Helen Putnam Regional Park. (Photo Courtesy shiftingthebalance.com)
Helen Putnam Regional Park. (Photo Courtesy shiftingthebalance.com)
Hiking Helen Putnam Regional Park near Petaluma is an antidote to a gluttonous Thanksgiving meal and a month of sweet December indulgences.
A looped trail system lets hikers create walks of varying lengths and difficulty, making Putnam an excellent choice for beginning hikers looking for an opportunity to burn some calories. The six miles of trails are also open to cyclists and horseback riders. A large fishing pond is stocked with feisty bluegill, and a gazebo, picnic area and playground are near the parking lot. The energetic, and the not-so-much, will be happy here; even bring the dog (licensed and leashed, of course).
The 216-acre park has eight well-marked trails that weave through grassy hillsides and groves of heritage oaks. Ridgetop trails provide panoramic views of Petaluma, the southern Sonoma countryside and Chileno Valley in Marin County.
All this beauty and fitness potential costs just $7 per vehicle in the parking lot. 411 Chileno Valley Road, Petaluma, 707-539-8092, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov
Explore the hiking trails in Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa.
Sonoma County’s coast, redwood forests, stunning mountain vistas and historic homes and barracks will be free to visit the day after Thanksgiving — but only for those who act fast to take advantage of the inaugural Green Friday promotion.
California State Parks has teamed up with two advocacy groups to offer 13,000 passes good for free admission and parking at 116 of the state’s 279 state parks on Nov. 25. Nearly every state park in Sonoma County is on the list, including the Sonoma Coast State Park, Trione-Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve near Guerneville, Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen and Sonoma State Historic Park.
Commemorate Jack London on the 100th centennial of his death by visiting Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen.
The event is the perfect antidote to Thanksgiving gluttony, officials said, and maybe a way to steer the family conversation away from controversial subjects, such as the recent presidential election.
A full list of participating parks is at www.greenfriday.org, which is also the site where people can download and print out passes.
Online distribution began at noon Wednesday and will continue on a first-come, first-served basis based on each park’s capacity. Only one pass is needed per vehicle.
Take a “forest bath” in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Preserve.
Most state parks in Sonoma County charge between $7 and $8 for parking. Sonoma State Historic Park is the only park included in the Green Friday promotion that charges admission fees of $3 for adults and $2 for children.
The first-ever Green Friday promotion grew out of similar events aimed at getting people outdoors after Thanksgiving. For the second year in a row, retailer REI will be closed Nov. 25 to give 12,000 employees a paid day off. The company has encouraged others to jump on board the #OptOutside campaign.
Popularly known as the Islands in the Sky, The serenity of Ithe Willow Creek addition to Sonoma Coast State Park is not lost to a snoozing hiker.
For Green Friday, Save the Redwoods League and the California State Parks Foundation are splitting the $130,000 cost representing the amount of lost revenue in parking and day-use fees for that day.
The Redwoods League last year doled out 5,000 passes to 48 parks where the majestic trees are a prominent feature. The group is now hoping to make Green Friday an annual event.
“Most importantly, we want to inspire people to reconsider how they spend that special family day,” said Sam Hodder, president and CEO of the Redwoods League.
Of the 279 sites in the state park system, 171 charge fees. Admission to the others is free. Jack London and Armstrong Redwoods will be offering special events and activities Nov. 25 in addition to the free access for pass-holders.
Organizers are asking the public to share their experiences on social media using the hashtags #GreenFriday and #CAStateParks.
Fern Necklace by MIchelle Hoting. Photo Credit: Michelle Hoting
Fern Necklace by Michelle Hoting. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Hoting)
Few objects symbolize the beauty of autumn better than fall leaves. Rarely do we examine a leaf’s intricacies – its veins, curves, ridges and imperfections. But study a fallen leaf up close and you may agree that they are nature’s works of art. That is how Santa Rosa jewelry artist and organic metal sculptor, Michelle Hoting, views leaves, petals, acorns and other flora found here in Sonoma County and in her travels.
