The view from the patio area at The Junction, located at the former site of The Villa, in Santa Rosa on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)
After closing in 2022, the historic Villa restaurant — long a backdrop for prom dates, anniversaries and birthday dinners — sat empty for three years, slowly deteriorating as real estate developers eyed the site.
The sprawling building, with its vaulted ceilings and sweeping views of Annadel State Park, seemed destined for demolition. Then a trio of Mill Valley restaurateurs saw promise in the 64-year-old complex, even in its advanced state of disrepair.
After a year of planning and another of painstaking reconstruction, The Junction is slated to open in May as a family-friendly gathering place for craft beer, upscale pizza and cocktails, along with the same sweeping views that made the hilltop a favorite for generations of Sonoma County diners.
“Everyone who comes by has a story to tell us. People remember this place,” said Liz Fiedler, who, with her husband, Dez, and business partner Jimmy Simpson, is preparing for the restaurant’s opening.
The main room of The Junction, located at the former site of The Villa, is under construction in Santa Rosa on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)
Looking to the future
The Fiedlers, who lost their home in Santa Rosa during the 2017 North Bay wildfires, opened the original Junction in Mill Valley in 2020, taking over a similarly distressed property at the edge of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
“It was a partial junkyard,” Liz Fiedler said of the 5,000-square-foot site, which had been filled with old cars and debris from a former auto repair shop. After clearing the property and building an expansive outdoor patio, The Junction (which was once an actual train depot) quickly became a pandemic-era oasis at the intersection of nearby hiking and biking trails. A 3,000-square-foot indoor taproom has since made it a favorite Mill Valley meet-up spot.
That — and the pizza.
Pizza at The Junction in Mill Valley. Santa Rosa’s former The Villa restaurant will reopen as The Junction with a similar menu. (Jessica Paul)
In Mill Valley, the Fiedlers partnered with Jimmy Simpson of San Francisco’s PizzaHacker to create a menu of crisp, blistered pies with names like The Ohio (pepperoni, pepperoncini, mozzarella and provolone) and Yo Vinnie! (housemade sausage, pickled peppers, marinated onions, mozzarella and Grana Padano). The Santa Rosa location will feature a similar lineup, along with several new salads, wings and fried chicken.
Though the site is currently a busy construction zone, the restaurant is still recognizable. Pine siding now covers the exterior walls, and the former floor-to-ceiling windows have been replaced with glass walls that expand the view and allow outdoor access. A new 4,000-square-foot beer garden will include a play area, live music stage and plenty of room for dogs, kids and groups.
A cavernous dining room that seats 150 connects to an open bar area and game room with shuffleboard, pool tables and vintage Skee-Ball — no screens, said Fiedler, just old-fashioned games. A robust beer program with 30 taps and a bottle shop will accompany the food menu, and unlike the Mill Valley location, Santa Rosa will also have a full bar.
Lost and found
The Villa property came onto the Fiedlers’ radar almost by accident.
The couple had been looking for a second location when they happened to drive past the distinct retro-geometric Villa sign one day. Curious, they walked up the hill to take a closer look. The unusual setting and panoramic views were an easy sell. They contacted the owners, who were hoping to sell to another restaurateur, and ultimately bought the 3.5-acre property, edging out real estate developers.
“We love Mill Valley and we love Santa Rosa,” Fiedler said. “We want this to be a really family-friendly place where everyone can come and hang out.”
And the sign will stay.
The Fiedler family on the property of their new restaurant, The Junction, in Santa Rosa. (Jennifer Paschal)
A taste of history
Long before it became The Junction, the hilltop restaurant had already lived several lives.
Originally opened in 1962 as The Hilltopper, the restaurant was a mid-century destination for continental dining, a catchall term at the time for European-inspired cuisine. Dishes like lobster thermidor, abalone steaks and sole meunière were served for under $4.
Gaspare Bernardo took over the restaurant in 1976 and ran it as an Italian restaurant for nearly 50 years before retiring in 2022. The Villa became his life’s work.
Decades before farm-to-table menus and Wine Country cuisine took hold, white-tablecloth Italian dining was something of an anomaly in rural Sonoma County. Throughout its run, The Villa stuck to Italian-American staples like spaghetti and meatballs, linguine with clams, lasagna, ravioli and veal scaloppine. Tableside Caesar salad was a signature.
Tableside Caesar salad was a highlight at The Villa restaurant, which closed in 2022. (The Villa)Salad and pizza at The Junction in Mill Valley. The forthcoming Junction replacing the former Villa restaurant in Santa Rosa will have a similar menu, along with several new salads, wings and fried chicken. (Jessica Paul)
Whether Caesar salad will return to the new menu remains to be seen (it probably will, because who doesn’t love a Caesar). But the new owners do plan to preserve parts of the Villa’s character, including the distinctive front doors with half-moon cut-outs, the vaulted ceilings and the old sign at the bottom of the hill that welcomed generations of Santa Rosa diners.
“This space is so amazing,” Fiedler said. “You just want to sit and have a drink in the sun.”
Now the landmark property is preparing for another chapter —and a new generation of Santa Rosans climbing the oak-lined hill for dinner, drinks and the view.
Baklava served for the Persian New Year, known as Nowruz. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat, file)
For 14 years, Iranian-born chef Shari Sarabi has welcomed the community to his Healdsburg restaurant, Baci, to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year. The elaborate, multicourse dinners honor an ancient rite of spring, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and joy over sorrow. It is one of the most sacred holidays on the Persian calendar.
This year, the celebrations carry added weight as war and political unrest once again grip Sarabi’s homeland.
“With the political climate we are under, this is important. The Iranian people are all suffering, and what they want is to live and be safe,” said Sarabi’s wife and business partner, Lisbeth Holmefjord.
Lisbeth Holmefjord runs the front of the house while co-owner/husband/chef Shari Sarabi runs the large kitchen at Baci Cafe and Wine Bar in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat, 2025)
Sarabi’s family, like many in the Iranian diaspora, fled after run-ins with the government. He was just 14 when they left the country.
Nowruz itself, however, is a celebration of renewal, not politics.
Observed for more than 3,000 years by millions in Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia, the holiday centers on new beginnings. In the days before the spring equinox, families decorate their homes with flowers, grow trays of edible sprouts for the New Year’s table and prepare sweets, fruits and nuts to share with guests.
The holiday reaches its peak at the precise moment of the equinox, when day and night are equal.
Haft sin table for the Persian New Year, or Nowruz, assembled by Shari Sarabi, chef/owner of Baci in Healdsburg. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat, 2020)
A traditional haft sin table, arranged with seven symbolic items beginning with the Persian letter “s,” represents health, prosperity and abundance. Common items include apples (seeb), garlic (seer), vinegar (serkeh), sumac (somagh), hyacinth (sonbol), sprouts (sabzeh) and coins (sekeh).
