Our official state vegetable, the artichoke, was first planted by Italian immigrants in the 19th century. The thorny thistle is celebrated in Monterey County, where it is widely grown, with artichoke-themed cafes, roadside statues and an annual spring festival.
In Sonoma County, artichokes can be found at local farmers markets through late spring, primarily sourced from small farming operations at the coast. According to Joe Imwalle of Santa Rosa’s Imwalle Gardens, it’s too warm further inland for good growth — the spiky plants prefer the foggy, cool influence of the Pacific.
Green Globe artichokes are heavy, firm, and meaty, with an earthy flavor that blossoms in spring dishes. Newer thornless varieties aren’t as meaty and flavorful, say artichoke aficionados. Vintage favorite Green Globes are becoming available once again in many local supermarkets, including at Oliver’s Markets, coming direct from one of two commercial California farms. They’re delicious in this chunky, textured spring tapenade, whether spooned over grilled chicken or fresh goat cheese, or served simply atop thick slices of toast.
Vintage favorite Green Globes are becoming available once again in many local supermarkets, including at Oliver’s Markets, coming direct from one of two commercial California farms. (Olga Iuz / Shutterstock)Green Globe artichokes are delicious in a chunky, textured spring tapenade. (margouillat photo / Shutterstock)
Artichoke & Olive Tapenade
Makes about 2 ¼ cups
3 large fresh Green Globe artichokes
2 tbsp. kosher salt, plus more as needed
3 tsp. olive oil
3 garlic cloves
2 tsp. green peppercorns in brine, drained
1 tsp. minced lemon zest
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup (6 ounces) fresh green olives, such as picholine, pitted and minced
¼ cup (2 ounces) walnut pieces, toasted and minced
1 tbsp. Italian parsley, chopped
Freshly ground black pepper
Rustic bread, sliced and toasted, for serving
Using a sharp knife, cut the stems of the artichokes straight across. Set the artichokes on their sides and cut about ½ inch off the top.
Drizzle about a teaspoon of olive oil into the center of each artichoke.
Put the artichokes into a saucepan that holds them snugly. Add enough water to come up to the top of the artichokes. Add kosher salt to the water and bring to a boil over high heat. When the water boils, reduce the heat, and cover the pan. If the artichokes do not stay submerged, set a separate, small lid inside the pan on top of them and then cover the pan.
After 20 minutes, test the artichokes for doneness by using tongs to wiggle a few leaves.
If there is no give, cook for another 5 minutes and test again. The artichokes will be perfectly cooked when leaves come off with just a tad of resistance, from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on age and size.
Meanwhile, grind the garlic to a paste using a mortar and pestle. Add the green peppercorns, lemon zest and juice, and extra-virgin olive oil, and mix, scraping the sides of the bowl to combine well. Set aside.
Transfer the artichokes to a colander, rinse with cool water and drain thoroughly. When cool, remove the leaves to enjoy separately. Use a grapefruit spoon or sharp paring knife to remove the choke from each heart. Discard the chokes and cut the hearts into ¼-inch dice.
In a medium bowl, combine the diced artichoke hearts, olives, walnuts and olive oil mixture.
Add the chopped parsley and several turns of black pepper. Taste and season with salt, as needed. Let rest 30 minutes before serving atop thick slices of toast.
The fries at Moro, a Moroccan street food restaurant in the Oxbow Public Market in Napa, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Whether you’re noshing fried chicken in General Admission or grabbing some caviar-covered hot dogs in the VIP section, BottleRock Napa Valley (May 23-25) has another delicious lineup of restaurants ready to rock.
The three-day music extravaganza, now in its 12th year, has always been known for its gourmet food stalls, wine tents, craft beer and top-notch artists and bands, including Sublime, Public Enemy, 4 Non Blondes and dozens of others on multiple stages.
Though the much-anticipated food celebrity lineup for the Williams-Sonoma Culinary Stage is yet to be announced, we’ve got the scoop on what’s on the food playlist.
The caviar corndog from PRESS at BottleRock 2024. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)
Best food at BottleRock 2025
Sonoma County will represent with Sarmentine Artisan Boulanger, Amy’s Drive Thru, HopMonk Tavern, Gerard’s Paella, OHM Coffee Roasters (Sonoma and Napa) and Mariapilar Ice Creamery.
Some of the Napa and Bay Area-based restaurants we’re most excited about include:
— Loveski Deli: A Jewish-style deli from Meadowood Napa Valley chef Christopher Kostow and his wife, Martina. Located at Oxbow Public Market, the food is a New Yorker’s dream, with delicious matzo ball soup, fresh bagels, a chopped Reuben sandwich and braised brisket.
— Stateline Road Smokehouse:These Napa newcomers previewed some of their Kansas-style barbecue at last year’s festival, and we’re looking forward to another strong showing from chef-owner Darryl Bell. Hopefully the brisket fries make a return.
— Moro: Chef Mourad Lahou, founder and owner of Aziza and Mourad restaurants in San Francisco, opened this super-casual Moroccan street food cafe at Oxbow Public Market last April. Dishes like chicken shawarma, roasted lamb shoulder with couscous and grilled flatbread with eggplant dip, sound like perfect candidates for BottleRock eaters.
— Mustard’s Bar Taco: A taqueria pop-up from Napa’s Mustard’s Grill? Call us intrigued.
— El Porteño Empanadas: Classy hand pies made with local ingredients. Perfect for walking around between bands.
— New England Lobster & Crab Shack: I’ve had their lobster rolls countless times and they never disappoint.
— Lao Table: Based in San Francisco, this award-winning restaurant is known for papaya salad and Laotian fried rice — we hope to see both at BottleRock.
