A home with a powerful history is currently listed for sale in Cloverdale. Built in 1903 as a steam-generating power plant, the structure was converted into a residence by the 1950s. The “Power House” — named by former owner Arthur Foster, a banker and Northwest Pacific Railroad scion — is currently seeking $3,750,000.
The stucco dwelling, which once converted Big Sulphur Creek water into power for three towns and the Italian Swiss Colony, still bears the words “No Admittance. Danger.” No danger remains, but Big Sulphur Creek does, which runs that length of the property, adding scenic and acoustic beauty, not to mention a nod to the home’s history.
The home has three en-suite bedrooms, a 40-foot-by-40-foot great room with 20-foot ceilings, a herringbone-brick faced hearth, and custom windows that overlook the creek.
Table and hearth. (Jeffrey Frisk)Great room. (Jeffrey Frisk)Exterior of building. (Jeffrey Frisk)
Sapele wood doors with van Cronenburg architectural hardware connect to the gardens, featuring ancient olive trees, native plants and gravel pathways — the work of notable landscape architect and former owner of the “Power House,” Todd Cole. A vintage Wedgewood stove adds a retro touch to the kitchen. Doors lead to a courtyard on one side and the creek on the other.
Other amenities include a pool, an office, a pavilion and an accessory dwelling unit.
Juanita Watkins of Cotati, waves a flag as she dances with the “Hubbub Club” in the parade during the 2025 Sonoma County Pride Parade in Santa Rosa on Saturday, May 31, 2025. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat)
Pride Month, celebrated every June in the United States since 1999, commemorates decades of LGBTQ civil rights activism and marks the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York that sparked the movement. Sonoma County has long been at the forefront of gay rights activism, and each year the Pride celebrations grow more colorful.
This year is no exception as the county is going all in on the rainbow-filled community festivities. Here is where to celebrate Pride in Sonoma County.
Sonoma County Pride
Sonoma County’s annual Pride Month celebration will kick off with a free pride-flag-raising ceremony at 11 a.m. on June 1 atop the Rosenberg Building in Santa Rosa (306 Mendocino Ave.). Sonoma County Pride will present various events across the county, including its main festival weekend, June 5-7, in downtown Santa Rosa. sonomacountypride.org
Messages of support displayed by participants during Sonoma County Pride’s Transgender Rally For Our Rights event in Santa Rosa’s Courthouse Square, May 30, 2025. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
Transgender Rally – For Our Rights! June 5
Sonoma County Pride will host a Transgender Rally from 4-7 p.m. June 5 at Santa Rosa’s Old Courthouse Square. The rally aims to support and uplift transgender and nonbinary individuals with speakers and community resources. Speakers, performers and special guests include Suzanne Ford, executive director of San Francisco Pride; E. Samuell MacLaughlin, a member of Santa Rosa’s Manzanita Harmony choir; Diana Dreams, a singer-songwriter and community organizer; and Tiesa Meskis, new Sonoma County Pride board member and trans rights advocate. Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa
Pride 2026 Kickoff Party, June 5
Shady Oak Barrel House will host Sonoma County Pride’s Kickoff Party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., June 5, at its Santa Rosa taproom. Hosted by drag performer Fantasia Royale Gaga, the party will include dance music by DJ Dyops and drag performances by Bay Area entertainer Tila Pia, Petaluma performer La Adriana Falana and drag king Divonte West. Doors open at 9 p.m. The 18-and-over drag show starts at 11 p.m., with dancing before and after. General admission is $20. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite. Shady Oak Barrel House, 420 First St., Santa Rosa
Sonoma County’s AG + Open Space participants march and hold signs during the 2025 Sonoma County Pride Parade in Santa Rosa on Saturday, May 31, 2025. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat)
Sonoma County Pride Parade and Festival, June 6
The 41st annual Sonoma County Pride Parade will be held from 11 a.m. to noon, June 6, from Fremont Park down Fourth Street to Old Courthouse Square in downtown Santa Rosa. The Pride Festival immediately follows the parade and will include live entertainment, a marketplace, local artists, community resources and interactive experiences. Dance-music artist Kristine W will headline the festival, which will also include performances by Los Angeles-based queer music artist BleachX; host and drag entertainer Fantasia Royale Gaga; Bonesurf, resident DJ at the Rainbow Cattle Company; and nonprofit Cheer San Francisco. Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa
Pride After-Party at La Rosa, June 6
Sonoma County Pride will hold its after-party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., June 6, at The Lounge at La Rosa. Fantasia Royale Gaga will host the 21-and-over party, featuring music by DJ Beverly Chills and drag performances by Princesses Poncha, Mary Vince and Kochina Rude. General admission is $20. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite. La Rosa | Tequileria & Grille, 500 Fourth St., Santa Rosa
Pride Pool Party at Francis Ford Coppola Winery, June 7
Sonoma County Pride will host its pool party from noon to 5 p.m., June 7, at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville. Hosted by Fantasia Royale Gaga, the 18-and-over party will include music by DJ Jaymeebaaby. General admission is $45 and reserved loungers (includes admission) are $125. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite. Francis Ford Coppola Winery, 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville
Pride Stand-Up Comedy Night, June 19
Sonoma County Pride’s “Tokes & Jokes” stand-up comedy night will be held from 6-10 p.m., June 19, at The Lounge at Mercy Wellness in Cotati. Comedian Marcus Williams will headline the 21-and-over event, which will also feature special guest Tila Pia, live DJ music, cannabis tastings and herbal cocktails. Tickets range from $25 to $200. Purchase tickets on EventHi. The Lounge at Mercy, 7950 Redwood Drive, Suite 16, Cotati
A giant Pride flag is unfurled at Sonoma City Hall during the Sonoma Valley Pride Festival at Sonoma Plaza in Sonoma Sunday, June 1, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Sonoma Valley Pride
Founded by Out in the Vineyard owner Gary Saperstein and local designer Matthew Long in 2020, Sonoma Valley Pride held the first official Pride gathering with the mayor in 2023 and arranged city-approved Pride banners around the Plaza in June. Sonoma Valley Pride will hold its three-day Pride celebration from June 12-14. sonomavalleypride.com
Pride Kickoff Gathering, June 2
Before its annual Pride weekend, Sonoma Valley Pride will kick off Pride month with a meet-up at the Tuesday Night Market at 5 p.m. on June 2 on the Sonoma Plaza. Sponsored by Picnic Potential and presented by Sonoma Valley Pride in collaboration with Sonoma GayDar, the gathering offers the LGBTQ community and allies a chance to connect and enjoy the market together. Guests are welcome to bring food and drinks to share. Free to attend; RSVP on Facebook. Sonoma Plaza, 453 First St. E., Sonoma
Rise with Pride Concert, June 12
The Sebastiani Theatre will host “Rise With Pride,” an inaugural concert presented by and benefiting Sonoma Valley Pride, on June 12. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. and the all-ages show starts at 8 p.m. The show will feature Portland musician J. Graves and Bay Area drag performers Kochina Rude and Tila Pia. Tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for youth under 21. Purchase tickets online. Sebastiani Theatre, 476 First St. E., Sonoma
Pride Dance Party at General’s Daughter, June 13
Sonoma Valley Pride will host a Pride dance party from 7-10 p.m., June 13, at the soon-to-reopen event venue The General’s Daughter in Sonoma. The evening will include music by Marylouise Pels of the DJ duo Posso, food for purchase from Costa’s Tacos in Sonoma and wine from Pangloss Cellars and Winery Sixteen 600 (included with ticket purchase). Tickets are $30. Purchase tickets online. The General’s Daughter, 400 W. Spain St., Sonoma
2026 Plaza Pride Festival, June 14
Sonoma Valley Pride’s annual music and arts festival will be held from 2-5 p.m. June 14 on the Sonoma Plaza. The community festival will include food, live music, guest speakers, queer artists and makers, face painting and a photo booth with costumes and props. Free to attend; food and wine available for purchase. Learn more online. Sonoma Plaza, 453 First St. E., Sonoma
Sutton Beyer, 7, smiles as Bailey Rhude flicks open her fan during the Sonoma Valley Pride Festival at Sonoma Plaza in Sonoma Sunday, June 1, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Cloverdale Pride
The town of Cloverdale will celebrate its second annual Cloverdale Pride Weekend from June 18-21 with several festivities.
