Page 35 – Sonoma Magazine

Sonoma Wine Country Hotels and Resorts That Offer Daycations

August 2024

By Dana Rebmann

Additional Sonoma County luxury establishments that were recommended by Forbes include Farmhouse Inn (pictured) and Farmhouse Inn Restaurant in Forestville and Hotel Les Mars in Healdsburg. (Farmhouse Inn)

Wine Country has its fair share of snazzy hotels and resorts, yet when you live down the street from them, it can be hard to justify the cost of a staycation. But have you considered taking a daycation?

Many Sonoma County hotels have sparkling pools and spas that can be enjoyed with a day pass. To help you get a sunny, fall escape on the calendar, we’ve listed some of our favorite properties below.

Sonoma

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
The main pool averages 88 degrees. How can you go wrong? An assortment of day passes can be booked through ResortPass. Consider heading to the main pool, treat yourself to a cabana, or take advantage of the happy hour spa pool day pass. Rates start at $53; complimentary Wi-Fi and self-parking. 100 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma, 707-938-9000, fairmont.com/sonoma

El Dorado Hotel & Kitchen
Most folks don’t realize there’s a seasonal, saltwater pool tucked behind this landmark on Sonoma Plaza. An added perk: you can enjoy lunch from EDK Cantina poolside. Day passes from $38, including Wi-Fi. The hotel parking lot is teeny, so day guests must utilize public street parking. 405 First St. West, Sonoma, 707-996-3030, eldoradosonoma.com

The Lodge at Sonoma
The spa day pass booked via ResortPass offers access to the private spa garden with a pair of whirlpools, two heated pools and a barrel sauna. Cost starts at $97; includes one beverage and parking. Day guests must be 18 or older. 1325 Broadway at Leveroni and Napa Roads, Sonoma, 707-935-6600, lodgeatsonoma.com

Sonoma County Wine Country hotel pool — The new pool area at MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa in Sonoma. (Courtesy of MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa)

MacArthur Place
Fresh off a multi-year property-wide renovation, MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa features a new pool and hot tub amid its picturesque gardens. Day passes to lounge alongside the sparkling new beauties start at $109 on ResortPass. A group of up to four people can book a poolside cabana with reserved lounge chairs, cheese and charcuterie board, and bottle of sparkling wine for $435. Day guests must be 18 or older; complimentary Wi-Fi and valet parking. 29 E. MacArthur St., Sonoma, 707-938-2929, macarthurplace.com

Kenwood

Kenwood Inn & Spa
Set in a private corner steps off the pool and hot tub, reservations for one of the recently renovated cabanas at Kenwood Inn & Spa come with a cheese and charcuterie plate, bottle of wine and refrigerator stocked with soft drinks and water. Rates from $309 for up to two people when booked directly with the property. 10400 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-833-1293, kenwoodinn.com

Santa Rosa

Flamingo Resort & Spa
The pool and hot tub are the heart of this nostalgia-laden Santa Rosa resort. The cost for a pool pass, including Wi-Fi and parking, starts at $38 on ResortPass. Upgrade to the splashy Bird Nest option (from $299), and along with pool passes for two, your daycation will include a poolside sofa, reserved lounge chairs, fruit plate, bottle of rosé and bottled water. Day guests are restricted to adults 21 and older. 2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-8530, flamingoresort.com

The Sandman
Sister property to Flamingo Resort, a day pass at the recently renovated Sandman Hotel includes access to the fitness center, along with the pool and hot tub. From $16 for ages 5 and up on ResortPass. Day rooms, starting at $76, come with four day passes and use of a guest room from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with television, refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker. 3421 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-293-2100, sandmansantarosa.com

Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country
Make a splash in the pool or unwind in the hot tub at this Santa Rosa hotel, the choice is yours. Rates from $22 for adults and $20 for children can be booked on ResortPass. Wi-Fi is complimentary, but there is a parking fee. 170 Railroad St., Santa Rosa, 707-284-1234, hyatt.com

Rohnert Park

Doubletree by Hilton Sonoma Wine Country
Pool days here start with one of the hotel’s signature chocolate chip cookies! Along with a pool and hot tub, day passes include use of the fitness center, fire pits and assorted lawn games. Reservations start at $16 for adults and $11 for kids; infants get in free. If you’re feeling sporty, it’s $17 to book a pickleball court for two hours. 1 Doubletree Drive, Rohnert Park, 707-584-5466, hilton.com

