It’s the final countdown (cue music). With back-to-school season upon us, head to the Santa Rosa Plaza mall where you’ll find nearly everything on sale right now. Here’s a list of stores designed to make your back-to-school shopping experience easier. Now, if only getting up earlier was this easy…
Available at Justice.
Drop by Justice for fun school supplies and a stylish first-day outfit that will give your daughter the confidence to start the school year with her best (fashionable) foot forward! Whether your tween’s style is sporty, trendy, bold or preppy, you’ll find the perfect outfit here.
Available at Tilly’s.
Teens who are interested in action sports have to check out Tilly’s! Offering the largest assortment of clothing and accessories from top players in the surf, skate, motocross and lifestyle apparel industries, Tilly’s features the coolest brands around.
Available at The Children’s Place.
Not all kids wear school uniforms, but The Children’s Place also carries affordable, quality clothing bound to become your child’s everyday uniform. Trendy and fun, clothing sizes range from newborn to 14.
Available at Journeys Kidz.
For kids and tweens on the hunt for cool back-to-school shoes and accessories, stop by Journey’s Kidz. Inspired by the surf and skate culture, Journey’s carries backpacks, colorful shoes and a selection of popular graphic tees.
PINK is THE destination for teenage and college girls in search of cute bras, panties and loungewear. Stock up on bath and beauty products while shopping for spirited athletic apparel featuring collegiate sports teams, just in time for football season.
Available at Lorna Jane.
Calling all moms! While shopping for your children’s back-to-school outfit, stop by Lorna Jane for fashionable fitness clothing to keep up with your kids and their crazy schedules this fall! Pick up a top that says “Yay Monday!” or “Good Vibes Only” to set the tone for the day.
There’s no better time for a mom to treat herself than after surviving an entire summer with the kids! Visit Teavana and pick up a relaxing blend of specialty tea called “defense wellness.” Packed with vitamin C to bolster your immune system, this tea does double duty.
This weekend, it’s all about having fun. On Saturday, support Petaluma schools and hear great music at the same time when you attend the Petaluma Music Festival. On Sunday, tap your feet at the Sonoma County Blues Festival. And this weekend is the final days of the Sonoma County Fair. All this and more is in our list of things to do.
FRIDAY, Aug. 5
Party for Art: In a fundraiser for Artstart, the community art program concludes their summer program this Friday with a celebration, and you are invited. View and purchase artwork by apprentices and professionals, bid on artistic pieces and fun adventures in the live auction, and enjoy music, food and fun in Artstart’s outdoor studio. The event is from 6-10 p.m., and tickets are $45 single, and $85 pair. Find out all the details at artstart.us.
Movie Under the Oak: Hope Chapel in Santa Rosa is hosting a free movie night under their big oak tree, showing the film, “A Night at the Museum.” El Coronel Mexican Food Truck will be on site from 6:30-8:30 p.m. with food to purchase. Popcorn and candy will also be for sale. The movie starts at sunset. Find out all the details at hopechapelsantarosa.squarespace.com.
“Valley of the Moon”: Bay Area transplant and New York Times best selling author Melanie Gideon presents her latest book, “Valley of the Moon,” at Copperfield’s Books in Montgomery Village. Just like the title suggests, the Sonoma Valley plays a central role in the storyline. Come at 7 p.m. to meet the author and hear her read from her book. Find out more at copperfieldsbooks.com.
The Pool Cafe at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville.
SATURDAY, Aug. 6
Petaluma Music Festival: In a benefit for music programs at Petaluma schools, this annual event at the Sonoma Marin Fairgrounds is not one to miss. This year’s headliners are Jackie Greene, Steve Kimock & Friends, The Mother Hips and more. The event starts at noon, and tickets are $45-$110. Find out all the details at www.petalumamusicfestival.org.
Windsor Kids Festival: This Saturday, low-income families are invited to Windsor Town Green to help get their kids ready for school. The event will include free backpacks and school supplies, plus food, activities and more. Registration is required to receive backpacks and supplies. The event begins at 11 a.m. For more information, visit srmission.org.
Grammar Workshop with the Grammar Diva: Arlene Miller, the Grammar Diva, will share tips and tricks at Copperfield’s Books in Petaluma in a witty presentation based on her popular book, “The Best Little Grammar Book Ever!” The event is at 1 p.m. Find out more at copperfieldsbooks.com.
Live Music by Coppola’s Pool: Relax poolside at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville with a drink in hand and the music of Ivy Hill in your ears. On Saturday nights from 6:30-9:30 p.m., the winery offers free entertainment by the Pool Cafe. Find out all the details at francisfordcoppolawinery.com.
