Bananaweizen wasn’t exactly what I was expecting at the newly-opened Sonoma Cider Taproom, but that’s what co-founder and chief tinkerer Robert Cordtz is planning to put in one of the 23 taps at the Healdsburg taproom.
“It doesn’t taste like banana, it tastes like pineapple,” he tells me. This is also the man responsible for their limited run “Jax” breakfast-cereal inspired cider, about-to-release gingerbread cider (The Cutter), and habanero lime cider (The Crowbar).
Sonoma Cider Taproom and Restaurant in Healdsburg. Photo: Gretchen Gause
Cordtz and his dad, David, have a thing for cider, having grown their Healdsburg-based cider company to more than 100,000 cases in just three years. The opening of the taproom and restaurant will allow them to feature even more of their limited run, reserve, and micro-releases along with their core line of ciders: Apple (The Hatchet), pear (The Pitchfork), bourbon (The Anvil) and sarsaparilla vanilla (The Washboard).
Sonoma Cider Taproom and Restaurant in Healdsburg. Photo: Gretchen Gause
What’s got Biteclub so stoked is the addition of a restaurant inside the 5,500 square foot taproom. The idea started as nibbles to be paired with their ciders — food and beverage combination they say is a real nature with the delicate apple flavors.
Banh mi sandwich at Sonoma Cider Taproom and Restaurant in Healdsburg. Heather Irwin/PD
That turned into a fully-formed, and ambitious menu with the addition of Executive Chef Matthew Hodson. Though menus will be limited during the soft launch, staples include one of the best Crab Mac and Cheese ($10) we’ve ever had (easy for two to share); mixed charcuterie or pate Banh Mi ($15); smoked, raw and baked oysters; a Nicoise salad ($16) and luxurious French Onion Soup ($6) with Sonoma Cider Apple Brandy and melted Gruyere.
Crab mac and cheese at Sonoma Cider Taproom and Restaurant in Healdsburg. Heather Irwin/PD
A more extensive dinner menu includes risotto, Deviled Duck Eggs ($6), sweet and savory crepes; smoked baby back ribs and Chicken Normandy ($20) with roasted apples, Apple Brandy, chive mashed potatoes and green beans.
“If we can put cider in it, we do,” said Hodson, who modeled the menu on the food of famous French and Basque cider regions.
French onion soup at Sonoma Cider Taproom and Restaurant in Healdsburg. Heather Irwin/PD
But here’s where the food really gets impressive. Hodson is doing all of this food out of a kitchen that has three induction burners, a minuscule convection oven, an outdoor grill and a smoker — an almost laughable set-up for a professional chef. Strict permitting issues didn’t allow for gas burners or other amenities, so Hodson makes due with remarkable finesse. Rather than a walk-in, he uses a single freezer and fridge space specially built behind the taps.
Sonoma Cider Taproom and Restaurant in Healdsburg. Photo: Gretchen Gause
In addition to the cider and food, the taproom will feature several local wines, Taylor Maid nitro coffee, juices and sodas. With about 60 seats inside and out, with roll-up doors, it’s a lovely spot to relax. The taproom also features a large entertainment area where they’ll host music and comedy shows, along with wedding and special events for up to 175. The 1,800 square foot patio is dog-friendly.
Sonoma Cider Taproom and Restaurant in Healdsburg. Heather Irwin/PD
Reservations are highly recommended.
44 Mill Street., Healdsburg, behind Mill Street Antiques and the Parish Cafe). Open daily for lunch from 11a.m. to 3p.m. and dinner from 5p.m. to 9p.m.. Happy hour from 3-5p.m.. Tours available Friday and Saturday from 11a.m. to 2p.m. (707) 723-7018, or sonomacider.com.
Smoked Oysters at Sonoma Cider Taproom and Restaurant in Healdsburg. Heather Irwin/PD
The longtime grudge match for restaurant superiority between NYC and the Bay Area just got settled. At least for now.
The announcement of the 2017 Michelin stars for San Francisco brought with it the fist-pumping news that we finally have six three-star restaurants, an equal number as NYC. On that rarified list is newcomer Quince, which was bumped up from two stars, along with SF’s Benu and Saison; Napa Valley’s Restaurant at Meadowood and French Laundry; and Manresa in the South Bay. The grand total of Bay Area Michelin stars is now at 54, up four from last year.
Quince is run by Lindsay and Michael Tusk, serving “inspired cuisine that pays homage to classic Italian flavors with a refined contemporary flair,” according to a prepared release from Michelin. The couple got props from fellow three-star restaurant owner Thomas Keller of The French Laundry.
