We recently polled our readers on what was missing from the Sonoma County food scene. For a county that prides itself on its local food and dining options, the response on what’s lacking was massive.
Have anything to add? Leave it in the comments.
Greek Food
First up, good authentic Greek food in Sonoma County, like gyros, tzatziki, pita bread, and more (some readers did suggest stopping over at Quincy’s in Rohnert Park or Falafel King in Sebastopol for your fix of Mediterranean food).
American Comfort Food
Restaurants that specialize in quality classic American comfort food, serving up chicken pot pie, mac and cheese, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, roast chicken…a meal like Grandma used to make without any fancy additions (some readers suggested checking out Sweet T’s in Santa Rosa, KC’s American Kitchen in Windsor, Bruno’s in Santa Rosa, Adel’s in Santa Rosa and The Backyard in Forestville).
A Downtown Restaurant with a View
Preferably 3-4 stories up, and maybe even a rooftop bar or patio. We may not be in Paris like the photo below, but we certainly should be able to enjoy a similar view from any Sonoma County town.
Affordable Farm-to-Table
An affordable indoor/outdoor farm-to-table breakfast/brunch spot, located in downtown and open 7 days a week.
Filipino Food
Authentic Filipino restaurants that serve up foods like lumpia, adobo, kare kare, singagong, halo halo and more.
Good Sushi
Readers are growing tired of particular local picks and want more impressive options when they’re craving raw seafood.
Non-Fusion Dishes
Basic food choices that aren’t part of the fusion movement. Some readers would prefer to have simple meals made with only one culinary tradition.
Sol Food
The Puerto Rican restaurant is tearing it up in San Rafael, with communal seating, authentic Puerto Rican food and often with a line out the door. It’s time Sonoma County got a little Sol.
(facebook.com/solfoodrestaurant)
Healthy Food in a Casual Setting
Healthy, tasty food at small, informal cafes, much like The Good Earth of yesteryear that was once located in downtown Santa Rosa.
Poke Bowls
A casual restaurant that serves poke and other authentic Hawaiian or island fare.
A Quality Restaurant That is Family-Friendly
Restaurants that really are family-friendly, with quality kids menus, activities for the kids and understanding servers. One reader suggested having a play area for kids, but in a restaurant with good food and not fast food.
Max Young, the owner of Rossi’s 1906 roadhouse restaurant in Sonoma, said that he’ll be closing the restaurant October 30. After three years of renovations, weekly music acts, and even well-crafted barbecue menu from Ari Rosen of Glen Ellen Star, it seems that the concept just wasn’t working. The restaurant will undergo another renovation and re-branding with a local partner, reopening in January.
Young purchased the former Little Switzerland property in 2013. After three years of dedication to the project, along with renovations, weekly music acts, and even well-crafted barbecue menu from Ari Weisswasser of Glen Ellen Star, Young said the concept just wasn’t working. The restaurant will undergo another renovation and re-branding with a local partner, reopening in January.
“When I opened I said I would listen to Sonoma – and our concept wasn’t quite cutting it. I can’t thank my staff enough for their hard work and dedication to Rossi’s for the past few years – they have been terrific. And while it is very hard to let this concept go, I am looking forward to a new direction with a new partnership and I can’t wait to share it with Sonoma in 2017,” Young said in a prepared statement.
The last hurrah, however, will be the restaurant’s annual Halloween Party on Oct. 29. So, if you want to get tickets click here.
Mark your calendars, we have a bunch of fun in store for you this week. This Friday and Saturday, enjoy art, music and wellness at the annual O+ Festival in Petaluma. Be inspired at Saturday’s TEDx Sonoma County. And travel back to the 1920s for a Speakeasy Party. All this and more is in our list of things to do.
FRIDAY, Nov. 4
O+ Festival in Petaluma: In a worldwide movement, venues in several different countries are connecting musicians, artists and health and wellness providers in a weekend festival of art, creativity and medicine. One of these celebrations will be held at several locations throughout Petaluma. This free event takes place Friday and Saturday, with program brochures available at The Petaluma Art Center, Griffin Map Design, and other participating locations, as well as by visiting opositivefestival.org/petaluma. (Nov. 4-5)
SATURDAY, Nov. 5
End of Harvest Fiesta: California Human Development is celebrating grape harvest workers this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. The events will include cultural music and dancing, authentic Mexican food, health and community services, traditional family fun and more. The event is free to festival goers. Find out more at californiahumandevelopment.org.