Pride Happy Hour at The Beet, June 18-21
The Beet Restaurant & Wine Shop will host a special happy hour from 3-6 p.m. every day during Cloverdale Pride Weekend. It will also host a Pride Dance Party with a live DJ playing favorite dance hits from 9:30 p.m. until close on June 19. The kitchen will stay open late. Free entry. 116 E. First St., Cloverdale, 707-669-5080, cloverdalebeet.com
Pride Movie Night in Cloverdale, June 18
The Cloverdale Performing Arts Center will celebrate Cloverdale Pride with a screening of the 1995 film “To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar” from 6-9 p.m. June 18. The movie follows three New York City drag queens — played by Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo — on a cross-country trip that gets sidetracked when they break down in a small town. A reception with a DJ, wine and hors d’oeuvres will be held after doors open at 6 p.m. The film begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30. Purchase tickets online. 209 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, 707-894-2214, cloverdaleperformingarts.com
Friday Night Live with Earl Thomas, June 19
Grammy-nominated blues singer Earl Thomas and his band will perform a free, outdoor show from 6-9:30 p.m. June 19, at the Cloverdale Plaza, as part of the town’s Friday Night Live at the Plaza concert series. Thomas has claimed he’s the “first openly gay bluesman” in the genre’s 200-year history. All ages welcome. Cloverdale Pride T-shirts will be available for purchase. Cloverdale Plaza, 122 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, facebook.com/FridayNightLiveAtThePlaza
Community Day at the Plaza, June 20
Pride Weekend’s Community Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 20, at the Cloverdale Plaza. KJ Fullsend will host an open-air karaoke all afternoon, and crafts store Knotty Nook will have arts and crafts for all ages on the square. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from Papa’s Pizza and The Butcherman food truck. The afternoon festivities will be followed by an art gallery reception from 2-4 p.m. at the Cloverdale Arts Alliance Gallery. The reception — featuring the works of artist James William Moore — will include wine, small bites and live music from Steve Tellez and KJ Jones. Free entry. Cloverdale Plaza and CAA Gallery at 204 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. cloverdaleartsalliance.org
Drag Bingo Brunch, June 21
La Tequila Mexican Restaurant will host a drag bingo June 21 featuring brunch and a show. Doors open at 11 a.m., a brunch buffet starts at 11:30 a.m. and the drag show starts at 12:30 p.m. with hostess Blanca Salchicha Chicharron de la Cruz, her sidekick Lazy Susan and more drag queens. Tickets are $60 per person and include brunch, two bingo cards, drag performances and special prizes. Drinks will be available for purchase. Purchase tickets online. La Tequila, 134 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, 707-669-2363, mexicanrestaurantcloverdale.com
More exciting Pride events
Dolly! A Pride Show, June 6
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus will perform a Pride concert inspired by music icon Dolly Parton starting at 5 p.m., June 6, at Sonoma State University’s Green Music Center in Weill Hall. Tickets are $31–$81. Purchase tickets online. Green Music Center, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, 707-664-4246, gmc.sonoma.edu
Queer Trailblazers of Sonoma, June 18
An evening of storytelling and live music recognizing Sonoma Valley’s LGBTQ trailblazers from 5-7 p.m. June 18 at the Sonoma Community Center. Light appetizers and drinks available. The event benefits the center’s Queer Art Club. The main event is 18-and-over, and the after-party from 7-9 p.m. at Pangloss Cellars (35 E. Napa St.) is 21-and-over. Tickets are $40-$50. Purchase tickets online. Sonoma Community Center, 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma
Proud Mary: A Creedence Queerwater Revival, June 19
Proud Mary, the self-proclaimed “world’s queerest Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band,” will perform from 6-9 p.m., June 19, at Rio Nido Roadhouse. All ages welcome. Tickets are $15, available at the door only. 14540 Canyon 2 Road, Rio Nido, 707-869-0821, rionidoroadhouse.com
Priscilla, Queen of the Center! June 20
The Sonoma Community Center, in partnership with Out in the Vineyard, will host its Pride Night celebration from 5-9 p.m. June 20 at the center’s Secret Garden and Redwood Grove. The event, inspired by the 1994 film “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” will include a cocktail hour, family-style dinner, live drag performances and a post-show dance party with DJ music. General admission is $150 per person and a VIP Experience is $500 per couple. Learn more and purchase tickets online. Sonoma Community Center, 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma
Sonoma County Dyke March and Street Fair, June 21
The inaugural Sonoma County Dyke March will stride through downtown Santa Rosa on June 21, followed by the Lez-a-Palooza Street Fair on the Square. Participants should gather at 10 a.m. at the Santa Rosa City Hall parking lot. The march begins at 11 a.m. and finishes at Old Courthouse Square, where the street fair will take place. The route is wheelchair and walker friendly; dogs are not allowed at Courthouse Square. The street fair will include speakers (with ASL interpretation), live music by DJ Dyops, a dress-up photo booth and other interactive booths. Various activities and games will include cornhole, line dancing, axe throwing, a Hula-Hoop challenge and a kids corner. Free to attend. Santa Rosa City Hall parking lot and Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa. socodykemarch.org
Pride Happy Hour at Martin Ray, June 27
Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery will host a Pride happy hour from 3-6 p.m., June 27, at its Santa Rosa tasting room. The happy hour event, a benefit for the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, will include an auction, light bites and wine by the glass or bottle. Guests will have a chance to try the estate’s recently released 2025 PRIDE Cuvée. Carpooling and ride-sharing are encouraged, as parking is limited. Tickets are $30. Purchase tickets on Tock. 2191 Laguna Road, Santa Rosa, 707-908-8993, martinraywinery.com
Every June for the past 16 years, a rainbow flag has flown from the tall water tower at Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery in northwest Santa Rosa. The winery celebrates Pride Month with a series of Pizza & Pride events. (Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery)In 2008, Gary Saperstein founded Out in the Vineyard, a Sonoma-based event company aimed at cultivating an inclusive experience in Wine Country. Today, the organization organizes events throughout the year and a series of popular parties during Pride Month. (Melania Mahoney of Sonoma Valley Pride 2025)
Gay Wine Weekend, July 17-19
Out in the Vineyard’s 15th annual Gay Wine Weekend will return July 17-19 to Sonoma Valley. While it’s after Pride Month, the three-day event hosted by Gary Saperstein’s Wine Country events company is among the most anticipated LGBTQ festivities in the county.
