to fall in love, they’re all adoptable.
Not to worry if, like me, you’re highly allergic to cats and find that a trip to the emergency room is anything but relaxing. Focus Forward Studio in Santa Rosa offers Pawsitive Fitness yoga and Pilates classes ($30) alongside friendly rescue pups. The low-key classes are a collaboration with Compassion Without Borders in Santa Rosa, which means your fellow “classmates” are on the lookout for forever homes.
Mini Cat Town Kitten Lounge, 1071 Santa Rosa Plaza, Santa Rosa, minicattown.org. Focus Forward Studio, 4283 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, focusforwardstudio.com
Dining al fresco at The Restaurant at Auberge de Soleil in Rutherford. (The Ingalls)
Just in time for Mother’s Day, OpenTable has released its list of “2025’s Top 100 Brunch Restaurants,” and three Napa Valley favorites have earned a spot.
The annual list is based on more than 10.5 million verified diner reviews and dining metrics collected between Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2024. Restaurants from across the United States were evaluated using a combination of metrics, including diner ratings, the percentage of five-star reviews, how often diners set alerts, advance reservations, capacity and direct searches. To qualify, restaurants also needed a minimum number of brunch reviews and Sunday lunch availability.
Here’s where to book your next brunch in Napa Valley:
Mustards Grill, Yountville
A Wine Country institution for nearly 40 years, Mustards Grill serves up American regional dishes with global flair. Chef Cindy Pawlcyn’s signature brunch offerings include crowd favorites like the Mongolian pork chop, Niman Ranch burger and crispy calamari with curried slaw. With a wood-burning grill, oakwood smoker and the aptly named “Way Too Many Wines” list, this Yountville favorite is ideal for a relaxed yet flavorful brunch.
Fried Rhode Island calamari at Scala Osteria in Napa, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Scala Osteria, Napa
Inspired by Southern Italian coastal cuisine, Scala Osteria brings a lively, seafood-forward experience to downtown Napa. The menu features housemade pastas, Neapolitan-style pizzas and a raw bar perfect for leisurely weekend dining. Whether you’re dining on the patio or soaking in the energy indoors, brunch here is best enjoyed family-style — with wine, of course. Be sure to book reservations early, as Scala Osteria is among the most sought-after restaurants in Wine Country.
At The Restaurant at Auberge de Soleil in Rutherford. (The Ingalls)
The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil, Rutherford
Set on a sun-drenched hillside in Rutherford, The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil offers sweeping vineyard views alongside a Michelin-starred brunch experience. Chef Robert Curry’s Mediterranean-inspired menu features fresh ingredients paired with wines from the resort’s 15,000-bottle cellar. Available on weekends only, seasonal brunch dishes include cold smoked salmon, duck confit hash, Maine lobster omelet and blueberry buttermilk pancakes. Guests can enjoy a luxurious two-course prix fixe brunch on the terrace, complete with elegant service and panoramic scenery.
Gringas, a quesadilla with taco filling, from Quiote in downtown Petaluma, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Everyone has a favorite neighborhood taco shop, and arguing over who has the best burritos, tacos and salsa is a family tradition.
Over years of covering restaurants in Sonoma County, I’ve collected some tried-and-true spots where you can’t go wrong. So the next time you’re haggling with your friends over where to sit down for a Mexican feast, you’ll have some excellent suggestions, with my personal seal of approval.
Looking for the best burrito in Sonoma County? Click here.
