Salmon Benedict on the brunch menu at Sarmentine Bakery in Petaluma. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)
If you’ve ever stood in line at Petaluma’s Sarmentine Bakery, you’ll know that the baguettes go fast and the éclairs even faster. The French patisserie that began as a pandemic pop-up has been winning over the hearts and taste buds of Sonoma County with its flaky chocolate croissants, lemon tartlets and fancy Financiers.
Now, husband-and-wife owners Alexandra and Louis Zandvliet are tackling brunch.
The new Petaluma-only menu, which launched last week, is a siren song of fluffy brioche sandwiches, salmon-laden croissants with hollandaise sauce, and bread pudding in a pool of crème Anglaise.
“We want people to love us,” said chef Don Provencio, who recently joined the Sarmentine team and handles the brunch menu. He became a fan of Sarmentine while working as a chef at Château St. Jean winery in Kenwood and was eager to collaborate on a heartier menu.
Salmon Benedict on the brunch menu at Sarmentine Bakery in Petaluma. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)French toast on the brunch menu at Sarmentine Bakery in Petaluma. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)
It’s not hard to love Provencio’s thick-cut French baguette toast soaked in vanilla custard, griddled and topped with kisses of mascarpone and fresh berries, or bread pudding made with canele (pastry thimbles of caramel), raisins and custard.
All brunch dishes feature the bakery’s breads and pastries. A few lucky day-olds make it into French toast or bread pudding — age-old recipes that turn simple loaves into sweet dishes.
Savory dishes include a croque madame topped with Emmentaler cheese and a poached egg; a salmon or vegetable croissant Benedict with scalloped potatoes; a Provencal-style tuna sandwich with capers and olives; and salade nicoise.
Croque madame on the brunch menu at Sarmentine Bakery in Petaluma. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)
Because every brunch menu is required to include avocado toast, Sarmentine uses its seeded sourdough as a base for smashed avocado, goat cheese, sprouts and cherry tomatoes. You can also peruse what’s in the bakery cases, adding chocolate croissants, Paris-Brest or a brownie to your brunch.
Alexandra Zandvliet, a former midwife, began her baking career as a pandemic hobby in her home kitchen. She quickly gained a following, opening her first bakery (52 Mission Circle) in Santa Rosa. The bakery and patisserie became a beacon for the croissant and café au lait set with an ever-expanding lineup of cream puffs, éclairs, butter and ham baguettes, croissants, olive bread and dozens of other sweet and savory treats. A bakery at The Barlow in Sebastopol followed, and the Petaluma location opened in 2024.
The bakery won a Snail of Approval award in 2024 from two local chapters of the Slow Food organization — Russian River and Sonoma County North. The award is handed out annually to restaurants, food producers and farms that honor the practice of making good, clean and fair food for all people.
Brunch is served from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday through Monday — only at the Petaluma location. 840 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-623-9595, sarmentine.com
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PC: Patisserie Angelica, in Sebastopol, features tea from Mariage Freres.
It’s no secret that Sonoma County loves its coffee — you’re never far from an artisan brew here. But for those who prefer leaves over beans, it can sometimes be a bit harder to get your hot drink fix. To aid our fellow tea-lovers, we’ve rounded up 10 favorite places for a cuppa.
Tea & Trumpets, Sonoma County
In 2014, Mark Bowden left the corporate world and founded Tea & Trumpets, selling organic loose leaf to share his love of a soothing cup of quality tea. The online shop has a hefty variety of teas to fit any occasion, from an energizing yerba maté (without the jitters) to the tropical Hawaiian Breeze (ideal for iced tea). Tea & Trumpets also has a Tea of the Month club, offering three 1-ounce bags of tea to try every month. Find Tea & Trumpets products at farmers markets, grocers and cafes across Sonoma County and beyond.
This family-owned tea room offers a wide selection of premium teas from Japan, China and Taiwan as well as Japanese eats such as ramen, udon and rice bowls. Learn the art of making matcha or craft a ruby-red mocktail with the shop’s MarTEAni kit — complete with loose leaf citrus hibiscus tisane (herbal tea), raspberry-Meyer lemon syrup and hibiscus sugar to rim your glass with. A personal favorite is the Benifuki green tea from the Kagoshima region of Japan, a nutty and grassy tea with anti-inflammatory properties (perfect for treating seasonal allergies).
Clockwise from top left, pressed rice Oshizushi with pickled shiso, unagi, tuna, pickled shiso and miso cured salmon from Taste of Tea in Healdsburg. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)Dozens of varieties of specialty teas available at the Russian River Tea Co. in Healdsburg. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Russian River Tea Company, Healdsburg
Upon entering this small, woman-owned boutique, customers are greeted by a wall of over 100 teas, along with infusers, mugs, honey and other tea-related products. The large assortment of tea blends ensures there’s something for everyone’s palate.
The tea shop’s salted caramel chai is a cozy pick-me-up — black tea blended with caramel, cinnamon, cardamom, fennel and a touch of mole spice. For those who like their tea fruity, try the Mango Tango tisane tea featuring sweet mango, papaya, pineapple and strawberry bits blended with hibiscus and blue cornflower petals. Come in any day for a complimentary tea sample.
Located in Santa Rosa’s historic Railroad Square, this roastery offers everything from coffee and tea to live music performances (shows are free with a purchase of food or drink). The café’s herbal tea Mate Carnival is a stimulating blend of roasted mate, rooibos, almonds, cocoa hulls and flower petals. Another favorite is the Bourbon Vanilla tea, made with Indian black tea and vanilla essence, aged in bourbon casks, which pairs well with any of the baked goods on display at the register.
This quaint café, located just a few minutes west of downtown Petaluma, offers country-inspired meals and seasonal sweets from its in-house bakery that all pair perfectly with a spot of tea. The peach iced tea makes a great refreshing drink on a hot day, and the chai tea latte has the right amount of spice to warm you up when it rains.
Petaluma Coffee & Tea has long been a popular gathering spot for locals. (Laura Schneider / Petaluma Coffee & Tea)Customers can take a sniff of the dozens of teas offered at Petaluma Coffee & Tea. (Laura Schneider / Petaluma Coffee & Tea)
Petaluma Coffee & Tea, Petaluma
This Petaluma cafe caters to coffee- and tea-lovers who like a wide selection of beans and loose leaf teas, and an industrial look to go with it. This is a place to feel right at home: a large coffee roaster and several bean-packed burlap sacks fill the room with comforting coffee aroma while locals play jaunty tunes on the piano.
In addition to coffee blends from all over the globe, Petaluma Coffee and Tea also serves up a variety of teas, like Strawberries & Roses, a mix of green sencha, carrot, pumpkin, strawberry, and rose blossom; and fine cut organic Assam with a warm robust flavor (available by the cup and pound).
Located in a charming Victorian in downtown Sebastopol, this tea room takes inspiration from Scottish-American naturalist John Muir. It offers both Scottish and English tea services, as well as seasonal, plant-based lunch menus and holiday tea events.
The Queens Rose Garden is a popular black tea at Muir’s Tea Room, with its warm vanilla and soft, sweet rose notes. The Enchanted Forest green tea is a magical blend of mellow Sencha and spicy mate, mingled with hints of black forest cherry cake. After your tea service, don’t forget to check out the gift shop for artisan bath products, home and garden décor, gourmet treats and children’s items.
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)
Patisserie Angelica, Sebastopol
Sweet-tooths be warned, this Parisian-style bakery offers irresistible artisan treats along with a beautifully displayed West County High Tea. Reservations are required one week in advance for the tea service, which comes with your choice of fine teas from Mariage Frères and an assortment of housemade finger sandwiches, such as English cucumber and chive cream cheese, and heavenly pastries like warm cream currant scones with organic Meyer lemon curd.
