Tuesday, March 7th, is the date of Luther Burbank’s 168th birthday. To celebrate the legendary horticulturist, Luther Burbank Home and Gardens in Santa Rosa is throwing an “un-party:” instead of requesting your presence, it asks for monetary donations to pay tribute to the work of Luther Burbank, who was born in 1849 and died in 1926. Here’s the party invite, from Luther Burbank Home & Gardens Association’s Board of Directors:
It’s Luther’s birthday (And Arbor Day too) How can we celebrate? What can we do?
It might be raining, some won’t be in the city, But to do nothing would be such a pity.
So let’s have an Un-Party where you don’t have to come But still show your support for our legendary one.
You won’t be there, and neither will others, Luther would be, if he had his druthers!
So thanks in advance for your kind donation, If there were a party, you’d get a standing ovation!
Luther Burbank Home and Gardens suggests, “$25 for a birthday card you don’t have to find, $50 for a birthday hat you don’t have to wear, $75 for a birthday cake you don’t have to bake,” or “$100 for a present you don’t have to wrap,” as possible tokens of appreciation. These contributions go toward the expansion of the educational program at the National Historic Landmark.
Luther Burbank became an internationally known celebrity during his lifetime. Many famous people made the journey to Santa Rosa to visit the plant breeder and view his experiments. Henry Ford and Thomas Edison met Luther Burbank at the Santa Rosa Gardens for one afternoon in 1915. Both signed Mr. Burbank’s guest book. (Photo courtesy of Luther Burbank Home & Gardens)
Luther Burbank developed more than 800 strains and varieties of plants in his life and was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. He is best known for his work with the Russet Burbank potato, which he used to improve the disease resistance of Irish potatoes (he sold the rights to the potato for $150 and used the proceeds to travel to Santa Rosa, from his native Massachusetts). His Shasta daisy, fire poppy, “July Elberta” peach, “Santa Rosa” plum, and Flaming Gold” nectarine are among his most famous creations.
A “Lynn Anderson” rose at the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens. (Christopher Chung)
Luther Burbank Home and Gardens is located at 200 Santa Rosa Avenue in Santa Rosa. Luther Burbank lived and experimented with plants here for most of his 50-year career, and is buried on the property. The California Historic Landmark is free to the public and open daily. If you would like to make a donation in celebration of Luther Burbank’s 168th birthday, you can print out this form and mail a check; you can pay with a credit card by calling (707) 524-5445; or you can use a credit card or PayPal through the website: lutherburbank.org/unparty.
As the honeybee population in the U.S. is decreasing, Sonoma County works hard to protect its bees and produce natural honey. Groups like the Sonoma County Beekeepers’ Association continue to raise awareness about the necessity and value of honey bees to our community. Here are some of the best local spots to go for a golden, sticky, sweet treat:
Hector’s Honey Farm
Hector’s Honey is a local, third-generation beekeeping family farm, proud to produce raw, unprocessed honey. It has won best in show at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair for twelve years. Hector’s Honey is sold at local farmers markets and at a farm stand at 818 River Road in Santa Rosa, which is open from 10:00am to 6:00pm on Mondays. (707) 579-9416, farmtrails.org/farm/hectors-honey-farm
Beekeeper Hector Alvarez sells his Hector’s Honey at his River Road farm stand. (Christopher Chung)
Bloomfield Bees Honey
Bloomfield Bees Honey produces fresh, raw, unheated, unfiltered gourmet honey from bees raised without chemicals – or, in the words of Bloomfield, “the best danged honey you’ll taste.” Bloomfield keeps bees all over Sonoma and Marin counties for honey of different flavors, and use propolis and honey to make soaps, lip butters, and hand salves. Bloomfield honey products can be found at local farmers markets in Kenwood, Petaluma, Cotati and Rohnert Park, and at various events such as the Heirloom Festival and the Harvest for the Hungry Garden Plant Sale. (707) 836-7278, bloomfieldbeeshoney.com
Kathy Cox examines one of her beehives at Bloomfield Bees. (Christopher Chung)
Lavender Bee Farm
The Lavender Bee Farm in Petaluma produces pure, raw lavender honey without additives. Its bees populate over 5,000 lavender plants which are gardened without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. This lavender honey received the Gold Ribbon at the 2006 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. In addition to honey, Lavender Bee Farm also has countless other products, from honey cleansing bars to lavender tea towels and beeswax moisturizers. To make an appointment to tour the farm, call (707) 789-0554. lavenderbeefarm.com