TEDx Sonoma County: This year’s Sonoma County TEDx talks fall under the theme of “perspectives” — as in, how one person’s view will differ from another. The line-up of speakers includes storytellers, an animator, a photographer, musicians and more, plus a mystery guest. The event takes place at 1 p.m. at Sonoma Country Day School. Tickets are $25-$45. Find out all the details at tedxsonomacounty.com.
Windsor’s El Dia de los Muertos Celebration: Come in costume with your electric candle to celebrate loved ones who have passed on. A candlelight procession led by drummers and dancers will travel around Town Green, followed by music and dance performances, food and fun. This free event takes place 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Find out more at windsormuertos.org.
Bark After Dark: This Saturday, enjoy an evening of Pasta King food, music, silent auction and more, all for a good cause. This benefit dinner and auction event will include prizes from local wineries, restaurants, pet supply stores and service providers, and more. Find out all the details at pd2go.net/BarkAfterDark.
Bourbon, Bacon and Beer Speakeasy Party: Take a step back in time for a “Roaring 20s” shindig at Cloverleaf Ranch in Santa Rosa. From 7-11 p.m., guests are invited to play games, sample bourbon and beer, enjoy bacon bites, dance to ragtime and more. Dress in style wearing your Prohibition-era attire. Tickets are $125 and benefit Council on Aging’s Meals on Wheels program. Find out more at www.bourbonbaconandbeer.com.
More upcoming events:
American Jazz musician Helen Sung, and quartet, perform at the Healdsburg Jazz Festival, Friday, Nov. 4 (Photo by Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images)
Friday, Nov. 4
The Sam Chase plus The Crux: Rock and folk, New Orleans brass to jazz, 9 p.m., Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $17. 765-2121, mystictheatre.com.
Helen Sung Quartet: Jazz standards and original compositions with the pianist/composer and her quartet, 7:30 p.m., Paul Mahder Gallery, Healdsburg. $32. 433-4633, healdsburgjazzfestival.org.
Fly by Train: Rocking folk Americana band, two sets, 8 p.m., Twin Oaks Roadhouse, Penngrove. Free. 795-5118, twinoaksroadhouse.com.
One Grass Two Grass: California string band music, 9 p.m., HopMonk Tavern, Sebastopol. $13. 829-7300, hopmonk-sebastopol.ticketfly.com.
‘Picasso at the Lapin Agile’: Pegasus Theater Co. production, opens 8 tonight, Graton Community Club. Open donation. Runs through Nov. 27. 583-2343, pegasustheater.com.
Saturday, Nov. 5
Wine & Food Affair: Wine tasting and food pairing, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, various wineries along northern Sonoma County Wine Road. $30-$80. wineroad.com.
‘Whose Live Anyway?’: Improv comedy scenes and songs with Ryan Stiles and crew, 8 p.m. Saturday, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $39-$59. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.
Mini Maker Faire: Hands-on ‘Make and Collaborate’ science, technology and crafts activities, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Barnes & Noble, Santa Rosa. Free. 576-7494, barnesandnoble.com.
Patrick Ball: Renowned Celtic harpist and storyteller, 8 p.m. Saturday, Occidental Center for the Arts. $20. 874-9392, occidentalcenterforthearts.org.
‘AgStravaganza’: Santa Rosa Junior College AgTrust gala honoring Sebastopol vintners Terri and John Balletto, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, SRJC Shone Farm, Forestville. $75. 291-2857, agstravaganza.com.
‘Farewell to Engine #74’: Final day of service for C.P. Huntington Train after 47 years, 11:45 a.m.- 3:40 p.m. Saturday, Howarth Park, Santa Rosa. Sold out. ci.santa-rosa.ca.us.
Sunday, Nov. 6
The Ocean: Heavy metal show with synchronized lights, 7 p.m. Sunday, Phoenix Theater, Petaluma. $14-$16. 762-3565, thephoenixtheater.com.