Owners Adrian Chang pours freshly steeped Mae Salong Kindred Oolong tea at Two Trees Tea House in Occidental Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Two Trees Tea House, Occidental
Opened just last month, this west county tea house already has a loyal following for its cozy gathering space and welcoming tea services. Two Trees sells 10 types of single-origin black, red, white and green teas, and will soon offer items like teapots and cups. The shop hosts walk-in tea tastings — including a Gong Fu Cha ceremony featuring curated teas served Chinese-style in a gaiwan — as well as a community tea service, offered on a sliding-scale/donation model. Try the mellow Mae Salong Kindred Oolong with notes of red dates and custard or the Chiang Dao Wild Mountain Green tea with hints of refreshing honeysuckle and toasted hazelnut.
Tucked away in a small outdoor marketplace off Highway 116, the Duncans Mills Tea Shop boasts a bevy of loose leaf teas. There are traditional selections like English Breakfast and Earl Grey, as well as more unique flavors like Orange Cookie Chai and Ruby Lemon Mint. Also find tea snacks and cute teaware, such as teapots shaped like cats and lighthouses.
Brunch at Layla restaurant at MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa in Sonoma. (Emma K Creative)
Sonoma County restaurants and wineries are celebrating moms this Mother’s Day, May 11, with special brunches, dinners and deals.
All Mother’s Day brunches will take place on Sunday, May 11, unless otherwise noted.
Santa Rosa
Iron & Vine
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a brunch buffet at Bennett Valley Golf Course restaurant Iron & Vine, featuring two seatings at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The menu features fresh fruit, spring salad, eggs Benedict, scrambled eggs, herb-crusted smoked salmon, roasted spring vegetables, applewood smoked bacon, breakfast potatoes and an assorted dessert bar. Brunch is $58 for adults, $20 for children ages 3 to 12 and free for children under 3. Moms also golf free with a paying golfer. Prepayment is required; cancellations are refundable up to seven days in advance. Make reservations here.
The resort’s annual Mother’s Day brunch buffet will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The buffet menu includes buttermilk pancakes, sweet potato frittata, salmon curry, prime rib, lemon dill chicken, baked mac and cheese, cinnamon rolls, chocolate mousse tart and more. Brunch is $80 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under. Reserve on Tock.
John Ash & Co. in Santa Rosa will host a Mother’s Day brunch. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
John Ash & Co.
John Ash & Co., located at Vintners Resort, will host a special Mother’s Day brunch buffet with seatings from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Known for its seasonal, locally sourced cuisine and romantic Wine Country setting, the restaurant offers an elegant atmosphere for celebrating Mom. Brunch is $125 per person. Reserve on OpenTable.
Bricoleur Vineyards will host a special Mother’s Day brunch offering guests the chance to enjoy fine wine and seasonal cuisine in a relaxed, scenic setting. The experience is designed to celebrate the women who inspire us with a thoughtfully prepared menu and exceptional hospitality. Brunch is $125 per person, plus a special children’s menu for $25 per child. Reserve on Tock.
Bricoleur Vineyards in Windsor will host a three-course Mother’s Day brunch paired with estate wines. (Paige Green Photography / Bricoleur Vineyards)
Kenwood
Salt & Stone
Kenwood’s Salt & Stone will host a Mother’s Day brunch with seatings from 9-11:30 a.m. at the bar, in the dining room or on the outdoor patio. Brunch entrées will be served with coffee cake, fresh fruit and choice of beverage. Reserve on OpenTable.
Layla will serve a special Mother’s Day brunch menu from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring both à la carte selections and seasonal specials. Highlights include smoked arctic char, Brokaw avocado toast, burrata with tomato and spring onion jam, huevos rancheros and quiche with king trumpet mushrooms. Guests can also enjoy local coffee, organic teas, cold-pressed juices, and a full cocktail menu including mimosas and espresso martinis. Reserve on OpenTable.
Brunch at Layla restaurant at MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa in Sonoma. (Emma K Creative)
Honrama Cellars
Honrama Cellars will host a “Bubbles, Bagels & Brushes” Mother’s Day brunch experience featuring live music by Catzin Viveros and a guided painting session with Jose Martinez from Napa Valley Painting. Guests will enjoy sparkling wine, bagels and the chance to create a memorable keepsake. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $90. Reserve on Tock.
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn will host a Mother’s Day brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its restaurant Santé. Brunch will include a shared seafood platter, followed by a choice of entrées such as butter-poached lobster Benedict, miso-braised short rib hash, croissant croque madame or a spring omelet. Guests can end their meal with a selection from the dessert station, featuring Meyer lemon tart, cappuccino crème brûlée, strawberry and Champagne truffles, and more. Brunch is $125 per person, $39 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for kids under 5. Reserve on OpenTable.
Butter-poached Maine lobster will be on the Mother’s Day brunch menu at Santé Restaurant at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2013Larson Family Winery in Sonoma will host a Mother’s Day brunch. (Larson Family Winery)
Larson Family Winery
Larson Family Winery will host a scenic Mother’s Day brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the estate grounds. Guests will enjoy a boxed brunch prepared by HopMonk Catering, featuring savory bites and sweet treats. Moms will be welcomed with a glass of sparkling rosé and the event will include live music by Lindsay Gang. Brunch is $65. Reserve on Tock.
Roche Winery will host a cozy Mother’s Day brunch in its barrel room, featuring family recipes spanning Ireland and California. Guests will be welcomed with a glass of sparkling brut rosé before enjoying a buffet of blueberry-lemon muffins, cinnamon caramel apple rolls, French toast, vegetable frittata, crab cakes, traditional Irish sides and more. Two seatings are available at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with additional wine available for purchase and outdoor seating available post-meal. Tickets are $95 for adults, $80 for wine club members and $20 for children ages 3 to 13. Advance reservations are required by May 1. Purchase tickets on CellarPass.
Viansa Winery will celebrate Mother’s Day with its Bubbles + Blooms brunch from 10 a.m. to noon, featuring sparkling wine, seasonal flowers and panoramic views from the Summit of Sonoma. The event includes a gourmet brunch catered by the girl & the fig, with a waffle station, chef-staffed omelet bar, buffet table and dessert station. Tickets are $95 for adults and $40 for children 10 and under. Additional wine will be available for purchase. Reserve on Tock.
Brunch at Wit & Wisdom restaurant in Sonoma. (David Varley/Wit and Wisdom)
Wit & Wisdom
Wit & Wisdom will offer a three-course prix fixe Mother’s Day brunch with seatings from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Menu highlights include hamachi crudo, eggs Benedict, roasted salmon, tavern burger and chef Michael Mina’s signature lobster pot pie. Guests can enhance their experience with additional à la carte selections. Reservations are recommended. Reserve on SevenRooms.
Orsi Family Vineyards will host a Mother’s Day brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Healdsburg winery, accompanied with live music and springtime vineyard views. The Italian-style brunch will include quiche, pain perdu and seasonal salads, all paired with estate wines. Brunch is $70 for wine club members and $80 for non-members. Book on Tock.
Breathless Sparkling Wines will celebrate Mother’s Day with a garden patio brunch. Guests can enjoy quiche and pastries from Criminal Baking Co., fresh fruit salad and award-winning sparkling wines. Live music will provide the perfect ambience for the celebration. Tickets are $38 per person ($30 for Wine Society members), with multiple seating times starting at 10 a.m. Reserve on Tock.
