A modern aesthetic and green materials shape a low-impact house.
It takes no small leap of faith to build a forever home from scratch. But that’s exactly what designer Jim Simmons and his wife, Susan, did four years ago when they bought an empty, overgrown lot on the edge of the rural Sonoma Valley town of Kenwood. “I knew the second I got out of the car. We both had that warm feeling of being exactly where we were meant to be,” explains Susan. Together, the couple cleared away the scrub and designed their dream house, a 2,600-square-foot modern ranch that sits lightly on the land, with glass curtain walls and a dramatic winged roofline that echoes the surrounding hillsides.
Large expanses of glass with billowing floor-to-ceiling curtains are the standout feature of the great room. “For me, part of feeling relaxed in a home is when the colors on the inside are harmonious with the colors on the outside,” says Jim. “It’s about restraint, letting nature speak for itself.”
The home is entirely off the grid, with solar panels on the adjacent barn and a passive green design to regulate temperature using wide roof overhangs, thicker-than-usual insulation, and doors and windows that slide open to capture the breeze. Eucalyptus cabinetry and a simple, repeated palette of natural textures mean that the home, while streamlined, doesn’t feel at all stark. Instead, it’s a perfect reflection of its rural setting, right down to the swirly green and gold color of the countertops.
The curving standalone tub in the master bath has a saltillo tile backsplash and looks out to the hills.
A freestanding European-style wood stove keeps the great room comfortable during tumultuous winter storms that sweep through the valley. “The wind blows, the clouds are going by, the rain is pelting the outside. A big storm gets the whole house humming,” says Susan.
Jim and Susan Simmons.
The couple’s two grown sons helped with construction and still visit often, bringing college friends to stay in guest rooms tucked in the top of the barn. Younger son Cameron built a live-edge dining table, benches and desks from a huge slab of reclaimed elm. He also researched traditional Japanese charred wood, sho sugi ban, which was used to preserve the cedar on the exterior of the house and barn.
The wine closet is tucked away near the entry, just off the long main hallway. Local Sonoma Valley wines are a favorite.
Jim’s overall design goal was to show that off-the-shelf materials could be used in an innovative, custom way. The beams, concrete floors and Douglas fir doors and windows were all standard sizes and available at local stores. This practical-but-beautiful approach is one of the main reasons the couple are so satisfied with their hard work. “We love our community and think we’ll be here a very long time,” says Jim.
Photography by Chris Hardy.
Susan knew exactly what she wanted for her kitchen and chose the distinctive green-and-gold onyx countertop and backsplash before Jim was finished designing the room. The layout works for both everyday and entertaining, with bar seating, deep sink and efficient appliances that don’t drain electricity too quickly — important when living off the grid. An adjacent walk-in butler’s pantry keeps the working zone of the kitchen clutter-free.t’s simple and serene in the master bedroom, which repeats the same soft sage greens and saltillo tile of the great room. During storms, rain is channeled along the roofline to this corner near the bedroom before pouring off the roof “like a firehose,” says Susan. The water is then directed into a single deep cistern that recharges the aquifer under the marsh.
Are the winter rains and gloomy news getting to you? Here are 7 local spas that will soothe stressed-out minds and bodies. Just think pure, locally sourced, earth-driven and often edible, and you’ve got a taste of what pampering pleasures await in Sonoma County.
The meditation garden at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Freestone. (Christopher Chung)
The cedar bath is the signature at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Freestone, and after the first few minutes, most surrender to the warmth that nudges past 120 degrees. It’s a 20-minute escape from doing anything, even moving the arms, pinned as they are beneath the springy, damp shavings. An attendant tiptoes in periodically to apply cold cloths and offer ice water sipped through a straw. Open your eyes now and then to gaze over the meditative sand garden outside the window.
Japanese Meditation Garden at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Freestone. (Crista Jeremiason)
According to Osmosis owner Michael Stusser, this is the only cedar bath in this country, inspired by baths he discovered in Japan for soothing pain, calming nerves, detoxifying and brightening skin.
It’s just one example of the distinctive spa treatments found in Sonoma, where unusual ingredients make up oils, wraps, scrubs, lotions and potions. Surrounded by so many boutique farms, the best spas look to the backyard for all-natural products and distinctive services that restore and refresh with the help of Mother Nature.
Some spas turn to the ocean, as well, such as Spa Dolce in Healdsburg, with its Detoxifying Seaweed Body Wrap — just the thing with a green-tea facial. The Bodega Bay Lodge spa, meanwhile, overlooks the Pacific and offers a Warm Shell Massage using tiger-striped clam shells filled with hot salt water, minerals, seaweed and essential oils.
