And since we can’t lookout for him and his tidy white chef’s jacket at Dry Creek Kitchen restaurant, acclaimed chef and Healdsburg resident Charlie Palmer is bringing his cooking know-how to our kitchens.
Starting today, April 9, at 1 p.m., Palmer and Chef Scott Romano of Dry Creek Kitchen will take to social media to offer home cooks a Pigs & Pinot tutorial series.
Every Thursday throughout the month of April, the chefs will host a Sonoma winemaker for a live cooking demonstration and wine pairing on Palmer’s Instagram @chefcharliepalmer. Palmer will be going live from his home kitchen; the demonstrations are expected to last 15 to 20 minutes. Winemakers will join via a split screen to maintain social distancing.
Clay Mauritson will be on hand today to help kick things off – the dish – Cavatelli and Sweet Italian Sausage with smoked bacon, fresh ricotta and basil, paired with a 2018 Charlie Clay Russian River Pinot Noir. Hungry yet?
For the month of April, 25% of proceeds from all wine sales through the Pigs & Pinot Tutorial Series will be donated to a relief fund for Chef Charlie Palmer Collective hourly employees. Be sure to use the #pigsandpinot when you checkout.
Due to coronavirus concerns, Palmer postponed his 15th Annual Pigs & Pinot event originally scheduled for March 20-21, 2020 at Hotel Healdsburg. Pigs & Pinot features bottles from more than 60 wineries and 20+ chefs, and benefits a variety of local charities.
The tutorials scheduled for the rest of the month are worth marking on your calendar. On Thursday, April 16th, Mark McWilliams of Arista Winery will be on hand while the chefs will prepare Pork Scallopini with pan seared caramelized onion, lemon zest, and sautéed cabbage.
Diane Bucher of Bucher Winery joins the festivities on Thursday, April 23rd to dish about vino that pairs with a Pork Parmesan-Rosemary Waffle Sandwich with basil, tomato, mozzarella, and parmesan.
Last but not least, on April 30th, winemaker Theresa Heredia of Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery will lend her thoughts on what to sip with a Coffee Charred Pork Tenderloin, with Brussels sprout and celery salad, reed’s pickled onions, and pecorino.
If you want to help spread the word on Instagram, tag a friend in the comments on Palmer’s page and you’ll be entered to win a signed cookbook.
There’s no doubt about it, the COVID 19 is a thing. And by that, I mean gaining 19 pounds while you’re sheltering in place stress-eating pints of chocolate ice cream and donuts in your jammies. Indulging your sweet tooth is okay, and we’ve got plenty of time to get back on those old stationary bikes gathering dust in the garage. We’ve made it even easier on you to get your mitts on some tasty carbs and sugar to make all the sad go away — for at least a few minutes. Click through the above gallery for details.
No matter what you’ve heard, Easter isn’t canceled this year — even if you can’t get out for a ham and chocolate bunnies. Instead, grab a family-style dinner from these local restaurants, all wrapped up and ready for sharing with the family you’re with. Dyed eggs not included. Click through the above gallery for details.
Customer Ali Usclika waits to pay for her groceries at the checkout counter where a new plexiglass protective barrier that has been installed at Oliver’s Market in Santa Rosa on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
According to the current shelter in place order we are to leave our homes solely for the purposes of providing or receiving essential services. While we all still need to feed ourselves, trips to the grocery store are not what they once were before the inception of the coronavirus. With this in mind, we hope that the following advice collected from the County of Sonoma and local grocers may be of help to facilitate your safe food shopping while helping to decrease the spread of COVID-19.
Limit or avoid all trips to the grocery store
Staying home means staying safe and keeping other people safe: plan ahead by making a detailed list of your food needs. Go to the store only when absolutely necessary. This can be a good time to shop for your pantry and freezer. Try to buy enough food to last for two weeks.
But, you think, what good are grocery lists when many items on your list may be sold out? All the more reason to plan for alternative choices. You can even Google ingredients to see what the world’s collection of recipes can do for the foods you may already have on hand. (Remember to check dates on food items you may have at home. This is not a good time to risk food borne illnesses.)
If you would like to avoid the grocery store all together, several grocery chains — including Safeway and Raley’s — offer no-contact pickup and delivery. Simply order online and pickup your order at a specified parking location in the store’s lot, or have your groceries delivered to your own doorstep. Instacart is another option for home grocery delivery. Because these services are likely to be in high demand right now, make sure to stay on top of your food supply so that you can order a week before you run out.