Jordan Chardonnay will be poured for Mother’s Day at Jordan Winery in Healdsburg. (Jordan Vineyard & Winery)
Jordan Vineyard & Winery
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a refined Afternoon Tea at Jordan Winery’s newly remodeled dining room. The experience begins with a glass of Jordan Cuvée by Champagne AR Lenoble in the Oak Tank Room, followed by seated tastings of Jordan Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Guests will enjoy classic tea sandwiches, petits fours and fresh berries, culminating in a foraged tea service featuring ingredients from the Jordan Estate. Seating is communal and the event is limited to 24 guests. The Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea will be offered from 3:30-5 p.m. on Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10. Tickets are $95 per person and is for guests 21 and over only.
Hazel Hill will host an elevated Mother’s Day brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The extensive buffet includes stations for omelets, seafood, carving and freshly baked pastries, plus spring-inspired starters and desserts. Guests can also shop jewelry from Falling For Dainty, offering permanent pieces on-site. Brunch is $145 per adult and $65 per child. Reserve on OpenTable.
Wild King Salmon crusted in brioche with sorrel and vidalia onion from Hazel Hill at Montage Healdsburg. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)A Mother’s Day brunch from Spoonbar at h2hotel in Healdsburg. (Spoonbar)
Spoonbar
H2Hotel restaurant Spoonbar will host a Mother’s Day brunch buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu includes brioche rolls, smoked salmon, English pea vichyssoise, eggs Benedict, spring quiche, prime New York strip and vegetable ragout. Dessert dishes include macarons, mini eclairs, lemon tartlets and chocolate pots de crème. Brunch is $75 per person and $35 for children 12 and under. Reserve on OpenTable.
Lo & Behold will host its annual Mother’s Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The menu will feature fan-favorite brunch dishes alongside new specials, with festive cocktails and mocktails also available. Reservations are recommended.
The Restaurant at Farmhouse Inn dining room in Forestville. (Farmhouse Inn)
The Restaurant at Farmhouse Inn
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a three-course prix fixe brunch at The Restaurant at Farmhouse Inn, served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The experience includes a DIY flower arranging cart, a tea station with loose leaf wellness teas, and a spa station featuring creams, lotions and sprays. Brunch is $95 per person. Reserve on OpenTable.
Rocker’s Roadhouse, located at the historic Valley Ford Hotel, will serve a special menu of fresh, seasonal dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for families and friends. Brunch will be served from 10 a.m. until closing time. Reservations are recommended.
At Russian River Vineyards, guests can enjoy a curated wine flight alongside special seasonal menu items crafted to complement the wines. Available from May 9 through May 11, this outdoor dining and tasting experience offers scenic views and live music amid a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Reserve on Tock.
The Mother’s Day brunch menu at this coastal restaurant features locally inspired dishes such as lemon ricotta pancakes, eggs Benedict with asparagus and rosemary ham, and a fried green tomato BLT. Guests can also enjoy options like clam chowder, shrimp cocktail and a curated local cheese plate — all served with stunning ocean views. Reservations are highly recommended.
Reyna Yagi of Yagi Sisters Farm Sunday, January 26, 2025. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
Nearly a decade ago, the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District recognized a shortcoming in its land protection program, which seeks to preserve agricultural land through conservation easements that prevent subdivision and residential development. Agency staff typically worked with large agricultural properties, like dairies, cattle ranches and vineyards — properties more effective to preserve in terms of staff time and cost per acre.
But the approach often meant that the group worked with people who already owned land, often passed down through the generations.
“It meant there were wide ranges of the Sonoma County population that we didn’t have a chance to interact with as directly,” says Mary Chambers, agricultural specialist at Sonoma County Ag + Open Space. “And when you look at how inequitably land ownership is distributed in the U.S. and in Sonoma County — I think it’s like over 95% of farmland in the U.S. is owned by white people.”
Assessing the soil at Longer Table Farm in Santa Rosa, Jan. 27, 2025. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
Chambers says those numbers allowed the group to reflect on how their work is limited when they work only with existing landowners. They decided to seek out other tools to create opportunities for new landowners when farmland is being sold.
In 2024, to target small-scale fruit and veggie farmers, Sonoma County Ag + Open Space launched a new pilot program called “Buy-Protect-Sell.” Modeled on a similar program in San Mateo County, the idea is “to have more equitable land access to smaller farm property,” Chambers says.
Interested Sonoma County farmers are submitting applications to the program this spring. Later this year, the county agency aims to buy a piece of property, probably between 5 and 50 acres, and secure a conservation easement on the land, and possibly a covenant to the deed to encourage row-crop farming. The agency is also exploring adding an affordability covenant, something Ag + Open Space has never tried before, that would prevent the land from being flipped for a higher price.
Ariel Patashnik, left, Amy Ricard and Bill Keene of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District navigate an old logging road in Howlett Forest, Monday May 1, 2017, near Annapolis. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat) 2017
By the end of 2025, one farmer will be selected, based on need and contributions to the community, to purchase the new property at a much cheaper price than they could access on the open market.
For Sonoma County Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, the program is the culmination of principles she’s advocated for since being elected to the board in 2017. Working with then-Ag + Open Space general manager Bill Keene, she was trying to find a way to support small farmers. “It felt like it took forever to actually get the policy across the finish line, and now it’s ‘go time,’ which is exciting.”
If the pilot program succeeds, look for more Buy-Protect-Sell projects down the road.
“I hope this becomes a staple of the Ag + Open Space District,” Hopkins says.
A cheeseburger and fries from Superburger. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Sonoma County boasts some of the best cuisine around — thanks in part to our bountiful agriculture industries and world-renowned chefs. It’s no surprise, then, that several local eateries have received such resounding acclaim to warrant opening additional locations.
While national megachains like McDonald’s, Starbucks and Taco Bell may come to mind when thinking of fast food franchises, a business only needs at least two locations to be considered a chain. Plenty of establishments in the county fit the bill, many of which have become entrenched as local staples that we couldn’t imagine our cities without.
Check out our list below of popular chain restaurants that started right here in Sonoma County. Click through the above gallery for a peek at some of our favorite dishes at each restaurant.
Five or more locations
Mary’s Pizza Shack
New York City native Mary Fazio opened her first pizza shack in the county in 1959 with her Italian father’s original recipes and a goal to provide delicious, home-cooked meals to family and friends. Today, Mary’s Pizza Shack has 10 locations (pared down from 17) across Sonoma, Napa and Solano counties — all owned and operated by third and fourth generations of Fazio’s family. In September of 2024, Mary’s Pizza Shack Corporation announced it filed for bankruptcy, though its press release stated it would not be closing any locations.
The long-established local pizza chain made Bite Club’s list of best pizza in the county for its family-friendly atmosphere — kids can even craft their own pies. Try out a variety of Mary’s offerings with friends and family (how Fazio would have wanted it) with the “Mary’s BIG Spaghetti and Pizza Meal Deal” for $64.95, which comes with a medium, two-topping pizza, a family-sized dish of spaghetti with two giant meatballs, a half loaf of garlic bread and a choice of two large salads or soups.
Locations in Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Sonoma, Windsor, Napa, Fairfield and Vacaville. maryspizzashack.com
El Roy’s
After forming a successful Marin County taco truck in the early aughts, siblings Yvette Vega and Roy and Fernando Cabrera moved their operation to Petaluma and established a new brick-and-mortar restaurant, opening in 2016. El Roy’s Mexican Grill became an instant hit, along with its now-five local taco trucks, which were voted the “best taco truck” in the county several years in a row by The Press Democrat readers.
