Page 297 – Sonoma Magazine

Sonoma County Restaurants Open on Christmas Day and More Tasty Treats

December 2018

By biteclub

Ho ho ho, who wants to be in the kitchen on Christmas Day? Because after all that elf-ing, you deserve a break. But TV dinners are about as merry as a traffic jam and leftovers just won’t cut it when your mother-in-law’s involved. So, if you’re looking for a spot to indulge in some stress-free, kitchen-free dining, here are some best bets for Sonoma County restaurants that are open on Christmas Day.

Dec. 25, Coast Kitchen at Timber Cove: Three course dinner includes smoked seafood chowder; bourbon-braised pork chop, braised lamb shank with mint oil; peppermint crème brûlée. $65 per person, wine pairing an additional $35. Children 12 and under are $25. 21780 CA-1, Jenner, 707-847-3231.

Dec. 25, Sante Restaurant at the Sonoma Mission Inn: Christmas buffet with live entertainment. Dozens of gourmet items include Liberty duck pork terrine, jumbo shrimp cocktail, charcuterie, smoked fish, winter chicory salad, carving stations with goose and prime rib, Maine lobster risotto, porchetta, caramelized Brussels sprouts, Buche de Noel, gingerbread tosca, raspberry Linzer torte. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, 100 Boyes Blvd, Sonoma, 707- 939-2415.

Sante restaurant at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa. (Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa) — Sante Restaurant at the Sonoma Mission Inn. (Courtesy photo)

Dec. 7 – Dec. 25, Madrona Manor’s Annual Dickens Dinners: In addition to a five-course feast from Chef Jesse Mallgren, strolling carolers in 19th century garb serenade diners throughout the evening. The menu includes Smoked Egg Sabayon with Estate Watercress, and Prosciutto Syrup and Potato; Beef Wellington with Mashed Potatoes and Red Wine Reduction; Osetra Caviar, Black Winter Truffles and Alba White Truffles; and “Candy Cane” Peppermint Creamsicle with Chocolate and Pomegranate. Prices range from $90 to $170 per person. For guests who chose to stay the night at the Manor, they will receive 25% off their overnight stay. Reservations required, 707-433-4231.

Dec. 25, Mateo’s Cucina Latina: Special holiday tasting menu includes steamed mussels with celeriac-fennel sauce, Dungeness crab, black cod with warm ponzu, goose leg with seaweed pasta, beef belly with horseradish, $78 per person, wine pairing an additional $48 prepared for the whole table only. A la carte items available as well. 11:30a.m. to 3p.m., 5-9:45p.m. Also open Christmas eve from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5-9:45 p.m. 214 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, 707-433-1520. (Photo by Jeremy Portje)

Dec. 25, Spoonbar at the h2hotel: From 4 – 7 p.m. on Christmas Day, relax and let Chef Matt D’Ambrosi prepare your four-course feast. For $89 per person, the menu features delicious holiday dishes including Black Truffle Risotto, Rosemary Roasted Lamb T-bone and Pumpkin Crème Brulee. Reservations can be made by calling 707-433-7222 or visiting spoonbar.com. 219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg.

Dec. 25, Flamingo Hotel: Christmas buffet includes wedge salad, Sonoma County cheese board, roasted Pacific salmon, chicken with grapes and shallots, creamed mashed potatoes, glazed kobucha squash, prime rib, honey mustard glazed ham, Black forest cake, bread pudding, a chocolate yule log and much more. $49 per person, $25 for kids 5-11. 2777 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, 707-523-4745, flamingoresort.com.

Dec. 25, Union Hotel: Special Menu, call for details. 707-538-6000.

Where to get your Buche de Noel fix

One of the surest ways to know that the holiday season is upon us: Buche de Noel. These happy Christmas cakes are made in the shape of a log, complete with meringue mushrooms and plenty of chocolate. Why a log? The tradition stretches back to folks celebrating the winter solstice in pre-Christian times, when logs were burnt ceremoniously to welcome the new year. The cake version, we can assure you, taste a whole lot better. We’ve found three top-notch versions here in Sonoma County you’ll want on your table.

IMA Cake Couture is guaranteed to be patisserie-perfect in chestnut-black currant, chocolate caramel or hazelnut cakes. Santa Rosa-based Chef Isabelle Mazeaud has trained with Alain Ducasse in Paris, then at a patisserie in San Francisco and Bouchon Bakery in Yountville. By special order only, imacakecouture.com.