Santa Rosa
Cascabel: Elevated Mexican flavors in a welcoming Montgomery Village location. Bite-sized potato pancakes with mole, barbacoa, and conchinita pibil — braised pork marinated in citrus and annatto seed — are top picks. 909 Village Court, Santa Rosa, 707-521-9444, cascabelbayarea.com
Cochinita Pibil with braised pork, salsa habanero, chars beans, red onions and cilantro from Cascabel Mexican Bar & Grill in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Los Tres Chiles: Family-friendly Mexican classics keep this Bennett Valley restaurant packed. The giant bacon-wrapped chimichanga dares you to eat it. 2765 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-304-5724, lostreschiles.com
Taqueria Las Palmas: No-frills street tacos and burritos that consistently impress. 415 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-546-3091
La Texanita: Stellar Mexican antojitos (snacks) like stuffed sopes and the Torta Texana with chorizo made this a Guy Fieri favorite. 1667 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-527-7331, latexanita.com
Caldo de Chamorro de Borrego with mushroom from Lucha Sabina at Mitote Food Park in Santa Rosa. (Courtesy of Lucha Sabina)
Mitote Food Park: A rotating lineup of food trucks, a mezcal cocktail bar and chocolate-filled churros make this a one-stop shop. Now in a new location. 100 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, mitotefoodpark.com
Taqueria California: The carnitas, carne asada and al pastor tacos have made this humble taqueria a darling of the delivery scene. Caramel-filled churros and sweet Jamaica agua frescas end the meal deliciously. 750 Stony Point Road, Suite A-155, Santa Rosa
Enchiladas Michoacan includes five enchiladas filled with quest fresco covered in guajillo sauce with potatoes and marinated chicken from Cielito Lindo restaurant in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Cielito Lindo: The list of add-ons to their super burritos is impressive, from al pastor and shredded chicken to soy chorizo, shrimp, potatoes and skirt steak. 52 Mission Blvd., Suite 110, Santa Rosa, 707-978-2070, instagram.com/cielitolindosantarosa
El Fogon Taco Shop: Quesadillas are nice, but a machete — a super-sized quesadilla with extra goodies inside — is what you’re here for. Mexico City street food like pambazo (a torta dipped in red pepper sauce) is also spectacular. 623 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-575-0574; 6576 Oakmont Drive, Suite A, Santa Rosa, 408-872-9953, elfogontacoshopca.com
Petaluma
Quiote: The menu at this family-owned Petaluma restaurant features regional touches from Jalisco, Mexico City and Oaxaca. “The cochinita pibil taco is particularly wonderful, overstuffed with at least double the meat of most tacos,” wrote Carey Sweet in a Press Democrat review when it opened. Chef Julio Ortiz rolls and shapes the blue corn tortillas by hand. 121 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707-774 6130, quiotemx.com
Cochinita Pibil Tacos from Quiote in downtown Petaluma, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Mole sauce over chicken, served with beans, rice and organic housemade tortillas at Tortilla Real Mexican Kitchen in Petaluma, on Monday, Feb. 21, 2022. (Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat)
Tortilla Real Mexican Kitchen: Hit up the weekend brunch in this adorable downtown Petaluma cafe for chilaquiles, huevos rancheros and tortas. 5 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma, 707-658-1415, tortillareal.com
Sonoma
El Molino Central: Tortillas are made from scratch while you wait. Beer-battered fish tacos with avocado lime mayo, ahi tostadas and tamales are best bets. Pick up Mole Enchiladas in the cold case to heat up at home. 11 Central Ave., Sonoma, 707-939-1010, elmolinocentral.com
Sonoma Eats: Chef Efrain Balmes makes the best Oaxacan food in Sonoma County using high-quality, locally farmed ingredients at a good price, infused with his heart and soul. The Mole Enchilada is what you’re here for. Other best bets include Baja Fish Tacos and Potato Tacos. 18133 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, 707-343-1141, sonoma-eats.com
The chicken mole enchilada by chef Efrain Balmes at Sonoma Eats in Sonoma, Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022. (Chad Surmick / Press Democrat)
Healdsburg
Agave: Mole, a rich dark sauce made with more than 20 ingredients, is the signature of this family-owned restaurant. A large selection of imported mezcal is also a star attraction. 1063 Vine St., Healdsburg, 707-433-2411, agavehealdsburg.com
Gallina D’Oro (formerly El Farolito): Owned by the same family as Agave (and several other great Mexican restaurants), you can get their signature mole Oaxaqueno, tacos ahogados and quesabirria, plus tasty mezcal-infused cocktails. 128 Plaza St., Healdsburg, 707-433-2807, gallinadoro.com
Cloverdale
El Milagro: This Cloverdale restaurant serves regional Mexican cuisine that makes the drive worth it, running the gamut from pumpkin seed mole and guisado (slow-braised stew) to simple flautas and tacos. Everything is made from scratch here, following authentic family recipes. There’s also a Healdsburg location (14 Matheson St.). 485 S. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, 707-894-6334, elmilagrocloverdale.com
Spring colors envelop John Leipsic of Larkspur and Wendy Robbins of Massachusetts as they tour the Western Hills Garden in Occidental, Tuesday, May 14, 2019. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
After the wet hush of winter, spring erupts at Western Hills Garden like an explosion of skyrockets. Purple and white Spanish bluebells peel out amid the woodlands, joined by baby blue forget-me-nots and white onion flowers. Rhododendrons and magnolias flaunt their lush blooms, while downy catkins, the seed-filled flower cluster of mature trees, drape from branches. Even the weeds seem to be showing off, says Hadley Dynak, who purchased the 3-acre historic garden in the redwood forest near Occidental with her husband, Kent Strader, in 2022.