The pool at Kenwood Inn and Spa.
And of course, local spas are inspired by the vineyards.The Garden Spa at MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa in Sonoma recommends a Red Wine Grapeseed Bath, Grapeseed Body Polish and Grapeseed Essential Oil Massage package in the summer; red wine contains resveratrol, a natural antioxidant said to purify blemish-prone skin. Kenwood Inn, too, specializes in vinotherapy baths for soaking in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay or sparkling wine salts, oils and grape elixirs. Sip a glass of whatever wine you’re bathing in.
The Farmhouse Inn’s new spa sits across a pathway from the outdoor pool.
At Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant in Forestville, fifth-generation farmers and brother-sister team of Joe and Catherine Bartolomei have built a gracious, ultra-luxury lodge around an original 1872 farmhouse on 6 acres nestled alongside Russian River vineyards. It’s posh, indeed: Rooms cost up to $1,200 a night for en-suite treasures including two-person wet-dry redwood saunas, indoor-outdoor fireplaces and big, marble-clad jetted tubs tucked against windows opening to the forest.
Nearby Bartolomei Ranch boasts heirloom apple and pear orchards, beehives and herb gardens, for creating products such as spring forest honey and summer blackberry honey lotions and oils. Yet the most tempting treatment is the Body Melt, a massage with a warm body pillow filled with muscle-healing herbs, alfalfa hay, lavender and chamomile set on top of a waterbed. “In days past, farmers used alfalfa to help extract lactic acid from sore muscles,” Catherine explained.
For extra indulgence, couples can enjoy the Roll in the Hay package, which includes a spicy mocha scrub, an extra-large alfalfa pillow and custom aphrodisiac elixirs.
Spa at the Farmhouse Inn.
Michele Steinert grows many of the ingredients for the artisanal products she creates for the high-end spa at Hotel Healdsburg, drawing from her garden that hosts more than 600 varieties of lavender plants. Her small-batch lotions, balms, oils and scrubs are produced in the apothecary studio of her 17-acre Santa Rosa ranch, for a custom Farm to Spa Collection of products such as Warming Herbal Crème and Meyer Lemon Body Crème.
As guests relax in one of the spa’s six sleek, moss-green and wood-trimmed rooms, they choose from a menu so seasonal, constantly changing and delicious that it reads a bit like a restaurant menu: lavender, rosemary, brown sugar, pumpkin, peppermint, ginger, honey from Steinert’s own bees, citrus, chocolate, cherries and vanilla. For summer, she likes apples and herbs made into a soothing facial masque.
Pool at Hotel Healdsburg.
The plants, herbs and spices are married in aromatic, sometimes unexpected concoctions such as Chocolate Whipped Body Butter Crème, a rich, thick and silky blend of organic cocoa and mango butter plus Shea nut butter, seed butter, sunflower and safflower oils, apricot, rosemary and vitamin E.
“Chocolate is an antioxidant,” Steinert said. “Cocoa is an astringent for tightening the skin, while cocoa butter is an extraordinary skin protector, moisturizing deep down and nourishing.”
Chloe Smith delivers another round of Pliny the Younger at Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa on Friday. (JOHN BURGESS
SF Beer Week Gala. (Photo courtesy of SF Beer Week)
Since its inauguration in 2009, San Francisco Beer Week has quickly established itself as one of the most highly anticipated beer events in the country. This year, SF Beer Week will take place February 10-19 and, like previous years, the big beer bash begins with an opening gala – if you’re a beer lover, this is a party you won’t want to miss.
The SF Beer Week Opening Gala will kick off nine days of tastings, pairings, brewers dinners, tap takeovers, educational seminars and special releases throughout the Bay Area. This year’s gala, hosted by San Francisco Brewers Guild at Pier 48 in San Francisco, will serve up the largest gathering of Northern California breweries and tasty bites from some of the city’s top food vendors.
Guests will be able to sample beers from over 120 Northern California breweries, including sought after triple IPA Pliny the Younger and the SF Brewers Guild collaboration beer: New Frontier Kolsch (premiered at the opening gala). If you want to get your hands on one of these harder to get beers, a VIP ticket is recommended – whether in Santa Rosa or San Francisco, Pliny the Younger is always served with a long line.
Chloe Smith delivers another round of Pliny the Younger at Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess)
In addition to widely known brews, there will be a variety of beer flowing – some so rare that even a true beer geek might not know about them yet.