SUNDAY Aug. 7
Sonoma County Blues Fest: In its 35th year, the Sonoma County Blues Festival returns to SOMO Village, shining a spotlight on both established and emerging artists in the blues music scene. This year’s lineup includes Sonny Landreth, recent winner of the Blues Music Award for Best Instrumentalist Guitar, award winning blues vocalist Janiva Magness, cutting edge bluesman Lightinin Malcolm and rising locals HowellDevine. Tickets are $35, and the event starts at 1 p.m. Find out all the details at www.somoconcerts.com.
Final Day of the Sonoma County Fair: This year’s fair ends on Sunday with Monster Trucks in the Chris Beck Arena, horse racing, the Derby Dog Dash and more. Sunday is also Carnival Pay-One-Price Day, with unlimited rides for $35. Plan your day with info from the website at sonomacountyfair.com.
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
Cody Canada & The Departed, country rock at Friday Night Live at the Plaza, downtown Cloverdale. (Photo by John Burgess)
Friday, Aug. 5
Monster Trucks: TRAXXAS Destruction Tour, 7 p.m., Sonoma County Fair, Santa Rosa. $10-$15 plus fair admission of $6-$12. 545-4200, sonomacountyfair.com.
French Oak Gypsy Band: Jazz combo, ‘Local Talent Friday,’ 8-10 p.m., Occidental Center for the Arts. $10. 874-9392, occidentalcenterforthearts.org.
Cody Canada & The Departed: Country rock, ‘Friday Night Live’ outdoor concert series, 7 p.m., Cloverdale Plaza. Free. 894-4410, cloverdaleartsalliance.org.
Tommy Thomsen: Sonoma’s Americana musician, ‘Funky Fridays’ outdoor concert, 7 p.m., Hood Mansion, Santa Rosa. $10. 833-6288, funkyfridays.info.
Broadway Under the Stars: ‘Dance the Night Away’ opener, 5 p.m. picnicking, performance 7:30 p.m., Jack London State Historic Park, Glen Ellen. $42-$134. (877) 424-1414, transcendencetheatre.org.
Los Tigres del Norte: Latin music, 7:30 p.m., Weill Hall and Lawn, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $25-$80. (866) 955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.
Saturday, Aug. 6
George Winston: Solo piano concert, 8 p.m. Saturday, Dance Palace, Point Reyes Station. $35-$40 plus suggested canned food donation. (415) 663-1075, dancepalace.org.
Guy Slater: Mix of modern guitar styles, 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Museums of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa. Free with admission of $7-$10. 579-1500, sonomacountymuseum.org.
SH-BOOM: Rock ’n’ roll oldies, ‘Rockin’ Concerts’ series, noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Village Court, Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa. Free. 545-3844, mvshops.com.
Hellbender: Headliner for Petaluma Metal Fest, six bands, 7 p.m. Saturday, Phoenix Theater, Petaluma. $10. 762-3565, thephoenixtheater.com.
Sunday, Aug. 7
The Bootleg Honeys: Americana, ‘Live at Juilliard’ summer concert series, 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Juilliard Park, Santa Rosa. Free. 543-4512, srcity.org/liveatjuilliard.
Rodrigo y Gabriela: Mexican acoustic rock guitar duo, 8 p.m. Sunday, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $69-$89. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.
Mixed Nuts: Dance band, pop, rock, country and standards, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Village Court, Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa. Free. 545-3844, mvshops.com.
Alan Broadbent and Darek Oles Duo: Jazz performance, 7 p.m. Sunday, Paul Mahder Gallery, Healdsburg. $25. 433-4633, healdsburgjazzfestival.org.
Monday, Aug. 8
‘Closet Monster’: Alexander Valley Film Society’s ‘Out in Alexander Valley: Celebrating LGBT Stories,’ 7 p.m. Monday, The Clover Theater, Cloverdale. $12. avfilmsociety.org.
Tuesday, Aug. 9
Culture Club: Top 1980s pop band, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $79-$149. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.
Bey Paule Band: Eight-piece soul-blues band, ‘Tuesdays in the Plaza’ outdoor concert series, 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Healdsburg Plaza. Free. ci.healdsburg.ca.us.
Wednesday, Aug. 10
‘Puff Puff Beer for President’: Summer tour, rock, jazz, funk and soul, 4:20 p.m. Wednesday, Lagunitas Brewery, Petaluma. Free. 769-4495, lagunitas.com.
‘Twelfth Night’: Sonoma Shakespeare, Avalon Players’ ‘Shakespeare Under the Stars,’ season opener, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Buena Vista Winery, Sonoma. $20-$35. sonomashakespeare.com.