“We have closely watched Chef Michael Tusk for several years now. In his cuisine, every dish, even the simplest, is exceptional,” comments Michael Ellis, International Director of the Michelin Guide. “It is his fine, precise techniques, that now makes Quince a unique experience for the customer: an experience that is worth the trip.” The “famously anonymous” inspectors for the restaurant guide seem to have been on cruise control, however, when it came to the rest of the list. There were few changes from the 2016 list of two and three-star honorees. SF’s Lazy Bear was bumped up to two stars from its single star last year and seven restaurants were tapped for a first star, though none were north of San Francisco. Wine Country kept its eight one-star ratings: Auberge du Soleil (Rutherford), Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant (Forestville), La Toque (Napa), Solbar (Calistoga), Terra (St. Helena) and Terrapin Creek (Bodega Bay). Solbar chef Brandon Sharp left in October for a job in North Carolina after nine consecutive one-star wins for the restaurant. This is Healdsburg’s Farmhouse Inn’s eleventh consecutive Michelin one-star rating.
I am always nervous waiting for the call from @MichelinGuideSF we have once again received one ⭐️ — Jesse Mallgren (@madronachef) October 25, 2016
Restaurants chosen for the annual Michelin guide are judged on five criteria defined by Michelin: product quality; preparation and flavors; the chef’s personality as revealed through his or her cuisine; value for money; and consistency over time and across the entire menu. The official 2017 San Francisco Michelin Guide will be released on Oct. 25, 2016, and will include the Bib Gourmand restaurants awarded last week.
Here’s the full list of Bay Area Michelin-star restaurants…
Three Stars
Benu, San Francisco
The French Laundry, Yountville
Manresa, Los Gatos
Quince, San Francisco (NEW, up from 2 stars)
The Restaurant at Meadowood, Wine Country
Saison, San Francisco
Two Stars
Acquerello, San Francisco
Atelier Crenn, San Francisco
Baumé, South Bay
Campton Place, San Francisco
Coi, San Francisco
Commis, Oakland
Lazy Bear, San Francisco (NEW, up from one star)
One Star
Adega, San Jose (NEW)
Al’s Place, San Francisco
Aster, San Francisco Auberge du Soleil, Rutherford Aziza, San Francisco Bouchon, Yountville
Californios, San Francisco
Chez TJ, South Bay
Commonwealth, San Francisco Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant, Forestville Gary Danko, San Francisco
Hashiri, San Francisco (NEW)
Ju-ni, San Francisco (NEW)
Keiko à Nob Hill, San Francisco
Kin Khao, San Francisco La Toque, Napa Lord Stanley, San Francisco
Luce, San Francisco
Madera, Peninsula (NEW) Madrona Manor, Wine Country
Michael Mina, San Francisco
Mister Jiu’s, San Francisco (NEW)
Mosu, San Francisco (NEW)
Mourad, San Francisco
Nico, San Francisco
Octavia, San Francisco
Omakase, San Francisco
Plumed Horse, South Bay
The Progress, San Francisco (NEW)
Rasa, Peninsula Solbar, Calistoga Sons & Daughters, San Francisco
SPQR, San Francisco
Spruce, San Francisco
State Bird Provisions, San Francisco
Sushi Yoshizumi, Peninsula Terra, St. Helena Terrapin Creek, Bodega Bay The Village Pub, Peninsula
Wako, San Francisco
Wakuriya, Peninsula
Hassle-free Thanksgiving dinner includes turkey breasts, stuffing, gravy and squash. Photo taken at Shed in Healdsburg, on Thursday, November 5, 2015. (BETH SCHLANKER/ The Press Democrat) Thanksgiving at Shed
From Michelin nods to what locals are embracing, here are 6 Sonoma restaurants you’ll want to try this fall.