Here’s a roundup of breweries that will be attending this year’s SF Beer Week (this is subject to change as more breweries are added to the list):
NORTH BAY
101 North Brewing
Anderson Valley Brewing
Bear Republic Brewing
Cooperage Brewing
Eel River Brewing
Fogbelt Brewing
HenHouse Brewing
Iron Springs Pub & Brewery
Lagunitas Brewing
Lost Coast Brewery
Mad River Brewing
Marin Brewing
Mendocino Brewing
Moonlight Brewing
Moylan’s Brewing
Napa Smith Brewery
North Coast Brewing
Petaluma Hills Brewing
Russian River Brewing
Sierra Nevada Brewing
Sonoma Springs Brewing
St. Florian’s Brewery
Third Street Aleworks
Woodfour Brewing
SF Beer Week, a ten day beer experience. (Tim Vallery)
SAN FRANCISCO
21st Amendment Brewery
Almanac Beer
Anchor Brewing
Barrel Head Brewhouse
Bartlett Hall
Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant
Black Hammer Brewing
Black Sands Brewery
Bon Machre Brasserie & Bar
Brasserie Saint James
Cellarmaker Brewing
Fort Point Beer
Harmonic Brewing
Headlands Brewing
Holy Craft Brewery
Laughing Monk
Local Brewing
Magnolia Brewing
Old Bus Tavern
Pine Street Brewery
Pizza Orgasmica & Brewing
San Francisco Brewing
Shmaltz Brewing
Social Kitchen & Brewery
Southern Pacific Brewing
Southpaw BBQ
Speakeasy Ales & Lagers
Sunset Reservoir Brewing
ThirstyBear Organic Brewery
Triple Voodoo Brewery & Tap Room
Woods Beer / Cerveceria de MateVeza
Beer sampling at SF Beer Week 2016. (Tim Vallery)
EAST BAY
Alameda Island Brewing
Ale Industries
Altamont Beer Works
Auburn Alehouse
Benoit-Casper Brewing
Berryessa Brewing
Bison Brewing
Black Diamond Brewery
Buffalo Bill’s Brewery
Calicraft Brewing
Cleophus Quealy Beer
DasBrew
Diving Dog Brewhouse
Drake’s Brewing
Dust Bowl Brewing
Eight Bridges Brewing
Elevation 66 Brewing
Epidemic Ales
Federation Brewing
Ghost Town Brewing
Heretic Brewing
High Water Brewing
Hoppy Brewing
Knee Deep Brewing
New Helvetia Brewing
Ol’ Republic Brewing
Pacific Coast Brewing
Rubicon Brewing
Ruhstaller Brewery & Taproom
Schubros Brewery
Tahoe Mountain Brewing
The Rare Barrel
Track 7 Brewing
Triple Rock Brewing
Trumer Brauerei
Working Man Brewing
Cheers to SF Beer Week! (Photo by Tim Vallery)
SOUTH BAY
Alpha Acid Brewing
Armstrong Brewing
Devil’s Canyon Brewing
Discretion Brewing
El Toro Brewing
Faultline Brewing
Firestone Walker Brewing
Freewheel Brewing
Gordon Biersch Brewing
Half Moon Bay Brewing
Hermitage Brewing
Highway 1 Brewing
Hop Dogma Brewing
New Bohemia Brewing
Palo Alto Brewing
Santa Clara Valley Brewing
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
Strike Brewing
Tied House Brewery & Cafe
Uncommon Brewers
SF BEER WEEK OPENING GALA
When: Friday, February 10, 2017, 6:00 – 10:30 PM Where: Pier 48, San Francisco, CA 94133 Tickets: $80-$120 per person, includes a beer glass, unlimited samples, and admission into the event. Tickets sell out fast, get them here. Transportation: Gather a group together, rent a car or a bus with Executive Charters, or charter the North Bay Brewery Tours bus and travel down to San Francisco in style. Info:sfbeerweek.com, (@SfBeerWeek)
Stay tuned for more upcoming events in and around Sonoma County during SF Beer Week and leading up to it. There is a lot in store for Sonoma County beer lovers!
Guests enjoying the SF Beer Week Opening Gala in 2014, in a photo booth. Left to right: Tim and Jess Vallery, Derek and Erin Manus, and Adam and Ashley Stewart.
ISO Seo, 3, of Sebastopol samples raspberries while picking up a weekly veggie box with his mother at the Laguna Farm CSA in Sebastopol. (John Burgess)
10. Snap a selfie in front of the Sonoma map/art at the Fremont Diner in Sonoma.
Once a year, funnel cakes at the Sonoma County Fair are available. The lines for these deep fried treats can sometimes be longer than the ride lines, but just one bite is powdered-sugar heaven. (Kent Porter)
35. Make your own u-pick BLT at the Zazu/Black Piglet pop-up, and sip some Pinot, at Davis Family Vineyards in Healdsburg.
