Is there a restaurant project Charlie Palmer isn’t involved with right now? Healdsburg’s busiest chef is taking on Healdsburg Bar & Grill — formerly managed by chef Doug Keane and Nick Peyton — and he’s bringing his famed boeuf bourguignon with him.
In mid-December, Palmer and HBG owner Danya Richter will debut a full refresh: new menu, new bar program, updated décor and a reworked outdoor space.
Folia chef/owner Charlie Palmer, left, and his son/chef de cuisine Reed Palmer Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
I’m jonesing for the bourguignon, inspired by Julia Child’s recipe. Palmer cooked a version alongside the French culinary icon and plans a few seasonal tweaks before adding it to the menu, alongside classic duck confit. The beloved HBG burger and “Fox in the Henhouse” fried chicken will stay put.
Iggy’s Organic Burgers with duck fat and beef patty, buttery brioche, organic American cheese, ketchup, mustard, onions caramelized with a secret sauce, and pickles are served on the plaza, Friday in Downtown Healdsburg June 30, 2023. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
Less than a year after opening, The Barlow’s Cock Robin is calling it quits. But the Sebastopol space won’t remain vacant for long. The owners of Iggy’s Organic Burger in Healdsburg are stepping in, set to transform the burger-and-fried-chicken shop into… well, another burger-and-fried-chicken shop, this time with a sweet twist: ice cream.
The transition is expected to take about a month, according to Cielo Garat-Zanella, who is helping her brother, Ignacio “Iggy” Garat, with the changeover. A full menu change is slated for mid-December.
Garat, who was born in Argentina, traces his passion for burgers back to his grandparents, who helped bring McDonald’s to the country in the 1980s. That early exposure sparked a lifelong obsession with burgers.
Ignacio “Iggy” Garat, owner of Iggy’s Organic Burger on the plaza, Friday in downtown Healdsburg June 30, 2023. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)Iggy’s Organic Burgers with duck fat and beef patty, buttery brioche, organic American cheese, ketchup, mustard, onions caramelized with a secret sauce, and pickles are served on the plaza, Friday in downtown Healdsburg June 30, 2023. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
Since opening Iggy’s in downtown Healdsburg in 2023, his shop has earned a dedicated following with its beefy smashburgers topped with “Million Island” sauce and pickled onions, served alongside thick-cut fries. Made from locally sourced organic beef and cooked in beef tallow, the classic “Iggy” burger ($13) comes on a buttery Hawaiian-style bun with Clover cheddar. It’s a delicious, drippy mess — and one of my top five burgers in the county.
The Sebastopol menu will also feature Iggy’s fried chicken sandwich, chicken nuggets and the return of the fried chicken buckets for Cock Robin fans. As in Healdsburg, the location will share its space with Angela’s Organic Ice Cream, which Ignacio launched with his mother, Angela Pryor, when they took over Lala’s Creamery in Petaluma in 2017. Angela’s has since expanded its footprint to include locations in Forestville, Healdsburg, Mill Valley and Noe Valley.
Angela’s Organic lavender ice cream in a sugar cone at Iggy’s Organic Burger in downtown Healdsburg, June 30, 2023. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
The pairing of Iggy’s burgers and Angela’s ice cream in Healdsburg has proven to be a family-friendly hit, offering a sweet-and-savory balance. After all, who doesn’t want a scoop of dulce de leche ice cream with their double bacon burger (Piggy; $19)?
Iggy’s Organic Burger will be located at 6700 Sebastopol Ave. in The Barlow. iggysburger.com
Saffron & Rose Petal Arancini with rice, mozzarella, butter, marinara, shallots, garlic, chives and panko at the Sonoma Wine Shop/La Bodega Kitchen Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 in Sebastopol. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Hidden behind a curtain of foliage on an otherwise forgettable stretch of Gravenstein Highway, and marked only by a cryptic sign, La Bodega Kitchen insists it’s not a restaurant. A handmade placard above the bar makes that clear — the word “restaurant” in “Sonoma Wine Shop & La Bodega Restaurant” has been crossed out and replaced, in a scrawl, with “not a restaurant.” And yet, somehow, it is one. Sort of.
For 16 years, Bryan Cooper and Meekk Shelef have operated their low-slung Sebastopol roadhouse with the serene confidence of people unbothered by categorization. Depending on the hour, the place is a bottle shop, a social club, a lived-in family dining room rearranged for a gathering no one quite planned. There are banquettes and sturdy wooden tables that shift around to accommodate parties large and small. No one seems in a rush to turn anything over.
“We want to feel like your grandmother’s house,” Shelef said. She’s the general manager, host, pastry chef and designated hugger, embracing you like your mee-maw the moment you walk in.
But the kitchen doesn’t smell of any grandmother’s Sunday roast. Rick Vargas, a classically trained chef with Michelin credentials, has been cooking a fully plant-based menu since 2022, at the behest of Shelef (a lifelong vegetarian) and Cooper.
Chef Rick Vargas, center, with Jose Leopoldo Cruz Vargas and Maria Davalos Sanchez at Sonoma Wine Shop/La Bodega Kitchen. Photographed Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in Sebastopol. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Red, White & Green Lasagna with Vella cheeses, béchamel, chard, and cauliflower at Sonoma Wine Shop/La Bodega Kitchen. Photographed Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in Sebastopol. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
“He is obsessive about food,” Shelef said. “It took a while for him to come to terms with it (the plant-based focus). When he was younger, he was doing foams and towers of food. Now, he is helping the environment and elevating vegetarian food. It’s not just hippie food anymore.”
A focus on wine
If you ask Cooper, La Bodega is really a wine club that happens to contain a kitchen and, incidentally, people eating dinner. It’s all about perspective, and his is through the lens of a wine collector. His selection — mostly local, mostly small producers — is what draws wine club members and regulars, who often time their visits to collect their allotments before sitting down to eat.
Guests enter through a crowded room lined floor-to-ceiling with small-lot discoveries, but it’s Ori Zeigfinger who “makes things fun,” according to Cooper. The Israeli-born wine wrangler freely admits he doesn’t really like wine. His indifference, though, is part of the method: he is more interested in your reaction to the wine than his own. He tracks each nod or cringe on a tally sheet, and suddenly you’re in the middle of a tasting ($20 if you’re a member, $25 if you’re not) that feels like the antithesis of a staid, predictable winery experience.