The trucks, including El Roy’s Express Mex, are cleverly located in high-trafficked areas, like the Petaluma Fairgrounds and on Roseland’s Sebastopol Road, beckoning passersby with its roasted al pastor and bright orange facade. Shrimp burritos and tacos dorados are fan favorites. On the heels of the closure of El Roy’s Petaluma restaurant in January, El Roy’s announced its new brick-and-mortar restaurant in south Santa Rosa will open soon.
France natives Jean and Anne Costeaux bought a 1920s-era French American bakery in Healdsburg in 1973, changing its name to Costeaux French Bakery. Karl and Nancy Seppi purchased the bakery from them in 1981 with a vision to expand, and Jean taught them the art of bread baking. Ever since, Costeaux French Bakery has been featured in food and travel magazines around the world and won several Harvest Fair medals for its sourdough baguettes, French macaroons, princess cake, the famed cinnamon walnut bread and more.
Along with the original bakery and cafe on Healdsburg Avenue, Costeaux locations include a bakery inside Big John’s Market in Healdsburg, Costeaux On The Go at the Sonoma County Airport and its newest outpost in Petaluma in the Hotel Petaluma. The Seppis’ son, Will Seppi, launched Costeaux’s sister bakery Tía María, named after his aunt Mary who helped his parents start the Costeaux bakery, in 2019 in Roseland. The Mexican panaderia (bakery) menu includes conchas, bolillos, churros, sandwiches and its signature cuatro leches cake.
Locations in Healdsburg, Santa Rosa and Petaluma. costeaux.com
At Costeaux French Bakery in Healdsburg. (Mariah Harkey / Sonoma County Tourism)
Three to four locations
Bianchini’s Sandwich & Salad Market
When Bryan Crane’s mom and step-father, Steve and Deborah Bianchini, were ready to retire from their just two-year-old delicatessen, Crane started working there and decided to purchase the business with a goal to extend its healthy offerings to the greater community. The first Bianchini’s store opened on North McDowell Boulevard in Petaluma in early 2009, and a second store in Santa Rosa opened in 2013. Another Petaluma location opened up in 2016 on South McDowell.
The popular deli boasts a wide variety of salad and sandwich offerings — and customers can create their own or opt for grab-and-go meals and refreshments. There are over a dozen specialty sandwiches to choose from, such as the hotly requested roasted turkey breast with avocado and pesto or the loaded Veggie Delight with house spread.
Born and raised in Mexico, Salvador Cruz left the cabinetry business after 20 years and founded his ice cream business in 2010 on Stony Point Road in Santa Rosa to share his favorite childhood flavors with the community. After two years of success in Roseland, Cruz opened a second location in Petaluma. The third and fourth locations, both in Santa Rosa, followed in 2014 and 2018.
As Fruta expanded, so did its quality cold dessert offerings, including paletas, bionicos, milkshakes, mangonadas, aguas frescas, acai bowls and more. There are also savory dishes, such as esquites and the spicy Takislocos — Takis chips with jicama, cucumber, cueritos (pickled pork rinds) and Japanese peanuts, all sprinkled with tajin and drizzled with chamoy, lime juice and Valentina hot sauce. Our “best ice creams in the county” roundup lists Fruta’s unique and traditional flavors, like mamey, membrillo, rose petal and chongo zamorano. Fan favorite flavors include coconut, guava, strawberry and arroz con leche.
Dean Biersch, a founding partner in Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant in Palo Alto, branched out and opened his tavern/beer garden concept in Sebastopol in 2008. HopMonk Tavern — which has three locations in the area and also owns the 1920s-era Twin Oaks Roadhouse in Penngrove since 2016 — is known for its craft beer, modern pub grub and regular live music performances.
If you’re stopping in for more than a German-style brew, might we recommend the Nashville hot fried chicken? Spicy, juicy fried chicken is dressed with bread and butter pickles, mayo and lettuce between toasted brioche buns, resulting in a mouthwatering union of textures and flavors. The nachos, sliders and samosas are also great dishes to share.
Locations in Sonoma, Sebastopol and Novato. hopmonk.com
At Hopmonk Tavern in Sebastopol. (Sonoma County Tourism)
Mombo’s Pizza
The late pizzaiolo Fred Poulos founded Mombo’s Pizza in 2002 in Santa Rosa, conveniently located near Santa Rosa Junior College, where it’s been feeding authentic New York-style pizza to hungry students for over 20 years. Popularity skyrocketed, and a second location opened in 2005 in Sebastopol, closer to where Poulos lived. Andrew Peletz, who started as general manager of the two pizza shops, purchased the restaurants from Poulos a few months before his death. Peletz opened a long-awaited third Mombo’s in 2022 in Healdsburg, and a fourth location opened later this summer in Cotati.
Mombo’s sells thin-crust pizza whole or by the slice, following New York pizza tradition, along with salads, fries, wings, pasta and desserts. Local favorites include the Mombo Pesto pizza, made with the house’s award-winning pesto sauce, and the Mushroom Cloud pizza with mushroom, onion, garlic, parmesan and pillows of ricotta. Don’t miss the fried raviolis, meatball subs and gelato.
Locations in Santa Rosa, Sebastopol and Healdsburg. mombospizza.com
Acme Burger
After several years cooking French cuisine in high-end restaurants, Culinary Institute of America-trained Todd Kniess moved to Sonoma County and opened Acme Burger in 2019 in Cotati. Using local ingredients, such as Sonoma Mountain Beef and Willie Bird turkey burgers, the quality of Acme Burger’s fare exceeds expectations of what one would predict from an affordable, casual eatery.
In just a few years, the local chain opened up a second location in Santa Rosa in 2021 and a third location at a former gas station in Petaluma in 2022. In September of 2024, Petaluma got its second Acme location, located in the former Flamez Grill.
Another “Best Burger” lister, Acme’s Sonoma Beef Burger is a classic — sporting a fresh seared patty, house sauce, lettuce and tomato between Franco American Bakery sesame seed buns. Make it a combo with a side of shoestring fries and a classic milkshake.
Formerly known as Lala’s Creamery, this go-to Petaluma ice cream parlor opened up additional locations in Forestville and Healdsburg in 2023. (The Healdsburg location also houses Iggy’s Organic Burgers— because what’s more down-home American than burgers and ice cream?)
Angela’s gets a shout-out in our best ice cream lineup for its traditional banana splits as well as more unique flavors like lavender, Earl Grey tea, mojito sorbet and “Pigs in a Cream Blanket.” Our dining editor calls the Iggy burger (at Healdsburg location only) “a delicious take on a classic smash burger.”
Lavender Angela’s Organic ice cream is served in a sugar cone at Iggy’s Organic Burgers on the plaza, Friday in Downtown Healdsburg June 30, 2023. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
Amy’s Drive Thru
Petaluma-based organic food producer Amy’s Kitchen introduced an all-vegetarian fast food concept to the county when it opened Amy’s Drive Thru in Rohnert Park in 2015, reenvisioning what drive-thru fare could entail. The menu at Amy’s includes pizza, burritos, soups, salads, veggie burgers and other fast food staples, in addition to fan favorites like mac and cheese.
Amy’s veggie burger boasts the title of the “best non-meat burger” on our list of best burgers in the county. For vegans with a sweet tooth, the drive-thru also offers non-dairy shakes and cinnamon rolls. Amy’s currently has three locations, including inside the San Francisco Airport.
Locations in Rohnert Park, Corte Madera and San Francisco. amysdrivethru.com
Restaurateur Mike Atallah and his son Yazen opened their first Cafe Mimosa in Rohnert Park in May 2019, just a month before Atallah closed down his popular Adel’s Restaurant on Santa Rosa’s College Avenue. By early 2020, Atallah opened a second Cafe Mimosa in the renovated Adel’s space, which he purchased in 1986. The modern, brunch-focused eatery quietly opened a third branch, on North McDowell Boulevard in Petaluma, in 2021.