This year, Baci will host five nights of Nowruz dinners, March 19-23, featuring dishes such as mirza ghasemi (eggplant mousse), torshi (assorted pickled vegetables), kebabs, aromatic khoresht stews and polo with tahdig, the signature crispy golden rice of Persian cuisine. Desserts include baklava with almonds, fried pastries and Persian ice cream flavored with rosewater, pistachios and saffron.
Persian ice cream made with saffron, rosewater and pistachios from the Persian menu at Viva Mēxicana in Sebastopol. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat, 2025)
The prix-fixe dinner is $195, including tax and gratuity; children under 12 eat free. Seating runs from 5:50-9 p.m., and reservations are required for the prepaid dinner at 707-433-8111. Baci is located at 336 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. bacicafeandwinebar.com
In Santa Rosa, Pascaline French Bistro and Patisserie (1021 Hahman Drive) will host a Nowruz pop-up dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, March 20. The menu includes ash reshteh (noodle and lentil soup), kuku sabzi (Persian herbed frittata with barberries), yatimcheh (eggplant stew), ghormeh sabzi (braised beef), fish with tamarind and saffron and an assortment of baklava, chickpea cookies and saffron rice pudding. The dinner is $95 per person, plus tax. Reservations are available at pascalinebistro.com/bistro-events.
Sole & Scallop Purse with saffron from chef Lynn Chia, from a pop-up dinner at Pascaline Bakery in Santa Rosa featuring foods from her native Singapore. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat, 2024)Iranian-born Sima Mohamadian displays a Lubia Polo, a crispy saffron rice dish with ground beef and green beans. The dish appears on the Persian menu at her restaurant Viva Mēxicana. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat, 2025)
On Saturday, March 28, Sebastopol restaurateur Sima Mohamadian will offer a Persian cooking class focused on Nowruz dishes. The Iranian-born chef also serves Persian dinnersfrom 4-8 p.m. daily at her Mexican restaurant in Sebastopol. The class costs $172. Tickets are available at bit.ly/46UoLWF.
The Royal We tasting room brings together labels by winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown including Caterwaul, Matthew Wallace, Aston Estate, Switchback Ridge, RIV, and Maybach Family Vineyards Thursday, March 5, 2026 in St. Helena. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
At Royal We Wines in downtown St. Helena, wines spanning six brands are all crafted by the same duo: winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown and viticulturist Matt Hardin. Together, they bring a meticulous, nuanced touch to wines from Caterwaul, Matthew Wallace, Aston Estate, Switchback Ridge, RIV and Maybach Family Vineyards.
The story
Thomas Rivers Brown likes to keep a low profile, yet he’s considered one of Napa Valley’s top winemakers. His wines have earned more than 60 perfect 100-point scores from critics — not bad for a South Carolina native with no formal enology training.
Brown entered the wine world in 1997, taking an entry-level cellar job at Turley Wine Cellars in St. Helena, where he worked with winemaker Ehren Jordan. After several years, he moved into consulting, making wines for cult Cabernet Sauvignon brands like Schrader Cellars and Pulido-Walker. The prolific winemaker now works with 50 clients in addition to helming his own brands.
Matt Hardin represents the farming side of Royal We. As a sixth-generation Napa Valley farmer, he grew up among the vines. After working under his mentor, viticulturist Jim Barbour, for more than a decade, Hardin founded his own vineyard management company in 2021. He is married to fourth-generation vintner Alicia Regusci, co-founder with Hardin of the Matthew Wallace brand and founder of RIV Wines.
After years of collaboration, Brown and Hardin founded Caterwaul Wines in 2014. In the fall of 2025, the friends opened Royal We in St. Helena. Along with their own brands, including Brown’s Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir project Aston Estate and Hardin’s Matthew Wallace, the tasting room features rotating selections from their clients.
The Royal We tasting room brings together labels by winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown including Caterwaul, Matthew Wallace, Aston Estate, Switchback Ridge, RIV, and Maybach Family Vineyards Thursday, March 5, 2026, in St. Helena. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)The Royal We tasting room with four different tasting areas Thursday, March 5, 2026, in St. Helena. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
The vibe
Yao Family Wines closed its downtown St. Helena tasting room in 2020, and the space sat empty for four years before Royal We moved in. They revamped the tasting room to tone down the Vegas-style décor and added rich tones of royal blue and orange. There is plenty of seating at the circular bar, flanked by two smaller rooms for seated tastings. The atmosphere is sleek and understated. Stylish, but not stuffy.
Royal We does not serve food but encourages tasters to take a bottle next door to Gott’s Roadside for the world’s most elevated burger pairing. The restaurant’s buzzers work in the tasting room, and corkage at Gott’s is just $5.
Royal We does not serve food but encourages tasters to take a bottle next door to Gott’s Roadside for the world’s most elevated burger pairing. (Gott’s Roadside)The Royal We tasting room brings together labels by winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown including Caterwaul, Matthew Wallace, Aston Estate, Switchback Ridge, RIV, and Maybach Family Vineyards Thursday, March 5, 2026, in St. Helena. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
On the palate
You may wonder how a winemaker who works with so many brands — and mainly with Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon — keeps them from tasting the same. The distinctions lie in the vineyards. Brown and Hardin avoid overlapping sites between their brands, and each vineyard has its own variations in clones, soils and row orientations. Made with minimal intervention, the resulting wines lean toward power without going overboard.
Bottles of Caterwaul by winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown on display at the Royal We tasting Thursday, March 5, 2026 in St. Helena. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
The 2024 Matthew Wallace Hardin Ranch Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($40) has a flowery, peachy aroma, with vibrant citrus flavors and subtle grassy notes. At the higher end of the price spectrum, the 2023 Caterwaul Regusci Vineyard Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon ($125) is a gorgeous wine with a deep, opaque color and aromas of tobacco spice. It has enough acidity for aging, but it’s already delicious.
Tastings range from quick bar samplings ($25) to more leisurely seated options ($50-$75). If there’s a particular brand or focus you’d like to explore, they’ll gladly create a customized tasting.
Beyond the bottle
Love Italian markets? Check out the newly expanded — and quite spectacular — Mercato del Gusto at V. Sattui Winery. It has everything you could want for a Wine Country picnic, from prepared salads to panini to charcuterie boxes. Oh, and did I mention the house-cured salumi and 200 cheeses from around the world? The market also sells harder-to-find Italian deli meats like mortadella, guanciale and bresaola.