Tickets for select events range from $75 to $250. A Magnum VIP Pass ($1,200) includes access to all events over the weekend, and a VIP Party Pass ($575) includes access to all the parties but not the tours and dinners. A portion of ticket proceeds benefit local nonprofit and HIV/AIDS network Face to Face. Purchase tickets online.outinthevineyard.com
Pesto and basil leaves. (gorchittza2012 / Getty Images)
Basil is a signal creature of summer, a robust herb that flourishes in the hot sun. Genovese basil—sometimes called big leaf basil, sweet basil, or true basil—is the very scent of the season, with sweet, heady aromas evocative of clove, anise, lemon zest, and licorice root. Tear a single leaf and you are enveloped in the essence of summer. Basil tastes refreshingly green.
Frédérique Lavoipierre, author of “Garden Allies” and a former longtime resident of Sebastopol, offered advice that made her then-young son blush.
“Basil should not be planted until you can lie on the ground naked,” she told customers at her diminutive Shoestring Nursery.
Basil flourishes in the hot sun — tear a single leaf and you are enveloped in the essence of summer. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat, file)
Plant basil in May, when the ground is indeed warm, and begin harvesting in June. Three to six plants, depending on how many you typically feed, should keep you in delicious basil and its classic sauce, pesto, until the first heavy rain or freeze. And then you should forget about it, as basil is meant to be enjoyed in hot weather, not in colder months.
The very best pesto is made by hand with mortar and pestle (or the similar Japanese suribachi), but time being what it is today, there is an easy alternative: grinding the garlic, basil, and parsley in a food processor and folding in the other ingredients by hand. Pesto should not be a smooth pureé; it should have some texture and this technique provides some. Just before using, stir in a tablespoon or two of hot water to loosen the pesto and make it easily spreadable.
Basil, a summer plant, tastes refreshingly green. The robust herb works beautifully in this easy pesto. (gorchittza2012 / Getty Images)
Traditional Summer Pesto
Serves 4 to 6
• 1 large bunch fresh Genovese basil (about 4 cups of leaves), loosely packed
• 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts, lightly toasted and chopped into small pieces (see note below)
Do not wash the basil. Instead, brush off any dust or dirt that clings to the leaves. If you have not already done so, remove and discard the stems. Tear or chop the basil and parsley coarsely; set aside.
Put the garlic into the work bowl of a food processor, sprinkle generously with salt, and pulse several times until the garlic is reduced to a smooth paste, scraping the sides of the work bowl as necessary.
Add the chopped leaves and pulse several times, stopping before the leaves are pureed; they should retain some texture. Scrape the mixture into a mixing bowl.
Fold in the walnuts, cheese, and butter. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while mixing with a rubber spatula. Taste and correct for salt.
Cover and set aside until ready to use. The pesto will keep, refrigerated, for 2 to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before enjoying tossed with pasta or new potatoes; spread over bruschetta or pizza; spooned over tomatoes, grilled vegetables, or polenta; or stirred into soup or risotto.
Note: Although pine nuts are traditional in pesto, they can be both expensive and vary widely in quality. Walnuts are a delicious, inexpensive alternative.
Bacigalupi Vineyard in Russian River Valley. (Definition Films)
May marks the 50th anniversary of the “Judgment of Paris,” when a panel of French wine judges chose the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay and 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon as the top wines in a France-versus-California showdown. What many people don’t know is that Chateau Montelena bought most of the grapes for its winning Chardonnay from two Sonoma County vineyards.
Bacigalupi Vineyards Goddard Ranch
When Charles and Helen Bacigalupi bought their Russian River Valley ranch in 1956, they weren’t sure what to do with the existing vineyard, planted to old-school grapes like Mission and French Colombard. Farm advisor Bob Sisson convinced Charles to try planting a variety called Chardonnay.
He’d never heard of it and had to grab a piece of paper to write down the name. “Bob told him, ‘Go see Karl Wente in Livermore,’” explained Charles’ granddaughter Katey Bacigalupi Row. “He’ll take care of you.”
Katey Bacigalupi of Bacigalupi Vineyards near Healdsburg. (Bacigalupi Vineyards)
Bacigalupi brought back Chardonnay cuttings from Wente Vineyards and planted 14 acres at Goddard Ranch.
Part of the vineyard’s magic is its rocky, volcanic clay soils. Because the vines struggle, the resulting wines have tension and minerality. Differing berry sizes on the clusters—known as “hens and chicks”—mean the grapes ripen at different rates, balancing acidity with ripe fruit flavors.
Belle Terre Ranch
Belle Terre’s Chardonnay vines, planted by Henry Dick in 1970, were just getting started in 1973. That made it all the more incredible that the Alexander Valley vineyard achieved such legendary status.