Barbeque chicken, Brisket, brussels sprouts with bacon, macaroni and cheese, and hush puppies at Kinsmoke in Healdsburg. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
KINSmoke
Look for lines out the door waiting for St. Louis-style ribs, brisket, smoked chicken, cornbread and pulled pork at this modern Texas roadhouse. You’ll be asked if you want fatty or lean brisket (a true sign of a great barbecue spot), sides aren’t an afterthought and the beer and wine list are exemplary. One other thing: Get there early, because when it runs out of ’cue, that’s it for the day. There’s a roll of paper towels on each table and five regional sauces from which to choose, from Alabama white to Carolina mustard, plus a Kansas City-style that’s been a secret of co-owner Brad Barmore’s wife’s family for generations. Contact: 304 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-473-8440, kinsmoke.com
House Cured Salami & Cheese at Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria, in Geyserville. Pair with a full-bodied red wine. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria
Enjoy devilishly great pizzas, homemade salumi and authentic Italian entrees from one of Wine Country’s most talented young chefs, Dino Bugica. After spending 10 years in Italy studying butchering and family-style cooking, Bugica has made his osteria/pizzeria a trek-worthy destination. Contact: 21021 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-814-0111, diavolapizzeria.com
Spicy Tan Tan Ramen with Sapporo noodles, sesame, scallion, pork belly chashu, spicy ground pork, charred cabbage, woodier and a 6 minute egg from Ramen Gaijin in Sebastopol. (Photo by John Burgess)
Ramen Gaijin
Two white guys making Japanese ramen? That’s the deal with this buzzy noodle and yakitori spot. Owners Matthew Williams and Moishe Hahn-Schuman are passionate about ramen, painstakingly making their own noodles, dashi and pork stock, and using the best local ingredients. They’ve also added a small yakitori grill featuring everything from chicken skin to pork belly. Ramen Gaijin offers disciplined and beautiful adherence to Japanese tradition with a California twist. Contact: 6948 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, 707-827-3609, ramengaijin.com
Vietnamese-Style Chick Pho at Shiso Modern Asian Kitchen in Sonoma. (Photo by John Burgess)
Shiso Modern Asian Kitchen
There have been nothing but raves for this Asianfusion sushi bar and restaurant just off the Sonoma Plaza. Ramen and yakisoba noodles meet Japanese deviled eggs and miso-garlic-grilled corn, martini scallops and superfresh sushi. Contact: 19161 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, 707-933-9331, shisorestaurant.com
The Breakfast Plate, served all day at Savvy on First, in Cloverdale. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
Savvy on First
Far-flung Cloverdale is quietly becoming an impressive food destination, led by Savvy on First. This combination cafe and catering business has some of the best pastries, breakfasts and lunches for miles (and miles), and opens for dinner Thursday through Saturday with small plates like truffled lobster mac and cheese, and larger plates of buttermilk fried chicken and steak frites. A dedication to using local ingredients from farmers and other purveyors puts this restaurant high on the list of go-to places. Contact: 116 E. First St., Cloverdale, 707- 894-3200, savvyonfirst.net
Thanksgiving dinner with turkey breast, stuffing, gravy and squash at Healdsburg Shed. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
Healdsburg Shed
Michelin-starred chef Perry Hoffman continues to lift the menu of this “Modern Grange” downtown. Dinner service now includes dishes such as slow roasted lamb shoulder with sunflower seed molé, radishes, pomegranate and papalo, and Channel Island halibut with mussels, spinach, walla walla onions and smoked tomato broth. There’s also a Fall Pepper Pizza and bumped-up wine pairings. Contact: 25 North St., Healdsburg, 707-431-7433, healdsburgshed.com
Frances Ford Coppola has announced the opening of a new Geyserville restaurant at the Virginia Dare Winery. Just don’t try to pronounce it.
Christened Werowocomoco (pronounced: Wero-wo-como-ko), the restaurant pays tribute to the first capital of Virginia and home to Powhatan, chief of regional native tribes when English colonists arrived in 1607.
The food will follow suit, with a focus on American native dishes including bison ribs with berry barbecue sauce, river-harvested wild rice with cranberries, and fry bread tacos. The restaurant will have 66 interior seats and extended al fresco patio dining.
Charred corn and lime at Virginia Dare Winery’s Werowocomoco. Courtesy photo
“Virginia Dare Winery highlights the genesis of American winemaking, so it makes sense that our new restaurant would celebrate our country’s indigenous foods,” said Coppola in a prepared statement. “With Werowocomoco, my goal is to present a menu inspired by the culinary traditions of the earliest inhabitants of North America.”
Coppola hinted at the restaurant’s opening last month, though BiteClubbers quickly solved the mystery of the location at the Virginia Dare Winery, which Coppola opened in 2015. Dare was the first child born to English settlers in Roanoake, Virginia territory in 1587. The entire settlement vanished without a trace, and mystery and myth have surrounded the story of Dare and the encampment ever since.
Chicken and wild rice at Virginia Dare Winery’s Werowocomoco. Courtesy photo
The Pamunkey Indian Tribe, which continues to have a presence in the historic Richmond, Virginia region gave Coppola it’s blessing to borrow the name and honor the heritage of their history.
This is Coppola’s fourth restaurant, following Rustic and the Pool Cafe at his Geyserville namesake winery and Cafe Zoetrope in San Francisco.
The restaurant is slated to open to the public in mid-November after a private opening for the residents of Geyserville on Nov. 4.
It seems that Stormy’s owner Roger Cramer is proud of his signature prime rib. As a rapt audience watched him march around his restaurant with a giant roasting pan on a recent evening, he paused at each table to show off the huge chunk of meat’s crunchy, seasoned crust and golden-red juices.
“I want an end cut!” one guest suddenly shouted from a corner of the dining room.
“I want the other one!” shouted another guest. And so the dibs were done, since the dish is there only until it’s gone, and it’s first come, first served. There’s quite a bit of meat in between those two end cuts, but still, the prime rib is snatched up quickly.
Prime rib dinner with mashed potatoes and vegetables at Stormy’s Spirits and Supper, in Bloomfield, California.