The cheese and charcuterie sampler board available inside the newly renovated Mercato del Gusto at V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)Bottles of vinegar from Napa Valley Olive Oil Co. in St. Helena. (Napa Valley Olive Oil Company)
For a simple Italian market, Napa Valley Olive Oil Manufacturing Co. is just five minutes away. Hidden on a quiet St. Helena back road, it has been run by the same family since 1931. The space is small, cramped and wonderfully authentic. Along with jugs of housemade extra-virgin olive oil, the market is packed with imported pastas, sauces, cured meats, condiments and candies. Matt Hardin says the place smells like his childhood, but he is wrong about that. It smells like my childhood.
Royal We Wines is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. 929 Main St., St. Helena, 707-339-2492, royalwewines.com
Tina Caputo is a wine, food, and travel journalist who contributes to Sonoma magazine, SevenFifty Daily, Visit California, Northern California Public Media, KQED, and more. Follow her on Bluesky at @winebroad.bsky.social, view her website at tinacaputo.com, and email her story ideas at tina@caputocontent.com.
Bryce Humber, 9, stands at the starting line of the St. Patrick’s Day 5K on Santa Rosa Ave. near Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa, on Sunday, March 13, 2022. (Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat)
As rain clouds part to reveal lush, verdant pastures, Sonoma County is beginning to resemble the Emerald Isle — just in time for St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
From parades and parties to communal dinners and holiday treats, local businesses and organizations are offering a range of ways to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint.
Unless otherwise noted, events take place on St. Patrick’s Day, Tuesday, March 17.
Santa Rosa
Iron & Vine
The Bennett Valley Golf Course restaurant will offer a St. Patrick’s Day special from March 13-16, featuring an $18 corned beef Reuben and $5 cans of Guinness. The golf course will also host a Shamrocks & Swings golf tournament starting at 1 p.m., March 13. There will be prizes for best dressed, luckiest putt, longest drive and more. Tickets are $85 per player and $55 for annual members. Call 707-852-1162 or email jschroeder@bennettvalleygolf.com for more information. 3330 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-528-3673, bennettvalleygolf.com
Santa Rosa’s St. Patrick’s Day 5K
The Race Company will present Santa Rosa’s annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K, benefiting Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks, starting at 10 a.m., March 14, at Old Courthouse Square. The chip-timed run/walk is open to all ages and abilities. Participants will receive a commemorative mug and finisher medal. A post-race celebration will include a judged costume contest, beginning at 11:30 a.m., along with music, dancing, drinks, activities and sponsor giveaways. Registration fees are $28.74 for youth 12 and under and $60.83 for those 13 and over. More information and registration are available on Race Roster. Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, srcity.org
Laura Rodriguez nears the finish line dressed as a leprechaun during the St. Patrick’s Day 5k at Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa Sunday, March 16, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)Guinness Braised Beef Pie with mushrooms and toasted carrots and a side of greens from The Goose & Fern, Wednesday, March 6, 2024, in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Goose & Fern
Celebrations begin early at the British-style pub Goose & Fern on the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day and continue through the holiday with live music and a special food and drink menu. According to the British pub’s website, holiday hours on St. Paddy’s Day are from 11:30 a.m. “till y’all fall down.” The special menu will be announced the Friday before the holiday. 116 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 707-843-4235, thegooseandfern.com
Canevari’s Delicatessen
Canevari’s Deli will offer a St. Patrick’s Day feast for pickup March 16-17. The meal includes corned beef, braised cabbage, roasted red potatoes, glazed baby carrots and dinner rolls. Single servings are $25; a family platter serving four to five people costs $80. Served cold at pickup. Orders may be placed online. 695 Lewis Road, Santa Rosa, 707-545-6941, canevarisdeli.com
Flagship Taproom
Flagship Taproom will host an all-day St. Patrick’s Day party with Guinness on tap, Irish-inspired cocktails and its “Dubliner” corned beef sandwich. 446 B St., Santa Rosa, 707-541-6716, flagshiptaproom.com
Victory House
Victory House at Poppy Bank Epicenter will serve a special menu for St. Patrick’s Day, including holiday-themed shots and pub favorites like corned beef and hash, Reuben sandwiches and Irish curry with chips. 3215 Coffey Lane, Santa Rosa, 707-757-9041, visitvictoryhouse.com
Rohnert Park
Sally Tomatoes
The catering company Sally Tomatoes will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner buffet and movie from 4-9 p.m. at the SOMO Village Event Center. Dinner includes corned beef and cabbage, buttered carrots and potatoes, minted mushy peas and housemade soda bread. Drink specials include Guinness, Irish car bombs, green beer and Irish coffee with Bailey’s. The 1952 western romance “The Quiet Man” will be shown at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Call 707-665-9472 to make reservations. SOMO Village, 1100 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park, 707-665-9472, sallytomatoes.com
The Neighborhood Cafe
The Rohnert Park cafe will serve a special St. Patrick’s Day menu featuring roast corned beef, red potatoes, veggies and soup or salad. The meal is $21.95. 913 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park, 707-496-1033, neighborhoodcafe-rohnertpark.com
Cotati
Redwood Cafe
Cotati’s Redwood Cafe will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an Irish dinner special available from 3-9 p.m., March 16-17. The dinner includes corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots. Guinness will be on tap. There will also be traditional Irish music played live from 6-8 p.m. during the holiday. A prize will be awarded for the best green outfit. 8240 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati, 707-795-7868, redwoodcafecotati.com
Penngrove
Penngrove Social Firemen
The nonprofit Penngrove Social Firemen will host its Corned Beef & Cabbage Feed from 3-7 p.m., March 14, at the Penngrove Clubhouse. Dinner includes corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots, along with a no-host bar and a cash-only dessert table provided by Penngrove 4-H. Meals are available for dine-in or takeout. Tickets are $35 for adults and $10 for children under 12. Proceeds help support maintenance of the Penngrove Clubhouse and Penngrove Park. Tickets are available at Odd Cookie Bakery or online at Eventbrite. Penngrove Clubhouse, 385 Woodward Ave., Penngrove. 707-318-2191, penngrovesocialfiremen.org
Petaluma
Mystic Theatre
The Mystic Theatre will host a St. Patrick’s Day concert featuring ’90s rock tribute band JOOSE on March 14. Doors open at 7 p.m.; the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30. 23 Petaluma Blvd., Petaluma, 707-765-2121, mystictheatre.com
The Big Easy
The underground nightclub will host its third annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration March 14 with live music from eclectic rock band Strange Cabbage and special guest Paul “Corned Beef” Riley. Doors open at 8 p.m.; the show begins at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. 128 American Alley, Petaluma, 707-776-7163, bigeasypetaluma.com
The Big Easy music and food venue features an eclectic mix of nightly entertainment Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, in Petaluma. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)The bar area at McNear’s Saloon & Dining House in Petaluma. (Mariah Harkey / Sonoma County Tourism)
McNear’s Saloon & Dining House
The historic saloon will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day from 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. with food and drink specials, live Irish music and authentic Irish dancing. A corned beef and cabbage dinner will also be served. 23 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-765-2121, mcnears.com
WonderStump