The cafe’s bottomless weekend mimosas and tempting selection of eggs Benedicts and breakfast hashes lend to it being among the best brunch spots around. The fresh berry-topped French toast and chilaquiles in salsa verde also get rave reviews.
Locations in Petaluma, Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa. cafemimosaaa.com
Smoked Salmon Benedict with champagne hollandaise, rosemary house potatoes on an English muffin with a mimosa sampler-from left, mango, blackberry and strawberry-from Cafe Mimosa in Rohnert Park. (photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat).Cobb Salad with chicken, egg, avocado, smoked bacon, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese and organic mixed baby greens from Cafe Mimosa in Rohnert Park. (photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat).
Acre Pizza
An offshoot of the old Acre Coffee (now Avid Coffee) — in connection with San Francisco-based Acre Gourmet — owner Steve DeCosse switched gears in February 2020 to open a pizza parlor. The first Acre Pizza opened in The Barlow in Sebastopol, and its New York and Detroit-style pies made with high-quality, local ingredients were a hit. Just a few months later in May, the Acre Coffee on Petaluma Boulevard reopened as an Acre Pizza. After almost a year of construction, a third location opened in Cotati in 2023.
Acre’s deep-dish, Detroit-style pizza received a nod on our best pizza roundup for its crispy crust and melty cheese topped with house marinara. Other favorites include the NY Potato Pizza, with thinly sliced potatoes and leeks and three kinds of cheese, and the Detroit Ranch: pesto and ranch dressing layered over smoked chicken and Sonoma County Meat Co. bacon.
Locations in Petaluma, Cotati and Sebastopol. acrepizza.com
HenHouse Brewing Company
Shane Goepel, Scott Goyne and Collin McDonnell founded HenHouse Brewing in January 2012, first releasing its hand-crafted beers at the Petaluma Market and then on draft at several taprooms. HenHouse began partnering with Petaluma Hills Brewing Company on North McDowell Boulevard in 2014, and it wasn’t until 2016 that HenHouse opened its own brewery and tasting room on Bellevue Avenue in Santa Rosa.
By 2018, the HenHouse founders obtained a lease to operate a taproom at the shuttered (as of 2017) Petaluma Hills location, which they call the “Palace of Barrels.” Already garnering a cult-following at this point, HenHouse opened its third location in Fairfax in 2022, only for it to close late last year. Luckily for Marin County beer lovers, HenHouse’s “Record Room” taproom opened on Grant Avenue in Novato last year and has been receiving high praise.
HenHouse’s limited-release Big Chicken IPA is highly anticipated each year, while its original Oyster Stout, one of the brewery’s earliest and most eclectic ales (brewed with whole oysters), is available all year-round. To complement your frothy lagers, each taproom hosts a lineup of rotating food trucks, including Galvan’s Eatery, Red Horse Pizza and Streetside Asian Grill.
Collin McDonnell, Co-Founder and CEO of Henhouse Brewing Co., in their Santa Rosa brewery and tasting room (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Grateful Bagel
Five people from different parts of the country came together in 1981 to open the Grateful Bagel on Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa — Linda Altman, Joan Rashti, Robert Wilson, Michael Kessler and Laurie Winkler. Kessler and Winkler were from the East Coast, according to the first review of the bakery in The Press Democrat on April 17, 1981, and they missed the bagels they were accustomed to. In a year, the bakery was distributing its bagels to delis and grocery stores from San Francisco to Fort Bragg.
By the mid-’80s, the Grateful Bagel had opened a second shop in Sebastopol and a third in east Santa Rosa. A fourth location opened on Keller Street in Petaluma in 1994. Since then, the Petaluma bakery has closed and the Santa Rosa ones changed locations, to Fourth Street and Corporate Center Parkway, but the quaint location in Sebastopol, on 300 S. Main St., is still going strong.
One can’t go wrong with a bagel sandwich for a filling breakfast or lunch. Popular bagel sandos here include the Wild Boar with ham, egg and cheese, and the Loxy Lady with lox, capers, cream cheese, tomato and onions. The cheesy pizza bagels are delightful, whether you take it with a simple cream cheese schmear or stuff it with meat and veggies.
French expats Louis and Alexandra Zandvliet originally opened their bakery in Santa Rosa in 2021 with funds from a Kickstarter campaign. The boulangerie was a wild success, and the couple expanded to Sebastopol in 2023, replacing the former Red Bird Bakery, and then to Petaluma in 2024.
Not only does the bakery have some of the best croissants around, it also offers a lineup of éclairs,cream puffs, butter and ham baguettes, olive bread and dozens of other sweet and savory treats.
Locations in Santa Rosa, Sebastopol and Petaluma. sarmentine.com
Superburger
What started off as a small burger shack on the corner of College and Fourth streets in Santa Rosa in the early 1950s ballooned into one of Sonoma County’s most enduring and treasured burger chains. Superburger now has three locations in the county, churning out char-grilled beef to the masses — though it still crafts made-to-order hamburgers and old-fashioned milkshakes just as it has done for over half a century.
The establishment’s namesake standard, the Cheese Superburger, beats a Big Mac any day — with eight ounces of fresh ground beef under a bed of crisp lettuce, tomatoes, red onions and pickles between toasted local bakery buns. And its St. Helena Ave. Burger, towering with onion rings and thick-cut smoked bacon and drizzled with original barbecue sauce, made it on our list of the best burgers in the county. Don’t forget the crispy shoestring fries and variety of hand-spun milkshakes.
The St. Helena Ave. Burger from Superburger in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Two locations
Old Chicago Pizza
Founded in 1977 and opened the following year by owner Bill Berliner, the Old Chicago Pizza on Petaluma Boulevard North has been serving Chicago-style deep dish pizza for over 40 years. Old Chicago opened a second location in 2020 in Petaluma, a delivery and take-out outpost, located on North McDowell Boulevard.
The deep dish pies earned Old Chicago a spot on our best pizza in the county roundup, and the pizzeria also offers thin crust and new double crust pizza, favored by many locals on Yelp. The pesto garlic bread is another all-around favorite, best accompanied with a personalized deep dish while seated in the 1870s-era flagship building.
Nan Taylor Mishkin, who died in 2010, started Omelette Express in Railroad Square in 1977, and it quickly became a Santa Rosa tradition. Her son Don Taylor has been owner and manager of the establishment since 1987. After 30 years of success in the Railroad Square district, Don and his wife Laura opened up a second location in Windsor. In 2018, they opened a restaurant in Santa Rosa’s “Sister City” Jeju City, on South Korea’s Jeju Island.
The local breakfast and lunch staple has nearly two dozen omelets to choose from on its menu, or you can customize your own, always served with country potatoes and local, fresh baked bread. If omelets aren’t your thing, the menu also includes French toast, eggs Benedict, corned beef hash, burgers, salads and sandwiches.
Marne Dupere and Mike Morisette opened their charming, modern-rustic Plank Coffee shop in 2012 in Cloverdale, offering specialty roasted coffee and organic fare from local farmers. Seven years later, the pair opened their second location in Healdsburg, a cozy, plant-laden spot on Dry Creek Road.
For a quick pick-me-up, a house-roasted Americano and fresh baked pastry (the vegan orange cake pleases just about everyone) is a sure bet. If you have time to linger in the natural setting, enjoy a hearty vegetarian breakfast sandwich with a seasonal latte or organic tea.
