Orange wines are often more complex than whites, boosting their versatility with food, yet they are less likely than many red wines to overwhelm delicate dishes. (Shutterstock)
For many families, the annual Thanksgiving menu is predetermined by tradition. But that doesn’t mean you have to serve the same wine every year. The cornucopia of sweet and savory flavors on the Thanksgiving table invites a wide range of wines to join the party. Pinot Noir and bubbles are the classics — but why not add a little adventure to the meal with a bottle or two of “orange” wine?
Also known as skin-contact or amber wine, orange wine is made with white grapes. During fermentation, winemakers leave the grape skins on for a few days or longer to add color, structure and depth. The resulting orange-hued wines are often more complex than whites, boosting their versatility with food, yet they are less likely than many red wines to overwhelm delicate dishes. Some examples are light and fresh, with subtle tannins; others are intense, with bracing acidity and bitter notes.
“You’re essentially making red wine from white grapes, trying to coax certain flavors and aspects of both red and white wines,” says Luke Nio, winemaker at Kivelstadt Cellars in Santa Rosa.
Luke Nio, winemaker at Kivelstadt Cellars in Sonoma and his own Filomena Wine Company. At Thanksgiving, Nio loves to pair orange wine with his grandmother’s savory sausage and Swiss chard stuffing — and with the following day’s turkey sandwiches. (Photo by Marielle Chua)
At Thanksgiving, Nio loves to pair orange wine with his grandmother’s savory sausage and Swiss chard stuffing — and with the following day’s turkey sandwiches.
“Many orange wines are loud, bright, textural and bursting with autumn flavors,” he says. “The same can be said about towering leftover Thanksgiving sandwiches.”
William Allen, the founder and winemaker at Two Shepherds in Windsor, recommends serving lighter-style orange wines with Brussels sprouts, sage stuffing and fall salads with persimmon. Mushroom recipes are another great option.
William Allen and Karen Daenen, the team behind Two Shepherds Wine in Windsor. (Courtesy of Two Shepherds Wine)
“We’re lucky to have so many mushrooms to choose from in Sonoma,” adds co-owner Karen Daenen. “That umami flavor goes so well with light orange wines.”
Even heartier Thanksgiving dishes can pair well with skin-fermented whites, says Hardy Wallace, owner of Extradimensional Wine Co. Yeah! in Sonoma.
“They have the texture and gentle tannins to work with the heavier dishes like turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes,” he says, “and also the brightness to work with some of the fresher sides like green beans, salads and lighter veggies.”
Co-owner Hardy Wallace pouring his wines during a soft opening of his new tasting room for Extradimensional Wine Co. Yeah! in Sonoma, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. Wallace says orange wines have the texture and gentle tannins to work with heavier dishes and also the brightness to work with some fresher sides. (Erik Castro / for The Press Democrat)
Wines to try
Two Shepherds
2022 Trousseau Gris, Fanucchi Vineyard
$30
Fermented just five days on skins for a lighter touch, this salmon-hued wine boasts soft tannins and generous acidity. It’s lively on the palate, with peachy notes and a hint of citrus. Versatile with an array of holiday dishes — especially those with mushrooms. twoshepherds.com
Kivelstadt Cellars
2022 Wayward Son
$35
This orange Pinot Grigio has a deep rusty color and aromas of flowers and dry vermouth. Intense, with a touch of bitterness, the wine shines with boldly flavored dishes like sausage stuffing and turkey with gravy.kivelstadtcellars.com
Extradimensional Wine Co. Yeah!
2023 Bedrock Semillon
$50
This is a serious orange wine, made for food. Vibrant orange in color, it offers aromas and flavors of melon, as well as some bitter notes from 45 days of fermentation on the skins. Try it with veggie mains like pumpkin sage gnocchi or mushroom ragu over polenta.winecoyeah.com
Clockwise from top left, Cajun Spiced Catch of the Day, Shrimp and Grits, Bacon + Cheddar Hushpuppies, Collards + Mac and Cheese, Southern Fried Chicken Dinner, Smoked Trout + Baby Lettuces from Easy Rider in Petaluma. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Petaluma is awash with great restaurants, from simple sandwiches to luxurious farm-to-table experiences. It’s never easy to pick favorites, but there are some menus that stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Read on below for our favorite Petaluma restaurants of the moment. Check out the gallery for a peek.
Table Culture Provisions
Table Culture Provisions started quietly, popping up a night or two a week at Petaluma’s Wishbone restaurant. It’s become one of the hottest dining tickets in Sonoma County as owners Stephane Saint Louis and Steven Vargas upped the ante with a Michelin-worthy multi-course tasting menu. From 4 to 6 p.m., TCP offers an a la carte menu of snacks and larger dishes. Reservations recommended. 312 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma, 707-559-5739, tcprovision.com
Table Culture Provisions chef Stéphane Saint Louis serves a collage of late spring bites for two, including squid-ink madeleines, asparagus cappuccino, and golden orbs of Indian pani puri filled with Dungeness crab salad. (Kim Carroll/Sonoma Magazine)Clockwise from top left, Cajun Spiced Catch of the Day, Shrimp and Grits, Bacon + Cheddar Hushpuppies, Collards + Mac and Cheese, Southern Fried Chicken Dinner, Smoked Trout + Baby Lettuces from Easy Rider in Petaluma. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Easy Rider’s approachable, Southern-inspired menu standouts like shrimp and grits, blue crab cakes, collards, Cajun-spice fish and fried chicken draw you in gently rather than forcefully with an overblown caricature of Southern cuisine. Curated local ingredients and California flavors punctuate rather than dominate, accented by Anson Mills grits from South Carolina, Gulf shrimp and Atlantic blue crab. 33 Washington St., Petaluma, 707-774-6233, easyriderpetaluma.com
Street Social
With just six tables and 300 feet of dining space, Street Social feels like the most logical extension of the buzzy underground pop-ups that owners Jevon Martin and Marjorie Pier have hosted up and down the California coast for years. With just over a dozen diners in the restaurant at its busiest, it’s unavoidably intimate and makes you feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret culinary hideout. You have. But with a reservation, anyone’s welcome. 29F Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-774-6185, streetsocial.social
Quiote
This family-owned taqueria is worth a special trip. Their handmade blue corn tortillas — topped with fresh rock cod, cochinita pibil with pickled onions, or al pastor and salsa verde — always make my “best tacos” list. Add a side of guacamole with serrano chiles and crispy raspadas or brothy Rancho Gordo beans to get the full experience. While you’re there, I highly recommend the Jalisco-style mole and braised chicken enchiladas. 121 Kentucky St., Petaluma. 707-774-6130, quiotemx.com
Dishes from Quiote in downtown Petaluma, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)The simple Margherita pizza at Stellina Pronto pizzeria and bakery in Petaluma. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)
Stellina Pronto
Come for the pastries, stay for the pizza at this Italian bakery cafe. Opened in 2021 with a mouthwatering lineup of baked goods and sandwiches, Stellina Pronto fired up its pizza ovens in May to churn out Neapolitan-meets-New York style pies. Go for the simple yet classic Margherita or the potato and garlic-topped Gianni — one of the bakery’s best white pizzas. Don’t forget to grab a cornetto during your visit.
Part sandwich shop, part Italian grocer, part deli, part bottle shop — Stellina Alimentari defies easy explanation. Owner Christian Caiazzo aptly describes the narrow, brick-lined, mosaic-tiled eatery as having a New York Attitude with Italian Soul. Don’t miss the Il Michelangelo porchetta sandwich, fried risotto balls, panzarotti potato cakes and antipasti. 160 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, stellinaalimentari.com
Brigitte Bistro
Chef/owner Nick Ronan serves the kind of food he loves best: hearty bistro-style dishes like beef bourguignon and duck confit, along with tableside beef tartare and the requisite steak frites. But instead of pandering to us, he brings the flavors of French homeland directly to the table. Ronan’s favorite motto, “Love. Food. Wine. Passion. Life. People” comes through in his comforting, homey cuisine. 841 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, brigittebistropetaluma.com
French onion soup at Brigitte Bistro in Petaluma. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)Dolsot Bibimbap, rice topped with vegetables and fried egg in a sizzling stone pot with beef, with traditional Korean side dishes from Soban Korean in Petaluma. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Soban
Routinely recognized as the best “true” Korean cuisine in Sonoma County, Soban serves up an array of hard-to-find dishes like savory pancakes with kimchi, Japchae (glass noodles), Tteokbokki (chewy rice cake that’s a popular street food), spicy pork Bulgogi, sizzling rice bibimbap and soft tofu soup. 255 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, 707-769-3112, sobanpetaluma.com
Sarmentine
The third location of this Santa Rosa French bakery favorite opened in 2024, offering a drool-worthy collection of bakery cases piled with cream-filled desserts like Paris Brest (pate a choux filled with praline cream) and Mille-Feuille, chocolate croissants, brioche buns, fruit tarts (the passion fruit is a favorite) and Madeleines. Tiny caneles have a sticky, crunchy crust and custardy center that buckle my knees with happiness. 840 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, sarmentine.com
Inspired by his grandma Ethel’s homemade traditional Jewish comfort food, Nicolas Abrams set up a bagel shop in Petaluma. Combining traditional and refined bagel-making techniques with local ingredients — such as Lagunitas beer, used in the boiling process — Ethel’s Bagels churns out wholesome, flavorful bagels that are delightfully chewy with a crisp exterior. While all the bagels receive praise, the standouts are the classic Everything Bagel and the innovative Black Pepper and Parmesan Bagel. The newish deli makes their own pastrami on an impressive Reuben sandwich, plus matzoh ball soup and bagel sandos. 1000 Clegg Court, Petaluma, 707-231-1155, ethelsbagels.com
A Wagyu Pastrami Reuben at Ethel’s Delicatessen in Petaluma, Friday, June 23, 2023. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)Banana Split at Kapu Bar, a tiki bar and restaurant in the heart of downtown Petaluma on Keller Street, Feb. 1, 2023. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
Kapu
This tiki-tastic bar goes all out on the vibe and rum cocktails, but the island grindz keep us coming back. Find a quiet hut of your own, or head to the bar for Filipino lumpia, garlic chicken with furikake, fried noodles or the sweet banana split with rum caramel rice puffs. 132 Keller St., Petaluma, 707-559-3665, kapubar.com
Central Market