WonderStump, an immersive arts venue in Petaluma, will host a St. Patrick’s Day celebration from 6-11 p.m. featuring Bay Area band Pardon the Interruption. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the show begins at 7 p.m. with a special guest opener. Light snacks and craft mocktails will be available at the alcohol-free event. Activities include a children’s “leprechaun kid zone,” and creative attire is encouraged. Tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door; $10 for kids 12 and under. Tickets are available online. 301 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, wonderstump.art
Petaluma Woman’s Club
The Petaluma Woman’s Club will host a St. Patrick’s Day celebration from 6-8:30 p.m., March 19. The evening will include a traditional Irish feast (vegetarian options available) and prizes for the best green attire. $35 per person. RSVP by March 14 at membership@petalumawomansclub.com. 518 B St., Petaluma, 707-762-5485, petalumawomansclub.com
Sonoma
Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley
The Rotary Club will host a “Luck o’ the Irish” dinner beginning at 5 p.m., March 14, at the Sonoma Valley Moose Lodge. The evening will include a traditional corned beef dinner (vegetarian option available), games, live music and a raffle with a $10,000 prize. Dinner tickets are $75; raffle tickets are $50. Proceeds benefit Sonoma Valley nonprofits and education programs. Tickets are available online. Sonoma Valley Moose Lodge, 20580 Broadway, Sonoma. sonomavalleyrotary.org
An Irish dancer performs during a St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Murphy’s Irish Pub on First Street East in Sonoma on March 17, 2023. (Robbi Pengelly / Sonoma Index-Tribune)Music, Irish dancing, Guiness, and the wearing of the green signaled it was St. Patrick’s Day at Murphy’s Irish Pub on First Street East on March 17, 2023. (Robbi Pengelly / Sonoma Index-Tribune)
Murphy’s Irish Pub
Murphy’s Irish Pub in Sonoma will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration with a full day of live music, Irish dancers and bagpipers. Big O & Company will kick off the live performances at 12:30 p.m., followed by Groove Incident at 4 p.m. and Spike Sikes & His Awesome Hotcakes at 7 p.m. Admission is free. 464 First St. E., Sonoma, 707-935-0660, sonomapub.com
Windsor
Windsor Kiwanis Club
The Kiwanis Club of Windsor will hold its annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Drive-Thru Dinner from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Windsor Community United Methodist Church. Dinners are $25 and include all the traditional sides. Reservations and payment must be completed by 9 p.m., March 13. The event is a fundraiser supporting the club’s programs. Tickets available on Eventbrite. Windsor Community United Methodist Church, 9451 Brooks Road S., Windsor. 707-620-0303, kiwaniswindsor.org
Healdsburg
Healdsburg St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Don your best greens to participate in the city of Healdsburg’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, billed as the “Biggest, Shortest Parade in the World.” The parade begins at 7 a.m. at Sanderson Ford (453 Healdsburg Ave.), loops around Healdsburg Plaza and returns to the starting point. Downtown Healdsburg, healdsburg.gov
Meghan Tripp of Healdsbug, the Healdsburg St. Patrick’s Day princess, with her court, Ireland Heyfron, 7, left and Katelyn Filben, 6, right, on Friday, March 17, 2017. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)Healdsburg residents Holly Berkeley, left, and Robin Parvin dance a jig during Healdsburg’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Friday, March 17, 2023. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
Healdsburg Bar & Grill
The revived Healdsburg Bar & Grill will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with brunch and holiday specials, including corned beef and cabbage, soda bread scone, Guinness specials, Irish coffee and Irish car bomb cocktails. 245 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-3333, healdsburgbarandgrill.com
Coyote Sonoma
The bar and music venue will host a St. Patrick’s Day party with live music from the cover band Wonder Bread 5. Doors open at 5 p.m.; the show begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door; available online. 44 Mill St., Healdsburg, 707-433-4444, coyotesonoma.com
Little Saint
The buzzy vegan restaurant and music venue will present a performance by Celtic-punk supergroup The Walker Roaders. Doors open at 7 p.m.; the show begins at 8 p.m. All ages are welcome. Tickets are $36.36 (including fees) and are available online. 25 North St., Healdsburg, 707-433-8207, littlesainthealdsburg.com
Cloverdale
Wolf House Brewing
The Cloverdale brewery will serve a special St. Patrick’s Day menu in addition to its Wolf House classics. Specials include corned beef and cabbage, Reuben sandwiches, shepherd’s pie, Irish nachos and grasshopper pie. Holiday-themed drinks include green beer and the “Leprechaun Float” made with mint-infused soju. 131 E. First St., Cloverdale, 844-942-2337, wolfhousebrewing.com
West county
Rio Nido Roadhouse
Rio Nido Roadhouse will celebrate St. Patrick’s Dayfrom 5-7:30 p.m. with a corned beef and cabbage dinner, Guinness on draft and live music by the Calistoga band the Restless Sons. All ages welcome; there is no cover charge. 14540 Canyon 2 Road, Rio Nido, 707-869-0821, rionidoroadhouse.com
HopMonk Sebastopol
HopMonk Tavern in Sebastopol will host a St. Patrick’s Day concert featuring the folk-rock band Tempest performing Irish reels, Scottish ballads and other world music. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the show begins at 7 p.m. at the Abbey. Admission is $20 plus fees; the event is for ages 21 and over. Tickets available online. 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol, 707-829-7300, hopmonk.com
St. Patrick’s Day treats
Stellina Pronto and Stellina Alimentari
The Petaluma café and deli Stellina Alimentari will offer a St. Patrick’s Day dinner for pickup or delivery on March 17. The $50 meal serves two and includes corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and organic baby carrots. Stellina Pronto will also offer holiday baked goods, including Irish soda bread, pistachio cake, mini chocolate Guinness cake, clover-shaped shortbread cookies and chocolate-mint cookies. Preorders close at 7 p.m. March 15. Order online. Stellina Pronto,23 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707-789-9556, stellinapronto.com; Stellina Alimentari, 160 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-774-6156, stellinaalimentari.com
Donut Den
The Petaluma doughnut shop is offering St. Patrick’s Day-themed doughnuts. Preorders for a dozen or more should be placed at least one day in advance. 1390 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, 707-792-1312, instagram.com/the_donut_den
Pink Sugar Creamery
The trendy rolled ice cream shop is offering a St. Patrick’s Day special called the “Lucky Charm” made with Straus vanilla ice cream, Lucky Charms cereal, marshmallow sauce, whipped cream and a chocolate gold coin. The item will be available in the store and on DoorDash throughout March. 1224 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, Instagram.com/pinksugarcreamery
Costeaux French Bakery
Costeaux will offer seasonal Irish soda bread for pickup March 14–16. A loaf costs $8 and can be ordered online. Locations in Healdsburg, Petaluma and Santa Rosa. 707-433-1913, costeaux.com
Nightingale Breads
The Forestville bakery will offer plain and currant Irish soda bread for pickup March 12–15. Loaves cost $9.25 and $9.75, respectively. Order in-store or online. 6665 Front St., Forestville, 707-887-8887, nightingalebreads.com
Nom Nom Cakes
The Bodega Bay home bakery will offer St. Patrick’s Day treats, including green cake pops with gold sprinkles, shamrock sugar cookies and chocolate cupcakes filled with Irish whiskey ganache and topped with Baileys buttercream. Orders are available online for pickup or delivery. 390 Calle Del Sol, Bodega Bay, 805-350-0680, nomnombaking.com
See’s Candies
The Bay Area chocolate candy chain has an assortment of St. Patrick’s Day treats available for delivery or pickup. Treats include the staple St. Patrick’s Day Potato chocolate candy, milk chocolate coins, chocolate leprechauns, milk and dark chocolate shamrocks, and various holiday-themes boxes of chocolates. Order St. Patrick’s Day candies online. Locations in Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa and Windsor. sees.com
From left, the Pickle Plate, Yakitori (from top: Chicken Tsukune, Hokkaido Scallop, Broccoli and Wagyu Short Rib) and Maguro Poke from Ramen Gaijin in Sebastopol. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Quiet Sebastopol is quickly becoming one of the hottest food scenes in the North Bay. A new generation of chefs is making its mark in the small town, long resistant to change, while seasoned restaurateurs are finding eager new audiences, making it one of Sonoma County’s most interesting dining destinations.