Agent Orange: Punk rock band, first one mixing punk with surf music, 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $17. 765-2121, mystictheatre.com.
Mendocino Mushroom, Wine and Beer Festival: Dinners, performances, mushroom foraging and exhibits throughout Mendocino County, through Nov. 13. Various fees. 937-4000, mendocino.com/mendocino-wine-mushroom-festival.
Monday, Nov. 7
Santa Rosa Symphony: ‘Keyboard Brilliance’ with pianist Orion Weiss, 8 p.m. Monday, Weill Hall, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $25-$85. 546-8742, srsymphony.org.
Tuesday, Nov. 8
Open Mic Night with Rojo: Weekly opportunity to take the mic, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Twin Oaks Roadhouse, Penngrove. Free. 795-5118, twinoaksroadhouse.com.
Wednesday, Nov. 9
‘Fire Birds’: Dark comic mystery, Sonoma County Jewish Film Festival presentation, 1 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Rialto Cinemas, Sebastopol. $10. 529-4222, jccsoco.org.
Thursday, Nov. 10
Hip Chick Farms co-owners: ‘Women in Conversation’ series closer with Jennifer Johnson and Serafina Palandech, 7 p.m. Thursday, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $125. socowomenevents.com.
Napa Valley Film Festival: ‘Celebrity Tributes’ honors Lee Daniels, Kurt Russell and five others, 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Lincoln Theater, Yountville. $50. Festival runs through Nov. 13. napavalleyfilmfest.org.
Friday, Nov. 11
Face to Face Film Series: ‘Moonlight,’ a young man’s struggle to find himself, 7 p.m. Nov. 11, Rialto Cinemas, Sebastopol. $8.25-$10.75. 829-3456, rialtocinemas.com.
‘Laughing Matters’: North Bay stand-up comedians, 8 p.m. Nov. 11, Raven Performing Arts Theater, Healdsburg. $25-$55, benefits Movember Foundation. 433-6335, raventheater.org.
Saturday, Nov. 12
Anita Bear Sandwina: Original compositions with the soulful singer and guitarist, 8 p.m. Nov. 12, Occidental Center for the Arts. $15. 874-9392, occidentalcenterforthearts.org.
The Blues Session: Blues-influenced American music with local artists, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12, Cloverdale Arts Alliance. $5. 894-4410, cloverdaleartsalliance.org.
Neko Case: Versatile indie-rock singer-songwriter, 8 p.m. Nov. 12, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $30-$40. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.
Winger: Hard rock band from New York City, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12, House of Rock, Santa Rosa. $40-$50. rockstaruniversity.com.
Coco Montoya: Blues and rock ’n’ roll guitarist and vocalist, 9 p.m. Nov. 12, Redwood Café, Cotati. $20-$25. 795-7868, redwoodcafe.com.
Michael Feinstein: Great American Songbook selections with the vocalist, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12, Weill Hall, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $35-$85. (866) 955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.
Sunday, Nov. 13
Calidore String Quartet: Santa Rosa Junior College chamber concert series, 4 p.m. Nov. 13, Newman Auditorium, Santa Rosa campus. $17.75-$28.75. (415) 392-4400, communityed.santarosa.edu/chamber-concerts#2.
Celtic Thunder: Traditional Irish and folk music to contemporary, rock and classical crossover, 8 p.m. Nov. 13, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $59-$69. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.
Pouya: Rap artist from Miami, known for ‘Straight Up,’ 8 p.m. Nov. 13, Phoenix Theater, Petaluma. $20. 762-3565, thephoenixtheater.com.
Fifth Annual California Banjo Extravaganza: Danny Barnes, Joe Newberry, Bill Evans, 8 p.m. Nov. 13, Sebastopol Community Cultural Center Annex. $22-$25. 823-1511, seb.org.
Bold makeup, bombastic sounds, tons of hairspray, patent-leather pants – and, of course, an endless amount of glitter. The spirit of glam rock was alive and well this Friday as U.K. band The Struts took the stage at the Napa Valley Opera House.