Coffee from Plank Coffee in Healdsburg. (Plank Coffee)
Crooked Goat Brewing
In 2016, a group of six friends took their home beer-brewing hobby and turned it into a full-fledged brewery and taproom when they opened Crooked Goat Brewing in The Barlow. The Sebastopol brewpub soon became a dedicated hangout spot for people to enjoy a craft beer flight during a trivia night or while listening to live music on the weekends. Crooked Goat added a second taproom in 2022 in Petaluma, where the crew of co-founders originally started crafting their brews in a small space behind Pete’s Henny Penny.
The Bee Beard honey ale and Grapefruit Ibex IPA are just a few of the favorite beers on tap here. Food at the Sebastopol taproom includes fare from Acre Pizza, Osito Style Tacos and The Farmer’s Wife, plus housemade snacks like jerky and pretzels. At the Petaluma location, patrons can order meals from Acme Burger and Stefano’s Pizza.
Ozzy Jimenez, former Healdsburg mayor, and his partner Christian Sullberg began their endeavor into the dessert scene in 2011 with Moustache Baked Goods in Healdsburg, known for its delectable, scratch-baked cupcakes. Riding the momentum of their bakery’s success, the pair opened a pie and ice cream concept, Noble Folk, in 2014 on Matheson Street. Specializing in pie à la mode and eclectic ice cream flavors — like black sesame, Thai tea and lemon lavender — the shop became a favorite among locals, who excitedly welcomed a second location in 2018 in Santa Rosa.
The unique, rich flavors of Noble Folk’s ice cream alone is reason enough for the shop to lead the pack in our list of best ice cream in the county. And yes, its pie is also on our list of best local pies — try the Dutch apple for a traditional treat, or the peanut butter mousse pie in an Oreo crust for something to please your inner child. Fun, gourmet cupcakes are also still a part of the mix.
After five years of running the Sub Zero Ice Cream franchise spot that she opened in The Barlow in 2013, Jacki Wilson pivoted to fashion her own ice cream shop in 2018, focusing on naturally flavored frozen concoctions. Located in the same Sebastopol hotspot, Wilson’s Two Dog Night Creamery was a hit among those who liked the liquid nitrogen-frozen desserts they came to know and love from Sub Zero, as well as the new flavors and organic, dairy-free offerings. A second location opened a short time later, by 2019, in Windsor’s Bell Village shopping center.
The creamery gets a shoutout in our best ice cream roundup for its smooth, gelato-style ice cream and seasonal flavors using local ingredients, such as the Summer Yuzu or the vegan Key Lime. Favorite classic scoops include the Coffee Heath Bar, Banana Foster Crunch, Mint Oreo and the traditional banana split.
“Strawberry Letter” ice cream cocktail at Nimble and Finn’s. It’s strawberry sorbet with vermouth, elderflower, and champagne, May 18, in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
Nimble and Finn’s
Sisters Leandra Beaver and Jazmin Hooijer first started hawking artisanal ice cream from a pushcart freezer in 2012, soon supplying local weddings and events with creamy desserts and winning medals at the county’s Harvest Fair. After about three years, the sisters opened their first ice cream shop inside the historic Bank of Guerneville, bringing their tasty, organic innovations to the Guerneville Bank Club. Nimble and Finn’s opened a second location a few years later in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square district, meanwhile expanding its offerings to ice cream cakes and ice cream cocktails.
Lively flavors like Whiskey Butterscotch and Lavender Honeycomb earned Nimble and Finn’s a spot on our local best ice cream lineup — not to mention the boozy, summertime Strawberry Letter, with Champagne, vermouth, strawberry sorbet and elderflower. The charming shop also offers pie, cookies, floats, ice cream sandwiches and even upscale grilled cheeses.
The first Cafe des Croissant opened on Fourth Street in Santa Rosa by Kenneth E. McGee in 1983, according to public legal notices in The Press Democrat at the time. A second location opened on Marlow Road in 1987, and a third on Lomitas Avenue in 1989. The cafe eventually expanded to Sebastopol, a drive-thru in Rohnert Park and an outpost in Santa Rosa’s Roxy Theater. Since then, ownership has changed hands and all but two of the locations have closed — including the Roxy spot being turned into Nana’s Cafe in early 2024. The Lomitas Avenue and Sebastopol locations remain.
Cafe des Croissant has won local Harvest Fair awards for its flaky croissants and unique muffins, such as ginger or cappuccino. The almond and cinnamon walnut croissants are standouts. The cafe also offers bagels, salads, paninis and breakfast egg sandwiches.
Kevin Munroe, left, and Barb Lang dig weeds at the Garden Volunteer Day, on the first Friday of every month, at the Laguna Environmental Center in Sebastopol. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22 since 1970, is dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues and inspiring sustainable action to protect our planet.
This year, local cities, nonprofits and businesses across Sonoma County are offering a variety of ways to get involved and make a difference — from eco-friendly festivals and wildflower walks to plant sales and volunteer days in community parks.
Here’s how you can celebrate Earth Day in Sonoma County.
Events
Sonoma Valley Cleanup Day, April 19
Sonoma County Regional Parks is partnering with Rotary Sonoma Springs, Homeless Action Sonoma and Sonoma Ecology Center for two volunteer creek cleanups at Sonoma’s Larson Park and Maxwell Farms Regional Park. Tools and snacks will be provided, but guests are asked to bring their own water, dress in layers and bring sun protection. The cleanups will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon, April 19. To volunteer for the creek cleanup at Larson Park, register here. To volunteer for the creek cleanup at Maxwell Farms, register here. Larson Park, 329 DeChene Ave.; Maxwell Farms, 100 Verano Ave., Sonoma, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov
Nuestra Voz founder Alejandra Cervantes prepares the Larson Park community garden for spring planting in Boyes Hot Springs. There will be a volunteer creek cleanup at Sonoma’s Larson Park on April 19 to honor the upcoming Earth Day. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)Sonoma Garden Park is a working farm and education center. Along with community garden plots, a native plant nursery and labyrinth, it is a natural hidden gem in Sonoma. Guests sit in the community garden section while visiting Thursday, June 8, 2023. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
Earth Stewardship Volunteer and Fun Day at Sonoma Garden Park, April 19
The Sonoma Ecology Center will host a free volunteer day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 19 at Sonoma Garden Park. The event will offer the community an opportunity to get their hands dirty helping in the garden until 11:30 a.m., followed by fun nature-inspired activities and an egg hunt. No experience is necessary. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and bring garden gloves. RSVP for the event here. Sonoma Garden Park, 19996 Seventh St. E., Sonoma, sonomaecologycenter.org
Earth Day Open House at Laguna Environmental Center, April 19
Join the Laguna Environmental Center for an Earth Day open house from noon to 3 p.m. at the center. The event will include a guided tour of the center’s native plant garden, at 1 or 2 p.m., along with a native plant sale. There will also be opportunities for bird-watching on the observation deck and a last chance to see the art exhibit, “Sonoma Impressions,” at Heron Hall Art Gallery. Activities for children include a play area with a living willow tunnel and a nature-inspired craft station. Reservations are not required, but donations are welcome on Eventbrite. 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, 707-527-9277, lagunafoundation.org
Kevin Munroe, left, and Barb Lang dig weeds at the Garden Volunteer Day at the Laguna Environmental Center in Sebastopol. The Laguna Environmental Center will hold an Earth Day open house from noon to 3 p.m., April 19. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)Sugarloaf Ridge State Park will host two Earth Day wildflower walks, on April 19 and April 22. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat)
Earth Day Wildflower Walks at Sugarloaf, April 19 and 22
In collaboration with Sonoma Ecology Center, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park will host two Earth Day wildflower walks. The first — from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., April 19 — will join Certified California Naturalist John Lynch on a stroll along Vista Trail’s manzanita forests and seasonal pond via Lower Bald Mountain and returning to the White Barn (the starting point) on Meadow Trail. Sugarloaf’s evening wildflower walk, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., April 22, will also meet at the White Barn for a 2-mile hike with 250-foot elevation gain. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for youth 12-17 and free for children under 12. Purchase tickets for the April 19 event here and for the April 22 event here. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, 2605 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood, 707-833-5712, sugarloafpark.org