As a new west county resident, I’ve eaten at nearly every restaurant in town and have been largely impressed. Sebastopolians have strong opinions about fresh ingredients and expect restaurateurs to consider vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and organic options, and they aren’t afraid to make their preferences known. Here are a few of my Sebastopol favorites.
Portico
Fresh pasta, made daily, is a signature of this Italian-owned trattoria. Menu highlights include cacio e pepe, Bolognese pappardelle with saffron cream and the famous 12-layer lasagna. Don’t miss the tiramisu for dessert. 110 N. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-888-9136, porticosocialfood.com
Bolognese lasagna made with 12 layers of pasta, spinach, ragu and béchamel sauce at Portico in Sebastopol, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)La Bodega Amaretto Tiramisu with Kahlua, espresso, house vanilla, mascarpone, chocolate and Italian lady fingers at the Sonoma Wine Shop/La Bodega Kitchen Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 in Sebastopol. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
La Bodega Kitchen
For 16 years, Bryan Cooper and Meekk Shelef have run their low-slung Sebastopol roadhouse, which they insist isn’t a restaurant. The space functions as a bottle shop, a kind of social club and something like a lived-in family dining room — rearranged for a gathering that feels both impromptu and familiar. There are banquettes and sturdy wooden tables that shift around to accommodate parties large and small, and no one seems in a rush to turn anything over. The entirely vegetarian menu is unique, even for Sebastopol. 2295 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-827-1832, sonomawineshop.com
Viva Mexicana
By day, it’s a Mexican restaurant with the usual burritos, tacos and quesadillas alongside a wide range of gluten-free and plant-based options. But from 4-8 p.m. daily, the dining room shifts into a pop-up Persian café, drawing deeply from owner Sima Mohamadian’s roots — and from her mother’s recipe box. 841 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol. 707-823-5555, vivamexicana.com
Quince Stew Sampler with lamb, plum, saffron and warm spices from the Persian menu, Mondays and Tuesdays at Viva Mēxicana Oct. 29, 2025, in Sebastopol. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)The Umami Bomb from Fern Bar includes mushrooms, shiitake “cream, broccoli, sticky rice, balsamic and nutritional yeast. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Fern Bar
A vibey lounge and restaurant with craft cocktails and shareable plates. It’s a favorite summer spot for sitting outside and people-watching and equally ideal for a cozy winter supper with friends. 6780 Depot St., Sebastopol, 707-861-9603, fernbar.com
Handline
Sustainable seafood, tacos and great burgers in the coastal California tradition. Family-friendly and fast casual with outdoor and indoor dining. Handmade corn tortillas, excellent al pastor, soft serve and fresh daily produce specials that impress. 935 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-827-3744, handline.com
The Handline “Inglewood” burger features pastured beef, St. Jorge fonduta, iceberg lettuce, spicy pickle relish and Thousand Island on a toasted bun. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Sailor, left, and Lila Burt of Sebastopol check out the pizza varieties while their parent order at Acre Pizza in Sebastopol’s Barlow district. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Acre Pizza
Detroit pizza is always a winner, with a deep, crispy crust and melted cheese, but you can’t go wrong with any of the pies. Get a side of housemade ranch dressing for a chef’s kiss experience because here you won’t get side-eye for dipping. 6761 McKinley St., Suite 150, Sebastopol, 707-827-3455, acrepizza.com
The Redwood
Natural wine is the focus of this casual wine bar, but the kitchen shines with creative riffs on Mediterranean classics, seasonal plates and current specialties. 234 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-861-9730, theredwoodwine.com
Almond Olive Oil Cake with tangerines, orange blossom yogurt and a drizzle of tangerine tarragon syrup from The Redwood chef/owner Geneva Melby Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Sebastopol. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Lime Cured Shrimp with avocado, cucumber, jicama and cilantro from Goldfinch restaurant Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in Sebastopol. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Goldfinch
Chef Rodrigo Mendoza’s (formerly of Willi’s Seafood and Charro Negro) dishes are organized into bites, small shareable plates and large shareable plates. There is a full bar and great cocktails. 119 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-827-9882, goldfinchsebastopol.com
Ramen Gaijin
Sonoma County’s required ramen spot, but there’s more to love on this menu. The izakaya and donburi selections include sashimi, fried chicken (karaage), bao buns and gyoza. Super-fresh, seasonal salads shouldn’t be overlooked. Plus, a full bar. 6948 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, 707-827-3609, ramengaijin.com
From left, the Pickle Plate, Yakitori (from top: Chicken Tsukune, Hokkaido Scallop, Broccoli and Wagyu Short Rib) and Maguro Poke from Ramen Gaijin in Sebastopol. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Texas Toast, cornbread muffins, pork ribs, links, brisket and tri-tip, barbecue chicken, baked beans, coleslaw and collard greens at A&M BBQ in Sebastopol. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)
A&M BBQ
Arguably Sonoma County’s best barbecue, brisket, pulled pork and beef ribs are a must-order. Outstanding sides include collard greens, honey cornbread and potato salad. Brisket nachos with Carolina Gold sauce are a signature dish. Leave room for banana pudding. 495 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-888-1315, ambbqllc.com
Sushi Kosho
Top quality, affordable donburi and poke bowls for lunch and the county’s top sushi (my tippy top fave) and excellent Japanese izakaya. 6750 McKinley St. (at The Barlow), Sebastopol, 707-827-6373, koshosushi.com
The Chirashi sushi bowl features a variety of fresh sashimi from Sushi Kosho in Sebastopol’s Barlow District. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Fried chicken with gravy, fried eggs and hashbrowns at Americana in Sebastopol. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)
Americana
A second outpost of Santa Rosa’s favorite breakfast (served all day) and lunch cafe. Everything on the menu is sustainably sourced from local farms and ranchers. But this isn’t fussy food, it’s classic American favorites like burgers, milkshakes, fried chicken and onion rings. You can snooze away the morning and still get biscuits and country gravy, omelets and huevos rancheros until 3 p.m. 162 N. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-827-3309, americanasonomacounty.com