It’s an exciting time of anticipation and potential, marked not just by the awakening plants and the lengthening days, but by the sudden activity of birds and bees as temperatures shift from brisk to comfortably cool. “Spring is like a loud shout — everything is alive and breathtaking,” says Dynak.
Hadley Dynak, the owner of the Western Hills Garden in Occidental, poses among the blooming forsythia. She is the new owner of the historic nursery in Occidental. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)The pond and garden at the Western Hills Garden in Occidental was created by Marshall Olbrich and Lester Hawkins in the 1960s as a place renowned for rare plants. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Western Hills was founded 60 years ago by Marshall Olbrich and Lester Hawkins, obsessive plant collectors with a commitment to a form of naturalistic, sustainable garden sensitive to California’s warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Together, they created a nursery that drew horticulturists and plant collectors from around the world to this tucked-away neighborhood of west county. The pair offered unusual specimens for sale, including many at the time seen nowhere else in the commercial nursery trade. Plant enthusiasts visited to swap seeds and talk ecology and world affairs with kindred spirits in what some describe as an informal outdoor salon of ideas.
Marshall and Lester — the garden’s fans refer to them in the familiar, like old friends — had a gentle way with plants, one which respected the tendency of plants and trees to grow half-wild and abundant. The garden fits into no neat design style or theme, beyond being a collector’s paradise of plants adapted to a Mediterranean climate, including primeval ferns and trees prized for their remarkable maturity, from an 84-foot-tall Japanese zelkova to a multi-stemmed Persian ironwood. Some 35 bridges meander past the five ponds, crossing back and forth over stone runnels channeling bubbling streams of water. A large folly just inside the entrance was inspired by the great English garden designer Penelope Hobhouse.
John Leipsic tours at Western Hills Garden in Occidental. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
New stewards
Dynak and Strader often dreamed of someday owning a place where they could bring together different communities in partnership, though the concept of a botanical garden never crossed their minds. Dynak is a creative producer who previously worked in the arts in Berkeley and Park City, Utah, while Strader is an attorney. With grown children, the couple faced a crossroads in 2023 after putting their home up for sale. When a friend called to suggest they check out a property in rural Sonoma, they were intrigued.
“We got up here, and we were blown away by the beauty,” Strader says. “I think within 10 minutes of seeing it, I turned to Hadley and said, ‘We’re buying this place.’”
Right away, they dug in, literally, building upon decades of work not only by the garden’s founders, but by previous owners and volunteers. Strader has fixed hundreds of feet of fencing and repaired many of the garden’s bridges. Last summer, he was cutting back a tangled thicket of undergrowth, and unearthed a whole “new” path and viewing bench concealed in the branches — a moment of surprise that speaks to the dense wonders found here.
Volunteer Barbera Costa waters the thousands of plants at the Western Hills Garden in Occidental on Thursday, July 31, 2014. The garden relies heavily on the support and work of its volunteers. (Conner Jay/The Press Democrat)
“We struggled a little early on,” says Strader. “Are we trying to recreate what was here? We went back and forth a lot and ended up with the idea that Lester and Marshall never would have sat on what they had and kept it the same. It would always have been evolving. We’re trying to honor the history while keeping it progressing forward.”
Strader and Dynak have weeded beds, composted leaves, and pruned hundreds of shrubs and trees with the help of a dozen volunteers and a new manager of horticulture, Justin Berthiaume, a former landscape architect with the National Park Service. And thanks to the efforts of intern Kat Gritt, who is studying arboriculture at Merritt College, the team has inventoried 832 different trees representing some 300 species, including a white eucalyptus that at 121 feet, is the tallest of its kind in the country.