I’ve been having a good time lately, mentioning Stormy’s to folks and awaiting the reaction. Most people have never heard of the place, but after I’ve finished my tale, everyone wants to go.
Sure, the spirits and supper house has been around since 1854, originally as a hotel, and it’s continued as a rural institution since Cramer’s grandmother, Ellen “Stormy” Cramer took it over in 1961. These days, it’s hard to find a better American comfort food meal for the price.
Bar decor at Stormy’s Spirits and Supper, in Bloomfield, California.
Yet tucked away in Bloomfield, a rural dairy community on the edge of Petaluma/Two Rock and Valley Ford, it’s not a stumble-in kind of spot. Besides the weathered redwood and stone-clad roadhouse eatery, there’s a Masonic lodge in this tiny burg, plus a town hall, a few homes and a whole lot of cows.
On the other hand, if people have been to Stormy’s but not in the past year, I sometimes get a wrinkled nose. For much of its history since Cramer expanded it from a bar to a restaurant in the early 1970s, the place has been notable more for nostalgia than dining, and meals ranged from fine to disappointing. But I would swear flavors are much better now, from the soup to the seafood, like prawns drenched in garlic butter ($35).
Not so, insists Cramer’s daughter, Taylor Marie Cramer. She, along with her dad, her mom, Carolyn Cramer, and her boyfriend, sous chef Fabio Herrera, have always stayed true to the family recipes, she explains. I’m not one to argue with owners, certainly, but my dining companions, who have been coming here for decades for cocktails and steaks, agree with me.
Guests seated for dinner at Stormy’s Spirits and Supper, in Bloomfield, California.
This is a stumble-out place, yes. After a couple of stiff cocktails and a monster-size meal, the next destination is home, happy to bed. All entrees include clam chowder, salad, potato, vegetable and French bread. That prime rib comes in a sidekick cut (16 ounce, $28), and a regular cut (22 ounce, $34), and the sidekick size gave me enough leftovers for three more meals.
The dining room is cozy, but regulars always converge in the lounge, drawn in by the intimate space, the dark, old-time bar and the fireplace that cranks flames even in the summer, given the coastal area’s nearly year-round fog and chill.
Roadhouse prawns with mashed potatoes and vegetables at Stormy’s Spirits and Supper, in Bloomfield, California.
Food arrives quickly, starting with hot clam chowder that’s made fresh daily and stocked with lots of seafood and vegetables in tomato-kissed broth. Dipped with butter-spread bread, it’s a very nice start. Salads are perfunctory but fresh, a toss of greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, croutons, julienned carrot and onion in house-made creamy Italian dressing. Creamy potatoes are fluffier and more tangy than in years’ past, and one evening’s seasonal veggies included al dente green beans, carrot coins and broccoli.
But really, we’re in cow country, and it’s all about the meat. Prime rib end cuts are for folks who like drier meat, but my medium rare was perfectly warm, pink and juicy inside, lined with a medium cooked exterior and lots of good, savory fat. A little cup of creamed horseradish was fine, but the off-menu Beaver brand horseradish is the bomb.
I’ve never tried heroin or kissed a live battery, but I imagine it might be like this condiment that was so insanely fiery that a tiny bit on the tip of my tongue shot an electric jolt up my nose into my skull and made my ears tingle. Surprisingly, a second after the shock came, it disappeared, leaving my brain clean and bright with no pain whatsoever. I couldn’t stop trying it again and again, and even begged for a to-go cup from my amused server.
Stormys Spirits and Supper, in Bloomfield, California.
Stormy’s is a good destination for its other beefy staples — New York steak with onion rings ($29/$37), or bone-in rib-eye ($1 per ounce plus $13 for chowder and salad) — that can be upgraded with sautéed mushrooms and/or grilled onions or blue cheese ($6).
I like the fried chicken, too, though it’s hard to wait the 45 minutes it takes to cook the crispy bird to order.
Some plates are even better bargains on Thursdays and Sundays, when fried prawns (regularly $28), chicken sauté ($28) or New York scallopini ($29) are discounted to $22.50 each with all the fixings, and a New York steak comes for $25.50 with mushrooms or onions for $3.
I also suppose if you wanted to fill yourself with appetizers while sipping a cold beer, cocktail or glass of wine, you’d be pleased enough with the decent steamed clams ($19), or deep-fried prawns ($9/$15) with a heavy, breadcrumb coating.
Carolyn Cramer, left, pours drinks while talk with longtime customers Kathy and Jon Little, at Stormy’s Spirits and Supper, in Bloomfield, California.
Just note that wines by the glass are house brand (all $9), meaning whatever is available, and listed simply as chardonnay, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, etc. Bottled choices focus on Sonoma County, like the Cramer Ranch cab from Sebastopol ($45), but I bring my own wine, happy to pay a $14 corkage to drink what I really want.