See a full list of more than 50 restaurants, bakeries and local purveyors on the festival food lineup at bottlerocknapavalley.com.
Now open
Baked goods from La Reyna Bakery in Santa Rosa. (Ricardo Ibarra / La Prensa Sonoma)
La Reyna Bakery has opened a second location in Rohnert Park featuring their tried and true Mexican pan dulce — sweet morning treats like conchas and cream-filled rolls — as well as flaky empanadas, coffee, tortas and bolillos (Mexican bread). The family-owned bakery has been a Santa Rosa favorite for nearly 15 years, located inside Rancho Mendoza Super Market at 1201 Piner Road. The new Rohnert Park bakery is at 1 Padre Parkway. Check out their delicious photos at instagram.com/lareynabakery or order online at lareynabakeryca.com.
Lambshank at Grossman’s Noshery & Deli in Santa Rosa is part of the Passover dinner available for pick up. (Photo: Grossman’s)
Making matzo (or matzah), the traditional unleavened crackers of Passover (April 12-20), is an 18-minute baking ballet for Amy Brown and Joe Wolf of Santa Rosa’s Marla Bakery.
“It’s a labor of love for Amy and I. We try to make it taste good and keep to traditions,” said Wolf.
According to ancient Jewish law, the clock begins ticking the moment water is added to flour, salt and olive oil. The dough must be mixed, hand-rolled and baked into lightly browned wafers within 18 minutes — the same amount of time it took the Israelites to make their swift escape from Egypt. No time for leavening, no time for intricate braids — just the essential life-sustaining carbohydrates needed for their long journey to Canaan.
Passover marks the anniversary of the Exodus. It’s a time when the Jewish community comes together to celebrate, give thanks and share meals with family and friends.
Joe Wolf and Amy Brow of Marla Bakery. Photo taken in 2023. (Erik Castro/for Sonoma Magazine)
During this time, leavened bread is forbidden and is replaced by matzo, which many have a love-hate relationship with. Its dry, cracker-like texture can leave your mouth feeling like the Sahara, but according to Wolf, adding olive oil makes Marla’s matzo more palatable. While they aren’t a kosher bakery, their matzo follows the traditional 18-minute preparation process and tastes good, he said.
“Passover is a time of celebration where we all come together and have a wonderful time,” said Wolf. “It’s a time to have fun and welcome people over to eat.”
Marla’s matzoth (plural of matzo) are available by preorder on their website, marlabakery.com, until 5 p.m. April 8 or, in limited amounts, at their shop (208 Davis St., Santa Rosa, 707-852-4091) from Friday, April 11, through Sunday, April 13. They’ll also have chocolate-dipped macaroons and a flourless chocolate torte for Passover.
More than matzo
Food is at the heart of the Passover celebration, beginning with the traditional Seder meal on April 12. Throughout the week, a variety of dishes are enjoyed, from brisket and lamb to matzo ball soup, smoked fish and macaroon cookies.
Though many Jewish families spend days preparing these meals, some Sonoma County restaurants and bakeries are doing the work for you.
Lambshank at Grossman’s Noshery & Deli in Santa Rosa is part of the Passover dinner available for pick up. (Photo: Grossman’s)Falafel at Grossman’s Noshery & Deli in Santa Rosa is part of the Passover dinner available for pick up. (Photo: Grossman’s)
Grossman’s Noshery & Bar
À la carte dinner, available for pickup April 12-20, includes brisket with potato leek latkes and horseradish cream, lamb shanks, chicken shawarma kebabs, a smoked meat board, smoked and pickled fish board, Sabich board (fried eggplant, falafel, tabbouleh, matzo crackers and condiments), pomegranate molasses roasted carrots, matzo ball soup and chocolate orange sesame macaroons. Order online at grossmanssr.com. 308 Wilson St., Santa Rosa, 707-595-7707
La Bodega
This Sebastopol restaurant will host a traditional Passover service with a Seder Plate and Feast from 6 p.m., Saturday, April 12, with matzo ball soup, saffron chicken, stuffed cabbage and a Jerusalem artichoke and shiitake mushroom cassoulet. $59 for adults and $29 for children under 12. Reservations required. The meal can also be ordered for take-and-bake. 2295 Gravenstein Highway South, Sebastopol, 707-827-1832, sonomawineshop.com
Drewish Deli
Pick up your Passover meal at Healdsburg’s favorite Jewish deli. The meal includes housemade brisket au jus, gefilte fish with horseradish aioli, Bubbie’s matzo ball soup, noodle kugel and flourless chocolate mini cakes. $189, available for pickup April 11-14. Also available à la carte. Preorder only. 11 Mitchell Lane, Healdsburg, 707-955-0600, drewishdeli.com
Fun Fact: The Seder dinner traditionally features three matzoth. One, called the afikomen, is broken into two pieces, and the larger half is hidden by an adult. Children then search the house to find it, and the one who locates it is rewarded a small prize for returning it.
Fresh matzo from Marla Bakery. (Marla Bakery)
Matzo
From Amy Brown of Marla Bakery.
Makes 12 matzo
2 pounds bread flour (7 1/2 cups)
2 tsp. salt
3 ounces olive oil
1 1/2 cup water
Sea salt to top
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a mixer, combine all ingredients (except for the sea salt for topping). Mix on low speed until well combined. Remove from the mixer and divide the dough into 12 equal balls. Cover the balls with a wet towel or plastic wrap. One by one, roll each ball as thin as possible on a lightly-floured, upside-down baking sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt and use a fork to dock the dough. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake until crisp.
For more springtime celebrations in Sonoma County, check out dozens of local Easter happenings.
