Two Birds One Stone has opened in St. Helena, Napa, with Michelin-starred chefs Douglas Keane and Sang Yoon. Heather Irwin
It’s been a while since we’ve has seen Top Chef Master’s winner Douglas Keane in a restaurant kitchen. But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been hard at work behind a stove.
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After the closure of his Michelin-starred restaurant and a brief chicken wing adventure at Graton Casino, he put all of his eggs into a new basket: Two Birds/One Stone in St. Helena. The casual Japanese-inspired pub recently opened in the luxuriously remodeled Freemark Abby, giving Keane and his co-collaborator Sang Yoon (LA’s Father’s Office, Lukshon) a playground to showcase California-style izakaya (basically pub grub to pair with sake, wine or beer).
Like the boisterous but culinarily disciplined Keane, Two Birds/One Stone is a wonderful tangle of contradictions: Flip-flop casual with white napkin service; a menu where creamed corn and soft-serve ice cream happily co-exist with cherry blossom gelee and Wagyu beef short ribs.
Duck Egg Custard with uni and crab at Two Birds One Stone in st. helena, a project of Chefs Douglas Keane and Sang Yoon. Heather Irwin/PD
Two Birds/One Stone isn’t sushi rolls and tempura. Keane is a devotee of Japanese cuisine and culinary arts having studied things like dashi (fish and seaweed broth), tofu-making and tweezer-perfect presentation over decades. If you’re not a regular at Japanese restaurants, it’s easy to find some of the flavors are very unfamiliar — briny sea vegetables, miso, spicy ginger, yuzu (a Japanese citrus somewhere between a lemon and an orange), sesame and rice wine. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get adventurous. Prices for the small plates range from $4 to $14 (okay, the Wagyu is $17), so it’s worth a little experimentation.
Pork belly yakitori at Two Birds One Stone in st. helena, a project of Chefs Douglas Keane and Sang Yoon. Heather Irwin/PD
Host Nick Peyton is a familiar face in the dining room, moving from table to table with charm. “We really learned how to make chicken wings,” he jokes about the brief casino experience. An eclectic wine list from Master Somm Kevin Reilly includes on-tap wines made by top name vintners exclusively for the restaurant, along with sake and a craft cocktail program that compliments the Japanese cuisine. Corkage on one bottle of Napa or Sonoma wine is free.
Won ton chips at Two Birds One Stone, opened by chefs Douglas Keane and Sang Yoon in St. Helena, Napa. Heather Irwin.
What to eat
If, like me, you’ve been a fan of Keane through the years, you’ll see some familiar old favorites like his wonton ‘chips n dip ($5) from Healdsburg’s former Shiso Modern Steak House; crispy chicken wings with chili-yuzu glaze ($9) from the short-lived eatery at the Graton Casino, or the precious silken tofu ($10) with chilled shiitake broth, sea grapes, and salmon pearls ($10) very reminiscent of Cyrus.
The famous chicken wings at Two Birds One Stone in St. Helena. Heather Irwin/PD
If we were to pick two can’t-miss dishes, the first would be duck egg custard with fresh uni, crab and lemon verbena ($14) that’s as comforting as pudding, but with a savory, ocean-y flavor unique to Asian cuisine. The other is the creamed sweet corn ($6), a humble dish that reaches epic deliciousness with white miso, lots of pickled ginger and cilantro.
Foie gras with cherry gelee and popped sorghum at Two Birds One Stone, opened by chefs Douglas Keane and Sang Yoon in St. Helena, Napa. Heather Irwin.
Foie Gras Parfait ($12): Foie gras mousse, cherry gelee and popped sorghum that’s almost too decadent to eat. Almost.
Silken Tofu with chilled shitaake broth, furikake, sea grapes and salmon pearls at Two Birds One Stone in St. Helena, Napa. Heather Irwin/PD
Silken tofu ($10): This is a chilled dish, with flavorful and earthy shiitake mushroom broth poured tableside. Sea meets terra firma with this luxurious dish that could easily come from the Cyrus menu.
Savory Japanese Pancake ($14): You won’t be able to eat this delicious frisbee of a dish, but it’s a whole lot of fun trying. Made with green onion, duck ham, eggs, and a topping of bonito flakes (dried shrimp), it’s even better the next day. Keane says this dish is definitely a creation of Yoon, and Doug insisted it be on the menu.
Tucker’s Daily Harvest at Two Birds One Stone, opened by chefs Douglas Keane and Sang Yoon in St. Helena, Napa. Heather Irwin.
Tucker’s Daily Harvest ($13): Fresh baby produce is skewered and placed atop edamame puree and aerated tofu (really a sort of tofu sauce). The restaurant has a special relationship with Jackson Family Wines, who own the property, and along with that comes a bounty of produce from Kendall-Jackson’s resident farmer, Tucker Taylor.
Wagyu beef at Two Birds One Stone, opened by chefs Douglas Keane and Sang Yoon in St. Helena, Napa. Heather Irwin.
Yakitori: These little sticks of meat are seminal to the izakaya experience. We tried the pork belly with spicy yuzu and kimchee ($11); Jim’s duck breast with figs and spicy tamarind ($13) and wagyu short rib ($17), which were all tender, juicy and lush.
Matcha soft serve at Two Birds One Stone, opened by chefs Douglas Keane and Sang Yoon in St. Helena, Napa. Heather Irwin.