Charcoal grilled mushroom salad at Khom Loi in Sebastopol. (Dawn Heumann)
Khom Loi
Authentically inspired Thai cuisine from the Ramen Gaijin team. The indoor-outdoor space pays homage to the cuisine of Chiang Mai and nearby Laos, with nods to central and southern Thailand. There’s nothing shy or demure about the spicy, sweet, sour and bitter flavors of East Asia in every one of the dishes. 7385 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol, 707-329-6917, khomloisonoma.com
Psychic Pie
Roman-style slices are cut to order and weighed to determine the price, so you can have small tastes of several or a large piece all to yourself. You’ll find seasonal, farm-fresh toppings like chevre with fresh lemon and herbs; potato with chile oil, mozzarella and crème fraîche; or hot coppa with Estero Gold cheese, mozzarella and hot honey. Traditionalists fear not — pepperoni and plain cheese are always on the menu. 980 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-827-6032, psychicpie.com
The Tomato Bruschetta Pizza from Psychic Pie Thursday, May 12, 2025, in Sebastopol. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Burger from Lunch Box in Sebastopol. (Lunch Box)
Lunch Box
Their signature Burger Harn is a messy, smushy, everything-that’s-good-about-beef masterpiece you rarely find. Paired with “dirty fries” (crispy fries, chevre ranch dressing, bacon, green onion, roasted garlic and pepperoncini), you’ll need a handful of napkins and a stout appetite. Menu additions include chicken Parmesan sandwiches and meaty hoagies. 128 N. Main St., Sebastopol, lunchboxsonomacounty.com
Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine
Inspired versions of the fine cuisine of Peru. The kitchen uses authentic ingredients and techniques but isn’t bound by tradition. 799 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-861-9057, incasrestaurant.net
Parihuela, a piping hot bouillabaisse broth loaded with seafood and potatoes, at Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine in Sebastopol. Garlic bread lets you sop up every last drop. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)Find street tacos and more at Osito Style Tacos in Sebastopol. (Osito Style Tacos)
Osito Style Tacos
Street tacos, burritos, tortas and bowls in a casual outdoor setting. 6760 McKinley St., Suite 140, Sebastopol, 707-494-1416, ositostyletacos.com
Muir’s Tea Room
A bright and cheery tea room with finger sandwiches, scones, soup and salads. The menu is entirely plant-based. 330 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-634-6143, muirstearoomandcafe.com
A tower of sweet and savory vegan delicacies at Muir’s Tea Room in Sebastopol Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)Find some of the best croissants at Sarmentine bakery, with locations in Petaluma, Santa Rosa and Sebastopol. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Sarmentine Bakery
A Barlow outpost of a favorite Santa Rosa patisserie. Caneles, croissants and baguettes are winners, but eclairs always steal the show. 6760 McKinley St., Sebastopol, 707-623-9595, sarmentine.com
Patisserie Angelica
This luxe French bakery does everything from gasp-worthy wedding cakes and high tea to galettes, macarons and flaky croissants. You’re guaranteed not to leave this charming cafe empty-handed. 6821 Laguna Park Way, Sebastopol, 707-827-7998, patisserieangelica.com
Patisserie Angelica in Sebastopol offers dozens of tea selections from around the world for their West County Tea kits. Photo taken Tuesday, April 25, 2023. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Cousins, from left, Audrey 9, Charlotte, 13 and Silas, 11, feed rescued baby goats at Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary Monday, Nov. 24, 2025 in Sebastopol. The Bottle Baby Breakfast Club is a fundraiser for the farm whenever they bring in a new group of rescued baby goats. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Unless you’re a celebrity, few moments make you feel more popular than stepping into a barn stall filled with cuddly, hungry baby goats.
“The whole experience is heart-opening,” said Deborah Blum, founder and executive director of Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary in Sebastopol.
Each year, Goatlandia rescues mostly male baby goats, almost all from the dairy industry. Because they cannot produce milk, newborn males are typically considered to have little economic value. At the sanctuary, the babies are bottle-fed and cared for until they can be adopted into permanent homes. Many eventually join the herd at City Grazing, a San Francisco nonprofit that uses goats for vegetation management and wildfire prevention.
A rescued baby goat at Goatlandia in Sebastopol. (Goatlandia)
Raising a baby goat is not inexpensive. From milk and hay to veterinary care, the nonprofit estimates that expenses for the first three months of a kid’s life average just over $5,000. Unable to nurse from their mothers, very young goats may require feeding as often as eight times a day.
A rescued baby goat being bottle-fed at Goatlandia in Sebastopol. (Goatlandia)
That’s where the Bottle Babies Breakfast Club comes in. For a $250 donation, groups of up to four people can spend time with the charismatic youngsters while helping feed them their morning bottles. The feeding goes quickly, but once every belly is full, visitors can expect plenty of kid cuddles — along with a primer on goat care and rescue.
Goatlandia also aims to educate visitors about plant-based eating and foster greater compassion for animals. Blum adopted a vegan lifestyle years ago after watching a detailed video about animal agriculture. In addition to rescued goats, the 36-acre sanctuary is home to horses, cows, geese, peacocks, ducks and, more recently, cats. After the devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, the organization helped place more than a dozen displaced cats in new homes, though most residents remain goats.
The Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary helps find homes for unwanted boys born into the dairy industry, since they cannot get pregnant and make milk. The Bottle Baby Breakfast Club is a fundraiser for the farm, Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, whenever they bring in new rescued baby goats. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)When goats are very young, they may need to be fed up to eight times a day. (Goatlandia)
“We save lives,” Blum said. We raise [the goats]. We do the hard part of bottle feeding and castration. We send them out – they get to be grazers. Grazing companies don’t have to breed. It’s just a win, win, win.”