Forestville

Sonoma County hotel — Farmhouse Inn in Forestville. (Courtesy of Farmhouse Inn)

Farmhouse Inn
Often listed among the best hotels in the country, this Forestville hideaway boasts a seasonal pool, heated April through October, as well as a hot tub that’s steamy year-round. Day passes start at $54 and include Wi-Fi and parking. Daybed reservations (from $190 for two people) include day passes for two, a poolside daybed, seasonal fruit platter and bottled water. 7871 River Road, Forestville, 707-887-3300, farmhouseinn.com

Healdsburg

The Madrona
Surrounded by citrus groves and a sprawling garden, it’s hard not to smile when you’re splashing around in the saltwater pool at The Madrona. The pool day pass (from $82) at this Healdsburg favorite includes access to the fitness center, Wi-Fi and parking. 1001 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707-395-6700, themadronahotel.com

Windsor

Hampton Inn & Suites Windsor – Sonoma Wine Country
This family-friendly spot is also kind on your wallet. Swim in the pool, soak in the hot tub or chill out in the shade on an outdoor sofa. Day passes for adults from $16, kids from $8 and infants get in free; reservations can be made on ResortPass. 8937 Brooks Road S., Windsor, 707-837-9355, hilton.com

Quail & Condor Bakery in Healdsburg to Move to New, Larger Location

August 2024

By Heather Irwin

Melissa Yanc and Sean McGaughey, chefs and owners of Quail and Condor Bakery in Healdsburg. (Emma K Creative)

On busy weekend mornings, finding a parking spot in one of less than a dozen spaces at Melissa Yanc and Sean McGaughey’s Quail & Condor bakery in Healdsburg (149 Healdsburg Ave.) can be harder than a three-day-old baguette. Such is the price of success for the couple, who also own Troubadour sandwich shop and its nighttime alter ego, Le Diner.

But that’s about to change.

“It’s no secret our parking lot is a sh*t show,” stated a recent Quail & Condor Instagram announcement, “and it no longer has to be a secret we’re moving the bakery!”

The bakery will be moving just around the corner to the Mill Street shopping center, sharing the 120-space parking lot with Elephant in the Room pub, Parish Cafe, Yoga on Center, Coyote Sonoma and a new cannabis dispensary.

Quail & Condor bread Healdsburg — Potato Pugliese from Quail & Condor, made with roasted Bodega Red potato. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)

Croissants from Quail & Condor in Healdsburg. (Courtesy of Quail & Condor)

According to property manager Mat Humphrey, the new bakery space is currently unoccupied and will be split into four units. The build-out is slated to be completed by early 2025. Humphrey added that a 3,000-square-foot restaurant space is also being built at the 44 Mill St. property for a future tenant.

Yanc said they will hold on to the 149 Healdsburg Ave. bakery location for the remainder of their lease and have some potential ideas, though nothing has been finalized yet.

I vote for a semi-permanent pop-up space and commercial kitchen for new restaurant concepts. Please?

Don’t miss the incredible parking lot photo tableau by Emma K Creative on Quail & Condor’s always-entertaining Instagram page: instagram.com/quailandcondor.

Quail & Condor, 707-473-8254, quailandcondor.com

Get a Taste of SingleThread Alum’s New Restaurant at Healdsburg Pop-up

August 2024

By Heather Irwin

Winnie's dish preview at Maison Wine Bar — A dish from SingleThread alum David Sisler and Portland chef Jacob Harth’s forthcoming restaurant, Winnie’s, to be previewed at an upcoming pop-up at Healdsburg’s Maison Wine Bar. (Courtesy of Jacob Harth)

Former SingleThread operations director David Sisler and Portland chef Jacob Harth will host a pop-up preview of their forthcoming restaurant, Winnie’s, on Sept. 1 and 2 at Healdsburg’s Maison Wine Bar (210 Healdsburg Ave.).

Though details about the project — like the restaurant’s ultimate location — are still under wraps, the duo have confirmed that Winnie’s will be a seafood restaurant with a focus on traceable and responsibly sourced seafood from the West Coast.

Harth gained national attention for his Portland restaurant Erizo, which Eater named as one of its “16 Best New Restaurants of 2019” for its sustainable seafood tasting menu.

Winnie dish preview at Maison Wine Bar — A dish from SingleThread alum David Sisler and Portland chef Jacob Harth’s forthcoming restaurant, Winnie’s, which they will preview at an upcoming pop-up at Healdsburg’s Maison Wine Bar Sept. 1-2. (Courtesy of Jacob Harth)

The menu focused almost exclusively on invasive species, like purple sea urchin, by-catch and seasonal seafood from sustainable fisheries. But Harth went a step further, getting his commercial fisherman’s license to legally harvest seafood that’s rarely used commercially, like sea grapes and gooseneck barnacles.