Autumn Oak Necklace by Michelle Hoting. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Hoting)Eucalyptus Lariat Necklace by Michelle Hoting. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Hoting)
Michelle Hoting designs distinctive wearable art – for every season – in her Santa Rosa studio and is among the artists selected to participate in Sonoma County Art Trails 2016 Open Studios, beginning October 8th.
Michelle Hoting in her Santa Rosa studio.
Natural leaves are one of Hoting’s favorite subjects when creating her one-of-a-kind pieces, inspired by her love for nature and the outdoors.
Grape Leaf Cuff by Michelle Hoting. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Hoting)
Using leaves from oak and ginkgo trees, grapevines, sage leaves and other flora that catches her eye, Hoting carefully and meticulously casts these delicate items in her studio with a special technique she developed.
Gingko Neckpiece. (Photo by Adrienne Shubin)Grape Leaf and Tendril Chain Necklace. Recycled Fine Silver, Sterling. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Hoting)
Hoting calls her techinique “Lost Leaf Casting” which uses pure silver Hoting sources from recycled electronics. This technique brings out even the subtlest of details in the leaves. Hoting describes this technique as similar to nature’s way of creating a fossil, only in Hoting’s case it doesn’t take 10,000 years to create, thankfully.
Fern Leaf Necklace by Michelle Hoting. Recycled Fine Silver. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Hoting)
No two pieces of Hoting’s are alike, including her sets of earrings. While they may compliment each other and appear symmetrical on the wearer, they are separate pieces cast from individual leaves.
Oak Earrings by Michelle Hoting. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Hoting)
The day I visited her studio, she was working on casts of two similar ivy leaves that would soon be a pair of earrings. Nearly identical yet with their own characteristics, Hoting has an eye for finding just the right leaves to compliment one another and more importantly, the fortunate wearer.
Ivy Earrings by Michelle Hoting. (Photo by Adrienne Shubin)
Along with her Lost Leaf Casting, Hoting works with gem stones, rocks, antique pieces, and wood. Her career in jewelry has spanned 25 years and includes positions as jeweler for Cartier, manager at Bulgari, and manager of the jewelry repair department of a well-known jewelry firm.
Hoting majored in Geology and Fine Art at The University of Texas at Austin before attending the Gemological Institute of America where she focused her studies on diamond grading and colored stone identification. She also studied metalsmithing at the Glassell School of Art.
Peony Brooch by Michelle Hoting. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Hoting)
Originally from Texas, Hoting moved to Santa Rosa with her husband four years ago. It was then that she decided to pursue a career that unites her love for nature and the outdoors, her finely honed jewelry making skills and her passion for art.
Moth Necklace by Michelle Hoting. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Hoting)
Today Hoting is an accomplished and much sought after artist with a thriving business and many returning customers who collect her pieces.
Agate Drop Earrings by Michelle Hoting. (Photo by Adrienne Shubin)
Stop by Michelle Hoting’s studio-boutique during Sonoma County Art Trails Open Studio event at 321 Buena Vista Dr. Santa Rosa, CA, October 8-9 and 15-16, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hoting’s Art Trails location is #124
Visit the Sonoma County Art Trails website for maps and more information about the artists participating in this free self-guided artists tour.
You can also visit Michelle’s workshop by appointment by calling 707-791-4680 or shop pieces from her collection at Corrick’s on Fourth Street in downtown Santa Rosa. michellehoting.com
In case you’d like to put down the fork and TV remote for a while this Thanksgiving weekend, and get yourself (or your relatives) out of the house, here are a few fun things to do in Sonoma County:
Explore the hiking trails in Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Take a Hike
Walk off that extra helping of pumpkin pie (or the heated political discussion with your ultra-conservative uncle) while enjoying the natural beauty of Sonoma County. Popular local parks with panoramic views include Annadel State Park (also a mountain bike destination), Taylor Mountain Regional Park (which features disc golf), Hood Mountain Regional Park, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and Sonoma Coast State Park.Or take a contemplative walk in real Japanese Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) style at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Just make sure you arrive here early — the un-silenced smartphone selfie and segway crowd tends to have a disruptive influence on zen.