Still, it’s the prime rib, combined with the historic, casual/fun setting, that’s the star. It feels like a step back in time here, with a mix of saloon and good, old-fashioned steakhouse elevated by that superb beef.
Chef/owner Roger Cramer prepares deep fried calamari at Stormy’s Spirits and Supper, in Bloomfield, California.
Tip: Call, or check Facebook before heading out to Stormy’s. In the winter, coastal torrential weather closes roads, power outages happen now and then year-round, and if the family has an emergency or goes on vacation, they shut the doors.
Too, if you’ve got your heart set on that prime rib, show up by 5:30 p.m. or so to guarantee you score some of that slab. You know, that big, pretty piece of beef is being paraded around the dining room.
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.
Chef/owner Roger Cramer, left, works in the kitchen with cook Fabio Herrera and his daughter Taylor Cramer, one of the servers, at Stormy’s Spirits and Supper, in Bloomfield, California.
Photography by Alvin Jornada.
Looking for more things to do in Sonoma County? Click here
We recently polled our readers on what was missing from the Sonoma County food scene. For a county that prides itself on its local food and dining options, the response on what’s lacking was massive.
Have anything to add? Leave it in the comments.
Greek Food
First up, good authentic Greek food in Sonoma County, like gyros, tzatziki, pita bread, and more (some readers did suggest stopping over at Quincy’s in Rohnert Park or Falafel King in Sebastopol for your fix of Mediterranean food).
American Comfort Food
Restaurants that specialize in quality classic American comfort food, serving up chicken pot pie, mac and cheese, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, roast chicken…a meal like Grandma used to make without any fancy additions (some readers suggested checking out Sweet T’s in Santa Rosa, KC’s American Kitchen in Windsor, Bruno’s in Santa Rosa, Adel’s in Santa Rosa and The Backyard in Forestville).
A Downtown Restaurant with a View
Preferably 3-4 stories up, and maybe even a rooftop bar or patio. We may not be in Paris like the photo below, but we certainly should be able to enjoy a similar view from any Sonoma County town.
Affordable Farm-to-Table
An affordable indoor/outdoor farm-to-table breakfast/brunch spot, located in downtown and open 7 days a week.
Filipino Food
Authentic Filipino restaurants that serve up foods like lumpia, adobo, kare kare, singagong, halo halo and more.
Good Sushi
Readers are growing tired of particular local picks and want more impressive options when they’re craving raw seafood.
Non-Fusion Dishes
Basic food choices that aren’t part of the fusion movement. Some readers would prefer to have simple meals made with only one culinary tradition.
Sol Food
The Puerto Rican restaurant is tearing it up in San Rafael, with communal seating, authentic Puerto Rican food and often with a line out the door. It’s time Sonoma County got a little Sol.
(facebook.com/solfoodrestaurant)
Healthy Food in a Casual Setting
Healthy, tasty food at small, informal cafes, much like The Good Earth of yesteryear that was once located in downtown Santa Rosa.
Poke Bowls
A casual restaurant that serves poke and other authentic Hawaiian or island fare.
A Quality Restaurant That is Family-Friendly
Restaurants that really are family-friendly, with quality kids menus, activities for the kids and understanding servers. One reader suggested having a play area for kids, but in a restaurant with good food and not fast food.
Max Young, the owner of Rossi’s 1906 roadhouse restaurant in Sonoma, said that he’ll be closing the restaurant October 30. After three years of renovations, weekly music acts, and even well-crafted barbecue menu from Ari Rosen of Glen Ellen Star, it seems that the concept just wasn’t working. The restaurant will undergo another renovation and re-branding with a local partner, reopening in January.
Young purchased the former Little Switzerland property in 2013. After three years of dedication to the project, along with renovations, weekly music acts, and even well-crafted barbecue menu from Ari Weisswasser of Glen Ellen Star, Young said the concept just wasn’t working. The restaurant will undergo another renovation and re-branding with a local partner, reopening in January.
“When I opened I said I would listen to Sonoma – and our concept wasn’t quite cutting it. I can’t thank my staff enough for their hard work and dedication to Rossi’s for the past few years – they have been terrific. And while it is very hard to let this concept go, I am looking forward to a new direction with a new partnership and I can’t wait to share it with Sonoma in 2017,” Young said in a prepared statement.
The last hurrah, however, will be the restaurant’s annual Halloween Party on Oct. 29. So, if you want to get tickets click here.
Mark your calendars, we have a bunch of fun in store for you this week. This Friday and Saturday, enjoy art, music and wellness at the annual O+ Festival in Petaluma. Be inspired at Saturday’s TEDx Sonoma County. And travel back to the 1920s for a Speakeasy Party. All this and more is in our list of things to do.