Matcha soft serve ($7): Japanese seem to love ice cream, but here it’s infused with green tea. More exotic is the “peaches and cream” ($4), liquid nitrogen “dots” that melt on the tongue.
Specialty cocktails like this five spice mai tai at Two Birds One Stone, opened by chefs Douglas Keane and Sang Yoon in St. Helena, Napa. Heather Irwin.
Cocktails: Don’t miss the insane selection of Japanese and American whiskeys, the impressive wine list (this is Wine Country, after all), five spice mai tai or whiskey sour with yuzu honey and lemon.
It’s great to see Sonoma County’s truest celebrity chef back in the kitchen, creating Japanese-California cuisine that only Doug Keane can do. Even if it is in Napa.
We’ve all seen them on home decoration and cooking shows; in glossy magazines with radiantly smiling women: neat and tidy kitchens with not a spatula or stray spoon in sight. But few of us have actually seen them in reality. And most of us can’t even find the counter beneath the clutter.
As I’m currently going through a move with my family to a smaller home, there are quite a few things I’ve had to take a more stringent look at to decide whether they stay or go – with a lot of them going. But no matter how far I’ve pared down the number of appliances and utensils, without a set of good habits the kitchen ends up exasperating.
After much trial and error, I’ve found six foolproof tips and tricks to conquer the kitchen clutter.
1. Clean Daily
It’s easy to become involved in other household activities and leave dishes in the sink or coffee mugs on the counter. The problem is that the dishes can keep piling up…
The best routine to ensure that a mess doesn’t get out of control is setting time aside each day to make sure all the dishes are put away, counters wiped down, and boxes of food placed back in the pantry. (Remember to involve other family members in this routine).
2. Assess Your Appliances
Most kitchen cupboards will contain a waffle iron that’s only been used twice in the past five years, a toaster as well as a toaster oven, and a Panini press still in the box. If an appliance hasn’t been used in the past six months, it should be donated.
With unused appliances out of the way, the cabinets will be more spacious and easier to organize.
3. Clear The Counter
Don’t let your counter become a catch-all. Random items placed on a counter add up quickly and create a chaotic, unattractive space.
Clearing the counter at the end of the day means you can wake up to a clean, restful space to enjoy your morning coffee in.
4. Utilize Your Sink
An over the sink cutting board keeps prep work off the counter, and food scraps easy to clean up. It can also help to discourage plates being left in the sink.
Additions like an over the sink shelf can help to keep often-used products like paper towels and sponges close by so they don’t end up scattered around the kitchen.
5. Get Creative With Organizers
These airtight glass containers are an attractive way to store and display cooking essentials. The uniform sizes and shapes create order and balance.
Magazine holders become an innovative way to keep food and plastic wrap categorized and neat.
6. Set Aside A Day To Deep Clean
For two hours on a weekend morning, we band together in my house and get down to the nitty-gritty. Mopping, scrubbing the oven, and even wiping down the walls will all be done in one day, leaving the rest of the week for the small chores.
Giving the kitchen a good, deep cleaning once a week prevents dust, dirt and crumbs from gathering in corners and keeps the kitchen smelling fresh. Once it becomes a habit, living with a clean kitchen will become the norm instead of the exception.
Hold on to your hats, folks — this weekend is filled with fun to be had. This Saturday, head to Petaluma for the annual Rivertown Revival on the banks of Steamer Landing Park. On Friday and Satuday, laugh yourself silly at the Sonoma County Comedy Fest at the Flamingo Resort in Santa Rosa. And take a step back in time at the 17th annual Civil War Days in Duncans Mills. All this and more is in our list of things to do.
‘Fantastical Family Night,’ part of ‘Broadway Under the Stars’ series, plays Friday at Jack London State Historic Park, Glen Ellen.
FRIDAY, July 15
Sonoma County Comedy Fest: Two nights of comedy are coming to the Flamingo Resort in Santa Rosa when Crushers of Comedy presents the Sonoma County Comedy Fest. On Saturday and Sunday evenings, enjoy hilarious stand up comedy from celebrated Bay Area comedians like Priya Prasad, Ronn Vigh, Kevin Camia and more. Tickets are $40 one day, and $70 for both. Festival attendees get a discount on music and dancing at the Lounge at the Flamingo each night after the show just by showing their wristband. Find out all the details at www.crushersofcomedy.com. (July 15 – 16)
Parks Make Life Better Bash: July is National Parks & Rec Month, and the city of Santa Rosa is celebrating with a party at Howarth Park. From 5-8 p.m. this Friday, enjoy free entertainment such as animal barn tours, stage entertainment, fun giveaways and more. The Sonoma County Traveling Fair will also be there to offer a preview of the upcoming fair. Find out more at pd2go.net/ParksBash.
Festival Napa Valley: Ten-day festival opener, Kristin Chenoweth recital, 6 p.m., Castello di Amorosa, Calistoga. Sold out. 346-5052, festivalnapavalley.org.
Royal Jelly Jive: Swingin’ soul jive, ‘Friday Night Live’ outdoor concert series, 7 p.m., Cloverdale Plaza. Free. 894-4410, cloverdaleartsalliance.org.
The Rock Collection: Melvin Seals, Greg Anton, Stu Allen, Lebo and J.P. McLean, 8:30 p.m., Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $25. 765-2121, mystictheatre.com.
‘Merrily We Roll Along’: Opening night, Stephen Sondheim musical, Summer Repertory Theatre, 8 p.m., Burbank Auditorium, Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa. $15-$25. 527-4307, summerrep.com.
