The 10 Cutest Cats in Sonoma County

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

Get ready for some cuteness overload! Voting in Sonoma Magazine’s Cutest Cat Contest, the public has picked the 10 most adorable kitties in Sonoma County and our cat-loving hearts are melting. With so many fabulous feline friends being entered into the contest, it must have been a tough choice for voters, but here they are – in the gallery above – the cutest of them all. Now, we certainly don’t envy the panel of judges from Sonoma Magazine and our beneficiary Pets Lifeline that will have to pick a winner from this gorgeous group of 10… stay tuned for the announcement.

16 Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Sonoma County in January and February

By Sarah Stierch
Skate Rink Cornerstone
Skate Rink Cornerstone

Looking for some family-friendly fun in January and February? Click through the gallery above for some of our favorite picks.

 

Biggest Sonoma County Restaurant Openings/Closings of 2017

By biteclub

Though scores of new restaurants open and close in Sonoma County every year, a handful stand out. This year, a dozen new restaurants caught–and held–my attention throughout the year. Among the qualities that resonated with me over and over:

  • Quality: Using their own farms, or nearby farms, along with quality producers isn’t new, but the lengths to which many of these restaurateurs went–from gleaning to literally planting and harvesting their own food–went up a notch this year.
  • New Flavors: Playing up ethnic flavors, exotic spices and incorporating new ingredients from around the world
  • A return to the past:  Old world, slow cooking techniques, a return to classic French cuisine
  • Garden and forest: Use of flowers and other unusual fauna brought in earthier, darker flavors
  • Produce-forward: Creative takes on meatless dishes, treating vegetarian dishes with respect and care
  • Chef-led: It’s pretty hard to have a point-of-view restaurant without a clear direction in the kitchen. 

Here are the best Sonoma County restaurant openings of 2017:

Handline Coastal California Cuisine: This casual coastal-inspired restaurant from Lowell Sheldon (Lowell’s) and Natalie Goble takes everything from fish tacos (with homemade corn tortillas) to burgers and luxe vegetable dishes seriously. Sustainable, thoughtful, fresh and fun, this is a go-to spot when I’m paying the bill–the highest praise I can give a restaurant. 935 Gravenstein Ave., Sebastopol, 707-827-3744, handline.com.

Tisza Bistro: Tisza may have been born during the wildfires of October, but named after a meandering Hungarian river, its menu is awash in a love for the flavors of Sonoma County and Eastern Europe. A mix of Old World comfort food (with lots of roasting) and fresh, California-inspired ingredients make for an intriguing menu ranging from brown butter artichokes with tarragon and lemon aioli, duck confit with brandied cherries, spaetzle mac and cheese, and smoked bratwurst and braised sauerkraut. Plus, the schnitzel ain’t bad. 8757 Old Redwood Hwy, Windsor, 707-838-5100, tiszabistro.com.

Drawing Board: It’s not every day that you find vegan smoked carrot lox and cashew cream cheese on a menu next to roasted bone marrow. But at a culinary moment when diners want a combination of the familiar and exotic; decadent and healthy; conventional and sustainable, Petaluma’s Drawing Board feels like a roadmap to the future of dining. 190 Kentucky St, Petaluma, 707-774-6689, tdbpetaluma.com.

Flower and Bone: Dahlia Martinez combs her neighborhood and backyard farm daily looking for tasty tidbits she can preserve, can, puree or otherwise incorporate into the sweet and savory stories she concocts at her downtown Santa Rosa restaurant, opened with partner Jason Sakach. The couple also owns Santa Rosa breakfast/brunch/lunch spot Naked Pig. Hours are limited, so make a reservation. 640 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 707-708-8529, flowerandbonerestaurant.com.

Russian River Vineyards Restaurant: A stunning organic farm is the foundation of this truly farm-to-table restaurant. With Chef Ben Davies at the helm and a talented kitchen staff, Russian River Vineyards has become a Forestville dining destination instead of a Hwy. 116 drive-by. 5700 CA-116, Forestville, 707-887-3344, russianrivervineyards.com.

