Vineyard Retreat This Sonoma County home capitalizes on its vineyard views. Three levels of windows give every room a gorgeous view—even the master closet.
Coastal Getaway
A huge dining bay gives dinnertime guests an unobstructed view of the Sonoma coast.
Panoramic View
The vineyard views of this Sonoma County home are enhanced by a wall of windows and four sets of French doors. Low-profile storage is provided underneath the windows so to not obstruct the view.
Mountain Views
Gorgeous views of the Santa Ynez Mountains are provided by this glass-walled Montecito home. As wildfires often ravage this part of the Santa Barbara coast, the architects chose fire-resistant materials (steel, concrete) for the construction.
Double Exposure
Each floor of this Santa Monica home offers a great view. Open up the master bedroom’s awning windows or slide open the ground-floor doors for even more exposure.
Modern Duplex
Designed by Richard Neutra, one of America’s foremost modern architects, this duplex in San Francisco glows from its floor-to-ceiling steel-framed windows.
Elegant Warehouse
Although it looks like this house has no walls or windows, it’s due to the garage-like doors of glass and steel that can be rolled up to embrace the outdoors. A band of clerestory windows runs along the northern, neighbor-facing side of the house to provide privacy.
Modern Country Style
Being in the California countryside, this family wanted to make the most of their rural setting. Every room in the house gives a different view of the outdoors. Walls facing the valley are made almost entirely of glass, and from the inside it almost feels like you are sitting by the pool.
Transparent Home
With tall window walls that provide panoramic views, the airy, almost transparent home in Hawaii sits atop a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Indoor-Outdoor Design
Sustainable features, native plants, and plenty of glass walls and panoramic windows up the ante on a seamless integration of indoors and out at this home in California.
Forest Getaway
Seemingly made of just glass and wood, this home melts away into the surrounding trees. Ceiling height and daylight exposure is maximized in the main living spaces with a band of clerestory windows.
Arizona Ranch House
A wall of windows open up this home’s kitchen, dining room, and living room to their pool, keeping with the fun 1960s vibe.
Simplistic Design
This small home embraces the outdoors with eye-popping glass windows and modern, streamlined design.
Shroomaluma burger at Slamburger in Petaluma. Heather Irwin/PD
Maurice Mikel has spent years trying to create the perfect hamburger. Call it something of an obsession for the Jordanian immigrant, who recently opened Petaluma’s Slamburger.
Inside the bright fast-casual spot it’s hard to pick just one of his creations: The menu ranges from ahi tuna with wasabi mayo and tamarind, to a lamb burger with garlic aioli and olive chimichurri, to a straight-up burger with all the fixings, hot dogs, and even a kale salad.
One thing they all have in common, however: Big flavors. Influenced by the aromatic herbs and spices of his homeland and an obsession with juicy American burgers, Mikel is on an epic quest to become Northern California’s ultimate burgermeister.
Lamb Slam burger at Slamburger in Petaluma. Heather Irwin/PD
“Most burger places are just meat, lettuce, tomato and ketchup, but I wanted to add something unique to get people’s attention and curiosity,” he said.
“I love burgers,” said Mikel, whose favorite menu item is the “Cheese Slam” with sharp white cheddar.
“I was so sick of fast food that’s all commodity meat full of hormones. I want to change the habit of fast food meaning junk food,” he said. “I just didn’t want to feed my kid that,” said Mikel, who has a 16-month old son.
Happy customer at Slamburger in Petaluma. Heather Irwin/PD
Add in plenty of kid-friendly options at the Petaluma restaurant, from stripped-down burgers to hot dogs, and shakes; a solid beer and wine menu ; French fries with an egg on top; beer-battered pickles and a very non-carnivorous Kale salad with candied walnuts, clover sprouts and lemon vinaigrette, and it’s not hard to see how Mikel’s Slamburger wouldn’t be ripe for franchising. Which is exactly what Mikel is hoping to do.
“My dream is to make this a Northern-California based chain,” he said.
Slamburger in Petaluma. Heather Irwin/PDSlamburger in Petaluma. Heather Irwin/PD
First, however, he’s working to perfect the concept. Just two months after opening, Mikel is already tweaking the seasonings on his Lamb Slam, trying to get customer costs down and constantly assessing what’s working on the menu and what’s not. When we met up with him one morning, he brought a still-warm lamb patty that was light-years better than the one we enjoyed the day before.
“See better, right?” he asked. Right.
Frickles and aioli at Slamburger in Petaluma. Heather Irwin/PD
Sourcing from nearby Mindful Meats, one of the first beef companies to be certified GMO-free and organic.