BLTs off the vine? Black Piglet pop-up opens for the summer at Davis Family Winery in Healdsburg.
A replica of the original swan, constructed partially of recycled water bottles is floating downstream with Mr. Healdsburg, Tejpal Singh Sekhon, during the Healdsburg Water Carnival. (Kent Porter)
38. Celebrate diverse international flavors and cultures at the Fort Ross Festival.
Russian dancers demonstrate ethnic dancing during the Fort Ross State Park’s Bicentennial celebration. (Kent Porter)
39. Tour scenic Highway 12or Watmaugh Road and stop for fresh, sweet and summer warm, strawberries.
A bucolic scene on Highway 12 in the Valley of the Moon. (Kent Porter)Fresh and sweet Sonoma strawberries. (Chris Hardy)
40. Indulge in funky-looking fruit, and other heritage food, at the National Heirloom Exposition at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
Shawna Kelly of the east bay holds a gete-oskosomin squash grown from ancient found seeds at the National Heirloom Exposition at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. (John Burgess)
41. Quaff a cold beer at Ernie’s Tin Bar/auto garage in Petaluma – and get a free ride home.
Owner Ernie Altenreuther, left, talks with regulars at Ernie’s Tin Bar in Petaluma. (Conner Jay)
42. Provision cheeses, artisan breads, fresh fruits and vegetables and pair them with fine wines at the Valley of the Moon farmer’s marketfor a picnic on Sonoma Plaza’s lawn.
The Swallowtail Treehouse, nestled securely in a multi-trunked 110-foot Eucalyptus tree in Petaluma, is one of several treehouses available for rent in Sonoma County.
45. Toss your shoes and stomp grapes at the Harvest Fair at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
Grape stomp at the Harvest Fair. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
46. Go “glamping” in the Sonoma Serengeti at Safari Westin Santa Rosa.
Interior of a luxury tent at Safari West. (Photo courtesy of hotels.com)Safari West giraffe love. (John Burgess)
47. Commune with ribald spirits and soak up the country charm of iconic Sonoma roadhouses, like Washoe House or Twin Oaks Roadhouse.
The Washoe House in Petaluma. (Chris Hardy)The fried chicken sandwich at the Twin Oaks Road House in Penngrove. (Kent Porter)
48. Ascend to float lightly in a hot air balloon over Wine Country vineyards.
A hot air balloon ascends over Windsor at dawn. (Kent Porter)A hot air balloon floats over Windsor vineyards. (Kent Porter)
49. Browse the 15th to 19th-century culinary books at Ben Kinmont Bookseller in Sebastopol.
50. Spend a day at Lake Sonomaby hiking around the lake, boating or viewing the lake from above.
58. Learn to play ukulele, mandolin or guitar at Tall Toad Musicin Petalumaand check out their vintage instruments.
A variety of guitars on display at Tall Toad Music in Petaluma. (Beth Schlanker)
59. Take a West County trip and brunch at Estero Cafein Valley Ford.
Cinnamon French toast made from Village Bakery brioche topped with butter, fresh whipped cream, organic raspberries and real maple syrup with orange slices, sparkling wine and a cappuccino at Estero Cafe in Valley Ford. (Alvin Jornada)
60. Taste the best Mexican food in Sonoma County at El Roy’s Taco Truck in Petaluma.
El Roy’s Mexican Grill has been voted the best food truck in Sonoma County. (Christopher Chung)
The Francis Ford Coppola Winery pool in Geyserville.Swimming Under the Stars at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville. (Alvin Jornada)
72. Jazz it up the speakeasy way with a live gig at the Big Easy in Petaluma.
Wayne De La Cruz preforms with his band at The Big Easy bar and night club in Petaluma. (Jeremy Portje)
73. Browse Life Magazine’s decades and other vintage treasures at Whistlestop Antiques in Santa Rosa.
A mural of a steam engine on the side of Whistlestop Antiques serves as the defacto entrance to the Historic Railroad Square district in Santa Rosa. (Kent Porter)
74. Take a beekeeping, cheesemaking, fermenting, ramen-making, or pickling class at the SHEDin Healdsburg.
A bowl of homemade soup at a ramen workshop at SHED in Healdsburg. (Beth Schlanker)
Commerce Fine Goods inside the Guerneville Bank Club. (Photo courtesy of Commerce Fine Goods)Nimble and Finn’s Ice Cream. (Photo courtesy of Nimble & Finn’s)
On of the perks of being a coffee entrepreneur is getting to travel to exotic, far-off places from South America, Central America and Africa to the Pacific Islands and Asian continent. These coffee folks tend to meet a lot of people, many of them in developing countries, many who want to come here for a visit, or to live.