Freshly extracted lavender honey waits at the Lavender Bee Farm in Petaluma. (Chad Surmick)
Gipson’s Golden
Gipson’s Golden in Santa Rosa is a small, local honey company. Its honey is raw, unadulterated, and unfiltered, maintaining all natural nutrients. Gipson’s Golden can be found in supermarkets such as Whole Foods or online at the company website. (707) 576-1235, gipsonsgolden.com
Beekind
Beekeeper Doug and his wife Katia own the Beekind Honey and Beekeeping Supply Shop in Sebastopol. This store has become the place to be for local honey, beekeeping supplies and education. Beekind’s mission is to save the honey bee, and it is a haven for bee enthusiasts and aspiring bee farmers. Beekind is located at 921 Gravenstein Hwy S./Hwy 116, Sebastopol. (707) 824-2905, beekind.com
Doug Vincent, owner of Beekind, builds bee boxes in his Sebastopol store. Each box will be stocked with 10,000 bees. (John Burgess)
Peterson’s Farm
Located in the countryside just north of Petaluma, Peterson’s Farm is certified “bee-friendly.” The farm raises and grows a variety of pesticide- and herbicide-free produce; its chickens run free, and there is an observation bee hive that visitors are allowed to come view. Peterson’s Farm’s goal is to provide healthy farm fresh food for visitors, and its owners are happy to answer any questions about small scale family farming. The honey is all natural, and can be bought at the Peterson farm stand at 636 Gossage Ave., Petaluma. (707)-765-4582, petersonsfarm.com
Peterson’s Farm is certified “bee-friendly.”
Sonoma County Farm Trails Event: Blossoms, Bees and Barnyard Babies
On April 29th and 30th, Sonoma County Farm Trails hosts a self-guided farm-hopping tour called Blossoms, Bees and Barnyard Babies. Partakers will drive from family farms to dairies, meeting local farmers and beekeepers and learning about their work. At some locations, there will be food tastings and beekeeping demonstrations. For more information, call (707) 837-8896 or email farmtrails@farmtrails.org. To sign up for the event, visit farmsspringtour.eventbrite.com.
Parmesan Crisps from Sonoma Creamery have disappeared! What now?
Sonoma Creamery CEO John Crean is at the center of near snack hysteria. The historic Sonoma cheese company recently introduced Parmesan Crisps to their lineup of products — a cracker-like square of cheese crack otherwise known as baked Parmesan cheese.
It’s like that crunchy cheese at the bottom of the pan when you make grilled cheese, but way, way better.
These addictive little umami bombs briefly showed up in family-sized bags at Costco in California, Nevada and Arizona. Made with aged Parm, they were a tasty, gluten-free, low-sugar snack with the bonus of a little quinoa added to the mix; a “better for you” snack that was just the ticket for lots of us.
But then they disappeared entirely, leaving anyone who’d tried them in a state of Parmesan withdrawal.
Parmesan Crisps from Sonoma Creamery
Meanwhile, Crean was receiving hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of desperate emails from fans of the crisps. Where had they gone? Would they be back?
Crean sent us a few of the most desperate pleas, which speak to the desperate state of snacking…
Do you know where I can buy these Parmesan Crisps? The withdrawals are hard on us. HELP!! – Blake H
A friend of mine in Stockton, CA sent me a bag of your Parmesan Crisps recently – needless to say, I am addicted to them! – Barb B
As are most, I’m addicted to the Sonoma Creamery Parmesan Crisps. I may need Parmesan Crisps Anonymous! –Madison M.
Coworkers and I used to keep a candy drawer stocked at work, we have now converted it to a Parm Crisps drawer! Thank you for this amazing product! – Tamie T.
A girlfriend introduced me to your Parmesan Crisps and I’m hooked! Where can I buy more? I NEED THEM! – Hugh C.
I have been all over the Bay Area looking for your product in Costco. I’m desperate and need them now! Please HELP! – April L.
I get it. As a Parmesan Crisp freak, it’s become an endless topic of discussion both at work and at home. Costco managers shrugged when I pleaded, saying that folks had been buying them by the case, and as of mid-February, they were gone from stores. Not exactly shocking, since Costco loves driving us all crazy by rotating stock frequently in what they call “treasure hunt” marketing.
But we’ve gotten to the bottom of it.
Here’s the bad news: You won’t find them at Costco again until May.