A Chinese fringe tree and red rhododendrons at Western Hills Garden in Occidental. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)Coylus Avellana “Contorta,” also known as Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick, at Western Hills Garden in Occidental on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
In the past year, they’ve hosted school groups, book talks, forest-bathing sessions, journaling workshops and celebrations to mark the change of the seasons, focusing not just on horticulture but the arts. A class in “bioeuphoria” by Berkeley artist Jessica Abbott Williams had participants using handmade plant inks and natural objects to mark tiny, specific spots within the garden that captured their fascination, down to the level of a single flower or branch.
Weekend visitors check in at a small kiosk and are asked how they’d like to see the garden: by taking in broad sweeps of the landscape or looking up close. They’re offered magnifying glasses to take in new perspectives, such as the tiny marvel of the texture of a leaf or an insect collecting pollen.
It’s a perfect metaphor for what Dynak and Strader are trying to create: a place where many different groups can connect and where all are invited to wander, wonder and discover.
Smoked Salmon Hash with house-smoked salmon, oven dried tomatoes, green onions and hash browns, two eggs any style and lemon horseradish sauce from J & M’s Midtown Cafe, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Scrambled eggs and toast won’t get me out of bed, but flash a sticky bun and some hollandaise my way, and I’m racing to the table.
In Sonoma County, the breakfast scene runs the gamut, from simple plates of pancakes to fancy caviar-blinged Benedicts to crackly croissants. And while better-known haunts get plenty of love, you might be surprised by some unexpected breakfast favorites from Petaluma to Cloverdale and everywhere in between.
Santa Rosa
Grossman’s Noshery & Bar: Of course, you’ll find great bagels and schmears at this Jewish-style deli, but insiders know to order the lox and latke Benedict with schmaltz hollandaise – because who needs English muffins when you have latkes? Add caviar if you’re feeling fancy. 308 Wilson St., 707-595-7707, grossmanssr.com
Lox & Latke Benedict with Caviar from Grossman’s Deli Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)The Crebble (a croissant muffin) from Marla SR Bakery and Cafe in Santa Rosa, Nov. 16, 2023. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Marla Bakery: Only you can make the decision between the maple sugar and sea salt-dusted crebble (a croissant muffin) or the finger-licking sticky bun. Go for broke and get both — and since you’re there, add a fudgy dark chocolate brownie for later. 208 Davis St., 707-852-4091, marlabakery.com
Dierk’s Parkside Cafe: This humble café has reached icon status in Santa Rosa for its chef-driven menu and twist on breakfast standards. The Country Benedict on a crispy baguette with roasted tomatoes will always be my favorite, but the hash and cinnamon-dusted pull-a-parts are a close second. 404 Santa Rosa Ave., 707-573-5955, dierksparkside.com
J&M’s Midtown Cafe: Former Ramen Gaijin chef Joel Shaw’s weekly specials (like Hot Cross Bun sliders that sell out in minutes) are always a treat, but for traditionalists, the French toast is a winner — fresh ciabatta baguette dipped in egg, milk and cinnamon batter, leaving the inside soft and custard-like and the exterior crisp. 1422 Fourth St., 707-545-2233, jm-midtowncafe.com
Louisiana Hash with onions, bell peppers, bacon, potatoes, cheddar, eggs, herbs, mushrooms and spicy seasoning from J & M’s Midtown Cafe, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Concha breakfast sandwiches from Tia Maria Panaderia in Santa Rosa Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Tia Maria: At this neighborhood bakery and cafe, a sweet concha roll stuffed with scrambled egg, melty cheese and thick strips of bacon is pressed in a sandwich grill for a sweet, salty, creamy handheld breakfast sando like no other. Grab a Mexican hot chocolate for the road. 44 Sebastopol Ave., 707-540-9864, tiamaria.world
Brother’s Café: Most folks whiz by this setback cafe, located between a motel and a Mountain Mike’s on a nothing-burger stretch of Cleveland Avenue. Seek it out for the sticky-crunchy Dutch baby German pancake with caramelized apples. Also excellent are the biscuits with mushroom gravy. 3135 Cleveland Ave., 707-541-6345, brotherscafesr.com