Over the past two years, The Struts have opened for the Rolling Stones in Paris, toured with Mötley Crüe and played countless concerts and festivals, including Napa’s own BottleRock festival – which featured not only a performance on the main stage, culinary stage and JaM Pad stages, but also an after show. On Friday, after having played two sold-out shows in LA and San Francisco during the week, the British band managed to top all previous concerts with a jam-packed, high-energy evening.
The Struts singer Luke Spiller at The Napa Valley Opera House, Friday November 4.
From the moment The Struts strutted on stage, the venue was in full swing with concert-goers jumping and swaying in ecstasy. Singer Luke Spiller enthralled the audience with exquisitely exhibitionist ensembles – to be expected by an artist whose style icons include Elvis Presley and David Bowie. Spiller has been outfitted by both Zandra Rhodes, the English designer who dressed Fred Mercury and Brian May, and Australian designer Ray Brown whose clientele includes AC/DC, Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest and Lady Gaga. The Struts drummer Gethin Davies, guitarist Adam Slack and bassist Jed Elliott also dressed to impress in true ‘70s glam rock glory.
The Struts: from left to right, bassist Jed Elliott, guitarist Adam Slack, singer Luke Spiller, drummer Gethin Davies.
Equally captivating as the glitz and glamor, was the group’s stage presence. The whole set was filled with whimsical and memorable moments in which the audience became part of the performance, singling along to nearly every word of “Put Your Money On Me,” keeping the beat with enthusiastic clapping to “Put Your Hands Up,” and following every command from Spiller — quiet one moment, roaring the next.
The Struts singer Luke Spiller commanding the audience at Napa Valley Opera House.
The night continued to crescendo; the music, the beat, the on-stage heat. When, during rock n’ roll anthem “Where Did She Go,” Spiller asked the audience: “are you ready to make history right here tonight?” the concert reached climax. On Spiller’s demand, the whole audience got down on the floor and then shot up on cue during the chorus.
With euphoric expressions, glitter in their hair and sweat streaming down their faces as they sang their hearts out in those final phrases, the audience got a taste of real golden-age glam rock — another sublime Napa night served up by The Struts.
Highlights from The Struts Show at The Napa Valley Opera House:
The sign at the entrance to the taproom at Grav South Brew Co. (Photo by Tim Vallery)
The sign at the entrance to the taproom at Grav South Brew Co. in Cotati. (Photo by Tim Vallery)
Grav South Brew Co. in Cotati is the newest addition to the burgeoning brewery scene in Sonoma County.
The brewery, opened in September, is run by Corinne Barclay and Greg Rasmussen. Barclay and Rasmussen met three years ago through a mutual friend, and quickly realized they had a lot in common: not only did they both work within fire protection (Corinne previously worked as a fire inspector and Greg is a fire captain in Forestville) and had both grown up on Gravenstein apple orchards, they also shared an affinity for beer: Greg loved to brew it, and Corinne loved to drink it.
The bar at Grav South Brew Co. in Cotati. (Photo by Tim Vallery)
When deciding to open up a brewery together, Barclay and Rasmussen wanted to pay homage to their shared background – not only by incorporating a shortened version of Gravenstein in the company name, but also through the design of the brewery.
“Greg’s father was very involved in Sturgeons Mill in Sebastopol, and we chose old growth redwood for our bar because of this,” said Barclay. “The apple boxes behind the bar are from my family’s farm. The wood on the bar around the brewing equipment was made from a salvaged water tank that Greg’s father had kept.”
Constructing their brewery in the Gravenstein South shopping center, Barclay and Rasmussen worked tirelessly alongside family, friends, and police and firefighter co-workers.
“We’re very fortunate to have had friends and family who have a wide skill set help us out with all aspects of design and construction,” said Barclay.
Morgan pouring brews at Grav South Brew Co. in Cotati. (Photo by Tim Vallery)
The hard work, collaboration and community spirit that built Grav South has created a “Cheers” vibe at the brewery; this certainly is a place where you can take a break from all your worries, where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.
Greg Rasmussen has been home brewing for 18 years. During this time, he has received over 150 local, state, and national awards for his beers. He is the recipient of the “Sierra Nevada Home Brewer of the Year” award (2013 and 2014) and the “Sonoma Beerocrats Brewer of the Year” (2013 and 2014). In 2015, Rasmussen won the Samuel Adams “Longshot Homebrew” contest, hosted since 1995 to honor home brewers. Longshot contest founder, Jim Koch called Rasmussen’s winning brew “a flawless robust porter.”