Onye and the Messengers: World music dance band, ‘Peacetown Summer Concert Series,’ 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Ives Park, Sebastopol. Free. 823-1511, peacetown.org.
Thursday, Aug. 11
Violinist Lindsey Stirling: Classical, pop, rock and electronic dance music, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Weill Hall and Lawn, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $25-$55. (866) 955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.
‘The Taming of the Shrew’: Raven Players’ opening night outdoor Shakespearean performance, 8 p.m. Thursday, Bear Republic courtyard, Healdsburg. $10-$25. 433-6335, raventheater.org.
The Soulshine Blues Band: Blues standards and original tunes, ‘Summer Nights on the Green’ outdoor concert, 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Windsor Town Green. Free. 838-1260, townofwindsor.com.
The Rev. Shawn Amos: Blues performer, ‘Krush Backyard Concert Series,’ 6 p.m. Thursday, KRSH radio, Santa Rosa. Free. krsh.com.
Kalimba: Earth, Wind and Fire tribute, ‘Concert Under the Stars,’ 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Village Court, Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa. Free. 545-3844, mvshops.com.
10,000 Maniacs: Multi-platinum alternative rock band, ‘Greatest Hits Live Tour,’ 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $25. 765-2121, mystictheatre.com.
Friday, Aug. 12
Global Guitar Summit: Three international acoustic guitar virtuosos, 8 p.m. Aug. 12, Sebastopol Community Cultural Center Annex. $20-$23. 823-1511, seb.org.
Mingo Fishtrap: Austin-based soul and funk band, ‘Friday Night Live’ outdoor concert series, 7 p.m. Aug. 12, Cloverdale Plaza. Free. 894-4410, cloverdaleartsalliance.org.
‘The Plot Against Shakespeare’: Sonoma County playwright David Beckman’s new play, ‘Shakespeare in the Cannery’ performance, 7 p.m. Aug. 12, Railroad Square, Santa Rosa. $5-$28. shakespeareinthecannery.com.
David Helfand & Justin Lader: ‘Journeys Beyond the Borders’ transcendental original music, 8 p.m. Aug. 12, Occidental Center for the Arts. $12. 874-9392, occidentalcenterforthearts.org.
‘Big Fish’: North Bay premiere of the Broadway musical, 8 p.m. Aug. 12, Spreckels Performing Arts Center, Rohnert Park. $16-$26. 588-3400, ci.rohnert-park.ca.us.
‘Official Blues Brothers Revue,’: Wayne Catania and Kieron Lafferty. 8 p.m. Aug. 12, House of Rock, Santa Rosa. $45-$60. 791-3482, rockstaruniversity.com.
Saturday, Aug. 13
‘CigarBQ’: Beer, wine, food, cigars and music, benefits Sonoma County veterans, 4-8 p.m. Aug. 13, Robert Young Estate Winery, Geyserville. $175. cbqwinecountryfundraising.org.
Fruition: Bluegrass, rock, soul, blues, British Invasion-era pop, 8:30 p.m. Aug. 13, Long Meadow Ranch, St. Helena. $35-$45. 963-4555, longmeadowranch.com.
Gravenstein Apple Fair: The 43rd event takes place Aug. 13 & 14 at Ragle Ranch Park in Sebastopol, with live music, local food, cider, microbrews, family fun and more. $8-$20. Kids 5 and under free. www.gravensteinapplefair.com
Dave Koz & David Sanborn: Saxophonists ‘Side by Side,’ 5 p.m. Aug. 13, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Healdsburg. $89-$129. 431-1533, rodneystrong.com.
Sunday, Aug. 14
McKenna Faith: Nashville country musician from Ukiah, ‘Sundays in the Park’ season finale, 6-8 p.m. Aug. 14. Todd Grove Park, Ukiah. Free. 463-6231, cityofukiah.com.
Rabia Chaudry: Author of ‘Adnan’s Story’ in conversation with Press Democrat columnist Chris Smith 2 p.m. Aug. 14. Copperfield’s Books. Petaluma. Free. 762-0563, copperfieldsbooks.com.
How do you cut off the ramblings of a drunken best man? Any way you can, just as long as you do it quickly, says etiquette expert Paul Wagner.
Wagner, founder of Balzac Communications, knows a thing or two about politely reining in a toast gone wild. For more than a decade he has covered the topic in “A Cultural Appreciation of Wine,” a course he teaches at Napa Valley College.
Learning the dos and don’ts of toasting will help you with damage control, but it may also help you prevent disasters by setting up the right protocol beforehand.
Here are a few tips from Paul Wagner:
Who should give toasts?