Buche de Noel from IMA Cake Couture. (Courtesy photo)

We’re also impressed with the Bouche de Noels at Les Pascals in Kenwood, offering both traditional chocolate varieties along with a passion fruit and banana cake, chocolate mousse with praline, black forest and raspberry meringue cake. Pre-order by Dec. 22. 13798 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen, 707-934-8378, lespascalspatisserie.com.

In Sebastopol, Pascaline Patisserie and Cafe offers a traditional yule log made from lemon Swiss roll, lemon cream and Italian meringue or a Buche de Noel with chocolate chiffon, chocolate mousse, raspberry jam and more chocolate. Preorder, 707-823-3122, pascalinepatisserieandcafe.com.

Need a gluten-free version? Check out Sonoma County Cakes made at Zoftig Eatery in Santa Rosa. By reservation, zoftigeatery.com.

Finally, Honey and the Moon in Sonoma is doing what they call a “stump cake” with bittersweet chocolate frosting and meringue mushrooms. Order ahead, 707-996-5949, havethemoon.com.

Stump cake from Honey and the Moon in Sonoma. (Courtesy photo)

More tasty treats…

Costeaux French Bakery in Healdsburg features breakfast with Santa on Dec. 22 from 9 to 11 a.m., plus a giant nutcracker collection! 417 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-1913, costeaux.com. (Photo by Kent Porter)

Tisza Bistro & Bar, Windsor: Chef Krisztian Karkus has created a gingerbread masterpiece using Costeaux French Bakery Cookies, candy, icing and a whole lot of imagination. Truly a showstopper. 8757 Old Redwood Highway, Windsor, 707-838-5100, tiszabistro.com.

Christmas Eve Dinner at Gravenstein Grill, Sebastopol: Lobster bisque with lemon creme fraiche, Dungeness crab salad, sesame crusted ahi tuna, filet mignon, cioppino, mushroom risotto. Vegan menu available. 5 to 10 p.m., $75 per person. 8050 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol, 707-634-6142, gravensteingrill.com.

Also hosting a special Christmas Eve dinner is three-Michelin starred Single Thread, offering a bespoke menu for their guests, by reservation only. 131 North St, Healdsburg, 707-723-4646, singlethreadfarms.com.

Holiday Tea at Hotel Healdsburg: From December 1 -23, 2018 on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, guests are invited to enjoy house made pastries, petit sandwiches, custom blend teas, classic cocktails and additional holiday fare from Dry Creek Kitchen’s executive chef, Scott Romano. This beloved holiday tradition also features live piano music, stunning winter florals and beautiful holiday décor. Reservations required,707-431-2800.

Healdsburg Hotel First in Sonoma County to Employ Robot for Room Service

December 2018

By Matt Villano

At recently opened Hotel Trio in Healdsburg, room service is a completely different experience.

You still call and place your order with the front desk, and you still get items delivered to your door. But the employee who brings the order to your room is not human – it’s a robot, aptly named Rosé.

The four foot tall, roving cylinder is the first robot concierge in Sonoma County and has quickly become a celebrity. Rosé draws a crowd as she speeds up and down hallways or rides the elevator, and guests make multiple calls for room service just so that they can interact with the friendly machine. (Hotel Trio doesn’t charge for room service delivery, and Rosé doesn’t wait around for tips.)

“In addition to Rosé being super helpful, people absolutely love her,” says Brooke Ross, director of sales and marketing at Hotel Trio. Ross notes that even non-guests swing by the 122-room hotel to see the robot in action: “We have a beautiful lobby, a really great bar, bocce balls that light up when you play at night, but Rosé is hands down the most frequently photographed feature of our hotel.”

While Rosé is a Sonoma County novelty, the hotel robot trend has been going on for a few years. Hotels across the country are increasingly turning to autonomous robots to handle menial tasks in order to free up staff for more complicated jobs. Robots similar to Rosé are now being employed to deliver room service in Chicago, Las Vegas and Silicon Valley, while other models clean floors, answer questions and perform a variety of duties.

“Ready or not, robots are going to be a part of your hotel experience,” says Henry Harteveldt, travel industry analyst at Atmospheric Research Group in San Francisco. “This is a part of travel that will see major growth in the years ahead.”