The good news? You can immediately find small bags (2.25 oz) on Amazon.com, Safeway, and in Southern California, especially if you’re willing to try the Bacon Cheddar Crisps or the Cheddar Crisps (good, but just not the same in our book). Beware, however, since there is a company trying to sell them for $25 per bag! Soon, 10 oz. bags will begin showing up on Amazon.com as a direct response to the outcry, according to Crean, but will sell for $11 each (not quite as cheap as the $8.49 at Costco).
Can’t wait? Northern California Costcos are currently offering Parmesan “Whisps” from Cello Cheese. Meh, but close.
“I know what a drug dealer feels like,” said Crean, who in the several minutes we spoke, received three more emails from addicted Parmesan Crisp lovers,”people need their fix. We want to make sure everyone gets to feed their *healthy* addiction!”
Do you have a Costco favorite that’s disappeared?
Note: The use of the term “addiction” is meant to be humorous in this context, but process and substance addictions aren’t humorous at all. Not even a little. You are not alone.
Audience at the Gundlach Bundschu Huichica music festival at the winery in Sonoma. 2013 Photo: JOHN CAPONE
Gundlach Bundschu, one of the oldest wineries in California, doesn’t only produce world-class wines but also world-class music events. Their 9th annual Huichica Musical Festival is coming up on June 8 and 9 and the lineup was announced today.
The two-day Huichica festival, which takes place at Gundlach Bunschu’s historic winery in Sonoma, features 30 indie musical acts performing on four stages and numerous local and regional food and boutique retail vendors.
Produced in partnership by Gundlach Bundschu and (((folkYEAH!))), this year’s festival will offer a mix of established and up-and-coming indie and folk artists, who will perform on four stages at the winery.
Performers include Wooden Shjips, Jonathan Richman. King Tuff, Fruit Bats Huichica Jam w/Surprise Guests, Vetiver plays “Thing of the Past”, Steve Gunn, Iceage, White Fence, Rodrigo Amarante, Once & Future Band, Cut Worms, Bitchin Bajas, Acetone, Howlin Rain, Cosmic Twang, The Fresh & Onlys, Sonny & The Sunsets, Linda Perhacs, Chris Cohen, Kyle Craft, Mapache, Shannon Lay, Hand Habits, Lia Ices, AMO // AMO (Omar Valesco), Calvin Keys plays “Shawn Neeq”, Cocker Power – A tribute to Joe Cocker, Leon Russell and the Mad Dogs and Englishman Tour, The Deep Dark Woods, Extra Classic, Credit Electric, Springtime Carnivore and Mary Lattimore
A portion of all ticket proceeds benefit the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation. Founded in 1993, the nonprofit works with the Sonoma Valley Unified School District to raise funds and provide programs for students, including summer literacy, orchestral music, school gardens, science programs, and grants for teachers to implement innovative projects.
Gundlach Bunschu’s Huichica Music Festival is June 8 and 9. Tickets start at $40 and go on sale Friday, March 2. huichica.com
Rollerskaters zip by during the Butter and Egg Days Parade in Petaluma, California, on Saturday, April 23, 2016. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat) Butter and Egg Days Parade
Rollerskaters zip by during the Butter and Egg Days Parade in Petaluma. (Alvin Jornada)
In a pun-filled article (Petaluma has “softened its image as a hard-boiled agricultural town” and is “all it was cracked up to be”), LA Times highlighted some of the reasons why the former Egg Capital of the World is worth a visit, including its “radiant small-town charm,” historic downtown, antique stores and farm-to-table scene.
The Butcher’s Board served at Central Market in Petaluma. (Crista Jeremiason)
LA Times’ Irene Lechowitzky stayed at the Hotel Petaluma, on Kentucky Street, which was a little noisy (since the hotel is under construction), but nothing a pair of earplugs couldn’t take care of. Ms. Lechowitzky enjoyed a “terrific, diverse” lunch menu at Dempsey’s Restaurant & Brewery, where she tried the pan-roasted mussels, pulled pork tacos and a Chinese chicken salad, and then dined at Petaluma’s farm-to-table mecca Central Market, which she didn’t think was “as hot as touted” but still a “true farm-to-table experience.” Race car driver and vintner Kevin Buckler’s tasting room, Adobe Road Winery Tasting Room, was mentioned as “the find” – Ms. Lechowitzky especially enjoyed the winery’s 2014 Semillon and 2013 Rose.
Staying only overnight, Ms. Lechowitzky said she would make sure to stay longer on her next visit to Petaluma so that she would have time to see a show at McNear’s Mystic Theatreand browse some books at Copperfield’s.
What do you think, did Ms. Lechowitzky visit the right Petaluma places? What other spots should she have included on her itinerary?
