Page 355 – Sonoma Magazine

Where to Taste Big Chicken IPA in Sonoma County and Beyond

February 2017

By Jess Poshepny Vallery

Henhouse BIG Chicken IPA Release TODAY. (Photo courtesy of HenHouse Brewing Facebook page)

A Petaluma chicken is on the run. We’re not talking the feathery poultry kind of chick but a big hoppy one, and now is your chance to catch it. Today marks the fifth annual release of HenHouse Brewing Co.’s limited edition Big Chicken double IPA and, as we speak, Bay Area beer lovers are getting ready to seek out this rare bird.

Only available to taste two days per year, Big Chicken is a big deal in the beer world. It is made with Citra, Amarillo, and Mosaic hops, and each barrel contains 11 pounds of hops (most IPAs contain only three pounds). The high hop content makes the beer intense, but also fragile and it perishes fast. Because of this reason, HenHouse kegs and delivers Big Chicken on the very same day, and ask that bars and brewpubs taps it on that day in order to ensure peak freshness. The beer usually runs out within two days (and with SFBeer Week in full swing, the beer is likely to go even faster), which leaves only a small window between now and Sunday to get a taste.

“Big Chicken is the extreme of our focus on freshness,” said HenHouse Brewing Co. president Scott Goyne,”Beer is a far more perishable product than most folks realize, in particular hop flavor and aroma degrade fast, so it’s important to drink hoppy beer in it’s short window of freshness.”

In Sonoma County, Big Chicken will be available at HenHouse’s taproom and at the following locations:

Petaluma:
Roaring Donkey
McNear’s Saloon
Taps
Sauced BBQ & Spirits
Petaluma Market
Charley’s
Wilibee’s Wine & Spirits
Speakeasy
Mario and John’s
Twin Oaks Roadhouse

Rohnert Park:
Beer Craft

Cotati:
Flagship Taproom

Santa Rosa:
Brew
Local Barrel
Sprengers
Belly Left Coast Kitchen
Wilibie’s
Steele and Hops
Westside Grill
Rincon Valley Tap Room & Bottle Shop

Windsor:
Oliver’s Market

Healdsburg:
Healdsburg Emporium

Sebastopol:
Hopmonk
K&L Bistro
Community Market
Whiskey Tip

Occidental:
Barley and Hops

Sonoma:
Hopmonk

Big Chicken will also be available at these Bay Area locations:

North Bay:

Hopmonk (Novato)

Beer Craft (Novato)

Pig in a Pickle (Corte Madera)

Napa Palisades

San Francisco:

Hopwater Distribution

Brewcade

Alamo Drafthouse

Crafty Fox

Mikkeller Bar

Long Bridge Pizza

Garaje

G Spot

Gestalt

Hamlet

Sea Star

WesBurger ‘N’ More

Mission Bowling Club

Richmond Republic

Babu Ji

Rosamunde Sausage Grill

City Beer Store

Liquid Gold

Churchill

East Bay:

Tap 25

Bottles

Prizefighter

Golden Squirrel

Elevation 66

Ben and Nick’s

Albany Taproom

Pacific Standard

Vine and Grain

Lost and Found

Hop Grenade

Ol Beercafe

Hog’s Apothecary

Half Orange

The Growler

Brotzeit lokal

Good Hop

Commonwealth

Cato’s

The Cooler

Sunol Ridge

Portal

Final Gravity

Modesto Market

South Bay:

Devil’s Slide Taproom

Winters Tavern

Jack’s

5 Best Sonoma Wines to Celebrate International Syrah Day

February 2017

By Sarah Stierch

Corner 103 tasting room in Sonoma. (Photo courtesy of Corner 103)

Before Pliny the Elder was the mascot for the famed beer by Sonoma County’s Russian River Brewing Company, he was dropping valuable bits of wine knowledge about Syrah.