Rasmussen has also collaborated with several breweries, including Sierra Nevada Brewing Company for their 2014 Beer Camp series and the Bear Republic Brewing Company for 2 Pro-Am beers.
The beer sampler at Grav South Brew Co. (Photo by Jess Vallery)
At Grav South Brew Co., Rasmussen brews a “7 Figure” IPA, “Wet Hop” IPA, Bitter End, a tangerine beer, a wheat, rye, and a vanilla porter made with Madagascar vanilla. The brewery also offers a small wine list with wines by the glass for $5 and local guest taps from St. Florian’s,Henhouse, Petaluma Hill’s, and Plow Brewing.
Turkey panini and watermelon salad at Grav South Brew Co. (Photo by Tim Vallery)
Grav South Brew Co. head chef Scott Caddell, from Belvedere/Tiburon, will serve up a locally-sourced menu focused on fresh, bold flavors. There will be specials throughout the week and guests can expect different dishes depending on the season: watermelon feta salad, pozole, turkey panini, and smoked tri-tip sandwiches are a few examples.
Grav South Brew Co., 7950 Redwood Dr #15, Cotati, CA 94931, (707) 753-4198, gravsouthbrewco.com, @GravSouth BrewCo
The taproom at Grav South Brew Co. in Cotati (Photo by Tim Vallery)
Chefs Matthew Williams and Moishe Hahn-Schuman got their first big break for Ramen Gaijin as a pop-up at Woodfour Brewing in 2014. Five months later, they opened their successful brick-and-mortar just down the street. Now, the chefs are hoping to do the same for one of their employees.
On Nov. 14, the restaurant will host TacoUp, a pop-up featuring traditional Mexican food including tacos (natch), aguachiles, sopas and ceviches inspired by Mexico City. Behind the concept is Ruben Alcaraz, a cook for Ramen Gaijin, who will team up with Bravas bartender Adam Barta to pair craft tequila and mescal cocktails.
The meal is first-come, first-serve from 5 to 9p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, 2016. Details here.
Williams and Hahn-Schuman plan at least one more pop-up in the next few months, focused on the food of Northern Thailand with craft cocktail wizard Scott Beattie. Stay tuned for more details.
The white knuckling has begun for Bay Area restaurants as the venerable Michelin Guide taps the region’s best restaurants over the next week.
On Tuesday, the annual restaurant rating organization announced their “Bib Gourmand” winners, categorized as restaurants “serving high-quality food on their menus and make it possible to order two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less”. Though that price point can be challenging around these parts, 75 restaurants made the cut, with four newcomers in the North Bay.
Bravas, SHED, Two Birds/One Stone and Village Sake were welcomed to the list this year, bringing the North Bay’s Bib Gourmand haul to 24, nearly a third of the total list.
In Wine Country, Bravas is the second “Bib Gourmand” restaurant on the list for the Stark Reality Group headed by Mark and Terri Stark (Monti’s is the other). Two Birds/One Stone, opened this summer by former Cyrus chef Douglas Keane and LA’s Sang Yoon was quick to make the list. After taking over the kitchens of SHED just about a year ago, Chef Perry Hoffman was a natural for the list.
Off the list this year: La Perla (closed) and Sazon (both Peruvian spots), Farmer and The Fox (closed). Bib Gourmands are not eligible for stars. Stay tuned next week for the star winners. Here is the full list of winners.
Congrats to these Marin and Wine Country Michelin Bib Gourmand Award winners for 2017
Patty melt with bacon, caramelized onions and avocado with potato salad at Starting From Scratch Cafe in Santa Rosa. Heather Irwin/PD
If you look closely, you’ll find hidden cafes in the most unlikely of spots: Office parks. It’s a growing trend, and one that goes against conventional wisdom of high foot-traffic, easy-to-find eateries open beyond 4p.m. But we think it’s kind of a brilliant idea to service the breakfast and lunch needs of office workers trapped in food deserts.