At formal weddings, the father of the bride makes the toast to welcome the guests because he’s the host. But at more modern weddings, that’s typically the best man’s job. He sometimes is followed up by the maid of honor, and then perhaps the groom.
Other weddings have an open mic policy, which can lead to all sorts of problems:
It’s best to leave the toasts to a couple of people who have prepared their remarks and have the permission of the wedding couple to speak.
As for the duration of the toasts:
Short and sweet, three to five minutes at most. As all performers will tell you, it’s better to leave the audience wishing for more than it is to go beyond your welcome. If your remarks need a second page, find an editor.
Cut off cringeworthy speeches!
By all means, don’t be afraid to cut off a long-winded toast:
If the whole toasting session goes on for more than 15 minutes, you will lose the audience, and they will have to run out of toasting wine. Unless one of the guests is Wilson Picket. Then he gets to sing as many songs as he would like.
As for crafting a toast, there are two things to keep in mind:
The first rule is to ask the bride and groom if they’d prefer an inspirational toast or a humorous one. The second rule is that most people are not professional comedians. So when in doubt, be sincere and heartfelt, and leave the comedy to the pros.
Whether you’ll play it straight or be a comic, you’ll want to weave in a story:
It’s sometimes nice to include a story that underscores the foundation of the marriage, how they support the same sports team or have a key opinion in common. Sometimes a short story about how the couple met, particularly if the best man played a role in that meeting.
While some toasts are definitely not PG, keeping the risqué factor in check also is important.
It’s a wedding, not a roast. It’s an opportunity for the whole community to show their love and support for the newlyweds. Leave the risqué humor for later conversations where the bride’s sweet grandmother will not be in attendance.
There’s also a protocol for wine lovers.
The caterer pours a tasting glass for everyone and tells the crowd this particular glass is for the toast. Hopefully that will keep them from polishing it off too quickly.
As for what’s in the glass, it depends:
If the plan is to have this same wine with the wedding cake, please don’t serve a dry sparkling wine like champagne. Nothing is worse than a dry wine with a very sweet cake.
Paul Wagner fancies prosecco or Asti Spumante because they’re sweet and fruity and pair well with wedding cake. If cake isn’t in the picture, a dry bubbly will work beautifully.
“I like the idea of serving a wine that has some kind of meaning to the newlyweds, like the wine they drank when they first met or from the winery they love to visit. Of course if budget is a concern, then simply work with the caterer to find a wine you like within your budget.”
The toast has long been an important tradition, here’s why:
The wedding ceremony is the ritual of the couple uniting and speaking of their love of community. The toast is an opportunity for the community to speak back, to tell the couple how much they are loved and supported.
Contest closed for the year.
WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED.
I wish i could pick you all, but sadly, i can’t.
please try again next year.
Sheesh, how did it get to be Sonoma County Fair time again?
Well, I’m way behind the 8-ball so to speak, so I need to pick my Scramblers ASAP for FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016!
You know the drill by now…it’s the Fair Food Scramble Contest in which BiteClub takes six lucky winners (consider yourself a sort of Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt, etc.) to the Sonoma County Fair, scramble for all the delicious goodness that our midway can offer.
THIS YEAR’S EVENT TAKES PLACE FRIDAY, JULY 22 at 3p.m. at the FAIRGROUNDS.
Best Scramble Team Ever! The Sonoma County Fair Food Scramblers 2015
From Pasta King to turkey legs, corn dogs, barbecue and beyond, we’ll snatch up whatever goodies we can find, bring it all back to our special reserve tables and feast like the true epicures we really are. (You should see the looks of wanton jealousy we attract.
I’m gonna make it easy this year. Just tell me why I should pick you in the comments below. I’ll choose ONE veteran, but the other 5 need to be Scramble newcomers. The only requirements are that you are fairly mobile (this is a scramble, so you gotta be fast), love to eat fair food, and have a strong stomach for all the stuff we’ll be cramming down our throats.
I’ll make my decision by 10a.m. Thursday morning and contact the winners by 3p.m. Thursday afternoon.
If chosen, you’ll get the details on our funtabulous food fest, but make sure you can be available from 3p.m. to 5p.m. on Friday if you decide to throw your hat in the ring and PLEASE include good email address that you check frequently. Full rules here.
A winemaker dinner at Valette restaurant in Healdsburg on 5/6/16. Heather Irwin, Press Democrat
When it comes to spectacular restaurant wine lists, the Bay Area always gets a big nod from the annual Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards, and this year was no exception. Taking stock of the world’s best restaurant wine cellars each year, the Wine Spectator’s carefully vetted award recipients offer wine lists with interesting selections, are appropriate for their cuisine and appeal to a wide range of wine lovers.