Trading Post: Chef/owner Erik Johnson is a high-end restaurant pro who is showcasing Cloverdale’s edible bounty, and elevating the once-sleepy town to a culinary destination. Is it too soon for a visionary restaurant in the hinterlands? Time will tell. 102 S. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, 707-894-6483, thepostcloverdale.

Barrio Fresca Cocina: Mexican cooking has so much to offer beyond burritos and quesadillas. Using fresh sauces, scratch cooking and the rich flavors of his homeland, Carlos Rosas brings authentic, yet unpretentious dishes that stand out in a sea of taqueria sameness. 6760 McKinley St., Suite 120, Sebastopol, 707-329-6538, barlow.barriobayarea.com

City Garden Donuts: These aren’t workaday donuts or wacky cereal-coated marshmallow-dipped curiosities that are more fun to look at than eat. Instead, City Garden takes a more subtle approach using intensely-flavored glazes made with fresh fruit (the lemon glaze is perfectly pucker-worthy) and chocolate atop pillowy brioche. 1200 4th St, Santa Rosa, 595-1932, facebook.com/CityGardenDoughnuts.

Brass Rabbit: With classic dishes like Boeuf Bourguignon and rabbit pot pie, Chef Shane McAnelly’s cuisine pays homage to French comfort food, but doesn’t take itself too seriously, giving room for playful changes with the seasons. 109 Plaza St, Healdsburg, 707-473-8580, thebrassrabbithealdsburg.com

Reel Fish Shop and Grill: One of the questions most often asked by restaurant-seekers in Sonoma County: Where can I get great seafood? And though many restaurants have one or two seafood items on the menu, Reel Fish Shop & Grill is one of only a handful that specialize in seafood. With a focus on helping to maintain rather than deplete ocean populations, it’s a solid choice when you’re craving a taste of the sea. 401 Grove St., Sonoma, 707-343-0044, thereelfishshop.com.

Journeyman Meat Co.: The long road from vintner to salumist culminated this year in Pete Seghesio’s butcher shop in Healdsburg. Part salumeria part local meat shop, the tiny space has become a perfect pairing of old-school Italian and Sonoma County tradition. 404 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-395-MEAT, journeymanmeat.com.

Brewsters Beer Garden: The palatial outdoor garden, inspired barbecue and drink menu set this up to be a winner from day one. While service has continually been a challenge, we’re hoping a little tightening up over the winter will reveal what this hot spot has the potential to be long-term. And the pork belly with cheese curds and fried chicken sandwich still have us drooling. 229 Water St., Petaluma, 707-981-8330, brewstersbeergarden.com.

Goodbyes
Though there were a handful of closures throughout the year, the toughest were the restaurants that burned in the fires: Willi’s Wine Bar, Sweet T’s Restaurant and Bar, the historic Cricklewood steakhouse, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, Puerta Vallarta and Equus Bar and Grill at the Hilton. It was difficult to see the burned-out remains of places we’ve eaten and loved over the years. Also closed at the end of 2017 was Chloe’s French Cafe, which suffered fire damage and closed soon after (though the team will continue catering).

Best 2017 New Year’s Eve Spots in Sonoma County to eat and drink

By biteclub

New Years can’t come soon enough for most of us, a time to close the door on the past and toast to new beginnings. It’s also a perfect time to say, what the hell to another thousand calories or so while sipping champagne and eating all the indulgently wonderful stuff you absolutely promise not to ever touch again come midnight. Or at least until January 2.

So put on your stretchy pants and wine and dine yourself into 2018 with some of our favorite spots to celebrate on New Year’s Eve.

Zazu Kitchen and Farm: Three or four-course fixed price includes Hog Island oysters, goat cheese fondue, roasted bone marrow with balsamic, Dungeness crab with Meyer lemon browned butter, fried quail, duck and crispy pork belly lettuce cups, bourbon gelato baked Alaska. $79 or $89 per person. 6770 McKinley St., #150, Sebastopol, 707-523-4814, zazukitchen.com.