The Russian Riverkeeper will host an Earth Day cleanup of the Lower Russian River Watershed from 9-11 a.m., starting at Sunset Beach off River Road in Forestville. All supplies will be provided and there will be free parking available. Sign up online. Sunset Beach, 11403 River Road, Forestville, russianriverkeeper.org
The Russian Riverkeeper will host an Earth Day cleanup of the Lower Russian River Watershed on April 22, starting at Sunset Beach off River Road in Forestville. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
Earth Day at Montage Healdsburg, April 22
Montage Healdsburg will host two Earth Day events April 22. At 11 a.m., the resort’s outdoor recreation hub Compass Sports will host a hike starting among heritage oaks at the 155-acre Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve. Reservations are required and exclusively available to resort guests. The hike is $55 per guest. Book online. At the resort’s Spa Montage, there will be an Earth Day sound bath meditation experience starting at 4:30 p.m., available to resort guests and those 16 and older. The transformative wellness session will include reflective journaling. Reservations are required; book online. 100 Montage Way, Healdsburg, 707-979-9000, montage.com/healdsburg
Earth Day Bioblitz with Sonoma Land Trust, April 22
Sonoma Land Trust will host an “Earth Day Bioblitz“ from 4-6 p.m. on the Santa Rosa Southeast Greenway by Montgomery High School. The event will kick off with a brief orientation, followed by a presentation from guest speaker Sarah Reid, who will demonstrate how to use the iNaturalist app and share tips for capturing great photos for species identification. Afterward, participants are invited to explore the Greenway, photographing and documenting the nature they discover. The event is free, but space is limited — reserve your spot on Eventbrite. Southeast Greenway, 1370 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa. 707-526-6930, sonomalandtrust.org
Earth Day Trash Cleanup in Windsor, April 22
To help protect local creeks and the Russian River, the Town of Windsor’s Storm Water Quality Program will host two free community trash cleanup events from 4-5:30 p.m., April 22. One event will start at the corner park near Victory and Hembree lanes, and the other at the picnic tables near Market Street and McClelland Drive. Meet at one of the designated locations to pick up safety vests, trash pickers, gloves and bags. Participants will receive a free gift and snacks. Sign up for the Victory and Hembree cleanup on Eventbrite, and for the Market Street and McClelland Drive cleanup on Eventbrite. Windsor, 707-838-5385, stormwater@townofwindsor.com
Sonoma State University’s Biology Graduate Students Club will host an Earth Day plant sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., April 22-24, in the Darwin Lobby. A variety of plants will be available, including some hand-grown selections from club members and offerings from local shops. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, sonoma.edu
Earth Day in the City of Sonoma, April 22-26
Sonoma’s 55th annual Earth Day celebration will include a “Hidden Gems” Photography Contest and a Green Business of the Year Award to recognize a sustainable local business. Winners of the photo contest and Green Business of the Year Award will be announced April 22. One of Sonoma’s Earth Day community events includes a film screening of the documentary “The Last of the Nightingales” from 1-2:30 p.m., April 26, at Sebastiani Theatre (476 First St. E.). The City of Sonoma website has virtual learning activities for people to test their ecology knowledge. Sonoma, 707-339-2534, sonomacity.org
Climate Action Night at SRJC, April 24
Santa Rosa Junior College will host its annual Climate Action Night from 5-7 p.m. April 24 in the Bertolini Student Center. The event aims to educate the public on taking action for local ecological sustainability and climate justice. College and high school students will present in a science fair-style format, sharing information and helping attendees learn how to contact elected officials in support of environmental legislation. Topics will include agricultural composting, climate-friendly transportation, geothermal energy development and more. RSVP for Climate Action Night here. 1501 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, climateactionnight.com
Giraffe family at Safari West in Santa Rosa. Sonoma’s Serengeti will host an Earth Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., April 26. (John Burgess)
Earth Day at Safari West, April 26
Sonoma’s Serengeti will host an Earth Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., April 26. Enjoy a safari adventure and meet over 40 conservation groups from the Bay Area and beyond on the lawn, where you will learn about California’s flora and fauna. Special guests include members from Pepperwood Preserve, River Otter Ecology Project, Stewards of the Coasts and Redwoods, The Bird Rescue Center of Sonoma County and East Bay Vivarium (who will bring live animals). Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite animal. 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, 707-579-2551, safariwest.com
Earth Day Festival at Courthouse Square, April 26
The City of Santa Rosa will host its annual Earth Day Festival from noon to 4 p.m. on April 26 at Old Courthouse Square. The free festival will include over 50 exhibitors, kids’ crafts and activities, a beer and wine garden, a live performing arts showcase and local eco-friendly products. Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition will provide free bike parking and local buses will be free all Earth Day. Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa, srcity.org
Volunteers at the City of Santa Rosa’s Earth Day event, this year scheduled for April 26. (City of Santa Rosa)
Circuit Rider Earth Day Celebration, April 27
Local nonprofit Circuit Rider will host an Earth Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 27, at its Ecological Center in Windsor. The event will include educational workshops and hands-on activities, such as native plant potting and DIY bee houses. There will also be refreshments as well as a raffle and silent auction to support youth-led ecological projects. Email karina.zappa@circuitridercs.org to learn more or RSVP. 9619 Old Redwood Highway, Windsor, 707-838-6641, circuitridercs.org
Volunteer
Sonoma County is home to a wealth of parks, preserves, and environmental organizations that offer volunteer opportunities year round. Tasks range from trail restoration to litter cleanup and invasive plant removal.
Here’s where you can volunteer your time this Earth Day — and beyond — across the county.
Daily Acts: Petaluma-based nonprofit with a holistic approach toward environmental health with a mission to inspire transformative action to create climate resilient communities. 707-789-9664, dailyacts.org/volunteer
Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation: Santa Rosa nonprofit focused on restoring and conserving the Laguna de Santa Rosa and surrounding wetlands. 707-527-9277, lagunafoundation.org/volunteer.html
LandPaths: Santa Rosa-based organization dedicated to fostering a love of the land in Sonoma County through stewardship and outdoor experiences. 707-544-7284, landpaths.org/participate
Pepperwood Preserve: Santa Rosa biological preserve with a mission to inspire conservation and care of the earth through science. 707-591-9310, pepperwoodpreserve.org/volunteer
Russian Riverkeeper: Healdsburg-based nonprofit dedicated to protecting the Russian River. 707-433-1958, russianriverkeeper.org/volunteer
Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District: Ag + Open Space works to protect the county’s open spaces, agricultural lands and natural resources. 707-565-7360, sonomaopenspace.org/get-involved/volunteer-patrol
Sonoma County Conservation Action: Grassroots political organizing group working to ensure there’s environmental representation in Sonoma County government. 707-571-8566, conservationaction.org/get-involved
Sonoma County Regional Parks: More than 50 parks and beaches across the county offering camping, hiking and biking trails, bird watching, horseback riding, swimming and fishing to the public. 707-565-3356, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/learn/support/volunteer
Sonoma Land Trust: Santa Rosa-based nonprofit organization working to conserve scenic, natural, agricultural and open landscapes for the future generations of Sonoma County. 707-526-6930, sonomalandtrust.org/outings
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods: Nonprofit environmental organization working with California State Parks in the Russian River District to cultivate land stewardship, establish environmental education programs and restore local natural habitats. 707-869-9177, stewardscr.org/volunteer-opportunities
Find more local organizations and nonprofits to volunteer with or donate to on the Sonoma County Conservation Council’s directory of environmental groups.