The pop-up menu in Healdsburg includes oysters with green mountain pepper, pickled chub mackerel, abalone skewers, geoduck clam with husk cherries, gooseneck barnacles, purple sea urchin buns, and line-caught sardines with calamansi.

David Sisler is the founder of Suited Hospitality, a Bay Area hospitality consulting firm. He is also a certified sommelier and previously worked at San Francisco’s Michelin-starred Saison. He will be a partner and co-owner of the restaurant.

The pop-up in early September is first-come, first-served, from 5 p.m. until sold out. The a la carte dishes will range from $14 to $35 each. There will be additional previews at Maison Wine Bar on Sunday, Sept. 15 and Sept. 29.

Former SingleThread sommeliers Ryan Knowles and Evan Hufford opened their jointly-owned Maison Wine Bar in 2023 with Jade Hufford.

Stay tuned for more details.

Maison Wine Bar, 210 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, maisonwinebar.com

The Sandman Hotel Unveils New Renovations, Features as It Turns 50

August 2024

By Vincent Vitale

The Pool House & Bar at The Sandman Hotel in Santa Rosa. (Courtesy Sandman Santa Rosa)

The Sandman Hotel, a mission-style property that opened in 1974, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a ’70s-themed party. Following a multi-million dollar renovation, the Sandman is experiencing a renaissance — evolving from a classic roadside motel into a reimagined boutique hotel.

The Sandman’s newly revamped guest rooms blend eclectic and vintage touches to create an aesthetically clean and soothing atmosphere. The rooms are designed with bespoke furniture from local artisans and feature elements like wood finishes, white walls, custom cotton blankets and peach-colored ceilings. Fido can join your stay, too, as the rooms are pet-friendly (for pets up to 50 pounds).

The fitness center has evolved with state-of-the-art equipment and modern design. The new Wellness Dome is designed as a sanctuary of zen, where peaceful rejuvenation leads to a complete wellness experience. Meditation and yoga sessions are available on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings, some of which include a glass of wine.

“The Wellness Dome is the only one of its kind in Sonoma County,” said general manager Mark Nelson. “It is attuned for sound, yoga and meditation, enabling guests to participate in their own spiritual path.”

The hotel also has a heated pool and hot tub, entirely enclosed by a redwood fence to provide privacy. The pool area is accessible to guests and non-guests, with day passes available through ResortPass.

The pool is accompanied by the Pool House & Bar, which serves food and drinks from Thursday to Sunday. The hotel launched a new partnership with Lazeaway Club (the restaurant at the Flamingo Resort & Spa) and chef Chris Ricketts to provide grab-and-go food items in the Pool House. Dishes include various salads, a kids pack and a poolside picnic pack with coppa, house pickles, marinated olives, Cypress Grove goat cheese and olive oil crackers. The drink menu features classic poolside cocktails like margaritas, piña coladas, micheladas, palomas and mojitos. The bar also has a big-screen TV, perfect for watching weekend sports while you sip and savor.

A lush backyard features a bocce ball court surrounded by Adirondack chairs and fire tables for relaxed summer evenings. The hotel’s new guest lounge, open from 2 to 9 p.m. daily, contains multiple arcade games and an HDTV.

The finished product was a long time coming, with waves of changes over the last eight years. In May of 2017, The Sandman unveiled an extensive renovation, but it closed five months later due to the destructive Tubbs Fire, which caused smoke damage to over half of The Sandman’s 135 rooms.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, hotels across the U.S. saw drastically reduced occupancy rates. The Sandman stayed open and became a popular spot for locals with the introduction of its Summer Night event series.

Positioned minutes from downtown Santa Rosa, the hotel is an ideal jumping-off point to explore the wineries, fine dining and outdoor activities of the city and surrounding county.

“Santa Rosa has evolved from a farming town into the biggest city north of the Golden Gate Bridge,” said Stephen Yang, CEO of Bay Area real estate firm Yang Capital, which owns the property. “Sandman has seen massive population growth, housed many people impacted by the fires, and hopefully continues to be a place of community and a launchpad for visitors to discover the splendors of Sonoma County: wine, beer, horticulture and agriculture.”