La Bodega Amaretto Tiramisu with Kahlua, espresso, house vanilla, mascarpone, chocolate and Italian ladyfingers at Sonoma Wine Shop/La Bodega Kitchen. Photographed Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in Sebastopol. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
“We’re weird on purpose,” Shelef said, without a hint of irony. It’s less a boast than a disclaimer. The hugs, the meatless menu, the oddball tastings with tally sheets, the living-room chaos — none of it feels engineered for effect, nor, as Cooper notes, for profit (the wine club is what keeps the place afloat).
At Sonoma Wine Shop and La Bodega Kitchen, everyone’s invited to the table for a meal and a glass of wine. But you might just leave with a few new friends — and a wine club membership you didn’t know you needed.
The food
Meza Plate with pita, hummus, red pepper matbucha, caramelized eggplant, pomegranate molasses, garlic, olives and labne at Sonoma Wine Shop/La Bodega Kitchen. Photographed Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in Sebastopol. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
The menu — three pages of appetizers, salads and pasta — is mostly evergreen with seasonal flourishes inspired by whatever catches Vargas’s eye at the market or in a neighbor’s garden.
Diners are encouraged to preorder online, a mildly awkward request, but one that spares waste and allows diners to focus on the experience once seated at the table. The descriptions are exhaustive, addressing allergies, preferences and vegan alternatives.
Best bets
Mezze plate ($24): Warm za’atar-spiced pita, creamy hummus, olives, labneh and craveable caramelized eggplant with pomegranate molasses.
Saffron and rose petal arancini ($21): Oversized risotto balls with melty mozzarella, fried and sitting in a pool of marinara.
Saffron & Rose Petal Arancini with rice, mozzarella, butter, marinara, shallots, garlic, chives and panko at Sonoma Wine Shop/La Bodega Kitchen. Photographed Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in Sebastopol. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Caramelized Organic Pear Tartlets with Pt. Reyes blue cheese, pear brandy compote, cali port reduction and puff pastry at Sonoma Wine Shop/La Bodega Kitchen. Photographed Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in Sebastopol. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Pear tartlet ($13): Flaky puff pastry topped by blue cheese, pear compote and port reduction. A menu favorite.
Mushroom and spinach ravioli ($32): This seasonal special is entirely vegan, with three types of plant-based cheese, an egg substitute, porcini mushrooms and caramelized onions. Good for being entirely plant-based. I’m a cream and butter girl.
French lentil soup ($16): I’ve been let down by lentil soup, but this is a stunner, with roughly 15 different spices, including ras el hanout and cardamom, onions, tomatoes and green lentils. Spicy zhug crema adds serious zip.
The price
Wine club members receive discounts on many menu items. The club is free to join.
Great room. (Steven J Magner / Vanguard Properties)
A home with bold farmhouse style, situated in the heart of the Rutherford AVA in Napa, is currently listed for sale. The three-bedroom, four-bathroom dwelling surrounded by Cabernet vines — owned by Treasury Wine Estates — is seeking $7,750,000.
The estate, designed by JMA Architects, employs a simple geometry, with two single-gabled structures adjoined in an L-shape that partially encloses the patio. Clad in both vertical and horizontal siding, painted a dark gray, the home makes a strong but subdued statement in the verdant setting.
Contrastingly, the interior space has an airiness thanks to cream-colored walls, vaulted ceilings and those coveted floor-to-ceiling sliding glass walls.
White oak cabinets and textured tiles add gentle warmth. Plentiful windows throughout exploit the world-class views.
The pool receives lots of sun, and the surrounding low-garden walls maintain the splashing-among-the-vines feel. If the vineyard views from the kitchen aren’t immersive enough, an outdoor kitchen allows for cooking among the vines.
An exquisite heritage home on Healdsburg’s historic Matheson Street is currently on the market. The circa-1905, three-bedroom, three-bathroom, Queen Anne-style home was recently spotlighted in a New York Times real estate article about $3 million homes in California. The list price is $2,995,000.
A former bed-and-breakfast, the 3,696-square-foot dwelling radiates with pristinely kept ornate details: an octagonal turret, stained-glass windows, quatrefoils and intricate frieze work.
The traditional home, however, has a surprising up-to-date crispness about it, thanks to tranquil color on the walls, richly toned wood flooring and impeccable millwork. An abstract chandelier, new stonework and select clean-lined furniture pieces blend in pleasingly.
Living room in historic Healdsburg home. The clean-lined furniture pieces blend in pleasingly with the traditional look. (Jan Pechbrenner / Liftec Media)Pond by the patio at the heritage home in Healdsburg. The tiny pond and gardens add to the tranquil appeal of the home. (Jan Pechbrenner / Liftec Media)
The .3-acre property includes a one-bedroom guest house, blooming gardens and a tiny pond. It’s located just two blocks from the Healdsburg Plaza.
French Toast with strawberries from the William Tell House in Tomales. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
While the name suggests a French origin, various iterations of French toast have been created around the world for centuries. The earliest known reference to the dish is in a collection of recipes from the Roman Empire called the Apicius, thought to have been compiled in the first century. The simple recipe, described in Apicius as “aliter dulcia” (“another sweet dish”), involved breaking white bread into large pieces, soaking it in a mixture of milk and beaten eggs, frying it in oil, and then covering the golden creation with honey.
Similar recipes that sought to make use of stale bread appeared in 14th-century Germany as “Arme Ritter” (“poor knight”) and, around the same time, in an influential French cookbook, Le Viandier, as “tostées dorées,” or “golden toasts.” Today, the French call the dish “pain perdu” (“lost bread”), the Germans still call it “Arme Ritter” (in several Nordic countries, it is also called “poor knights” in their languages), the Spanish call it “torrija,” and the Portuguese call it “rabanadas.”
So how exactly did French toast get the name “French Toast” in the U.S.? Is there anything Parisian about the toast? Well, nobody knows for sure. There are several origin stories and legends — according to one, a chef named Joseph French invented his own version of the dish in Albany, New York, in 1724. Failing to use an apostrophe, he called his culinary invention “French toast,” rather than “French’s toast.”
A more likely scenario, however, is that the name French toast was first used in England in the 17th century (perhaps the British picked up the recipe on a trip across the channel) and then crossed the Atlantic Ocean to America with the early settlers.