“It was unusual for a vineyard that young to do so well,” said Henry’s son Ron Dick, who now runs Belle Terre.
Dick said the magnitude of the Paris tasting didn’t really hit him until then-Chateau Montelena winemaker Mike Grgich came out and explained it. “After that,” Dick said, “I was flabbergasted.”
During the 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting, French judges rated the Stags’ Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon and the Chateau Montelena 1973 Chardonnay over top French wines. (Bella Spurrier / For The Washington Post)
The following year, Chateau St. Jean began making a Belle Terre Chardonnay, celebrated for its minerality and ripe, stone-fruit flavors. The winery continued producing it for more than four decades.
Though Dick said he didn’t find a home for the fruit last year due to the industry glut, it’s part of the blend for Rodney Strong’s 2024 Sonoma County Chardonnay.
Three to try
Bacigalupi Vineyards
2023 Renouveau Paris Tasting Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, $85
This is currently the only wine made from the historic “Paris Tasting Block” on Goddard Ranch. The wine has ripe, peachy aromas with stone fruit and citrus zing on the palate. Rich and creamy, it finishes with a kiss of vanilla.
The Bacigalupi tasting room nestled among the vineyards in Healdsburg. (Sonoma County Tourism)Auteur Chardonnay made with grapes from Bacigalupi Vineyard. (Auteur Wines)
Auteur Wines
2024 Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, $65
Hailing from the block just below the Paris Tasting vineyard, this is a bright-yet-round rendition bursting with pure fruit flavors—think Golden Delicious apple—and balancing acidity. (It’s set for release in September—but wines this delicious are worth the wait.)
The MacRostie Winery tasting room in Healdsburg. (Mariah Harkey / Sonoma County Tourism)
MacRostie Winery
2023 Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, $55
Rich and round on the palate, this has aromas of vanilla and flavors combining lemon meringue pie with tangy green apple. The wine has a creamy texture and a lingering finish.
Smash, a new smashburger spot from chef Ari Weiswasser, has opened in Sonoma. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)
Sonoma has a new burger spot, and you won’t need a reservation to get in.
Chef Ari Weiswasser, the restaurateur behind Glen Ellen Star and Stella, has opened Smash, a fast-casual restaurant on Sonoma Plaza devoted to lacy-edged smashburgers, fried chicken sandwiches, fries, tater tots and milkshakes. The menu is intentionally spare — and that’s part of the appeal.
After years spent crafting polished farm-to-table cuisine, Weiswasser is leaning into something simpler, faster and a lot less fussy. Alongside the burgers is a vegetarian falafel burger, plus beer, wine, canned cocktails and boozy milkshakes for adults as well as kid-friendly ones. Extras like bacon marmalade and a Thousand Island-inspired Smash sauce give the standard pickle-lettuce-tomato formula a bit of Sonoma swagger. For maximum indulgence, pair the canned espresso martini with a float of vanilla milkshake. I’m open to a little Watmaugh strawberry shake, too.
Smash, a new smashburger spot from chef Ari Weiswasser, has opened in Sonoma. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)
Located in the former Taub Family Outpost space, Smash is bright and contemporary, with self-serve ordering, bar seating, communal tables and a small patio. The room hums with noise and energy — fitting for a family-friendly restaurant designed with approachable prices in mind. Diners seeking a quieter experience may want to take their burgers to go. Upstairs, the Beacon speakeasy offers a more polished setting, serving craft cocktails alongside the full Smash menu.
Open less than a week, the restaurant is already drawing weekend crowds and quickly establishing itself as a local gathering spot.
Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 497 First St. W., Sonoma, instagram.com/smashsonoma
Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini addresses an audience at Terra Madre 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Terra Madre)
Carlo Petrini, the founder of the Slow Food movement and one of the world’s most influential advocates for thoughtful eating, died May 21. He was 76.
Petrini spent decades championing heirloom ingredients, regional food traditions and small-scale agriculture, helping shape the modern organic and farm-to-table movements. His criticism of industrialized food systems inspired generations of chefs, farmers and consumers to rethink how food is grown and consumed.
The Slow Food movement began in 1986 after plans emerged to open a McDonald’s near Rome’s Spanish Steps, replacing a local cafe. The proposal ignited protests over the creeping homogenization of Italian food culture. By the mid-1990s, Slow Food had evolved into an international network of local chapters, known as Convivia, dedicated to food education, sustainability and the promotion of what Petrini called “good, clean and fair food.”
The Slow Food Snail of Approval Friday, Feb. 9, 2026 in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Sonoma County became one of the movement’s early American strongholds.
For more than 20 years, Slow Food Russian River has partnered with 4-H and FFA students to raise heirloom-breed Thanksgiving turkeys. Meanwhile, the Sonoma County North chapter helped rescue the Bodega Red, a creamy pink potato introduced from Chile to the Sonoma Coast in the 1840s and later used by horticulturist Luther Burbank in breeding programs. Today, the potato is listed in Slow Food’s Ark of Taste, a catalog of endangered heritage foods, and has become a prized ingredient among local farmers and chefs.
“A lot of the folks in the Sonoma North chapter really knew him because the chapter was one of the first in the country,” said Donna del Rey of Healdsburg’s Relish Culinary Adventures, a longtime Slow Food member.
Del Rey, who attended several Terra Madre gatherings in Italy, said Petrini’s influence extended beyond food itself.
“It was about the mission and the balance of joy and justice in everything he did,” she said. “It survives in the people who are Slow Food.”
The St. Helena Ave. Burger at Superburger. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
At Sonoma Magazine, we’re always ready to celebrate great bun-patty-bun combos. So it’s a good thing we’re not picky about what’s between the buns — whether Wagyu beef, chuck, turkey or a plant-based burger. Here’s the thing: A great burger is all about the whole package, with melted cheese, a soft bun, crisp veggies and a moist, chewy patty in the middle.
