Guide To a Stress-Free Holiday Getaway in Sonoma

By Adrienne Shubin

This holiday season, skip the manic malls, ditch the “cost-cutting” catalogs, forget about the frantic Amazon browsing, and head to the town of Sonoma where relaxation and shopping are not mutually exclusive. We’ve put together an itinerary that will allow you to safely immerse yourself in the happy bustle of the season with no risk of getting stressed out. Click through the above gallery for details, our favorite Sonoma spots for holiday shopping are listed below. 

Fashion for Her:

Artifax carries unique, art-to-wear women’s clothing and accessories. 450 1st St. East # C, Sonoma, (707) 996-9494

Bear Moon Clothing Company has been in business for 26 years and carries a stylish selection of high-quality clothes, accessories and shoes. 117 East Napa Street, Sonoma, (707) 935-3392

Bella Vita Sonoma offers a wide variety of fashionable and hard-to-find clothing, shoes and accessories for a variety of tastes. From lace Victorian dresses to boho chic kimonos and even lingerie and evening bags, there is something for every woman at Bella Vita. 457 First Street West Sonoma, (707) 935-8206

Bossa Nova Fashion Concepts means “New Style” and that is just what this modern clothing boutique offers. Shop for wearable, stylish clothing and accessories from designers around the world. Sonoma Court Shops, 524 Broadway, Sonoma, (707) 343-1228

Perlé is a contemporary women’s clothing and accessories boutique with a focus on the latest styles, all with a classic and feminine touch. 124 West Napa St., Sonoma, (707) 935-5800

The Loop is where you’ll want to shop for chic, on-trend styles. The Loop has two locations in Sonoma: one location on the plaza at 461 First Street West, Sonoma, and one at Cornerstone, 23570 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, (707) 939-8400

Fashion for Him:

Eraldi’s has been the place to shop in Sonoma for casual men’s clothing, shoes and accessories, as well as men’s basics, since 1922. This family-owned business has a low-key, friendly atmosphere and the staff are ready and willing to help you find what you’re looking for. 475 1st St. West, Sonoma, (707) 996-2013

Scott Lyall of Napa has opened a Sonoma location offering contemporary casual sportswear. While you’re there, check on the latest sports scores on the large screen TV, sip on a glass of wine or chat with Scott! 115 East Napa Street, Sonoma, (707) 933-8770

Accessories for Everyone:

Large Leather is a tiny shop, in fact it’s the smallest shop on the Sonoma Plaza. It’s also chock full of fine leather goods, handmade on-site. Shop for handbags, belts, bracelets, cow hide rugs, pillows, backpacks and more. 481 A First Street, Sonoma, (707) 938-1042

Sox de Vine is the ideal place to buy fun, colorful and whimsical socks for those special people on your holiday list. They also carry tights, hats, scarves and other accessories. 450-H First St. East, Sonoma, (707) 996-1413

For the Home:

Sign of the Bear Kitchen and Tableware is a delight for anyone who enjoys entertaining and cooking at home. It’s also a great place to find gifts for everyone on your list.  Shop for kitchen gadgets, cookbooks, bakeware, linens, and tableware, as well as many fun, whimsical and often humorous items that are sure to amuse! 435 1st St. West, Sonoma, (707) 996-3722

H. Frank carries home decor in true Sonoma style offering everything from furniture and lamps to throw pillows and glassware. 28 West Spain St, Sonoma, (707) 938-5800

Gift Shops:

Global Heart carries unique fair trade items from around the world including jewelry, handbags, blankets, kids clothing, coffee, and unusual and artful Nativity scenes. 423 First Street West, Sonoma, (707) 939-2847

Wine Country Chocolates is the place to buy gifts for those hard-to-shop-for people on your list. Nearly everyone loves chocolate! Visit their tasting room to try before you buy. 414 First Street East, Sonoma, (707) 996-1010

Tiddle E. Winks is where you will relive some of your favorite childhood memories. This charming vintage 5 & Dime will delight kids of all ages with their selection of candy, toys and gifts. 115 East Napa St. Sonoma, (707) 939-6933

 

 

New Coffee Shops Coming to Santa Rosa, Sebastopol and Healdsburg

By Bill Swindel

While the revitalization of downtown Santa Rosa remains a work in progress, a variety of local entrepreneurs are confident enough to invest in the city’s future.

Their optimism is based on the “Field of Dreams” theory: if you will build it, the visitors will come. And nowhere is that more evident than the nearly $300,000 bet Cody Brown and his family are making on a downtown revival.