“More than 70 percent of our food is organic, and all of our food comes from good sources,” said Mikel, who is also making the buns and fries in house.
Using high-end meats and organic ingredients, however, adds to food costs. Some Yelp customers have been vocal about $10 to $15 cost for some of the more elaborate burgers (plain and cheeseburgers are $7 and $7.50), which don’t come with fries included (they’re $2.65 extra, meaning you still could get a Slamburger meal for under $10, which is rare in Sonoma County.)
Ahi tuna burger at Slamburger in Petaluma. Heather Irwin/PD
Mikel takes to the web to answer customer concerns frequently and said he plans to cut prices by at least 20 percent since renegotiating his vendor contracts. Though we thought the prices were well in line with other fast-casual restaurant menus, and our bill was $66 for three premium burgers, two sides, a salad and two soft drinks. Even though we’ve paid far more for less quality; you can’t make everyone happy.
Serving more than 200 people a day in their first 60 days of business, it seems the word is getting out, and Petalumans are trying out the new Theater District burger spot. Mikel still isn’t satisfied, however, as he continues to work on his Slamburger concept. “Happy people are our ambassadors,” he said.
Consider us very happy ambassadors.
Best bets at Petaluma’s Slamburger
Slamburger ($7 ): Nothing but a simple cheese-less burger, which can be swapped out for turkey, chicken or veggie patties. Lettuce wraps and gluten-free buns are also available.
Slam Fries at Slamburger in Petaluma. Heather Irwin/PD
Slam Fries ($5): What, what? A hearty plate of fries smothered with garlic aioli, red onions and a fried egg. The egg yolk could have been a bit runnier for our tastes, but otherwise, delish.
Cajun Brussels Sprouts ($5): Healthy-ish? Who cares.
Kale salad at Slamburger in Petaluma. Heather Irwin/PD
Kale Salad ($7.50): Shaved Parmesan, clover sprouts, candied walnuts, Granny Smith Apple, watermelon radish with lemon vinaigrette. A perfect foil for an order of Beer Battered Frickle Bites ($4).
Slam Dog ($8.50): Bacon wrapped dog with caramelized onion, Slam Sauce, scallion.
Slamburger is at 5 Petaluma Blvd. South, Petaluma, 707-658-1845, theslamburger.com. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Model homes at the new residential development Sagewood at Ragle Ranch, in Santa Rosa. January 12, 2006. (The Press Democrat/ Christopher Chung) cc0112_HomesSagewood.jpg
Christopher Chung
U.S. News & World Report, best known for its influential Best Colleges and Best Hospital rankings, has analyzed the most populous metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live – and Santa Rosa came in on #52.
Homes at the residential development Sagewood at Ragle Ranch, in Santa Rosa. (Christopher Chung)
The rankings, intended to “help readers make the most informed decision when choosing where to settle down,” are based on evaluations of each metro area using data from trusted sources like the United States Census Bureau, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Labor and U.S. News’ own internal resources. To make the top of the list, a place had to offer a good value; be a desirable place to live, have a strong job market and a high quality of life.
Santa Rosa, described in the U.S. News ranking as “the hub of economic activity in northern California’s wine country,” scored high in the “desirability,” “job market,” and “quality of life” categories, while high real estate prices and shortage on affordable housing lowered the “value” score. U.S. News highlighted Santa Rosa’s warm climate, picturesque setting, gourmet restaurants, high-end shops, farm-to-table movement, and beer and wine industries. Santa Rosa’s abundant parks, numerous gyms and bike-friendly rural roads, were also mentioned as local perks. The ranking underlined that Santa Rosa has a lower crime rate, a higher “college readiness” score, and a comparable job market to similarly sized metro areas. Santa Rosa’s overall score was 6.5. The #1 city on the list, Austin, TX, had a 7.8 overall score. Denver, CO, came in on #2; San Jose, CA, on #3. San Francisco made #16.
Read the U.S. News ranking and description of Santa Rosa here.
A selection of Wines at The Panel wine shop in Sonoma.
A selection of Wines at The Panel wine shop in Sonoma.
You know the routine by now: you go to a winery, enjoy the wines, join the wine club, and every few months you get a credit card charge and an invitation to a wine pick up party to mix and mingle with other wine club members.
It’s an investment that requires serious brand dedication. For this reason, wine clubs have become big business for wineries. And for that reason, The Panel is disrupting the concept of the wine club in the way Uber changed the way we get around town.