Starting Sept. 5, the hotel will launch “Sandman Sips,” offering guests free wine, beer or spirit tastings at its partners’ tasting rooms. Official partners to date are Muscardini Cellars, Inman Family Wines, Seghesio Winery, Hobo Wine Company, Harvest Moon Winery, Battaglini Family Winery, D’Argenzio Family Winery, Fogbelt Brewing Company and Sonoma Brothers Distilling.

3421 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-293-2100, sandmansantarosa.com

Find Authentic New York-Style Pizza at the Reopened NY Pie in Santa Rosa

August 2024

By Heather Irwin

NY Pie pizza — NY Pie has reopened in downtown Santa Rosa with new owners, a new look and great new pizza, Wednesday August. 21, 2024. Pizza by the slice or pie. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)

For a generation of Santa Rosans, NY Pie was a staple of post-baseball game gatherings, family dinners, Friday night takeout and maybe even a date or two. So, fans were disappointed when the restaurant closed in late 2023 after nearly two decades.

In early January, new owners Doug Lyons and Freddie Peña promised NY Pie would return soon. Seven months later, the neighborhood pizzeria is back and better than ever.

Lyons is almost constantly in the restaurant, doing double duty as a server, busser and bartender. Raised on the East Coast, he knows plenty about New York-style pizza, even if he’s not a chef. After years in the business world, he’s made it his mission to improve the restaurant’s recipes, upgrading everything from the flour and cheese to the housemade tomato sauce.

“It’s the crisp undercarriage — not too thick — with a chewy crust with a little rise. You have to have the right cheese-to-sauce ratio, not too much or too little. And you have to fold it,” said Lyons.

Every New Yorker worth their salt knows that the only way to eat a slice is to fold it in half. Otherwise, you’ll have a lap full of cheese and sauce because the bottom crust is intentionally thin.

Lyons and Peña, a lifelong local, were both former customers and jumped at the chance to take over the pizzeria from the previous owners.

“I knew we wanted to keep the good historical aspects of NY Pie and elevate it,” said Lyons.

Peña enjoys hearing people’s memories of the pizzeria, which opened in 2002.

customers at NY Pie — NY Pie has reopened in downtown Santa Rosa with new owners, a new look and great new pizza, Wednesday August. 21, 2024. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)

“Someone said they had their wedding reception here, and many New Yorkers have commented on how authentic it is. I’m just thankful that people are still in love with it and saying it’s better than ever,” he said.

Peña owns Windsor Fitness and is a retired Santa Rosa police officer.

“We have the police department coming in a lot,” he said.

Peña and Lyons overhauled the restaurant, giving it a fresher feel with new furniture and décor. If you’re lucky, you may hear the click-clack of a nostalgic split-flap Solari board turned beer menu — a nod to the arrival and departure board at Grand Central Terminal.

Longtime customers will recognize most of the pizza combinations, given different names. The former Godfather, with red sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage and artichoke hearts, is now the Longfellow Avenue. Instead of the Smelly Hockey Player, the mozzarella, garlic, onion and anchovy pie is the Union Square. Some specialty pies are more California than New York, including the Fulton St., with an olive oil-brushed crust, sauteed mushrooms, goat cheese and lemon zest.

NY Pie has reopened in downtown Santa Rosa with new owners, a new look and great new pizza, Wednesday August. 21, 2024. Pizza by the slice or pie. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)

“We’re always New York, but we live in California so we are going to lean into seasonality with specialty pizzas,” said Lyons.

The restaurant sells slices, a quarter of a whole pie, throughout the day (a cheese slice is $5.25), and the lineup includes at least six different flavors. It’s a far cry from the early days of NY Pie when owner R.J. Iervolino refused to sell slices for a reason only he understood.

Wings, salads and garlic knots are also available, and the housemade ranch (all of the sauces and dressings are made at the restaurant) is a necessary (and wholly encouraged) condiment. In fact, at NY Pie, you can pour as much darn ranch, hot honey, chili flakes and Parmesan on your pizza as you want with absolutely no side-eye from a horrified pizzaiolo.

“As a local, I know the history, the following and how great it has been. I truly believe we’re here to stay. Local folks I know are really supportive and thankful NY Pie is still here,” said Peña. “I think together we’ve made it better. ”

NY Pie is at 65 Brookwood Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-526-9743. The hours are currently noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday and noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed Monday and Tuesday. Expanded hours will be announced soon.