Rosé, the robot at Hotel Trio, is manufactured by Savioke (pronounced “savvy-oak”), a San Jose-based company that has more than 80 robots in hotels nationwide.

The experience of receiving room service from this futuristic machine is certainly one to remember.

As Rosé approaches a room with a delivery, she calls the phone to let the guest know she’s outside. A tablet-sized screen on Rosé’s head greets the guest as they open the door, and confirms the order. Next, she opens a lid on top of her head and reveals a storage compartment containing the ordered items. Rosé then communicates a handful of questions surrounding customer satisfaction via her screen. She bids farewell, turns around and as she heads back toward her docking station near the front desk, she emits chirps that sound like a mix between R2D2 and a little bird.

In addition to being cute, Rosé is pretty sophisticated, too.

According to Lauren Schechtman, vice president of marketing and sales at Savioke, the robot butler determines how to get around with the help of sensors. Before Rosé starts a new employment, Savioke technicians map the property and program the robot with specific instructions about where to go on each floor.

“Once the robot is programmed, it’s basically self-sufficient until the next software upgrade,” says Schechtman. “That’s the beauty of having one of these in the hotel. It’s reliable. It doesn’t take breaks. It doesn’t need health care. It’s a good employee.”

As Rosé continues to be in high demand at Hotel Trio, a robot colleague might come in handy. At this point, however, getting a friend for Rosé is not in the hotel plans. And so, at least for now, Rosé remains the only hotel robot in the county of Sonoma.

From Bargain to Luxury: 7 Hot Healdsburg Hotels

December 2018

By Sunset

Gracious Victorian inns, an opulent French chateau, a sleek modern city hotel, and even a few bargain wine country sleeps – click through the gallery above for Sunset’s favorite Dry Creek Valley Hotels.

7 Amazing Healdsburg Restaurants

December 2018

By Sunset

Your best dining bets in Dry Creek Valley are in and around Healdsburg.

Bravas Bar de Tapas. (Photo by Aaron Wojack) — Bravas Bar de Tapas in Healdsburg. (Photo by Aaron Wojack)

Bravas Bar de Tapas
In a quaint Arts and Crafts cottage, Bravas Bar de Tapas can start things off with a Spanish-style gin and tonic (made with fresh fruit and herbs like saffron and cardamom) before rolling out tapas such as duck meatball bocadillos, salt cod fritters, and Gulf prawns a la plancha. 420 Center St, Healdsburg 95448, (707) 433-7700, starkrestaurants.com

Flying Goat Coffee
Just “the Goat” to locals, it serves excellent coffee and pastries. Opened in 1994, the coffee shop was among the first independent roasters in the U.S. to work directly with farmers from coffee-producing countries. Their original location is in the Masonic Building just off the plaza. 324 Center St, Healdsburg 95448, (707) 433-9081, flyinggoatcoffee.com

Flying Goat Coffee in Healdsburg. (Photo by Kelly Puleio)

Barndiva
Hollywood glam meets Mr. McGregor’s farmhouse. Sip pretty cocktails outside under Moroccan chandeliers. The property features two restaurants with dining gardens and artisan bars, including The Gallery Bar + Bistro in addition to Barndiva. They source ingredients from small, local farms. 231 Center St, Healdsburg 95448, barndiva.com

Barndiva in Healdsburg. (Photo courtesy of Barndiva)

Mateo’s Cocina Latina
Mateo’s Cocina Latina does “modern Latin” cuisine: Chef Mateo Granados hand-rolls his crispy tacones, or cone-shaped tortillas, which he fills with guacamole, carne asada, or chorizo. Find Mateo’s El Yuca Maya Habanero sauces to add even more flavor to your dish on every table. 214 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg 95448, (707) 433-1520, visit on Facebook

Mateo's Cocina Latina in Healdsburg. (Photo by Aaron Wojack) — Mateo’s Cocina Latina in Healdsburg. (Photo by Aaron Wojack)

Dry Creek Kitchen
New York celebrity-chef Charlie Palmer opened this place, then moved to town. Local ingredients and wines are in good hands in this serene, classy dining room. Oversize doors open to a garden terrace alongside Healdsburg’s historic plaza. The kitchen prepares each dish like a work of art before it arrives at your table. 317 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg 95448, (707) 431-0330, drycreekkitchen.com