‘Fantastical Family Night’: ‘Broadway Under the Stars’ series, 5 p.m. picnicking, performance 7:30 p.m., Jack London State Historic Park, Glen Ellen. $29-$134. (877) 424-1414, ttcsonoma.org.
The Rivertown Revival festival takes place 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. (Photo by John Burgess)
SATURDAY, July 16
Rivertown Revival: This Saturday, turn back the clocks for an old-timey celebration on the banks of the Petaluma River. Steamer Landing Park will be transformed into a town that time forgot with costumes, music, art boat races, $5 weddings and more. The festival takes place 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and admission is $10 adults, and $5 kids 17 and under. Find out all the details at rivertownrevival.com.
Civil War Days: In its 17th year, the largest Civil War reenactments in Northern California returns to Duncans Mills. On Saturday and Sunday, take a step back in time as history is portrayed by hundreds of reenactors. Battle times take place 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $12, kids 6-12 are $6, and kids under 6 are free. Parking is $5. Find out all the details at www.civilwardays.net. (July 16 – 17)
Art is Medicine Show: Celebrating 8 years of bilingual, bicycle-powered theatre, this traveling theater company is embarking on Southwest Community Park in Santa Rosa for an afternoon of storytelling. Starting at 4 p.m., kick back on the grass and enjoy as this free program by the Imaginists entertains. They will also perform Friday night at Landpaths/Bayer Farm. Find out more at theimaginists.org/2016tour.
Alive!: All-women’s jazz quintet reunion concert, 8 p.m. Saturday, Occidental Center for the Arts. $25. 874-9392, occidentalcenterforthearts.org.
Midsummer Garden Tea: Song of Sonoma Chorus, hat contest, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, Santa Rosa. $50. 524-5445, lutherburbank.org.
The Babys: British rock group, plus local rock duo V², 8 p.m. Saturday, House of Rock, Santa Rosa. $40-$55. 791-3482, rockstaruniversity.com.
‘West Side Stories Presents Bil Lepp’: Nationally renowned storyteller with host Dave Pokorny, 8 p.m. Saturday, Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $15. westsidestoriespetaluma.com.
Cheeseballs: Top San Francisco dance band, Bastille Day ‘Dance on the Lawn,’ noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Chateau St. Jean Winery, Kenwood. Free. 257-5784, chateaustjean.com.
The largest Civil War reenactments in Northern California returns to Duncans Mills on Saturday and Sunday. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
SUNDAY, July 17
Poetry at the Bean Affair: This Sunday, 1:30-3:30 p.m., the Bean Affair in Healdsburg presents poet Russ Messing who will read from his most recent book of poetry,
“Midnight’s Breathing:” Following his reading, the stage will open for anyone else who would like to read poetry or brief prose. Find out more at hbglitguild.org.
Jess Petty: Trumpeter and vocalist, the Michael Brandeburg Jazz Trio, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Village Court, Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa. Free. 545-3844, mvshops.com.
Valley of the Moon Music Festival: Sixteen-day chamber music festival opener, 4 p.m. Sunday, Hanna Boys Center, Sonoma. $20-$40. valleyofthemoonmusicfestival.org.
A Peek at Next Week…
The Sonoma County Fair opens July 22. (Photo by Crista Jeremiason)
Monday, July 18
‘Mr. Schulz Goes to Washington’: Presidential-themed Peanuts comic strips and memorabilia, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa. $5-$12. 579-4452, schulzmuseum.org.
Tuesday, July 19
Hot Summer Nights: Hear four local authors read from their books 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday in July at Copperfield’s Books, 775 Village Ct. Santa Rosa. redwoodwriters.org, copperfieldsbooks.com.
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons: Legendary singer of hits like “Grease” and “Sherry,” 7 p.m. Tuesday, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $79-$125. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.
Wednesday, July 20
Marian Palaia: ‘Books & Brews’ book-talk series with ‘The Given World’ novelist, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Calistoga Inn. Free. 942-1616, copperfieldsbooks.com.
David McCarroll: Beethoven with Festival Orchestra 2 featuring the violin virtuoso, Mendocino Music Festival, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Tent Concert Hall, Main Street, Mendocino. $12-$49. 937-2044, mendocinomusic.org.
Soul Fuse: Funk, soul and fusion band, ‘Peacetown Summer Concert Series,’ 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Ives Park, Sebastopol. Free. 823-1511, peacetown.org.
Thursday, July 21
Native Elements: Reggae and Caribbean beat, ‘Rockin’ the River’ outdoor concert series, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Guerneville Plaza. Free. rockintheriver.org.
Toronzo Cannon: Chicago electric blues guitarist, ‘Krush Backyard Concert Series,’ 6 p.m. Thursday, KRSH radio, Santa Rosa. Free. krsh.com.
Friday, July 22
Chuck Prophet & The Mission Express: Folk rock band, ‘Friday Night Live’ outdoor concert series, 7 p.m. July 22, Cloverdale Plaza. Free. 894-4410, cloverdaleartsalliance.org.
Sonoma County Fair: Opening day July 22, (runs through Aug. 7, closed Mondays), admission 11 a.m.-9 p.m., ABBA tribute band at 7:30 p.m., Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa. $6-$12. 545-4200, sonomacountyfair.com.
Grace Potter: Alternative rock musician and her band, 8 p.m. July 22, SOMO Village Event Center, Rohnert Park. $39.50-$42.50. somoconcerts.com.