In fact, it’s perfectly fitting that International Syrah Day falls on February 16, the final day of the 14th annual debut of the highly-sought after Pliny the Younger at Russian River Brewing Co. in Santa Rosa. Pliny the Elder, the Younger’s uncle, is believed to be the first person to document Syrah in writing, specifically in his encyclopedia, Natural History, published around the year 77.

Syrah’s origins are in France, where it is used to create classic Rhône wines such as Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage, and is used in the red blend Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Today, Syrah is cultivated around the world, most notably in Australia, where it is called Shiraz, and in California. A great rainy day wine, Syrah pairs perfectly with slow cooked barbecue pork, braised lamb shanks, or your favorite Chinese take out.

Here are six great Syrah wines to celebrate International Syrah Day.

Amista Vineyards Sparkling Syrah ($40)
Amista has earned a cult following for their unique sparkling wines, which include this raspberry beret-red sparkling Syrah. Estate-grown, this dry sparkler will surprise the palate with a full blast of raspberry and strawberry fruit and a touch of sour cherry.

Corner 103 2012 Sonoma Valley Syrah ($50)
An old world-style Syrah, this is Corner 103’s first foray into Sonoma County grown Rhône varietals – and we can’t complain. Grown stone’s throw from the Corner 103’s downtown Sonoma tasting room, it’s a bold wine, filled with cherry, blackberry and dark chocolate, making it a perfect alternative for the Malbec or Merlot fan in your life.

Kobler Estate Winery 2014 Russian River Valley Syrah ($48)
Grown on a former apple farm, the Kobler family’s Syrah is a great representation of how a Syrah should taste: great acid, the right amount of cherry and blackberry fruit, and a white pepper spice that makes this a perfect pairing for that Chinese take-out you’re now craving. A mere 50 cases made, grab it while you can.

MacLaren Wine Company 2013 Drouthy Neebors ($40)
Drouthy neebors is the Scottish phrase for “thirsty friends” and there is no doubt you’ll make plenty of those with this stellar Syrah by winemaker Steve MacLaren – he’s the premier Syrah producer in Sonoma County. A special blend of MacLaren’s single vineyard Syrahs, it’s filled with black fruit, savory spices, and a touch of smokiness. Best served fireside.

Loxton 2013 Port ($28)
A rare treat, this port is 100% Syrah grown on Loxton’s estate vineyard in the village of Glen Ellen. Reminiscent of a traditional Portuguese port, this wine is savory, yet sweet. A smooth blend of dark cherry leather, and smoke, this juicy port makes for a perfect ending to a fabulous celebration of Syrah.

Why is your favorite restaurant closed today? #daywithoutimmigrants

February 2017

By biteclub

Note: This is an evolving story, and will be updated throughout the day. #daywithoutimmigrants

The normally bustling taquerias and mercados of Sebastopol Road are silent today. Parking lots stand empty at familiar spots like Lola’s Market, La Fondita, El Favorito and Frozen Art, along with many other businesses in this predominantly Hispanic neighborhood. Posted on doors and windows are hand-written signs saying, “We are joining A Day Without Immigrants and are closed today,” or “Dear clients in support of all nationalities we will be closed.”

This pocket of the county is far from alone. Throughout Sonoma County restaurants, bars, wineries and other businesses have gone dark during a nationwide strike designed to call attention to the contributions of foreign-born citizens. The campaign, which gained traction on social media, urges US immigrants not to go to work or school, or make purchases on Feb. 17 in a show of solidarity against the Trump administration’s strong stance on illegal immigration.

Restaurants are one of the largest employers of immigrants, making eateries nationwide a focal point of the strike.

“My staff and I are in a support of “Day without immigrants,” said Teresita Fernandez, owner of La Michoacana in Boyes Hot Springs. “Please share and spread the word. Together we can make a difference.”

“It’s a small price to pay,” Fernandez told The Press Democrat. “The people who are facing deportation — who shouldn’t be deported — are the ones who are suffering. Losing a day of income isn’t going to change my world.”