Lisa Kaufman, Dry Creek Kitchen, Strawberry pain perdu Chris Hardy — Strawberry Pain Perdu by Dry Creek Kitchen Pastry Chef Lisa Kaufman. (Photo by Chris Hardy)

Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar
An extension of the excellent Willi’s Wine Bar near Santa Rosa, this lively hangout serves Latin-leaning small plates. Everyday, Willi’s offers at least seven varieties of fresh oysters at the raw bar. Throw one back with a seasonal cocktail. 403 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg 95448, (707) 433-9191, starkrestaurants.com

Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar
Following the success of their downtown cupcakery, Moustache Baked Goods, a local duo opened Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar around the corner. Pie crusts made from Old World grains like farro and buckwheat are flaky vessels for fillings of juicy Sonoma County fruits—blood orange with buttermilk custard, for instance, or strawberries and blueberries with a dash of ginger. And because pie is not truly complete without ice cream, there are about a dozen seasonal flavors to choose from, like lemon lavender and black sesame coconut. 116 Matheson St, Healdsburg 95448, (707) 395-4426, thenoblefolk.com

Noble Folk John Storey — Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar in Healdsburg. (Photo by John Storey)

6 Tasting Rooms to Visit Right Now in Downtown Healdsburg

December 2018

By Sarah Stierch

The town of Healdsburg, located in northern Sonoma County, has quickly become one of the hottest destinations in Wine Country. New tasting rooms are popping up at a record pace, interspersed between world-class restaurants, art galleries, coffee shops and boutiques. Book a weekend stay at one of Healdsburg’s many hotels and savor some of Sonoma County finest wines at these five tasting rooms, all within walking distance from Healdsburg’s historic plaza. Simply click through the gallery above.

Biteclub Buzz: Sweet T’s is Hiring, Possible January Opening?

December 2018

By biteclub

1/22/2012: D3: PC: Baby back ribs at Sweet T’s in Santa Rosa. January 11, 2012.

Sweet T’s may be getting close to opening its new spot in Windsor. Maybe. We hope.

The signs are pointing to sometime early 2019 after owners posted news that they would begin the hiring process for new staff starting Dec. 10 and lasting through Jan. 3.

“Beginning Monday, December 10, 2018, we will be accepting applications between the hours of 9 AM and 3 PM every Monday through Thursday. Please come prepared to complete an application and bring your resume and cover letter if you have one. The deadline for all applications is January 3rd. We look forward to meeting you! We’re still under construction so please follow the signs and enter through our patio. For everyone else, follow us on Instagram for updates!”

As the update says, they’re still in the construction phase, but hopefully we’ll be wiping barbecue sauce off our faces by Valentine’s Day.

Tu Mole Madre coming to Windsor: Healdsburg’s Diaz brothers Octavio and Pedro have a new restaurant concept planned for Windsor early next year called Tu Mole Madre. An homage to their parents and their mother’s amazing mole Negro de Oaxaca, Tu Mole Madre will not have a set menu, but serve mole-inspired dishes. There’s more to come on this one, but for now, we’re excited to hear more about the expansion of their bottled moles.

The Ultimate Girlfriends’ Getaway to Healdsburg

December 2018

By Adrienne Shubin

A plate of vanilla with vanilla bean, left, red velvet, and chocolate with vanilla bean cupcakes at Moustache Baked Goods, in Healdsburg. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

Healdsburg, a.k.a HBG, is undoubtedly one of Wine Country’s most popular destinations – and for good reason. This charming Sonoma County town is home to some of the Bay Area’s best restaurants, top notch tasting rooms, a wide variety of stylish boutiques, and more. In other words, it’s the ideal place for a girlfriends’ getaway. So gather your besties, and head to HBG – here’s a sampling of my favorite local spots:

EXPERIENCE THE FOOD

The indoor bar at Bravas Bar de Tapas, in Healdsburg. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat) Bravas Bar de Tapas Christopher Chung — The indoor bar at Bravas Bar de Tapas, in Healdsburg. (Christopher Chung)

From Japanese to Portuguese, Italian to South American, Healdsburg offers a variety of cuisines. And, of course, there are plenty of fantastic options for Wine Country farm-to-table fare. Celebrate with your friends by sharing traditional Spanish plates and tapas at Bravas Bar de Tapas. Dine inside or, if it’s a beautiful day, outside on their lively patio. Tip: be daring and try the Crispy Pig Ears. They are delicious! Bravas Bar de Tapas, 420 Center St, Healdsburg, (707) 433-7700