Hollywood Vampires: Hard rock with Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp and Joe Perry, 7:30 p.m. July 22, Weill Hall and Lawn, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $40-$135. (866) 955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.
George Lopez: ‘Thats True Comedy Tour,’ 8 p.m. July 22, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $55-$250. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.
The BluesBurners: Funk, rock, electric blues and rhythm and blues band, ‘Funky Fridays’ outdoor concert series, 7 p.m. July 22, Hood Mansion, Santa Rosa. $10. 833-6288, funkyfridays.info.
Saturday, July 23
Jack Stuppin: ‘Past Tense, Present Tense’ exhibit reception for nationally known Sonoma County painter, 5-8 p.m. July 23, IceHouse Gallery, Petaluma. Free. 778-2238, icehousegallery.org.
‘Dancing Under the Stars’: Salsa lessons 6:30 p.m., live music by Orquesta La Original 7-10 p.m. July 23, Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Geyserville. $25-$30. 857-1400, francisfordcoppolawinery.com.
Shawn Thwaites Rebel Quartet: Jazz, hip-hop, funk, calypso and reggae ensemble, 8 p.m. July 23, Occidental Center for the Arts. $15-$18. 874-9392, occidentalcenterforthearts.org.
‘Forty Years of Cheers!’: Wine Road festival with live music, food, wine, kids’ activities, art and crafts, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. July 23, outside Healdsburg City Hall. Free. wineroad.com.
Ingrid Michaelson: Indie pop and folk musician, 7 p.m. July 23, Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville. $80-$110. (888) 769-5299, robertmondaviwinery.com.
Smokey Robinson: Acclaimed Motown singer-songwriter in concert, 5 p.m. July 23, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Healdsburg. $80-$129. 431-1533, rodneystrong.com.
‘Blues at the Green’: Taj Mahal, Hot Tuna and Marcia Ball, 7:30 p.m. July 23, Weill Hall and Lawn, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $25-$65. (866) 955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.
The Sun Kings: Beatles tribute band, ‘Rockin’ Concerts’ series, noon-3 p.m. July 23, Village Court, Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa. Free. 545-3844, mvshops.com.
Dr. John & The Nite Trippers: New Orleans’ musical legacy, 8 p.m. July 23, Uptown Theatre, Napa. $40-$50. 259-0123, uptowntheatrenapa.com.
Sunday, July 24
‘Werther’: Recorded live presentation from The Royal Opera in London, 1 p.m. July 24, Summerfield Cinemas, Santa Rosa. $16-$20. 525-8909, summerfieldcinemas.com.
The Disorderly House Band: Americana/folk rock and electric, ‘Music on the Lawn’ series, 2:30-4:30 p.m. July 24, St. Francis Winery, Santa Rosa. Free. 538-9463, stfranciswinery.com.
Hot Rods: Classic oldies tribute band, 1-4 p.m. July 24, Village Court, Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa. Free. 545-3844, mvshops.com.
Reckless Kelly: Austin-based alternative country and rock ’n’ roll band, 8:30 p.m. July 24, Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $22. 765-2121, mystictheatre.com.
Mindi Abair & The Boneshakers: Pop vocalist and saxophonist, 7:30 p.m. July 24, House of Rock, Santa Rosa. $50-$65. 791-3482, rockstaruniversity.com.
Marcia Ball: Texas boogie-woogie, ‘Sundays in the Park’ concert series, 6-8 p.m. July 24, Todd Grove Park, Ukiah. Free. 463-6231, cityofukiah.com.
Steele and Hops, a brew pub in Santa Rosa, has opened. Heather Irwin
Santa Rosa’s newest sud stop , Steele and Hops Brewpub, has opened, with a more than 20 beers on tap and a menu that includes a house smoked beef brisket sandwich with homemade bbq sauce on a brioche bun, house ground burgers, fried cheese curds, pizzas and other beer (and wine) friendly grub.
Steele and Hops, a brew pub in Santa Rosa, has opened. Heather Irwin
Restaurant veteran and co-owner Cully Williamson has given the former Heritage Public House a makeover, adding a 10 barrel stainless steel fermentation tank behind the bar, and plans to continue brewing beer on location in 2017.
Steele and Hops, a brew pub in Santa Rosa, has opened. Heather IrwinSteele and Hops, a brew pub in Santa Rosa, has opened. Heather IrwinSteele and Hops, a brew pub in Santa Rosa, has opened. Heather IrwinPizza at Steele and Hops, a brew pub in Santa Rosa, Heather IrwinBeecher cheese curds at Steele and Hops, a brew pub in Santa Rosa, Heather Irwin
Biteclub checked out the soft opening, and loved the cheese curds and pizza on the abbreviated menu. I’ll report back when the kitchen has had a few days to settle in, and the full menu is out. But all signs point to the third time being a charm for this family-friendly watering hole.
Steele and Hops, a brew pub in Santa Rosa, has opened. Heather Irwin
There’s a growing population of Francophiles in America who will be celebrating Bastille Day Thursday and beyond. Surprisingly, more than 50 U.S. cities have annual celebrations, with some stretching their festivities over a week. The hoopla on both sides of the pond will commemorate the French Revolution of 1789 and the birth of the Republic.
For the ever-expanding pool of Francophiles, here are 5 French rosés under $15 to uncork for the Bastille Day celebration:
Lavau, 2015 Tavel, Rhone Valley, France Rosé, 12.5%, $14.