Spring is typically the busiest season, but the Bottle Babies Breakfast Club runs whenever the organization rescues newborn goats. Dates through early April are currently available. For updates and reservations, visit Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary online or follow @goatlandia_sanctuary on Instagram.
The Casini Ranch Family Campground in Duncans Mills. (Sonoma County Tourism)
With warmer weather on the horizon, spring is an ideal time to start planning camping trips. In Sonoma County, campers have no shortage of scenic options — including one that has earned national recognition in the 2026 Campspot Awards.
The winning campgrounds “stand out for their distinctive charm, offering experiences that can’t be found anywhere else,” the site said.
Just a short drive from the Sonoma Coast, the campground in Duncans Mills has been welcoming visitors since 1965. The family-owned RV park and campground sits on a 110-acre ranch tucked among rolling hills beside a winding stretch of the Russian River.
The Casini Ranch Family Campground nestled by the Russian River in Duncans Mills. (Sonoma County Tourism)Casini Ranch Family Campground features a number of camping accommodations, including tent and RV sites, cabins, cottage rentals and ranch wagons. (Sonoma County Tourism)A horse stands on a hill overlooking the Casini Ranch Family Campground in Duncans Mills on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)
Casini Ranch features a mile of riverfront property where campers can paddle along the Russian River, fish from the shore or spend time with horses grazing on nearby hillsides. Families can also bounce on a giant jumping pillow, a feature highlighted by Campspot as part of the campground’s appeal.
The Willow Creek Environmental Campground recreation area, part of Sonoma Coast State Park, sits adjacent to the property, making it easy for campers to explore miles of coastal trails. Touring bikes are available to rent at the campground, along with golf carts and watercraft from the Boat Shack, which operates from May through October.
Tom Schmidt, of Novato, fishes with his daughter, Isabella, 10, on the beach at Casini Ranch Family Campground, along the Russian River, in Duncans Mills on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)Activities at Casini Ranch Family Campground include kids games, various sports, horseshoe pits and seasonal family events. (Sonoma County Tourism)The events barn at Casini Ranch Family Campground in Duncans Mills. (Sonoma County Tourism)
Visitors can fill their days with a range of activities, including arts and crafts, basketball, volleyball, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. During peak season and holidays, Casini Ranch hosts family-friendly events such as bonfires, hayrides, movie nights, dance parties, ice cream socials and themed weekends, including Halloween celebrations.
Other winners in the unique campground category include Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park’s Camp-Resort in Wisconsin Dells; Palmetto Shores RV Resort in Summerton, South Carolina; Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort in Waymart, Pennsylvania; and Brialee Family Campground in Ashford, Connecticut.
Wherever you choose to pitch a tent or park an RV, if you want to be a happy camper, it pays to plan ahead and check availability early — especially as spring and summer trips begin to fill up.
A rendering of Aya, a 28,000-square-foot restaurant and bar designed with two terraces overlooking Sonoma Mountain and the surrounding hills. It is scheduled to open in May. (Graton Resort & Casino)
In the latest phase of its $1 billion expansion, Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park will debut three new dining venues on May 4: a rooftop restaurant, a sports bar and an artisanal doughnut and dessert shop.
To lead the broadened culinary program, the resort has tapped Roy Ellamar and his wife, Jennifer Murphy-Ellamar, veterans of the Las Vegas dining scene.
The largest and most ambitious addition is Aya, a 28,000-square-foot restaurant and bar designed with two terraces overlooking Sonoma Mountain and the surrounding hills. The $40 million project includes a walk-through wine tunnel and a $1 million cellar.
A rendering of the forthcoming Aya restaurant at Graton Resort & Casino, scheduled to open in May 2026. (Graton Resort & Casino)A rendering of Aya, a 28,000-square-foot restaurant and bar designed with two terraces overlooking Sonoma Mountain and the surrounding hills. It is scheduled to open in May. (Graton Resort & Casino)
The menu will center on coastal California cuisine with Asian accents, highlighting local oysters, wild-caught seafood and meats — including Japanese wagyu — cooked over a wood-burning grill. Produce and other ingredients will also be drawn from the resort’s 40-acre farm, according to a news release.
Renderings depict a warm, contemporary interior with amber and chocolate-brown tones, gold accents, and layered lighting to evoke a polished night-out atmosphere.
A rendering of the forthcoming Aya restaurant at Graton Resort & Casino, scheduled to open in May 2026. (Graton Resort & Casino)A rendering of the forthcoming Aya restaurant at Graton Resort & Casino, scheduled to open in May 2026. (Graton Resort & Casino)
In a notable shift, Aya will feature a dedicated exterior entrance, allowing diners to bypass the casino floor — and the smoking areas that have long posed a challenge for some guests. The expansion also includes a 144,000-square-foot nonsmoking gaming floor.
Playbook Sports Bar, another addition, is built around a central bar wrapped in television screens, with additional wall-mounted displays and individual table screens. The menu leans classic and crowd-pleasing: Detroit-style pizza, Buffalo wings and a pastrami bánh mì with pickled vegetables and Kewpie mayonnaise.
A rendering of the forthcoming sports bar at Graton Resort & Casino. (Graton Resort & Casino)A rendering of the upcoming dessert and doughnut shop at Graton Resort & Casino. (Graton Resort & Casino)
Soco Dough, the third concept, brings a high-gloss dessert bar sensibility to the property. Doughnuts — made throughout the day — come in flavors such as vanilla buttermilk glaze finished with Maldon sea salt, pistachio rose with rosewater cream, ube honeycomb layered with pastry cream and honeycomb streusel, and Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk drizzle. The shop will also serve fresh gelato, dessert-inspired drinks capped with cold foam and other sweets.
To support the expansion, the resort plans to hire more than 430 employees, including 160 culinary and beverage professionals who will work alongside the Ellamars.
The casino currently operates four full-service restaurants: 630 Park Steakhouse, Bistro 101, Boathouse Asian Eatery and Tony’s of North Beach. Its marketplace includes outlets such as The Habit Burger Grill, Starbucks, La Texanita, Slice House, and Everett & Jones Barbeque.
A couple relax in a hammock at Wildhaven Sonoma near Healdsburg. (Sonoma County Tourism)
Connections are intentional for husband-and-wife duo Chris Schultz and Anne Driscoll.
In 2021, the Healdsburg residents founded Cosmico, an independent music festival designed to introduce music lovers to up-and-coming bands across multiple genres. They also run the nonprofit Launch Pad Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting people who build community through creativity and collaboration.
Most recently, Schultz published “Analog: How To Love Your Work, and Not Wait for Retirement To Live the Good Life,” a book about what it means to live and work with intention, a theme Schultz says is a throughline in the couple’s collaborations.