Hank’s Creekside Cafe: Expect to sit around reading the paper on Saturday and Sunday mornings waiting for a table at this quirky Santa Rosa breakfast institution. Fluffy pancakes as big as your head, sausage, eggs and huevos rancheros, all served with a side of local cred and a homemade touch. Biscuits are made from scratch, eggs are fresh and the cottage fries are “Oh, my God” good. 2800 Fourth St., 707-575-8839, hanks-creekside.com
Guy Fieri tries blueberry pancakes at Hank’s Creekside Cafe in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)Grilled vegetable hash at Jeffrey’s Hillside Cafe in Santa Rosa. (Scott Manchester)
Jeffrey’s Hillside Café: Former John Ash & Co. chef brings Wine Country dining to breakfast. Don’t miss their chilaquiles, Southern-inspired biscuits and gravy, sticky bun French toast and cheese blintzes with lemon curd. Lines can get long on weekends, so put on your patient hat — it’s sooooo worth the wait. 2901 Fourth St., 707-546-6317, jeffreyshillsidecafe.com
Criminal Baking Co: You can smell the buttery goodness even before you head inside. Sinful Sandos are a must, as is the Fun Guy, with mushrooms, bacon, spinach, goat cheese, basil and arugula pesto, lemon curd and a baked egg. Plus, burritos, granola, quiche and daily pastries. Owner Dawn Zaft and her team also make plenty of gluten-free bagels and vegan pastries. 808 Donahue St., 707-888-3546, criminalbakingcompany.com
Americana:Farm-to-table breakfasts from the owners of Estero Cafe in Valley Ford — all day! Top-notch dishes include fried chicken with country gravy, omelets, a lovely breakfast sandwich with Estero Gold cheese on a fresh ciabatta, yogurt parfait and pancakes with tasty fresh strawberry mimosas. Find them in Sebastopol (162 N. Main St.) as well. 205 Fifth St., 707-755-1548, americanasonomacounty.com
Yogurt parfait is on the Early Bird menu at Americana in Sebastopol and Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)Chilaquiles at Chila-Killer Cafe in Rohnert Park. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)
Sarmentine:Brunch with a French accent includes salmon-laden croissants with hollandaise, a side of gratin potatoes that put home fries to shame and bread pudding in a pool of crème anglaise. You’ll also want to leave with a fresh baguette and croissants for dinner. 840 Petaluma Blvd. N., 707-623-9595, sarmentine.com
Sax’s Joint: Giant cinnamon rolls and pancakes the size of a small hubcap are the signatures of this 1950s-style café. Run by sassy sisters, it’s raucous fun but can be hectic on weekends. 317 Petaluma Ave., 707-559-3021, saxsjoint.com
Fried chicken and waffles at Sax’s Joint in Petaluma. (Chris Hardy/for Sonoma Magazine)Nutella cornetto filled with the creamy chocolate and hazelnut spread, drizzled with chocolate ganache, and topped with whole toasted hazelnuts, at Stellina Pronto in Petaluma. (Courtesy Stellina Pronto)
Stellina Pronto: Trying to order a pastry or two at this Italian bakery is futile. You will leave with thousands of calories more than you planned, and that’s absolutely OK. They are that good. Kouign-amann (caramelized, laminated pastries filled with fruit curd) and weekend cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting are top picks, but grab at least one cream puff, a Nutella cornetto and a slice of frittata. 23 Kentucky St., 707-789-9556, stellinapronto.com
Sonoma
Baker and Cook: Fresh buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy are legendary at this Boyes Hot Springs café. Originating in 19th-century lumberjack camps, this gut-stuffing breakfast warms the heart and fills the belly for a long day of timbering — or couch rotting. A side salad makes the whole thing almost healthy. 18812 Highway 12, 707-938-7329, bakerandcooksonoma.com
Sebastopol
Wild Poppy: The rambling outdoor patio of this family-owned Sebastopol restaurant is the place to be on sunny summer days. The Cosmic Queso with vegan cheese is a favorite, and vegetarians will find plenty of options here. A mix of housemade pastries, including scones, focaccia and Anya’s chocolate chip cookies are ideal companions for a day at the beach or an afternoon snack. 9890 Bodega Highway, 707-503-6332, thewildpoppycafe.com
Cookies, scones and other baked items from the The Wild Poppy Cafe along the Bodega Highway west of Sebastopol Friday, May 3, 2024 (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)Shakshuka — a Middle Eastern dish of poached egg, zesty tomato sauce, onions and a side of hummus and puffy pita bread — at Lightwave Coffee and Kitchen in Monte Rio. (Daniel Beck/Sonoma County Tourism)
Monte Rio