A vineyard off Eastside Road near Windsor. (Kent Porter)
January was “Road-trip through the Yucatán,” February was “Go skiing in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec,” and then came “Sip and stroll in Sonoma, Calif.” The article suggested, “stop at the Dry Creek General Store, a local fixture in Healdsburg since 1881, for house-made pesto and fresh mozzarella panini ($10).” It also said that while Napa Valley may “get more buzz,” Sonoma is “just as beautiful—and hotels can be about 40% cheaper.” This exciting validation of our local area’s appeal comes as Santa Rosa has already been 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.
I’ve seen friends nearly come to blows over where to find the best burritos in Wine Country. Everyone has a favorite taco truck or hole-in-the-wall taqueria they’re convinced has the secret sauce for making the world’s best burrito. Whether it’s the mole sauce, the rice, the refried beans, or a favorite style of carne asada, it all comes down to that perfect combination of textures and flavors, all wrapped up in a handy tortilla.
We’ve come up with a list of 15 burrito spots, from the obvious to the undiscovered, with the help of dozens of foodie Facebook fans for the ultimate guide to Sonoma County burrito eating. Adding to our opinions, we’ve included direct quotes from Facebookers who responded to our call out for “The Best Burritos in Sonoma County.” Provecho. Las Palmas: This unassuming taqueria off Santa Rosa Ave. is a sleeper, but always popular with authentic Mexican street food fans and off-duty chefs. Carne asada and el pastro burritos are a go-to. 415 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-546-3091
Los Tres Chiles: “No Manches” Burrito is about the size of 10 regular burritos. If you can eat it in 60 minutes, it¹s free. Otherwise, $26.95. 2765 Yulupa Ave, Santa Rosa, 707-304-5724
El Guadalajara: “Try the Burrito Manadero! It has the best Mole sauce!” says Sue. “It rivals a Mission (SF) Burrito – the gold standard,” says Christopher. Tina says, “Chili Verde Burrito, best avo-green salsa.” 125 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, 707-433-1052
Guerneville Taco truck: No one really remembers what the truck is called, but they do remember the burritos. Usually parked in front of Safeway. “Can’t be beat,” says Michael. 16632 Main St, Guerneville.
Juanita Juanita
Casa del Mole: Diego’s Burrito is a favorite, with al pastor, grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms, organic potatoes, sour cream, guacamole and melted Monterey jack cheese. But you’re really here for the mole, which is prepared the old-fashioned way, with dozens of ingredients including Mexican chocolate. 434 Center St, Healdsburg, 707-433-4138. Related: Agave Mexican Restaurant (owned by the same family): “Get the Chile Relleno burrito,” says Marsha.
Lola’s: Hispanic grocer with family-friendly prices and solid carnitas. “Huge and great prices too,” says Michelle. 1680 Petaluma Hill Road, Santa Rosa, 707-577-8846, also 440 Dutton Ave, Santa Rosa
El Roy’s: Popular Petaluma restaurant and Santa Rosa taco truck with authentic eats Samantha says: “I’m a little obsessed with El Roy’s these days, everything they make is so good and fresh! Their burritos are great but I’m stuck on their tostadas. If breakfast burritos count ours at the cafe are really good, we serve them wet with house made ranchero and sour cream on top!” 210 Edith St, Petaluma, 707-774-3738 and 760 Sebastopol Rd, Santa Rosa (truck).
Juanita Juanita: We say go nuts on the garlic garlic burrito, and never worry about vampires again. “I’m partial to their Carnitas Pastor Tacos,” says Tony. 19114 Arnold Dr., Sonoma, 707-935-3981.
Don Julios: This secret little gem is well-known to foodies for its pupusas, but readers really love their burritos as well. “You MUST try their al pastor. I’ve eaten at a lot of burrito spots and drive further for this place. Please. Try it,” says Brent, “Superior!” 217 Southwest Blvd, Rohnert Park, 707-242-3160.
La Palapa: “By far the best burrito I have ever had anywhere is the wet Terminator with Diabla Sauce at La Palapa. Enough for two normal people and then some,” says PepperHead. 590 Lewis Rd, Santa Rosa, 707-569-9210.
Taqueria El Favorito: Mission-style burritos.”El Favorito on Sebastopol Road in Santa Rosa originated in the SF mission district,” says Yarrow. 65 Sebastopol Rd, Santa Rosa, 707-526-7444.
El Farolito: Surf and turf burrito, with steak, chorizo rice and spicy shrimp We’re partial to this Healdsburg spot that’s more than just a taqueria. A good selection of tequilas and traditional Oaxacan dishes lead us here again and again. 128 Plaza St., Healdsburg, 707-433-2807.