This is a tasty rosé that will turn heads. It has racy acidity, and notes of watermelon, raspberry and mineral. Great balance. Refreshing. Tangy finish. (50% grenache, 45% cinsault and 5% syrah.)
Chateau Routas, 2015 Coteaux Varois en Provence, France Rosé, 13.5%, $11.
In this rosé, full on watermelon dominates, and it finishes nice and dry, with a note of crisp mineral. (45% cinsault, 35% grenache, 20% syrah.)
Chateau de Brigue, 2012 Cotes de Provence Rosé, 12.5%, $8.
This is a delicate rosé, with notes of raspberry, strawberry and watermelon on the finish. Bright acidity. Great balance. Tasty. (50% grenache, 25% cinsault, 25% cabernet.)
Triennes, 2015 Nans-Les-Pins, France, $12 Rosé, 13%, $12.
This rosé has up front wild strawberry. Notes of watermelon and mineral play back up. Crisp finish. Lovely. (No breakdown offered.)
Chateau de Campuget, 2015 Costieresde Nimes, France Rosé, 13%, $9.
This dry rosé has bright red berries, with a hint of watermelon. Crisp acidity. Nice length. It’s a smart budget pick. (30% grenache noir, 70% syrah)
The bathroom, the smallest and busiest room in any house, quickly becomes the dirtiest. But the thought of scrubbing down this germ-filled zone can seem overwhelming — I know I’d rather do 8 loads of washing, vacuum the house, do the bills and taxes, mow the lawn and wash the car than having to experience a close encounter with the toilet bowl.
In an attempt to deal with my bathroom cleaning phobia, I’ve incorporated a quick-clean baby-steps routine to tackle the bathroom in tiny bits — each day.
This regimen has significantly reduced the need for the dreaded “deep clean” by helping me avoid the usual build of grime and germs — and piles of hair on the bathroom floor (how anyone in the household still has hair left on their head is a mystery to me, when you consider the amount of hair that is on the floor).
Here’s my quick-clean baby steps bathroom routine:
1. Clear All The Counters
While I certainly like the idea of a neat bathroom counter, I plead guilty to routinely leaving makeup, moisturizers, toothbrushes and hairbrushes next to the sink after using them, thinking, “No point in putting it away. I’m just going to use it all again tomorrow.”(Image via makinghousebeautiful.com)
To avoid counter clutter, optimize bathroom storage space with containers and organizers for all your bathroom items and beauty products. Create a fool-proof system so that you immediately know where each item belongs (the Container Store and IKEA are good places to look for storage products and inspiration).
When everything has a dedicated, compartmentalized space, you’ll only need 1-2 minutes to put everything in its place post morning routine…and you won’t spend frantic pre-work time looking for small items like nail-clippers and tweezers. (Image via Decoist)
2. Wipe it Down with Windex – or Vinegar
If you’ve seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding, you’re no doubt familiar with some of the infinite uses for Windex. While I wouldn’t go as far as spraying it on a zit, this blue liquid can work wonders as a multi-purpose cleaning product. (Image via BathroomNews.com)
One bottle of glass cleaner under the sink together with a small shower squeegee, a toothbrush and a cloth facilitates a daily wipe down of mirrors, cabinet fronts, tile and counters. The shower squeegee controls mirror streak and removes excess water from the counter; the toothbrush is a useful tool to keep the area around the faucet clean and mold-free.
For a natural and eco-friendly alternative to glass cleaner, prepare a 50/50 vinegar/water solution in a spray bottle. (Image via realpropertyalpha.com)
3. Dust Daily — and Don’t Forget the Fan
Although it is a myth that dust is mostly made up of dead skin (thank goodness), the ubiquitous substance nevertheless consists of some pretty icky stuff: animal dander, insect waste, and — of course — lots of good-old fashioned dirt. Keeping the counters clutter clear facilitates a quick daily wipe, preventing dust buildup.
Dust also tends to quickly accumulate in ventilation fans. With time, fans become far less effective as they gradually become caked with dirt and dust in the damp bathroom environment.Having a clean and functional bathroom exhaust fan helps to dissipate bathroom odors and prevents mold and mildew — a definite health issue, if left unaddressed.
If your fan is clogged, give it a deep clean: 1. Flip the circuit breaker, 2. Remove the fan cover (older fans are usually held in place by metal pins on each side, squeeze them together to get the fan cover to come off completely), 3. For a very dirty fan, remove the motor and clean with a stiff paint brush and damp cloth (take a picture before removing the motor, that way you can remember how to re-assemble), 4. If your fan is only moderately dirty, remove dust from the motor and other nooks and crannies with a stiff clean paintbrush and damp cloth. Suck up the debris with a vacuum. 5. When the fan is completely dry, re-assemble.
Once cleaned properly, keep the fan dust-free by giving it a regular brush with a feather duster or stiff paint brush, or by using the vacuum nozzle (make sure the power is not on when doing this). (Image via YouTube)
4. Take Care of The Toilet — and Keep that Lid Closed
If someone invented a self-cleaning toilet, I’d be first in line to buy it. If that same toilet came with a self-closing lid, I’d be ready to spend a significant amount for the amenity. Many women agonize over their partners leaving the toilet seat up, but consider this: every time you flush the toilet with the lid open, polluted water vapor erupts out of the toilet bowl into the bathroom air. It can take several hours for particles to settle — when the air born particulates finally do settle, they descend on your towels and bathroom counters. If you keep your toothbrush close to the toilet, you may be brushing your teeth with what used to be in your toilet.