That doesn’t necessarily mean a list of cult wines, or $1,000+ bottles, but most award winners have 90 or more selections on their lists. So, if you’re looking for a restaurant that takes its wine as seriously as the food, here are the top winners in Wine Country (and Marin) to check out, at least according to Wine Spectator.
The Restaurant at Meadowood was a 2016 Wine Spectator Grand Award Winner for its extensive wine list.
Grand Awards
This is the highest honor, given to “restaurants that show an uncompromising, passionate devotion to the quality of their wine programs”, according to the Wine Spectator. Worldwide, there are only 88 winners, with a small handful added each year. These wine lists often have 1,000 or more selections, with top producers, mature vintages, large format bottles, a strong tie to the menu and the highest level of wine service.
2016 Winners Restaurant at Meadowood, St. Helena Murray Circle, Sausalito
Other Grand Award Winners in Wine Country
French Laundry, Yountville (since 2007)
La Toque, Napa (since 2014)
Barndiva has been named a Best Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator
Best Awards of Excellence
Excellent breadth across multiple winegrowing regions, top producers, superior presentation, with 350 or more selections, 1,093 winners worldwide.
Best Awards of Excellence
Excellent breadth across multiple winegrowing regions, top producers, superior presentation, with 350 or more selections, 1,093 winners worldwide.
2016 Winner Barndiva, Healdsburg
Other Best Awards of Excellence Winners in Wine Country
Dry Creek Kitchen, Healdsburg (2002)
Press, St. Helena (2013)
Sante, Boyes Hot Springs (2015)
Auberge du Soleil, Rutherford (1996)
Brix, St. Helena (2004)
1313 Main, Napa (2014)
Farm, Napa (2015)
Oenotri, Napa (2011)
Bounty Hunter, Napa (2015)
Award of Excellence
Lists typically offer at least 90 selections, well-chosen assortment of quality producers, thematic match to menu in price and style, and a sufficient choice to satisfy discerning wine lovers, 2,414 restaurants worldwide.
Valette Has been given an Award of excellence from the Wine Spectator for 2016, Healdsburg, CA
2016 Winners 630 Park Steakhouse, Rohnert Park Goose and Gander, St. Helena Valette, Healdsburg Harvest Table, St. Helena Bottega, Yountville Bouchon, Yountville Nick’s Cove, Marshall
Other Awards of Excellence Winners in Wine Country
John Ash & Co, Santa Rosa (2013)
Zazu Kitchen + Farm, Sebastopol (2003)
Restaurant at Kenwood Inn and Spa, Kenwood (2010)
Olive and Vine (currently closed, 2014)
Solbar, Calistoga (2011)
Saddles at MacArthur Place, Sonoma (2003)
Bistro Jeanty, Yountville (2013)
River’s End, Jenner (2013)
Carpe Diem Wine Bar, Napa (2013)
Morimoto Napa, Napa (2011)
Mankas Steakhouse, Fairfield (2013)
Il Fornaio, Corte Madera (2002)
The Spinnaker, Sausalito (2015)
Poggio Trattoria, Sausalito (2004)
The obsession with container gardens shows no sign of wilting. This summer, vividly colored pots are sprouting all over Sonoma County.
For people, like myself, with stamp-sized yards and little time for weeding, these versatile low maintenance gardens are a great option. And picking the containers is a lot of fun! These past few weeks, I’ve been enjoying playing around with different configurations of flowers, succulents, pots, barrels and wooden crates.
There are certainly many reasons to love container gardens. Here’s a list of some of the perks I’ve discovered:
Portable
Using a variety of small containers (or larger pots on wheels) allows me to rearrange my garden throughout the summer and create different color schemes. (Image via birdsandblooms.com)
These light tin containers make it easy to update your garden layout. (Image via diynetwork.com)
Low Maintenance
Nemesia, the orange annual called ‘Sunsatia Mango’, is a great choice for container gardening. Place in the sun and water fairly regularly and this undemanding plant will thrive. (Image via lowes.com)
Succulents are the easiest plants to maintain, and use the least amount of water. (Image via crafttakeover.com)
Easy to Update
While it’s rarer for container-grown plants to have a hard time, some plants will wilt, get sick, and in the worst case scenario, die. Luckily, it’s easy to remove the dying plants and replace them with new, healthy plants.