Whatever the name and no matter the origin of the dish we like to call French toast, making good use of stale bread continues to produce delicious results: a sweet, eggy, golden dish fit for a fancy brunch or last-minute breakfast for the kids.
If you’re craving this breakfast of champions, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite spots for digging into this dish.
Top toasts
Tiramisu French toast with whipped mascarpone, Raspberry, coffee ice cream and cocoa nibs on Goguette brioche from the Acorn Cafe Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Acorn Cafe
Tiramisu French Toast ($17)
The Healdsburg brunch favorite Acorn Cafe has a Goguette brioche French toast topped with raspberries, cocoa nibs, dollops of whipped mascarpone and coffee ice cream. 124 Matheson St., Healdsburg, acornhealdsburg.com
Costeaux French Bakery & Cafe
Pain Perdu ($18)
Thick slices of housemade cinnamon walnut bread topped with berries, fig spread, whipped sweet crème fraîche and pure Vermont maple syrup. 417 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-1913,costeaux.com
The Parish Cafe
Bananas Foster Pain Perdu ($19)
French-style pain perdu topped with caramelized bananas,bourbon maple syrup and powdered sugar. 60 Mill St., Healdsburg, 707-431-8474, theparishcafe.com
Strawberries & Cream French Toast with ciabatta bread, maple butter, strawberry lemon compote and sweet cream from Wild Poppy Cafe along the Bodega Highway west of Sebastopol, Friday, May 3, 2024. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
The Wild Poppy Cafe
Berries & Cream French Toast ($16)
Ciabatta bread with maple butter, sweet cream and seasonal berry lemon compote. 9890 Bodega Highway, Sebastopol, 707-503-6332, thewildpoppycafe.com
Willow Wood Market Cafe
Challah French Toast ($18.50)
Challah bread dipped in a Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream batter, topped with toasted pecans, pure maple syrup, fresh fruit garnish and powdered sugar. 9020 Graton Road, Graton, 707-823-0233, willowwoodgraton.com
Cinnamon French toast made from Village Bakery brioche topped with butter, fresh whipped cream, organic raspberries and real maple syrup with orange slices, sparkling wine and a cappuccino at Estero Cafe in Valley Ford. (Alvin Jornada/The Press Democrat)
Estero Cafe
Sourdough French Toast ($17.50)
Thick-cut slices of sourdough soaked in rich custard and topped with whipped cream, seasonal fruit and housemade vanilla cider maple syrup. Similar menu item at sister restaurant Americana in Santa Rosa and Sebastopol. 14450 Highway 1, Valley Ford, 707-876-3333,americanasonomacounty.com/estero-cafe
Marla Bakery
Challah French Toast ($20)
Housemade challah French toast served with strawberry gastrique and vanilla crème Chantilly. 208 Davis St., Santa Rosa, 707-852-4091, marlabakery.com
Challah French toast topped with clementine marmalade and sweeter crème fraîche at Marla Bakery in Santa Rosa on Sunday, Mar. 20, 2022. (Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat)
Grossman’s Noshery & Bar
GB Cinnamon Babka French Toast ($19)
Grossman’s decadent cinnamon babka served with two eggs, chicken apple sausage and orange ginger butter. 308 1/2 Wilson St., Santa Rosa, 707-595-7707, grossmanssr.com
Brunch items from Grossman’s Noshery include GB Cinnamon Babka French Toast with two eggs, chicken apple sausage and orange ginger butter, front left, on Tuesday, Jul. 2, 2024. Other plates are: Lox & Latke Benedict, Terri’s Favorite, containing griddled house pastrami, and a Lox Plate. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat)French toast with Sal Do Chenin Blanc from J & M’s Midtown Cafe on Oct. 23, 2023, in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
J&M’s Midtown Cafe
Cinnamon Swirl French Toast ($18)
Two pieces of cinnamon-raisin French toast, served with two eggs and a choice of meat. Also: ciabatta French toast ($15). 1422 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-2233, jm-midtowncafe.com
Sonoma Eats
Tres Leches French Toast ($15)
Croissants dipped in a “tres leches mix,” griddled and topped with cream and strawberries. 18133 Sonoma Hwy, Sonoma, 707-343-1141, sonoma-eats.com
Cafe Bellini
Crème Brûlée French Toast ($17)
Challah bread dipped in a crème brûlée batter with mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, fresh berries and maple syrup. 100 S. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, 707-774-6160,thecafebellini.com
Egg-battered Texas toast, buttermilk-fried chicken breast, crispy bacon and maple syrup. Note that French toast is a weekend brunch dish served only on Saturdays and Sundays. 3120 Lakeville Highway, Petaluma, 707-782-9090, pubrepublicusa.com
Sax’s Joint
TT’s Famous French Toast ($15)
Sourdough French bread grilled with cinnamon and sugar, then topped with marionberry cream cheese. Also great: French Toast ($15): Extra-thick slices of locally made cinnamon challah bread; and Little P (aka Patricia’s Favorite; $17): Sourdough French toast with two eggs and bacon or sausage. The portions are enormous, so bring an appetite. 317 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma, 707-559-3021, saxsjoint.com
Honorable mentions
Jeffrey’s Hillside Cafe
French Toast Combo ($17.50)
Texas toast topped with powdered sugar and strawberries and served with two eggs and a choice of bacon, sausage or ham. 2901 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-546-6317, jeffreyshillsidecafe.com
Dierk’s Parkside Cafe
French Bread French Toast ($12.50)
Four slices of baguette dipped in an egg and cinnamon batter. 404 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-573-5955, dierksparkside.com
Slices of French toast accompanied with an egg and two strips of bacon, four sausage links or half a slice of ham. Also great: Walnut Cinnamon French Toast and Raisin Bread French Toast ($14.95). 975 Piner Road, Santa Rosa, 707-575-0165, pinercafe.com
Omelette Express
Sourdough French Toast ($13.50)
Griddled sourdough French toast topped with cinnamon and sugar. Add bacon and two eggs for $5.25. 112 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-525-1690, omeletteexpress.com
Crepevine
French Toast La Suisse ($13)
Housemade French white bread dipped in a yogurt-vanilla egg batter with cinnamon and powdered sugar and served with 100% pure organic maple syrup. Also great: French Toast Parisienne ($13): Cinnamon raisin bread dipped in a yogurt-vanilla egg batter and served with organic maple syrup. 740 Farmers Lane, Santa Rosa, 707-577-8822, crepevine.com