Great room. (Ned Bonzi / Sotheby’s International Realty)
A luxury home in the Sonoma hills — complete with distant San Francisco views — is available for sale. The new three-bedroom, three-bathroom, five-half-bathroom dwelling has a detached office or guest room. It sits on 15 wooded acres that include a pool and tennis court. The asking price is $12,000,000.
The modern building has three split-level stories of offset spaces that allow for rooftop patios on the second story. Bold brick-red siding accents the mostly white exterior and is repeated in the outdoor lounges and on the detached office.
Floor-to-ceiling windows and the open-concept layout allows for showstopping views throughout the home. The interior design’s clean lines and white interiors yield to the outdoor setting, but many indoor finishes provide a beautiful counterpoint.
Great room in hillside Sonoma home. (Ned Bonzi / Sotheby’s International Realty)Kitchen in hillside Sonoma luxury home. (Ned Bonzi / Sotheby’s International Realty)
Amid tranquil whites and creams, there are saturated design surprises. Super knotty wood planks on the great room ceiling crown the airy space with rustic elegance. Walnut-stained shelves offer an all-over richness in the library, as do chocolate brown walls in the dining room. A sagey-gray tile backsplash and a teal upholstered banquette pop in the kitchen. A bathroom is accented via a pixelated floral backsplash made of white and ochre micro-mosaic tiles. Hanging teardrops of brass and glass create an unconventional room divider in a living room.
Amenities include a cabana, outdoor fireplace and spa perched high on an upper patio with valley views. The woodsy property also enjoys a meadow that is ready to become a vineyard, an event space or whatever the homeowners can envision.
For more information on this home at 17355 Norrbom Road in Sonoma, contact listing agent Holly Bennett, 707-484-4747, 707-935-2500, Holly.Bennett@Sothebys.Realty, Sotheby’s International Realty – Wine Country – Sonoma Brokerage, 793 Broadway, Sonoma, hollybennett.com
Kitchen and great room. (Brian McCloud Photography)
A 2021 build brings modern style to a woodsy hillside in Guerneville. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom home and bunkhouse sit on nearly a quarter of an acre. The asking price is $795,000.
The 1,400-square-foot home has an expansive feel thanks to the open layout, two-story vaulted ceilings and generous windows and sliders. Stained wood planks along the ceilings top the look with a rustic coziness.
Kitchen and great room in an airy Russian River home in Guerneville. (Brian McCloud Photography)Deck off the great room provides forest views from the Russian River home. (Brian McCloud Photography)
A wraparound redwood porch — accessible from all rooms and the bunkhouse — provides further immersion into the 360-degree forest views.
Other amenities include a jacuzzi and an unfinished basement ready for conversion into a movie room, workout studio or living space.
For more information on the home at 17783 Santa Rosa Ave. in Guerneville, contact listing agents Russ and Sandra White, 707-486-2131, Sonoma County Properties, 9056 Graton Road, Graton, russandsandra.com.
While the rooftop bar will have a dark, moody vibe it will also be a great spot to catch sunset. (Appellation)
It’s hard to miss when driving north on Highway 101 just past downtown Healdsburg. After years of planning and design, the 32-acre, mixed-use development known as North Village is beginning to look less like a construction site and more like a community. One of the most talked about pieces of the project — celebrity chef Charlie Palmer’s food and wine-focused Appellation Healdsburg hotel — is eyeing a late summer opening.
The Appellation hotel brand is a collaboration between Palmer and Sonoma County resident Christopher Hunsberger, a hospitality veteran formerly with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. In addition to 108 rooms and suites, the hotel will feature a restaurant, rooftop bar, spa and fitness center.
“It’s really coming to life,” said Hunsberger.
A rendering of the restaurant and lobby at the forthcoming Appellation Healdsburg. (Appellation)
Appellation’s food and wine focus will be apparent from the moment guests step into its take on a hotel lobby. Instead of the classic front desk serving as the focal point, it’s the restaurant, kitchen and circular fireplace that will make the first impression on visitors (the reception desk is set off to the side of the entrance). When they pick up their room keys, guestscan expect such offerings as light bites and seasonal cocktails.
The lobby layout also includes dedicated space for the brand’s Crafted at Appellation classes. Forthcoming workshops at locations throughout Sonoma County cover everything from planting terrariums to blending freshly roasted coffee beans.
“It will be very different than any other hotel reception experience, at least that I know exists today,” said Palmer.
Rooms and suites are spread throughout a dozen or so buildings. In addition to a spa with eight treatment rooms, there are two pools (one for adults only), and a fitness center with training equipment and class offerings. No details have been released, but a local membership option is said to be in the works.
The Appellation Healdsburg hotel will have 108 rooms. A model room (pictured) has been constructed in downtown Healdsburg. (Appellation)
Many residents at neighboring Enso Village — described as a Zen-inspired senior living community — appear to have already settled in. Above approximately 12,000 square feet of retail space, the framework for 53 affordable apartments is coming together. There will also be 27 middle-income qualified townhomes as part of the North Village project.
Appellation Healdsburg is still a hard hat construction site, but the number of final stretch touches are growing with each day. Mature olive trees are being planted and tile is being set. It won’t be long before an assorted four dozen fruit trees and 24 raised culinary beds are integrated into the landscape.
It’s been more than two decades since Palmer opened Dry Creek Kitchen in downtown Healdsburg. Every Thursday night, locals are invited to take advantage of the restaurant’s three-course Sonoma Neighbor Menu for $55. Palmer said he looks forward to welcoming locals to Appellation Healdsburg as well.