Wash your hands, wear a mask and don’t touch your face
As of Friday, April 17, Sonoma County residents must cover their faces when they leave their homes, according to an order issued by Dr. Sundari Mase, the county’s health officer.
Residents will be required to wear face coverings when they enter any building other than their home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Those caught without a face mask could face misdemeanor charges, which includes a fine. (Here’s where to buy a mask and how to make one.)
Experts also advise shoppers to wash their hands before they shop and immediately after. Soap, water and thorough washing is the gold standard for fighting off viruses. And don’t touch your face (wearing a mask or face covering will help prevent you from doing so).
Most stores provide wipes for cart handles and freezer doors — but it’s also a good idea to bring your own.
Don’t bring the family
During a shelter in place order, any trip outside the home can seem like a potential excursion. But while a family trip to the store may sound appealing, it is not a good idea during the coronavirus pandemic.
Write a shopping list together and then send only one person from each household to the store — this reduces the amount of people in the store, making it easier to maintain social distancing, thus decreasing the risk of getting and spreading the virus.
Go when it is less crowded
As more people are unable to work or are working from home, the natural rhythm of grocery stores has shifted. Still, by and large, there are generally less people early in the morning and later at night. If you arrive at a store which is packed with people, come back at another time. A Google search of a particular store can give you an indication of the current foot traffic in a pop-up box.
Several local grocery stores have implemented seniors-only hours: this is a time for older adults and people with underlying medical conditions to shop away from crowds during the coronavirus pandemic.
You may also consider shopping in a small market close to home to reduce the number of people you’re around.
Keep the distance
Local grocers are finding a need to constantly remind people to pay attention to the 6-foot distancing marks. Let’s help them help us. This includes keeping your distance from grocery store workers.
Grocery clerks, while they go about performing an essential service for us, are particularly exposed during the coronavirus pandemic. Try not to crowd the store personnel when asking about the availability of your favorite ice cream.
Get in and get out
Again, plan your shopping trip in advance. Have a list on hand and keep yourself and grocery workers safe by getting your goods quickly. This is not a time to be browsing the store while googling Ina Garten recipes. The people in the line that wraps around the building will appreciate your quick and efficient shopping efforts.
Treat fresh produce like dog poop
Grab that beautiful kohlrabi using a produce bag as a glove, the same way dog walkers pick up their dogs’ waste. Then turn the bag inside out to contain it. Watch this video from Oliver’s for a demo. And don’t touch items you are not purchasing or contemplate purchasing. If you must knock on that melon, put a bag over your fist. Then knock gently.
Wipe down your debit, credit or membership card
Wipe cards down before and after presenting them to the cashier. When possible, pay with your phone so there’s no exchange with the cashier.
Reusable bags are a new no-no
To fight cross-contamination, stores are not accepting your reusable bags for packing groceries. Those bags that you’ve finally remembered to start bringing, they have to stay home for now.
Consider disinfecting food packaging and washing fresh produce
When you return home, take off your shoes, hang up your coat and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food, according to the CDC. It may, however, be possible for a person to contract COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. Unpack your groceries at the door and keep those grocery bags outside to use for garbage or put straight in the recycling. Then use sanitizing wipes or a bleach solution to clean food packaging, or dispose of packaging when possible.
Remember to wash your hands again for 20 seconds after you’ve unpacked your groceries and sanitized packaging.
As always, you should handle and prepare food safely. The FDA recommends following the usual best practices for handling food, such as cooking foods to their proper temperature and washing produce thoroughly.
Really clean up
Once you’re done unpacking your groceries, keep your shoes and outerwear by the door, wipe off surfaces and, if you’re really concerned about getting sick, it might be worth throwing your clothes in the wash and taking a shower.
Thank your grocery workers with your actions
They’re here for us in our time of need. Being cooperative and kind and giving them their 6 to 10 feet of space is a great way to thank them.
Be gentle on yourself
For doing this tiring work of staying safe and keeping other people safe, reward yourself with a binge watch, hot tea or a video chat. Forgive yourself if you haven’t used the lockdown as the chance to take up knitting, study physics or launch your career as a stay-at-home filmmaker. Being vigilant about safety is hard work.
The whole world thanks every one of you for your efforts.
It’s almost impossible to think of any kind of celebration right now. But Easter is around the corner and for the little ones at home (and adults, too) it might be worth trying to cheer things up a little.
The latest COVID-19 advisory is to avoid stores completely, if possible, so consider shopping online for Easter treats to be delivered to your home. A quality ham, surprises for kids, and some flowers can brighten your days during this difficult time.