Easy to Feed
When it comes to watering and tending to a container garden, there won’t be any questions about how much water to use because you’ll know exactly how much soil you’re working with. (Image via trg.com)
The same is true for fertilizing. If your container plant needs extra nourishment, the size of the container will ensure you don’t overdo it. (Image via mikesbackyardnursery.com)
Added Curb Appeal
A well-tended garden is one of the easiest ways to add curb appeal to any home. (Image via Pinterest)
Even a clean, minimalist container garden can bring a home to life. (Image via TheSingingGarden)
Artists, writers, architects, makers, craftspeople. In Sonoma County we have an abundance of creative people who make our region eclectic and interesting. And now you can add these women designers to the list.
River’s Edge in Indigo by PVF.
Trudy – Poppy Von Frohlich
Meet Trudy, the fashion designer behind Poppy Von Frohlich (PvF) who traded city living for life on the ranch in West County. PvF designs women’s fashion, bags and accessories, all made in Northern California.
What I love about PvF is that Trudy isn’t designing from a fancy high rise office in San Francisco. She’s taking care of her young children, carving out time to sketch and sew, and still gets dinner on the table.
PvF’s fashion aesthetic has a Northern California vibe. You’ll find plaid shirts you can wear while chasing your toddler at the park or suede moccasins you can slip on for a trip to the farmer’s market. Available at poppyvonfrohlich.com.
PvF 2016
Sister Little Fog Coat.
Dandelion Days Dress.
Lumber Jane Jacket in Steel Blue Canvas.
Gold Miners Daughter Dress Stewart Scottish Plaid Shirt.
Oxblood Baguette Bag.
Ponderosa Vest in 100% Italian Wool.
Lumber Jane Jacket in Burgundy.
Nikki Marie – Nikki Marie Apparel
Fashion designer Nikki Marie.
At just 27, Nikki Marie is bringing old-school sophistication to Sonoma County with her line of vintage inspired women’s clothing. With a nod to 1960s silhouettes, Nikki releases about 10 pieces by season (fall, winter, spring, summer).
What’s really fun about Nikki’s designs, is that she actually wears them! Every. Single. Day. Most days you can spot her in the Ann Top, Audrey Pants and the Diamond Dream Scarf, a fantastic orange and blue combo.
Nikki Marie in her own design.
Nikki’s design mantra is that women should feel original; not like carbon copies of what’s on a mannequin at the mall. All of her pieces are custom made for a perfect fit, and come in a variety of colors and fabrics.
Made in Santa Rosa, Nikki’s summer collection is inspired by fashion legend Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Her next collection will be all about florals—I can’t wait to see what she comes up with. Available exclusively at Mad Mod Shop, and at nikkimarieapparel.com.
Nikki Marie Summer 2016
Sid Top and Katarina Skater Skirt.
Ann Skater Skirt and Ann Dress Coat.
Eliza Peplum Top and Sabrina Skirt from Nikki Marie.
Kathy Top.
Nikki Marie offers custom embellishment for any of your favorite shoes that need a little pizzazz.
When it comes to spectacular restaurant wine lists, the Bay Area always gets a big nod from the annual Wine Spectator restaurant Awards, and this year was no exception.
Taking stock of the world’s best restaurant wine cellars each year, the Wine Spectator’s carefully vetted award recipients offer wine lists with interesting selections, are appropriate for their cuisine and appeal to a wide range of wine lovers.
That doesn’t necessarily mean a list of cult wines, or $1,000+ bottles, but most award winners have 90 or more selections on their lists. So, if you’re looking for a restaurant that takes its wine as seriously as the food, here are the top winners in Wine Country (and Marin) to check out, at least according to Wine Spectator.
The Restaurant at Meadowood was a 2016 Wine Spectator Grand Award Winner for its extensive wine list.
GRAND AWARDS
This is the highest honor, given to “restaurants that show an uncompromising, passionate devotion to the quality of their wine programs”, according to the Wine Spectator.
Worldwide, there are only 88 winners, with a small handful added each year. These wine lists often have 1,000 or more selections, with top producers, mature vintages, large format bottles, a strong tie to the menu and the highest level of wine service.
2016 Winners Restaurant at Meadowood, St. Helena Murray Circle, Sausalito
Other Grand Award Winners in Wine Country
French Laundry, Yountville (since 2007)
La Toque, Napa (since 2014)
Barndiva has been named a Best Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator.
BEST AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
Excellent breadth across multiple wine-growing regions, top producers, superior presentation, with 350 or more selections, 1,093 winners worldwide.
2016 Winner Barndiva, Healdsburg
Other Best Awards of Excellence Winners in Wine Country
Dry Creek Kitchen, Healdsburg (2002)
Press, St. Helena (2013)
Sante, Boyes Hot Springs (2015)
Auberge du Soleil, Rutherford (1996)
Brix, St. Helena (2004)
1313 Main, Napa (2014)
Farm, Napa (2015)
Oenotri, Napa (2011)
Bounty Hunter, Napa (2015)
Valette Has been given an Award of Excellence from the Wine Spectator for 2016, Healdsburg, CA.