The forthcoming rooftop bar at Appellation Healdsburg. (Appellation)
“Yes, it’s a hotel and yes, there’s going to be people coming here hopefully from all over the place, but first and foremost, it’s about welcoming locals into another great piece of Healdsburg,” said Palmer. “I want that bar to be full of locals. I want the restaurant and spa to be full of locals.”
Rates at Appellation Healdsburg are expected to start at just above $500 a night, plus a daily resort fee of $45. 165 Foss Creek Circle, Healdsburg, appellationhotels.com
Sonoma County Hotels Show Off Renovations, New Menus and Wellness Options
Just in time for spring, several Sonoma County hotels are giving people more reasons to plan a trip or Wine Country staycation.
Vintners Resort just debuted a new resort pool flanked with daybeds, cabanas and fire pits. Day passes are available for locals looking to lounge poolside, but not stay at the property. The next phase of renovations at the Santa Rosa property includes refreshed rooms and a lobby facelift. 4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa, 707-575-7350, vintnersresort.com
The Restaurant at Farmhouse Inn is now serving breakfast and lunch. Dinner service now includes a la carte offerings in addition to the three-course, prix fixe Taste of Farmhouse menu. 7871 River Road, Forestville, 707-887-3300, farmhouseinn.com/restaurant
Calling all spa lovers! Thanks to a new partnership with UK-based celebrity skin designer Fatma Shaheen of Skin Design London and Montage Hotels & Resort, a pair of new facials just launched at the spa at Montage Healdsburg. The new treatments include the SDL Vitamin Skin Glow Facial ($495) and SDL Face Tight Facial ($975). 100 Montage Way, Healdsburg, 707-979-9000, montage.com/healdsburg
Brunch at Wit & Wisdom restaurant in Sonoma. (David Varley/Wit and Wisdom)
Easter is hopping right around the corner — which means it’s time to start planning your Sunday brunches and egg hunts.
From restaurants and bakeries to churches and social clubs, various Sonoma County establishments are celebrating the spring holiday with an assortment of activities and treats. We’ve also included some local Passover treats for good measure (see more Passover options and details here).
All meals and events will take place Easter Sunday, April 20, unless noted otherwise.
Windsor
Windsor Kiwanis Club Easter Egg Hunt
The Kiwanis Club of Windsor will host its free annual Easter egg hunt starting promptly at 10 a.m., April 12, on the Windsor High School baseball field. Children will be divided into age groups and all attendants must bring their own basket or bag. Easter Bunnies will be there for photo ops. Learn more online.
The Windsor Kiwanis Easter egg hunt was a big hit with the under four crowd, Saturday, April 7, 2012. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
Newsong Church Easter Egg Hunt
Newsong Church will host its free egg hunt starting at 11 a.m., April 19. The event will include separate age-group egg hunts, music, doughnuts and a free family gift basket raffle. Learn more and register online.
Grata will be open for brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Easter Sunday. The brunch menu includes French toast, avocado toast, short rib omelet, brunch burger with fried egg and smoked salmon Benedict. Reserve on OpenTable.
The Petaluma Sunrise Rotary club’s annual “Great Petaluma Egg Hunt” will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, April 12, at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. The free family event will include egg hunts, face painting, Easter Bunny photo ops and other children’s activities, plus snacks and beverages. The egg hunts are for children 12 and under. Call 707-338-0641 for more information.
Kicking off Easter season a week early, Petaluma’s Farm Barn will host a Spring Eggstravaganza from 2-4 p.m., April 13, at the barn on Pepper Road. The event will include an Easter egg hunt, Easter bunny photo ops, an art table, farm animals to interact with, and sweet treats and drinks. Tickets are $20 for children 4 through 12, $15 for children 3 and under, and free for non-walkers. Email farmbarn2910@gmail.com to RSVP.
Shrimp skagen will be on the Easter brunch menu at Stockhome restaurant in Petaluma. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)Matjes herring will be on the Easter brunch menu at Stockhome restaurant in Petaluma. (Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat)
Stockhome Swedish Easter Celebration
Stockhome will host Easter brunch from noon to 3 p.m. featuring a Swedish-inspired menu. Brunch will include Nordic breads, Swedish cheese board with huckleberry jam, matjes herring, skagen (shrimp toast), devilled eggs, cheese pie, smoked salmon, grilled lamb loin and strawberry rhubarb pie. Tickets are $90 for adults, $45 for children aged 2-12 and free for children under 2. See the full menu and purchase tickets online.
Jeremy Kshevatzky with kids Mila, 4, and Callan, 2, look for Easter eggs, Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Karah Estate Vineyard in Cotati. In blue is Erin Kshevatzky. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat) 2022The Dunne family from Santa Rosa, Tom, Kacie and Angie, finish up looking for Easter eggs, Saturday, April 16, 2022 at Karah Estate Vineyard in Cotati. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
Karah Estate Vineyards Easter Egg Hunt
Karah Estate Vineyards will host a free Easter egg hunt from 2-5 p.m., April 19, in the vineyard. The event will include self portraits, children’s toys, wine tasting and dog biscuits.
Catering and events company Sally Tomatoes will host an Easter brunch buffet and egg hunt starting at 10 a.m. at SOMO Village. Brunch, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will include eggs Benedict, varied salads, French toast, carved ham, tortellini pesto and chicken parmigiana. Brunch is $30 for adults and $16 for children. Space is limited and guests must RSVP by April 16. The egg hunt is free and there is a limit of 10 eggs per child. RSVP online.
1100 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park, 707-665-9472, sallytomatoes.com
Brunch from Sally Tomatoes Catering and Events. (Courtesy Sally Tomatoes)
Rohnert Park Assembly of God Egg Hunt
Children up to 13 are invited to participate in a free egg hunt after the church’s 10:30 a.m. Easter service on Sunday. Doors open at noon and the egg hunt starts at 12:15 p.m., including a special egg hunt for preschoolers. There will also be a free hay ride and bubble show. Reserve a spot on Eventbrite.