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — Bravas bar de Tapas in Healdsburg. (Adrienne Shubin)

Your foodie friends and home cooks will thank you for taking them to SHED. Shop for fresh produce and flowers, cookbooks, linens, dish and cookware, and a wide variety of high-quality and hard to find foods, sourced both locally, nationally and internationally. Or have a seat and enjoy a meal. Better yet, do both! Tip: Visit SHED for breakfast and get a fresh pastry, then order a brewed-while-you-wait coffee at their coffee bar. SHED, 25 North Street, Healdsburg, (707) 431-7433

HealdsburgDay-3 — SHED in Healdsburg. (Sarah Deragon)

HealdsburgDay-53 — SHED in Healdsburg. (Sarah Deragon)

For something a little different to the usual Wine Country fare, dine at Café Lucia. This family-owned Portuguese restaurant with a modern twist is sister property to award-winning La Salette in Sonoma. The friendly and knowledgable staff will guide you through the menu, should you have questions or would like suggestions. Tip: Be sure to try some of the Portuguese wines or beers from their unique selection and do not pass up the bread – the Portuguese buns are 100% carb-worthy! Café Lucia, 235 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, (707) 431-1113

cafe lucia healdsburg raza — Café Lucia in Healdsburg.

Moustache Baked Goods is the perfect place for you and your friends to satisfy a sweet tooth. Choose from delectable and indulgent French macarons, brownies, ice cream, cookies, cupcakes and more. Your gluten-free friends will appreciate having options they can also enjoy. Tip: If you like Oreos, you must try a Moustache-O. It’s a much bigger and much better tasting version using wholesome ingredients. Moustache Baked Goods, 381 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, (707) 395-4111

HealdsburgDay-164 — Moustache Baked Goods in Healdsburg. (Sarah Deragon)

Campo Fina is not your everyday Italian restaurant. This Healdsburg restaurant offers traditional Italian fare, including wood-fired pizzas, with a modern slant and serves it up in a stylish and hip environment. On a nice day, ask to sit outside on the patio and play a round or two of bocce on their court. Tip: The meatball appetizer is mouthwatering. Campo Fina, 330 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, (707) 395-4640

Chalkboard is currently my favorite restaurant in Healdsburg. Enjoy an assortment of dishes that range from house made pastas and crudo to fried chicken and locally grown squash. The plates are small enough to share, but I must warn you that some dishes will make you act like a spoiled child – you won’t want to part with a single bite. Tip: You must try the Cocoa Trifoglio pasta, which is chocolate pasta, and has a sauce made with fois gras butter, duck confit, chives, and hazelnuts. I know, it sounds strange. Just trust me on this one! Chalkboard, 29 North St, Healdsburg, (707) 473-8030

GET CRAFTY DRINKS

Dukes Spirited Cocktails in Healdsburg. (Nat and Cody Gantz)

Take a break from shopping and eating and stop by Duke’s Spirited Cocktails, a neighborhood hangout for locals and visitors alike. Duke’s offers an extensive list of handcrafted cocktails using many locally grown and made ingredients, as well as beer, wine and spirits. Duke’s Spirited Cocktails, 111 Plaza St, Healdsburg, (707) 431-1060

Sorrel cocktail at Duke’s Spirited Cocktails in Healdsburg. (Photo: Ian Eddy) — Sorrel cocktail at Duke’s Spirited Cocktails in Healdsburg. (Ian Eddy)

TASTE WINE

Visit Gustafson Family Vineyards‘ tasting room in downtown Healdsburg and taste their estate grown wines in their cozy lounge setting. Or treat you and your friends by booking a sit-down wine tasting and food pairing where you will learn about winemaking and grape growing while tasting their delicious wines. Ask about their olive oil too! 34 North St. Healdsburg, (707) 433-2371

Make a reservation for Portalupi Wine‘s sit down Food and Wine pairing. A warm and friendly staff will lead you through the tasting. Try their Italian varietals, especially their Vaso di Marina which comes in a milk bottle and can be refilled. 107 North Street. Healdsburg, (707) 395-0960

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP

Gathered, located in downtown Healdsburg, has a large selection of boho and casual clothing and accessories at reasonable prices. 377 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, (707) 395-4622