So…the first step to a germ-fee bathroom: Close the Toilet Lid! (Image via hometalk.com)
That bit of business taken care of, let’s get down to cleaning. Keep a toilet brush next to the toilet (IKEA carries a toilet brush concealed in a container) and use it regularly. Keep a package of biodegradable wipes behind the toilet. These will make it easy to wipe down and clean around the toilet on a daily basis — no worries about germs building up on the cleaning cloth.
While you may not have a toilet covered in Swarovski crystals, you may feel like you do once it is clean. (For reference: yes this toilet exists, and it will cost you $25,000. It’s cheaper to spend your time scrubbing.) (Image via Fun Time News)
5. Take Out The Trash
Full bathroom wastebaskets lead to cabinets filled with empty containers and packaging that should have been discarded. Frequent trash disposal keeps your bathroom tidier. Besides, an overflowing wastebasket is not a pretty sight ( I recommend a bathroom wastebasket with a lid).
Mjösa Pedal Bin from Ikea.
A bin liner in the wastebasket makes taking out the trash an easy task. Another approach — take care of all your wastebaskets at one time: make the rounds of all wastebaskets with a paper or plastic bag in hand before making for the recycling or garbage bin. (Image via craftshubs.com)
6. Finish with the Floors
Dirty pre-shower feet, spilled cosmetics, men’s mis-aims and heaps of hair make for a definitely dirty bathroom floor. Keep the grime from getting grungy by giving your floors some love as you exit.
You can get creative with your bathroom floor cleaning: put biodegradable wipes or a cloth under your feet and swipe from side to side on your way out, a sticky clothes roller with tall handle can quickly remove hair and debris.With a little time, take a quick dance around your bathroom with your mop — you lead, it follows. Image via dawnchem.com)
7. Set a Schedule
Depending on your schedule and the size of your home, you may not have time for all these steps every day. But by making a schedule for yourself, and keeping track of what you’ve done each day, you can ensure that your bathroom gets a good cleaning every week. (Image via iStock)
Never one for paper planners, I keep a large chalkboard in the kitchen to keep track of daily chores. If you’re a technophile, use your Google or Apple calendar. Chalk, pen or iPhone, pick your method to help remind you to keep even your tiniest room tidy. (Image via simplywhisked.com)
Situated on Westside Road southwest of Healdsburg, the home of Lisa and Trini Amador is a stark contrast to other estates in the Russian River Valley, the ones hidden behind locked gates, vineyard foliage and lush landscaping. With its rough-hewn stucco exterior, three-level “pinwheel” roof and walls of glass, the Amador house is front and center, for all to appreciate.
The house hugs, seemingly precariously, the edge of a winding country road, allowing passersby to take in the grandeur of its modern-Tuscan architecture. When darkness falls, the home literally glows, offering a peek at its sparkling interior through myriad windows — so many of them the owners lost count.
Guests enter the home through 300-year-old carved wooden doors from Guadalajara, Mexico, a gift to the couple from Trini’s father. Stepping though the foyer into the great room, they’re greeted by a sigh-inducing view of the Amadors’ Pinot Noir vineyard snuggled against the Russian River.
“The vineyard is the star,” Lisa said, as it can be seen from most windows and is the source of the family’s Gracianna Winery wines, which can be sampled at the separate tasting room on the 3-acre site.
The Amadors bought the property in 2006, first planting the vineyard, then putting up the tasting room with guest quarters above, and finally building the home. But they had been mentally designing it for 17 years before moving there in June 2014.
“I pinch myself every day,” said Lisa, a health care executive in Santa Rosa. “We are the epitome of dream-chasers and we worked very hard to get here.”
The couple knew from the beginning they wanted a U-shaped home, and when they started working with their architect, John Pflueger of Sonoma, he got an earful of their predetermined desires.
It was Pflueger’s expertise, though, that put a 2,500-square-foot storage area beneath the villa, creating a platform that puts the home above the flood plain. He also used the golden mean for the central living area, allowing for the same proportions for length to width to height, an inspiration drawn from the Renaissance and Tuscan design.
One arm of the U is the kitchen area, with its 6-by-6-foot window over the sink, positioned to focus on a 100-year-place old oak tree. At the center is a Carrera marble island with built-in Dacor cooktop, with the marble drifting from the top to cover the sides. “We wanted it to look like a solid block of marble,” Lisa explained.
The kitchen opens to a dining porch with a built-in, wood-burning fireplace that can also be used for cooking, and a thick slab table they made themselves from salvaged wood.
They found 140 feet of wrought-iron railing on Craigslist that was used on the porch and surrounds the courtyard, powdercoated in black. The porch is one of the special places in the home, and where the Amadors frequently entertain and take in the expansive vineyard view, which includes their neighbors’ vines.
The home’s central area, with its 23-foot-high ceilings, is anchored by a massive dining table surrounded by 10 imposing red upholstered chairs.
“We both love red,” Lisa said of the accent color that pops up throughout the house, where interior walls are painted entirely in a soft, creamy white (Behr Ultra 9850).
At each end of the great room are seating areas, with rugs Trini, who travels extensively as a marketing consultant, purchased in Pakistan. The cream-colored, polished limestone floor tiles are from Turkey and extend outside the glass bifold doors and onto the courtyard at the center of the U.