Take, for example, Chloe’s French Cafe (3883 Airway Dr., #415, Santa Rosa) which opened in 2008 and has become something of an institution for French pastries and casual lunches despite being at the back of a rather hidden medical building. Following suit, Chef John Franchetti’s namesake Franchetti’s Kitchen (1229 N. Dutton, Santa Rosa), Sondra Bernstein’s Suite D which features ramen pop-up dinners and other schwanky dining events, Bella Rosa Cafe(5491 Skyline Blvd. Suite 140, Santa Rosa), The Pharmacy Cafe (990 Sonoma Ave., #1, Santa Rosa), and now Starting from Scratch Cafe (404 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa in the Ag Credit building).
We asked BiteClubbers their favorite “hidden” office park spot. See what they said.
(Click on the word bubble)
These aren’t food carts or industrial kitchens pouring out bland processed food, but wildly creative chefs bringing excellent restaurant food to hidden spots inside office buildings.
Starting From Scratch, which opened this week inside the luxe new Ag Credit complex near the Sonoma County Airport, is both cafe and catering kitchen for longtime caterers Greg and Tammy Long. You may remember them from their days as custom omelet and breakfast burrito makers at the Wells Fargo Center farm market, but their new venture ventures into killer burgers, salads, sandwiches, and pastries.
Pumpkin Maple Cheesecake at Starting From Scratch Cafe in Santa Rosa. Heather Irwin/PD
From the breakfast menu: Scratch biscuits and gravy; daily quiche, breakfast burritos, and cinnamon Challah bread French toast for breakfast. For lunch, a massive Cobb salad ($15). For lunch, try the grilled chicken breast with Brie bacon and caramelized onions ($14), BBQ pulled pork with homemade sauce and coleslaw ($13 with salad) or the upscale **Patty Melt** with John Ford grass fed beef, bacon, avocado, caramelized onions, Havarti cheese and sriracha aioli ($16 with salad).
The portions are truly massive, and like most caterers, Greg and Tammy let the food do the talking rather than their egos, making for truly delicious, uncomplicated dishes.
Though the couple are still in start-up mode, they’re offering evening parties and custom menus for events, along with daily specials like Tammy’s “lasagna soup”, or **pumpkin maple cheesecake** — light, fluffy and not-to-sweet.
If it’s ever on the menu, don’t miss Tammy’s cheesecake inside a cake, which sounds so ungodly spectacular we can hardly imagine the decadence. Meaning we’re hoping she’ll make us one for our birthday. Which happens to be, um, whenever she makes one next.
Definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area. Open 7a.m. to 3p.m. week days. 404 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa in the Ag Credit building, (707) 843-3829, startingfromscratch.biz.
When my husband and I were first married, taking off for a spur of the moment weekend trip wasn’t a problem – we just went. But then we had kids, and things got complicated.
Now, I know couples who have no issue taking their newborn with them wherever they go; smiling through the constant diaper changes and feedings – but my husband and I were never those kind of parents…not even close.
Fortunately, there are plenty of hotels in Sonoma County that understand that it can be a struggle to keep the whole crew content, and they’re more than happy to help out. Here are 6 local hotels that have the kind of family-friendly amenities that will make a trip with the kids a rousing success – or, at the very least, a lot less stressful:
The Inn at the Tides – Bodega Bay
The Inn at the Tides in Bodega Bay. (Photo courtesy of The Inn at the Tides)
This is a great hotel for a sea-loving family. When you’re done building castles in the sand and running around on the beach, there’s an arcade game room to entertain older kids and an outdoor pool for everyone. I like that this hotel is an easy 13 mile drive from the Korbel Champagne Cellars, and my husband likes that it’s near Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve so he can take the boys hiking.
Deluxe room. (Photo courtesy of The Inn at the Tides)
The Inn at the Tides family friendly amenities include: an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, complimentary cribs or infant beds in the room, and laundry facilities (any parent with younger kids knows that the laundry facilities are like a golden ticket).
Aerial view of the pool at The Inn at the Tides. (Photo courtesy of The Inn at the Tides)
Even the most sullen teenager will crack a smile when they get a load of this pool, and the view beyond.