Burger Harn, Lunch Box: The signature Burger Harn is the kind of messy, smushy, everything-that’s-good-about-beef masterpiece you rarely find. It’s a 6-ounce ground prime chuck patty topped with cheddar, tomato, red onion, shredded iceberg, dill pickle, onion butter and fancy sauce on a brioche bun. Pair with “dirty fries” — a pile of crispy fries, chevre ranch dressing, house-cured and smoked bacon, green onion, roasted garlic and pepperoncini. You’ll need plenty of napkins and a stout appetite. 128 N. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-347-9881, lunchboxsonomacounty.com
Burger from Lunch Box in Sebastopol. (Lunch Box)Iggy’s burger with beef patty, Clover cheddar cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickles and onions on a Hawaiian bun served on the plaza in downtown Healdsburg, June 30, 2023. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
The Iggy, Iggy’s Organic Burger: A tasty organic patty cooked in beef tallow is topped with Clover cheddar cheese, pickles, pickled onions, ketchup and mustard on buttery Hawaiian buns. A delicious take on a classic smashburger. 109 Plaza St., Healdsburg, 707-473-8636; 6700 Sebastopol Ave, Sebastopol, iggysburger.com
Bacon Cheeseburger, Machado Burgers: Is this bacon cheeseburger the most perfect burger in Sonoma County? Quite possibly. Don’t miss the Piggy Tots, tater tots topped with housemade chili, pulled pork, cheese, red onions, jalapeños and mustard barbecue sauce. 406 Larkfield Center, Santa Rosa, 707-546-6835; 9240 Old Redwood Highway, Windsor, 707-620-0258, machadoburgers.com
Bacon cheeseburger from Machado Burgers, which has locations in Santa Rosa and Windsor. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)The Bijou Burger with fries at Bijou Restaurant in Petaluma Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Bijou Burger, Bijou: As close to burger perfection as I’ve come recently. A soft brioche bun cradles a well-seared patty topped with honey-bacon and cheddar. Shoestring fries arrive hot and crisp. Order the extra aioli and thank me later. 190 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707-753-9155, restaurantbijou.com
The Classic, Pressed:I love a deal, especially when you can get fries and a cheeseburger for about what you’d pay at In-N-Out ($6.80) or McDonald’s ($8.58). Price-wise, the single is hard to beat. The double has a better meat-to-bun ratio, with two patties, cheese, pickles, onions and housemade Pressed sauce (a sort of Thousand Island-meets-ranch). Keep in mind this is a smashburger, so the patty is thin, well-done and nicely crisped. 1451 Southwest Blvd., Suite 123, Rohnert Park, 707-992-0067, facebook.com/pressedburger
The Classic burger with American cheese, onion, pickles, lettuce, and house-made Pressed sauce, with a side of fries, and the Chicken Ranch sandwich, rear, at Pressed in Rohnert Park Friday, April 17, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)The Weinburger Patty Melt from Grossman’s in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Weinburger Patty Melt, Grossman’s: This is the best patty melt in our lineup of amazing patty melts (Mac’s Deli has a great one, too). Start with a perfect beef patty, then top with pastrami, gooey Gruyère cheese and caramelized onions on rye. If you’re on the go, it stands up to a car ride like a boss. 308 Wilson St., Santa Rosa, 707-595-7707, grossmanssr.com
St. Helena Ave. Burger, Superburger: You know a burger’s gonna be good when the counter sports rolls of paper towels rather than napkins. The St. Helena has onion rings, bacon, cheddar and barbecue sauce. 1501 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-546-4016; 8204 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati, 707-665-9790, originalsuperburger.com
The St. Helena Ave. Burger at Superburger. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Sonoma Beef Burger with onion rings, fried chicken burger, chili fries and Cajun fries at Acme Burger in Cotati. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)
Sonoma Beef Burger, Acme Burger: This is the place for tried-and-true, budget-friendly burgers. The Sonoma Mountain Beef burger remains a great value. Pair it with onion rings, chili cheese fries or Cajun fries. Locations in Santa Rosa, Petaluma and Cotati, acmeburgerco.com
Shack Burger, Shake Shack: Two Angus beef patties, American cheese, special sauce, lettuce and tomato on a toasted potato bun. I keep coming back to this favorite again and again. Don’t miss a side of frozen custard. At Montgomery Village, 2424 Magowan Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-581-8242, shakeshack.com
The first Shake Shack in Sonoma County held a practice lunch service with good old burgers, fries, shakes and more in Santa Rosa’s Montgomery Village Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Smash, a new smashburger spot from chef Ari Weiswasser, has opened in Sonoma. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)
More Great Burgers
Double Smash, Smash: This brand-new burger spot from chef Ari Weiswasser has a nearly single-minded focus on the ultimate smashburger: flat patty, soft bun, melty cheese and all the fixings. Upgrade your experience with bacon marmalade, an extra-special sauce and a boozy milkshake. 497 First St. W., Sonoma, instagram.com/smashsonoma
The Burger, Healdsburg Bar & Grill: The classic. American cheese, special sauce, bacon marmalade, all on a toasted brioche bun. You really can’t go wrong at this family-friendly spot just off the Healdsburg Plaza. 245 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg; 707-433-3333, healdsburgbarandgrill.com
HBG Burger made with Angus beef, American cheese, special sauce, bacon marmalade on a toasted brioche bun from the Healdsburg Bar & Grill Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, in downtown Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)The build-it-yourself burger is served with a glass of beer at Stark’s Steak & Seafood in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Burger Bar, Stark’s Steak & Seafood: Start with the Stark Standard, a half-pounder with smoked bacon, peppercorn salsa verde and Cambozola. Then choose add-ons like onion rings, a truffled sunny-side-up egg, sauteed mushrooms and steak sauce to make it yours. 521 Adams St., Santa Rosa, 707-546-5100, starkssteakhouse.com
A burger from Jackson’s Bar and Oven in Santa Rosa. (Jackson’s Bar and Oven)
The Burger, Jackson’s Bar and Oven: Perfectly cooked and always flavorful, Jackson’s burger is a solid go-to, just as good plain as it is smarted-up with Point Reyes Blue, caramelized onions, jalapeños and mushrooms. 135 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-6900, jacksonsbarandoven.com
Basic Burger, Americana: A third pound of Stemple Creek Ranch beef is dressed with housemade aioli and a choice of organic Clover cheddar, pepper jack or Swiss (with an option to upgrade to Estero Gold or Gorgonzola) on a freshly baked bun. Served with lettuce, onion, pickle spear and choice of fries, onion rings, coleslaw, cup of soup or a side salad. Also find the burger at Americana’s sister restaurant, Estero Cafe, in Valley Ford. 205 Fifth St., Suite A, Santa Rosa, 707-755-1548; 162 N. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-827-3309, americanasonomacounty.com