Lightwave Coffee & Kitchen: Follow the signs to the Monte Rio skate park, where you’ll find a curious walk-up café. You’ll want to order the warming breakfast shakshuka with tomato-y eggs and whatever pie is on the menu. 9725 Main St., 707-865-5169, lightwavecafe.square.site
Valley Ford
Estero Café: The “classic American farm-to-table” menu has made it a popular stop for diners headed to the coast. Serving locally sourced breakfast and lunch daily, dishes like chicken-fried Stemple Creek Ranch steak with country gravy and greens, Dungeness crab roll and King trumpet mushroom melt with Estero Gold cheese are local favorites. 14450 Highway 1, 707-876-3333, esterocafe.com
Healdsburg
Acorn Cafe: This cute-as-a-bug morning stop is staking a syrup-soaked claim on Healdsburg’s breakfast void with its over-the-top menu. Best bets are tiramisu French toast, a brown butter hollandaise Benedict and quite possibly the world’s most inspired fried chicken sandwich. A tasty low and no-alcohol and cocktail menu and wine list create a Sunday brunch feel even on weekday mornings. 124 Matheson St., 707-955-7001, acornhealdsburg.com
Tiramisu French toast with whipped mascarpone, Raspberry, coffee ice cream and cocoa nibs on Goguette brioche and a Berry Bliss smoothie from the Acorn Cafe Thursday, October 3, 2024 in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Varieties of croissants available at Quail & Condor bakery Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Quail and Condor:Noted by The New York Times and the James Beard Foundation, this outstanding bakery is a must-try. Crisp, flaky croissants that are second-to-none with seasonal flavors include chocolate pumpkin, along with ongoing classics like almond, chocolate and plain. 149 Healdsburg Ave., 707-473-8254, quailandcondor.com
Parish Café: Best known for its Louisiana-style shrimp and grits, beignets and po’boys, Parish has a Southern-style breakfast with its standards (yes, you can eat shrimp and grits for breakfast) as well as bananas Foster French toast and a Benedict with fried Gulf shrimp and Tasso ham. Chicory coffee is a staple. 60A Mill St., 707-431-8474, theparishcafe.com
Cloverdale
Rockin’ A Adventure Café: You won’t find much food, but the thrill of choosing your drink adventure at this oddball coffee drive-thru is a lot more fun. Start with a base of coffee, matcha, chai tea or Red Bull, then add one of 40 different syrups. Clearly, they’re not breaking any new beverage ground, but the wacky shack and endless choices make it a great stop on your commute. 313 S. Cloverdale Blvd., Facebook.com/RockinAadventureCafe
The Villa at Bartholomew Estate in Sonoma is a reproduction of the original Haraszthy Villa. (Bartholomew Estate Winery)
Those who’ve visited Sonoma’s historic Buena Vista Winery may not realize that neighboring Bartholomew Estate winery was once part of the same property. Today, the expansive estate has an identity all its own, yet it remains steeped in Sonoma Valley history.
The story
Bartholomew Estate’s colorful past stretches back to 1823, when Mission Solano de Sonoma planted vines at the site for sacramental wines. In the century to follow, the property assumed an array of fascinating identities, from pioneering Buena Vista Winery founder Agoston Haraszthy’s vineyard estate to a private country compound with its own 40-room “castle” to a state-owned rehab farm for “delinquent women.”
In 1943, war correspondent Frank “Bart” Bartholomew bought the abandoned property for $17,500 as a gift for his wife Antonia. Discovering remnants of old vines and winery ruins, the couple revived Buena Vista’s legacy with the help of legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff. The Bartholomews later sold Buena Vista but kept 375 acres as their private estate.
The sun rises over the vineyards at Bartholomew Estate in Sonoma. The Sonoma Valley estate includes 22 combined acres of Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. (Bartholomew Estate Winery)
The ranch’s latest incarnation launched in 2019, when the Frank H. Bartholomew Foundation — created in 1980 to preserve the property and its history — teamed up with winemaker Kevin Holt to open Bartholomew Estate Winery. Today, the Sonoma Valley estate includes 22 combined acres of Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
The vibe
Bartholomew Estate looks a lot like a park — because it is one. Driving through the woodsy property to reach the winery, you’re likely to pass locals walking their dogs along its meandering paths or cyclists getting in a morning ride. Though the estate is privately owned, its pup-friendly hiking trails and picnic areas are open to the public free of charge.