The Best Burgers in Sonoma County

August 2024

By Heather Irwin

Burger from Lunch Box Sonoma County. The pop-up restaurant is among a handful of local restaurants that have signed on for a space at the new Livery on Main food hall in Sebastopol. Click through the gallery for more. (Courtesy of Lunch Box Sonoma County)

At Sonoma Magazine, we’re always ready to celebrate great bun-patty-bun combos. So it’s a good thing we’re not exactly picky about what’s between the buns — be it Wagyu beef, chuck, turkey or even a plant-based burger. Because here’s the thing: A great burger is really all about the whole package, with melted cheese, a soft bun, crisp veggies and a moist and chewy patty in the middle.

Scroll on below to discover some of our favorite burgers in Sonoma County, and click through the above gallery for a peek at the meaty deliciousness. Don’t worry if you don’t see yours — let us know all about it in the comments below.

The Iggy, Iggy’s Organic Burger: A tasty organic patty cooked in beef tallow is topped with Clover cheddar cheese, pickles, pickled onions, ketchup and mustard on buttery Hawaiian buns. A delicious take on a classic smash burger. 109 Plaza St., Healdsburg, 707-473-8636, angelasicecream.com

Bacon Cheeseburger, Machado Burgers: Is this bacon cheeseburger the most perfect burger in Sonoma County? Quite possibly. Don’t miss the Piggy Tots, tater tots topped with housemade chili, pulled pork, cheese, onions, jalapeños and mustard sauce. 406 Larkfield Center, Santa Rosa, 707-546-6835, machadoburgers.com

best burger from Vine Burgers Santa Rosa — A stacked burger from Vine Burgers in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Weinburger Patty Melt, Grossman’s: This is the best patty melt in our lineup of amazing patty melts (Mac’s Deli has a great one, too!) Start with a perfect beef patty, then top with pastrami, gooey Gruyere cheese and caramelized onions on rye. If you’re on the go, it stands up to a car ride like a boss. 309 ½ Wilson St., Santa Rosa, 707-595-7707, grossmanssr.com

Burger Bar, Stark’s Steak and Seafood: The Stark Standard is a half-pounder with smoked bacon, peppercorn salsa verde and Cambozola. Add-ons like onion rings, a truffled sunny-side-up egg and steak sauce make it yours. 521 Adams St., Santa Rosa, 707-546-5100, starkrestaurants.com

best burger from Jackson’s Bar and Oven — A burger from Jackson’s Bar and Oven in Santa Rosa. (Jackson’s Bar and Oven)

The Burger, Jackson’s Bar and Oven: Perfectly cooked and always flavorful, Jackson’s burger is a solid go-to, just as good plain as it is smarted-up with Point Reyes Blue, caramelized onions, jalapeños and mushrooms. 135 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-6900, jacksonsbarandoven.com

Basic Burger, Americana: A third pound of Stemple Creek Ranch beef is dressed with housemade aioli and a choice of organic Clover cheddar, pepper jack or swiss (with an option to upgrade to Estero Gold or gorgonzola) on a freshly baked bun. Served with lettuce, onion, pickle spear and choice of fries, onion rings, coleslaw, cup of soup or a side salad. 205 Fifth St., Suite A, Santa Rosa, 707-755-1548; 162 N. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-827-3309, americanasonomacounty.com

Sonoma Beef Burger, Acme Burger: This is the place for tried-and-true burgers on a budget. The Sonoma Mountain Beef Burger is $8.75 (single). Pair it with onion rings, chili cheese fries or Cajun fries. 1007 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-615-7306; 550 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati, 707-665-5620; 330 Western Ave., Petaluma, 707-559-3820, acmeburgerco.com

St. Helena Ave. Burger, Superburger: You just know a burger’s gonna be good when the counter sports rolls of paper towels rather than napkins. The St. Helena has onion rings, bacon, cheddar and barbecue sauce. Locations in Santa Rosa, Cotati, Petaluma and Windsor, originalsuperburger.com

Orange Marinated Chicken Pupusa Burger with choice of two stuffed pupusa's filled with pico de gallo, guacamole, lettuce, cheese and chipotle cream from Don Julio's Latin Grill & Pupusas in Rohnert Park. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat) — Orange Marinated Chicken Pupusa Burger with choice of two stuffed pupusa’s filled with pico de gallo, guacamole, lettuce, cheese and chipotle cream from Don Julio’s Latin Grill & Pupusas in Rohnert Park. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Pupusa Burger, Don Julio’s: Now for something completely different: an orange-marinated chicken pupusa burger with a choice of two stuffed pupusas filled with pico de gallo, guacamole, lettuce, cheese and chipotle cream. 217 Southwest Blvd., Rohnert Park, 707-242-3160, donjulioslatingrill.com