FRIDAY, Nov. 4
O+ Festival in Petaluma: In a worldwide movement, venues in several different countries are connecting musicians, artists and health and wellness providers in a weekend festival of art, creativity and medicine. One of these celebrations will be held at several locations throughout Petaluma. This free event takes place Friday and Saturday, with program brochures available at The Petaluma Art Center, Griffin Map Design, and other participating locations, as well as by visiting opositivefestival.org/petaluma. (Nov. 4-5)
SATURDAY, Nov. 5
End of Harvest Fiesta: California Human Development is celebrating grape harvest workers this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. The events will include cultural music and dancing, authentic Mexican food, health and community services, traditional family fun and more. The event is free to festival goers. Find out more at californiahumandevelopment.org.
TEDx Sonoma County: This year’s Sonoma County TEDx talks fall under the theme of “perspectives” — as in, how one person’s view will differ from another. The line-up of speakers includes storytellers, an animator, a photographer, musicians and more, plus a mystery guest. The event takes place at 1 p.m. at Sonoma Country Day School. Tickets are $25-$45. Find out all the details at tedxsonomacounty.com.
Windsor’s El Dia de los Muertos Celebration: Come in costume with your electric candle to celebrate loved ones who have passed on. A candlelight procession led by drummers and dancers will travel around Town Green, followed by music and dance performances, food and fun. This free event takes place 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Find out more at windsormuertos.org.
Bark After Dark: This Saturday, enjoy an evening of Pasta King food, music, silent auction and more, all for a good cause. This benefit dinner and auction event will include prizes from local wineries, restaurants, pet supply stores and service providers, and more. Find out all the details at pd2go.net/BarkAfterDark.
Bourbon, Bacon and Beer Speakeasy Party: Take a step back in time for a “Roaring 20s” shindig at Cloverleaf Ranch in Santa Rosa. From 7-11 p.m., guests are invited to play games, sample bourbon and beer, enjoy bacon bites, dance to ragtime and more. Dress in style wearing your Prohibition-era attire. Tickets are $125 and benefit Council on Aging’s Meals on Wheels program. Find out more at www.bourbonbaconandbeer.com.
More upcoming events:
American Jazz musician Helen Sung, and quartet, perform at the Healdsburg Jazz Festival, Friday, Nov. 4 (Photo by Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images)
Friday, Nov. 4
The Sam Chase plus The Crux: Rock and folk, New Orleans brass to jazz, 9 p.m., Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $17. 765-2121, mystictheatre.com.
Helen Sung Quartet: Jazz standards and original compositions with the pianist/composer and her quartet, 7:30 p.m., Paul Mahder Gallery, Healdsburg. $32. 433-4633, healdsburgjazzfestival.org.
Fly by Train: Rocking folk Americana band, two sets, 8 p.m., Twin Oaks Roadhouse, Penngrove. Free. 795-5118, twinoaksroadhouse.com.
One Grass Two Grass: California string band music, 9 p.m., HopMonk Tavern, Sebastopol. $13. 829-7300, hopmonk-sebastopol.ticketfly.com.
‘Picasso at the Lapin Agile’: Pegasus Theater Co. production, opens 8 tonight, Graton Community Club. Open donation. Runs through Nov. 27. 583-2343, pegasustheater.com.
Saturday, Nov. 5
Wine & Food Affair: Wine tasting and food pairing, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, various wineries along northern Sonoma County Wine Road. $30-$80. wineroad.com.
‘Whose Live Anyway?’: Improv comedy scenes and songs with Ryan Stiles and crew, 8 p.m. Saturday, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $39-$59. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.
Mini Maker Faire: Hands-on ‘Make and Collaborate’ science, technology and crafts activities, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Barnes & Noble, Santa Rosa. Free. 576-7494, barnesandnoble.com.
Patrick Ball: Renowned Celtic harpist and storyteller, 8 p.m. Saturday, Occidental Center for the Arts. $20. 874-9392, occidentalcenterforthearts.org.
‘AgStravaganza’: Santa Rosa Junior College AgTrust gala honoring Sebastopol vintners Terri and John Balletto, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, SRJC Shone Farm, Forestville. $75. 291-2857, agstravaganza.com.
‘Farewell to Engine #74’: Final day of service for C.P. Huntington Train after 47 years, 11:45 a.m.- 3:40 p.m. Saturday, Howarth Park, Santa Rosa. Sold out. ci.santa-rosa.ca.us.
Sunday, Nov. 6
The Ocean: Heavy metal show with synchronized lights, 7 p.m. Sunday, Phoenix Theater, Petaluma. $14-$16. 762-3565, thephoenixtheater.com.
Agent Orange: Punk rock band, first one mixing punk with surf music, 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $17. 765-2121, mystictheatre.com.