The Brown family pooled together the money — including his mother’s 401(k) retirement savings — to open Crooks Coffee downtown on Sept. 15. The shop entered a highly competitive coffee sector with other local upstarts Acre Coffee, Flying Goat Coffee and national behemoths Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee. There’s also Brew Coffee and Beer House, which has carved its own niche attracting a younger crowd from dawn to dusk.

As 2018 draws to a close, downtown Santa Rosa is certainly on its way to becoming a Coffee City. But the coffee craze goes well beyond this Sonoma County city. What’s striking are the number of locally owned independent coffee shops that continue opening across Sonoma County, even though Starbucks has close to 50 locations and Peet’s operates another six. Click through the above gallery for Sonoma County coffee shops that opened recently, or are coming soon to a neighborhood near you. And click here for some our favorite independent Sonoma County coffee shops.

 

Go Local and Affordable: Great Gifts Under $40 for Everyone on Your List

By Karen Kizer
holiday shopping

Have no fear of the hard-to-shop-for ones on your holiday list. Sonoma stores have got you covered with these unique and useful finds, many of which are locally made. With all prices under $40, checking off that shopping list should involve a good amount of comfort and joy—click though the above gallery for details.

Meet Rockwell, The Cutest Dog in Sonoma County

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

The winner of Sonoma Magazine’s 2018 Cutest Dog Contest is…. Rockwell! A panel of independent judges from Sonoma Magazine and our beneficiary Pets Lifeline selected Rockwell from the top 10 vote-getters in the contest.

Rockwell isn’t just adorable on the outside:

“For Rockwell, it’s not all about the cuteness on the outside but all the cuteness on the inside as well. He’ll give you love and comfort, and will make you feel like you have a new best friend,” says Rockwell’s owner Elizabeth Rouse.

Thanks to everyone who entered the contest, and voted. And congratulations to Rockwell!

Healdsburg Residents Adopt Families in Need for Christmas

By Matt Villano

For most Sonoma County residents, gifts are an integral part of the holiday season. Wish lists are carefully composed months before Christmas, and crossed off by parents and relatives in shopping malls and local stores.

But for some—particularly those who lack reliable housing and a steady income—the act of giving and receiving presents on Christmas Day is not something that can be taken for granted.

A program in the Healdsburg area aims to spread the holiday spirit to all by inviting local residents and organizations to “adopt” families in need. The program, locally known as the “Presents Project,” has operated under the auspices of the Rotary Club of Healdsburg for the past 19 years. Participating residents or organizations—”sponsors”—buy gifts for enrolled families. This year, the program will connect 83 sponsors with 87 families; a total of about 400 people.

“Most of the recipients in our program wouldn’t have Christmas if it weren’t for the people who adopt them,” said Beth DeCoss, one of two program co-coordinators. “It’s a great way for those in the community who want to give back to have a direct and immediate impact on those in the community who need help.”

“Presents Project” volunteers work with a number of community organizations, including the Alliance Medical Center, the Healdsburg Boys and Girls Club and local public schools, to identify families in need. Participating families present the volunteers with information concerning each family member—age, sex and clothing size—and submit a short list of presents each person would like.

The wish lists, stripped of identifying information, are then turned over to eager sponsors just after Thanksgiving. Sponsors are asked to deliver wrapped gifts to the Healdsburg Boys and Girls Club gymnasium on the morning of December 15. Families enrolled in the program later pick up their presents at the same location. (In order to protect the privacy of the families, sponsors are not allowed to attend).

Presents await pickup at the Healdsburg Boys & Girls Club in 2017. (Courtesy photo)

“It’s incredibly emotional to be here when the families arrive,” said DeCoss. “Many of the kids don’t expect presents at Christmas, and they get so excited to see that they’re actually getting some.”

Other than keeping it anonymous, there are few rules to the program. Organizers put no limit on the amount sponsors should spend, and they are welcome to purchase additional gifts that aren’t cited on the lists. Every child who asks for a bike receives one from Rotary—all come with helmets donated by the Healdsburg Police Officers’ Association. A local Cub Scout pack sponsors a few families, and the City of Healdsburg and the Healdsburg Police Department get involved, too.

Healdsburg residents Mike and Gail Fairchild have participated in the “Presents Project” every year since 2014. This year, they purchased gifts for a family of three. Items on their shopping list included clothes, comforters, toiletries, and toys.

Mike says the act of shopping for their “adopted” family gets him and his wife into the holiday spirit. Gail agrees, noting that the couple likes to involve their granddaughter in the process.

“Even though our granddaughter doesn’t know the people who ultimately receive the presents, she loves the whole experience of getting presents and knowing that somebody, somewhere is going to open them and be pleased,” said Gail. “More than anything else, that’s what the holiday spirit is all about.”