“We’ve been working with coffee people around the globe for over 20 years. We work with people of all different faiths, cultures, beliefs and so on. One thing that remains true despite the national borders between us, is that we are all more alike than we are different,” said Phil Anacker, co-founder and managing partner of Flying Goat Coffee.
But many coffeemakers and, well, let’s just say many Americans, are feeling rising concerns about the current political climate toward our world neighbors. Not ones to sit by (cause hey they’re caffeinated and ready to go) more than 600 coffee cafes nationwide and 278 coffee brands are banding together to raise funds for the ACLU. And all you have to do is buy some coffee from today (Friday, Feb. 3) through Sunday, Feb. 5.
Kicked off by coffee lifestyle magazine Sprudge, the event has grown from a small grassroots idea of pledging to match funds raised by 26 coffee shops to a major movement being financially backed by coffee brands including Peet’s, Counter Culture and others who are offering matching donations.
“…the situation in our country has moved beyond political theater. We believe that the current executive order banning refugees from the United States and immigration from 7 majority Muslim nations is illegal, immoral, and fundamentally un-American. Like a hot mug of drip coffee spilled on a crisp white apron, these actions are a dark stain on our national conscience, and as Americans, we feel compelled to stand up against them,” said the magazine website.
“Come in over the next few days and help contribute to an important cause. We’ll be donating 5% of all daily sales to the American Civil Liberties Union to help the noble legal fight against the recently declared travel ban. Help us support the constitutional right of Equal Protection for all! We’ll be brewing a fantastic coffee from Haile Gebre’s farm in Shakiso, Ethiopia. Buy an extra cup for a friend!” said Anacker.
Wanna get involved? Drink a cup of coffee and/or make a donation at any Flying Goat location, Bella Rosa Coffee Cafe or Taylor Maid Roasters. An evolving map is here. (Also, let us know if we’ve missed anyone!)
With all the Rasta-wannas in the North Bay, it’s something of a shocker that real Jamaican cuisine hasn’t yet made it to our neck of the woods (at least under my 10-year-watch), but blouse an skirt, we’ve got one now.
Revibe Cafe and Scoop Bar has opened in Sebastopol, featuring “Beenie” plates (think small plates featuring jerk, curries, roti and other Jamaican cuisine) and house-churned exotic ice creams like banana-ginger, jackfruit, tamarind and passionfruit. It’s been a three-year project Will Abrams and his Jamaican-American wife, Dr. Eki Abrams, renovating a World War II-style quonset hut into a modern restaurant.
Photo: Slip Stitch and Press
Jamaican chef Anthony Walters came to Sonoma County six months ago to launch the restaurant, giving authentic flavor to dishes like goat curry, pulled pork Roti wraps, steak patties, jerk chicken, yam “cookup” and Ital stew, a traditional Rastafarian vegan dish. Prices are family-friendly, with small plates priced at $8.26, sides at $3.67 and $3.50 scoops.
Photo: Slip Stitch and Press
The restaurant has a social focus as well, pledging 50 percent of profits to local non-profits. More details soon on this Sebastopol Jamaican restaurant.
Tolay Lake Regional Park, located between the Petaluma River and the Sonoma Valley. (Robbi Pengelly/Sonoma Index-Tribune)
To celebrate the beauty of Sonoma County, we have picked 40 of our favorite local photos by staff photographers. Enjoy!