The former inmate hospital for the “delinquent” women’s farm, built in 1922, now houses the winery tasting room. It’s not nearly as creepy as that sounds. The space is warm and cheerful, with a gallery room that features a rotating display of work by local artists.
The Bartholomew Estate tasting room is warm and cheerful. A gallery room features a rotating display of work by local artists. (Bartholomew Estate Winery)The serene Oak Knoll tasting terrace at Sonoma’s Bartholomew Estate is ideal for outdoor sipping. California live oaks shade various seating areas. (Bartholomew Estate Winery)
Bartholomew Estate’s setting is ideal for outdoor sipping, especially on the serene Oak Knoll tasting terrace, open April through September. Set among the trees and overlooking a lovely Sauvignon Blanc vineyard, it includes seating areas shaded by California live oaks. It’s hard to imagine you’re just a five-minute drive from the Sonoma Plaza.
On the palate
Bartholomew Estate makes many of its wines from grapes grown on the property, along with vineyards in the surrounding area. The 2022 Marsanne-Rousanne ($38) is a standout, with its floral aromas, peachy flavor and zingy lime notes. (The soon-to-be-released 2023 vintage won a Best of Class award at the 2025 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge, and as a judge in this year’s competition, I can attest to its deliciousness.) The 2022 Press Release — another Best of Class winner — is a mixed berry pie of a wine made with Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. The 2022 Wildcat Mountain Pinot Noir ($65) is all about cherries, accented with baking spices. Wines are sold only in the tasting room or online, and all earnings go toward maintaining the property and park.
A mezze platter from Sonoma’s Spread Kitchen at Bartholomew Estate in Sonoma. (Michelle Hogan)
Tastings range from $45-$55 for the Estate Wine Tasting to $75 for the Wine Tasting Flight + Mediterranean Mezze Delights, which includes a colorful platter of Middle Eastern snacks from Sonoma’s Spread Kitchen.
Beyond the bottle
Plan to explore Bartholomew Estate’s 3 miles of public hiking trails, set among mature oaks, madrones, redwoods and vineyards. Bring a picnic and a bottle of the winery’s crisp Sauvignon Blanc or rosé to sip with your portable feast. You can also book horseback tours through Sonoma Valley Trail Rides ($150-$170) or join a nature therapy guide for an immersive “forest bathing” session that ends with a seated wine tasting ($150).
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.
Nicole White’s her passion for honey from around the world led her to open, La Ruche, a new honey and mead tasting room Thurs., Jan. 16, 2025 in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
For those whose primary experience of honey centers on a squeezable plastic bear, a visit to Healdsburg’s new honey tasting room, La Ruche (“the hive” in French), is an eye opener.
There’s wildflower honey from a boreal forest in Northern Canada, pine honey from Greece and creamed honey from Redwoods Monastery in Humboldt County, plus selections from three local specialty producers. Owner Nicole White says what she loves about honey is that it’s so different depending on where it comes from.
“If you’re into food and taste and experimenting, that’s what I think is really fun about this,” she says.
Nicole White, owner of La Ruche, a honey tasting room in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / Sonoma Magazine)
Walk-in guests can enjoy casual tastings — coming soon are seated tastings with cheese, charcuterie and mead. White hopes La Ruche helps others appreciate what a delicacy honey is, and how much there is to learn.
“If you want to geek out about honey,” she says, “there’s plenty to geek out about.”
Guerneville resident and JKA Design owner John Anderson designed this pentroom for the 46th annual San Francisco Decorator Showcase benefiting the San Francisco University High School financial aid program. The home tour is open to the public through May 26. (Christopher Stark)
The San Francisco Decorator Showcase — a home tour in its 46th year benefiting the San Francisco University High School financial aid program — will be open to the public through May 26. Every year, top Bay Area designers and a fleet of volunteers, donors and sponsors come together to transform the interior of a remarkable San Francisco home, which is then visited by thousands. This year, Sonoma designers and artisans have lent their talents to the exquisitely decorated home.
A 1902 T. Paterson Ross dwelling in Pacific Heights is the site of this year’s tour. The seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom mansion spans 9,000 square feet over five levels, and includes an elevator and rooftop gardens with bay and skyline views.