Dressed in his chef’s coat, Tony Najiola looms large over the dining room — watching every dish go out, visiting every table to ensure his patrons are happy — but he never imposes. The open kitchen, dining room and bar feel airy, with full views of the wood-fired oven and the line. But it’s the food, frequently sourced from Najiiola’s Muleheart Farm, that really does the talking here. Instead of foams and potions and powders, the food is just, well, food. 42 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-778-9900, centralmarketpetaluma.com
Pearl
Inspired by the flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa (with a little Southern French and Spanish thrown in for good measure), chef/owners Brian Leitner and Annette Yang continue to impress with their sunny interpretations of shakshuka, fresh pita, fattoush salad and braised meats, including brisket and lamb. 500 First St., Petaluma, 707-559-5187, pearlpetaluma.com
Shakshuka with chickpea, fava and tomato stew at Pearl restaurant in Petaluma. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)Meatballs and mashed potatoes at Stockhome restaurant. (Courtesy of newrevmedia.com)
Stockhome
A neighborhood hub for unfussy family-friendly Turkish and Mediterranean street food found in the larger cities of Sweden with homey classics like Swedish meatballs, pickled herring and Swedish pancakes on the menu — all of it with a few nods to California as well. Consider it the United Nations of local dining. 220 Western Ave., Petaluma, 707-981-8511, stockhomerestaurant.com
Lunchette
We love the carefully-sourced, healthy and delicious lunch options at this tiny downtown walk-up. The smoked trout salad with preserved lemon vinaigrette, roasted beets, pickled raisins and cashews is our favorite, along with a warm grain bowl with roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas. Slices of fresh pizza are also available to pair with your salad. 25 Fourth St., Petaluma, 707-241-7443, lunchettepetaluma.com
The Shuckery
Raw oysters are a Sonoma County staple, and I always forget how much I love the small, unassuming Kumamotos at The Shuckery. Dedicated to the humbler oyster, this cozy cafe is a shucker’s dream. Try the Bingos, grilled oysters with Cognac, mayonnaise, Parmesan and garlic. Plus a full bar and outdoor seating. 100 Washington St., Petaluma, 707-981-7891, theshuckeryca.com
The Dozen Oyster plate includes St. Simone, Kummomoto and Hog Island oysters from The Shuckery in Petaluma. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)Five-piece nigiri at Sake 107 in Petaluma. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)
Sake 107
Chef Eiji Ando, a Hana Japanese alum, has dedicated his life to the craft. It’s awe-inspiring to watch the flicking of his hands as he shapes the seasoned rice and fish into a single perfect bite, and perfect isn’t a word we use lightly when it comes to nigiri. This is seriously awesome sushi and izayaki in downtown Petaluma that reminds us of what great Japanese food can really taste like. 107 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-241-7580, sake107.com
Brewsters Beer Garden
This 350-seat outdoor beer garden in the heart of downtown Petaluma would be packed no matter what the menu looked like — it’s a great place to have a beer. But the food continues to impress, with smoked brisket, my favorite buttermilk fried chicken sando (it’s the goat cheddar) and seasonal salads. Great for a night out with friends or family. 229 Water St. N., Petaluma, 707-981-8330, brewstersbeergarden.com
Wild Goat Bistro
A waterfront classic with insanely good Neapolitan pizzas (like the four cheese fig and pig with prosciutto and fig spread), polenta fries, Early Girl Dip with heirloom tomatoes and pancetta and dinner entrees including Shepherd’s pie, and wild salmon with roasted artichokes. 6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A5, Petaluma, 707-658-1156, wildgoatbistro.com
Fresh cranberry sauce with tangerine and mint from chef John Ash, Nov. 23, 2022. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Where would we be at the holidays without cranberries? The Thanksgiving relish, the hand-strung garlands and even the berry’s bright, tangy aroma evoke the magic of the season. While much of the nation’s crop is processed into juice, sauce or dried cranberries, some fresh cranberries are available in local farmers markets from late October through December.
Rumors once suggested a possible Sonoma County connection to the founding of a West Coast cranberry industry. It was believed that the Russian settlers who traveled south from Alaska to establish Fort Ross helped establish cranberry farms in southern Oregon. But Russians occupied Fort Ross from 1812 to 1841, and Oregon’s first cranberry farms are now believed to have been established in the 1890s.
Whatever the connection, the deliciously tart fruit deserves its place at the holiday table. This tangy-sweet cranberry salsa has a bit of heat from serrano chiles. Try it spooned over roast turkey or sweet potatoes, instead of — or alongside — the traditional cranberry-orange relish and cranberry sauce.
Jimtown chef Peter Brown’s Thanksgiving day plate includes this cranberry walnut relish with Grappa. Shot on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010, at the Jimtown Store in Healdsburg. (Charlie Gesell / for The Press Democrat)
2 tbsp. vinegar (cranberry, pomegranate are favorites)
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
1 tbsp. fresh cilantro, minced
1 tbsp. fresh sage, minced
Freshly cracked black pepper
Put the cranberries into the work bowl of a food processor and pulse until the berries are evenly minced. Transfer them to a medium bowl, add the serranos, onion, and orange zest and toss. Add the sugar, season with salt, add the vinegar and stir well, until the sugar is dissolved. Add the olive oil, cilantro and sage, and toss again.
Taste the mixture and add more salt or olive oil if necessary. Season with black pepper, then transfer to a serving bowl, cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes for flavors to combine. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving.
Extras can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for two to three days.
Healdsburg Plaza is aglow Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, with holiday colors. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
Looking for somewhere cozy to spend the holiday season? Sonoma County locals don’t have to go far this Christmas.
Healdsburg was named one of the “Top 10 Best Christmas Towns” in an Aug. 29 Reader’s Choice Awards article from Newsweek. Additionally, digital travel publication The Travel named Healdsburg the coziest California town in the winter in an Oct. 21 article.
Healdsburg among best Christmas towns
Out of Newsweek’s 10 best towns to celebrate Christmas in the United States, Healdsburg ranked No. 3. Healdsburg’s tree lighting ceremonies, night markets and carriage rides, in addition to top-notch wine and cuisine, secured the city’s spot on the list.
Nominees are chosen by editors with contributions from a panel of travel agents. Newsweek editors then determine the final list, according to the website.
Grapevine, Texas and Solvang, California clinched the top two spots on the list. However, Healdsburg topped other well-known holiday locales, like Santa Claus, Indiana (No. 5) and Aspen, Colorado (No. 7).
A neatly sculpted Christmas tree is the perfect backdrop as a couple share a holiday kiss at the Healdsburg Plaza, Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021. This year’s annual Merry Healdsburg Tree Lighting Celebration will take place on the Healdsburg Plaza on Dec. 6, 2024. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat) 2021The annual Merry Healdsburg Tree Lighting Celebration will take place on the Healdsburg Plaza on Dec. 6, 2024. Along with the tree lighting and carriage rides, the celebration includes a festive holiday night market featuring over a dozen local food, drink and craft vendors. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
Winter holiday events in Healdsburg
One winter activity of note is the Merry Healdsburg Tree Lighting Celebration. The event takes place from 5-9 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the Healdsburg Plaza on Matheson Street and Healdsburg Avenue.
Santa Claus will be around to take photos with families, and live musical performances and complimentary carriage rides will liven the festivities. There will also be a holiday market with local vendors surrounding the streets of the plaza.
Dry Creek Kitchen at Hotel Healdsburg will be decorated in holiday decor for their Holiday Tea event. People of all ages are welcome to join the restaurant for a festive afternoon of tea, cocktails, housemade pastries, finger sandwiches and other holiday fare from 1-2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 7-22.
The event is $79 for tea service and food, $93 for tea service, food and wine or cocktail, and $49 for children under 12 years, who can get food, tea, cider and hot chocolate.
Jordan Winery will also host its annual Christmas at Jordan party from 1-4 p.m. on Dec. 7.
This year, the Jordan Chateau will transform its winery into New York City’s Rockefeller Center, with festive decor, lighting and backdrops. Executive chef Jesse Mallgren will prepare winter meals paired with different wines.
Guests are encouraged to bring a wrapped toy to include in the Toys for Tots toy drive.
Tickets are $175 per person. 1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg, 707-431-5250, jordanwinery.com
Lambert Bridge Winery on West Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg has a cozy tasting room with a fireplace, shown lit for the holidays. The winery hosts a number of holiday events, including a Wreath Making Class from 4-6 p.m. on Dec. 12. (Courtesy of Lambert Bridge Winery)Seafood Ramen with a medley of scallops, shrimp and squid in a shiso ponzu broth from Taste of Tea in Healdsburg. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
The coziest California town in winter
In The Travel article, travel journalist Jessica Tucker called Healdsburg one of those “laid-back California towns perfect for a relaxing getaway in the cozy wintertime,” despite its Michelin-star restaurants and high-end shopping.
The town boasts a variety of winter-friendly activities, both outdoors and indoors. Although the weather can get cold, it’s not too frigid for outdoorsy fun. The article highlights various hikes, kayaking, winery tours, winter-themed events and more.
A number of Healdsburg’s best restaurants are also great, cozy refuges when the weather gets a bit too blustery. Some of our favorites are Parish Cafe for a Southern comfort breakfast, Guiso Latin Fusion for Salvadoran pupusas and The Taste of Tea for a steaming bowl of ramen.
Short Rib Chili with Anaheim, pasilla and chipotle peppers from chef Chad Holmes of Chad’s Soup Shack. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Scraping the last re-microwaved, DoorDashed mac and cheese from my plate on a blustery winter morning, comfort food is top of mind. The nights are long, the world is complicated and my chances of a mistletoe smooch are looking slim.
Whatever your woes, there’s no shortage of reasons to power-nosh on mashed potatoes and gravy, steaming soups, or piles of nachos washed down with an espresso martini or three. Fortunately, there are plenty of delightful dishes in Sonoma County to boost your morale. So gather with friends and family around the table for all the carbs and butter you want. Swimsuit season is months away. And that’s something to smile about.
Here are some favorite indulgences of mine.