Organic Burger, Amy’s Drive-Thru: The best non-meat burger. Period. Best with a dairy-free chocolate shake. 58 Golf Course Drive W., Rohnert Park, 707-755-3629, amysdrivethru.com

Moo-Ben, Mike’s at the Crossroads: In the annals of Sonoma County hamburger history, Mike’s holds a special place in almost everyone’s heart. Original owner Mike Condrin’s take on a Reuben has got all the usual fixings: corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and thousand island dressing, piled on a burger between marbled rye. 7665 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati, 707-665-9999, mikesatthecrossroads.com

Farm Burger, Brewsters Beer Garden: Simple and delicious, this meaty sandwich features white cheddar, aioli, pickles, onion and romaine lettuce. Served with shoestring duck fat fries. 229 Water St. N., Petaluma, 707-981-8330, brewstersbeergarden.com

Burger from Lunch Box. (Courtesy of Lunch Box) — Burger from Lunch Box in Sebastopol. (Courtesy of Lunch Box)

Burger Harn, Lunch Box: The signature Burger Harn is the kind of messy, smushy, everything-that’s-good-about-beef masterpiece you rarely find. It’s a third pound of Oak Ridge Angus topped with cheddar, tomato, red onion, shredded iceburg, dill pickle, onion butter and fancy sauce on a Costeaux brioche bun. Pair with “dirty fries” — a pile of crispy fries, chevre ranch dressing, house-cured and smoked bacon, green onion, roasted garlic and pepperoncini. You’ll need a handful of napkins and a stout appetite. 128 N. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-347-9881, lunchboxsonomacounty.com

The Classic Burger, Cozy Plum Bistro: Meatless doesn’t mean tasteless. All the fixings make this hearty burger, made with a chef’s blend protein patty, a satisfying stunt double for beef, whether you’re a carnivore or not. 6970 McKinley St., Sebastopol, 707-823-3333, cozyplum.com

Inglewood Burger, Handline: The Inglewood Burger features organic beef, St. Jorge fonduta, local lettuces, spicy pickle relish and thousand island on a toasted bun. 935 Gravenstein Ave. S., Sebastopol, 707-827-3744, handline.com

best burger at Road Trip Guerneville — At Road Trip restaurant in Guerneville. (Kelly Puleio Photography)

The Mac Daddy, Road Trip: A 7-ounce Oak Ridge patty topped with cheese, pickles, onions, shredded lettuce and secret sauce on a sesame milk bun. A top-notch burger from chef Crista Luedtke — someone who knows her burgers and isn’t afraid to reinvent the McDonald’s classic. 16218 Main St., Guerneville, 707-604-6102, eatatroadtrip.com

Lodge Burger, Sea Ranch Lodge: A perfect coastal burger with a perfect coastal view. The ground beef and lamb patty is topped with aioli and smoked gouda, served with fries. 60 Sea Walk Drive, The Sea Ranch, 707-579-9777, thesearanchlodge.com

Hangover Cheeseburger, Healdsburger: This mostly-locals spot does all kinds of burgers, but we especially appreciate the Hangover Cheeseburger with sriracha hot sauce, a fried egg, bacon, pepper jack cheese and lettuce on an Italian bun. After a day of wine tasting, you’ll need this protein and carbo-load. 48 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-473-9604, healdsburger.com

Smash Burger, The Wurst Restaurant: Though they’re passionate about sausage, Wurst’s burgers always get top billing in Healdsburg. Our favorite is the exceedingly simple half-pounder with caramelized onions, sharp cheddar, pickles and a slather of lemon pepper tarragon sauce. Fries come separately but are required eating, as is the frozen custard. 22 Matheson St., Healdsburg, 707-395-0214, thewurst.com

Iggy’s Organic Burgers with duck fat and beef patty, buttery brioche, organic American cheese, ketchup, mustard, onions caramelized with a secret sauce, and pickles are served on the plaza, Friday in Downtown Healdsburg June 30, 2023. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat) — Iggy’s Organic Burgers with duck fat and beef patty, buttery brioche, organic American cheese, ketchup, mustard, onions caramelized with a secret sauce, and pickles are served on the plaza, in downtown Healdsburg, June 30, 2023. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)

Kin Burger, Kin Restaurant: The Kin Burger features certified Angus beef, smoked white cheddar cheese, applewood smoked bacon, housemade barbecue sauce, lettuce, tomato and onion on a toasted brioche bun. 740 McClelland Drive, Windsor, 707-837-7546, kinwindsor.com