The Twins Restaurant
French Toast ($17)
Three pieces of French toast topped with brandy cream sauce, powdered sugar and fresh blueberries. 572 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati, 707-242-3075,thetwinsrestaurant.com
French toast with berry compote, berries and whipped cream is one of the many breakfast items available at Verano Cafe in Sonoma. (Robbi Pengelly/Index-Tribune)
Verano Cafe
French Toast ($15)
Classic French toast topped with strawberry coulis and whipped cream and served with fresh fruit. 18976 Sonoma Hwy, Sonoma,707-931-6837, veranocafesonoma.com
Basque Boulangerie Cafe
French Toast ($11.50)
French toast topped with strawberry compote, whipped cream and toasted almonds. 460 First St. E., Sonoma, 707-935-7687, basqueboulangerie.com
Creekside Cafe
Creekside’s Crispy Sourdough French Toast ($12.95)
Three pieces of crispy sourdough French toast coated in cornflakes. Add seasonal fruit and maple syrup. 239 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma, 707-996-8062
Sebastopol Sunshine Cafe
Texas Style French Toast ($12)
Three slices of thick-cut, Texas-style toast sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with syrup. Also great: Coconut French toast ($13.50): Texas French toast topped with whipped cream and coconut flakes. 124 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-827-3935,sebastopolsunshinecafe.com
Howard Station Cafe
French Toast ($12)
Texas-style French toast in a special egg batter, with vanilla and a pinch of orange zest, grilled to a golden brown and topped with powdered sugar. 3611 Bohemian Highway, Occidental, 707-874-2838, howardstationcafe.com
Cape Fear Cafe
Panhandle French Toast ($12.95)
Made with cinnamon and vanilla, served with hot syrup and housemade molasses butter. 25191 Main St., Duncans Mills, 707-865-9246,capefearcafe.net
Drakes Sonoma Coast
French Toast ($16)
Seasoned buttermilk-batter French toast with a crunchy cornflake crust, maple syrup and seasonal compote. 103 Coast Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-917-0567,drakesbodegabay.com
Grapefruits on a tree with blossoms during early springtime. (gurineb / Getty Images)
Winter is citrus season in Sonoma County. While we have a bounty of some citrus fruits — Meyer and Eureka lemons and certain varieties of oranges — we do not have a commercial grapefruit industry. There are trees here and there, and if you are walking through neighborhoods in Santa Rosa or Healdsburg, look up now and then and you might see golden globes swaying overhead.
For a reliable source of grapefruit, look to our farmers markets. Schletewitz Family Farms of Sanger, just east of Fresno, has a lesser-known variety, Oro Blanco, a cross between the white Marsh grapefruit and the pomelo. From November through May, you’ll find Oro Blancos piled high at the markets the farm attends, including those in Santa Rosa and Sebastopol.
The Oro Blanco is sweet, with none of the bitterness found in most white grapefruits. Its acid is bright and delicious. The succulent juice enlivens a wide array of dishes, including the Oro Blanco sorbet at Screamin’ Mimi’s in Sebastopol. This grapefruit is so popular that chefs sometimes buy out an entire day’s supply. It appears on menus here and there as a special in both dishes and cocktails.
To enjoy this grapefruit at home, eat it neat — it doesn’t need sugar — or use in salads of avocado and frisée or pear and smoked fish. It is also extraordinary with another seasonal delicacy, Dungeness crab, and makes a delightful vinaigrette.
The Oro Blanco is sweet, with none of the bitterness found in most white grapefruits. (Sebastian Luigs / Shutterstock)
Oro Blanco Grapefruit, Crab, and Spaghettini Salad
Serves 2 as a main course, 4 as a first course
Kosher salt
Grapefruit Vinaigrette (recipe follows)
4 ounces dry spaghettini (thin spaghetti)
Meat from 1 cooked Dungeness crab, chilled
2 teaspoons grated Oro Blanco grapefruit zest
1 Oro Blanco grapefruit, peeled, segments removed from membranes
Freshly ground black pepper
8 leaves of Romaine lettuce, rinsed, dried, and cut into ½-inch-wide crosswise strips
Extra-virgin olive oil
Fill a medium pot halfway with water, add a tablespoon of kosher salt, and bring to a boil over high heat.
While waiting for the water to boil, make the vinaigrette and set it aside. When the water boils, add the pasta, stir, and cook according to package directions until just tender. Drain the pasta, rinse in cool water, and shake off any water that clings to the noodles. Tip into a bowl, add a spoonful or two of the vinaigrette, and toss gently. Set aside.
Meanwhile, put the crab meat into a small bowl, add the grapefruit zest, and drizzle with a tablespoon or so of the vinaigrette. Add the grapefruit segments and several turns of black pepper. Toss gently and set aside.
Put the lettuce into a large salad bowl, sprinkle with salt, and toss gently. Drizzle with enough olive oil to coat the lettuce. Add the pasta and toss again, seasoning with more black pepper. Divide the salad between large individual bowls then spoon the crab and grapefruit mixture, including the juices, over the top. Spoon dressing over everything and enjoy right away.
Grapefruit Vinaigrette
Makes about ⅔ cup
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, preferably Oro Blanco variety; see note below
2 tablespoons champagne or white wine vinegar
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom or 3 crushed cardamom seeds
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Put the grapefruit juice and vinegar into a small bowl and add the cardamom, a generous pinch of salt, and several turns of black pepper. Stir to dissolve the salt and let rest for 30 minutes so that the flavors meld and blossom. Stir in the olive oil and use right away.
Note: If using a different variety of grapefruit, add a bit of sugar for balance.
The location of the Meadowcroft Winery tasting room at Cornerstone Sonoma affords visitors an eyeful of holiday wonder and whimsy. The Lighting of the Christmas Tree and Snowmen festival was on Dec. 4, and the lights stay on through December. (Michelle Walker)
It may not snow in Sonoma County, but the region becomes its own special winter wonderland as the holidays approach. There are plenty of delicious dishes, festive drinks and wondrous events to create a warm, cozy and joyful atmosphere.
As we count down to Christmas, here are more than 25 magical things to experience this holiday season.