Tolay Lake Regional Park, located between the Petaluma River and the Sonoma Valley, is host to the Tolay Fall Festival. (Photo by Robbi Pengelly)
Lille Smallcomb, 5. and her mother Jennie of Santa Rosa in a mustard field near Kenwood. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Friends enjoy a hike on the bluffs above Goat Rock beach in Jenner. (Photo by John Burgess)
Front Porch Farm owner Mimi Buckley feeds a baby goat. The goats are used as the “mowers” on the farm. (Photo by John Burgess)
View over Bodega Head. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Members of the group Ballet Folklorico Jazmin perform during the Cinco de Mayo celebration in Santa Rosa. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
Wise Acre Farm Great Pyrenees Buddy, watches over the flock off Arata Lane in Windsor. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Wright’s Beach Campground on the Sonoma Coast. (Photo by John Burgess)
Tamara Batista, 3, laughs as she floats in the water at Veterans Memorial Beach in Healdsburg. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
Warnecke Ranch near Windsor. (Photo by Chris Hardy)
Dressed as firecrackers, Malia Hughes, 5, left, and her twin sister, Brooke, take part in the 4th of July Kids Parade at the Healdsburg Plaza. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
Islands in the Sky, the Willow Creek addition to Sonoma Coast State Park, foreground and the mouth of the Russian River, background. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Sonoma County Pride festivities in Guerneville (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
Above Bennett Valley, a vineyard basks in late fall light. In the background, Mt. St. Helena touches the sky. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Eric Austensen tries to catch one last wave before the sun sets along Goat Rock State Beach. (Photo by Conner Jay)
Safari West’s annual Wild Jungle Love tour focuses on the courtship rituals of some of the over 700 animals on the 400 acre wildlife preserve. (Photo by John Burgess)
A bench provides rest for hikers and spectacular views of Sonoma from an overlook along the Bartholomew Memorial Park loop. (Photo by Conner Jay)
A late winter sunrise over a valley oak in Windsor. (Photo by Kent Porter)
From left, Adele 3, Casey, Thomas, 1, and Janine Coleman at the Rivertown Revival in Petaluma. (Photo by John Burgess)
Sonoma vines in fall. (Photo by John Burgess)
Tre’von Brown, 16, left, and Jess Herrera, 16, right, of the Santa Rosa HIgh School Latinos Unidos club show off their calaveras make-up during a Dia de los Muertos celebration at Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Preserve. (Photo by Kent Porter)
The Helm and Sons attractions at the Sonoma County Fair. (Photo by Crista Jeremiason)
Flowers at the Sunset gardens at Cornerstone Sonoma. (Photo by Joshua Dylan Mellars
Sonoma County apple orchards. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
Wildflowers at the Willow Creek addition to Sonoma Coast State Park. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Saint Helena view. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
Harvest Moon in Sonoma County. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Whale watching at Bodega Head. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
Joseph Wilson, 10, and his grandma Anne Bradley ride “The Sizzler” at the Sonoma County Fair. (Photo by Crista Jeremiason)
People ride the “Wave Swinger,” at the Sonoma County Fair. (Photo by Crista Jeremiason)
People float down the Russian River by various methods of transportation toward Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
Siblings, Carter Gardea, 9, Sophia, 7, and Camille, 12, jump into the pool at Morton’s Warm Springs in Glen Ellen. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
A Sonoma County bee. (Photo by Conner Jay)
Jack Gless plays with bubbles at Howarth Park in Santa Rosa. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
The J.C. Leissring Fine Arts gallery in Santa Rosa. (Photo by John Burgess)
Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen. (Photo by Erik Castro)
Chad Harris, owner of Fremont Diner in Sonoma. Chad opened the diner for breakfast and lunch, so he could be home to pick up his kids from school. (Photo by John Burgess)
Flowers at the Sunset gardens at Cornerstone Sonoma. (Photo by Joshua Dylan Mellars)
The guest cottage at Landmark Vineyard in the Sonoma Valley. (Photo by John Burgess)
Jayson Collard, with his dog, Maliki, guides hunters into land above Lake Sonoma for hunting wild pigs. (Photo by John Burgess)
Sunset bike ride in Sonoma County. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Sunset over the Russian River Valley (Photo by Kent Porter)
Looking for things to do in Sonoma County? Click here.
Just shy of its ninth birthday, Healdsburg’s Scopa Restaurant has announced plans to shutter in April.
The popular Italian restaurant (109A Plaza St.) features Chef Ari Rosen’s Old World takes on everything from ravioli and pizzas to Nonna’s Tomato-braised chicken with polenta. When it opened in 2008, critics and foodies were immediately impressed with the menu. But it was Scopa’s notorious 6-seat bar, intimate tables and no-frills attitude that keeps the restaurant popular with locals.
From spontaneous group sing-alongs to patrons sharing family recipes and playing Italian card games, Rosen said the restaurant was part social experiment and part destiny from the start. “I would say that Scopa was an organic community experiment, and welcomed whatever was happening, and just whatever walked in the door.”
Former bartender and longtime patron Iain Rizzo, 46, of Healdsburg, expressed sadness at the news, saying: “It’s a magical place. I’ve worked at a lot of bars, but here people would come in and share. If you were by yourself you instantly became part of the group. Night after night it was just the same thing, It brought out the best in people.”
“It’s so hard to put into words, it’s just.a feeling when you know something works,” Rizzo said.
The decision to close was a painful one, said Rosen, who also owns nearby Campo Fina (330 Healdsburg Ave.) with his wife Dawnelise, especially since the restaurant continues to be a popular hangout. But with a six-year-old daughter and a baby on the way, the Rosen said they felt a need simplify their lives.
“We were holding it together, running two restaurants for the last five years, and it was one of those things. When you have a second kid, you’re looking at your life, and you realize how little time you have for family. It forces you to make hard decisions,” Rosen said.