The couple served as the general contractors, hiring all the subcontractors themselves and choosing the finishing materials throughout the home. There is a Sonos sound system and the house is solar-powered. The flooring in the living quarters is dark-stained oak, and Carrera marble was again the go-to for the master bath. The Amadors found solid-wood doors at a salvage yard that were once used in a bank.
The second wing of the U is two-story, with the master bedroom and guest room downstairs; the Amadors share a CEO-sized office on the upper level. It has a long, wide table, with a chair for each of them on either side, facing one another in a style aptly called a partners desk. Hanging from the ceiling in the multiwindowed room is their muse, Pegasus.
In the master bedroom hangs a French chandelier bought in England and stored for years, waiting for this dream home to become their reality.
“We are so grateful,” Lisa said, going on to explain that the square, lightrimmed windows that circle the entire home below the roofline are a symbol of the gift they give to each other just by being together.
Leading digital lifestyle site Thrillist (with over 16 million subscribers worldwide) has picked the top 10 U.S. destinations for an aficionado beer-cation. And Sonoma County made the cut.
Along with 9 other American destinations, Sonoma County was deemed the perfect spot to mix standard vacation activities, such as boating, hiking and sitting lazily in the sand, with some of the best beer in the country. Thrillist highlighted that Sonoma County is host to a series of world-class breweries, including Russian River Brewing Company, Third Street Aleworks, Bear Republic, Lagunitas, 101 North Brewing Company and Petaluma Hills.
“Oh, sure, it’s wine country. And Redwood country. And fancy-food country. But dammit, it’s beer country, too/…/and that’s nothing to say about the homey towns, cabins, roaring rivers, and mighty coastline” said the Thrillist motivation.
Cheers to that!
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. (Photo by John Burgess)A variety of 101 North Brewing Company beers. (Photo by Christopher Chung)Third Street Aleworks bartender Jordan Thome writes the name of the beer before filling a quart can “Crowler” of their Ales for ALS IPA in Santa Rosa. (Photo by John Burgess)The Quacker, featuring maple leaf ground duck, seasonal chutney, swiss cheese and fried onion rings, is paired with Maibock beer at Bear Republic Brewing Co. in Healdsburg. (Photo by Christopher Chung)Petaluma Hills Line & Twine IPA (Photo by Jeremy Portje)
When it comes to gardening in Sonoma County many homeowners find themselves trying to decide whether they want a yard that is used for growing fruits and vegetables, or one that works as a colorful sanctuary filled with flowers and aesthetically pleasing plants.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be a choice between the two. Vegetables come in a striking array of hues and, with a little bit of planning, a vegetable garden can satisfy the stomach as well as the soul.
Here’s five easy ways to create a stunning vegetable garden that can satisfy all your senses:
Plant by Color
Kale is a flowering vegetable that’s beautiful as well as edible. Vegetables like lettuce, kale, and artichoke add interesting textures and splashes of color to the yard.
Vulcan lettuce has a purple leaf, and adds visual interest when placed next to the green varieties. (Image via JohnnySeeds)
When seen on a larger scale, the differences are stunning. (Image via Phys.org)
Mix and Match
Potatoes, Chard, Cucumbers, and Nasturtiums work well together. Just because a garden is primarily focused on edibles like bell peppers, lettuce, or carrots doesn’t mean that flowers can’t be planted alongside them. (Image via gardenersedem.com)
Marigolds and nasturtiums work well with salad greens. Mixing flowers in with the vegetables is called companion planting, and not only looks great, but often confuses common pests and makes it more difficult for diseases to spread. (Image via Gary Smith/Daily Mail)
Mixing edible plants with purely decorative ones results in an all around charming garden. (Image via Patchworkveg)
Add Unexpected Decorations
Adding decorative touches that guests will see as they stroll through the garden can help to make it look like more of a decorative space, even when the focus is on edibles. (Image via Garden Décor)
Garden decorations don’t need to be in with the plants; these wicker chairs invite conversation and relaxation in the backyard. (Image via Pier1)
This old bicycle makes a whimsical way to grow flowers, herbs, or vegetables above ground while guaranteeing a smile from every visitor who stops by. (Image via Briarpatch Prim)
Get Creative with Containers
If you have a smaller yard, containers are a great way to showcase your veggies, and they don’t have to be boring. (Image via InBalkans)
Wine barrels are a perfect container for plants in Sonoma County. (Image via harvesttotable.com)
Visual interest can be created by using planters of different shapes, sizes, and colors. (Image via gardners.com)
Create an Interesting Layout
Spacing is an important consideration for vegetables, as is the location, but that doesn’t mean that they have to be kept in orderly rows. Curving lines and differing heights make this layout pop. (Image via TheGreatestGarden)
Even in a smaller yard, raised beds can be placed in delightful configurations. (Image via Houzz)
Careful planning before planting each season will help ensure a successful outcome.(Image via Almanac.com)
For anyone who had high hopes and big plans for the summer, it might be a bit of shock to realize that we’re already into July. But don’t worry if your plans have yet to materialize. There’s still time to get outside and have some fun.
Here’s a quick scan of the month’s offerings, including some free and family-friendly choices.
Music, costumes and fun at the Rivertown Revival in Petaluma on July 16th. (Photo by John Burgess)
FESTIVALS
The second annual Green Music Center Bluegrass Festival brings back nationally known mandolinist David Grisman, one of the driving forces behind last year’s inaugural event, performing with his Bluegrass Experience band. Billed this year as “The Mando Kings,” the show opens at 3 p.m. Sunday July 10 at Weill Hall with the audience spilling out onto the lawn. The roster also features Sam Bush and the Jeff Austin Band, with all three bands teaming up for the finale. $25-$45. (855) 955-6040.