If you would like to donate to the program or sign up as a sponsor next year, please contact Beth DeCoss at 707-433-2721. 

The Best Holiday Events in Sonoma County 2018

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

You may not find snow-covered trees in Sonoma County, but there are still plenty of holiday events and activities to get you in the festive mood. From Christmas concerts and sing-alongs to Santa fly-ins and synthetic snowmen – our list of things to do this holiday season will help make Sonoma County a winter wonderland all month long. Click through the above gallery for all the details. Did we miss one of your favorite holiday events? Let us know in the comments!

Bay Area Michelin Stars Announced: Here Are the Sonoma and Napa Winners

By biteclub

Healdsburg’s Single Thread has been awarded an astounding three Michelin stars in its second year of operation. The restaurant, which is likely shortlisted as one of the world’s top 50 restaurants for 2019, is one of 57 Bay Area restaurants tapped on Nov. 29. It is the first Sonoma County restaurant ever to receive three stars.

“We are so incredibly proud of our hard-working team of farmers, chefs and service professionals. Everyone has dedicated so much these past two years to create an environment of warm hospitality. It’s such an honor to be here in Sonoma County amongst talented farmers, winemakers, and artisans. We are very proud to share this with all of them,” said chef/owner Kyle Connaughton.

According to Michelin: “SingleThread has risen to the top of Sonoma County’s dining scene since its opening in 2016. The talented couple behind this powerhouse project has shown consistent commitment to the highest standards of ingredient quality and exceptionally refined cuisine.”  Three stars are considered the highest honor a restaurant can receive. The guides started in 1900 as a way for motorists to find good hotels and restaurants. (And a good marketing ploy for Michelin tires). Three stars is “worth a special journey” according to the guide.

Also receiving three stars is Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, up from two last year. 

Keeping their three stars in Wine Country is The Restaurant at Meadowood in St. Helena, the French Laundry in Yountville, and, in San Francisco and the Peninsula, Quince, Benu, Saison and Manresa.

Coi in San Francisco gets bumped down to two stars, with the rest of the category remaining much the same. There are no North Bay two-star restaurants.

Finally, with one star, Madrona Manor in Healdsburg and the Farmhouse Inn in Forestville keep their winning streaks going — both with more than a decade on the list. Bodega Bay’s Terrapin Creek fell off the list this year.

“The dining scene in San Francisco is booming at the moment and our inspectors were especially impressed with the choice of cuisine styles, the levels of consistency and the overall high quality of the food they found in the city,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides.

“In particular, the teams at Atelier Crenn and SingleThread should be extremely proud, as our inspectors were very impressed by the quality of the produce used in the preparation of the dishes. This, along with their meticulous attention to detail, creativity, and dedication to delighting their customers, means they always offer diners a memorable and very enjoyable gastronomic experience. Without a doubt, they are definitely worth a special journey!”

The “famously anonymous” inspectors for the restaurant guide have upped their game in recent years after being on cruise control for what seemed like years. The list, however, is a pretty hard code to crack and has, from time to time, been considered a curse for small restaurants that get overwhelmed by the publicity.

Restaurants chosen for the annual Michelin guide are judged on five criteria defined by Michelin: product quality; preparation and flavors; the chef’s personality as revealed through his or her cuisine; value for money; and consistency over time and across the entire menu. The official 2019 San Francisco Michelin Guide will be released on Tuesday, Dec. 4, and will include the Bib Gourmand restaurants awarded last week.

If you want a taste of Michelin star chefs, Single Thread will host an event on Dec. 4 at the Healdsburg restaurant with Dominique Crenn from Atelier Crenn. The event will feature eleven courses showcases each of the chefs. Tickets are $325 per person.

Here’s the full list of Bay Area Michelin-star restaurants…

THREE STARS

Atelier Crenn

Single Thread

Benu

The French Laundry

Manresa

Quince

The Restaurant at Meadowood (St. Helena)

Saison

TWO STARS

Acquerello

Baumé

Californios

Coi

Commis

Lazy Bear

ONE STAR

Al’s Place

Aster

Auberge du Soleil (Napa)

Bouchon (Yountville)

Bar Crenn (NEW)

Birdsong (NEW)

Bouchon

Campton Place

Chez TJ

Commonwealth

Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant (Forestville)

Gary Danko

Hashiri

In Situ

jū-ni

Keiko à Nob Hill

Kenzo

Kin Khao

Kinjo (New)

La Toque (Napa)

Lord Stanley

Luce

Madcap (NEW)

Madera

Madrona Manor (Healdsburg)

Michael Mina

Mister Jiu’s

Mourad

Nico (NEW)

Octavia

Omakase

Plumed Horse

Progress (The)

Protege (NEW)

Rasa

Rich Table (New)

Sons & Daughters

SPQR

Spruce

State Bird Provisions

Sushi Yoshizumi

The Village Pub

Wako

Wakuriya

Woman Who Lost Her Home in Tubbs Fire Shares Insurance Know-How with Camp Fire Survivors

By Matt Villano
Bob and Tyra Benoit, who lost their Wikiup home in the Tubbs Fire of 2017.