Many other businesses in the area are also closed today, some by choice and others by default as immigrant workers honor the strike .

“In support of our family, friends and co-workers, we will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, February 16,” said The Breakaway Cafe’s Facebook page. “This was actually prompted by the staff, we are supporting their decision not to work,” said owners.

In Santa Rosa, Vietnamese restaurant Simply Vietnam was also closed, with a simple sign saying that they’d had an “employee shortage.”

Other local restaurateurs and food businesses supporting the strike spoke out on social media to BiteClub:

Bear Republic (Healdsburg): “In support of our staff and in solidarity with the Day without Immigrants, Bear Republic’s kitchen will be closed today.”
“My warehouse staff is striking but they checked with me to make sure it was ok. I told them that’s not the real point of demonstrating, but, yes, I thought it was cool,” Steve Sando of Rancho Gordo New World Specialty Foods in Napa.
“Gaia’s Garden is open, but we’ve adjusted our shopping so that we’re not shopping on Friday (our usual day). And encouraging customers to pay cash if possible. We can’t afford to close, and our employees need the money. For a general strike to work, it needs a huge buy-in, and a run-up similar to the women’s March, which this doesn’t have. But we’re doing what we can,” Susan Church, Gaia’s Garden in Santa Rosa.
Zazu Restaurant + Farm is taking a different approach. “Fight back by building livelihoods,” said co-owner Duskie Estes. Her Barlow eatery will donate 1 percent of the day’s proceeds to La Cocina in San Francisco, a food business incubator that works with immigrants, women, and people of color.
Valette: We are all immigrants to this country, just some have been here longer than others,” said Dustin Valette, chef/owner of Valette restaurant in Healdsburg. The restaurant is donating 1 percent of sales to La Cocina tonight.
Glen Ellen Star: We are donating 50% of all of our sales tonight to La Luz in Sonoma to help protest federal immigration policies. Visit www.laluzcenter.org for more information on this incredible organization and how they help immigrants succeed in Sonoma Valley. #glenellenstar
Also closed, La Texanita, El Brinquito, all Fruta locations.
McDonalds in Windsor, Cloverdale and Healdsburg.
Cocina Peruana (Petaluma): Closed.

Reactions to the closures, not surprisingly, were mixed. While many supporters of the strike have responded to the closures in good humor, saying that they’ll make sure to return this weekend, a closure sign on the Healdsburg McDonald’s was defaced with derogatory slang, and other restaurant websites have received their share of frustration with the closures.

Celebrity chefs including Jose Andres are also joining the strike, closing their high-profile Washington, D.C. and New York eateries today, and reports of many McDonald’s being closed are filtering into the media…

The @McDonalds on William Cannon and South 1st also closed today #ADayWithoutImmigrants pic.twitter.com/HcgdnL4ySw

— Stef Manisero (@StefManisero) February 16, 2017

Bless this restaurant #DayWithoutImmigrants pic.twitter.com/0xufABzvzh — Kait ? (@itzzkait) February 16, 2017

Though the strike has no official organizer, the Si Se Puede Facebook page states, “In cities across the country, on February 16th, immigrants are not going to work, their kids are not going to school, they are boycotting all stores that exploit undocumented immigrants. They are going out to the streets to say, we’re here and we’re not going anywhere, we’re here because we belong here, we’re here because we make this country run and operate.” The group organized a march in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania this morning. And we just couldn’t resist this one…

When you’re prep cooks go on strike, but still get all their work done a day in advance because #love & #family. #ADayWithoutImmigrants pic.twitter.com/DvRNJ5shKY — Little Red Fox (@littleredfoxdc) February 16, 2017]

Biteclub has the right to remove any comments meant to incite hatred or divisiveness.