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Lists typically offer at least 90 selections, well-chosen assortment of quality producers, thematic match to menu in price and style, and a sufficient choice to satisfy discerning wine lovers, 2,414 restaurants worldwide.
2016 Winners 630 Park Steakhouse, Rohnert Park Goose and Gander, St. Helena Valette, Healdsburg Harvest Table, St. Helena Bottega, Yountville Bouchon, Yountville Nick’s Cove, Marshall
Other Awards of Excellence Winners in Wine Country
John Ash & Co, Santa Rosa (2013)
Zazu Kitchen + Farm, Sebastopol (2003)
Restaurant at Kenwood Inn and Spa, Kenwood (2010)
Olive and Vine (currently closed, 2014)
Solbar, Calistoga (2011)
Saddles at MacArthur Place, Sonoma (2003)
Bistro Jeanty, Yountville (2013)
River’s End, Jenner (2013)
Carpe Diem Wine Bar, Napa (2013)
Morimoto Napa, Napa (2011)
Mankas Steakhouse, Fairfield (2013)
Il Fornaio, Corte Madera (2002)
The Spinnaker, Sausalito (2015)
Poggio Trattoria, Sausalito (2004)
For five years community organized music festival Millapalooza gave Santa Rosa locals their very own street wide block party, where they could listen to music, have a beer and meet their neighbors face-to-face.
And there is definitely something to be said for the community block party’s give back to this rapidly expanding town. With many glued to their smart phones – immersed in the virtual world of Pokemon Go – events like Millapalooza enable old school “real time” interaction to bring Santa Rosa locals together.
The bad news is that this year’s Millapalooza was canceled. The good news is that the local tradition continues, rebranded as Coopchella and relocated from Mill Street to Cooperage Brewery, for its sixth year on July 25.
Cooperage Brewery, opened a little over a year ago, offers an alternative venue to listen to music, socialize, and have a pint. Far enough from Downtown Santa Rosa to avoid having to deal with metered parking, the semi-hidden beer pub is located among a group of warehouses — a quick blink, and you’ve missed it.
Santa Rosa surf punk band Illumignarly will be playing at Coopchella. (Photo by Estefany Gonzalez)
Guitarist Derek Nielsen, who has played Cooperage with his surf-rock band Illumignarly a few times, says, “We love playing Cooperage. Good beer, good people and the shows we’ve played there have been super fun.”
Nielsen, in looking forward to his Coopchella gig, sees summer, music and beer going happily hand-in-hand.
“It’s definitely going to be smaller than Millapalooza,” he said. “But, that’s okay. It’ll have more of a show vibe …than a fest vibe.”
Mud, Blood and the Beer. (Photo by Estefany Gonzalez)
Coopchella is put on by Santa Rosa’s own Mud Blood and the Beer — a trio of rambunctious beer loving musicians.
According to Mud Blood and the Beer bass player, John Romanos, the change in venue was due in part to Millapalooza’s increasing success and high attendance.
“Millapalooza was becoming too big for a residential block party. The city of Santa Rosa was beginning to have concerns with the growing attendance and the BYOB [bring your own booze] atmosphere,” Romanos said. “Although, we never had a problem and it always remained a family-friendly environment.”
Romanos is excited about continuing the community atmosphere and spirit of Millapalooza at the new location: great beer including Cooperage’s new beer Coopchella— an 8.2 percent double IPA— and a great night of local music.
“It’s whittled down to an amazing group of five or six bands,” he said.
This year’s line-up includes The Mud Blood and the Beer, Illumignarly, Shelby Cobra, M Section and Elephant.
The server placed my steak on the table, and offered to pour me more wine. Then, he asked if my dogs were set for water and, teasing, if they preferred ketchup or ranch dressing with their French fries.
Lavishing such attention, the folks at Alioto’s Healdsburger don’t seem to realize they’re working in a former 1950s A&W, flipping hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and the occasional steak, such as my meal that day, a special rib eye sandwich. My two boisterous Rhodesian Ridgebacks were welcome customers on the shaded, sparely landscaped parking lot patio.
And yet, this is no fast food. This is a hamburger stand done Wine Country style. That means quality ingredients, meals made to order, wine and beer plus no corkage fee, and often, higher prices plus at least a 15-minute wait for food to arrive.
The Cowboy Burger topped with a tower of onion rings at Alioto’s Healdsburger.