The seemingly-abrupt decision to close had also lot to do with the seasonality of the restaurant business, according to Rosen. He plans to absorb all of the 15 Scopa staff into his 50-plus workers at Campo Fina while things are busy, rather than at the end of summer, when restaurants slow down.
“When we looked at calendar, and how we could take care of our staff and the community, the time to make the announcement was now, We just didn’t want to leave anyone high and dry,” he said. Rosen also said that the strain of finding good kitchen staff in an increasingly competitive landscape, as well as rising food costs contributed to the decision.
With ten years remaining on their lease, the couple are still figuring out what to do with the space. One idea, said Rosen, would be a simpler enoteca-style wine and small bites spot. The other would be leasing it out to another restaurateur, something he’s seriously considering.
“My daughter cried when I told her because she wanted us to keep both restaurants,” said Rosen. As a compromise, she agreed to the closure of Scopa on one condition, that Rosen sells to someone he knows. Though he isn’t elaborating publicly on who that could be, Rosen said that he’s had some inquiries from friends he thinks will keep the community spirit alive and thriving.
“We relish in the memories and stories that all of you have shared with us, all beginning with ‘You won’t believe what happened the other night at Scopa’s Bar’,” said Rosen. “Those moments will be immortalized in Scopa folklore.”
The restaurant closes for good on April 8. Until then, the restaurant will operate on its normal schedule.
Russian River Brewing Company owner Natalie Cilurzo offers a test of Pliny the Younger to the photographer before the release in Santa Rosa on Friday. (JOHN BURGESS)
Pliny the Younger is one of the most anticipated seasonal beer releases around the globe. On Friday, February 3, it is making its 14th annual debut at Russian River Brewing Company (RRBC) in Santa Rosa. But what is Pliny, and is it really worth the hype? Here are a few answers to some of the most common questions about Pliny the Younger:
Chloe Smith delivers another round of Pliny the Younger at Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess)
What’s the big deal?
Russian River brewmaster Vinnie Cilurzo first brewed “Younger” in 2005 and, at the time, it was the only beer of it’s kind; the first triple IPA. Pliny the Younger is traditionally released the first Friday in February, and is available on draft only (no growlers, no bottles) at the Santa Rosa brewpub for two weeks (this year, between February 3 – 16).
There is an allocation of Pliny for each day, and it’s served until it runs out – and once it’s out, it’s out – no refills. Not only is Pliny a limited release, but visitors’ time at the brewpub and their consumption of Pliny is limited as well: each person is allotted three hours at the pub and three “Youngers”.
“Not that there’s ever a dull moment around here at Russian River, but this is one of the more exciting times to be a part of, between the anticipation of the people coming in from all over the world and the beer, it’s just a really great time of year,” says Spencer Paul, bartender at Russian River Brewing Co.
What’s in the brew?
Pliny the Younger is a rendition of Pliny the Elder except with more hops, malt, and higher alcohol – the beer will finish this year right around 10.25% AVB. The hops used in this year’s recipe are: Simcoe, Warrior, Chinook, Centennial, Amarillo, CTZ, Comet and Azacca. Each year, the batches of beer are surprisingly smooth for the amount of alcohol.
If Pliny is so popular, why not just make more of it?
Pliny the Younger is a very time consuming and extremely expensive beer to brew: it uses a tremendous amount of raw materials – malt and hops particularly – and takes up a huge amount of tank space at the brewery.
Beer lovers from around the world stand in line for their chance to taste Pliny the Younger at Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess)
How long will I have to wait in line? And how do I master the line? Russian River Brewery produces some of the best beers in the world. “Younger” is no exception, and every single beer geek and novice wants in on the action. During Pliny weeks, there is ALWAYS a line, so be prepared. Many beer fans plan their vacations around the “Younger” release so expect long lines from early in the morning, or even starting the night before (this is especially the case for day 1). It’s been said that if you are in line past the smoke shop on 4th Street by the time the brewery opens, you will probably not make it in the first group.
In general, Pliny pilgrims should be prepared to wait up to eight hours, especially on weekends. If it rains, expect a longer and wetter wait, since the brewpub will have to close the patio and thus eliminating a substantial amount of seating.
There’s hope: since RRBC implemented the 3 hour/3 Younger policy, the line moves much quicker. And besides, waiting in line can be a fun experience: get to know locals, or people who have travelled hundreds and thousands of miles for a unique experience – you won’t struggle to find something to talk about, after all, you’re all there for the same reason.