Mendocino Mushroom, Wine and Beer Festival: Dinners, performances, mushroom foraging and exhibits throughout Mendocino County, through Nov. 13. Various fees. 937-4000, mendocino.com/mendocino-wine-mushroom-festival.
Monday, Nov. 7
Santa Rosa Symphony: ‘Keyboard Brilliance’ with pianist Orion Weiss, 8 p.m. Monday, Weill Hall, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $25-$85. 546-8742, srsymphony.org.
Tuesday, Nov. 8
Open Mic Night with Rojo: Weekly opportunity to take the mic, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Twin Oaks Roadhouse, Penngrove. Free. 795-5118, twinoaksroadhouse.com.
Wednesday, Nov. 9
‘Fire Birds’: Dark comic mystery, Sonoma County Jewish Film Festival presentation, 1 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Rialto Cinemas, Sebastopol. $10. 529-4222, jccsoco.org.
Thursday, Nov. 10
Hip Chick Farms co-owners: ‘Women in Conversation’ series closer with Jennifer Johnson and Serafina Palandech, 7 p.m. Thursday, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $125. socowomenevents.com.
Napa Valley Film Festival: ‘Celebrity Tributes’ honors Lee Daniels, Kurt Russell and five others, 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Lincoln Theater, Yountville. $50. Festival runs through Nov. 13. napavalleyfilmfest.org.
Friday, Nov. 11
Face to Face Film Series: ‘Moonlight,’ a young man’s struggle to find himself, 7 p.m. Nov. 11, Rialto Cinemas, Sebastopol. $8.25-$10.75. 829-3456, rialtocinemas.com.
‘Laughing Matters’: North Bay stand-up comedians, 8 p.m. Nov. 11, Raven Performing Arts Theater, Healdsburg. $25-$55, benefits Movember Foundation. 433-6335, raventheater.org.
Saturday, Nov. 12
Anita Bear Sandwina: Original compositions with the soulful singer and guitarist, 8 p.m. Nov. 12, Occidental Center for the Arts. $15. 874-9392, occidentalcenterforthearts.org.
The Blues Session: Blues-influenced American music with local artists, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12, Cloverdale Arts Alliance. $5. 894-4410, cloverdaleartsalliance.org.
Neko Case: Versatile indie-rock singer-songwriter, 8 p.m. Nov. 12, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $30-$40. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.
Winger: Hard rock band from New York City, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12, House of Rock, Santa Rosa. $40-$50. rockstaruniversity.com.
Coco Montoya: Blues and rock ’n’ roll guitarist and vocalist, 9 p.m. Nov. 12, Redwood Café, Cotati. $20-$25. 795-7868, redwoodcafe.com.
Michael Feinstein: Great American Songbook selections with the vocalist, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12, Weill Hall, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $35-$85. (866) 955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.
Sunday, Nov. 13
Calidore String Quartet: Santa Rosa Junior College chamber concert series, 4 p.m. Nov. 13, Newman Auditorium, Santa Rosa campus. $17.75-$28.75. (415) 392-4400, communityed.santarosa.edu/chamber-concerts#2.
Celtic Thunder: Traditional Irish and folk music to contemporary, rock and classical crossover, 8 p.m. Nov. 13, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $59-$69. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.
Pouya: Rap artist from Miami, known for ‘Straight Up,’ 8 p.m. Nov. 13, Phoenix Theater, Petaluma. $20. 762-3565, thephoenixtheater.com.
Fifth Annual California Banjo Extravaganza: Danny Barnes, Joe Newberry, Bill Evans, 8 p.m. Nov. 13, Sebastopol Community Cultural Center Annex. $22-$25. 823-1511, seb.org.
Bold makeup, bombastic sounds, tons of hairspray, patent-leather pants – and, of course, an endless amount of glitter. The spirit of glam rock was alive and well this Friday as U.K. band The Struts took the stage at the Napa Valley Opera House.
Over the past two years, The Struts have opened for the Rolling Stones in Paris, toured with Mötley Crüe and played countless concerts and festivals, including Napa’s own BottleRock festival – which featured not only a performance on the main stage, culinary stage and JaM Pad stages, but also an after show. On Friday, after having played two sold-out shows in LA and San Francisco during the week, the British band managed to top all previous concerts with a jam-packed, high-energy evening.
The Struts singer Luke Spiller at The Napa Valley Opera House, Friday November 4.
From the moment The Struts strutted on stage, the venue was in full swing with concert-goers jumping and swaying in ecstasy. Singer Luke Spiller enthralled the audience with exquisitely exhibitionist ensembles – to be expected by an artist whose style icons include Elvis Presley and David Bowie. Spiller has been outfitted by both Zandra Rhodes, the English designer who dressed Fred Mercury and Brian May, and Australian designer Ray Brown whose clientele includes AC/DC, Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest and Lady Gaga. The Struts drummer Gethin Davies, guitarist Adam Slack and bassist Jed Elliott also dressed to impress in true ‘70s glam rock glory.