John Anderson, Guerneville resident and principal designer of JKA Design, was tasked with transforming the pentroom on the home’s roof deck. Entitled “Way Out West: A Technicolor Time-Out,” the room features high-octane accents — like Terri Loewenthal’s color-saturated nature photos — among neutral hues and textured elements. Anderson described the room design as: “High chroma accents that are rooted in this desert-like natural envelope.”
Room by John Anderson of JKA Design. (Christopher Stark)
The room is influenced by Anderson’s affinity for the American Southwest and references several spots he has traveled to or called home, from Dallas, where he grew up, to Arizona, where he went to school, and then to Palm Springs.
“We created a room that we would have wanted to hang out in,” Anderson said of the design his team built. “We imagined you’d be having a hot tub (in the adjacent rooftop Jacuzzi) and then coming into the space and listening to some music and making yourself a cocktail. And no TV, no other technology. It’s going to be a listening room and bar.”
The design includes a vinyl record player, and Anderson created a Spotify playlist spanning many decades, including country, downtempo chill and techno music to add, he said, “a very dreamscape vibe” to the room.
Country star Orville Peck was on Anderson’s personal playlist as he and the team were designing. As a result, Peck’s influence is tangible in the space. The South African musician, known for concealing his face with fringy masks, inspired the use of fringe in the room — on the shades and chairs as well as on the sconces in a vibrant blue bathroom.
The bathroom off of the bar and lounge by John Anderson. (Christopher Stark)John Anderson and other Sonoma designers have their work featured in this year’s San Francisco Decorator Showcase. This bar in the pentroom of the Pacific Heights home was designed by JKA Design. (Christopher Stark)
Glass bricks, referencing clarified ice in cocktail glasses, make up the base of the front bar — a nod to Guerneville’s cocktail lounge El Barrio that Anderson co-owns. Anderson contrasts the icy look with a luxe copper top. He embraces contrast a lot in this design with differing elements, like “soft and hard, rounded and angular, luxe and casual.”
Sonoma resident and San Francisco designer Kelly Hohla created the Marine Layers family room that takes design cues from the city’s prime mood-maker: the fog. The room uses wavy lines, amorphous shapes and gradient colors from white to gray to blue with sunshiny spots of gold. The room is “layered” with playful design details, including a custom credenza made by Sonoma furniture maker Paul Benson.
The Marine Layers room features this bespoke credenza by Sonoma furniture maker Paul Benson. (Kelly Hohla Interiors)
The white oak cabinet has randomly spaced circular perforations (lined in bronze like tiny portholes) and hand-formed nodules on the countertop to achieve a wonderfully whimsical look.
Cloverdale-based artists and furniture studio Tuell & Reynolds added a fireplace screen to the room with clean lines and metal half-circle accents that might suggest phases of the moon. The design duo also collaborated on a coffee table featured in the showcase’s living room, designed by Geoffrey De Sousa Interior Design. The table, commissioned and designed by De Sousa, holds a ceramic medallion by Brooklyn artist Peter Lane. The table’s triangular shape and rounded corners offer a curvy contrast to the rectilinear grid of the traditionally styled wall paneling.
This living room by Geoffrey De Sousa Interior Design features a coffee table fabricated by Cloverdale-based Tuell & Reynolds. (José Manuel Alorda)This Moroccan-inspired dining room by designer Julie Rootes features drapes sourced from Healdsburg’s Sandra Jordan Prima Alpaca. (Lauren Andersen / SEN Creative)
The home’s Moroccan-inspired dining room, by designer Julie Rootes, is completely shrouded in gathered drapes on the ceiling and walls. Sourced from Healdsburg’s Sandra Jordan Prima Alpaca, the sustainable alpaca fabric has an impossibly rich eggplant hue.
Tiles from Healdsburg-based McIntyre Tile provide elegant shine and texture in a caviar-colored laundry room by designer Fernando Castellanos. Castellanos considered the diminutive space the jewel box of the home, which he adorned with contrasting finishes of caviar: glossy cabinets and matte walls. The showstopping space features a glass jewel-shaped pendant light and a pair of fine art photos. An inspired placement of the washer and dryer on opposing sides gives the room compelling symmetry.
46th Annual San Francisco Decorator Showcase, 2935 Pacific Ave., San Francisco. April 26 – May 26, Tuesdays through Sundays; closed Mondays, except for Memorial Day. $45-$55. For tickets and information, visit DecoratorShowcase.org.