Classic Burger, Palooza Brewery and Gastropub: An excellent burger featuring a half pound of your choice of chuck or brisket, topped with lettuce, tomato, pickle, red onion and garlic aioli. Go for add-ons like avocado, grilled onions and brie cheese. 8910 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-833-4000, paloozafresh.com

Happy Hour Burger, Salt and Stone: This lil’ darling of a burger is just right for a nosh with your martini. A quarter pound of house-ground beef with cheddar and aioli on a brioche bun. 9900 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-833-6326, saltstonekenwood.com

The Western Burger, Carmen’s Bistro & Bar: Featuring onion rings, cheddar cheese, applewood bacon and barbecue sauce, this burger will require your jaw to unhinge for a bite. 619 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-843-5186

HopMonk Cheeseburger, HopMonk: Modern pub dining with a focus on great beer and beer-friendly dishes, like the house burger topped with aioli, tomato chutney, white cheddar and crispy shallot on brioche. 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol, 707-829-7300; and 691 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-935-9100, hopmonk.com

Wine Country Chef to Helm Sebastopol’s Campanella Italian Restaurant

August 2024

By Heather Irwin

The back patio at Flavor Bistro in Sebastopol. (Photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Slated for a late summer opening, Sebastopol’s forthcoming Campanella Kitchen & Garden Patio has appointed Anthony Paone as its executive chef.

Like Campanella co-owner Tom Rutledge, Paone was raised in an Italian-American family in New York. A longtime Bay Area chef, he moved to Sonoma County for the Kenwood Restaurant (now Salt & Stone) relaunch in 2013. He most recently worked at Archetype in St. Helena and the Bull Valley Roadhouse in Port Costa.

Campanella Italian restaurant Sebastopol — Chef Anthony Paone and general manager Gillian Tyrnauer of Campanella Kitchen in Sebastopol. (Loren Hansen Photography)

Rutledge, who is a co-founder of hospitality-focused accounting firm RDMS Group in Petaluma, hopes to capture his childhood’s simple, comforting flavors at Campanella.

“This is a love letter to my grandma and the food I ate growing up. That is my happy flavor profile,” said Rutledge in April.

“I want a place that tastes like home. I guess I’m partially building a place to go eat myself,” he said of dishes such as chicken Parmesan, spaghetti and meatballs, and simple pizzas (a Mugnaini oven is being custom built). The restaurant will also include plant-based and allergy-friendly options for diners.

Gillian Tyrnauer will be Campanella’s general manager. She previously worked at Healdsburg SHED, Ramen Gaijin in Sebastopol and Journeyman Meats in Healdsburg, as well as Zuni and Quince restaurants in San Francisco and Oliveto in Oakland.

Campanella will be located in the former Flavor Bistro space at 7365 Healdsburg Ave. in Sebastopol.

It’s Oktoberfest All Year at This Healdsburg Restaurant

August 2024

By Heather Irwin

Bavarian pretzels at Tisza Bistro’s Beer Garden in Healdsburg. (Photos: Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)

Fire up the oompah bands and gather ‘round for schnitzel sandwiches, ice-cold Pilseners and wurst, because the Beer Garden at Tisza Bistro in Healdsburg is open.

Though it’s just a handful of stout wooden tables, bistro seats under twinkle lights and Weihenstephan pennants (Germany’s oldest brewery), Munich is in the air at chef Krisztian Karkus’ Hungarian/German eatery.

“We’re moving a little more toward German food. People really recognize it,” said Karkus of the newly launched beer garden menu.

The al fresco space is open from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday. Karkus and his wife/co-owner Alena Rebick also have a stand at the Healdsburg Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.

Schnitzel Tisza Bistro Beer Garden — Schnitzel Sandwich at Tisza Bistro’s Beer Garden in Healdsburg. (Photos: Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)

The small garden is bustling with diners even on a quiet Monday afternoon. Here, Karkus’ much-loved pork schnitzel comes in sandwich form between a split pretzel bun stuffed with creamy cucumber and a heavy dousing of tart lingonberry jam ($18). It’s messy through and through, which Karkus says is precisely the point: “I didn’t want it to look too perfect.” Served with a light summer salad and an easygoing Spaten Lager ($9), you’ll be fueled up for a marathon-length “Verdauungsspaziergang” (or digestion walk) around the Dry Creek Valley. Or at least to downtown Healdsburg’s Noble Folk for some ice cream.