Handline Restaurant No Fish Story in Sebastopol

February 2017

By biteclub

First reviewed Oct. 2016. Revisited June 2025 “Still excellent. Worth a trip. Don’t miss happy hour.” – HI

Handline is all about “Coastal California” cuisine, and that means plenty of seafood ranging from raw and grilled oysters to fried rockfish tacos, fisherman’s stew, ceviche and a killer salad with house smoked trout, pickled onion, apple and buttermilk dressing .

What puts Handline over the top however, has nothing to do with the sea. It’s the burger and fries. Their Inglewood burger includes St. Jorge fonduta, sweet chili relish, pastured beef and Thousand Island dressing ($11) and the double-fried hand cut fries with chipotle aioli ($5).

One of the most stunning reasons to check out the former Foster’s Freeze is the soaring interior, with Japanese-screen style windows that slide open, a large outdoor patio and large, family-sized tables (and some great beer and wine for mom and dad). Don’t miss dessert, their ode to Foster’s with Straus soft serve ($6) that’s available at the restaurant or the walk-up window to the patio.

It’s a fast-casual concept where you order at the counter and food is delivered, making it a quick in-and-out for lunch, but if you’ve got the time, you can also order more courses either at the window or from your table. It’s a bit like Gott’s Roadside, but inside and with better service.

The visual highpoint, however, is the Fire Island Barbie fish tank diorama. At least that’s what we’ve dubbed it. You kinda gotta-see-it-to-believe the five-foot waterless tank filled with rainbow colored sea life, mermaid Barbies, jellyfish, guitar playing turtles and Godzilla with a bouquet of flowers. Paired with a few hard ciders, its even more entertaining.

Hint: Watch out for the hot sauce at the tables. Though it looks creamy and undaunting, it’s got a powerful bite!

Handline Restaurant, 935 Gravenstein Hwy. South, Sebastopol, 11a.m. to 10p.m. daily. Visit site.

Sonoma County Town Makes List of Healthiest Cities in the U.S.

February 2017

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

Peri Olsson of Santa Rosa takes her dog Teddy on a walk at Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve in Santa Rosa, California on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat) Santa Rosa ranked one of the best places to live

Santa Rosa is on a roll. The Sonoma County city was recently ranked “one of the best value towns in the U.S.” by Sunset Magazine and “one of the best places to live in the U.S.” by U.S. News. And now, according to a recent study by personal finance website WalletHub, Santa Rosa has also been named one the “healthiest places to live in the U.S.” Of course, Santa Rosa has long enjoyed a special place in our hearts (here’s why) but it’s always nice to be able to add even more reasons for loving this local town.

Determining the healthiest cities in the United States, WalletHub compared 150 of the most populated cities across 34 key indicators of good health, including quality of health care, food consumption, fitness and available green space. Santa Rosa ranked number 23 overall, fifth in the green space category, 20th in the food consumption category and 50th in fitness. Its health care rank was 90. San Francisco ranked number 1 on the list, followed by Salt Lake City, UT, and Scottsdale, AZ. Oakland (#30), Fremont (#13) and San Jose (#33) also made the list. The bottom three cities in the study were Memphis (TN), Brownsville (TX) and Detroit (MI).

See the WalletHub study here. What do you think, is Santa Rosa a healthy place to live?

Pliny the Younger is Worth the Wait – Today Is Last Chance to Taste It

February 2017

By Jess Poshepny Vallery

It’s week two of “Younger” and people are still flocking from all over the world to taste the limited-release beer at Russian River Brewing Company (RRBC) in Santa Rosa. During week one, beer lovers defied winter rain and as the sun came out by the beginning of the second week, the line wrapped around the buildings on 4th Street and continued all the way to 5th Street at the back of the brewery. Visitors and locals alike patiently waited to see if the beloved beer is all it’s cracked up to be – and, believe me, it is. If you haven’t yet experienced this epic brew, call in sick, do whatever you have to, and get yourself to RRBC! Here’s the inside scoop from this year’s release (and here’s 10 things you need to know about Pliny the Younger).