Don’t forget to bring a little something home for your pet! Fideaux carries everything you need to keep your kitty or doggy from holding a grudge against you for being away. Treats, carriers, beds, clothing for you and your pet, collars, leashes and toys can all be found at this darling shop. 43 North St, Healdsburg, (707) 433-9935

HealdsburgDay-171 — Fideaux in Healdsburg. (Sarah Deragon)

Rainsong Shoes carries unique comfort and fashion shoes for her and for him. A favorite for locals and visitors, browse a wide assortment of brands from all over the globe. 117 Plaza Street, Healdsburg, (707) 433-8058

Your purse collecting friends will love Clutch, a boutique devoted to handbags, luggage, wallets, totes and yes, clutches. Clutch carries high-end designers as well as unique brands. 307 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, (707) 433-8189

Think you can’t find luxury designer clothing and accessories in a small, quaint town? Think again! S. Graf Limited carries a carefully curated collection of on-trend designer pieces including pieces designed by owner, Susan Graf. 100 Matheson, Healdsburg, (707) 433-6495

RELAX, RECHARGE AND DETOX

After a couple days of eating chocolate pasta, buttercream cupcakes and drinking Dry Creek Valley wines, you and your friends might be ready for something a little lighter and soothing like a hot cup of green tea and a bowl of freshly made ramen.

The Taste of Tea is the place to go when you want to refresh, rejuvenate and revive. Try one of several alcohol-free MarTEAnis, made with infused teas or spend some time in the Relaxation Room where you will literally soak in the benefits of green tea while being pampered. 109 North Street, Healdsburg, (707) 431-1995

STAY IN STYLE

You and your friends can stay together in a three-bedroom suite in downtown Healdsburg, just steps from restaurants, shopping, tasting rooms and nightlife. Two Thirty-Five Luxury Suites comes with a full kitchen, a living room with a sectional couch and 55″ television, bathrooms in each king bedroom, parking, all in a secure building. 235 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, (707) 473-3500

two thirty-five luxury suites bedroom — Photo Courtesy of Two Thirty-Five Luxury Suites

For budget-friendly lodging, you can’t beat Best Western Dry Creek Inn. Just one-mile from downtown Healdsburg, Dry Creek Inn has comfortable rooms, many with balconies and jetted tubs.

Enjoy the property’s two pools and three covered whirlpool spas. They also have a steam room, sauna and fitness rooms. Cozy up by the fire pit and outdoor fireplaces in the evening and ask about their wine receptions. 198 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, (707) 433-0300

Best Happy Hours in Downtown Petaluma

December 2018

By Houston Porter

Happy hour is a great time to explore Petaluma’s vibrant dining scene, without committing to a full meal. There are dozens of worthy options around town, but we’ve managed to whittle down the list to six downtown stand-outs. Click through the above gallery for details.

Home With a View: A Young Family Builds Their Dream House in Sebastopol

December 2018

By Carole Kelleher

Turn off a quiet street in an older residential neighborhood in Sebastopol brings you upon a hillside home of towering freshness, as emblematic of the future as the young family that built it.

A 16-light window fronts both floors of the 2,250-square-foot contemporary home, highlighting an expansive view. Inside, the white walls and high ceilings shimmer with the reflection of the sky. “I like this house so much,” says Juna, 6, holding his favorite Lego helicopter and beaming with pride as his little sister, Runi, 2, jumps up and down in joyful agreement. This is clearly a happy home.

Their parents, Stephen and Wina Leander, have accomplished the seemingly impossible, creating a home with airy sophistication that’s also family-friendly. The monochromatic decor of white and a medley of grays has a pop of fun in the great room: a bright-green free-form sofa. Two leather beanbag chairs sit in front of a low-hanging flat-screen television. Beside it a thin sheet of quietly elegant gray marble surrounds a gas fireplace. Stephen recalls that getting it to hang properly turned out to be an unexpected challenge.

On the deep landing between the two flights of stairs that lead to the upper level sits a child-size tepee outfitted with a toy telescope for peering out the mid-flight window. Encountering it there is as wonderful as it must be to play inside. When the children are older, it will be replaced with a daybed.

In 2008 Stephen, a California native, took a two-year teaching assignment in Indonesia, where he met Wina, who was teaching English to adults in her native land. When Stephen returned to America to finish his degree in social work at Wheelock College in Massachusetts, he and Wina knew they couldn’t live without each other. She moved, too.