Spinster Sisters and the Astro Motel: A longtime SOFA favorite offers a three-course meal for $65 with the added attraction of a nearby spot to sleep — the luxe mid-century Astro Motel (starting at $250 per night). Dishes include beef tartare, seared day boat scallops, tomato braised lamb shank, butternut squash gnocchi, Meyer lemon curd puffs with huckleberry sauce. 401 South A St., Santa Rosa, 707-528-7100, thespinstersisters.com.

Wishbone: Bon Vivant New Year with oysters, champagne, truffles, foams, caviar, and cocktails, plus a fantastic ice luge for your imbibing enjoyment. $80 per person, 841 Petaluma Blvd N., Petaluma, 707-763-2663, wishbonepetaluma.com.

Spoonbar: Six-course dinner includes golden caviar, Morrocan spiced prawns, black tea smoked squab, Angus filet and champagne with strawberry cheesecake, $125pp. Just wanna grab a couple drinks, dessert, and a dance? $55pp gets you into the late night dance party rolling until 12:30 a.m. 219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-7222, spoonbar.com.

Epicenter: Dinner buffet for the family, champagne toast and all night play for kids at this Santa Rosa recreational spot that includes play structures, video games, trampolines and more. $35 to $60 per person. 3215 Coffey Lane, Santa Rosa, visitepicenter.com.

Palooza Gastropub: Bites all night, drink tickets, champagne toast, and taps flowing. Full menu until 10 p.m., $40 pp, 8910 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood, 707

John Ash & Co.: One of the most luxe NYE face-stuffing events includes a three-course menu including beef tartare, cauliflower and truffle soup, venison terrine, chanterelle and porcini strudel, stuffed pheasant breast, passion fruit pavlova and an array of ports, brandy, and scotch. $110pp, 4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa, 800-421-2584, vintnersinn.com.

Valette: Six-course chefs tasting menu from one of Sonoma County’s top toques pulls out all the stops: Tsar Nicoli caviar, foie gras with persimmon coulis, black and white truffle gnocchi, Maine lobster, wagyu beef and dark chocolate pave. Additional wine pairings available. $125 pp, 344 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-473-0946, valettehealsburg.com.

Dec 29
Tequila dinner at Mateo’s: Six course meal with tequila pairings. Reservations required: Mateo’s Cocina Latina, 214 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, 707-433-1520.

New Year’s Day: Grab your jammies and enjoy brunch all day at Fork Roadhouse’s “Jammin in Your Jammers” event from 10a.m. to 7p.m. Live music and more commemorates the restaurant’s third anniversary. Wear your pjs and get a free mimosa. 9890 Bodega Hwy, Sebastopol, (707) 634-7575.

Santa Rosa Named Microbrew Capital of the United States

By Nick Rahaim

Could Santa Rosa really be the microbrew capital of the United States?

Portland has more breweries, and the highest-rated beer made in the United States currently comes from a small town in Iowa.

But there is no better place in America for craft beer than Santa Rosa, according to a new interactive database that ranks local beer scenes by measuring the quality of beer produced in a community and the number of craft brewers it supports.

The conclusion, published this week by an online journal of data visualizations named The Pudding, of all things, is sure to set off arguments in pubs across the land.

“I guarantee you there are a whole lot of other cities that would argue that point,” said Natalie Cilurzo, co-owner and president of Russian River Brewing Co., which produces two of the top 20 beers in the world, according to RateBeer. “We’re not that big, we don’t have a lot of breweries, but I think it’s cool.”

The Pudding database ranked cities across the country that had at least five microbreweries and brewpubs with three beers or more reviewed by RateBeer, an online hub for craft beer enthusiasts. To calculate its total score, the interactive website based 80 percent of each city’s ranking on the quality of its beer and 20 percent of its ranking on the number of establishments, but users can adjust the quality/quantity ratio.

San Diego, Denver, Anchorage, Alaska, and Portland, Oregon, rounded out the top five beer cities in the online database, which gained widespread attention Thursday when the New York Times highlighted the website in its California Report.

“When you boil it down to a weighted blend of quality (beer ratings) and quantity (breweries in proximity), Santa Rosa tops the list,” database author Russell Goldenberg wrote.