The Panel has created a new wine club featuring wines selected by industry insiders (Photo: Allyson Wiley)
Based in Sonoma, The Panel is devoted to discovering small production, unique wines, with the help from literally, a panel. Every month, co-owners Windee Smith and Chad Richards select 12 to 15 wines from around the world. That selection is whittled down by a panel of four industry insiders who select three premium wines for wine club members to enjoy.
This month’s panel included Sondra Bernstein (restauranteur, owner of the girl & the fig), Virginie Boone (contributing editor, Wine Enthusiast), Tracy Hall (wine specialist at Selene Winery) and Mia Klein (winemaker).
The Panel tasting room in downtown Sonoma. (Photo: Jason Tinacci)
“Our goal is to place the absolute best wines into our club member’s hands,” shared Windee Smith, who founded William Cross Wine Merchants in San Francisco and operated the Valley Wine Shack in Sonoma for eight years prior to launching The Panel. “We created The Panel process to eliminate the guessing game everyone goes through when searching for new and exciting wines.”
The Panel also wants wine club members to discover their inner wine geek. Each member gets a notebook that includes information on each wine they receive, so they can create a personal encyclopedia of the the wines they enjoy.
Mia Klein, Sondra Bernstein, Virginia Boone and Tracy Hall participate in a blind tasting of wines at the Panel (Photo: Jason Tinacci)
The Panel’s wine club starts at a mere $99 – a great price point for a monthly wine club that features three wines hand selected by some of the most respected people in the wine industry. You don’t have to be a wine club member to enjoy the wines selected by The Panel: they have wine shop in downtown Sonoma which is open to the public.
The Panel is located at 535 W. Napa St., Sonoma. (707) 938-7152. panelwines.com
As we close out 2016, here’s a look back at some of our favorite Sonoma homes from 2016 – all featured in Sonoma Magazine.
A Small Home with Big Style in Sonoma
Josh Heiser and Steve Burns love their country-with-urban-benefits lifestyle. Their property is perfect because it has two buildings: a tiny cottage not far from the sidewalk where they work, and at the far end a building they remodeled into 1,100 square feet of home sweet home. Their work commute involves walking a limestone path past the pool and lovely outside living area to the partners desk in the cottage, which houses their wine marketing and strategic planning firm, O’Donnell Lane. More photos and article here.
Creative Couple Transforms Sebastopol Ranch House Into Joyful Work of Art
Many travelers on Ragle Road in Sebastopol have done double takes as an unremarkable, 1963 California ranch-style house has been slowly transformed into an astonishing piece of living art. Called Chez La Vie, it’s the home of Carole and Don Watanabe, who bought the place in 2011. Carole is an artist who specializes in vivid colors in a variety of media. She paints, cuts tile, sculpts, builds, and more, with great energy. Don, an architect, brings sense and precision to her flair. More photos and article here.
A Treasured Kenwood Chateau
Three-hundred-year-old doors discovered in France welcome guests into Paul and Margie Denning’s home, which could be set in Provence in 1812, or perhaps Tuscany, circa 1771.The European-style chateau in Kenwood is so expertly achieved that only the posh, pristine powder rooms, ne plus ultra appliances and oh-so-chic interior décor whisper 2016 reality. More photos and article here.
Healdsburg Tract Home Transformed with Budget Friendly Updates
The exterior of Ben Dhong’s house doesn’t look much different from the others on his Healdsburg block, where homes are wedged tightly along a ribbon of sidewalk. But inside, this plain 1980s tract home wears an unexpected glamour. Those who walk through the door forget they’re in a subdivision. More photos and article here.
Modern Wine Country Home with a Renaissance Touch
Situated on Westside Road southwest of Healdsburg, the home of Lisa and Trini Amador is a stark contrast to other estates in the Russian River Valley, the ones hidden behind locked gates, vineyard foliage and lush landscaping. With its rough-hewn stucco exterior, three-level “pinwheel” roof and walls of glass, the Amador house is front and center, for all to appreciate. More photos and article here.
Valley Ford Farmhouse Gets a Makeover
Joe and Missy Adiego and their daughters Avery, Hadley, and Leary live a “Little House on the Prairie” existence with all kinds of farm animals. They also make sheep milk, butter and Ice cream. Their remodeled four bedroom, three baths 1,700 square foot house is a virtual palace, sequestered at the end of a long driveway fronted by a blue and red barn. More photos and article here.