The line for Pliny the Younger, to get into Russian River Brewing on day 9 of the two week release. Taken from the rooftop of the RRNC building. This is the back side of the building, leading into the parking lot on 5th Street. (Photo from RRBC Facebook page) — Day 9 of the two-week Pliny the Younger release: the line stretches to the backside of the Russian River Brewing Co. (RRBC) building in Santa Rosa. (Photo from RRBC Facebook page)

BS_020917_STORM3_814736 — Sherry and Nick Shish wait in line to drink Pliny the Younger at Russian River Brewing Co. in Santa Rosa. (Beth Schlanker)

Russian River Brewing Company owners Natalie, left, and Vinnie Cilurzo raise glasses of Pliny the Younger with their staff before opening their doors to customers in Santa Rosa, on Friday, February 3, 2017. (Christopher Chung — Russian River Brewing Company owners Natalie, left, and Vinnie Cilurzo raise glasses of Pliny the Younger with their staff before opening their doors to customers in Santa Rosa, on Friday, February 3. (Christopher Chung)

First things first: order your pints! Rounds of Younger all around when people enter the pub. (Photo by Tim Vallery) Server Grant Baker brings out a tray of Pliny the Younger at the Russian River Brewing Company, in Santa Rosa, on Friday, February 3, 2017. (Christopher Chung — First things first: order your pints! Server Grant Baker brings out a tray of Pliny the Younger at the Russian River Brewing Company, in Santa Rosa. (Christopher Chung)

Bartenders pouring hundreds of pints of Younger a day. (Photo by Tim Vallery) — RRBC bartenders pour hundreds of pints of Younger each day of the two week release. (Tim Vallery)

Russian River Brewing Co. guests are allotted a three hour slot to enjoy their three Youngers, brewery bites, and any other beers they may like to try. After waiting in line for hours, people take advantage of their time inside: beers and bites and pizzas are flowing non-stop.

The brewpub is so controlled and pleasant to be in during Younger - everyone has a seat to sit in and it's easy to move around; it's almost quiet in a way. — During the Younger craze, the Santa Rosa brewpub is controlled and pleasant. Everyone has an assigned seat and it’s easy to move around; it’s almost quiet.

Audrey Cilurzo, mother of Russian River Brewing Company owner Vinnie Cilurzo, samples a glass of Pliny the Younger in Santa Rosa, on Friday, February 3, 2017. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat) Pliny the Younger — Audrey Cilurzo, mother of Russian River Brewing Company owner Vinnie Cilurzo, samples a glass of Pliny the Younger in Santa Rosa. (Christopher Chung)

Chef Matt Hoffman prepares the chicken wings for service. The chicken wings with the savage sauce are a huge hit and a local favorite. (Photo by Tim Vallery) — RRBC chef Matt Hoffman prepares chicken wings, a local favorite. (Tim Vallery)

Long Beach visitor Sara Adriana chats it up with brewer/owner Vinnie Cilurzo on day one of Pliny the Younger. Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo often make appearances to say hello to guests and thank them for waiting in line and coming to the brewpub. (Photo by Tim Vallery) — Long Beach visitor Sara Adriana chats with RRBC brewer/owner Vinnie Cilurzo on day one of Pliny the Younger. Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo often make appearances to say hello to guests and thank them for waiting in line and coming to the brewpub. (Tim Vallery)

Visitors enjoying their brews with beer bites and pizza at Russian River Brewing Company. Three hours may seem like a long time, but it's not when the beer and bites are so delicious! Order right away so you have more time to enjoy! (Photo by Tim Vallery) — RRBC visitors enjoy their brews with beer bites and pizza. Three hours may seem like a long time but, when the beer and bites are so delicious, it’s not! Make sure to place your orders first thing, so you have more time to enjoy the food and drinks. (Tim Vallery)

4 Sonoma Restaurants Make James Beard Semifinalist List

February 2017

By Sarah Stierch

A selection of dishes at SingleThread Farm-Restaurant-Inn in Healdsburg. (Photo courtesy of Single Thread)

singlethread — Chef Kyle Connaughton and Katina Connaughton’s SingleThread, in Healdsburg, has been nominated in the James Beard Award’s Best New Restaurant category.