Reserve your family-friendly room: The Inn at the Tides 800 Coast Hwy One, Bodega Bay, Ca 94923, 800-916-4339, innatthetides.com
Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa – Santa Rosa
The Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa. (Photo courtesy of Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa)
It may be the mid-century modern architecture, or the large obelisk with neon signs, but The Flamingo Hotel always makes me think of old Las Vegas. This resort-style hotel is located close to downtown Santa Rosa, and within easy driving distance to all sorts of family fun, like the Charles Schultz museum, Howarth Park, and the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County.
Room at the Flamingo in Santa Rosa. (Photo courtesy of Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa)
The Flamingo’s family-friendly amenities include: Outdoor pools, children’s pool free Wi-Fi, outdoor tennis courts, laundry facilities, babysitting or childcare, refrigerator in room, and a microwave (on request). It may seem like a simple thing, but the microwave is a big deal if you have kids who snack (all the time, every day) making it possible for you to reheat leftovers at 10 p.m., instead of calling room service, again.
Pool at the Flamingo Hotel. (Photo courtesy of Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa)
It doesn’t matter if it’s the middle of October, Sonoma County is still warm enough to justify an afternoon dip in the pool. There’s plenty of space to lounge by the pool at the Flamnigo while watching the kids swim, or fit in some exercise by doing a couple of laps.
Reserve your family-friendly room: 2777 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95405, (707) 545-8530. www.flamingoresort.com
Inn at Sonoma, A Four Sisters Inn – Sonoma
Inn at Sonoma, A Four Sisters Inn. (Photo courtesy of Inn at Sonoma, a Four Sisters Inn)
The Inn at Sonoma is one of the more upscale family getaways in Sonoma County, and they’ll welcome you and your brood with open arms. I appreciate the proximity to Sonoma Plaza (only two blocks away) and that the hotel has bikes for riding around downtown or on the mile-long bike path by the hotel.
Inn at Sonoma guest room. (Photo courtesy of Inn at Sonoma)
The Inn at Sonoma, A Four Sisters Inn’s family-friendly amenities include: High-speed Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast as well as a complimentary manager’s reception, a library, coffee, tea and cookies in a common area – and plenty of bottled water (if there’s a chance to stow some water bottles in my bag, I always do – the boys run wild wherever we go, and one of them will inevitably claim that they’re absolutely parched).
Hot tub at The Inn at Sonoma. (Photo courtesy of The Inn at Sonoma)
There’s no pool at the Inn at Sonoma, but there is an outdoor, uncovered hot tub on the second floor of the main inn building. This is definitely a much appreciated adult-only amenity.
Reserve your family-friendly room: Inn at Sonoma, A Four Sisters Inn, 630 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476, (707) 939-1340. www.innatsonoma.com
Holiday Inn Express Windsor Sonoma Wine Country – Windsor
Holiday Inn Express Windsor Sonoma Wine Country. (Photo courtesy of Holiday Inn Express Windsor Sonoma Wine Country)
In my experience, Holiday Inn can be hit-or-miss. But their services have improved considerably, and they remain a family-friendly hotel chain. The Holiday Inn Express in Windsor is an affordable wine country option, within close proximity to hundreds of wineries, and to Santa Rosa and Healdsburg.
Room at the Holiday Inn Express Windsor Sonoma Wine Country.
The Holiday Inn Express Windsor Sonoma Wine Country’s family-friendly amenities include: Outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, refrigerator, and microwave. The rooms are basic – but they have what you need to recharge for a day of new adventures.
Pool at the Holiday Inn Express Windsor Sonoma Wine Country.
If your kids want to take a break from exploring the surrounding area, this pool is the perfect place to spend a balmy afternoon.
Reserve your family-friendly room: Holiday Inn Express Windsor Sonoma Wine Country. 8865 Conde Ln, Windsor, CA 95492, (707) 837-0808. www.ihg.com
Fountaingrove Inn Hotel & Conference Center – Santa Rosa
Fountaingrove Inn Hotel & Conference Center in Santa Rosa. (Photo courtesy of Fountaingrove Inn Hotel & Conference Center)
The architecture at the Fountaingrove Inn will add an eclectic element to your family holiday. While located only 5 miles from downtown Santa Rosa, this hotel feels a world away from anything everyday.