The Roasted Garlic Ranch Burger with Valley Ford Estero cheese and housemade ranch dressing from Americana restaurant in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Orange-marinated chicken pupusa burger with choice of two stuffed pupusa’s filled with pico de gallo, guacamole, lettuce, cheese and chipotle cream from Don Julio’s Latin Grill & Pupusas in Rohnert Park. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat, file)
Pupusa Burger, Don Julio’s: Now for something completely different, with a Salvadoran twist: an orange-marinated chicken pupusa burger between a choice of two stuffed pupusas and filled with pico de gallo, guacamole, lettuce, cheese and chipotle cream. 217 Southwest Blvd., Rohnert Park, 707-242-3160, donjulioslatingrill.com
Smashburger, Jilly’s Real Food Roadhouse: On sunny days, sitting on the rustic patio outside Jilly’s Real Food Roadhouse in Jenner is a Zen moment, but the burgers are high-energy fun. Go for the double with caramelized onion jam and special sauce. 9960 Highway 1, Jenner, 707-756-0119, jillysroadhouse.com
The smashburger and a side of fries from Jilly’s Real Food Roadhouse Friday, April 4, 2025, overlooking the Russia River on Highway 1 near Jenner. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Moo-Ben, Mike’s at the Crossroads: In the annals of Sonoma County hamburger history, Mike’s holds a special place in almost everyone’s heart. Original owner Mike Condrin’s take on a Reuben has got all the usual fixings: corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing, piled on a burger between marbled rye. 7667 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati, 707-665-9999, mikesatthecrossroads.com
Farm Burger, Brewsters Beer Garden: Simple and delicious, this meaty sandwich features white cheddar, aioli, pickles, onion and romaine lettuce. Served with shoestring duck fat fries. 229 Water St. N., Petaluma, 707-981-8330, brewstersbeergarden.com
A burger from Brewsters Beer Garden in Petaluma. (Sonoma County Tourism)The Handline “Inglewood” burger features pastured beef, Toma fonduta, iceberg lettuce, spicy pickle relish and Thousand Island on a toasted bun. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Inglewood Burger, Handline: The Inglewood Burger features organic, grass-fed beef, Toma fonduta cheese sauce, local lettuces, spicy pickle relish and Thousand Island on a toasted bun. 935 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-827-3744, handline.com
Sea Ranch Burger, Sea Ranch Lodge: A perfect coastal burger with a perfect coastal view. The ground beef patty is topped with shallot jam, aged white cheddar and special sauce on a brioche bun, served with fries. 60 Sea Walk Drive, The Sea Ranch, 707-579-9777, thesearanchlodge.com
Farm Beef Burger with Fries and a beer for a casual meal at sunset on the back deck of the Sea Ranch Lodge Restaurant Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, on the Sonoma Coast. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)The Mondo Double cheeseburger, weighing in at 14 ounces, from Healdsburger in Healdsburg. (Chris Hardy)
Hangover Cheeseburger, Healdsburger: This mostly locals spot does all kinds of burgers, but we especially appreciate the Hangover Cheeseburger with Sriracha hot sauce, a fried egg, bacon, pepper jack cheese and lettuce on an Italian bun. After a day of wine tasting, you’ll need this protein-and-carb load. 48 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-473-9604, healdsburger.com
Kin Burger, KIN Windsor: The Kin Burger features certified Angus beef, smoked gouda cheese, applewood smoked bacon, housemade barbecue sauce, lettuce, tomato and onion on a toasted brioche bun. 740 McClelland Drive, Windsor, 707-837-7546, kinwindsor.com
A burger at Kin restaurant in Windsor. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)The Classic half-pound burger with roasted garlic aioli, pickles, lettuce, red onion, tomato and cheddar and a side of truffle fries from Palooza Brewery & Gastropub Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 in Kenwood. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Classic Burger, Palooza Brewery and Gastropub: This hidden gem serves an excellent burger featuring a half-pound beef patty topped with lettuce, tomato, pickle, red onion and garlic aioli. Go for add-ons like avocado, grilled onions and bacon. 8910 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-833-4000, paloozafresh.com
Happy Hour Burger, Salt & Stone: This lil’ darling of a burger is just right for a nosh with your martini. A quarter pound of house-ground beef with cheddar and aioli on a brioche bun. 9900 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-833-6326, saltstonekenwood.com
Happy hour burger at Salt & Stone Restaurant in Kenwood. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)The Western Burger featuring onion rings, cheddar cheese, applewood bacon and barbecue sauce at Carmen’s Bistro & Bar location in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
The Western Burger, Carmen’s Bistro & Bar: Featuring onion rings, cheddar cheese, applewood bacon and barbecue sauce, this burger will require your jaw to unhinge for a bite. 619 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-843-5186, carmensbistroandbar.com
HopMonk Cheeseburger, HopMonk: Modern pub dining with a focus on great beer and beer-friendly dishes, like the house burger topped with aioli, tomato chutney, white cheddar and crispy shallot on brioche. 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol, 707-829-7300; 691 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-935-9100, hopmonk.com
Betsy Fischer is retiring as the head of the Santa Rosa Junior College Culinary Arts Department. Photo taken in Santa Rosa on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)
As chair of Santa Rosa Junior College’s Culinary Arts Program, Betsy Fischer has worn many hats over her decades-long career: administrator, publicist, teacher, and mentor. The one she’s never claimed is a chef’s toque.
Trained as a vocalist rather than a chef, Fischer brings a performer’s instincts to her front-of-house hospitality training, teaching students that service and connection matter as much as knife skills. That perspective has defined her leadership style in the classroom and in the student-run dining room, where she’s a constant presence.
On May 24, she’ll walk with her graduating students for the last time, leaving behind a program and a generation of students shaped by her influence.
Betsy Fischer is retiring as the head of the Santa Rosa Junior College Culinary Arts Department. Photo taken in Santa Rosa on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)
Saying goodbye
I’m turning 70 this year. This has been my whole life for 26 years, but it’s a 50-60-hour-a-week job as chair. It’s bittersweet, but I’m tired. At some point, you think, ‘I’ve done what I wanted to do.’ I won’t lose touch with this place — it’s too much a part of who I am. I plan to come back at some point and teach a few classes.
The perks of teaching
The biggest joy as a teacher is that moment you know you’ve connected to someone in the classroom. That doesn’t always happen, but the pleasure of teaching is knowing you’ve given students a set of skills and a passion and a better chance of finding their way. You know you have the potential to change people’s lives.