Now through December
Shop local: Swap the dreaded mid-December mall experience for a wholesome outdoors event. At Holidays Along the Farm Trails (until Jan. 1), buy gifts (often in the form of delicious artisan foods) or make your own at DIY workshops. You can also cut your own tree and, best of all, greet the farm animals.
Visit Healdsburg hotels for the holidays: Several hotels and other businesses in Healdsburg are participating in the city’s Season to Sparkle initiative, presenting various themed events, activities and special offers, now through Dec. 30. Montage Healdsburg will have both Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah lightings as well as a mistletoe display for photo ops. Hotel Healdsburg will offer complimentary gift wrapping for guests and a Holiday Glow Facial at its spa.
Nov. 21 – Dec. 23
Immerse yourself in holiday decor: Come Christmastime, Brewsters Beer Garden in Petaluma transforms into Miracle at Brewsters, with kitschy decor paired with holiday dishes and drinks (opens Nov. 21). 229 Water St., Petaluma, 707-981-8330, brewstersbeergarden.com
Miracle’s Christmas Cricket cocktail at Brewster’s Beer Garden in Petaluma. (Melissa Horn)The festive Sippin’ Santa (aged demerara rum, amaro, lemon, orange, and gingerbread mix) is one of nine cocktails on the holiday pop-up menu at the Lazeaway Club at Flamingo Resort. (Courtesy Sippin’ Santa)
Nov. 23 – Jan. 6
Tiki holiday vibes: The Flamingo Resort in Santa Rosa also hosts a special holiday cocktail pop-up, “Sippin’ Santa,” that combines Christmas and tiki, with tropical cocktails and a selection of seasonal bites (from Nov. 23 through Jan. 6). 2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-8530, flamingoresort.com
Nov. 28
Make the season bright: Downtown Santa Rosa is kicking off the holiday season with its annual Winter Lights tree lighting celebration from 4-7 p.m., Nov. 28, at Old Courthouse Square. The free event, presented by the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber, will include a “Letters to Santa” station, photo opportunities with Santa and Snoopy and performances by School of Rock Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa Ballet and Transcendence Theatre Company. Plus, the Santa Rosa Growlers will be on hand to spread holiday cheer. Old Courthouse Square, 600 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, santarosametrochamber.com
People pose in front of the newly lit Christmas Tree at the conclusion of Sonoma County’s Winter Lights and 41st Annual Tree Lighting Celebration, at the Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat)At Hotel Petaluma’s annual Gingerbread Showcase, you’ll see creations that replicate historic Petaluma mansions and other impressive buildings. (Victoria Webb)
Nov. 28-30
See upscale gingerbread houses: It wouldn’t be Christmas without gingerbread. But for some, a cookie is not enough. At Hotel Petaluma’s 9th annual Gingerbread Showcase (Nov. 28-30), you’ll see creations that replicate historic Petaluma mansions and other impressive buildings. Plus, a 12-foot evergreen towers in the hotel’s courtyard for added Christmas cheer. 205 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707-559-3393, hotelpetaluma.com
Nov. 28 – Dec. 31
Sip, savor and shop: Holidays in Healdsburg (daily from Nov. 28 to Dec. 31) is a cherished seasonal tradition. During a four-hour guided tour, enjoy the Christmas-tree-lit plaza, colorful street decorations, festive window displays and carolers, then savor seasonal bites and sip wines at boutique wineries and restaurants. $129 per person. Meet at Healdsburg Plaza, Healdsburg, 707-758-4287, winecountrywalkingtours.com
Healdsburg Plaza is aglow with holiday colors Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)Santa Claus aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train to visit passengers. (Napa Valley Wine Train)
Have a very merry Healdsburg Christmas: Join the city of Healdsburg for its annual Merry Healdsburg Tree Lighting Celebration from 5-9 p.m., Dec. 5, on the Healdsburg Plaza. The event will include complimentary carriage rides through downtown, photo ops with Santa, festive live music performances and holiday arts and crafts for children. There will also be a holiday market held during the celebration featuring local vendors selling everything from food and drinks to jewelry and home goods. Healdsburg Plaza, healdsburg.gov
Attend a Winter Festival up north: Further north, the city of Cloverdale will host its Winter Festival & Tree Lighting Celebration from 5-8 p.m., Dec. 5, at the downtown Plaza. In addition to the tree lighting ceremony, there will be live music, food and drink, cookie decorating, photo ops with Santa, a holiday movie on Broad Street and a candlelit holiday shopping stroll featuring local vendors. Cloverdale Plaza, cloverdalechamber.com
Dec. 5-7
See Snoopy on ice: For a larger indoor rink, head to Snoopy’s Home Ice. Morning, midday and evening public skating sessions are available and there will be outdoor holiday variety shows with professional figure skaters, dancers and a special appearance from Snoopy from Dec. 5-7. 1667 W Steele Lane, Santa Rosa, 707-546-7147, snoopyshomeice.com
Dec. 5-21
Stroll through a twilight garden wonderland: Glen Ellen’s Sonoma Botanical Garden will dazzle guests with its new Gardens Aglow holiday celebration. Visitors can meander along twinkling paths and through tunnels to the garden’s Winter Workshop, featuring music, crafts, games and face painting. Hot chocolate and local wines will be available fireside for extra coziness. $30 for general admission, $12 for youth ages 5-17 and free for children 4 and under. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 5-21. 12841 Highway 12, Glen Ellen, 707-996-3166, sonomabg.org
Dec. 6-7
Enjoy an old-school holiday open house: Luther Burbank Home & Gardens in Santa Rosa will be decked out in old-fashioned holiday finery for its 45th annual Holiday Open House, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6-7. Shop for unique gifts, plants, holiday decor and persimmon bread in the gift shop, and enjoy games and activities for children, as well as homemade cookies, in the greenhouse for all ages. 204 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-524-5445, lutherburbank.org
The Duran family, Jason, left, Emma, 10, Laura, 8, and Jennifer, enjoys spiced hot tea and cookies in the rose garden during the Holiday Open House at the Luther Burbank Home & Gardens in Santa Rosa on Dec. 7, 2013. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)Bûche de Noël at Sarmentine in Santa Rosa. (Erik Castro/for Sonoma Magazine)
Dec. 7, 14, 21 and 23
Say Feliz Navidad, God Jul or Joyeux Noël: Find holiday foods from around the world at Sonoma County’s restaurants and bakeries. Tamales Maná makes our favorite steamed corn cakes; Sarmentine has bûche de Noël; and Stockhome serves a traditional Swedish julbord and glögg (from Dec. 7, 14, 21 and 23).