Fountaingrove Inn Hotel & Conference Center
The Fountaingrove Inn Hotel & Conference Center’s family-friendly amenities include: free Wi-Fi, in-room childcare (there is a surcharge for this), in-room refrigerator, and complimentary cribs or infant beds. The infant bed is a fantastic addition if you aren’t a fan of co-sleeping (although, when we go somewhere new, my kids always crawl into bed with us to feel safe).
Bar at the Fountaingrove Inn Hotel & Conference Center
The in-room childcare comes in handy when you want to spend some time at the Fountaingrove Inn bar lounge.
Reserve your family-friendly room: Fountaingrove Inn Hotel & Conference Center, 101 Fountaingrove Pkwy, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. (707) 578-6101. www.fountaingroveinn.com
Hotel Healdsburg – Healdsburg
Hotel Healdsburg. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Healdsburg)
Hotel Healdsburg is hands-down the fanciest hotel on this list, but if you’re headed to Healdsburg you may as well stay in style. The hotel has a full-service spa, complimentary bikes available to use around town, gourmet breakfast, and a craft cocktail bar. Sure, the kids will have fun, but it’s the adults who will be the big winners on this vacation.
Room at the Hotel Healdsburg.
The Hotel Healdsburg’s family-friendly amenities include: an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, complimentary cribs or infant beds, and an in-room DVD player. The rooms have a sleek modern design, and the Premier King room is decorated with paintings by local artist Wade Hoefer.
Pool at the Healdsburg Hotel.
This sixty-foot pool is surrounded by a landscaped garden, and the pool bar is open for drinks and dining service during the summer. Soak in the jacuzzi while the kids are swimming. Who said vacationing with children couldn’t be relaxing?
Reserve your family-friendly room: Hotel Healdsburg, 25 Matheson St, Healdsburg, CA 95448, (707) 431-2800. www.hotelhealdsburg.com
Looking for some family-friendly things to do in Sonoma County? Click here!
California Sol (4101 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach.): The look is inspired by Taco Bell’s California roots and the California lifestyle. “It’s our take on California modern design and style and blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor,” Taco Bell said.
Heritage (14042 Red Hill Ave., Tustin): The look is inspired by the chain’s menu of Mexican-inspired food with a twist. “This style enhances our Spanish Colonial Mexican heritage,” Taco Bell said.
Modern Explorer (2246 S. Grand Ave., Santa Ana): “This rustic, modern style is a refined version of our Cantina Explorer restaurants,” Taco Bell said.
Urban Edge (303 W. Imperial Highway, Brea): “This design represents international high street style done the Taco Bell way,” Taco Bell said.
Taco Bell has opened several ultra-modern stores in Southern California that include “patios with fireplaces, communal dining tables made of reclaimed wood, exhibition kitchens, dome lighting, chalkboard menu specials and midcentury modern lounge chairs”, according to the Orange County Register.
Fireplaces?
The idea is to create a more inviting space with one of four “designs” that include California Sol, Modern Explorer, Heritage and Urban Edge, according to the OC Register.
Santa Ana taco bell redsign (Photo by Ana Venegas, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Though it seems a little off-brand for a restaurant known for $1 burritos, fiery Doritos Locos and their forthcoming fried chicken taco shell, Taco Bell continues to be a power player in the stagnating fast food industry.
Naked Chicken Chalupa coming soon. Courtesy Taco Bell
It wasn’t lost on us, however, that some designs look a heck of a lot like Chipotle, which is still struggling to win back customers after food safety issues last year. Coincidence? We think not.
Chipotle interior
The OC Register article had this amazing fact, however.
“Half the U.S. population eats Taco Bell once a month,” Yum CEO Greg Creed told CNBC during an interview Wednesday morning. The average customer visits every 11 days.”
Whaaaaaat?
“Modern Explorer” design. Courtesy Taco Bell
Do they know that one of the ingredients in the beef was once tested as an organic olive fly attractant in Sonoma County? The little guys couldn’t resist the smell, drowning in the deliciously scented lures. Seems even flies jones for a little beefy burrito action at 2a.m.
No word on any Sonoma County Taco Bell stores getting one of these schwanky upgrades, but reps said that franchisees will have the option to use one of the new designs when they are due for remodeling.