Soup, Chad’s Soup Shack
The lineup from chef Chad Holmes constantly evolves, but a recent farm market menu included roasted corn and shrimp chowder, split pea and ham, chicken green chili stew, vegetarian mushroom bisque and lemon chicken bone broth — not to mention a brisket grilled cheese sandwich. Think of it as your reward for those cold market mornings. Find him at Santa Rosa Community and Petaluma Eastside Farmer’s Markets. chadssoupshack.com
Loaded baked potato at Stark’s Steak and Seafood in Santa Rosa. (Stark’s Steak and Seafood)
Loaded Baked Potato, Stark’s Steak & Seafood
Before viral Frappuccinos or frozen yogurt, the baked potato (and offspring, potato skins) ruled supreme in almost every mall food court in America. I vote to bring back the humble spud, covered with sour cream, cheese, bacon, chives and extra butter. Stark’s goes one step further, classing the whole thing up with roasted broccolini, crème fraîche and smoked cheddar fondue. 521 Adams St., Santa Rosa, 707-546-5100, starkrestaurants.com
Currywurst, Tisza Bistro
Housemade bratwurst, sliced into pieces and laid over beer-battered fries and caramelized onions with a curry-spiked ketchup. It’s a mess but in the very best way. 165 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-291-5193, tiszabistro.com
Mac and cheese, SoCo MacHaus
An alter-ego of Franchettis’ Gasthaus, this pickup and delivery-only mac and cheese menu features heaping helpings of mac and cheese gussied up with fried chicken, a medley of mushrooms, bacon or hot dogs. Righteous. Delivery to Santa Rosa area only. Find it on doordash.com or socomachaus.com
Quesabirria, Mi Ranchito
Taking the win for its lacy bits of caramelized cheese, butter-soft meat and grill-kissed quesabirria that arrive with a steaming cup of consommé is humble Mi Ranchito. The real clincher? Cozy indoor seating. Taco trucks are great and all, but sitting on a curb with a Styrofoam plate is less than ideal in winter. 90 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa, 707-978-2295, miranchitomexicancuisine.com
Seafood Ramen with a medley of scallops, shrimp and squid in a shiso ponzu broth from Taste of Tea in Healdsburg. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Ramen, The Taste of Tea
Japanese comfort food is the name of the game here. One of chef Nez Tokugawa’s signatures is Miso Ramen ($14), made with vegan kombu broth — a traditional ramen base. Topped with barbecue pork, a shoyu-marinated egg, bamboo shoots and nori, it’s a bowl of warmth and deeply satisfying flavor. 109 North St., Healdsburg, 707-431-1995, thetasteoftea.com
Giant cinnamon roll, Wild Flour Bread
I watched a first-timer order this legendary cinnamon roll with a knowing smile. The size of a small hubcap, these gooey, sticky morning buns will hit your gut like a freight train to Pastry Town. I usually eat half in the car and half — with unsalted butter — when I get home. Plus, it’s a lovely ride, and their gardens, even in winter, are worth a walk-through. 140 Bohemian Highway, Freestone, 707-874-2938, wildflourbread.com
Mediterranean Platter, East West Cafe
I could eat beet hummus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sweet, earthy and a perfect pairing with piping hot, crispy falafel bites. The platter also includes regular hummus, baba ganoush, stuffed grape leaves, tabbouleh and pita. 557 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa, 707-546-6142, eastwestcafesantarosa.com
Truffle Fries at Jackson’s Bar & Oven in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
French fries, Jackson’s Bar and Oven
These fries are the gold standard. Not only are they imbued with truffle oil, but they come with a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano cheese and a side of tart lemon aioli. Plan to order extra aioli if you’re sharing (though we recommend keeping them all to yourself). 135 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-6900, jacksonsbarandoven.com
Nachos, La Rosa Tequileria
Maybe it is the tequila talking, but a pile of warm tortilla chips smothered in melted cheese with all the toppings (guacamole, crema, refried beans, salsa fresca and jalapeños) reaches heavenly heights with a crown of carnitas. 500 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-523-3663, larosasantarosa.com
Empanadas, Vinoma
By now, most folks know that this gas station spot in west Rohnert Park is worth a trip for its California-meets-Argentina empanadas. Like doughnuts, one is never enough, so try a few, including the traditional beef with Spanish olives, steak and cheese, al pastor and vegetarian corn in creamy nutmeg sauce. 5085 Redwood Drive, Rohnert Park, 707-536-9215, vinoma.net
Meatballs and mashed potatoes at Stockhome restaurant. (Courtesy of newrevmedia.com)
Swedish Meatballs, Stockhome
A neighborhood hub for unfussy, family-friendly Turkish and Mediterranean street food found in Sweden’s larger cities, plus homey classics like Swedish meatballs, pickled herring and Swedish pancakes on the menu — all of it with a few nods to California as well. The meatballs, swimming in gravy and nestled against a pile of mashed potatoes with lingonberry jam on the side, are the grown-up version of the Ikea classic. 220 Western Ave., Petaluma, 707-981-8511, stockhomerestaurant.com
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, Red Grape
The stuff your mom made on sick days, but without being burnt on one side and with clumps in the canned soup. Here, the tomato basil soup is smooth as silk, and the sandwich has a Parmesan crust with sharp white cheddar melted in the middle. 529 First St., Sonoma, 707-996-4103, theredgrape.com
Tuna Sandwich, D’s Diner
Always a top choice when I’m feeling the tug of a toasted tuna sandwich. It’s not fancy, but the tuna is fresh, the cheese is perfectly melted and the plain old white bread is toasted. 7260 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol, 707-829-8080; 750 Stony Point Road, Suite A-190, Santa Rosa, 707-843-3041
Croque-Monsieur from Maison Porcella in Windsor, April 13, 2023. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Croque Monsieur, Maison Porcella
Chef Marc-Henri Jean-Baptiste’s luxurious pâté, sausages and Parisian-style ham are the draw of this cozy café and wine bar, but if you’re willing to wait a minute, you can get a piping hot croque that makes all other croques seem pitiful. This grand ham and cheese sandwich includes creamy béchamel, Gruyere cheese, housemade milk bread and thin slices of Jean-Baptiste’s award-winning ham. 8499 Old Redwood Highway, Suite 114, Windsor, 707-955-5611, maisonporcella.com
European Drinking Chocolate, Sonoma Chocolatiers & Tea House
Not even in the same universe as Swiss Miss. Made with chocolate shavings and hot milk (plus chili and almond extract optional), it’s a liquid candy bar made for sipping slowly and paging through Proust on a rainy day. 6988 McKinley St., Sebastopol, 707-829-1181, sonomachocolatiers.com
Sora Napa at the Meritage Resort & Spa. (Photo: Bob McClenahan)
It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays, which has many of us thinking about sparkling wines. I pop open bubbly year-round — it’s my favorite wine for everything from fried chicken to foie gras (and even French toast for breakfast).
Sonoma and Napa County wineries have long produced sparkling wines in the manner of French Champagne, using méthode champenoise. And over the past several years, there has been a dizzying array of effervescent varietals crafted by local wineries.
More recently, a spate of tasting rooms focused on a combination of local and imported sparklings have opened, including SIGH, a sparkling specialist shop. Debuting in 2012 in a 400-square-foot Vine Alley shop off the Sonoma Plaza, it led the trend. In 2017, owner Jayme Powers moved to a new space nearby, quadrupling the footprint and adding more sparkling wine and Champagnes.
SIGH Champagne Bar in Sonoma. (Courtesy of Wilson Ishihara Design)
New locally-crafted sparklers are taking a greater spotlight. Consider Breathless Wines of Healdsburg, whose Sonoma County Sparkling Brut Rosé won the Sweepstakes Specialty wine award at this past October’s Sonoma County Harvest Fair Professional Wine Competition.
Here are some more new and favorite spots to explore the world of bubbles:
Iron Horse Vineyards
The Sebastopol estate has been legendary since 1976. But partner and CEO Joy Sterling keeps things fresh by doing innovative things like the new magnum tastings paired with picnics of charcuterie, flatbread, gourmet snacks and caviar offered in the summer, plus periodic seasonal Oyster Sundays that made a return in 2024. This retreat is pure Sonoma style, as you relax in gardens or in rustic, redwood barn buildings at the end of a meandering, one-lane road, on a hill with sweeping vineyard views.
Among the dozen-plus sparkling wines on offer, several give back to the community, too, such as the 2019 Resilience Dry Rosé, with proceeds going to the Sonoma County Resilience Fund for disaster recovery, and the 2019 Pinot Noir-based Gratitude benefiting the Redwood Empire Food Bank.
A glass of sparkling rosé from Iron Horse Vineyards in Sebastopol. (Courtesy of Iron Horse Vineyards)At Maison Healdsburg wine bar. (Sarah Davis)
Maison Healdsburg
Small production Champagne stars at this hip, stylish salon run by a team of sommeliers and Michelin restaurant wine directors. Tasting options vary daily, and you can stock up on precious finds like a 2018 Brick & Mortar Manchester Ridge Vineyard Blanc de Blancs from Mendocino Ridge ($110) or a spectacular 2008 Krug Clos du Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut ($3,800).
Sora Napa
Part of a two-year, $25 million property upgrade at Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa, this brand-new glam salon glitters with more than 30 imported and local Champagnes and sparkling wines. Posh decor sets the stage for an elevated, often unique experience in an intimate, 28-seat setting with a marble bar, velvet chairs and glass bubble lights.
Start with a glass of 2020 Brendel Young Leon Napa Frizzante Rosé of Grignolino ($20), then move on to a bright Lavender Sparkle cocktail of Tanqueray 10 gin, fresh lemon juice, lavender and Champagne ($19). I highly recommend the four themed flights: Migration (three French labels), Native (California), Flock (Germany, Italy and Austria), and Soaring (Spain, England and France).
Sparkling flight at Sora Napa at the Meritage Resort & Spa. (Photo: Bob McClenahan)The Bubble Bar tasting room in Healdsburg focuses on Champagnes, sparklers, Cavas, Proseccos and all things bubbles. Photo taken Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Healdsburg Bubble Bar
Winemaker Sarah Quider fronts this new sparkling wine-exclusive tasting room in a 1906 Queen Anne Victorian off the Plaza. Quider dreamed of creating a Parisian bistro showcasing Champagne and treats like Champagne cake slathered in Champagne buttercream frosting. The sips menu changes frequently, but you can expect about a dozen premium international selections by the glass, plus page after page of interesting bottle choices. There are French bubblies, of course, but also more obscure sparklings from South Africa, Spain, Italy, England, Germany and Austria amid a smattering of California and New Zealand favorites.
Azur Wines
This new Napa space is Barbie cute, trimmed in pink walls, but sophisticated with European art and a speakeasy behind a hidden door. Owner Elan Fayard is best known for her rosé still wine but recently launched two custom-label Champagnes made through partnerships with French producers. You can taste them both in a flight, featuring generous splashes of elegant NV Hervieux-Dumez Champagne and 2018 Vincent Joudart Champagne.
Restaurant openings galore in Sonoma County, with new eateries in Cotati, Santa Rosa and Kenwood. Learn more below on where to satisfy your pizza, ice cream and coffee cravings.