Petaluma Heritage Home with a British Twist
That their house is on English Street was perhaps destiny for Caroline Hall and Brad Villegiante, who through hard work and a keen sense of style turned a weathered, weary 1920s Petaluma cottage into an utterly lovable home. Hall’s mother was born in England and Caroline has dual citizenship, identifying strongly with her British heritage. The studio above the garage is a tribute to her roots, with Union Jack pillows, “Keep Calm and Carry On” and other British prints, and a lamp from Anthropologie made of piled teacups. More photos and article here.
Former Stable Gets a Leg Up
Rancho Wikiup, a 100-year-old stable where famous thoroughbreds once pranced, is now home to Carlos and Nancy Guevara, who renovated the property and raised their family there. When their children trotted off, they turned this landmark that housed horse soldiers during World War II into a wedding and event venue extraordinaire. More photos and article here.
Petaluma, the setting for numerous major motion pictures, returns to the big screen this Friday as local film producer Ali Afshar’s latest movie, “Running Wild,” premieres in theaters across the nation.
Andrea Raffin / Shutterstock
Starring Sharon Stone as a billionaire villain, “Running Wild” tells the story of a young widow trying to save her ranch following her husband’s death by working with convicts to rehabilitate a herd of wild horses that have wandered onto her property. The movie, which was shot in Sonoma County and Napa, and includes scenes from The Pullman Kitchen in Santa Rosa, also features “Wilfred” star Dorian Brown Pham as the widow and “Sons of Anarchy’s” Tommy Flanagan as the leader of the convicts. Alex Ranarivelo (“The Dog Lover”) directed the film from a script by Brian Rudick and co-producer Christina Moore; it was financed and produced by Forrest Lucas and Ali Afshar of ESX Entertainment.
Producer Ali Afshar monitors a scene being filmed from the movie “Running Wild” at the The Pullman Kitchen in Santa Rosa. (Beth Schlanker)
Ali Afshar, a Petaluma native and Casa Grande graduate turned award-winning Hollywood producer, actor, writer and director, has previously made five films in his hometown; “Running Wild” is the first to have a nationwide theatrical release (the remaining films’ releases are in the works). On Friday, Afshar will attend the red carpet premiere of “Running Wild” at Boulevard Cinemas in Petaluma. The event will include a meet-and-greet with Afshar and two film screenings, one at 7:00 p.m. and one at 9:10 p.m. Regular admission tickets cost $10.25 and are available in advance at Fandango.com and on Friday at the theater’s box office.
Actress Dorian Brown preps for a scene as boom operator Corryn Deegan checks the sound during filming of the movie “Running Wild” at the The Pullman Kitchen in Santa Rosa. (Beth Schalnker)Sharon Stone at the set of “Running Wild” at the Petaluma Municipal Airport. (Scott Manchester)Sharon Stone in “Running Wild.”
One of the best times to enjoy the Sonoma County beer scene is during SF Beer Week when brews are flowing into the Bay Area from all corners of the world. This year, the ten day epic event happens February 10 – 19. Here are 7 Beer Week happenings you won’t want to miss out on in Sonoma County:
Fraser Ross pours a beer for the Friday crowd at Fogbelt Brewing Company in Santa Rosa. (Conner Jay)
Limited Release Cossack Imperial Stout at Third Street Aleworks, in Santa Rosa:This big 10.2% AVB beer was tapped on Winter Solstice but Third Street Aleworks has held off on releasing the beer bottles until SF Beer Week. The beer has a full mouthfeel dominated by dark chocolate flavors and balanced bittering from Nugget, Northern Brewer, and Centennial hops.
Henhouse Brewing’s Big Chicken Release (Feb 17): This double IPA (DIPA), dry hopped with Citra, Amarillo, and Mosaic hops, is made only once per year. A limited amount of cans will be packaged on this date and sold until they run out.
St. Florian’s Brewery in Windsor is turning four and they’re celebrating it with a birthday beer bash.
Amy Levin pours St. Florian beer at Sonoma County Beerfest. (Alvin Jornada)
On February 11, from 12 – 8 pm, St. Florian’s will be pouring pints to the sweet sound of some soul, funk and blues from the Renovators Band. There will be food trucks and plenty of beer on tap, including the brewery’s Flashover IPA, California Common, 48/96 Sessionable Ale, Brown Ale, Belgian-Style Überschlag™ IPA, Bourbon Barrel Aged Brown Ale, Extreme Conditions DIPA, Bellarosa Engine Stout, and Winey Siren Red Wine Barrel Aged Brown Ale.