It’s a big day in the food and drink world: today the James Beard Foundation announced the semifinalists for its 2017 Restaurant and Chef Awards and we’re excited to report that some of the brightest stars in Sonoma County, and surrounding areas, are representing!

The James Beard Award is a big deal – it’s like the Oscars of food, wine and cocktails. To no surprise, the most anticipated restaurant to open in years in Wine Country made the list for Best New Restaurant: SingleThread in Healdsburg. They’re nominated for displaying “excellence in food, beverage, and service” and for the big impact the restaurant is anticipated to make in the foodie world in the future.

Karen Taylor Waikiki of El Molino Central has been recognized as a semifinalist for the Best Chef in the West. Her small Mexican restaurant in Sonoma has a cult following unlike any other.

Santa Rosa hometown hero Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing Company and Ted Lemon, producer of amazing Pinot Noir at Littorai Wines in Sebastopol, have been recognized in the Outstanding Wine, Spirits or Beer Professional category for making a “significant national impact” on the restaurant industry. They are nominated alongside Napa’s Miljenko Grgich of Grgich Hills Estate winery and Steve Matthiasson of Matthiasson Wines.

Nearby in Napa Valley, Christopher Kostow of The Restaurant in Meadowood was nominated in the Outstanding Chef category, an award that recognizes the best working chef in America.

Two St. Helena establishments also received nods: Terra in the Outstanding Service category and Press for Outstanding Wine Program.

James Beard Award finalists will be announced in Los Angeles on March 15.

Healdsburg Restaurant Semi-Finalist for Best New Restaurant in America

February 2017

By biteclub

Kyle and Katina Connaughton of Single Thread Farms Restaurant in Healdsburg at their farm. Photo: Jason Jaacks

Just a two months after opening, Single Thread Restaurant has been named a semi-finalist for Best New Restaurant in America by the James Beard Foundation.

The haute Healdsburg restaurant, which runs about $300 per person and can last upwards of three hours, culminates a lifetime dream of Chef Kyle Connaughton and his farmer/wife Katina. The highly anticipated restaurant was been a media darling throughout its construction and opening, considered by some food writers to be one of the most important openings of 2016.

Single Thread joins 27 other nominees for the coveted award which honors restaurants that“…opened in the calendar year before the award will be given that already displays excellence in food, beverage, and service, and that is likely to make a significant impact in years to come.” In Situ and Tartine Manufactory, both in San Francisco, have also been nominated for the Best New Restaurant award.

The James Beard Awards, named for famed culinarian James Beard, are the most prestigious awards in the food world.

Also in Sonoma County, Karen Taylor of Sonoma’s El Molino Central has been named a semi-finalist for Best Chef West. For Outstanding Wine, Spirits and Beer Professional, Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing Company and Ted Lemon of Sebastopol’s Littorai Wines have been tapped as semi-finalists.

A smaller list of finalists will be announced in each category on March 15 in the categories of Outstanding Baker, Outstanding Bar Program, Outstanding Chef (Meadowood’s Chris Kostow is a semi-finalist), Outstanding Restaurant, Outstanding Restaurateur, Outstanding Wine Program, Rising Star Chef and Best Chef awards for other regions. Winners will be announced on Monday, May 1.

The Bay Area has more than a dozen semi-finalists up for awards, but historically, the region hasn’t been a big winner.

Here is a complete list of all semi-finalists.

The Insane New Starbucks Breakfast Treat

February 2017

By biteclub

Starbucks Sous Vide Egg Bites. Courtesy photo.