Santa Rosa Junior College culinary program students put their lessons to the test during lunch service at the Café Rose April 20, 2023. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Why culinary school matters
We are a conduit for students that have no experience in the food world. Just because grandma taught you to make spaghetti sauce, doesn’t mean you understand how to open a restaurant. They’re looking for guidance and help because they love to cook, and this is a comfort zone for them to expand their abilities. This is a very difficult business and we tell them the whole story and help them avoid pitfalls.
Lasting advice
For me it’s always been about things falling in my lap — being in the right place at the right time. Be open to anything. If you have an opportunity, take it. You never know what doors will open when you tell people who you are and what you’re interested in.
03/30/2011: D1:
PC: Patisserie Angelica, in Sebastopol, features tea from Mariage Freres.
It’s no secret that Sonoma County loves its coffee — you’re never far from an artisan brew here. But for those who favor leaves over beans, it can sometimes be a bit harder to get your hot drink fix. To aid our fellow tea-lovers, we’ve rounded up 10 favorite places for a cuppa.
Tea & Trumpets, Sonoma County
In 2014, Mark Bowden left the corporate world and founded Tea & Trumpets, selling organic loose leaf to share his love of a soothing cup of quality tea. The online shop offers an expansive catalog, from an energizing yerba maté (without the jitters) to the tropical Hawaiian Breeze (ideal for iced tea). A Tea of the Month club delivers three 1-ounce samples monthly for the curious drinker. Tea & Trumpets can also be found at farmers markets, cafes and specialty grocers throughout Sonoma County. 707-799-7188, tea-and-trumpets.com
The Taste of Tea, Healdsburg
This family-owned tea room offers a wide selection of premium loose-leaf teas from Japan, China and Taiwan, alongside Japanese comfort food, including ramen, udon and rice bowls. There’s also a selection of matcha drinks, tea lattes and boba teas. Fun tea creations include the deep-green Matcha Gotcha with lavender syrup, coconut milk and tapioca pearls; the comforting Brown Sugar Hojicha Latte with roasted hojicha green tea, oat milk and brown sugar; and the refreshing Green Tea Shrub with housemade green tea, ginger, honey, cinnamon, Meyer lemon and club soda. 109 North St., Healdsburg, 707-431-1995, thetasteoftea.com
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)Dozens of varieties of specialty teas available at the Russian River Tea Co. in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Russian River Tea Company, Healdsburg
Inside this woman-owned boutique, more than 100 teas line the walls beside mugs, honey and infusers. The selection ranges from classic black teas to inventive house blends. The salted caramel chai is a cozy pick-me-up — black tea blended with caramel, cinnamon, cardamom, fennel and a touch of mole spice. For those who like their tea fruity, try the Mango Tango tisane tea featuring sweet mango, papaya, pineapple and strawberry bits blended with hibiscus and blue cornflower petals. Complimentary samples are offered daily. 336 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-395-0857, russianriverteaco.com
A’Roma Roasters Coffee & Tea, Santa Rosa
Located in Santa Rosa’s historic Railroad Square, this roastery serves up coffee, tea and live music on Saturday afternoons. Tea offerings include the Mate Carnival blend, combining roasted mate, rooibos, almonds, cocoa hulls and flower petals, and a warmly spiced Honeybush Chai with notes of ginger, cinnamon and cardamom. 95 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 707-576-7765, aromaroasters.com
Tea Room Café, Petaluma
A few minutes west of downtown Petaluma, this quaint cafe pairs country-inspired meals and seasonal sweets with a thoughtful tea menu. The Maddie Palmera — a mango iced tea take on the Arnold Palmer — is especially refreshing on a hot day, while the chai tea latte has the right amount of spice to warm you up when it rains. 316 Western Ave., Petaluma, 707-765-0199, tearoomcafe.com
Petaluma Coffee & Tea has long been a popular gathering spot for locals. (Laura Schneider / Petaluma Coffee & Tea)Customers can take a sniff of the dozens of teas offered at Petaluma Coffee & Tea. (Laura Schneider / Petaluma Coffee & Tea)
Petaluma Coffee & Tea Co., Petaluma
At this industrial-style cafe, burlap sacks of coffee beans and the scent of fresh roasting create an atmosphere that feels equal parts workshop and neighborhood living room, especially when guests play jaunty tunes on the piano. Alongside coffee blends from all over the globe, the shop carries a broad selection of loose-leaf teas, including the subtly sweet Madame Butterfly with green sencha leaves, peach bits and sunflower petals; and the rich Lapsang Souchong, a black tea processed over a pine and cypress wood fire, resulting in a robust, smoky flavor. 212 Second St., Petaluma, 707-763-2727, petalumacoffee.com
Muir’s Tea Room, Sebastopol
Housed in a charming Victorian in downtown Sebastopol, this tea room draws inspiration from Scottish-American naturalist John Muir. It offers both Scottish and English tea services, as well as seasonal, plant-based lunch menus and holiday tea events. Among the more popular blends are Queens Rose Garden, with warm vanilla and sweet rose notes, and Enchanted Forest, a green tea with mellow sencha and spicy mate, mingled with hints of almond and Black Forest cherry cake. Housemade creamers include oat, coconut and macadamia milk. 330 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-634-6143, muirstearoom.com
Kara Emmerling selects a sample of loose-leaf tea to smell at Muir’s Tea Room in Sebastopol Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)A place setting for two at Muir’s Tea Room in Sebastopol Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)Patisserie Angelica in Sebastopol offers dozens of tea selections from around the world for their West County Tea kits. Photo taken Tuesday, April 25, 2023. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Patisserie Angelica, Sebastopol
This Parisian-style bakery is known as much for its pastries as for its West County High Tea service. Offered 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, the experience includes a choice of fine teas from Mariage Frères and an assortment of housemade finger sandwiches and heavenly pastries. Reservations are required. 6821 Laguna Park Way, Sebastopol, 707-827-7998, patisserieangelica.com
Two Trees Tea House, Occidental
This west county tea house has cultivated a loyal following for its serene atmosphere and welcoming tea services. The menu focuses on single-origin black, red, white, green and oolong teas prepared in a gaiwan in accordance with traditional Chinese brewing method Gong Fu Cha. Highlights include the Jing Mai Empress Oolong, with notes of crème brûlée and toasted hazelnut, and the Siliguri Sanctuary Black tea, layered with papaya and green peppercorn. Community tea services are offered on a sliding-scale basis. 3597 Bohemian Highway, Occidental, twotreesteahouse.com
Owners Adrian Chang pours freshly steeped Mae Salong Kindred Oolong tea at Two Trees Tea House in Occidental Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)Loose teas for sale in the Duncans Mills Tea Shop in Duncans Mills on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Duncans Mills Tea Shop, Duncans Mills
Tucked into a small outdoor marketplace off Highway 116, this tea shop stocks a wide assortment of loose-leaf blends, from traditional English Breakfast and Earl Grey to more playful options like Orange Cookie Chai and Ruby Lemon Mint. The shelves are also lined with whimsical teaware, such as teapots shaped like cats and lighthouses. 25185 Main St., Duncans Mills, 707-865-9063, duncansmillsteashop.com
Pizza, fried chicken sandwich and salads are among the favorite dishes at the newly opened Junction in Santa Rosa. (Photo: Jessica Paul @jessicapaulphoto )
On the eve of The Junction’s May 11 opening, the sprawling hilltop beer garden already felt like the neighborhood gathering place Santa Rosa didn’t know it was missing. Friends and family filled the expansive patio for a preview night while children swarmed the playground slide in gleeful chaos and adults clustered around pizzas, fried cheese curds and spicy chicken wings. Craft beer and espresso martinis flowed as dogs circled hopefully beneath the tables, waiting for stray crumbs.