We wish you heartwarming, video-only gatherings with loved ones near and far this Easter Sunday. Be sure to check with stores on delivery times—click through the above gallery for details.
Facing challenging times, many local businesses — restaurants, bars, food producers and coffeehouses — are setting up GoFundMe pages to help staff and small business owners stay afloat. Included below are a few of those initiatives.
As with any fundraising campaign, please spend some time reading the information and looking into where the funds are going before donating. We’ve done our best to verify these as legitimate with GoFundMe staff. Want to add a fundraiser? Let us know in the comments below.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, California has relaxed some of its alcohol laws to allow restaurants to include beer, wine, even cocktails with food delivery and take-out orders (win-win!). We’ve rounded up a few local favorites that are adding a little extra cheer by serving to-go drinks. Click through the above gallery for details. And yes, we missed some! So tell us in the comments and we’ll add even more.
Note: To order alcoholic drinks for delivery or takeout, you also must order food.
The coronavirus has dramatically changed our lives. But it has also changed little things in our everyday existence. Who would have thought only a few weeks ago that toilet paper would one day be trending on social media? Click through the above gallery for a few everyday things that have changed in these past few weeks and let us know in the comments the things you’ve noticed.
Al Pastor and Chicken Tacos served at Juanita Juanita on Arnold Drive in Sonoma, Wednesday, November 26, 2014. (Crista Jeremiason / The Press Democrat)
Burritos, enchiladas, posole, street tacos — life without them seems, well, bland. Click through the above gallery for some of our favorite Mexican restaurants in Sonoma County, along with dishes we love.
Contagion, isolation, shutdowns and job losses — in just a few weeks, the coronavirus has dramatically changed our lives. And, with no quick return to normality in sight, the virus has started taking a toll on our mental health.
Nearly 40% of Americans are feeling anxious about the coronavirus pandemic, according to a recent survey from the University of Southern California. Another survey, conducted by Axios-Ipsos in March, reported that nearly a third of American adults said their mental health had worsened because of the coronavirus. Continued social distancing will only increase the emotional toll, the survey concluded.
How can we care for our mental health in these unprecedented times, while also supporting those around us? We asked local therapists Carmen Schmidt Benedetti and Doreen Van Leeuwen for advice.
Acknowledge your feelings
First, know that any feelings you’re having are OK and that anxiety is a normal response to something stressful, Benedetti said.
Carmen Schmidt Benedetti (Courtesy photo)
“With uncertainty, there can be feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. People may become depressed from being isolated at home and being out of their usual routines.”
Frustration, irritability and denial also are common responses, Van Leeuwen said. Stress, anxiety and depression might show up as an inability to fall or stay asleep, changes in appetite, increased heart rate, restlessness, lightheadedness, fatigue, muscle aches and pains, headaches and stomach trouble.
While all feelings are appropriate, it’s our reactions to our feelings — our behaviors — that can create problems, Benedetti said.
“In stressful situations, we often turn to coping strategies we have used in the past,” she said. These strategies might include drinking and drug use, binge eating, watching TV, playing video games, shopping online, spending time on social media and other activities that allow us to “check out” or avoid our feelings.
Of course, sometimes distractions are beneficial. But anxiety and depression can build up and intensify if we keep ignoring or avoiding these feelings.
Alcohol use can temporarily relieve negative feelings but lead to increased anxiety and depression the next day, Benedetti said. And spending a lot of time watching TV or looking at screens can be stimulating for our nervous system, rather than relaxing.
Focus on what you can control
“With so much of this situation being out of our control, focus on what you can control,” Benedetti said. “The only thing you can truly control is your own actions and behaviors. You will not able to help others if you are not taking care of yourself.”
She advised that you “check in with yourself” every day, first in the morning and then several times throughout the day, using a scale from zero to 10 (10 being the worst) to gauge how you’re feeling.
“Ask yourself: How am I feeling right now? What do I feel in my body? What do I need? How can I best take care of myself today?”
Be gentle on yourself.
“It’s ok to not feel ok. Practice self-compassion and self-care,” Benedetti said. “It’s ok to give yourself time to rest. Don’t beat yourself up if you aren’t doing all the things you said you were going to do, or compare yourself to others in terms of what they are doing.”
Practice mindfulness
“The more you can stay in the present moment, the easier it will be to manage and not get caught up in catastrophic thinking,” Benedetti said. “One of the best ways to do this is to focus on your breath.”