Cheap Eat: Starbucks Breakfast Sous Vide Egg Bites, $4.50

If you have a teenage daughter you may understand why I spend an inordinate amount of my paycheck at Starbucks. I think they must put something in the Frappuccinos that make gaggles of 14-year-old girls squeal with delight every time we pass one. (Trust me, on my own, I’m more fond of locally owned spots like Brew or the new Retrograde Roasters).

But here’s the thing: Sometimes a mama needs to eat. And when the word “Sous Vide” is involved at a Starbucks, call my interest piqued, but my hopes managed. This is Starbuck’s after all and we’re all still smarting a bit from the whole La Boulange disaster.

Shocker! The sous vide egg bites are insanely good. Like, I’m kinda hooked good. These little egg nibbles come in two flavors: Gruyere and bacon (310 calories), egg white with roasted peppers (170 calories). Both are high in protein and have a velvety, almost creamy texture packed with flavor. (And I’m not the only one loving them). In case you’re not a cooking nerd, the “sous vide” process of cooking the eggs borrows from a gourmet cooking technique that uses a vacuum-sealed back cooked in a water bath.

Turns out teenager and I nearly came to a nasty staredown over a set of these bad boys. It was easy enough to distract her, however, by pointing to a new flavor of Frappucino while I polished off the last one. Mom always wins.

They’re about $4.50 for two. Buy an extra pair.

Not a Starbucks fan? Here’s a link to making them at home.

14 Amazing Valentine Dining and Drinking Experiences in Sonoma County

February 2017

By biteclub

Cupid arrives in Sonoma County on Tuesday, Feb. 14, and restaurants and tasting rooms around the county are ready to make you a romance hero(ine). We’ve picked some of the best from the nearly 50 menus sent to us this year based what we think will be the yummiest experiences for you and your honey bun. Note that some of these events may sell out, and you should call for reservations no matter where you plan to go.

Pre Valentine’s Day

Wine and Chocolate Pairing at K-J: Chocolate truffles infused with strawberries and cream, rosemary and lavender paired with rose, cabernet and dessert wines make for a decadent experience throughout the weekend. Wander through the gardens hand-in-hand afterward. Reservations recommended, especially on weekends. 5007 Fulton Road, Santa Rosa, kj.com or 707-576-3810 for details.

Wine and Cookie Pairing at Three Sticks: You need to check out this luxe Sonoma tasting room anyway, so why not bring your love for a pairing of valentine inspired cookies from Cookie, Take a Bite! and Three Sticks Wine. Reservations required, Feb. 10-14, $50 per person. Call for details 707-996-3328 x 105. 142 West Spain, Sonoma.

“Haters vs. Daters” Tasting Flights at La Crema Tasting Lounge: On Feb. 11, pick from two special flights created especially for Valentine “haters” or Cupid-loving “daters” paired with food bites and wine in their Healdsburg tasting room. $15 pp, 10:30a.m. to 5p.m., 235 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg.

Patisserie Angelica’s Cardinal Sin Heart: We love this adorable Sebastopol bakery both for their stellar cakes and chocolates as well as their dedication to using local, organic ingredients. Best bet: Flourless chocolate cake with butter ganache and raspberry dark chocolate truffle hearts. Pair with their signature “Better Than Sex” chocolate fudge sauce. Limited quantities, so pre-order because they’ll be closed on Valentine’s Day. 6821 Laguna Park Way, Sebastopol, 707-827-7998, pastisserieangelica.com.

Tuesday, Feb. 14

Nick’s Cove Valentine Dinner: Head to the coast for a prix fixe dinner that includes raw, baked, braised and bbq’d oysters; lobster risotto, crab cakes or braised short ribs. Plus banana bread pudding for dessert, and if you’re staying the night, grab a personalized S’mores kit and head out to the boat shack (or if it’s a nice night, the beach) fire pit. $75pp, 23240 CA-1, Marshall,415-663-1033, nickscove.com.