Montage Healdsburg Bunny Craft Corner & Hazel Hill Easter Brunch
Paintbox, Montage Healdsburg’s signature children’s program, will host a Bunny Craft Corner exclusively for resort guests 5-12 years old, featuring activities such as egg dying and creating bunny ears, at 1 p.m., April 18-20. Reserve a spot online.
The resort’s Hazel Hill restaurant will host an Easter brunch buffet, April 20, including eggs Florentine, Belgian waffles, country-fried chicken, chilled fava bean soup, oysters, smoked salmon, cheese tortellini, satsuma-glazed ham and peppercorn-crusted prime rib. A seasonal dessert display will include macarons, carrot cake, Easter cookies, pistachio panna cotta, lemon meringue tart, hazelnut mousse cake and more. Brunch tickets are $145 per adult and $65 per child. Reserve brunch on OpenTable.
Greek yogurt panna cotta from Hazel Hill at Montage Healdsburg. A granola berry parfait will be on Hazel Hill’s Easter brunch menu. (Emma K Creative)
Comstock Wines Easter Egg Hunt
Comstock Wines will host its annual Easter egg hunt in the vineyards from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 19. The “Egg Scramble in the Vineyard” starts at 11 a.m. sharp, followed by wood-fired pizzas and wine. Reservations are required as space is limited. Book on Tock.
Dry Creek Kitchen at Hotel Healdsburg will host an Easter Jubilee from 1:30-3:30 p.m., including its second annual Easter egg hunt at 2 p.m., on April 19. The event will include brunch-style bites such as sirloin sliders, eggs mimosa and fresh pastries. Tickets are $75 for non-hotel guests, $60 for hotel guests, and $25 for children 12 and under. Reserve on OpenTable.
Rhubarb strawberry pie bites at Spoonbar restaurant in Healdsburg. (Heather Irwin)
Spoonbar Easter Brunch
Spoonbar will host its Easter brunch buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The menu includes spring salads, eggs Benedict, brioche French toast, stuffed shells, roasted salmon, leg of lamb and bite-sized desserts, plus bottomless Bellinis. $75 per person; $35 for children 12 and under. Reserve on OpenTable.
Dry Creek Kitchen will host Easter brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a three-course, prix fixe menu from chef Shane McAnelly. Menu dishes include prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, kanpachi crudo, early spring quiche, smoked salmon eggs Benedict, seared dayboat scallops and grilled filet mignon. There will also be a selection of seasonal desserts and Easter cocktails. Tickets are $110 per person and $55 for children under 6. Reserve on OpenTable.
The Cloverdale Lions Club will host its annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 19, at Jefferson Elementary School on North Street. The playground opens at 9 a.m. for photo ops with the Crayola Easter Bunny, followed by the main egg hunt event starting promptly at 10 a.m. Over 2,000 eggs will be scattered about three fields for three age groups: preschool, kindergarten and first grade, and second and third grades. Bring your own basket or container. Free. Contact Lions club member Mike Nicholls at 707-548-2529 or mnicholls@vjbcellars.com for more details.
Francis Ford Coppola Winery Spring Egg Hunt and Carnival
The winery’s annual Spring Egg Hunt and Carnival will kick off at 11 a.m., April 19. After the egg hunt through the vineyards, head back to the winery for an all-ages carnival featuring games, live entertainment and photos with the Easter Bunny. Francis Ford Coppola Winery’s Pool Cafe will be open with a special a la carte menu. Guests are encouraged to arrive between 10-10:45 a.m., and advised to bring their own basket for the egg hunt. Tickets are $15 per child 12 and under; no tickets needed for ages 13 and over. Tickets go on sale April 4 and are limited 12 per guest.
The Geyserville Inn restaurant, Geyserville Grille, will host an Easter brunch from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The brunch menu includes crepes, ham and spinach quiche, mango salad with chicken, tuna poke nachos, Mediterranean pasta, salmon BLT and eggs Benedict with wine-infused hollandaise. Dishes come with complimentary coffee and dessert. Call 707-857-4343 (ext. 5) to make a reservation.
Big Chicken Soup (aka matzoh ball soup) at Grossman’s Deli in Santa Rosa. (Loren Hansen)Brisket at Grossman’s Deli in Santa Rosa. (Loren Hansen)
Grossman’s Passover Dinner
Grossman’s Noshery & Bar will offer a Passover dinner for pick up from April 12 through April 20. The Passover menu includes braised brisket, lamb shanks, matzoh ball soup, chicken shawarma kebabs, smoked meats and pickled fish boards, molasses roasted carrots and kosher chocolate orange sesame macaroons. Order online.
Santa Rosa’s Montgomery Village will host an Easter-themed scavenger hunt from 10 a.m. to noon, April 13. Recommended for ages 4-8, the hunt begins at Cupcake Children’s Boutique or Copperfield’s Books to pick up clue cards, which will include puzzles to solve to find items. The nearby Shake Shack will offer samples as well as a prize wheel for guests to spin for a chance to win a delicious treat.
The Bennett Valley Golf Course restaurant Iron & Vine will host two Easter brunches, at 9:30 a.m. and noon, as well as two egg hunts at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., at the restaurant and links. Brunch will include spring salad, a challah French toast station, eggs Benedict, breakfast potatoes, rosemary ham and an assorted dessert bar. Tickets are $52 for adults and $20 for children ages 3-12. Purchase brunch tickets on Eventbrite or reserve online.