When quality and quantity are weighted equally, San Diego is the top microbrew city in the nation and Santa Rosa drops to fourth place, behind Denver and Portland.

If quality is excluded, Santa Rosa still ranks 12th in the nation, based solely on the number of craft brew establishments clustered within a 20-mile radius.

The top five local breweries listed in the database were Russian River, Bear Republic Brewing Co., Shady Oak Barrel House, Moonlight Brewing Company — now part of Lagunitas Brewing Co. — and Cooperage Brewing Company. All are located in Santa Rosa except Bear Republic, which operates a production facility in Cloverdale and a brewpub in Healdsburg.

“It’s pretty amazing isn’t it?” Ben Stone, executive director of the Sonoma County Economic Development Board, said of the designation. “It’s gratifying to be recognized as a center for excellence in craft beer.”

Stone pointed to the economic impact that craft beer brings to Sonoma County. The two-week 2016 release of Russian River Brewing’s coveted triple IPA, Pliny the Younger, brought nearly 10,000 tourists to the county and generated $4.88 million in economic activity, according to a study by the Economic Development Board.

In 2013, the craft beer industry in the county generated $169 million in economic impact, according to the most recent study by the Economic Development Board. With the industry continuing to grow, that number is now around $225 million, Stone said.

The designation of microbrew capital of the U.S. was welcomed, yet not entirely supported by local brewers.

“I’m very excited about it,” said Steve Doty, brewer and owner of Shady Oak Barrel House, which specializes in sour ale. “At the same time I’ve seen a lot of better beer scenes, with more varieties and styles.”

For Doty, Oakland and Portland are the best beer destinations in the nation. Cilurzo’s favorite city for microbrews is Philadelphia, with Seattle and Portland also on her list.
But neither Cilurzo nor Doty reject the praise bestowed on the city where they brew their beer.

“I’m hoping it keeps momentum going,” said Doty who plans to open a taproom at 420 First St. in Santa Rosa in the coming months. “Fingers crossed.”

To view the Pudding craft beer database click here.

Biteclub’s Best Sonoma County Restaurant Meals of 2017

By biteclub
Rainbow toast at Brew in Santa Rosa, one of the best Sonoma County restaurant dishes of 2017. Heather Irwin/PD
Rainbow toast at Brew in Santa Rosa, one of the best Sonoma County restaurant dishes of 2017. Heather Irwin/PD

Best Sonoma Restaurants. Well, it was the year the kale salad took center stage. Toast became an entree. Meatless dishes got really interesting. Comfort food got even more comforting. Lentils and uni became my favorite foods. Donuts made a bold return and we learned a thing or two about the authentic flavors of Thailand, Mexico, India and Hungary.

In an otherwise (let’s admit it) crap-tastic year, the dishes of Sonoma County’s restaurants were the constant surprise and delight in a 365-day slog of “did that seriously just happen?”

Here are some of the best, most interesting, beautiful, delightful, surprising and most of all delicious dishes of the year in pictures. And here’s to 2018, where the table’s set and our Sonoma County chefs are eagerly waiting to impress us yet again.

Salad with Cheevo goat cheese at Brewsters in Petaluma, one of the best Sonoma County restaurants dishes of 2017
Salad with Cheevo goat cheese at Brewsters in Petaluma, one of the best Sonoma County restaurants dishes of 2017.Heather Irwin/PD

A few restaurants get multiple call outs for their incredible quality, care and passion for food. That, and the beauty of their dishes. I encourage you to click on the links and find out more about them.

– Bistro 29

– Handline

– Tisza Bistro

– Trading Post

– Flower and Bone

– County Bench (now closed)

– Drawing Board

Fin. 2017
Fin. 2017

Please note that restaurants like Single Thread in Healdsburg and a handful of others aren’t included because I simply didn’t take pictures there — not because they weren’t great. All photos by Heather Irwin.

Secret Indian Street Food Menu in Santa Rosa

By biteclub
Bhelpuri from the Indian Street Food menu at Bibi's Burger Bar in Santa Rosa. Heather Irwin/PD
Bhelpuri from the Indian Street Food menu at Bibi’s Burger Bar in Santa Rosa. Heather Irwin/PD

I’m a sucker for secrets. I’m guessing you are too, because who doesn’t love a wink-wink moment that leaves everyone else wondering what you know? Oh, the smug deliciousness of it all.