Celebrate Earth Day in your own backyard by planting native plants to connect with nature and aid pollinators. There’s an abundance of farms and nurseries in Sonoma County where you can get plants and seeds, gardening supplies, boxes of sustainably sourced produce and more.
The entrance to the Spyglass treehouse in Occidental. (Jayson Carpenter)
Nestled among towering redwoods in western Sonoma County, the Spectacular Spyglass Treehouse in Occidental has earned the title of California’s most wish-listed Airbnb, part of the vacation rental platform’s roundup of top-trending stays in each U.S. state.
Perched high in the forest canopy, the Spyglass Treehouse — designed and built by Artistree Home — offers guests the rare chance to sleep among the redwoods without sacrificing luxury.
The one-bedroom retreat features a king-size bed, high-speed Wi-Fi, floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic forest views, a cedar hot tub and an indoor infrared sauna.
The Spyglass treehouse in Occidental brings guests up close to the forest. (Jayson Carpenter)
Inside, the treehouse incorporates reclaimed wood, handcrafted furnishings and modern amenities, including a fully equipped kitchenette and rainfall shower. Each guest is welcomed with spa slippers, silk eye masks and gourmet chocolates. Guests can also opt for the “Cozy Night In” package, which includes spa bathrobes, hot chocolate and a bottle of organic Sonoma County red wine or Champagne.
The bathroom in Artistree’s Spyglass treehouse in Occidental boasts an infrared sauna (pictured) and a deck with a cedar hot tub. (Jayson Carpenter)Artistree’s Spyglass treehouse in Occidental is outfitted with a cedar hot tub overlooking the forest. (Jayson Carpenter)
The treehouse accommodates two guests, with nightly rates starting at $770, depending on the season and availability.
The Spyglass Treehouse is minutes from forest and coastal hikes, charming restaurants and quirky art galleries. For those seeking a similar stay, a sister property — the Sonoma Spyglass — is located nearby in Sebastopol.
To learn more or book a stay, visit the Spyglass Treehouse listing here.
A classic muffuletta sandwich by Bayou On The Bay during the Petaluma Music Festival’s 11th annual Mardi Gras Party at Lagunitas Brewing Co. Taproom and Sanctuary in Petaluma Tuesday, March 4, 2025. (Erik Castro / For The Press Democrat)
Following a strong start on April 16 and 17 with their Gumbo and Grits Get Together, their April 30 and May 1 dinners will feature Cajun tamales. Look for ongoing dinners that will (hopefully) include their farmers market mainstays, such as gumbo, po’boys, beignets and Cal-Cajun twists like blackened catfish tacos, barbecued mac and cheese and Bayou burgers.
The dinners are from 5-8 p.m. at 208 Davis St. in Santa Rosa. Follow chefs Bradley and Mandy Wildridge at instagram.com/bayou.onthebay.
Bradley Wildridge of Bayou On The Bay. The popular Cajun pop-up will be hosting dinners at Marla in Santa Rosa. (Erik Castro / for The Press Democrat)A new Mi Pueblo restaurant will open at the former Sonoma Burger in Sebastopol in May. The restaurant is part of a familiar chain of Northern California Mexican restaurants in Cotati, Petaluma, Santa Rosa and Windsor. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat, 2013)
New Sebastopol Mexican Spot
A new Mi Pueblo restaurant will open at the former Sonoma Burger in May. Located at 173 Pleasant Hill Ave. N., the restaurant is part of a familiar chain of Northern California Mexican restaurants in Cotati, Petaluma, Santa Rosa and Windsor. No opening date has been announced.
The Wurst restaurant in Healdsburg. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)
Navigating the Healdsburg food scene can be perilous for new restaurant owners. Locals have strong feelings about the lack of affordable, family-friendly restaurants in the upscale tourist mecca, while restaurant owners face steep rents and skyrocketing food costs that can easily break them.
The new owners of The Burrow (formerly The Wurst) are trying to straddle the line with their forthcoming restaurant — and after seeing a draft of the menu, things look hopeful.
David Baeli and his wife, Elise (a Healdsburg local), are transforming the longtime burger and sausage palace into a casual café with approachable yet inspired appetizers, salads and sandwiches, a handful of entrées and a weekend brunch menu. The couple also focuses on a strong craft beer selection with “only independent-certified brewers.”
The outdoor seating area at Healdsburg restaurant The Wurst off Matheson Street. The Wurst will become The Burrow in May. (Sonoma County Tourism)
This isn’t their first restaurant rodeo. David Baeli co-owned Hops and Hominy in San Francisco, known for its Southern-style cuisine (now closed). The couple moved north for a more family-centered life and now have a 3-year-old (the chief taste-tester for the kids’ menu). Baeli hopes to open the new restaurant in May. Follow their progress at theburrowhb.com or instagram.com/theburrow_healdsburg.
The Wurst will continue as a catering operation under former owner Melissa McDowell. Stay tuned for more details. 22 Matheson St., Healdsburg.
Ellen Cavalli of Tilted Shed Ciderworks will pour new releases at Petaluma’s Cider Circus. (Tilted Shed Ciderworks)
The circus is coming to town — but instead of trapeze artists and animal acts, this show features local craft ciders alongside big top-style entertainment, from circus-themed kids’ activities to a roller-skating clown.
“We love that cider is such an important and unique local product,” said Emily Weber, who co-founded the event with Nina Kravetz. “We just wanted to offer a new festival that has a different focus and give the cider makers a place to really shine.”
Natural wine and cider festival founders Emily Weber, left, and Nina Kravetz. (Marielle V. Chua/Courtesy Big West Wine Fest)
Cider Circus will showcase dozens of minimal-intervention ciders from Sonoma County and beyond, including North American Press, Old World Winery, Eye Cyder and Two Shepherds. The festival will have a family-friendly carnival vibe, with performances by Tumbleweed the Clown and Ears of Maize, plus juggling, face painting, music and food, from carnival fare to fresh oysters. Plus, The Floathouse will offer kayak and paddleboat rentals.
Bottles of Eye Cyder in Sebastopol on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)Ellen Cavalli of Tilted Shed Ciderworks will pour new releases at Petaluma’s Cider Circus. (Tilted Shed Ciderworks)
Windsor’s Tilted Shed Ciderworks is working on a new cider to debut at Cider Circus, and owner Ellen Cavalli will be pouring her famous nonalcoholic Gravenstein cider at the festival. To Cavalli, Cider Circus isn’t just a fun day out. Supporting local cider producers is a great way to help keep Sonoma County’s apple farms in business — more important now than ever, she said, as local growers face the impending departure of Manzana Apple Products, the region’s last apple cannery.
“As the Sonoma County apple community continues to experience daunting challenges, I think it’s even more crucial that the public prioritize supporting local cider producers, so that we can help keep our apple industry alive and thriving.”
Tickets for Cider Circus are $45 at bigwestwinefest.com. Starting in late April, you can also snag tickets for Big West Wine Fest, which returns to Guerneville’s Solar Punk Farms June 14-15 and typically sells out quickly. If you’re a fan of small-production natural wines, don’t wait too long to opt in.