Dec. 10 – Jan. 6
Lace up those skates: There may not be snow, but icy winter fun has arrived in Petaluma with the Luma Ice skating rink at the Petaluma Fairgrounds, open Dec. 10 through Jan. 6. 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma, 707-778-4380, lumaice.com
Dec. 12
Bake and break bread: At the state-of-the-art Artisan Baking Center in Petaluma, have some flour-filled fun during classes like whole grain bread-baking (Dec. 12), where baking instructor Michael Kalanty will teach how to bake rustic boules, multigrain rolls and seedy sandwich bread. Located in Keith Giusto Bakery Supply, 1120 Holm Road, Petaluma, 707-765-5745, centralmilling.com/artisan-baking-center
Be dazzled by a Mexican Posada: The 19th annual Posada Navideña by Calidanza Dance Company (6:30 p.m., Dec. 12) takes the audience to various regions of Mexico, showcasing holiday festivities and traditions through vibrant costumes, dynamic choreography and joyful music. 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa, 707-546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org
Calidanza Dance Company will stage the 19th annual Posada Navideña holiday celebration Dec. 12 at Santa Rosa’s Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. (Will Bucquoy)The Petaluma turning basin is full on bright with the lighted boat parade, Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
Dec. 13
Watch a lighted boat parade: One of the most charming holiday parades around will glide gracefully down the Petaluma River from 6-8 p.m. on Dec. 13 at the Petaluma Turning Basin. Free to attend. Petaluma Turning Basin, 12 C St., Petaluma, petalumadowntown.com/lighted-boat-parade
For more luminous cheer, check out the county’s whimsical winter light parades. From decorated sofas and bikes to tractors and boats, the brilliantly lit spectacles are a sight to see.
Dec. 13-19
Have a musical Christmas: The Green Music Center in Rohnert Park is putting on a variety of holiday performances this season. The Sonoma Bach Choir presents its 14th annual Early Music Christmas show featuring 17th-century music from three European countries from Dec. 13-14; Soweto Gospel Choir performs South African freedom songs, traditional spirituals and holiday favorites on Dec. 13; and Broadway star Jessica Vosk performs holiday hits from her album “Sleigh” on Dec. 19. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, 707-664-4246, gmc.sonoma.edu
Dec. 18-21
Get cracking: Sonoma County offers (at least) two performances of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker this holiday season. Luther Burbank Center for the Arts presents Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet featuring gold-medalist performers from around the world on Dec. 18.Dance Evolution Studios (formerly Santa Rosa Dance Theater) presents its rendition at Spreckels Performing Arts Center from Dec. 19-21.
Soprano, Marnie Breckenridge performs as Suzie Snowflake in the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus performance “Home For The Holidays” at Sonoma State University’s Weill Hall in Rohnert Park, Sunday Dec. 16, 2018. (Will Bucquoy / for The Press Democrat)
Make the Yuletide gay: The acclaimed San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus returns to Sonoma County with a “Holiday Spectacular” (Dec. 21), a rollicking performance of zany holiday antics, traditional carols and new surprises. Green Music Center, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, 707-664-4246, gmc.sonoma.edu
Crack on in Healdsburg: At Costeaux French Bakery in Healdsburg, see rows of whimsical, militarily precise nutcrackers stand ready for inspection. Their ranks are arrayed on shelves installed just for the holidays, spilling over into every nook and cranny of the bakery. 417 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-1913, costeaux.com
A wide variety of nutcrackers decorate the shelves at Costeaux’s French Bakery in Healdsburg. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)A fireplace warms the dining area at Stark’s Steak & Seafood in Santa Rosa. (Stark’s Steak & Seafood)
Hear the fireplace roar:Several local restaurants serve up ember-enhanced meals and drinks sure to get you into the holiday spirit. A few favorites include Catelli’s in Geyserville, Stark’s Steak & Seafood in Santa Rosa and Taste of Tea in Healdsburg.
Warm up with a hot drink: While we’re on the topic of staying warm, how about a hot drink with a spoonful of childhood nostalgia? At Snoopy’s Home Ice in Santa Rosa, order a Peppermint Patty hot chocolate at the Warm Puppy Café. For a more grown-up version, try the Aztec Mocha with double espresso, Valrhona chocolate and chiles at Flying Goat Coffee in Healdsburg.
Get sparkling: For some celebratory bubbles, head to SIGH Champagne bar in Sonoma. No reservations needed and they offer a flight of three sparklers. They also serve draft beer, regular wine and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as snack-sized bites, both savory and sweet. And here are more sparkling wineries to visit.
After a sip of bubbly, the Sonoma Plaza offers holiday cheer and attractions for history buffs, from the Sonoma Mission to the barracks and Toscano Hotel, all within two blocks. There’s a big parking lot behind the barracks on First Street East.
Sonoma’s downtown plaza lit up for the holidays, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
See a Christmas card church: Bodega’s Saint Teresa of Avila looks like something out of an old-fashioned Christmas card during the holidays. Ansel Adams immortalized the church in a photograph and it was famously featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds. 17242 Bodega Highway, Bodega
Take a quiet winter hike: Shady forest groves are a respite from the flurry of the holiday season. Stillwater Cove Regional Park, a hidden gem on the coast in Jenner, features 3 miles of trails surrounded by lush ferns and towering redwoods.
Light-bodied, chillable red wines have become ubiquitous in Sonoma County, especially during the steamy summer months. Yet despite their sunny reputation, these fresh and friendly wines are also ideal for the Thanksgiving table.
To achieve that oh-so-drinkable style, many winemakers use a fermentation method called carbonic maceration. The technique was popularized by wineries in the Beaujolais region of France, most famously in the form of Beaujolais Nouveau.
Red wines are typically made by crushing grapes in a vat, where yeast co-mingles with juice to kick off fermentation. In contrast, with carbonic maceration, fermentation happens within individual, whole grapes in an oxygen-free environment. This gives the resulting wine a distinctive, playful character.
“It adds a sense of fun — some pop — with candied and ever-present fruit notes,” says Jaam Moynihan, co-founder of Joseph-Jibril winery in Healdsburg. “The technique works excellently with Pinot Noir, Valdiguié, Cabernet Franc, and really, any varietal where you want to emphasize those characteristics.”