Take a “forest bath” in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Preserve in Guerneville. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Catch a Concert
What better way to get in the holiday spirit than with some festive music? The world renowned Vienna Boys Choir will perform classical Christmastime pieces, including Schubert’s Ave Maria and Wade’s O Come, All Ye Faithful, at Weill Hall on Sunday, November 27.
The Vienna Boys Choir will perform classical Christmastime pieces at Weill Hall, Green Music Center, on Sunday, November 27. (Photo courtesy of the Green Music Center)
Also on November 27, the acclaimed San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus will return to the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts for the third year with their popular show “Home For The Holidays,” featuring classic holiday favorites and a lot of humor.
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus performs “Home for the Holidays” at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts on November 27. (Photo courtesy of San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus)
See a Stage Performance
If you didn’t already get your dose of drama at the Thanksgiving table, you can enjoy a real “holiday circus spectacle” at Le Cirque de Bohème at Cornerstone Sonoma, November 25-27, watch a bitter hateful man transform into a kinder gentler version in “A Christmas Carol” at 6th Street Playhouse, November 25-27, or see a savage comedy about a family in feud following a funeral in Joshua Harmon’s critically acclaimed play “Bad Jews” at Left Edge Center, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, November 25-27.
Scrooge (Charles Siebert) and Tiny Tim (James Coté) will take the stage at 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa, November 25-27. (Photo courtesy of 6th Street Playhouse)
Antlers on a gravel truck at the Geyserville Tree Lighting and Tractor Parade. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Experience the Peanut Version of Family Fun
Get ready for a real whimsical weekend in the company of Charlie Brown, Snoopy and Co as cartoonist and storyteller Joe Wos performs “Once Upon a Toon” skits and cartoon workshops for kids of all ages at the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, November 25-26. And don’t forget to get your skates on, and pose for a selfie with Snoopy, at the Redwood Empire Ice Arena.
Chisa Tatsumi, left, and Sakiko Yazawa, tourists from Japan, pose as their friend, Yuka Shimada, takes their photo with Snoopy at the Redwood Empire Ice Arena in Santa Rosa. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
For most of us, Thanksgiving is about gathering around the table with family and friends, enjoying food and each other’s company while giving thanks. Why not make the day – and the meal – even more special and create a stunning fall table-scape your guests will adore?
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
Brittany Bijan, owner of Sonoma-based Harlin & Sparrow Design, shares her expert tips, accompanied by photos taken by Sonoma photographer Sarah Deragon, for how to turn ordinary table decor into a table scape your guests will swoon over!
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
Simplicity: “First,” Brittany tell us, “keep things simple. Thanksgiving is about being with your loved ones, so don’t stress too much over the table decor.”
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
Add Color: Brittany suggests using fall colors throughout the table decor and says, “Use various shades of browns, yellows and burgundies for an autumn table. These colors make for a rich looking table scape. ”
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
Borrow from nature: Like floral designer Jaclyn of Jaclyn K. Nesbitt Designs in the previous post, Brittany also suggests using elements from nature in fall table scapes, “I like to use leaves and wood, and even fall fruit in my table designs.”
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
DON’T FORGET THE NECESSITIES
Brittany reminds us to not forget the essentials and says, “Think about what you will be serving and make sure you have all the necessary stemware, flatware and plate ware.”
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
PIECE IT ALL TOGETHER
“Once you have your design in mind, start piecing your items together,” Brittany advises. “You will be pleasantly surprised by what you can pull from your shelves and incorporate into your table scape,” she adds.
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
FINAL TOUCHES
“Don’t forget the final touches,” Brittany says. She recommends adding candles and floral arrangements to the table, remarking “they are always the way to go!”
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
MENUS & PLACE CARDS
Brittany teamed up with Sarah Davis of S. Davis Prints, who created beautiful menus and place cards for the table.
BOLD COLOR
Sarah suggests using a bold paper color for your menus and says, “it will add to the richness of the fall colors on the table, and make a great accent on a white table setting.”