Husband and wife owners Aron and Amy Levin stand with the tanks at St. Florian’s Brewery in Windsor. Aron, who also works as a full time firefighter, named the brewery after the patron saint of firefighters. (Conner Jay)
St Florian’s is a labor of love for husband and wife team Amy and Aron Levin. With a constantly busy schedule (Aron is a full time firefighter and Amy takes care of their two little boys), the Levins spend their “free time” brewing beer and running the tap-station in Windsor. They’ve created a nice and family-friendly space at their taproom, just minutes from the Windsor Town Green, with boardgames, foosball, a patio outside and a sandbox for the kids. The Windsor brewery also supports a good cause: 5 percent of all proceeds go to fire related and community based organizations.
St Florian’s Brewery, 704 Bell Rd, Windsor, CA 95492, (707) 838-2739, stfloriansbrewery.com
The patio at St. Florian’s Brewery in Windsor. (Tim Vallery)
More than ever, those seeking fashion, design and lifestyle inspiration go to Instagram for their daily dose of eye candy – and in Wine Country, there’s plenty of pretty things to look at. As an active user of Instagram, I’ve narrowed down my 7 favorite local Instagramers to follow. Get to know the people behind these popular IG accounts, and check out their styling tips, outfit ideas, product reviews, DIY projects and, of course, stunning photos!
Erika Altes – @whiskeyandlace
A relative newcomer to blogging and Instagram, Erika Altes of Whiskey & Lace has built an audience of nearly 40,000 Instagram followers in just little over a year. Erika’s feminine and self-described “girly” style includes flirty party dresses, lots of pink, lace, tulle and floral prints on Erika’s blog and Instagram feed. She recently left a career representing well-known fashion brands to blog full-time. Along with fashion, Erika features travel, party planning tips, DIY crafts and bits about the joys of being a wife and a mom to her adorable young son.
Erika Altes of Whiskey & Lace. Photo credit: Andrea Lowry.
Amber Lucas – @amusedblog
Amber Lucas of A•Mused Blog is a fresh-faced, curly-haired beauty with an eye for style. Amber’s Instagram feed includes outfits that range from casual and comfy to dressed-up and elegant. She enjoys writing about skincare, haircare, travel and can often be found exploring all over the Bay Area.
Amber Lucas of A•Mused Blog.
Malia Anderson – @stylebymalia
Malia Anderson of Style by Malia is a force! You can hardly pick up a Bay Area magazine or newspaper without reading about this Wine Country stylist’s success and fascinating background. Along with styling some of the Bay Area’s most successful men and women, Malia writes a plus-size fashion column for Essence, is heavily involved in charitable causes and is a seasoned public speaker who encourages and inspires youth and adults to develop body-positive attitudes. Even with all of that, she still makes time to connect with her followers on Instagram with a fashionable feed that may make you want to drop the phone and go shopping.
Malia Anderson stylist and founder of Style by Malia at her studio in Santa Rosa. Photo credit: Alvin Jornada.
Hanna Harden – @vogueinvines
Hannah Harden of Vogue in Vines is all about Wine Country style. Outfits, beauty, fashion deals and discoveries, as well as travel – both locally and internationally – and visits to wineries, can all be found on her blog and Instagram feed, which has over 16,000 followers. If you’re a dog lover, be sure to check out Hannah and her husband’s darling dogs, Franklin the French bulldog and Sampson the Akita.
Hannah Harden of Vogue in Vines.
Dr. Cat Roby – @petitedoctor
Dr. Cat Roby is a Sonoma County physician, wife, mother to two girls, and a lover of fashion. When Cat is not at the hospital or spending time with her family, she enjoys sharing her love of fashion and style on Instagram. This Petaluma native offers followers styling tips that are ideal for Wine Country, OOTD (outfit of the day) posts, and budget-friendly fashion advice on her Instagram feed. Cat is also a contributing writer for Sonoma County Moms Blog.
Dr. Cat Roby of Petite Doctor.
Amy Flynn – @bluejeansanddreams
Amy Flynn of Blue Jeans and Dreams brings sophisticated city style to the town of Sonoma. She blends sporty, casual pieces – like sneakers, tees and jeans – with high-end handbags, boots, stilettos and accessories to create her modern, edgy and head-turning style. Look to Amy’s Instagram feed for street style, product recommendations, and plenty of chic outfit ideas perfect for a trip to the city or right here in Wine Country.
Amy Flynn of Blue Jeans and Dreams.