A carbonic red wine from Joseph-Jibril Wines, based in Sonoma County. (Joseph-Jibril Wines)
That light and fruity profile makes carbonic reds a great match for holiday dishes.
“I love a classic Thanksgiving turkey dinner with all the fixings, but often it can be on the richer side,” says Joseph-Jibril co-founder Bobby Huff. Because carbonic red wine is light on its feet, he adds, “It can act as a nice palate cleanser.”
Erik Miller, the founder of Breaking Bread and Kokomo wineries in Healdsburg, points out that carbonic reds are often lower in alcohol than non-carbonic wines, so they won’t weigh you down during a long afternoon meal.
“Thanksgiving is a day that you’re starting early, and you don’t want anything that’s too big or too heavy,” he says. And thanks to the high acidity and low tannins in carbonic wines, he notes, they’re versatile with a variety of Thanksgiving dishes — from gravy-drizzled turkey to bright cranberry sauce.
Three Carbonic Reds to Try
Carbonic wines from Pellegrini-Olivet Lane in Santa Rosa. (Pellegrini-Olivet Lane)
Breaking Bread – 2023 Cabernet Franc
Mizany Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley $28
This is one of four carbonic red offerings from the Kokomo offshoot, Breaking Bread. Lovely and fruity, with soft tannins, the wine has notes of strawberries and spice. It can easily stand up to heartier dishes, like stuffing and turkey with gravy, yet it won’t steal the show from lighter sides. breakingbreadwines.com
Joseph-Jibril – 2024 carbonic. (red wine)
California $29
A blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Valdiguié, this juicy number charms with elements of bright raspberries, cranberries, and cinnamon spice. Elegant, with subtle tannins on the finish. Winemaker Jaam Moynihan likes to pair this with his mom’s signature zuppa di castagne — a rich chestnut soup. josephjibrilwines.com
Pellegrini-Olivet Lane – 2023 Carbonic Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley $40
This ultra-fruity Pinot Noir is bursting with candied red fruits and flavors of strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries playing on the palate. Tannins are gentle, making the wine a tasty match for the holiday bird. For fans of fizz, Pellegrini also makes a sparkling, carbonic Pinot Noir in a lively Lambrusco style. pellegrinisonoma.com
A plate of beef cheek topped with artichoke dill pickle salsa verde sauce including crispy garlic chips, jalapeño cheddar sausage, roasted potato salad, corn bread, and pickled fruits and veggies, are shown at Bob Costarella’s “Red Eye Barbecue” pop-up, held on Saturdays at Sazon Peruvian Cuisine & Deli on Nov. 15, 2025. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat)
Summer and fall have sped by, adding more than a dozen restaurants, food shops and bakeries to the Sonoma County dining roster. And there are plenty more slated for early 2026. In case you missed any — or need a reminder of where to eat next — here’s a lineup of openings from June to November, plus a few to look forward to after the holidays. You can find some of the year’s earlier openings on sonomamag.com.
Watch for my “Best Restaurants of the Year” (including best newcomers) on Dec. 21.
That new restaurant smell — October and November newcomers
Baso Annex
After a devastating fire, the owners of Forestville’s Bazaar Sonoma have opened an interim cafe featuring some of their greatest hits, including zhong dumplings, Taiwan braised pork rice, mapo tofu and beef noodle soup. Prices remain a bargain, ranging from $9 to $14 for dim sum and $15 to $24 for mains. Open 5-9:30 p.m. Thursday to Sunday. Takeout available. 6536 Front St., Forestville, 707-278-8080, bazaar-sonoma.com
Zhong dumplings with BaSo housemade chile crisp and sweet pork dumplings from Bazaar Sonoma, Oct. 17, 2024, in Forestville. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Seasonal Dungeness crab and lemon pasta at Geyserville’s Diavola restaurant. The Diavola owners have opened a new pasta and prepared food shop next door. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Pastasciutta
New pasta and prepared food shop from the owners of Diavola, just steps from their destination-worthy restaurant. 21023 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, instagram.com/pastasciutta707
Quail & Condor (new location)
Same amazing pastries, same top-notch bread, but none of the shoulder-to-shoulder shuffle in the bakery’s expansive new digs. Plus, hot breakfast standouts like thick-cut toast with chocolate hazelnut spread ($7), Turkish breakfast (soft-boiled egg, cheese, olives, sourdough toast, jams and veggies, $22), sourdough waffle with lingonberry jam, or simit (think oversized sesame bagel) with charred leeks and cream cheese ($9). 44 Mill St., Healdsburg, 707-473-8254, quailandcondor.com
Croissants from Quail & Condor in Healdsburg. (Emma K Creative)An assortment of pastries at Paris Baguette in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)
Paris Baguette
The South Korean chain of self-serve Parisian patisseries has opened in Santa Rosa, with an emphasis on the self-serve aspect. Walk in, grab a tray and some tongs, and go to your sweet, happy place. Cake slices, sandwiches and coffee are available at the counter. 150 Steele Lane, Santa Rosa, 707-632-4500, parisbaguette.com
Sweetgreen
This Los Angeles-based chain of healthy-option restaurants has opened an outpost in Santa Rosa’s Montgomery Village. Endlessly customizable salads, healthy rice bowls and protein-packed plates feature good-for-you ingredients like sweet potatoes, quinoa, roasted chicken, shredded cabbage and, of course, kale. Massive portions make the double-digit prices feel almost affordable. The Crispy Rice Bowl ($14.75) is a personal fave. 2365 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa, sweetgreen.com
A view of the Sweetgreen storefront and front dining patio at their Westfield Century City location in Los Angeles. A Sweetgreen location will soon open in Santa Rosa. (Trevor Srednick / Getty Images)A plate of beef cheek topped with artichoke dill pickle salsa verde sauce including crispy garlic chips, jalapeño cheddar sausage, roasted potato salad, corn bread, and pickled fruits and veggies are shown at Bob Costarella’s “Red Eye Barbecue” pop-up, held on Saturdays at Sazon Peruvian Cuisine & Deli in Santa Rosa on Nov. 15, 2025. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat)
Red Eye BBQ
Chef-turned pitmaster Bob Costarella is a whiz with Texas-style smoked meats. His Saturday-only pop-ups are becoming legendary. Go for the beef cheek and ribs, and don’t forget a side of killer potato salad. Open noon until sold out. Preorder for the best selection at redeyebarbecue.com. 1129 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa