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
ELEVATE YOUR HAND WRITING
Sarah recommends using a calligraphy pen and says, “it’s a nice way to dress up your hand writing for special occasions.”
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
ADD GREENERY
Sarah suggests adding some greenery or flowers to your place cards and says, “I attached dried florals to these place cards by cutting two slits into the paper to hold the stem. This a fun and simple way to dress up your paper items and each guests place card will be unique! You can add herbs that you might be using in your dishes, or florals and greenery that you’re using on the rest of the table.”
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
Use these recommendations to take your Thanksgiving table, or any dinner celebration, to the next level. Your guests will be impressed and delighted!
Breaking: Flavor Bistro in downtown Santa Rosa has closed.
A sign on the cafe’s door simply reads:
“To Our Flavor Family
It is our joy to live life together celebrating the good things of Sonoma County.
We are closed.
Let us look forward to gathering at the table and continuing the celebration.
All love and goodness to your hearts,
Your Flavor Family”
A phone call to the restaurant had the same message.
The restaurant was located at 96 Old Courthouse Square.
The restaurant is the second eatery on Courthouse Square to go out of business as the construction to unify the square continues. The first was Seed to Leaf.
Just four months after opening, the critically acclaimed restaurant inside the historic Applewood Inn was unexpectedly shuttered for the winter by the property’s Silicon Valley investors. Restaurateur and managing consultant Crista Luedtke said she got the sad news Wednesday as staff were preparing for Thursday service.
The closure comes as the property undergoes a $1 million renovation and hospitality management change, to be renamed“The Belden” in 2017. But whether that will include Revival “isup in the air,” said Luedtke.
“It’s a really special project. I am incredibly proud of what we created,” said Luedtke. She remains hopeful that “something good will come from this”, and looks forward to the revival of Revival in the spring if new owners want to continue the restaurant concept.
Luedtke hopes to continue the Revival concept as a series of pop-up dinners throughout the winter at various locations throughout the county. “Chef Ben Spiegel absolutely has what it takes to really change the way people experience food.We were doing that at Revival,” she said.
“It’s a tough industry, we choose it because we are passionate about sharing food with people and sharing our story about this community through our food,” she said.
Chef Spiegel echoed the sentiment, saying, “As executive chef, I had the role of building the restaurant, our concept, supplier networks and personnel team with Crista over the last six months. I am totally gutted to hear of the closure. It came as a surprise to me and my staff after months of hard work and positive feedback.”
Adding salt to the already painful wound of the closure, the restaurant was poised to receive a three-star review by San Francisco restaurant critic Michael Bauer this week. The review was pulled, but Bauer wrote an opinion piece lauding the restaurant’s vision and the cuisine of Chef Ben Spiegel, despite the closure.
In a recent profile of the restaurant, The Press Democrat called the cuisine, “A love letter to the fish, fowl and fields of West County, Revival has the potential to redefine farm-to-table and sea-to-table dining in a very real way, not only by serving the food from this unique part of Sonoma County but by weaving a story into every bite.”
“The focus was on sustainability featuring the most local and special products from many of Sonoma County’s small artisan farmers.It was a way for us to showcase the bounty of what this county has to offer, while paying fair prices to farmers for their commitment to the craft and our community as well,” said Luedtke.
In keeping with that dedication to local farmers and producers, Sunday’s pop-up dinner will utilizing all of the restaurants remaining inventory.
“The chefs are committed to what we have built, which is all about a sustainable restaurant.They are not willing to let all the food on hand spoil as it would be irresponsible to our mission,” she said.
That’s still cold comfort to a restaurant staff facing the prospect of being out of work during Sonoma County’s slow tourist season.
“It is coming at a bad time as we approach the winter season in the Greater Russian river community when things naturally slow,” she said. “The business was really strong and numbers were outperforming the prior restaurant in only 4 short months. Bauer’s review would have been perfectly tied for the winter months,” said Luedtke.