But remember, don’t get too excited (or too bored): this is not the time to get the party started – don’t spike your coffee, don’t share bottles in the line and don’t smoke. The experience inside is only three hours and, trust me, you don’t want to ruin your palate pre Pliny.
The security team at Russian River Brewing Company talk about how to handle the lines and the door for the opening day of Pliny the Younger in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess)
A few other things to keep in mind while waiting in line (recommendations from RRBC):
1. Leave your pop-up tents and easy ups at home. Umbrellas, rain gear, camping chairs are recommended.
2. Don’t camp out in front of businesses, if people are trying to go in and out of the businesses, kindly move out of the way.
3. Come with your entire party, check in and then take turns leaving the line, but don’t cut in front of people who have been waiting for hours because your friends, “saved your spot” it’s not cool.
What happens once I’m inside?
People are allowed to enter the Santa Rosa brewpub in groups when a seat is available for each person in the party. This way, employees have more control over the environment and can make it more comfortable for guests.
Once you enter the brewpub, you will receives a wristband with three pull-tabs, exchangeable for three “Youngers”.
Guests are allotted a maximum of three hours to enjoy their triple IPA and their time at the Santa Rosa brewpub. There are 20+ additional amazing beers on draft – the sampler tray is an excellent way to taste them all ($22). Pair your brew with some bites, there are salads, meatball sandwiches, and pizza bites (“Pliny” bites are the most popular, while “Drew” bites are a local favorite).
After the three hours are up, you will be asked to move on so that more people can enjoy the “Younger” experience.
Waitress Alison Bellman painted her nails for the release of Pliny the Younger at Russian River Brewing Company in 2016. (John Burgess)
Who is this Pliny character?
Pliny the Younger was a lawyer, author, and magistrate of ancient Rome. He wrote hundreds of letters, many of which have been preserved and are of great historical value. Pliny’s uncle, Pliny the Elder, helped raise and educate him, and later adopted him. Pliny Jr and Pliny Sr witnessed the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, which took Pliny the Elder’s life.
How do I pronounce “Pliny”?
While most people, including the RRBC staff, pronounce the popular beer “ply-knee,” the “correct” Latin pronunciation is actually “plih-nee” – rhyming with “mini.” Take your pick when you chat with your fellow beer lover in the line, Pliny people are usually not as picky with pronunciations as they are with their pints.
I’m from out of town, where is a good place to stay? And how do I get around if I don’t want to drive?
For those visiting from out of town, Russian River Brewing Company founder and owner Natalie Cilurzo has made arrangements with local Sonoma County hotels and blocked out rooms to make booking accommodations easier. Check out the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa, Hampton Inn and Suites in Windsor, Hilton Sonoma Wine Country in Santa Rosa and Courtyard by Marriott in Santa Rosa, and mention “Russian River Brewing – Pliny the Younger Release”. For more information read Natalie’s blog post here.
Lack a designated driver? Uber and Lyft are excellent alternatives and rides are easily obtained from the brewery in downtown Santa Rosa (local tip: Uber and Lyft drivers will usually arrive at the front entrance of the brewpub when the GPS location is set – if you are at the back of the brewery, call your driver and let them know).
Russian River Brewing Company owner Natalie Cilurzo offers a test of Pliny the Younger to the photographer. (John Burgess)
Best of luck getting a good spot in line, stay dry, and have fun!
Santa Rosa breathes a collective sigh of relief that the former Rendez Vous cafe on Fourth St. is slated to become a bar and restaurant called Beer Baron. The space, which was taken over by the Chandi Restaurant Group (County Bench, Bibi’s Burger Bar, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, Stout Brothers), briefly had a sign advertising a new restaurant called Booze Barrel in late 2016. Let’s just say the name didn’t exactly inspire visions of classing up downtown Santa Rosa.
However, Sonu Chandi tells BiteClub he’ll now be collaborating with established East Bay restaurateur Harpreet Singh Judge, who owns Beer Baron Bar & Kitchen in Pleasanton and Beer Baron Bar in Livermore. The high-profile restaurant space, which will front the reunified Courthouse Square, should be a natural fit with Santa Rosa’s booming craft brew scene, offering more than 25 beers on tap, a family-friendly menu and reasonable prices, if their other establishments are an indication of what’s to come. Stay tuned.
Two Tread Brewing architectural plans for a brewery and pub in downtown Santa Rosa
Meanwhile, construction is moving forward at nearby 2 Tread Brewing Co. at Santa Rosa Plaza. In November, owners of the brewery and restaurant announced that high-profile chef Ryan McCarthy would be heading the kitchen. The brewery and restaurant have been under construction in downtown Santa Rosa at the former Fresh Choice. Look for a March 2017 opening.