Concert goers to the Green Music will be able to enjoy some bluegrass at the GMC’s second annual Bluegrass Festival on Sunday, July 10th. (Photo by Will Bucquoy)
Petaluma’s colorful, whimsical, seventh annual Rivertown Revival runs 11 a.m.-8 p.m. July 16, with a race featuring brightly decorated “art boats,” crafts booths and live music on two stages starting just before noon and running all afternoon. The headliners, Frankie Boots and the County Line, play at 7 p.m. McNear Peninsula, Steamer Landing Park, Petaluma. $10 admission; $5 for ages 17 and under.
From left, Adele 3, Casey, Thomas, 1, and Janine Coleman at the Rivertown Revival in Petaluma, 2015. (Photo by John Burgess)
FAIRS
Then there are the fairs. After all, what is a fair but a great big, long festival? While some attractions are indoors, many of them are outside.
The California State Fair runs through July 24 in Sacramento, with championship livestock shows, horseracing, classic cars, educational exhibits, arts and crafts displays, fine art, numerous competitions, youth exhibits, carnival rides, food and tastings of award-winning California wines. $6-$10; free admission for children under 4. (916) 253-3247.
The Sonoma County Fair runs July 22 through August 7 at the Santa Rosa fairgrounds. (Photo by Crista Jeremiason)
The Sonoma County Fair, themed “Lights, Camera, Fair!” in honor of the area’s long history as a favorite location for filmmakers, runs July 22 through Aug. 7 at the fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. The action features the locally beloved Hall of Flowers exhibit, horse racing and live, outdoor concerts included in the price of fair admission: $12, $6 for kids ages 7-12. The destruction derby, monster trucks and rodeo cost a bit more. 545-4200.
Cassadee Pope will be appearing at the Sonoma County Fair on Aug. 2.
FAMILY FILMS
It’s halfway through summer vacation for schools. If the kids are starting to drive everybody crazy and everyone’s tired of TV, there are opportunities to take them to outdoor movie screenings for free.
The Tuesday Kids Movies series on Windsor Town Green shows family movies weekly, 15 minutes after sunset, until July 26.
You’ll have to wait a while for this one, but Santa Rosa’s Movies in the Park series shows free family movies in Howarth Park, beginning at dusk every Friday from Aug. 12 to Sept. 16.
The Tuesday Kids Movies series on Windsor Town Green shows family movies weekly, 15 minutes after sunset, until July 26. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
THEATRE
If you’d like to see a stage show in the open air, here are a couple of outstanding choices.
The Transcendence Theatre Company’s annual “Broadway Under the Stars” series continues with the musical revue “Fantastical Family Night” July 15-16 in the winery ruins at Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen. The season closes Sept. 11. Tickets range from $42-$134. (877) 424-1414.
Transcendence Theater’s “Broadway Under the Stars” continues with the musical revue “Fantastical Family Night” July 15-16 in the winery ruins at Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen.
Shakespeare in the Cannery presents its third outdoor season in the ruins of the old cannery in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square district, with “Macbeth” running through July 23, followed by the new play “The Plot Against Shakespeare,” Aug. 12-27. Tickets range from $5-$28. 528-3009.
Shakespeare in the Cannery presents its third outdoor season in the ruins of the old cannery in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square district. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
FREE OUTDOOR MUSIC
Free outdoor summer concert series continue at parks and plazas throughout Sonoma County this summer and, in some cases, into the fall.
The 23rd annual Live at Juilliard season at Santa Rosa’s Juilliard Park closes Aug. 14. Music runs from 5 to 7 p.m. Sundays.
Ukiah’s Sundays in the Park series presents concerts at 8 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 14 in Todd Grove Park. 463-6231.
Friday Night Live at the Plaza in downtown Cloverdale continues through Sept. 2. Concerts start at 7 p.m. (Photo by John Burgess)
The Peacetown Summer Concert series, presented by Jim “Mr. Music” Corbett, runs through Aug. 31 at Sebastopol’s Ives Park. The weekly concerts run Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. 508-5449.
The Tuesdays in the Plaza series presents weekly concerts from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Healdsburg Plaza. 431-0331.
The Wednesday Night Market in downtown Santa Rosa, a street fair and crafts and produce market, attracts a crowd with live music, food trucks and vendors from 5-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 17 along Fourth Street.
The Wednesday Night Market in downtown Santa Rosa attracts a crowd with live music, food trucks and vendors. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
Summer Nights on the Green at the Windsor Town Green hosts Thursday concerts at 6 p.m. weekly through Aug. 4.
Guerneville’s Rockin’ the River presents a family-friendly series of dancin’-in-the-street parties on alternate Thursdays through Sept. 15 at Guerneville Plaza. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. 869-9403.
The popular radio station KRSH hosts its annual KRUSH Backyard Concerts series behind its building in Santa Rosa. Music starts 6 p.m on some (but not all) Thursdays. The last show is Sept. 22.
Funky Fridays series continues through Sept. 2 on the lawn at the Hood Mansion, Santa Rosa (Photo by Crista Jeremiason)
This series isn’t free, but the popular Funky Fridays series continues through Sept. 2 on the lawn at the Hood Mansion, Santa Rosa. $10 admission, $10 parking. 833-6288.
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