Slow Co. Pizza
We’ve been watching the progress of this family-run pizzeria for a while now. Focused on slowly fermented, naturally rising dough and local ingredients, the newcomer to the Cotati food scene has a brief but well-curated menu. Offerings include The Bird (red sauce, mozzarella), R-Grated with mozzarella and zesty Estero Gold Reserve cheese, “Pretty Fly for a Fungi” (pesto, white sauce and mushrooms) and Hogwarts Express (red sauce, sausage, shaved fennel, mozzarella and shallots). Slow Sauce is a ranch-style dipper because every pizza should come with ranch. Open 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. 8197 La Plaza, Cotati, 707-796-5124, slowcopizza.com
Pink Sugar Creamery, which replaced the long-running Yogurt Farms in Santa Rosa, offers rolled ice cream. (Shutterstock)
Pink Sugar Creamery
Huzzah, Sonoma County finally has rolled ice cream. It’s a thing, kind of like bubble tea in the 2010s, imported from Southeast Asia and viralized on social media for years. Pink Sugar Creamery, which replaced the long-running Yogurt Farms (RIP), uses a liquid ice cream base poured onto a freezing metal plate, instantly freezing the cream. It’s mostly a do-it-yourself affair with over two dozen toppings, including Sour Patch Kids, Biscoff cookies, Ferrero Rocher and Captain Crunch cereal. Soft serve and mini pancakes are also available. Every wall is bathed in Pepto pink with Instagrammable neon signs, furry swings and roses galore. Open daily from 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 1224 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, instagram.com/pinksugarcreamery
Newly opened Pillowfight Coffee in Kenwood is named for the famous Kenwood pillow fights that ran for 40 years before being canceled in 2006 for getting too big or too out of hand, depending on who you ask. In this photo, competitors take swings at each other on July 4, 1984. (The Press Democrat, file)
Pillowfight Coffee
Just in time for sweater weather (or so their Instagram says), this Kenwood coffee shop is serving croissants, breakfast sandos, muffins, quiche and all the pumpkin spice or eggnog lattes you could possibly want. The name is an homage to the much-missed Kenwood Pillow Fights, a summer tradition that pitted neighbor versus neighbor, pounding each other with pillows while sitting on a greased pole above a mud pit. Though the event officially ended in 2006 due to party poopers (the official line was it got too big for tiny Kenwood), we think it should be revived because real mudslinging is a lot more fun than the virtual stuff. But we’re happy to relive the glory days over coffee and some neighborhood banter. Open from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 8910 Sonoma Highway, Suite 12B, Kenwood, pillowfight.coffee
The Duke Ellington Nutcracker transports the famous tale to a 1940s jazz club, with guest musicians from the Marcus Shelby Orchestra and both professional and student dancers. (Kate Nagle/Courtesy New World Ballet)
New World Ballet artistic director Victor Temple has danced “The Nutcracker” countless times over the years.
“It’s what you do during the holidays,” he says.
So when Temple was finally at the helm of his own dance company, Santa Rosa’s New World Ballet, he was eager to try something different. When the idea of reinventing the old chestnut with a jazz orchestration came to life, he ran with it, tapping the Marcus Shelby Orchestra to resurrect Duke Ellington’s epic 1960 “Nutcracker Suite.”
“Imagine the Cotton Club in the 1940s,” Temple says. “The costumes, the music, the dancing — everything is of that period.”
The Duke Ellington Nutcracker transports the famous tale to a 1940s jazz club. The show includes guest musicians from the Marcus Shelby Orchestra and both professional and student dancers. (Kate Nagle/Courtesy New World Ballet)
Traditionalists will still recognize the sugar plum fairies and sabre-swinging mice, but now songs like “Toot Toot Tootie Toot” and “Sugar Rum Cherry” steal the show. It’s only fitting that poet Enid Pickett, who was named the first-ever poet laureate of the Healdsburg Jazz Festival a few years back, plays the narrator — weaving some of her original meter into the mix.
After decades in the dance world, Temple knows what moves audiences. He grew up poor in Alabama (Temple says he didn’t own a pair of shoes until he was about to start kindergarten) and got his big break when world-famous ballerina Sonia Arova saw him breakdancing on the streets of Chicago in the 1980s. He went on to perform with the Dance Theater of Harlem, the Oakland Ballet, Cirque du Soleil, American Repertory Ballet and Shanghai Ballet before assuming the leadership of New World Ballet in 2005.
New World Ballet needs all of the resilience Temple developed as he came up in the dance world. The nonprofit company gets by on a tight budget and relies on donations to help make the shows happen. Its Nutcracker production is an important source of income as well as a way to celebrate the students’ many talents. Now in its third year, Temple and executive director Tiffany Jimenez recently raised $2,000 to keep the dream of this year’s show alive.
“We really need community support to make this happen,” says Jimenez, who oversees the company and dances in addition to her work as a nurse with the Sonoma County Indian Health Project.
Santa Rosa’s New World Ballet is reinventing the old Nutcracker with a jazz orchestration come to life. The ballet also tapped the Marcus Shelby Orchestra to help resurrect Duke Ellington’s epic 1960 “Nutcracker Suite.” (Kate Nagle/Courtesy New World Ballet)The Duke Ellington Nutcracker transports the famous tale to a 1940s jazz club. Professional as well as student dancers perform to music from the Marcus Shelby Orchestra. Traditionalists will still recognize the sugar plum fairies and sabre-swinging mice, but now songs like “Toot Toot Tootie Toot” and “Sugar Rum Cherry” steal the show. (Kate Nagle/Courtesy New World Ballet)
The holiday production goes hand in hand with New World Ballet’s courageous mission to serve the underserved in the community and give chances to those who don’t get many. Temple sees it as an opportunity to repay the favors that brought him to the dance world.
“I want to find that kid just like me. I want to give back to the community — not just the poor, not just people of color, but everybody. Anybody who wants to dance,” says Temple.
“If you never had the opportunity to study formal classical ballet, then here is the chance. I have never, ever turned anyone away for the lack of payment or the lack of resources. I have never done it, and I will never do it.”
The dancing isn’t just for those on stage. A “Nutcracker” set in Harlem can be very liberating, Temple says, and a welcome excuse to let loose during the holidays.
“This isn’t the typical ballet, you know, in the sense of where you got to come in and stay prim and proper and clap politely…There’s no pretentiousness about it. This is people on the edge of their seats, jumping up and down, clapping along with the music. Nobody’s sitting around sterile. You see grandma getting up and dancing along with it. Whatever you feel like doing. You want to jump up and shout and dance along with it? Go ahead. And at the end of it, [the dancers] all walk out on the stage, and they all get standing ovations.”
New World Ballet presents “Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker,” featuring the Marcus Shelby Orchestra, Saturday, Nov. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 1. Spreckels Performing Arts Center, Rohnert Park. From $55, spreckelsonline.com or newworldballet.com
Fries from The Farmer’s Wife in Sebastopol. (Courtesy of Farmer’s Wife)
Sebastopol has ranked among the top Thanksgiving dining destinations for farm-to-table cuisine in America. According to Redwood City-based Mixbook, an online photo design service, a survey of 3,000 food enthusiasts placed Sebastopol at No. 7 on the list of 10.
“In Sonoma County, Sebastopol’s restaurants serve dishes that celebrate its agricultural and wine heritage,” stated the Mixbook article.
Mixbook spotlighted The Farmer’s Wife, located in Sebastopol’s The Barlow, for it’s seasonally crafted meals using organic, locally grown ingredients.
Fries from The Farmer’s Wife in Sebastopol. (Courtesy of Farmer’s Wife)Lamb sausage sandwich at The Farmer’s Wife in Sebastopol’s Barlow. (Courtesy of The Farmer’s Wife)
The café, which also has a location in Point Reyes, serves gourmet sandwiches, soups, colorful salads, pastries and a variety of French fries.
Kendra Kolling, founder of The Farmer’s Wife, started her business by creating and selling sandwiches at farmers markets and festivals throughout the region.
Carrot Hummus garnished with slivered almonds, pickled cauliflower and cucumber raita, served with flatbread at Muir’s Tea Room in Sebastopol. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)A salad from Goatlandia Kitchen in Sebastopol. (Courtesy of Andie Thornton)
Muir’s Tea Room is offering an assortment of takeout holiday dishes for Thanksgiving this year. The plant-based menu includes butternut squash pasties, mushroom pie tarts, veggie quiche, vegan sausage rolls and a variety of pies.
According to its website, Muir’s Tea Room uses produce grown especially for the restaurant from its English farmer’s Cumbria Gardens, an “organic biodiverse Sebastopol farm.” Cumbria Gardens provides fresh vegetables, flowers, fruits and berries for 20 other local families, as well as the tea room.
The plant-based Goatlandia Kitchen opened in August and changed focus from restaurant service to catering in October. Goatlandia Kitchen also has Thanksgiving dinners to go, including mushroom Wellington and maple-glazed rosemary sage meatloaf.
Thanksgiving orders for both Muir’s Tea Room and Goatlandia Kitchen are now closed, but the restaurants still offer plant-based dishes for takeout. Additionally, Muir’s Tea Room offers Thanksgiving treats every year, and also hosts regular high tea services for holidays.
Check out more farm-to-table restaurants in Sonoma County here.
Life is stressful enough as it is. This year, let Sonoma County’s restaurants, caterers and bakeries handle the Thanksgiving cooking.
We rounded up a lengthy list of places in both Sonoma and Napa counties to dine out on Thanksgiving Day, as well as places that are offering takeout meals and treats to enjoy in the comfort of home.
Reserve early, as space is limited and tends to fill up fast. All sit-down dinners are on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, unless noted otherwise.
Sit-down dinners
Santa Rosa
Flamingo Resort & Spa
Flamingo Resort will host a buffet-style Thanksgiving dinner in its ballroom. The menu includes salads, buttermilk biscuits, butternut squash soup, garlic mashed potatoes, caramelized Brussels sprouts, roasted sweet potatoes, sourdough stuffing, roasted fall veggies, prime rib, maple-brined turkey, roasted salmon and mushroom ravioli. Sweets include pumpkin pie, pecan pie, lemon cheesecake and chocolate mousse tart. The dinner is $80 per adult and $35 per child 12 and under. Reserve on Tock.
The Flamingo Resort in Santa Rosa on Thursday, May 13, 2021. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)
John Ash & Co.
John Ash & Co. chef Sergio Howland’s four-course Thanksgiving brunch will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and four-course dinner from 3-7 p.m. Each holiday meal is $125 per person. The Vintner’s Resort restaurant will also offer to-go holiday dinners that include harvest salad, brioche dinner rolls, heritage roasted turkey, sourdough bread stuffing, green beans, sweet potato and mashed potatoes, butter-rosemary gravy, cranberry-orange sauce, and choice of a whole pumpkin or pecan pie. The dinner package serves six and costs $428.21. Pre-order before Nov. 22 for pickup on Thanksgiving. Reserve holiday meals on OpenTable.
Safari West will host a Sonoma Serengeti Thanksgiving with seatings at noon and 3 p.m. The menu includes butternut squash soup, shrimp cocktail, dinner rolls, spinach salad, French bread stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, sauteed green beans, bourbon-glazed sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and roasted turkey. Pecan pie and pumpkin pie with whipped cream for dessert. Call 707-566-3667 or 800-616-2695 to reserve.