She is working to find seasonal or permanent work for employees within her own businesses, which include Boon Hotel + Spa, Boon Eat + Drink, El Barrio and Big Bottom Market in Guerneville, and leveraging relationships with fellow restaurateurs in the area.
“There are so many opportunities to do good things in our community, and I am constantly inspired by the people I get to work with, and those working for me.A revival means to take something new and improve upon it, and we did just that. Good things are already comingout of this, its all in how you look at it,” said Luedtke, whose Big Bottom Market, ironically, recently got a nod from Oprah Winfrey, rocketing their biscuit mix to celebrity status.
“I don’t give up on anything,” she added.
The Revival Pop-Up happens Sunday, with a reservation only pre-fixe tasting menu with 2 seatings: at 5pm and 7:30pm, $75 per person. The dinner will showcase local farmers and purveyors, with staff working for gratuities.Details and reservations here.
The 5 beers that Matt Fenn, of Beercraft recommends with Thanksgiving dinner.
The 5 beers that Matt Fenn, of Beercraft, recommends to serve with Thanksgiving dinner.
On the hunt for new beers to enjoy with my classic Thanksgiving dinner, I asked Matt Fenn, local beer expert and co-owner of Beercraft bottle shop and taproom in Rohnert Park, what beers he recommends for Thanksgiving.
Matt and his brother, J.T. Fenn, founded Beercraft over four years ago and opened a new location in Novato earlier this year. Beercraft stocks hundreds of beers in bottle, always refrigerated, and 15 beers on tap. Their stock is constantly rotating and they are always in search of new hard to find beers to bring to their customers – beer lovers can expect to see 20-30 new bottles and 8-10 new beers on tap each week.
Matt Fenn (left) and J.T. Fenn, owners of Beercraft Rohnert Park and Novato. (Photo from BiteClub Eats)
Here are Matt’s beer recommendations for Thanksgiving:
“For me, Thanksgiving beers should be big beers and sour beers because I’m hanging out with the family, I’m relaxed, and have a lot of time to enjoy them,” says Matt.
Deschutes Brewery – Collage 2 Conflux Series: A collaboration with Hair of the Dog Brewery, this beer is a blend of The Abyss, The Stoic, Fred, and Doggie Claws beers. It’s aged in American Oak, Rye Whiskey, Pinot, and Cognac barrels. The palate delivers layers of vanilla and caramel with roasted accents.
“This one is kind of fun because it’s not all in spirit barrels, it’s a blend of different wine barrels too. It has a ton going on, it’s warming and will pair nicely with Thanksgiving dishes.”
Allagash Brewing Company – 2016 Interlude Ale: ABelgian-style ale brewed with Saison and (house strain) Brettanomyces yeasts, aged in Pinot Noir barrels. Flavors include white raspberry, grapefruit, and toasted malts.
“Sour beers for me are really great with food. Allagash has a really nice clean, subtle approach, it will enhance the palate instead of crush it”
“This is a great, nice dark beer, not overly strong, and has a nice pop of rye that will go really well with that meal.”
Cascade Brewing Barrel House – Framblanc: A blend of sour Blond and Triple ales that are aged in wine barrels for 15 months with local (Portland) white raspberries.
“Part of this one for me, (it was a toss up between that and Cascade’s Figaro), is that I love white raspberries and I want them with my Thanksgiving dinner.”
AleSmith Brewing – 394 Pale Ale: A golden Pale Ale with American hop flavor and aroma, a subdued bitterness, and a malty sweet finish.
“I love this beer. It’s delicious, it’s light, it’s refreshing. It’s a good hanging out on the couch beer before dinner’s ready, and it comes in a 6-pack so you can share.”
Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving!
Beercrafts Gorilla logo, which you can see from highway 101 in Rohnert Park. (Photo courtesy of Beercraft)
Beercraft, 5704 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park, CA 94928, Phone: (707) 206-9440, beercraft.com, @Beercraft
Looking to add a generous pop of color to your Thanksgiving table? I asked Sonoma County floral designer Jaclyn K. Nesbitt, owner of Jaclyn K. Nesbitt Designs, a boutique floral design studio, to share some of her tips for creating a beautiful autumn floral arrangement. Jaclyn’s pointers, along with photos taken by Sonoma photographer Sarah Deragon, are sure to inspire you to make your own floral arrangement.