Among the crowd was Gaspare Bernardo, who operated The Villa for more than four decades. Sitting with his family over pizza, Bernardo — now in his 80s — watched the transformation of the longtime restaurant space that had been dormant for years. According to co-owner Liz Fiedler, he was simply happy to see life return to the building.
Fiedler, her husband Dez Fiedler and business partner Jimmy Simpson saw possibility in the shuttered property when few others did.
The Junction co-owners Jimmy Simpson, left, and Liz and Dez Fiedler at their restaurant in Santa Rosa on Monday, May 18, 2026. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)
The reopening marks a fitting second act for the former Villa restaurant, which had been vacant for more than three years, slowly deteriorating above Montgomery Drive. After a year of renovations and a top-to-bottom reimagining of the decades-old Italian landmark, the original doors were finally ready to open again.
“We feel so lucky that we got to inherit this iconic spot,” Fiedler said. “We really didn’t realize how much the space means to the community.”
Now in its second week of business, The Junction already hums with the confidence of a seasoned neighborhood restaurant. The owners, veteran restaurateurs who also operate a sister beer garden in Mill Valley, have tapped into a familiar formula: approachable food, ample outdoor seating and an atmosphere designed equally for families, groups of friends and lingering afternoons.
Even during the dinner rush, blistered pizzas move steadily from the kitchen and the restaurant’s 30 beer taps rarely sit idle.
The soaring interior dining room of The Junction in Santa Rosa. (Jessica Paul)
The vibe is the draw
The Junction leans fully into its role as a family- and dog-friendly gathering space, pairing casual counter service with sweeping views toward Trione-Annadel State Park. The menu sticks to familiar crowd-pleasers at approachable prices, positioning the restaurant as an easy choice for midweek dinners, post-soccer-practice meals and weekend brunches.
Inside, the 150-seat dining room and bar can feel cavernous and a little loud during peak hours. Outside, the mood softens beneath oversized umbrellas on the palm-lined patio, where fire pits encourage diners to settle in for another round.
Nearly every inch of the former restaurant has been reworked. Gone is much of the faded 1970s aesthetic, replaced by clean lines, soaring open-panel windows and more than 4,000 square feet of outdoor lounge space.
A fire pit and children’s ship play structure at The Junction in Santa Rosa on Monday, May 18, 2026. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)A photo booth, foosball tables and Skee-Ball games at The Junction in Santa Rosa on Monday, May 18, 2026. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)
Near the entrance, a screen-free arcade features shuffleboard, foosball, vintage Skee-Ball machines and a photo booth — thoughtful additions clearly intended to keep children occupied long enough for parents to enjoy a leisurely meal.
Parking remains one of the few challenges. During busy hours, cars line the steep driveway and some diners opt to park below and walk up. A nearby overflow lot helps ease congestion, but consider the climb an excuse for that extra beer and side of cheese curds.
What was once an empty shell with an uncertain future now feels firmly restored as a lively communal space — one poised for another half-century of neighborhood memories.
“Not many places get a fully packed house the first weekend they open, and that’s saying a lot since we have over 500 seats,” Fiedler said. “We are so honored to be a part of its history.”
“The Forbidden Fruit,” a Hawaiian pizza, at The Junction in Santa Rosa on Monday, May 18, 2026. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)
Best bets
Margherita Pizza, $22: The 14-inch pies land somewhere between New York and California styles, with blistered edges, thin crusts and restrained toppings. The Margherita combines fresh and dry-aged mozzarella with tomato sauce, basil, smoked salt and Parmesan. The generously sized pizzas are meant to be shared. Also worth trying: the Forbidden Fruit ($26), topped with roasted pineapple, capicola and red onion, and the Shroomer ($28), a white pie layered with mushrooms, Taleggio, mozzarella and sunflower-seed pesto. For children, the Kid’s Cheese Pizza ($20) arrives lightly baked with extra cheese and, as the menu promises, “Nothing Green,” proving the kitchen fully understands the very specific tastes of a 5-year-old.
Mozzarella Cheese Curds, $10: Bite-sized fried curds from Valley Ford Creamery arrive crisp and chewy, paired with marinara and housemade Ranch. Their neatly uniform shape also eliminates the perennial cheese-curd complaint: nobody gets stuck with the tiny pieces.
Fried Brussels Sprouts, $10: You can almost tell yourself you’re eating healthy cruciferous vegetables, aside from the hot honey and hazelnut crumble that tops these sprouts. I mean, it’s not like they’re French fries, right?
Korean Wings, $12: Buffalo wings with an Asian twist. Crisp whole wings coated in sticky gochujang sauce deliver a lingering sweet heat. They may be too spicy for younger diners, which simply leaves more for everyone else.
Korean chicken wings at The Junction in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)Kale salad at The Junction in Santa Rosa on Monday, May 18, 2026. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)
Italian Chop Salad, $14: A hearty mix of greens topped with soppressata, provolone, pepperoncini and Champagne vinaigrette — a classic chopped salad that remains surprisingly difficult to find locally.
Chocolate Chip Cookies, $5: Two warm chocolate chip cookies sprinkled with sea salt arrive soft and just underbaked. Valley Ford Creamery soft serve, with a texture closer to gelato than traditional soft serve, is also available.
The Junction is at 3901 Montgomery Drive in Santa Rosa, 707-800-7631, thejunc.com. Open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