The housemade bratwurst ($18) is a must-try, even if you’re not a huge sausage fan. Karkus’ pan-fried pork wurst puts the stuff at backyard barbecues to shame. In fact, I’ve never had a softer, more mellow brat that works perfectly with housemade sauerkraut and pillowy potato dumplings. It is served with a side of sourdough-fermented “sun pickles,” an Eastern European pickling method that uses the sun, salt, water and a slice of bread (and no vinegar) to create a tart but nonaggressive condiment.

Like a good lager or Kölsch, nothing on Karkus’ menu has to punch you in the taste buds to make an impression. However, watch out for the mustard served with the brats. It will flash flood your sinuses quicker than a desert rainstorm.

Tisza Bistro Beer Garden Currywurst — Currywurst at Tisza Bistro’s Beer Garden in Healdsburg. (Photos: Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)

I’m also a fan of the currywurst ($18), made with the same bratwurst, sliced into pieces and laid over beer-battered fries and caramelized onions with a curry-spiked ketchup. This classic German street food can easily stand up to darker beers or even an IPA. Living up to its name, the beer garden has five German beers on tap, plus cans of Stiegl Radler (grapefruit juice and lager) and malty Korbinian.

You will, of course, need to order the fresh pretzels ($6), soft and chewy twists of dough with fat seeds of coarse salt. Karkus whispers an aside, “You don’t ever put mustard on pretzels.” He almost seems offended that anyone would suggest such a thing. Though, he points out they’re served in the beer garden with whole grain mustard and a ramekin of soft butter — the preferred condiment.

The menu also includes a cheeseburger ($20), grilled ham and cheese on sourdough ($17) or a simple chicken club ($19). There’s also an iceberg wedge salad ($16), fries doused in porcini mushroom sauce ($9) and German-style cheesecake with a pretzel graham crust ($10). Smoked salmon latkes ($17) from the dinner menu are also a winner.

The new beer garden is a quiet respite and a friendly spot where you’ll likely overhear local gossip (I hear a Healdsburg bakery is expanding just nearby). Or have a solitary moment with your thoughts and a cold beer. Either way, “Prost!” to Tisza Bistro’s tasty new outdoor offerings. Stay tuned for details on Tisza’s official Oktoberfest plans this fall.

165 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-291-5193, tiszabistro.com

Modern Sonoma Home on 3 Secluded Acres Listed for $12.5 Million

August 2024

By Karen Kizer

This newly constructed four-bedroom, five-five bathroom Sonoma home has a pool and multiple covered pavilions to accommodate a large group of guests. It is currently listed for $12,500,000. (Jacob Elliot) — This newly constructed four-bedroom, five-and-a-half bathroom Sonoma home has a pool and multiple covered pavilions to accommodate a large group of guests. It is currently listed for $12,500,000. (Jacob Elliot)

A newly built Sonoma home on 3 acres is secluded from neighboring properties by two creeks and a dense surround of oaks, maples and an olive grove. The property is currently up for sale for $12,500,000.

The four bedroom, five-and-a-half bathroom dwelling on Fisher Lane centers around a pool and separate covered pavilions designed to accommodate large groups of guests.

The work of hospitality architect Juan-Diego Perez-Vargas, the L-shaped structure somewhat echoes the style of a modern longhouse with a steep gabled roof that runs the length of the home. It is clad in board-and-batten vertical siding. The home includes pitched interior ceilings, from 10 to 16 feet tall, as well as more intimate spaces. A large great room that houses the kitchen, dining and lounge areas.

Great room in Sonoma home — Seating area in the great room. (Jacob Elliot)

Wet bar Sonoma home — Wet bar accented with drip paintings by Francisco Valverde. (Jacob Elliot)

The use of beiges, blacks and whites create a tranquil palette. European white oak cabinets throughout give a gentle warmth and black quartzite counters offer graceful high-gloss contrast. White walls and the 10 to 16-foot ceilings lift the look. A restrained use of full-spectrum artworks – sculpture and drip paintings by Francisco Valverde — provide stunning blasts of color.

A loft and half-bathroom above the garage can function as guest quarters. Covered pavilions offer open-air lounging and dining areas to drink in the bucolic Sonoma setting. An outdoor kitchen features a grill and pizza oven.

For more information on 200 Fisher Lane, contact listing agents Joseph Zichelle, 415-279-2221, or Christine Krenos, 707-227-8661, Compass Real Estate, Krenoszichelle.com, 200fisher.com