Opened in 2012, the bare bones eatery remains mostly a locals’ secret, situated as it is on the side stretch of Healdsburg Avenue that connects Veterans Memorial Beach with the entry to downtown. You’ll find it if you’re renting a kayak from the neighboring Soar Inflatables/Russian River Adventures, or outfitting your car at Ceja Quality Tires next door.
It hasn’t helped that the Memorial Bridge was closed more than a year for extensive reinforcement, diverting the 8,500 or so vehicles that cross daily, until finally reopening in October.
Now, my dogs’ eyes are as big as moons, their canine brains mentally willing my cheese steak to leap off my plate into their mouths. It’s not a plate, actually, but a tin tray lined in red and white checked paper, with the sandwich folded in more paper.
The wrapper helped keep the tender chopped meat from sliding out and the sautéed mushrooms, lettuce, tomato and red onion from escaping. I added Swiss cheese, which melts into the mayo slicking the crusty, warm ciabatta bun. At $14.95 plus $1.50 for the cheese, the result is much more expensive than fast food, certainly, but it’s delicious and comes with onion rings (regularly $4.95).
The Chilli Cheese Dog with a Blueberry Shake at Alioto’s Healdsburger.
The little touches make a difference. The order taker at the counter in front of the tiny, open kitchen wonders how my dining companion would like her sourdough cheeseburger cooked ($8.50). Would she like the regular beef, or grass-fed (healthier but dry-textured, relatively bland and $2 extra)?
What kind of cheese? Provolone, sure, to go with those sweet grilled onions. And how much sourdough would she like, since the standard bun is really thick? I tell her that I’ve found it’s way too much for the meat, so the server recommends sliced sourdough bread instead.
My friend had arrived a few minutes earlier than me, and the same fellow had asked if she wanted to open a tab so she could sip a drink, a thoughtful thing. Perhaps the niceties are inspired by Healdsburger owner and Geyserville resident David Alioto’s earlier career in marketing and management for sports teams like the Giants, Oakland A’s and the San Jose Earthquakes.
Each day, the eatery puts together 16 regular menu burgers and some eight to 10 specials, like a hangover burger topped in fried egg, bacon, pepper Jack, Sriracha and mayo paired with a small fry and drink ($13.50).
A turkey cheddar burger is well-seasoned and moist ($7.50); lamb feta ($11.95) is salty-savory. The Mondo Double cheeseburger is a happy heart attack with 14 ounces of meat ($10.50), and the Cowboy is nearly ridiculous, a monster topped in barbecue sauce, bacon, cheddar, lettuce and red onion on ciabatta, all stabbed with a towering pyramid of onion rings.
Eat the Cowboy and you won’t need another meal soon. It’s actually a value, since its $13.50 tab also includes a bottomless fountain drink (normally $2.95).
All beef, 1/4-pound hot dogs are satisfying though pricey ($4.50), split and lined with char marks beneath the ketchup, mustard, mayo, relish, onions and tomatoes. A chili cheese model comes smothered in two kinds of cheese ($6.50), and I ask for freshly minced garlic to make an extra bomb. Nice, especially with a cold bottle of Lagunitas IPA ($4.75).
The onion rings here are fine, not great, encased in crisp, greasy batter. If you like In-n-Out Burger French fries, you’ll like these, too, cut from fresh-peeled potatoes we can see resting in the kitchen, with a bit of skin left on and a clean, almost baked flavor ($3/$4.50). A small order is enough for two to three people, or one diner and two dogs.
These aren’t the best milkshakes. My chocolate peanut butter is mostly melted (12 oz. $3.95/20 oz. $5.25), though a root beer float is a fine thing ($4.95). Remember that “no corkage fee” thing, too, since the refrigerator is stocked with a whatever’s-on-hand choice of sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and zinfandel, and brings no bargain at $7 a cup.
Casual is one thing, meanwhile, but Alioto has got to find a solution to the fly problem. Even sitting inside, I constantly swat away the awful bugs, and it’s a real irritant during cooler months, too. Dining outside can sometimes be out of the question on summer days.
Still, this is a great neighborhood hangout. My dining companion, who has lived in Healdsburg for a long time, is amused to learn courtesy of the menu blurb that Healdsburger is the official name for a resident of the town. True? Who knows, but it has a better ring than “Healdsburgite” or “Healdsburgician.”
And there’s no denying that Alioto brings the local touch. He and his wife, Debby, have just purchased Cloverdale’s historic Pick’s Drive-In, promising to give that 1923 hamburger restaurant the same updates as their flagship shop.
It’s good news for us burger lovers. Just hold the flies, please.
Carey Sweet is a Santa Rosa-based food and restaurant writer. Read her restaurant reviews every other week in Sonoma Life. Contact her at carey@careysweet.com.
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