They were married in 2011 and had their wedding reception at the Carneros Resort. After enduring New England’s “snowiest winter in 150 years” in 2015 they knew their long-term plan to return to California needed to happen quickly. They had bought their Sebastopol land in 2014, and it was time to call Amy Alper, the Sonoma-based architect they admired because she was on the team that designed the Carneros Resort. “We interviewed her and liked her so much we never even called anyone else. She was with us from beginning to end — and beyond,” says Stephen. The couple now consider her a friend.

Sawyer Construction built the home, which was a challenge to design and build because of the steep grade of the one-third-acre site and restrictions for not blocking the neighbor’s view. The drought-friendly, understated landscape design is by Merge Studio, and Rochelle Silberman Designs did the interiors.

The Leander family moved in in February 2017, and will be hosting Thanksgiving dinner in their new home for the second time.

The family eats fresh-cooked, mostly vegetarian meals, and they use the kitchen constantly. “With two little kids you don’t get out a lot,” Wina says. Their sleek, PentalQuartz island gives them ample space, and the GE Monogram cooktop is set into the countertop behind it. The other appliances, along with the washer/dryer, are hidden in a pantry-like room off to the side, contributing to the serene feel of the open kitchen.

Off the great room’s dining area, a massive deck flanks the front of the home and is frequently used for outside relaxation. In the rear there is a secluded courtyard, where their first lemongrass is blooming, and above it there’s a small lawn area and a play set for Juna and Runi.

The Leander family moved in in February 2017, and will be hosting Thanksgiving dinner in their new home for the second time.

A guest room and bath on the first floor transforms into a private suite with the pull of a hallway pocket door. Upstairs, Juna’s bedroom has shelves full of books and a high window where three porcelain elephants peer down at him from their perch. Stephen and Wina’s master has endless views and a private deck. The room is pristine white with pops of blue provided by the bedding and accent tile. The view-graced family room on the upper level holds the electric piano Juna is learning to play and the family’s computer station.

Wina had never seen snow before she moved to Massachusetts, and doesn’t miss it at all. The family is thrilled to be in Sonoma County, and just may live here forever.

New Mint and Liberty Diner in Sonoma a Tasty Road Trip Across America

December 2018

By biteclub

When Chef Michael Siegel set out to make the menu for Sonoma’s Mint and Liberty Modern Diner, his question was, “If I was at a diner in Louisiana, what would be on the menu?”

His answer: Shrimp gumbo with fried okra and Andouille sausage for one. He then moved on to traditional comfort food served in homey diners around Sonoma County — Chicago, New York, California or his home stomping grounds of Arizona. Each answer was a little bit different, resulting in an ambitious menu that spans the gamut from sprouted lentil salad to enchiladas, homemade challah, matzah ball soup and pierogis.

“What does a modern diner mean? It’s a melting pot of cuisine,” said Siegel, who recently relocated to the town of Sonoma after his San Francisco deli, Shorty Goldstein’s closed.

The good news is that some of his Jewish deli favorites (inspired by his great-grandmother, Shorty) make it onto the Mint and Liberty menu. As does my favorite thing on the menu — “Christmas Style” enchiladas. With both green and red chile sauces (hence the Christmas name), they’re a stunning looker with a fried egg on top and richly spiced chicken enchiladas done as only a Southwesterner can. It was literally an “I’ll have what she’s having” moment as I saw the enchiladas arrive at the table next to mine.

Siegel was hired by the diner’s new owners James Hahn and Mila Chaname, who also own Sunflower Caffe, Honey & The Moon Bakery and Chename wines in Sonoma. The couple purchased the former Breakaway Cafe, did a quick remodel to brighten and update the space and reopened within weeks. Just a few days after opening, the place is packed to the gills, everyone waving to everyone and the town’s grand dames holding court at corner tables.

“We had crossed paths during the fires, and we were coordinating things not really knowing each other. It was funny that we hadn’t met before, but we’re very like-minded,” said Siegel of the owners. That includes a passion for making (almost) everything in house.

Schmaltz in the matzoh balls? Check. They make it with rendered chicken fat. Pie? They make them two at a time. Enchilada sauce? They roast the green chiles each year. Lebnah? Yup, the Israeli cream cheese is made there. Zatar spices? That too.