Brenda Kinsel – @brendakinsel
Professional image consultant, best-selling author, speaker, and owner of Inside Out – A Style and Wardrobe Consulting Company, Brenda Kinsel, believes in the importance of matching people’s clothing with their personality. Her popular Instagram feed features outfits, favorite accessories and wardrobe pieces, and styling tips. Brenda, who has been on The Oprah Winfrey Show, NPR and featured in In Style and Real Simple magazines, focuses on motivating and encouraging women over 50 to embrace their beauty and personal style and ditch the fashion rut!
Brenda Kinsel of Inside Out – A Style and Wardrobe Consulting Company.
Shakshuka from the forthcoming Drawing Board restaurant in Petaluma. Photo: Molly DeCoudreaux
From Petaluma to Cloverdale, restaurants are popping up all over Sonoma County this winter. At least 15 spots are either newly-minted or are slated to open in the coming weeks. And that’s great news for the local food scene, with a variety of dining price points from under $10 to over $300 for the deep-pocketed; from family-friendly food trucks to Michelin-worthy haute cuisine.
Shakshuka from the forthcoming Drawing Board restaurant in Petaluma. Photo: Molly DeCoudreaux
Why so many winter openings? Owners we spoke with all said plans to open earlier in the year got pushed back by permitting issues, a common refrain. But looking on the bright side, the co-owners of Petaluma’s Drawing Board Restaurant echoed a common sentiment: That the quieter winter restaurant season was an opportunity to really dial in the food and service before the busy spring, summer and fall.
“We have some really beautiful weekends in January around here,” said Rosie Wiggins, of Drawing Board. She and chef/business partner Ariel Nadelberg also plan to take advantage of the season, with cozy social gatherings at the restaurant during the cooler winter months.
Restaurant veteran Dustin Valette of Valette Restaurant in Healdsburg agreed. “Opening a restaurant in the off-season allows you to focus on steps-of-service and proper cooking techniques before you wind up for busy season,” he said
“When we opened Valette we knew we had to open during the slow season, this was the perfect opportunity for us to ‘work out the kinks’ when we were slow before we were bombarded with guests. It’s the old analogy, you need to walk before you run,” Valette added.
Sonoma County Restaurants Now Open
Crocodile Cafe: Husband and wife team Michael Dotson and Moira Beveridge have opened a new French bistro in Theatre Square at the former Bistro 100. The couple own Martin’s West Gastro Pub in Redwood City, but recently relocated to Sonoma County with their young daughter. They’re focused on authentic French cuisine influenced by local ingredients from nearby farms and ranches. On the menu: Carmelized onion tartine, steak frites, duck confit, lamb tongue with coco beans, charcuterie and a plum clafoutis with lemon verbena Chantilly cream. They’ll also have a curated wine list with both French and small production regional California wines. Don’t miss this one. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday from 11:30a.m. to 10p.m., 140 Second Street., Suite 100, Petaluma, 981-8159, crocodilepetaluma.com.
Pumpkin croquettes with creme fraiche and chermula at Crocodile French Cafe in Petaluma. (Heather Irwin)
Trading Post: This long-anticipated Cloverdale restaurant is yet another feather in the cap of this emerging dining north county destination. Though the small bakery has been open more than a year, the main dining room opened the first week of November with a hearty Sonoma County-inspired menu that includes a house-ground burger on their own brioche, fried chicken thighs, Liberty Farms duck confit over seaweed, Blue Leg Farms roasted chicken, and porchetta. We love the “daily toast”, which on the soft opening menu was smoked avocado with grilled beef tongue and fermented chili relish. At the helm is Erik Johnson, former J Vineyards chef and Dry Creek Kitchen alum. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 6p.m. 102 S. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, 894-6483, thepostcloverdale.com.
The Opera Cake at Trading Post in Cloverdale features layers of almond sponge cake, chocolate ganache and Plank coffee buttercream with ginger sauce. (John Burgess)
Sonoma Cider: More than just a taproom, the father-son owners of Sonoma Cider have created a pub atmosphere with more than 20 taps and a simple-but-delicious menu that features Crab Mac and Cheese ($10); mixed charcuterie or pate Banh Mi ($15); smoked, raw and baked oysters; a Nicoise salad ($16) and luxurious French Onion Soup ($6) with Sonoma Cider Apple Brandy and melted Gruyere. 44 Mill St., Healdsburg, 707-723-7018, sonomacider.com.