Tyra Benoit never expected to become an expert in homeowners insurance.

But last October, after the Tubbs Fire reduced her Wikiup home to ashes, the lifelong educator was forced to learn the ins and outs of the insurance industry in order to get going on her claim. She read up on coverages. She asked a lawyer friend to help her understand jargon. She taught herself how to decipher the fine print of riders.

Now, in the aftermath of the Camp Fire in Butte County, Benoit – a former resident of Paradise – is sharing her newfound knowledge with those who need it most: survivors.

Starting this week, Benoit, 69, will offer free lectures and workshops for Camp Fire survivors about navigating their “insurance journey.” The classes will take place at Butte College, where Benoit taught for more than 20 years before moving to Santa Rosa in 2007 to become a dean and adjunct instructor at Santa Rosa Junior College.

“Like everybody else, I saw images and read stories about what the people of Paradise have been going through and just felt so terrible,” said Benoit, who also taught for 10 years at Paradise Intermediate School, which was badly damaged in the fire. “We got so much help from so many people after the [Tubbs] fire, so I thought to myself, ‘How can I pay it forward?’”

After discussing the question with friends, Benoit decided to focus on helping with insurance, since she and her husband Bob are still ironing out formalities on their claim for the house they lost.

“Even if you’ve got advanced degrees, the insurance process is all so confusing and complicated,” she said. “At the same time you’re trying to sort out this complicated legal document. You’re in total grief, devastated, and waking up in the middle of the night, sobbing. It can be very overwhelming.”

Benoit’s special classes began this morning with a large-group presentation about her personal experiences in the aftermath of the Tubbs Fire.

She will follow this talk with one-on-one appointments in the campus academic senate office, during which she will review individual policies and discuss any questions survivors might have. Benoit expected to repeat the program tomorrow, Friday, and again next week.

She added she likely will offer a version of the workshop online, too.

Going into Thursday morning, Benoit wasn’t sure how many survivors would attend her first talk. The room she had reserved seats 60, and she added that she “wouldn’t be surprised if it was packed.”

Independent of the lectures, Benoit expected her return to Butte County would be emotional. She and her husband got married in Paradise, bought their first house there, and lived there for years before moving to Chico. The two still have dozens of friends in the area, many of whom were displaced or directly impacted by the fire, and she said she hopes to be able to help them in whatever way she can.

“Our experiences [with the Tubbs fire] taught us how important community is,” she said. “It’s important to keep on giving. That’s what makes life worth living. When you look back on your time here, you want to be able to make sure you’ve done everything you can to help others. Really, nothing else matters.”

The Love Child of a Churro and Croissant is Insane…and Coming to Sonoma

By biteclub
Churro croissants at Sweet Pea Bake Shop. Courtesy photo.

Sweet Pea opening in Sonoma: Churro and pretzel croissants…what? Napa-based Sweet Pea Bakeshop is expanding to Sonoma, anticipating a Dec. 1 opening with mini churro croissants for the first 50 customers.

Churro croissants at Sweet Pea Bake Shop. Courtesy photo.
Churro croissants at Sweet Pea Bake Shop. Courtesy photo.

Imagine the lush butteriness of a croissant crusted with cinnamon sugar and chocolate drizzle. And that’s just the start. They’ve also got plenty of other sweet goodies like seasonal scones, sticky buns, English muffins, blondies, cakes, French macarons, caneles, hand pies, fresh bread, and cakes. New mamas take note: There’s even “lactation cookies” with nutrients like flax and brewer’s yeast. Look for them at 720 E. Napa St., Sonoma, sweetpeanapa.com.

 

Frenchie Provisions opened in Sonoma. Courtesy photo.
Frenchie Provisions opened in Sonoma. Courtesy photo.

Frenchie has opened on the square, featuring pick-up and picnic provisions for the tasteful. Weekly dinner menus include dishes like carnitas tostadas, lemon-roasted salmon, beef curry with jasmine rice that are ready to heat and serve. They’ll also have soups, sandwiches, wine and beer to go, tasty condiments and local cheeses. We love the idea of stopping by for a quick hostess gift as well. 521 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-343-7559, frenchiesonoma.com.