The Promise Center will celebrate Easter from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Grace Pavillion at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. The event includes an Easter service and free egg hunt. There will also be an after party with food trucks. Learn more from sponsor The Promise Center.
Eggs Benedict from chef John Ash Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
John Ash & Co. Easter Brunch
The Vintners Resort restaurant will host an Easter brunch buffet with seatings between 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., plus egg hunts and an appearance from the Easter Bunny for the little ones. The brunch menu includes a mimosa station, fresh baked goods, a raw bar with oysters and ceviche, a breakfast station with classic brunch staples and a kids station. There will also be a hot station and carving station, featuring such dishes as Pacific halibut, grilled chicken breast, lamb tagine and slow-roasted prime rib. A grand finale includes mini eclairs, tiramisu, cheese blintzes, Belgian waffles and mini cheesecakes. Brunch is $125 per person. Two separate egg hunts will be at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reserve on OpenTable.
With many eggs already collected, this guest continues the hunt for eggs and candy during the Easter egg hunt at Safari West in Santa Rosa on Sunday, April 21, 2019. (Will Bucquoy / for The Press Democrat)Audrey, 4, and Owen Mroczka, 6, get ready to bite into Easter cupcakes at Safari West in Santa Rosa on Sunday, April 21, 2019. (Will Bucquoy / for The Press Democrat)
Safari West Easter Brunch and Hunt for the Hare
Sonoma’s Serengeti will host its annual Easter brunch, hare scavenger hunt and egg hunt, with separate times at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The brunch includes devilled eggs, French toast, glazed ham, wildflower salad, smoked salmon, vegetable medley and a made-to-order omelet bar. The popular scavenger hunt for Mr. Hare involves a “Carrot Clue Quest” in which guests “visit four designated stations, collect stamps and gather hints to uncover Mr. Hare’s secret hiding spot.” Special rewards for finding the mischievous hare include a candy treat and a $5 Kids Bunny Buck to spend at the gift shop. Tickets are $55 for adults, $35 for children 4-12 and free for toddlers 3 and under. Learn more and purchase tickets online.
3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, 707-579-2551, safariwest.com
Flamingo Resort & Spa Easter Brunch
Flamingo Resort will host an Easter brunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring an omelet station, yogurt parfait bar and prime rib carving station. Other menu items include buttermilk pancakes, sweet potato frittata, salmon curry, mac and cheese, lemon dill chicken and roasted vegetables. Desserts include carrot cake, macarons, chocolate chip cookies and chocolate mousse tart. Brunch is $80 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under. Reserve on Tock.
Larson Family Winery will host a four-day weekend of Easter activities from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 17-20. The celebration will include an adult Easter egg hunt featuring eggs filled with exclusive wine and merchandise discounts. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance from noon to 3 p.m., April 20, for photo ops with the kids. Reserve on Tock.
Soroptimist International of Sonoma Valley will sponsor the annual Easter egg hunt from 10-11 a.m., April 19, on the Sonoma Plaza. Over 3,500 eggs will be scattered about four sections of the plaza, taped off for ages 2-10. Bring baskets from home. Peter Rabbit the Easter Bunny will be on the Plaza until 10:45 a.m. for photos.
Sonoma Plaza, 453 First St. E., Sonoma, 707-938-3681, sonomacity.org
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn hosts an Easter brunch buffet from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. as well as egg hunts at 10 a.m. and noon. (Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn)
Santé Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt
Santé restaurant at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa will host an Easter brunch buffet from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., which includes two egg hunts. The brunch menu includes lobster Benedict, lemon ricotta pancakes, brioche French toast, chicken and waffles, and roasted lamb chops. There will be a dessert buffet featuring strawberry cheesecake, carrot cake, passion fruit crème brûlée, lemon curd tartlets, grasshopper chocolate panna cotta and more. The Easter egg hunts will be at 10 a.m. and noon, included in brunch reservations and complimentary for hotel guests. Brunch is $125 per adult, $39 for children 6 to 12 and free for children 5 and under. Reserve on OpenTable.
Brunch at Layla restaurant at MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa in Sonoma. (Emma K Creative)
Layla Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt
Layla at MacArthur Place will host an Easter brunch along with an egg hunt starting at 11 a.m. on the estate’s Burris Lawn. Brunch will include avocado toast, buttermilk pancakes, crispy halibut sandwich, double smashburger, steak and eggs, Dungeness crab cakes and lamb pita. There will also be Wolf Coffee, Uppercase Tea, Happy Moose cold-pressed juice and special cocktails. Reserve a spot on OpenTable.
French toast with strawberry compote and candied pistachio from Wit & Wisdom in Sonoma is on the Easter brunch menu. (Courtesy Wit & Wisdom)Eggs Benedict from Wit & Wisdom in Sonoma is on the Easter brunch menu. (Courtesy Wit & Wisdom)
Wit & Wisdom Easter Brunch
Wit & Wisdom at The Lodge at Sonoma will celebrate Easter with a three-course, prix fixe brunch menu, plus a la carte items, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The menu includes shakshuka, smoked salmon tartine, short rib pop-tart, French toast, eggs Benedict, croque madame and chef Michael Mina’s lobster pot pie. There will also be a la carte seafood towers featuring oysters, shrimp, Maine lobster and red king crab. Dessert will be a self-service pastry buffet. Reserve online.
The annual Kenwood Easter Egg Hunt will start at 9 a.m., April 19, at Kenwood Plaza Park. Sponsored by the Kenwood Firefighters Association. Bring your own basket.