Here’s how: take deep breaths, pulling from your belly, and extend your exhale longer than your inhale. This helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which works to relax your body.
Another way to be mindful is to acknowledge your feelings, Benedetti said.
“Notice where you feel the emotions in your body. Remind yourself the feelings are temporary. This situation is temporary.”
And, to be mindful with your thoughts, notice worries as they arise.
“Try letting them go rather than going further down the path of those negative thoughts. Imagine setting them on a conveyor belt, or into a river and being taken away.”
Establish structure, routine and boundaries
Routine can help create a sense of normalcy in an abnormal time, Benedetti said. Have a set bedtime and wakeup time, identify tasks to accomplish in the morning, then shower, get dressed and have breakfast.
Benedetti recommended that people working at home set a work schedule, including a lunch break, to get yourself in the work mindset.
“Establish a work area and set boundaries around that, including the timeframe, and let others know what those times are and what you need from them in order to respect that.”
While spending a lot of time at home, often together with other family members, it can be helpful to find a time of day that is just for you, even if it’s just 10 or 15 minutes, she said.
Asking your family or spouse for space or a “time out” also can be a good way to prevent conflicts from escalating.
“Tensions can be high when anxiety levels are increased overall, and we can often say things we regret or don’t mean,” Benedetti said.
You can come up with words or phrases beforehand, rather than in the heat of the moment, to signal to others that you need time to yourself to calm down. Make a commitment to revisit the conversation at a later, specified time.
If it’s not possible to take some space in your home, Van Leeuwen recommended a walk or even a short break in your car.
Take care of your body and mind, stay physically active
Our physical health has a large impact on our mental health.
“If you neglect how you take care of your body, such as not getting enough sleep, being stagnant, not eating enough or eating things that don’t feel good to your body, your mind will not be able to operate at its optimum level,” Benedetti said.
Physical activity is key. “Movement is helpful for your nervous system, as we hold emotions in our bodies and movement is a way to release them.”
Movement — jumping, dancing or “shaking it off” — also can help children express or manage their feelings, she said, as can coloring, drawing and journaling.
She suggested doing whatever feels best for your body: yoga, walking, running, biking, dancing, stretching, strength training, meditation — any movement or self-soothing activity you can do while also maintaining social distancing.
Many local gyms and yoga studios are now offering online classes. Free workout videos and guided meditations can be found on YouTube and other sites.
Benedetti and Van Leuween also suggested taking breaks from the news and social media. Overdoing it while you try to keep up with every bit of news can heighten anxiety.
Connect with friends and family and offer support
Maintaining social connections is crucial for our emotional wellbeing under normal circumstances and even more so when sheltering in place at home.
“Use this time as an opportunity to connect with those in your household,” Benedetti said. “Ask thought-provoking questions, play games together, create crafts or art projects. All of these activities can help with boredom and staying engaged.”
Van Leuween recommended volunteering as a way to “keep your mind off yourself, while doing good for others.”
During the coronavirus pandemic, volunteering opportunities could include picking up and delivering meals to homebound residents and delivering supplies to assisted living facilities. The Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership, for example, is in immediate need of volunteers.
Benedetti suggested making time to communicate regularly with friends and family on the phone, via text or video messages and services like Skype and FaceTime.
Reaching out to people is also a good opportunity to offer support. “Ask them what they might need,” she said. “This is a difficult time for us all. We need to stay connected and support one another.”
Carmen Schmidt Benedetti, MA, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and EMDR Certified Therapist based in Santa Rosa. 707-331-4578, carmenschmidtmft.com.
Doreen Van Leeuwen is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Santa Rosa. 707-202-6202, doreenvanleeuwen.com.
More Resources
211 Sonoma County: A free, confidential, 24/7 information and referral service and online database. Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 for more help. 211sonoma.org/mental-health
NAMI Sonoma County: To reach the Warmline, call 866-960-6264 or email warmline@namisoco.org. Support groups soon available online, email info@namisoco.org for information
Sonoma County Crisis Stabilization Unit: 707-576-8181
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (for those who are more comfortable texting than talking)
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Psychology Today Therapist Finder: Look up therapists in your area and filter by your insurance and/or type of issue you are dealing with. Most therapists are offering phone or online sessions during this time. psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
National Domestic Violence hotline: Staying home may not be the safest option for those experiencing domestic violence. Call 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522 for support. thehotline.org/2020/03/13/staying-safe-during-covid-19.
Headspace and Insight Timer: Meditation apps with guided meditations for all levels, including meditations focused on dealing with feelings related to coronavirus.