“Whether it’s a festival, a book, or a local project, our mission is the same: help people find their path, trust their calling, and choose themselves,” he says.
This year’s Cosmico — now called Analog Reunion — is scheduled for May 15-17, and Schultz and Driscoll have already announced early additions to the weekend lineup, including folk rock artist Alex Amen and soul rocker Maggie Koerner. Tickets on sale now at cosmi.co.
Chris Schultz and Anne Driscoll, founders of Cosmico Fest, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2025, in Healdsburg. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
The Cosmico difference
Chris: A lot of festivals aim for the same things: the biggest bands, the most commercial success. We are, by design, smaller and more independent. We are more discovery-focused; people trust us to introduce them to new music. We work hard to book awesome bands you’ve never heard of. We want you to be able to see a show at Cosmico, then see the same band years later and say, ‘I saw them at Cosmico first.’ That’s the goal.
Changing venues
Anne: We are moving locations. Last year we had the festival at Dawn Ranch in Guerneville. This year we’re bringing it back to Healdsburg, to Wildhaven Sonoma, a glamping spot on the Russian River on the north end of town. We’re also calling it a reunion this year, because of the idea that people keep coming back to it.
A couple relax in a hammock at Wildhaven Sonoma near Healdsburg, where Analog Reunion will be held in May. (Sonoma County Tourism)
All about connection
Chris: The book is an effort to reflect on the things in life that have been important to me. It’s about putting your hands on the wheel of your life. Finding joy through analog experiences is the way I describe it. It’s really about connection. Connecting with people in the community; being connected with your family. The title also references the disconnection we feel in our digital lives. Ultimately, I think the path to meaning is through service and helping people. That’s a big part of what we try to do with Cosmico.
Calling Sonoma County home
Anne: We are so lucky to live somewhere where people are creative and constantly thinking of ways to celebrate the incredible resources we have at our fingertips. Between the two of us, we’ve seen a lot of the world. There’s no place quite like this one.
3/20/2014: B1:
PC: Malisa Bruno turns a cartwheel while frolicking in a field of mustard at the Brown Farm, in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, March 19, 2014. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)
Following winter rains, mustard flowers blanket vineyards and valleys across Sonoma County in vibrant yellow, adding a seasonal splash of color to the landscape and to countless Instagram feeds.
If you’d like to take in the scenery or capture it with a camera or smartphone, here are several public spots known for mustard flower views. In true Sonoma style, we’ve also noted nearby places to stop for a bite or a glass of wine.
As always, be mindful of plants and wildlife and respectful of private property. No trespassing.
A vineyard workers sprays back mustard weed at the Alexander Valley Vineyards, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
Alexander Valley
Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley abounds with mustard flowers in late winter and early spring. Just after turning from Alexander Valley Road onto Highway 128, both sides of the road are lined with fields of bright yellow flowers.
Sonoma Valley
The iconic “mustard flower hill” at B.R. Cohn Winery turns yellow and white each spring, creating a striking view along Highway 12 in Sonoma Valley. Just be sure to keep your eyes on the road while passing. Stop in afterward for a glass of Chardonnay. 15000 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen, 707-938-4064, brcohn.com
Early morning sun filters on to the B.R. Cohn vineyards fronting Highway 12 in Glen Ellen. At left is Sonoma Mountain. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)An old vine at Kunde Family Winery in Kenwood is surrounded by mustard in bloom. (Rebecca Gosselin / for Sonoma Magazine)
Mustard flowers also surround Kenwood’s Kunde Family Winery in February and March. Afterward, head to Palooza Gastropub for craft beer and pub fare on its spacious patio. 9825 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-833-5501, kunde.com
Santa Rosa and Russian River Valley
The Joe Rodota Regional Trail, which runs between downtown Santa Rosa and Sebastopol, borders mustard fields in late winter and early spring. It’s a popular route for cyclists and walkers. Note that the properties bordering the trail are private. Ride the trail to Sebastopol and stop at The Barlow for a snack or drink.
At Paradise Ridge Winery, outdoor sculptures are often framed by mustard blooms. Visitors can enjoy wine and small bites on the veranda overlooking the vineyards. 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-528-9463, prwinery.com
A portion of the art installation Empyrean, by Laurence Renzo Verbeck and Sylvia Adrienne Lisse, on a mustard-covered hillside at Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)
Imwalle Gardens, a small family-run market on Third Street in Santa Rosa, is surrounded by homes and, during spring, fields of mustard flowers. Pick up picnic supplies or flower starters for your garden, but remember that the surrounding fields are private property. 685 W. Third St., Santa Rosa, 707-546-0279, facebook.com/p/Imwalle-Gardens-100057055376943
Another viewing spot is the Laguna Environmental Center, off Occidental Road near Sebastopol. During heavy rains, the area tends to flood, but across the street from the Laguna de Santa Rosa, the mustard flowers shine brightly. The mustard fields surrounding the center are private property and fenced with barbed wire. Viewing the flowers is permissible, but public entry is not. 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, 707-527-9277, lagunadesantarosa.org
After admiring the blooms, head to Balletto Vineyards for a glass of sparkling Brut rosé on the patio.
Mustard highlights the sunset at the Laguna Center near Sebastopol. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)At Gloria Ferrer Vineyards, you can enjoy sparkling wines and Spanish tapas on a terrace overlooking mustard fields. (Gloria Ferrer Vineyards)
Carneros Valley
Carneros Valley has a cooler climate than much of Sonoma County, ideal for both Pinot Noir and mustard flowers. One of the best vantage points is the terrace at Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, where visitors can sip sparkling wines and enjoy Spanish-style tapas while overlooking mustard-covered vineyards. 23555 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-933-1986, gloriaferrer.com
Petaluma Gap and Sonoma Coast
For a scenic drive, head toward Dillon Beach on the Sonoma Coast. Along Tomales Road near Petaluma, rolling countryside is dotted with dairy farms and mustard flowers.
Before heading to the ocean, stop in downtown Petaluma at Petaluma Creamery (711 Western Ave.) to pick up some Spring Hill cheese curds.
Storm clouds hang over a field of mustard blooming along Hardin Lane in Petaluma. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)Mounts Family Winery vineyard worker Maria Santian prunes wine grapes in the west Dry Creek Valley amid a cover crop of mustard near Healdsburg. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
Dry Creek Valley
West Dry Creek Valley Road offers a quieter, more intimate drive than its parallel, Dry Creek Valley Road. In late winter and early spring, mustard flowers brighten the roadside, and lighter traffic makes it a pleasant route for cyclists.
Stop by Quivira Vineyards & Winery to taste wine and learn about pollination in the winery’s organic gardens. Continue to Martorana Family Winery & Vineyards for a glass of Zinfandel, or head to Mounts Family Winery for sweeping valley views paired with a pour of Grenache.