3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, 707-579-2551, safariwest.com
Guests were served buffet-style during a Thanksgiving dinner served at Safari West in Santa Rosa, Nov. 24, 2011. Before and after their dinners guests were given tours of the property and the animals on display. This year, the Thanksgiving dinner at Safari West will be a seated affair. (Crista Jeremiason/The Press Democrat)Jayce Kalduski, 6, asks for candied sweet potatoes during a Thanksgiving dinner being served at Safari West in Santa Rosa, Nov. 24, 2011. Kalduski, who is from Placerville but visiting family in Sebastopol said, “I love sweet potatoes.” (Crista Jeremiason/The Press Democrat)
Rohnert Park
Bacchus Restaurant
Bacchus Restaurant & Wine Bar at the DoubleTree in Rohnert Park will host a Thanksgiving dinner from 5-9 p.m. The a la carte menu includes oysters, Caesar salad, dressed Brussels sprouts, Dungeness crab cakes, roasted fall squash with burrata, Japanese pumpkin ravioli and buttermilk-brined Diestel turkey with all the fixings. Desserts include pumpkin and pecan pie, Basque cheesecake, brown butter cake and assorted Fiorello’s gelato. Reserve on OpenTable.
This Cotati cafe will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day with a holiday menu, and a turkey dinner special will also be available from 3-9 p.m. the preceding Tuesday and Wednesday. The dinner includes roasted turkey breast, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sauteed vegetables, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Dinners will also be available for takeout until 2:45 p.m. on Thursday. Call to reserve.
This new Penngrove bakery is offering holiday treats. Thanksgiving cupcakes include the Turkey Leg Day with a butterscotch and white chocolate “turkey leg”; the Pour Some Gravy On Me topped with cookie butter buttercream “mashed potatoes and gravy”; the Peas and Thank You pumpkin cupcake with “peas and carrots” candy decor; the Corny-Copia chocolate cupcake with cornucopia and Runts decor; and the Pie Love You pumpkin cupcake topped with a mini pumpkin pie. View catalog online to see all treats. Open from 9-11 a.m. on Thanksgiving.
Giant cookies and over-the-top cupcakes are available at Odd Cookie Bakery in Penngrove. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)Interior at Central Market in Petaluma. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Petaluma
Central Market
Petaluma’s Central Market will host Thanksgiving dinner from 5-9 p.m. The menu, which is subject to change, includes a snack board, Drake’s Bay oysters ($20 for a half dozen, $36 for a dozen) and rosemary bread with a warm pot of spring onions for the table. First course is a choice of creole blue crab bisque, smoked rainbow trout salad or wild rice with delicata squash and tart cherry salad.
Main course is a choice of roasted Diestel turkey with sausage stuffing and mashed potatoes; roasted gulf snapper with shrimp and mirliton dressing; wild mushroom pot pie in a puff pastry crust; or 12-hour pork shoulder with parsnip puree and roasted Brussels sprouts; plus a medley of vegetables for the table. Dessert is a choice of apple pie a la mode, Wingbeat Farm pumpkin pie, cranberry spice cake, and orange sherbet and mango sorbet with shortbread cookies. The meal is $90 per person or $130 with wine pairing.
Cafe Bellini will be open Thanksgiving Day with holiday specials. The menu includes oven roasted turkey with gravy, herb stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, baby carrots and cranberry sauce; and roasted prime rib with au jus, seasonal vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes. Desserts include pumpkin pie and apple pie, with an a la mode option. The turkey dinner is $28 and the prime rib dinner is $36.
The restaurant at Sheraton Sonoma in Petaluma will host a three-course Thanksgiving dinner from 3-7 p.m. Choice of entrees for the dinner is turkey confit, prime rib or cauliflower linguine. $75 per person. Reserve on Opentable.
Parker House rolls in a skillet, served with chicken drippings, at Layla restaurant in MacArthur Place Hotel in Sonoma, on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)The interior dining area of Layla restaurant in MacArthur Place Hotel in Sonoma, on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)
Sonoma
Layla at MacArthur Place
MacArthur Place restaurant Layla will host a Thanksgiving feast from 1-8 p.m. The meal will include Parker House rolls with cultured butter; for the first course, a choice of parsnip soup, autumn salad, mixed green salad, steak tartare and Dungeness crab cakes; for the main course, choice of oven roasted turkey with all the traditional fixings, halibut with sweet potato hash, braised beef cheek with veggies and roasted honey nut squash with veggies. The dinner will also include a dessert trio featuring a brûléed pumpkin pie, frangipan torta and chocolate fudge cake. Layla’s holiday feast is $110 per adult and $35 per child. Reserve on OpenTable.
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn restaurant Santé will host a Thanksgiving feast from noon to 8 p.m. The dinner buffet menu includes various salads, a seafood station with items such as Miyagi oysters and shrimp cocktail; a caviar station accompanied with blinis and charcuterie; a carving station with turkey, prime rib and ahi tuna; and an assortment of traditional sides. There will also be a dessert and cheese bar. The Thanksgiving feast is $149 per adult and $39 per child. Reserve on OpenTable.
Pumpkin pie at Santé in Sonoma. (Courtesy Santé)At Wit & Wisdom in Sonoma. (The Lodge at Sonoma, Autograph Collection)
Wit & Wisdom
The three-course, prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner menu at Wit & Wisdom will be available from 1-7 p.m. Menu items include butternut squash soup, ricotta gnudi, oyster towers, Pacific halibut, roasted cauliflower, lobster pot pie, prime beef New York strip and heritage turkey breast with all the fixings. Dessert includes pumpkin pie, milk chocolate budino and spiced apple mousse cake. The dinner is $104 per guest. Learn more and reserve online.
The Sonoma restaurant will host a three-course Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 8 p.m. The menu includes pumpkin and ginger soup, polenta with shrimp, turkey with traditional fixings, pork chop with roasted squash and root vegetables, baked Mahi Mahi and mushroom risotto. Desserts include cheesecake, chocolate torte and pumpkin panna cotta. $70 per person. Reserve on OpenTable. (Space is limited.)
The Depot will host Thanksgiving dinner from 2-6 p.m., Nov. 23. The menu includes chicory salad, butternut squash soup, turchetta (turkey porchetta) with mashed potatoes and green beans, short ribs with polenta and veggies, and vegetarian risotto. Desserts are a pumpkin crostata with spiced mascarpone whipped cream and tortino al cioccolato (chocolate cake) with vanilla ice cream. $79 per person. Call to reserve a table.
El Dorado Hotel’s restaurant will host a Thanksgiving brunch and dinner with seasonally inspired dishes. The menu includes caviar, oysters, seasonal soup, hamachi crudo, truffle fries, surf and turf, pumpkin ravioli, turkey with all the fixings, pappardelle bolognese, pan roasted salmon and braised short rib. See the full menu online. Reserve on OpenTable.
At El Dorado Kitchen in Sonoma. (Mariana Calderon Photography)The popular patio at The Girl and The Fig on farmers market night in the Sonoma square Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
The girl & the fig
The Sonoma restaurant will host Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 8 p.m. The meal includes Acme bread for the table, pumpkin soup, seasonal salads, roast turkey breast with glazed carrots and roasted garlic pudding au pain; braised brisket with haricot vert and potatoes dauphinoise; wild flounder meunière with potato purée and spinach; and maple-glazed cauliflower with whipped yams and roasted mushrooms. Desserts include profiteroles with pumpkin ice cream, apple pie bar with vanilla ice cream and chocolate pecan tart with bourbon chocolate sauce. The three-course menu is $72 per person. Reserve online or call.
The Glen Ellen cafe will celebrate Turkey Day with a holiday dinner from 1-6 p.m. Menu items for the three-course meal include Acme bread for the table, cauliflower bisque, salads, roast turkey breast with sourdough stuffing; brisket au poivre with whipped potatoes and Brussels sprouts; wild flounder meunière with potato purée; and roasted mushroom ragout with polenta. Dessert options are a cranberry crisp and a pumpkin cheesecake bar. The Thanksgiving meal is $60 per person. Reserve a table on Resy.
13690 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, 707-938-2130, thefigcafe.com
Les Pascals Patisserie
Les Pascals will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but until then you can stock up on holiday treats at the little yellow shop. The Thanksgiving menu includes meringues, apple tarts, grandma cakes (apple, berry and peach), pumpkin brioche rounds, hazelnut and chocolate chip cookies, baguettes (olive, cranberry and hazelnut raisin), and turkey and bechamel puff pastry galettes.
The three-course Thanksgiving menu includes a choice of soup or salad with an entree and dessert. Menu items include butternut squash bisque, French onion soup, Caesar salad, prime rib, Diestel Ranch turkey, seafood stew, salmon and mushroom gnocchi. Desserts include pumpkin cheesecake, apple galette, butterscotch bread pudding, chocolate ganache torte, raspberry Zinfandel sorbet and bourbon pecan gelato. Additional sides and appetizers are available. Price ranges from $45 to $70 depending on selected entree. Reserve on OpenTable.
A roasted turkey with Thanksgiving dinner at Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg. (Courtesy Sonoma County Tourism)
Healdsburg
Dry Creek Kitchen
Chef Charlie Palmer’s Healdsburg restaurant will serve a three-course prix fixe Thanksgiving menu along with an optional wine pairing from 2-7 p.m. The menu includes fall vegetable pie, pork belly biscuits, bigeye tuna crudo, spinach bucatini, Mary’s turkey roulade, sweet potato agnolotti, braised lamb shoulder, grilled Ora King salmon and more. Desserts include a choice of apple streusel cheesecake, pumpkin ricotta cheesecake or a chocolate peanut butter bar. The holiday meal is $110 per adult and $55 for children under 12.
H2Hotel’s restaurant Spoonbar will host Thanksgiving dinner from 1-7 p.m. The meal includes potato rolls for the table, salads, cheese and charcuterie, cornbread stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, glazed baby carrots, roasted Brussels sprouts, whole roasted Diestel turkey and Bay King salmon. Desserts include chocolate-dipped profiteroles, pumpkin tartlets, pecan diamonds and pear frangipane. The meal is $85 per adult and $45 for children 12 and under.