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
FORAGE
Jaclyn encourages us to look around us for material and creative inspriation. She tells us, “Use your backyard (or your neighbor’s if they’ll let you!). All of the materials you see in these photos were grown right here in Sonoma County and all of the foliage can be foraged locally. This time of year is all about fall foliage in rusty reds, copper, bronze, gold and deep plum. Here I used maple, smoke bush, and nandina.”
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
She adds, “For floral, stick with what’s still hanging on locally before winter takes over. This means the last of the dahlias, garden roses, mums, strawflower, and celosia.”
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
“Chocolate cosmos are at their peak right now, ” she tells us, “and add a velvety richness to the palette.”
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
DRY
“Throughout the year, consider what might dry well before you toss your old floral arrangements,” Jaclyn suggests. “Here I used dried celosia, strawflower, and poppy pods that I saved throughout the year to add interest and texture to my fall and winter arrangements. Hang your materials upside down to dry, and with our Sonoma County heat, they’ll be perfectly dried in no time. Bonus: dried flowers look beautiful hanging in the kitchen or barn!”
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
COLOR
“For me,” says Jaclyn, “the fall evokes rich jewel tones that are so decadent I want to eat them up!”
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
Of her floral designs on this stunning Thanksgiving table, Jaclyn says, “I added just the smallest splash of light with the ivory garden roses to tie into the linens and plates, but overall I kept to a rich, saturated palette. Orange and yellow tend to feel more traditionally ‘Thanksgiving’, so I opted for more berry and chocolate tones: Two of my favorite things to eat.”
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
ENJOY
Jaclyn reminds us that design and decorating can truly be a joy. “Have fun! Flowers and food go hand in hand,” she tells us. “Let loose, get your hands dirty, and see what happens!”
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
Thank you to both Jaclyn for her helpful tips and creative inspiration, and to Sarah for the gorgeous photos.
In my next post, I will share even more table decor and entertaining tips for Thanksgiving. Stay tuned!
Thanksgiving is a great occasion to pay tribute to, and be thankful for, the many delicious products that are made here in Sonoma County. Here are some of my favorite local foods and beverages that you and your guests will be delighted to savor, not only on this special day, but throughout the year.
Chevoo-Cheese Stuffed Dates
Photo Credit: Allyson Wiley
Make a delicious first impression by offering your guests a delectable hors d’oeuvre you created yourself using Chevoo cheese. Made here in Sonoma County, Chevoo is a one-of-a-kind artisan goat cheese that’s been immersed in olive oil infusions.
To make these stuffed dates, simply slice open pitted dried dates and fill with Smoked Seat Salt & Rosemary Chevoo cheese. Top with chopped walnuts and drizzle with honey and you’ve got a gourmet appetizer perfect for the holidays or any time of year.
Chevoo is available in three varietals: Smoked Sea Salt & Rosemary, California Dill Pollen & Garlic, and Aleppo-Urfa Chili & Lemon, $9.99 each for a 7 ounce jar. Chevoo can be purchased in Sonoma County at Big John’s Market, Molsberry, Glen Ellen Market and many more locations. Find a complete list of stores here. CHEVOO, 140 Grove Court, Suite A, Healdsburg, CA 95448, (707) 931-4186, chevoo.com
Savory Cheddar Cheese and Scallion Biscuits from Michelle Marie’s Patisserie
Photo Credit: Michelle Marie’s Patisserie
Make sure you have plenty of these scrumptious biscuits to go around on Thanksgiving Day or your guests will be battling over who gets the last one! Cheddar cheese and scallions give these flakey savory pastries a rich and satisfying flavor.