The annual Kenwood egg hunt on Saturday, April 31, 2018. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Salt & Stone Easter Brunch
Kenwood’s Salt & Stone will host Easter brunch with seatings available between 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Brunch entrees will be served with coffee cake, fresh fruit and choice of beverage. Reserve a spot on OpenTable.
Palooza will be open from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for an Easter Sunday brunch. Brunch specials include avocado toast, chilaquiles, hash and eggs, breakfast tacos and brunch cocktails. Reserve on Yelp.
Glen Ellen’s new Songbird Parlour will celebrate Easter with a family-style feast, with select seatings between 4:30-7 p.m. The menu includes whole roasted fish, spring vegetables, warm artisanal bread and lamb. Dinner is $89 per person. Reserve on Toast or email info@songbirdparlour.com.
Middle Eastern stuffed cabbage will be on the Passover menu at La Bodega Kitchen in Sebastopol. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
Sonoma Wine Shop & La Bodega Kitchen Passover Dinner
Rick Concoff will host a Passover dinner service from 6-9 p.m., April 12, at La Bodega in Sebastopol. The family-style feast will include a traditional Passover plate with matzo, cabbage and pistachio salad, matzo ball soup, “not” Moroccan saffron chicken, stuffed cabbage, Jerusalem artichokes, basmati rice and a Passover dessert platter. The dinner is $59 for adults and $29 for children under 12. A Passover wine tasting for four will be available for $20. Call to reserve.
The Forestville chamber of commerce will host its annual Easter egg hunt starting promptly at 10 a.m., April 13, at Forestville Youth Park. There will be milk and cookies after the hunt.
Four to 6-year-olds search for eggs and candy during the Sebastopol Kiwanis Club’s annual Easter egg hunt at Ives Park in Sebastopol, Saturday, March 30, 2024. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Kiwanis Club of Sebastopol Easter Egg Hunt
The Kiwanis Club of Sebastopol will host its annual Easter egg hunt starting at 10 a.m., April 19, at Ives Park. Children of all ages are welcome to attend the free egg hunt and the Easter Bunny will be present for photo ops.
The Friends of Monte Rio and Monte Rio Union School District will present a spring celebration featuring an egg hunt from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 19, at Monte Rio School. There will be games, music from DJ Damien, a special appearance from the Easter Bunny and an egg drop contest involving a homemade contraption to safely cradle a raw egg.
The Russian River Chamber of Commerce will host an Easter-themed market from noon to 4 p.m., April 19, on the Guerneville Plaza. There will be music, food and local merchant booths to shop from. Learn more and register online.
Guerneville Plaza, off River Road and First Street in downtown Guerneville. russianriver.com
St. Elizabeth Church Easter Egg Hunt
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church will host an Easter egg hunt from 2-5 p.m., April 19, at Saint Hubert’s Hall and Field in Guerneville. The annual spring gathering will include food, games, raffle prizes and a coloring contest. Children under 10 are invited to participate in the egg hunt; adult supervision required. The egg hunt will be followed by an Easter vigil at 5 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Church (14095 Woodland Ave.).
The Rio Nido Roadhouse will host a grand “Easter Egg-stravaganza” from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring brunch, egg hunts and fun competitions. Easter brunch will include Mediterranean quiche, honey-baked ham, macaroni salad, roasted carrots and potatoes, and a cherry cheesecake bar. The kids brunch includes scrambled egg and ham, fresh fruit and bunny cakes. Brunch is $23 for adults and $12 for children. The egg hunt for children 6 and under starts at 10:30 a.m. and the hunt for children 7 and over starts at 11 a.m. There will be a diorama art competition on the theme of “PEEPS on vacation” (drop off art before noon). A catapult launch competition and viewing starts a noon — catapults must be homemade with no gas or forced air. There will be youth and adult prizes for competition winners.
Steak bavette will be on the Easter brunch menu at the Restaurant at Farmhouse Inn in Forestville. (Farmhouse Inn)
Farmhouse Inn Easter Brunch
The Restaurant at Farmhouse Inn will host an Easter brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including a tea station and DIY flower arranging cart at the inn’s upper courtyard wellness lounge. Farmhouse’s three-course prix fixe brunch menu includes vichyssoise, deviled eggs, steak bavette, Dungeness crab cake, eggs Benedict, coffee and chocolate mousse, and lemon poppy seed cake. Brunch is $115.90 per person. Reserve on OpenTable.
Dinucci’s Restaurant & Bar will serve a five-course Easter brunch starting at 11 a.m. as well as lunch and dinner specials until 6:30 p.m. The menu includes minestrone soup, green garden salad, beef and spinach ravioli, honey-glazed Easter ham and Limoncello tiramisu, plus Easter cocktails. Brunch is $42 per person.
Formerly Rocker Oysterfeller’s in Valley Ford, Rocker’s Roadhouse will host a two-course Easter brunch for $38. The brunch menu includes beignets, deviled eggs, spring asparagus soup, crabcake Benedict, fried chicken and cornmeal waffles, pimento cheese smashburger and bananas Foster French toast. Tomales Bay oysters will be available as add-ons.
Tomales Bay oysters will be on the Easter brunch menu at Rocker’s Roadhouse in Valley Ford. (Courtesy of Rocker Oysterfeller’s)Remoulade Crab Louis Salad will be on the Easter brunch menu at Rocker Oysterfeller’s at Lucas Wharf in Bodega Bay. (Erik Castro / For The Press Democrat)
Rocker Oysterfeller’s at the Wharf Easter Brunch
Opened in August of last year, Rocker Oysterfeller’s at Lucas Wharf will host an Easter brunch including assorted pastries, spring harvest salad, a seafood course and choice of entree. Brunch entrees include Gulf shrimp and Carolina grits, local rock cod fish and chips, double smashburger, roasted tomato or crabcake Benedict, iron steak frites and Belgian-style cornmeal waffle. Optional add-ons include an oyster menu, caviar service and dessert cart. Brunch is $66 per adult and $18 for children under 15 (a kids menu will be available).