Spoonbar restaurant in Healdsburg. (Kim Carroll/Spoonbar)The 25 oz. Ribeye Steak with bernaise sauce, with a side of creamed spinach and Parker House Rolls from Goodnight’s Prime Steak + Spirits Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, on the square in Healdsburg. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Goodnight’s Prime Steak + Spirits
The Western-stye steakhouse will host a four-course Thanksgiving feast from noon to 6 p.m. The meal starts with Parker House rolls and a glass of cider or sparkling wine. Starter course is a choice of burrata, butternut squash bisque or Chalk Hill Estate farm salad. Main course is a choice of roasted turkey gremolata, herb-roasted prime rib, crispy-skin king salmon or portobello mushroom schnitzel muhammara (all served with family-style sides). Dessert is a choice of mini sweet potato and pumpkin pies, banana bourbon tiramisu or Meyer lemon tart with sorbet. The dinner is $125 per person and $60 for children under 10. Reserve online.
The Mexican restaurant inside Hotel Les Mars will host a four-course Thanksgiving feast from noon to 6 p.m. First course is a butternut squash bisque with roasted pepitas and tomatillo salsa. Second course is a Caesar salad with cotija cheese, house croutons and herb Caesar dressing. Main course is pavo en mole teloloapan — roasted turkey with stuffing, sweet potato, cream corn and sauteed kale (vegetarian option available). Dessert is a pumpkin pie with chile-cinnamon whipped cream. The dinner is $85 per person and $40 for children 12 and under. There will be a 25% off discount on all wine bottles. Reserve on OpenTable.
The restaurant at the Farmhouse Inn in Forestville. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)A dinner spread at Dawn Ranch in Guerneville. (Gentl & Hyers)
West County
Farmhouse Inn Restaurant
Executive chef Craig Wilmer’s four-course prix fixe Thanksgiving menu includes roasted turkey breast and thigh ballotine, chicory salad with Midnight Moon cheese, farmer’s pottage with Jerusalem artichokes and red kuri squash, Bodega Red pommes puree, three citrus jelly and Brussels sprouts in aigre-doux. For dessert is a classic pumpkin pie by executive pastry chef Amanda Hoang. $145 per person. Reserve on Tock.
The Italian roadhouse is offering Thanksgiving dinners, including a traditional American dinner and an Italian version, for pickup. The American holiday menu includes turkey roast with butternut squash puffs, baked cabbage and cranberry sauce. Dessert is a pecan and chocolate chip angel bread cake. The Italian menu includes a fall salad and turkey-stuffed ravioli in pesto sauce. Dessert is a persimmon and nuts cake filled with sweet cream and cranberry mousse. Dinners are $49 per person. Order by phone no later than Nov. 24 for pickup between noon to 2 p.m. by Thanksgiving.
Dawn Ranch is offering a Thanksgiving Escape package featuring a stay in a luxury cabin as well as a turkey dinner for two at its restaurant, The Lodge, with seatings at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The three-course, prix fixe menu includes pumpkin soup and Parker House rolls for starters; a choice of turkey, fish or veggie entree for the main course; family-style sides such as stuffing and seasonal vegetables; and pecan pie for dessert. $120 per person. Reserve online.
Saucy Mama’s in Guerneville June 12, 2024. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
Saucy Mama’s Jook Joint
Saucy Mama’s will be open 2-8 p.m. Thanksgiving Day for dining in and is also taking to-go orders until Nov. 25, for pickup from 2-7:30 p.m. The menu includes Cajun Cornish game hen, honey bourbon ham, southern green beans, candied yams, cornbread stuffing with gravy, dinner rolls and cranberry sauce, plus dessert. $60 per person. Call to reserve.
Rio Nido Roadhouse will be open from noon to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving. The roadhouse will serve a traditional holiday dinner, including a vegetarian version, in addition to some regular menu items.
The Duncans Mills cafe will host an all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving feast with seatings at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. The buffet menu includes roasted turkey, sourdough stuffing, prime rib, veggie ricotta tortellini, green beans and mushrooms, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes with gravy, cranberry focaccia and cranberry sauce. For dessert is a bittersweet chocolate pot de crème and pumpkin pie with spiced whipped cream. $79 per adult and $38 for children 6 to 12. Call to reserve a table.
Dinucci’s will host a traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner with all the fixings from noon to 7 p.m. Festive cocktails, housemade pumpkin pie and other fall desserts will be available. The dinner is $45 per person. Reserve online.
Cajun-rubbed turkey combines 12 spices from chef Brandon Guenther of Rocker Oysterfeller’s in Valley Ford. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)Sticky praline bread pudding with organic Humboldt vanilla ice cream at Rocker Oysterfeller’s at Lucas Wharf in Bodega Bay on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. (Erik Castro / For The Press Democrat)
Rocker Oysterfeller’s at Valley Ford
The Valley Ford location of Rocker Oysterfeller’s will host Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The five-course feast will include squash and apple soup, fall salad, Cajun-brined turkey, cornbread, whipped butterball potatoes, green beans, roasted sweet potatoes and pull-apart dinner rolls. Desserts include apple crisp, chocolate pecan pie, pumpkin custard pie and praline bread pudding. $72 per person. Reserve tickets on Eventbrite.
The new Bodega Bay location of Rocker Oysterfeller’s will also host Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The holiday menu includes Monterey Bay calamari, barbecue shrimp, lobster bisque, Cajun-brined turkey with all the fixings, Creole fisherman’s stew, filet mignon and ricotta dumplings. Desserts include pumpkin chiffon pie, chocolate pecan pie, apple gingerbread cake and praline bread pudding. Children’s menu also available. $68 per person. Call to reserve a table.
The restaurant at The Links at Bodega Harbour will host a Thanksgiving buffet starting at 1 p.m. The menu includes salads, roast tom turkey, sourdough stuffing, mashed potatoes, giblet gravy, sauteed vegetables and fresh cranberries. For dessert, there’s apple pie with vanilla ice cream and pumpkin pie with whipped cream. The holiday meal is $55 per person, $35 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for children under 6. Reserve online.
21301 Heron Drive, Bodega Bay, 707-875-3519, bhha.org/dining
Bay View Restaurant & Lounge
The Inn at the Tides restaurant will host a Thanksgiving dinner from 1-6 p.m. The a la carte menu includes oysters, Caesar salad, shrimp bisque, turkey dinner with all the fixings, pan-seared salmon with mashed potatoes and veggies, roast prime rib with baked potato and sauteed spinach, and surf and turf (filet mignon and prawns) with mashed potatoes and green beans. Dessert includes pecan pie, pumpkin pie and apple pie a la mode.
In addition to a Friendsgiving dinner series from Nov. 18–21 ($65 per person), the Timber Cove Resort restaurant will serve a three-course prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner starting at 4 p.m. The menu includes local oysters, curried crab bisque, roasted squash salad, roasted turkey breast with all the fixings, quinoa-stuffed acorn squash and maple miso-cured black cod, plus family-style sides such as green beans, Brussels sprouts and roasted sweet potatoes. Dessert is a choice of seasonal gelato or sorbet, or a “dessert duo” of pepita seed pie and pumpkin cheesecake. The dinner is $79 per person and $35 for children 12 and under. Reserve on Resy.
The Sea Ranch Lodge will host a three-course, prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner from 5-9 p.m. in its dining room. Menu items include parsnip and sweet potato soup, Dungeness crab cakes, lemon ricotta gnudi, halibut, Diestel turkey, butternut squash and red wine-braised short ribs. Dessert is pumpkin pie, apple crisp and cheesecake. $105 per adult, $45 per child. Reserve on OpenTable.
Glen Ellen Star in Glen Ellen. (Courtesy Sonoma County Tourism)
Glen Ellen
Glen Ellen Star
Michelin-awarded Glen Ellen Star is offering a Thanksgiving dinner package to take home. The meal, which serves eight people, includes a spatchcocked roast turkey, housemade gravy, chicory salad, sourdough mushroom stuffing, buttermilk mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts with bacon marmalade, maple cranberry and winter citrus sauce, Parker House rolls and pumpkin pie. $65 per person. Alternate package options include “just the sides” for $35 per person and “roasted turkey and gravy only” for $40 per person. Add-ons include a green bean mushroom casserole and a wild rice pilaf with pecans, dried cranberries and butternut squash; each $48 per pan. All orders are for pickup on Thanksgiving Day only. Order online.
The Sonoma caterer is offering Thanksgiving dinners for pickup on Nov. 27. The menu includes roasted turkey breast with gravy, whipped potatoes, brioche stuffing, winter squash casserole, persimmon salad and cranberry orange sauce. Dinners are $195 and serve four. Additions for purchase include bacon and green bean casserole, pecan shortbread torte, Calvados apple pie, brandied pumpkin pie, chocolate chess pie and pumpkin cheesecake. Order online.
Thanksgiving sides and baked goods available for pickup at this Sonoma bakery. Sides include dinner rolls, green bean casserole, sausage bread pudding, mushroom bread pudding, creme fraiche mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. Desserts include pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate pecan pie, brown butter pumpkin pie, vegan apple pie, maple buttermilk custard pie and apple caramel streusel pie. Items range from $10 – $56, including a package of all sides for two people. Order online for pickup between 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 27, or between 8 a.m. to noon, Nov. 28.
Alex Lara serves, from left, Trish, John and Jenny Purcell at Baker & Cook in Boyes Hot Springs on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)An organic purple sweet potato pie from Suncraft Fine Foods in Sonoma. (Courtesy Suncraft Fine Foods)
Suncraft Fine Foods
Sonoma-based caterer Suncraft Fine Foods is offering organic turkey and vegetarian holiday meals for pickup. The turkey dinner includes rosemary turkey breast and dark meat, sourdough stuffing or gluten-free wild rice stuffing, whipped potatoes with turkey gravy and potato dinner rolls. The vegetarian dinner includes acorn squash stuffed with wild rice pilaf, sauteed vegetables with a balsamic drizzle, whipped potatoes with mushroom gravy and potato dinner rolls. A vegan option is available upon request.
Additional sides include green beans with mixed mushrooms, maple baked yams, baked mac and cheese, butternut squash soup, fall harvest salad and cranberry sauce. There are also appetizers available, including a puff pastry trio, cheese and charcuterie board, and vegetable crudité platter. Dessert options are an apple galette, purple sweet potato pie and spiced rum pumpkin cheesecake. Dinners are $65 per person. Order by 5 p.m., Nov. 19, for pickup on Nov. 27. Call or email feast@suncraftfinefoods.com to order.
Full holiday meals as well as a la carte items will be available for pickup with heating instructions. The Thanksgiving menu includes herb-basted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, sweet potato casserole, roasted vegetables, Sonoma salad, cranberry orange conserve, cranberry currant bread, pumpkin pie and apple streusel pie. A full order meal serves eight for $300; half order is $210. Order by noon on Nov. 24 for pickup from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 27. Call to order.