Mateo’s Cocina Latina: Five course prix fixe includes poached oysters with lemon butter, asparagus with preserved Meyer lemons, Dungeness crab with black chanterelles, roasted chicken with leeks and wild mushrooms, steak with olive oil mashed potatoes, dessert of crispy milk, burned milk and milk bubbles. $190 for two includes wine pairings, $145 for two without wine. 5-9p.m. Feb, 14 and 15, 214 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 433-1520, mateoscocinalatina.com.

Zazu Restaurant + Farm: Three or four course dinner includes choice of Hog Island oysters, potted pig and foie gras with cherry conserve, Preston lamb polpette, Stemple Creek beef tartare; red wine short rib, pork belly with Rancho Gordo beans, cream puffs and more. $79 for three courses, $89 for four. 6770 McKinley St #150, Sebastopol, 707-523-4814, zazukitchen.com.

Valette: Five course tasting menu includes chilled Marin oyster with rose sorbet and Tahitian vanilla, Perigord truffle risotto and shaved black truffles, Maine lobster and caviar, butter roasted filet mignon, caramel and chocolate pave with passion fruit yumberry powder, $85pp, additional $55 for wine pairing. 344 Center Street, Healdsburg 707-473-0946, valettehealdsburg.com.

Dry Creek Kitchen: Six course menu includes pheasant and foie gras terrine, Diver scallop crudo with lobster and uni; charred octopus with carrots, raviolini and black truffle, caramelized petrale sole, short rib and foie gras ravioli; braised Maine lobster, Liberty Farm duck breast, white chocolate mousse with passion fruit gelee. 5-9:30p.m., $105pp, 317 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-431-0330, drycreekkitchen.com

Spoonbar: Five course menu includes asparagus salad with oil poached golden egg; squid in tagliarini with butter poached lobster, roasted quail, filet mignon with mushroom cream, warm chocolate cake. $95pp, 219 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, 707- 433-7222, spoonbar.com.

Sante at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn: Four and seven course dinners in one of the Sonoma Valley’s most romantic dining spots. Prix fixe dinner includes lobster bisque, butternut squash ravioli with brown butter, pan seared diver scallops with pear pasta, mussels, clams and piquillo peppers, seared fillet of Niman Ranch beef, filet of wild sea bass, chardonnay poached pear and almond tart, Valrhona chocolate soufflé for two. Four course is $115 pp; seven course is $165 pp, wine pairings available. Reservations recommended. 100 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma, 707-939-2415, santedinningroom.com.

John Ash & Co.: Three course prix fixe includes “passion-inspired dishes” Hog Island Oysters, purple cauliflower soup with lobster, Dungeness crab fritters, beef filet tartare, pork tenderloin with spicy rose jam, seared ahi tuna grilled filet of beef, honey pecan rack of lamb, raspberryPavlova with coconut sorbet. $69pp, reservations recommended. Vintner’s Inn, 4330 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa, 707-527-7687, vintnersinn.com.

Post Valentine Dining

Feb 16

Tasting in the Dark at Hopmonk: This beer event gives a whole new meaning to tasting “blind” as sensory expert Dr. Hoby Wedler leads tasters through a unique sensory experience. Born blind, Wedler has spent years learning to use senses other than sight to experience food. Guests are blindfolded throughout the experience, led through the aromas and flavors of beer and food pairing without the visual cues that might otherwise sway perception. Vintage Oaks At Novato, 224 Vintage Way, Novato, 415-892-6200, hopmonk.com.

Feb. 17 and 18

Walter Hansel Wine Bistro: Cupid comes later to this French bistro. Regular menu plus pan-seared petrale sole, grilled beef tenderloin with peppercorn brandy sauce, duck fat potato galette, black trumpet mushrooms. 3535, Guerneville Rd, Santa Rosa, 707-546-6462, walterhanselbistro.com.