Whole Pie: We’ve been cheering for farm market baker and Zazu server Trishia Davis as she’s documented the build of her dream pie shop over the last year. Now open, Whole Pie features lunch or dinner in a crust, with sweet and savory slices and hand pies (along with whole pies, of course) including the “Sweet Tooth” made with butterscotch pudding and a dash of curry; “Holy Moly” with chicken mole in a cocoa crust; “Mister Crunchy” with prosciutto and Emmentaler cheese in a Dijon bechamel or “Beer Belly” with beer-braised short ribs, onions and aged English cheddar. Beer, cider and wine along with coffee and craft soda. Open from 11a.m. to 7p.m. Wednesday through Monday, closed Tuesday. 2792 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 843-4365, thewholepieshop.com.
The LoneWolf, a savory pie made with beer-braised beef ribs, onions, beef stock and rosemary from The Whole Pie in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess)
Zosia Cafe and Kitchen: The tiny hamlet of Graton just got the restaurant it’s been waiting for in Zosia. Opened by husband and wife team Monika and Slawek Michalak, it’s a quirky-cool cafe that’s Wine Country enough for the espresso and pinot-set, but offbeat enough for the likes of locals in the West County artist community to tuck into Loco Moco, Polish pierogi and borscht on weekday afternoons, while discussing life’s pressing issues. Half the menu is devoted to authentic Eastern European comfort cuisine, something sorely lacking in Sonoma County, with dishes like cabbage borscht and Siberian “pelmeni” dumpling soup, to kielbasa, polish crepes and hunter’s stew called “Bigos”. 9010 Graton Rd., Graton, zosiacafe.com.
Bigos, a traditional Polish stew with meats and spices, and Cabbage Rolls at Zosia Cafe and Kitchen in Graton. (Heather Irwin)
Single Thread: Kyle and Katina Connaughton have created a bespoke dining experience based on Japanese kaiseki. Following the micro-seasonal bounty of their Healdsburg farm, the menu is one of the most ephemeral in Wine Country — a region known for its here-today-gone-tomorrow passion for seasonal cuisine. Reservations are required for this $250+ pp experience. 131 North St., Healdsburg, singlethreadfarms.com.
Cured Foie Gras, French Prunes, and Rooibos Tea from Single Thread Farms Restaurant in Healdsburg. (John Burgess)
Slam Burger: The organic, locally-sourced, non-GMO burger spot is killing it with nearly a dozen burger options including beef, lamb, bison, turkey, chicken, ahi, and multiple vegetarian patties. Don’t miss the ‘Shroomaluma mushroom burger with peach bbq sauce and Swiss, the Lamb Slam with grass-fed lamb and olive chimichurri and the Slam fries with garlic aioli, pickled onions, scallions and a fried egg. One of the best family-focused openings of the year. Plus, beer, wine, hot dogs, salads and milkshakes. 5 Petaluma Blvd., Petaluma, theslamburger.com.
The “Shroomaluma” at Slamburger in Petaluma. (Heather Irwin)
Flower and Bone: Sharing a passion for ancient food traditions, the owners of Santa Rosa’s popular Naked Pig Cafe have created an forward-thinking restaurant in the heart of downtown. The menu is inspired by ancient traditions and techniques and feature clay oven cooked, local pasture-raised meat, handmade dumplings, bone broths, dainty starters with house made spiked sodas & punch, farm fermented ciders and low-proof vegetable juice cocktails. Co-owner Dalia Martinez has foraged and preserved hundreds of pounds of local fruits and vegetables which line one wall of the restaurant, making for both beauty and deliciousness. 640 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 707-708-852, flowerandbonerestaurant.com.
Dalia Martinez of Flower and Bone in front of their wall of preserves. (Heather Irwin)
Drawing Board: Calling itself “seasonal new American”, this forthcoming Petaluma restaurant ties in ancient food traditions with local products. The plant-forward menu includes plenty of fermented dishes, international influences and healing foods along with indulgent carnivorous entrees. “The culinary approach will rely predominantly on ancestral eating and centenarian diets – minimally processed ingredients, rich in phytonutrients, often showcasing heirloom varietals, sourced locally – without sacrificing flavor.,” said co-owner Ariel Nadelburg. dishes including Moroccan porridge with sprouted grains and coconut-citrus chutney, grass-fed lamb burger, sprouted lentil beignets and duck confit cassoulet. The restaurant will offer a full bar along with a coffee bar. 190 Kentucky St., Petaluma.