Since it’s almost Christmas, however, here’s a little stocking stuffer I’m going to share: Bibi’s Indian Street Food menu.

Falooda Kulfi and Gulab Jamun from the Indian Street Food menu at Bibi's Burger Bar in Santa Rosa. Heather Irwin/PD
Falooda Kulfi and Gulab Jamun from the Indian Street Food menu at Bibi’s Burger Bar in Santa Rosa. Heather Irwin/PD

This “secret” menu isn’t all that secret, they offer it Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner, tucked into their regular menus. What’s on the down-low is that it’s the only place we know of that serves dosa—the big-as-your-forearm savory Indian crepes—along with crunchy bhel puri, paani-puri and an Indian rose syrup dessert called falooda kulfi.

This is real-deal Indian street food, things that can be found in the hawker stalls of Mumbai or Delhi. Though many of the names, flavors and textures may be new, it’s a window into possible things to come from the Chandi Hospitality Group, headed up by Punjab-native Sonu Chandi (Stout Brothers, Beer Baron, Bibi’s Burger Bar, Mountain Mike’s), who’ve long toyed with opening an Indian restaurant. After trying the flavorful vegan and vegetarian apps, along with more indulgent meat and cream dishes, we think they’re headed down the right track.

Here’s what to try:

– Bhel Puri ($6.50): Think rice crispies covered with tamarind and mint sauce with chickpea noodles, cilantro and onions. The mix of sweet, spicy, sour flavors and crunch made it our favorite dishes.

– Paani-Puri Shooters ($5.50): This street food is one of the most popular in India, and frankly, I don’t think we appreciated the dish without more of an explanation. Minty, spicy green water in shot glasses suspend hollow puri puffs filled with sprouted mung beans, chana (small garbanzo beans) and potatoes. Worth another try.

Paani-Puri Shooters from the Indian Street Food menu at Bibi's Burger Bar in Santa Rosa. Heather Irwin/PD
Paani-Puri Shooters from the Indian Street Food menu at Bibi’s Burger Bar in Santa Rosa. Heather Irwin/PD

– Vegetable Samosa ($5.50): Fried pastry dough filled with curried green peas and potatoes, served with tamarind sauce and mint chutney. So tasty, you’ll want to gobble them up, but the inside is roughly the temperature of molten lava, so don’t pull a Hot Pocket moment.

– Paneer, Chicken Tikka Dosa ($10.50): Savory Indian crepes made with rice and lentils the size of a small bicycle wheel are stuffed and folded with seasoned potatoes and other goodies including fresh Indian cheese (paneer) or tandoori chicken tikka masala. Also a vegan option or cheddar cheese-filled dosa for people who like ruining perfectly good dosa with cheddar cheese.

– Falooda Kulfi ($7.50): Having just finished salivating over Chetna Makan’s “Chai, Chaat & Chutney: A street food journey through India”, finding a version this creamy frozen dessert was absolute serendipity. Kulfi (an eggless ice cream) is mixed with cold noodles, rose water and basil seeds. It’s not for everyone, but it’s definitely for me. Warm Galub Jamun ($4.50), is a pretty standard Indian dessert of sweet donuts soaked in a cardamom-infused sugar syrup so sweet just thinking about it will give you a cavity. And I still don’t like it.

630 Third St., Santa Rosa, open daily from 11:30a.m. to 9p.m., bibisburgerbar.com.

17 Best Cheap Eats in Santa Rosa

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

You don’t have to be wealthy to eat well in Sonoma County. Sure, there are high-end restaurants with deep wine lists, $15 cocktails and menu items that include exotic and expensive ingredients. But beyond the gustatory glitz is a smorgasbord of good, honest and affordable eateries and dishes across the region. There are myriad options for delicious indulgence, but only if you know where to go. And we do. Click through the gallery above for cheap eats, Santa Rosa style. For more cheap eats in Sonoma County, click here.