“I know my limits. It’s ambitious and broad,” says Siegel. Unlike most places, he says, “I’m the brakes and the owners are the gas” when it comes to a diverse menu that includes more than 30 dishes. One of the few things he doesn’t make — bagels. They’re complicated and need a lot of oven capacity. “We have big plans, but if I can buy better, I do,” he said.

Not everything has worked, and Siegel said he’s listening to feedback. Family-style meals like a New England Clam Bake, cioppino and whole chickens weren’t a huge win at launch, but already he’s pivoting to some other choices (expect steak soon) — though the cioppino now appears on the all-day menu.

The breakfast menu is also worth a look, with special items like Buttermilk Persimmon Pancakes ($14) and a Sweet Dutch Baby ($11) — a cross between a crepe and a pancake that comes with lemon marmalade and clotted cream.

Are you getting that the menu is kind of endless? Like any good diner, it has to be longer than really necessary. We aren’t complaining.

Best Bets

Sprouted Lentil Salad, $9: I’m a world of contradictions at the table. I’m just as thrilled to eat a delicious lentil, beet and sunflower salad as I am a plate full of fries. Especially when its paired with warm za’at spices, homemade lebnah and a light vinaigrette. At the very least it offsets the fries, right?

Chopped Chicken Liver, $13: Not for the faint of heart, but a classic if you grew up on the stuff. With fresh challah, mustard, pickles and caramelized onion jam, it’s a twist on a New York deli favorite. Also, don’t think too much about how much chicken fat and butter makes it taste so magical.

Rachel Sandwich, $17.50: If there’s a signature dish, this is it. The little sister to the Rueben, Rachel skips the kraut and is made with tender Wagyu beef pastrami, coleslaw, Swiss and Russian dressing on rye. It’s a better sandwich than anything Carnegie ever made — something I don’t say lightly.

Matzoh Ball Soup, $10: Happy Hannukah, we found a schmaltzy matzoh soup that’s Bubbe-approved and sure to cure what ails you. Shredded chicken, big chunks of vegetables and beautiful rich broth.

Do I like mine better? Yes. Is this a solid second? Yes. Maybe a titch salty, but who doesn’t have an opinion?

Mac N Chz, $8: Oh, hello Gruyere, fontina and white cheddar all melty and delicious as you cling to perfectly cooked pasta. With a cape of buttery breadcrumbs, I had to wrestle this one out of my friend Fran’s hands. She’s tiny, but strong. Fran won the day.

New Mexican Enchiladas, $16: My favorite dish on the menu. But I already told you that.

Pork Belly Steamed Buns, $9: Chewy bao buns stuffed with crispy pork belly, tart pickled carrots and housemade hoisin (plum) sauce. Pure happiness in each bite. A small plate to share, but required.

Boozy breakfasts: Judge all you want, but a little morning buzz ain’t the worst way to start the day. If you agree, pick from Irish Coffee, blood orange mimosas, a pitcher of Bloody Marys or a port-spiked milkshake. Our little secret.

You decide

Loaded Baked Potato Pierogi, $10: I can’t give this a thumbs up because pierogi should be boiled, not fried. Sorry, but I know my pierogi. Raviolis can be fried, but pierogis are best slippery and soft according to this midwesterner.

Liberty Burger, “New York,” $20: A straight up Wagyu beef burger will cost you a steep $16, but it’s a really, really good burger. If you’re going to go all out, the New York is topped with pastrami, coleslaw, Swiss and Russian dressing. It’s a lot of a lot. I’m not sure I think that a great burger needs all that much dressing up, especially when its freaking Wagyu. But I applaud the enthusiasm. If you want a whole lot of goodies on your burger, this is the way to go.

But wait, there’s more

The menu just keeps going, and there are some seriously delicious dishes we never even got to including Braised Rancho Gordo baked beans with smoked mushrooms, BBQ baby back pork ribs done in Carolina and Texas style, glazed carrots with black garlic and honey, smoked salmon with creamed cheese and capers on toasted rye, turkey pot pie and mini Chicago dogs with pickled green tomato. Best to go with a few friends, because you’ll want more than you can possibly eat at one sitting.

Overall: An ambitious menu that pulls from diner classics from around the country. What’s so surprising is how well it all works — especially the southwest and Jewish deli favorites that Chef Siegel pulls from his own family recipes. Every meal is a new adventure, and every meal just as delicious as the last.

Mint and Liberty Modern Diner: 19101 Highway 12, Sonoma. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. mintandliberty.com