Werowocomoco at Virginia Dare Winery: The newest project from director Frances Ford Coppola, Werowocomoco (don’t even try to say it) is a casual cafe dedicated to native American cuisine. Located inside the former Geyser Peak Winery, Coppola’s new winery and restaurant are loosely based on the story of Virginia Dare, the first white child born in the Virginia colonies. Dare and the rest of the early colonists mysteriously disappeared, never to be seen or heard from again. Myth suggests that the settlers assimilated into nearby native tribes, possibly taken to Werowocomo, an Algonquian settlement. The cafe’s signature fry bread tacos made with acorn flour. Toppings include shredded or ground bison, along wit pinto beans, grilled butternut squash salsa and chiles. Also on the menu, corn with Cojita, wild rice, pine ice cream, venison chili, bison ribs and Pomo style salmon sashimi. Prices range from $5 to $24 for a cedar-planked salmon.
Coppola has taken some serious heat for what some journalists have called the appropriation and misrepresentation of native American foods. In a San Francisco Chronicle editorial, Coppola denied the allegations, noting that he’d consulted with Virginia tribes on using the Weowocomoco name, was inspired by native chef Loretta Oden, and created a council of advisors consisting mainly of Native Americans. The restaurant also sources from Native peoples, offers preferential employment to local tribe members and donates 5 percent of pre-tax profits to America’s Native People. Guess it’s all a matter of interpretation. 22281 Chianti Road, Geyserville, 735-3500, virginiadarewinery.com.
Shredded Chocolate-Coffee Braised Bison Open Face Fry Bread Taco with Calypso Beans, Cotija cheese, Sour Cream, and BBQ Corn-Cranberry-Anaheim-Serrano Salsa at the Werowocomoco restaurant at the Virginia Dare Winery in Geyserville. (John Burgess)
Kenzo (okay, this one’s Napa): A dearth of authentic Japanese dining in Napa, along with a friendship with the late Margrit Mondavi was the impetus for this recently-opened sushi and kaiseki (a traditional multi-course Japanese meal) restaurant. Owner Kenzo Tsujimoto of Kenzo Estates Winery has been perfecting the details for the restaurant for several years, with enthusiastic support from his friend Margrit (who died before the restaurant opened). He’s hired Hiroyuki Kanda to open the restaurant and train its chefs in Japan. Kanda received three Michelin stars for his eponymous Tokyo restaurant. Every detail of the menu has been carefully, and artfully, planned, with fresh fish flown in from Tokyo’s Tsukiji market, a haute wine list including Kenzo’s own wines, and highly formalized dining experience that includes a 10-seat sushi bar and tiny 400 square foot dining room. The prix-fixe only kaiseki menus range from $225 to $270. 1339 Pearl St. Napa, 294-2049, kenzonapa.com.
Maine lobster at Kenzo in Napa. (Heather Irwin)
Hippizzazz: We have no idea how to say the name, but this sweet little pizzeria does solid traditional and deep dish pizzas with plenty of, uh, pizzazz. All the usual suspects, plus a solid Thai chicken pizza (peanut sauce, chicken, basil, carrots, cilantro), roasted potato (think potato skin on a pizza) and the Carnitas de Jalisco (slow roasted pork, pico, queso fresca). The very rarely sighted calzone and stromboli are also available, along with nachos, curried lettuce wraps, mac and cheese and pesto bread sticks. A tiny indoor space, but great for takeout. Gluten-free crusts available. Closed Tuesday, 280 S. Main, Sebastopol, 634-6530.
Deep dish pizza at Hippizzazz in Sebastopol. (Heather Irwin)
Coming Soon
2 Tread Brewery: This downtown Santa Rosa brewery and pub is slated to open late March, with Chef Ryan “Seamus” McCarthy in the kitchen and a former Firestone-Walker brewmaster heading up the beer program. The nearly 10,000 square-foot indoor-outdoor space will feature on-site brewed beers, a casual chef-driven menu, live music and a full bar. 1018 Santa Rosa Plaza, Santa Rosa, 2treadbrewing.com.
The Block: Petalumans have been awaiting this food-truck round-up for several years, but it appears that owners are hitting the gas hard to open by early 2017.1 An ever-changing lineup of 4-5 food trucks will pull up to the permanent outdoor dining structure at the Petaluma Grain Mill, with Firetrail Pizza’s wood-fired oven and a lineup of 20 taps as constant fixtures. Trucks slated to participate include El Roy’s, Cousin’s Maine Lobster, Trips Tri Tip, Croques and Toques and the Fig Rig from Girl and the Fig. Owner Cody Hildreth said the family-friendly space will be covered and heated throughout the winter. “We’re trying to get this open. A lot of people have been waiting a long time,” he said. 20 Grey St., Petaluma.
Heather Irwin is a Sonoma County-based food and restaurant writer and photographer who has been writing the insider dining blog, BiteClubEats.com for more than 10 years.