Savory Cheddar Cheese and Scallion Biscuits, $2.50 each. Michelle Marie’s Patisserie, Montgomery Village, 2404 Magowan Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95405, (707) 575-1214, michellemaries.com
All Natural Fresh Pickles from Sonoma Brinery
Photo Credit: Sonoma Brinery
Do you want to offer your guests a snack before the big meal but don’t want them to spoil their appetite? Serve half-sour barrel fermented pickles that are all-natural and flavored with nine spices, fresh garlic and sea salt. Also, Sonoma Brinery uses live culture in their fermented foods, healthy for our digestive systems, which we all know can get a real workout on Thanksgiving Day!
Manhattan Style Fresh Pickles, $5.99 – $6.99 for a 16 ounce jar. Sonoma Brinery, (707) 473-0116, sonomabrinery.com Available for purchase in Sonoma County at Sonoma Market, Whole Foods Market, Pacific Market and Oliver’s Market.
Picholine Extra Virgin Olive Oil from BR Cohn
Photo Credit: B.R. Cohn Winery & Olive Oil Company
No celebratory dinner in Wine Country is complete without a great tasting olive oil on the table. Serve your guests the best of the best with B.R. Cohn’s Picholine Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which was one of the first olives oils produced in Sonoma County in the 20th century. Picholine olives are grown on the B.R. Cohn Estate in Glen Ellen. The olive trees were imported from France and planted over 160 years ago. This particular varietal is high in antioxidants and has a longer shelf life than most olive oils – that is, if you have any left over after Thanksgiving!
Break out the bubbly and celebrate all there is to be thankful for with a bottle – or three – of Sonoma County sparkling wine. Iron Horse Russian Cuvée, the richest of Iron Horse’s sparkling wines, has been served at the White House for five consecutive administrations. Make it part of your holiday tradition and toast to a happy and healthy holiday season with friends and family.
Photo Credit: Emily Somple for 101 North Brewing Company
Your beer loving guests will want to pair their turkey dinner with this food friendly Heroine IPA from 101 North Brewing Company. The amber-colored ale will stand up to the bold and rich flavors of your Thanksgiving meal.
Fill a growler or buy bottles at their tasting room, open Wednesday through Sunday, or pick up a six-pack of 16 ounce cans for $13.99 at local retailers. 101 North Brewing Company, 1304 Scott St., Petaluma CA, 94954 (707) 778-8384, 101northbeer.com
Pumpkin Pie Tea from Mr Trombley’s Tea
Photo Credit: Adrienne Shubin
For a festive non-alcoholic warm holiday beverage, try Pumpkin Pie Tea from Mr. Trombley’s of Duncans Mills. This lightly caffeinated rooibos and black tea blend includes cinnamon, caramel and carrot pieces. It’s like a slice of Grandma’s pumpkin pie, only in a cozy mug!
Pumpkin Pie Tea, $3.25 per ounce, two ounce minimum. Mr. Trombly’s Tea & Table, 25185 Main Street, Duncans Mills, CA 95430, (707) 865-9979, mrtrombleystea.com
Sugar Cookies from Village Bakery
Photo Credit: Village Bakery
Kids from 1 to 100 will want to gobble up these whimsical turkey, acorn, and pumpkin sugar cookies. Choose from small acorn and pumpkin cookies for $1.50 each or large turkey and pumpkin cookies for $3.50 each.
Village Bakery has two locations: 6760 McKinley Street, Sebastopol, CA 95472 (707) 829-8101 and 1445 Town and Country Dr., Santa Rosa, CA 95404 (707) 527-7654, villagebakerywinecountry.com
Pumpkin Pie from Crisp Bake Shop
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
It wound’t be a traditional Thanksgiving meal without a pumpkin pie! Serve an extra special pumpkin pie this year from Crisp Bake Shop in Sonoma. This autumn beauty is not only a delight for the eyes but the maple bourbon pumpkin filling will delight your guests’ tastebuds too!
Pumpkin Pie, serves 8, $32. Crisp Bake Shop, 720 West Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95476, (707) 933-9999, crispbakeshop.com
What delicious Sonoma County products will you be serving Thanksgiving Day?