Deviled eggs from Bay Laurel Culinary in Petaluma. (Courtesy Bay Laurel)
Bay Laurel Culinary
This Petaluma-based caterer is offering an “Everything But the Turkey” Thanksgiving menu for pickup. The holiday menu includes deviled eggs, prawn cocktail, tuna tartare, roasted butternut squash soup, mashed potatoes, whipped Japanese sweet potatoes, vegetarian and sausage stuffings, Brussels sprouts, turkey gravy, baked nugget ham, cranberry sauce and more. Desserts include pecan tart, shortbread cookies, chocolate sables, brown butter apple cake and pumpkin white chocolate cheesecake. View the full menu and order online. Deadline for pre-orders is 5 p.m., Nov. 22, for pickup between noon to 3 p.m., Nov. 27.
The restaurant is offering Thanksgiving desserts for pickup. The holiday menu includes a pecan tart with almond cream and an apple tart with almond frangipane and vanilla cream. Both desserts are available in 3-inch (individual serving), 6.5-inch (serves four to six) and 9-inch (serves six to eight) sizes. From $8 to $50. Order online for pickup from 2-6 p.m., Nov. 27.
The Petaluma cafe is offering Thanksgiving specials for pickup. Holiday items include dinner rolls, Della crouton stuffing mix, apple braid, bread pudding, almond tart, cranberry cheesecake, pumpkin cream tart, lemon olive oil cake and cardamom orange babka loaf. There are also floral centerpieces for the dining table for sale. Order online for pickup between 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nov. 27.
Della Fattoria restaurant in Petaluma, on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)Pumpkin cheesecake from Stellina Pronto in Petaluma. (Stellina Pronto)
Stellina Pronto
This Italian-style Petaluma bakery is offering Thanksgiving dishes for pickup. Savory items include butternut squash soup, bacon-wrapped turkey roulade, turkey gravy, focaccia stuffing, caramelized Brussels sprouts, garlic mashed potatoes, maple-roasted sweet potatoes, delicata squash risotto, autumn salad and brioche buns. Desserts include pumpkin pie, apple pie, pumpkin cheesecake, maple bourbon pecan tart, chocolate ganache tart, cranberry orange frangipane tart and Sicilian pistachio almond cake. Order online or call by noon, Nov. 24, for pickup Nov. 26-27.
The Petaluma Market is offering holiday dinners for pickup. Choose between a turkey or Caggiano ham entree. Each dinner includes gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, candied yams, dinner rolls, orange cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. $200 per full dinner. Order online.
The pie shop is offering holiday pies for pickup. Pies include classic apple, maple pumpkin, sweet potato, old fashioned pecan, apple pecan crumble and pear ginger cardamom. Order online for pickup between Nov. 25 to Nov. 29.
Mini pumpkin pie from Petaluma Pie Company. (Courtesy Petaluma Pie Company)
Rohnert Park
Sally Tomatoes
Rohnert Park caterer Sally Tomatoes is offering full dinners and a la carte dishes for pickup this Thanksgiving. The full dinner ($35 per person, four person minimum) includes roasted turkey with gravy, Suzanne salad, mushroom stuffing, glazed sweet potatoes, bean casserole, cranberry chutney and pumpkin cheesecake. All of these dishes are available a la carte, plus mashed garlic and rosemary potatoes. Order online for pickup from noon to 4 p.m., Nov. 27, or from 9 a.m. to noon, Nov. 28.
1100 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park, 707-665-9472, sallytomatoes.com
Santa Rosa
Pascaline French Bistro & Patisserie
Pascaline will offer Thanksgiving takeout platters this year, in addition to a four-course Friendsgiving popup dinner ($95) at 6 p.m. on Nov. 27. The a la carte takeout menu includes butternut squash velouté, beet and arugula salad, potato gratin, green beans, mushroom fricassee, maple-glazed roasted baby carrots, orange cranberry sauce, salmon coulibiac, roasted pork loin and cornbread. For dessert, there’s a pumpkin cheesecake with maple Chantilly and a bourbon pecan tart with chocolate ganache. Order online before 4 p.m., Nov. 24, for pickup between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 27.
Thanksgiving baked goods for pickup at this Santa Rosa bakery. The menu includes pumpkin pie, maple pecan pie, cranberry orange bundt, pumpkin cheesecake, flourless chocolate cake, apple berry scones and pumpkin muffins. There are vegan treats available, such as a banana bread, apple pie and triple berry pie. A turkey dinner pot pie and cranberry sauce are also available. Items range from $10 – $60. Order online for pickup from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 27, or between 8-10 a.m., Nov. 28. (The bakery closes at 10 a.m. sharp on Thanksgiving Day.)
Pumpkin pie from Criminal Baking Co. in Santa Rosa. (Facebook)The Bird (formerly Willie Bird’s) in Santa Rosa will have Thanksgiving dinner for takeout. (Chris Hardy/for Sonoma Magazine)
The Bird
Formerly Willie Bird’s, The Bird is offering a Thanksgiving takeout dinner this year, including whole family dinners (feeds eight to 10 people), individual entrees and a la carte dishes. Menu items include roast or deep-fried turkey, prime rib, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey soup and cranberry sauce. Last day to preorder is Nov. 23. Order online for pickup between Nov. 26 through Nov. 28.
La Gare is offering a four-course prix fixe Thanksgiving feast for takeout. Entrees include roasted turkey with all the traditional fixings; angus prime rib au jus with baked potato and veggies; wild Alaskan salmon with rice and veggies; and pumpkin ravioli with brown butter and sage. Dinners also include butternut squash soup, butter lettuce salad and Franco American French bread. Dessert is a choice of spiced pumpkin pie or pecan pie. Order by Nov. 26 for pickup between noon to 4 p.m. on Nov. 28. Call to order. Reservations for dining in are also available.
The Sofa District restaurant is offering Thanksgiving to go. The menu features full dinners ($140 for two people; $280 for four) that include turkey, salad, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts and cranberry sauce. Appetizers and a la carte items are available as well, such as Sicilian-style marinated shrimp, squash and root vegetable gratin, and cauliflower bisque with salsa verde. Desserts include pumpkin tart, burnt Basque cheesecake and quince apple tarte tatin. Order online by Nov. 22 for pickup between 1-4 p.m. on Nov. 27.
Friends gather for a dinner at the Spinster Sisters in the South A district of Santa Rosa. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)Rye flour and a stencil creates a beautiful pattern on breads at Goguette Bread in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Goguette Bread
The Santa Rosa boulangerie is offering Thanksgiving baked goods for pickup. The menu includes various breads like miche, épi, pavé, petit pain, pain au fromage (with gruyere), seeded zinzinriz and pain aux olives vertes. There are also sweeter items such as zinzinriz chocolat des fêtes, gochoco with cherries, petit beurre (butter cookies) and ice cream by the pint. Order online by 12:30 p.m., Nov. 27, for pickup the same day. (The bakery will be closed Nov. 28-30.)
Marla is offering Thanksgiving treats for pickup and delivery. The holiday menu includes various breads such as Parker House rolls, butternut squash boule, sourdough batard and whole wheat levain; packages such as charcuterie boards, meze boards, pastry boxes, bagel boxes and sandwich platters; and desserts such as pumpkin, pecan, apple and lemon meringue tarts. Order online for pickup or delivery between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nov. 27.
A selection of pies and tarts from Marla SR Bakery and Cafe in Santa Rosa on Nov. 16, 2023. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Mad Batter Cakery
Thanksgiving treats available for pickup at this Santa Rosa bakery. The menu includes pecan, apple, pumpkin and sweet potato pies ($55); carrot, coconut, pumpkin and chocolate caramel cakes ($70-$95); and various take-and-bake dishes, such as cinnamon rolls, dinner rolls, cornbread, cheddar biscuits and apple brioche buns. Call or email madbattercakeryco@gmail.com to order. Order by 4 p.m., Nov. 24, for pickup on or before noon, Nov. 27.
In addition to being open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, the Bennett Valley Golf Course restaurant Iron & Vine is offering holiday dinners to-go. The menu includes rosemary roasted turkey, turkey gravy, garlic whipped potatoes, cornbread stuffing, roasted Brussels sprouts, cranberry orange compote and Franco American rolls. Pumpkin, apple and pecan pies are available as add-ons ($25 each). The dinner is $190 and serves eight to 10 people. Order from the golf club’s online store (at bennettvalleygolf.com) before 11 a.m., Nov. 20, for pickup from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 27.
The Santa Rosa-based catering company is offering a Thanksgiving feast for pickup. The dinner, which serves six to eight people, includes roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham, Sonoma salad, stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, roasted vegetable medley, focaccia and cranberry sauce. The feast is $189. Order online or call to place order for pickup from 3-6 p.m., Nov. 27, or from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 28.
The New Zealand-style bakery is offering Thanksgiving baked goods for pickup. The menu includes dinner rolls, French loaf, sourdough, baguettes, cranberry orange pecan loaf and pumpkin pie. Order by 2 p.m., Nov. 23, for pickup between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 27. Call to order.
Charcuterie board with housemade assorted pates, French-style ham, cornichons and bread from Maison Porcella in Windsor. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Maison Porcella
The French-inspired bistro is offering Thanksgiving dishes for pickup. The a la carte menu includes cheese and charcuterie boards, shrimp cocktail, lentil salad, sweet potato soufflé, winter squash gratin, red cabbage apple stew, duck ballotine with prune sauce and sole mousseline with fish velouté. Desserts include chocolate mousse, panna cotta with strawberry coulis, tarte bourdaloue (almond and pear tart) and tarte a la crème de Marron (tart with nuts and chocolate glaze). Call or email contact@maisonporcella.com to order. Place order by 5 p.m., Nov. 23, for pickup between 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Nov. 27, or from 9 a.m. to noon, Nov. 28. The restaurant will not be open on Thanksgiving Day for regular service.
8499 Old Redwood Highway, Suite 114, Windsor, 707-955-5611, maisonporcella.com
Sebastopol
Society Bakery and Cafe
The Sebastopol bakery is offering Thanksgiving desserts for pickup. The holiday menu includes various pies, such as apple, pumpkin, chocolate pecan and banana cream, as well as a number of cheesecakes and gluten-free items like pumpkin rolls, French apple cake and cranberry orange loaf. Order in person or via phone by Nov. 23 for pickup Nov. 27.
The Parisian-style bakery in Sebastopol is offering Thanksgiving desserts for pickup. Desserts include pumpkin cake, pumpkin cheesecake, frangipane fruit tart, pumpkin pie, pecan pie and a Thanksgiving Turkey chocolate cake. Call to order. Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 27. Closed Thanksgiving Day.
Plant-based bakery Muir’s is offering Thanksgiving goods for pickup. The menu includes vegan sausage rolls, butternut squash pasties, mushroom pie tarts, veggie quiche, and mac and cheese. Desserts include apple pie, berry pie, pumpkin pie and a variety of hand pies. Order online for pickup between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 27.