J&A Lounge
New owners of the oft-changing 643 Fourth St. location in downtown Santa Rosa offer weekend brunch, loungey bites and burgers at this ambitious new cafe. 707-615-7256, jalounge.com
June – September openings
Bijou (June)
Sonoma County’s French revival is in full swing — think Brigitte Bistro, Augie’s, Bistro Laginappe and Poppy — but Bijou chef and co-owner Stéphane Saint Louis is quick to clarify that his new restaurant isn’t a bistro. It’s bistronomy: approachable plates like steak frites and pristine fish, executed with high-end technique. And unlike Table Culture Provisions, the fine-dining spot he runs with co-chef Steven Vargas, Bijou gives Saint Louis a bigger canvas. The menu shifts frequently, built around elegant sauces, meticulous sourcing and refined plating — all at midrange prices. Don’t skip the signature Parker House rolls ($12), the excellent steak frites ($42), or the beef Wellington ($45) sliced clean and lounging in a glossy red wine demi-glace. And pastry chef Sylvain Parsy’s desserts? Mandatory. 190 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707-753-9155, restaurantbijou.com
Chocolate Au Lait with chocolate creme, hazelnut praline and milk ice cream from Bijou, the new Petaluma restaurant from chef Stéphane Saint Louis Monday, July 1, 2025. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Shu mai and open-faced bao with tofu at the new Jimtown & Then Sum in Healdsburg’s Alexander Valley. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)
Jimtown and then Sum (June)
It took Michelle Wood nearly two years to reopen the former Jimtown Store after purchasing the Alexander Valley property in 2023. In early June, Wood debuted Jimtown & Then Sum, merging her longtime dim sum catering business with the Jimtown legacy. Fans of her handmade dumplings eagerly anticipated shu mai, potstickers and bao at the new location. You’ll also find classic deli sandwiches, along with morning pastries for traditionalists. 6706 Highway 128, Healdsburg, 707-756-5022, jimtown.com
Waterhawk Lake Club (July)
The owners of Petaluma’s Brewsters Beer Garden have launched a sister restaurant on Roberts Lake with stunning cocktails, outdoor seating (and live music), a simple but well-executed menu (don’t miss the loaded fries) and lots of indoor space for families and big groups. The Miracle Christmas pop-up, featuring seasonal cocktails and wacky, tacky holiday decor, opens on Nov. 24. 5000 Roberts Lake Road, Rohnert Park, 707-355-4219, thewaterhawk.com
The Waterhawk Burger with cheese, iceberg, house sauce and B&B pickles from the Waterhawk Lake Club Thursday, August 14, 2025, in Rohnert Park. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Cold mezze dips of hummus, baba ganoush, labneh and muhammara at Levant restaurant in Petaluma. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)
Levant (July)
Co-owner Arafat “Art” Herzallah of San Francisco’s popular Freekeh restaurant has teamed up with longtime Petaluma residents Saheer Kassis and Issa Musalla to create a Middle Eastern culinary oasis in central Petaluma. Many dishes on Levant’s menu are tried-and-true favorites from Freekeh, including cold mezze samplers with creamy hummus, yogurt-based labneh, smoky baba ghanoush and muhammara, a sweet red pepper dip with walnuts ($21-$28). All are served with warm bites of pita bread. 140 Second St., Suite 100, Petaluma, 707-658-8017, instagram.com/Levant_Petaluma
The Burrow (July)
This family-friendly restaurant offers a chef-driven menu for parents, a kid-tested menu for the little ones and a kitted-out play area with toys and books to keep the peace — or at least peace of mind for everyone. 22 Matheson St., Healdsburg, 707-955-0132, theburrowhb.com
Family friendly food at a reasonable price from The Burrow Wednesday, July 9, 2025, just off the square in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Salted Brown Butter glazed doughnut at the newly opened Dutch Door Donuts in Healdsburg. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Dutch Door Donuts (September)
The wiggly, squiggly-shaped doughnuts at Dutch Door Donuts in Healdsburg aren’t likely to win any beauty contests. Looking more like a flat tire than a perfect circle, these fried-to-order sweet treats may lack camera-readiness, but they make up for it with flavor and personality. The perfectly imperfect treats are topped with glazes like chocolate, brown butter, vanilla bean and blackberry. There’s also cinnamon sugar or chocolate-dusted doughnuts, as well as fresh beignets, along with a variety of coffee and espresso drinks. 109A Plaza St., Healdsburg, 707-473-8283, dutchdoordonuts.com
Fungi limone pizza at Rosso Pizzeria & Wine Bar in Santa Rosa on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)
Rosso (September)
Less than seven months after closing, the beloved Santa Rosa restaurant reopened under the ownership of John and Linda Ahmadi, a husband-and-wife team who previously ran Sandy’s Take and Bake Pizza. They’ve paid homage by leaving the menu largely unchanged, with the same wood-fired pizzas, meatballs, and fried chicken served with smashed potatoes and a sweet, caramelized pancetta glaze ($27), which continues to rank among my top 20 favorite meals in Sonoma County. 53 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-615-7893, rossopizzeria.com
Folia (September)
Appellation Healdsburg is a striking example of country luxury on a grand scale. The resort features 108 guest rooms, two pools, a spa, an event center, classrooms, two bars, Folia restaurant and more than 8 acres of landscaped grounds. But with chef Charlie Palmer as a partner, food is a primary focus. Palmer’s son, chef Reed Palmer, is a chip off the old block who’s putting his own mark on the three-course prix fixe menu. Seasonal pastas are a standout, along with Mt. Lassen trout and roasted chicken. 101 Dovetail Lane, Healdsburg, 707-723-2130, foliabarandkitchen.com
Mary’s Whole Chicken with pickled shishito pepper and garden herbs from Folia Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Jesse, left, and Geo Borba dig into some Acre Pizza they ordered while having beers at Crooked Goat in Sebastopol’s Barlow district. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Coming in 2026
Acre Pizza (Healdsburg): The Sebastopol and Cotati pizzeria comes north.
Iggy’s Burger (Sebastopol): Healdsburg’s favorite smashburger takes up residence at the former Cock Robin at The Barlow.