Oliver’s Market: You might not expect to find a top-notch burrito here, but fresh ingredients and impressive carne asada impressed several readers. “The breakfast one is my fave,” says Chris. “Wet Burrito,” says Toby. Locations in Cotati, Windsor and Santa Rosa, oliversmarket.com.
El Roy’s
Mi Pueblo: The Macho, with meat, rice, cheese, sour cream, onion, cilantro, salsa and tomatoes gets the wet treatment with a splash of “burrito sauce”. The Padre doubles the amount in the Macho, and the Gordo triples it for $35. 7384 Commerce Blvd, Cotati 707-792-4380 and 800 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, 707-762-8192.
Los Arcos: Burrito Loco has five kinds of meat, plus all the other super burrito goodies. “Flavorful, consistently good food,” says Lynn. 1791 Marlow Rd., Santa Rosa, 707-545-5858.
And a breakfast bonus:
Breakfast burrito in a bowl: Amy’s Drive-Thru We had to add this one after a quick stop at this plant-based drive-through from Amy’s Kitchen. Instead of eggs and bacon, this version has roasted potatoes, tofu scramble, spinach, salsa, cheese and sour cream (vegan versions available). 58 Golf Course Dr W, Rohnert Park, 707-755-3629.
Manga bene! Join Big Bottom Marketa tavola for Venti, a new monthly dinner series inspired by Italian home cooking. With just 20 seats available for each event, these intimate gatherings at the Guerneville gourmet market will feature four-course meals created by owner Michael Volpatt and in-house chef Donna Star, along with wine pairings.
The first Venti takes place on March 18, 2017 and will include charcuterie and cheese, cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper) made with homemade pasta, local Cioppino, torta frita (fried bread) and a dessert inspired by Big Bottom’s nationally-acclaimed biscuits. Macrostie Vineyards will be pouring pinot noir and chardonnay at the event.
The all-inclusive dinner is $120 per person, with reservations available by emailing info@bigbottommarket.com.
Izzy’s 26th Annual Tattoo’s and Blues convention at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa brought together tattoo artists and enthusiasts from across the country and all over the Bay Area. The event featured live tattooing, music, beer and different tattoo contests over the course of three days. We snapped a few photos for you to relive the tattoo fest.
Elle Steranko gets a tattoo at the Tattoos & Blues Festival at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa.Tattoos & Blues Festival at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa.Fire and Wheels band perform at the Tattoos & Blues Festival at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa.Jake St. George gets a tattoo at the Tattoo & Blues Festival at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa.Tattoo & Blues Festival at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa.John Balisteri gets lamb tattoo at the Tattoo & Blues Festival at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa.Tattoo artist Shotsie Gorman at the Tattoo & Blues Festival at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa.Summer Sinnette shows her favorite leg tattoo at the Tattoo & Blues Festival at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa.Tattoo & Blues Festival at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa.Tattoo & Blues Festival at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa.Fire and Wheels band perform at the Tattoos & Blues Festival at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa.
James Ryall of The Down House plays at The Last Record Store in Santa Rosa. (Estefany Gonzalez)
James Ryall of The Down House plays at The Last Record Store in Santa Rosa.
The Last Record Store in Santa Rosa is a haven for local music. From the latest homegrown talent and niche oddities, to epic limited edition live recordings and only the best new releases, this music mecca is as diverse as it is thorough and deep-cut.
This good old-fashioned music store is essentially the Amoeba Music or Rasputin of the North Bay and, aside from selling a large collection of new and used CDs, tapes and vinyl, the shop also works with local artists to arrange small pop-up concerts on album release dates.
We snapped a few photos when The Down House, a shoe-gaze indie band, played The Last Record Store on the release date of their latest album “Our Mess.” Channeling different musical eras, from 60s psychedelic nostalgia to gritty grunge tunes and early punk, Casey Colby and Sarah Davis, drummer Connor Alfaro, guitarist Derek Nielsen, bassist James Ryall and keyboardist Anthony Killian rocked the Santa Rosa store. Check out the photos below.
For more upcoming shows at The Last Record Store visit: thelastrecordstore.comor visit soundcloud.com to listen to the new The Down House record.
Sarah Davis of The Down House.Derek Nielsen of The Down House.Connor Alfaro of The Down House.The Down House plays at The Last Record Store in Santa Rosa.The Down House plays at The Last Record Store in Santa Rosa.Casey Colby of The Down House.
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