Sebastopol’s plant-based Goatlandia Kitchen is offering Thanksgiving dinners to go, including complete boxed dinners and à la carte dishes. The holiday dinner boxes include one main dish, salad, all the sides and one dessert. Options for the main are mushroom wellington and maple-glazed rosemary sage meatloaf. Sides include mashed potatoes, sourdough mushroom stuffing, roasted root vegetables and herb gravy. Dessert is a choice of pumpkin pie or cheesecake with cranberry syrup. Thanksgiving dinner boxes are $230 and serve four to six people; à la carte dishes range from $20-$50. Order online by 5 p.m. on Nov. 24 for pickup between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 27.
A Thanksgiving spread at Little Saint in Healdsburg. (Jana Contreras Photography / Courtesy Little Saint)
Healdsburg
Little Saint
The plant-based Healdsburg restaurant is offering Thanksgiving dinner for pickup. The menu serves four to six people and includes vegetable pot pie, potato gratin, sourdough stuffing, roasted beets, sweet potato puree and broccoli with cashew parmesan. Dessert is a choice of pumpkin tart, pecan tart or apple pie. The holiday bundle is $450, and dishes are available a la carte. Order by Nov. 22 for pickup between 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Nov. 26-27.
Healdsburg’s Downtown Bakery is offering Thanksgiving treats for pickup. The holiday menu includes apple, pumpkin, pecan and lemon meringue pies; along with dinner rolls, apple galette, lemon curd tart and spiced apple cake. Order online by noon Nov. 21 for pickup from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Nov. 26-27. Closed Thanksgiving Day.
The bakery is offering Thanksgiving baked goods for pickup. The holiday menu includes pumpkin pie, spiced apple cake, caramelized custard tart, and various breads, like Parker House rolls, Danish rye, sourdough loaves and persimmon walnut campagne. Order online for pickup Nov. 27. For pickup, use the parking lot at Coyote Sonoma (44 Mill St.) and walk over the bridge to grab your order.
Sourdough from Quail & Condor in Healdsburg. (Courtesy of Quail & Condor)
Cloverdale
Flour Girl
The Cloverdale baker has a lineup of Thanksgiving treats for pickup. The holiday menu includes apple crumb pie, bourbon pumpkin pie, maple pecan pie, miso sweet potato pie, chocolate espresso cream pie, Basque cheesecake, Thanksgiving quiche and buttermilk biscuits. Order online or email goodies@myflourgirl.com to place order by Nov. 22 for pickup from 3-5 p.m. Nov. 27.
The Cloverdale market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and is offering a holiday meal for pickup. Its menu includes a roasted Willie Bird turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, candied garnet yams, Brussels sprouts with bacon, cranberry sauce and dinner rolls. The dinner is $229-$249 and serves six to eight people. Order by Nov. 20 for pickup between Nov. 25-27. Call or order in person.
The Bodega Bay home bakery is Thanksgiving treats for delivery or pickup. The fall menu includes a Thanksgiving variety pack (from $30 to $165) that features pecan tarts, pumpkin cake rolls and apple crisp cupcakes. There’s also pumpkin bread (with or without maple cream cheese buttercream), turkey cupcakes with choice of flavor, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, apple pie and pumpkin cheesecake. Order online by Nov. 21 for pickup or delivery. (Not open on Thanksgiving Day.)
The French bakery has holiday baked goods available for pickup. Holiday goods include a festive cookie plate, potato dinner rolls, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cranberry muffins and pound cake, and various breads and pastries. Order online for pickup.
417 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-1913; 2266 Airport Blvd., Santa Rosa, 707-433-1972; 110 Washington St., Petaluma, 707-708-8006, costeaux.com
Pumpkin cheesecake from Costeaux French Bakery. (Courtesy Costeaux)A display case of desserts at Sarmentine Bakery in Petaluma. (David Templeton/Argus-Courier staff)
Sarmentine
The French bakery is offering Thanksgiving treats for pickup. Desserts include tarte bourdaloue (pear and almond), pecan tart and rustic apple galette. Order in person or over the phone by Nov. 22 for pickup.
52 Mission Circle, Suite 112, Santa Rosa; 840 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma; 6760 McKinley St., Suite 150, Sebastopol, 707-623-9595, sarmentine.com
Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar
Noble Folk is offering Thanksgiving pies for pickup. The menu includes pumpkin chocolate cheesecake, Dutch apple crumble, maple pecan pie, peanut butter mousse pie, Mississippi mud pie and more. $38 each. Order online for pickup Nov. 27. Closed Thanksgiving Day.
The natural food store is offering a fall feast for pickup. Its holiday menu features a classic Thanksgiving meal ($180, feeds six to eight people) that includes a whole roasted turkey, gravy, stuffing, Brussels sprouts, garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie; as well as a meat-free meal ($160, feeds six to eight) that includes stuffed acorn squash, carrots with pesto, mashed sweet potatoes, roasted delicata squash and other plant-based sides. There are also a la carte options, including soups, salads, latkes, mac and cheese, potato gratin and more. Sourdough rolls are available as add-ons, as are hot cocoa and spiced wine kits. Last day to order is Nov. 21. Email Jen@cmnaturalfoods.com to order.
Oliver’s Market is offering Thanksgiving dinners and a la carte items for pickup at its four Sonoma County locations. The dinner includes Diestel Ranch turkey, stuffing, turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetable medley, pull-apart rolls and cranberry sauce. Complete dinners are $169 and serve six to eight people. Pumpkin, apple, peach, cherry and triple berry pies are available as add-ons ($18-$20 each). A la carte entrees include turkey, baked ham, prime rib and vegan roast. Order online.
The Geyserville winery’s general manager Joe Padilla will lead Thanksgiving pairings from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 16. During the interactive class, guests will taste Trattore Farms wines and olive oils paired with light holiday bites. Tickets are $45, or $25 for club members. Reserve on Tock.
Guy Fieri’s annual, three-day Thanksgiving Turkey Smokeout will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 21-23, at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. The Guy Fieri Foundation event will dish out 7,000 meals, including turkey with all the fixings, to be distributed to local families through The Salvation Army and Redwood Gospel Mission, as well as local fire departments. Volunteer for the free event to lend prepping, cooking and assembling help by signing up for a shift on Eventbrite.
The brewery’s Sebastopol location will host a free Thanksgiving Eve dance party from 9 p.m. to midnight, Nov. 27. DJ Sweet Lou will provide music to dance to.
Parker House rolls, one of the menu items from the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group and Silverado Resort in Napa. (Photo: Meg Smith)
Silverado Resort
The Silverado Resort — which Condé Nast Traveler readers recently named among the best resorts in the world — has a lineup of holiday offerings this season. The resort will host a Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 21, featuring a seafood bar, butternut squash soup, stuffed portabella mushrooms, prime rib, bacon and sage gnocchi, roasted king salmon, roasted Diestel Ranch turkey and other Thanksgiving fixings. Desserts include mini apple and pumpkin pies, honeynut squash cheesecake, carrot cake cookies, pecan pie brownies and more. Tickets are $105 for adults, $55 for children ages 5 to 12 and complimentary for children under 5. Reservations recommended.
The resort will also host a Thanksgiving bake sale at its market from Nov. 24-28, which will include seasonal baked goods such as pumpkin rolls, apple and pumpkin pies, chai crinkle cookies, pumpkin cheesecake brownies and more.
Thanksgiving specials at Silverado Resort’s restaurant The Grill, available from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 28, include a farmers market salad and free range turkey roulade with pain perdue and candied carrots. The resort is also offering a turkey dinner to go, available for pickup by Nov. 27, that includes a whole roasted Willie Bird turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet buttered corn, cranberry walnut compote, a dozen dinner rolls and gravy. The dinner is $200 and serves six people. Order online by Nov. 25.
The dining room at FARM Restaurant and Bar, a part of Carneros Resort and Spa, in Napa, on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat)
Carneros Resort & Spa
Carneros is offering Thanksgiving dinner at its restaurant, cafe and for takeout. The resort’s FARM restaurant will host a multicourse, family-style holiday dinner from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The menu includes classic Thanksgiving dishes with seasonal twists, plus a selection of wines, beers and cocktails. $145 per person. Boon Fly Cafe at Carneros will also have a holiday menu, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The menu includes Thanksgiving classics and seasonal bites along with festive fireside Bloody Marys, mimosas and a spiked coffee bar. $75 per person, plus $25 per person for wine pairings.
The take-home dinner includes mixed chicories salad, Diestel turkey, herb gravy, cornbread-sourdough stuffing, white cheddar mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts with smoked bacon, honeynut squash with tahini sauce, poached cranberry compote and Parker House rolls. Dessert is pumpkin pie and chocolate pecan pie. Full turkey dinners are $385 and serve six. An ‘All the Fixings’ package (no turkey) is $165. Order by Nov. 25 for pickup at Market, the resort’s upscale general store, on Nov. 27.
The new Napa barbecue restaurant is offering turkeys and whole Thanksgiving dinners to-go through Nov. 21. Brined and lightly smoked turkeys to take home and cook are $125 each. The full Thanksgiving dinner ($520, at $65 per person) serves eight and includes a brined, lightly smoked turkey (comes raw and requires cooking), sausage stuffing, Rancho Gordo beans and greens, maitake mushroom and farm lettuce salad, and sweet potato pie.
The dining room at PRESS Restaurant Napa Valley. (Ryan Anderson/Courtesy Suited Hospitality)A selection of pastries from The Model Bakery in St. Helena. (photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
PRESS Restaurant
This Michelin-starred St. Helena restaurant is offering a take-home Thanksgiving dinner for pickup on Nov. 27. The holiday dinner includes a ready-to-cook heirloom turkey, sourdough stuffing, giblet gravy, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, honeynut squash, persimmon and cranberry relish, and Parker House rolls with cultured yogurt butter. Dessert is a choice of pumpkin pie or apple crumble pie with vanilla chantilly. Additional sides include black truffle mac and cheese, shrimp cocktail, a next-day sandwich kit, cheeses and charcuterie. The dinner (not including add-on sides) is $80 per person. Order on Tock.
While this Napa County bakery will be closed Thanksgiving Day, it is offering holiday goods for pickup at all locations (except Walnut Creek). The Thanksgiving menu includes artisan breads and dinner rolls, morning pastries, cinnamon rolls, pumpkin gingerbread loaf, cranberry orange nut loaf, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, apple pie and festive sugar cookies. Order by 4 p.m., Nov. 22, for pickup between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nov. 27. To order, call 1-866-MBAKERY (1-866-622-5379).