The Struts: from left to right, bassist Jed Elliott, guitarist Adam Slack, singer Luke Spiller, drummer Gethin Davies.
Equally captivating as the glitz and glamor, was the group’s stage presence. The whole set was filled with whimsical and memorable moments in which the audience became part of the performance, singling along to nearly every word of “Put Your Money On Me,” keeping the beat with enthusiastic clapping to “Put Your Hands Up,” and following every command from Spiller — quiet one moment, roaring the next.
The Struts singer Luke Spiller commanding the audience at Napa Valley Opera House.
The night continued to crescendo; the music, the beat, the on-stage heat. When, during rock n’ roll anthem “Where Did She Go,” Spiller asked the audience: “are you ready to make history right here tonight?” the concert reached climax. On Spiller’s demand, the whole audience got down on the floor and then shot up on cue during the chorus.
With euphoric expressions, glitter in their hair and sweat streaming down their faces as they sang their hearts out in those final phrases, the audience got a taste of real golden-age glam rock — another sublime Napa night served up by The Struts.
Highlights from The Struts Show at The Napa Valley Opera House:
The sign at the entrance to the taproom at Grav South Brew Co. (Photo by Tim Vallery)
The sign at the entrance to the taproom at Grav South Brew Co. in Cotati. (Photo by Tim Vallery)
Grav South Brew Co. in Cotati is the newest addition to the burgeoning brewery scene in Sonoma County.
The brewery, opened in September, is run by Corinne Barclay and Greg Rasmussen. Barclay and Rasmussen met three years ago through a mutual friend, and quickly realized they had a lot in common: not only did they both work within fire protection (Corinne previously worked as a fire inspector and Greg is a fire captain in Forestville) and had both grown up on Gravenstein apple orchards, they also shared an affinity for beer: Greg loved to brew it, and Corinne loved to drink it.
The bar at Grav South Brew Co. in Cotati. (Photo by Tim Vallery)
When deciding to open up a brewery together, Barclay and Rasmussen wanted to pay homage to their shared background – not only by incorporating a shortened version of Gravenstein in the company name, but also through the design of the brewery.
“Greg’s father was very involved in Sturgeons Mill in Sebastopol, and we chose old growth redwood for our bar because of this,” said Barclay. “The apple boxes behind the bar are from my family’s farm. The wood on the bar around the brewing equipment was made from a salvaged water tank that Greg’s father had kept.”
Constructing their brewery in the Gravenstein South shopping center, Barclay and Rasmussen worked tirelessly alongside family, friends, and police and firefighter co-workers.
“We’re very fortunate to have had friends and family who have a wide skill set help us out with all aspects of design and construction,” said Barclay.
Morgan pouring brews at Grav South Brew Co. in Cotati. (Photo by Tim Vallery)
The hard work, collaboration and community spirit that built Grav South has created a “Cheers” vibe at the brewery; this certainly is a place where you can take a break from all your worries, where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.
Greg Rasmussen has been home brewing for 18 years. During this time, he has received over 150 local, state, and national awards for his beers. He is the recipient of the “Sierra Nevada Home Brewer of the Year” award (2013 and 2014) and the “Sonoma Beerocrats Brewer of the Year” (2013 and 2014). In 2015, Rasmussen won the Samuel Adams “Longshot Homebrew” contest, hosted since 1995 to honor home brewers. Longshot contest founder, Jim Koch called Rasmussen’s winning brew “a flawless robust porter.”
Rasmussen has also collaborated with several breweries, including Sierra Nevada Brewing Company for their 2014 Beer Camp series and the Bear Republic Brewing Company for 2 Pro-Am beers.
The beer sampler at Grav South Brew Co. (Photo by Jess Vallery)
At Grav South Brew Co., Rasmussen brews a “7 Figure” IPA, “Wet Hop” IPA, Bitter End, a tangerine beer, a wheat, rye, and a vanilla porter made with Madagascar vanilla. The brewery also offers a small wine list with wines by the glass for $5 and local guest taps from St. Florian’s,Henhouse, Petaluma Hill’s, and Plow Brewing.
Turkey panini and watermelon salad at Grav South Brew Co. (Photo by Tim Vallery)
Grav South Brew Co. head chef Scott Caddell, from Belvedere/Tiburon, will serve up a locally-sourced menu focused on fresh, bold flavors. There will be specials throughout the week and guests can expect different dishes depending on the season: watermelon feta salad, pozole, turkey panini, and smoked tri-tip sandwiches are a few examples.
Grav South Brew Co., 7950 Redwood Dr #15, Cotati, CA 94931, (707) 753-4198, gravsouthbrewco.com, @GravSouth BrewCo
The taproom at Grav South Brew Co. in Cotati (Photo by Tim Vallery)