Drakes Sonoma Coast restaurant at The Lodge at Bodega Bay will host an Easter brunch buffet. The brunch menu includes assorted appetizer and desserts, eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles, steak and eggs, Bodega Bay crab omelet, Cuban sandwich, huevos rancheros and Creekstone Farms cheeseburger. There will also be bottomless mimosas along with a sizable beer and wine list. Brunch is $75 for adults and $49 for youth ages 13-17. An a la carte menu for children 12 and under will also be available.
The Bay View Restaurant & Lounge at The Inn at the Tides will host an Easter brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a three-course menu. Brunch features varied dishes such as bombolone (Italain jelly-filled doughnut), cream of carrot soup, lobster deviled eggs, wild mushroom omelet, chicken adobo, grilled lamb chops, carrot cake and berry panna cotta.
Coast Kitchen at Timber Cove Resort will have a special brunch menu on Easter featuring lemon poppyseed pancakes, panzanella salad, eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy, short rib hash and more. Reserve a spot on Resy.
The farm-raised beef burger with fries will be on the Easter brunch menu at The Sea Ranch Lodge Restaurant. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
The Sea Ranch Lodge Easter Brunch
The restaurant at The Sea Ranch Lodge will have a special Easter brunch menu including classics such as avocado toast, eggs Benedict, huevos rancheros, vanilla French toast, duck confit hash, farm-raised beef burger and curried chicken salad. Reserve a seat on OpenTable.
Sarmentine is offering festive Easter specials for walk-in or pre-order. Specials include chocolate Easter Bunny log, white chocolate mousse Easter cake, hot cross buns and Easter brioche topped with Valrhona chocolate eggs. Deadline for Easter pre-orders is April 11. Place order online or over the phone for pickup at any three Sarmentine locations.
52 Mission Circle, Suite 112, Santa Rosa; 840 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma; 6760 McKinley Street, Suite 150, Sebastopol. 707-623-9595, sarmentine.com
Marla Bakery
Marla Bakery has a selection of special baked goods for Passover from April 11-13 and for Easter from April 19-20. The Passover and Easter menu includes hand-rolled matzo, spring-inspired macarons, pate de fruits, hot cross buns, flourless chocolate torte and a half dozen chocolate-dipped coconut macaroons. Items range from $12-$50. Order online for pickup.
Easter cookies from Frosty’z Bakery by Jaeden. (Courtesy Frosty’z Bakery by Jaeden)Easter cookies from Frosty’z Bakery by Jaeden. (Courtesy Frosty’z Bakery by Jaeden)
Frosty’z Bakery by Jaeden
The Sonoma County home bakery is selling Easter cookies for pickup between noon to 4 p.m., April 19, in Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park. Cookies include chicks, bunnies, Easter eggs and spring flowers. Prices range from $7.50-$50. Place orders online. Pick-up instructions and address locations will be available in confirmation email after order is placed.
Sonoma County’s Greek food truck Dino’s will be offering tsoureki, a traditional Greek Easter sweet bread similar to challah, but made with fragrant mahlepi spice (ground cherry seeds). Pre-orders open soon. Check Dino’s Facebook for upcoming details.
In time for Easter, Blondie’s Bakery has introduced its newest cupcake flavor: spiced carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Also in the shop this spring are flower sugar cookies with colorful sprinkles.
Penngrove’s newest bakery Odd Cookie has Easter cupcakes available for preorder and pickup at the bakeshop. Some of the festive cupcakes include the vanilla chocolate chip “Hoppy Easter” topped with an M&M brownie; the coconut “Bunny Butt” topped with a carrot cake and coconut bunny bottom; and the funfetti “You Crack Me Up” topped with a breakable white chocolate egg filled with spring sprinkles.
Easter goodies from The Chocolate Cow in Sonoma. (Courtesy of The Chocolate Cow)Easter goodies from The Chocolate Cow in Sonoma. (Courtesy of The Chocolate Cow)
The Chocolate Cow
The Chocolate Cow has special boxes of Easter treats available for shipping. One box has Belgian chocolate-covered Oreos with a carrot detail on each; and the other box has an assortment of bunny truffles, pecan turtles, peanut butter cups and sea salt caramels. The Easter assortment box can come in all dark or all milk chocolate, or a mix of both. Easter boxes are $25-34 each. The chocolate shop also has giant rocky road Easter eggs, made with Belgian chocolate and stuffed with marshmallows and walnuts, at $18.95 for two. Order online for shipping.
Artisan chocolatier Fleur Sauvage currently has a selection of Easter treats for sale, including bonbons, lollipops, chocolate eggs and chocolate Easter bunnies. Email fleursauvagechocolates@gmail.com to place order for pickup.
A brass bunny filled with chocolate truffles from Fleur Sauvage in Windsor. (Fleur Sauvage)Chocolate Easter Bunny army from Volo Chocolate in Windsor. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Volo Chocolate
This Windsor chocolate factory is offering an Easter “Egg-Flation” Busting Bunny pack, which includes a solid 62% dark milk chocolate bunny with three solid 73% deep dark chocolate eggs. The Easter pack is $17. Order online for shipping.
Downtown Bakery’s Easter menu includes hot cross buns with candied orange and raisins, brioche dinner rolls, braided brioche loaf, vanilla shortbread Easter cookies, carrot cake, lemon meringue pie and more. Order deadline is 4 p.m., April 14, for pickup from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 19, or from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 20. Pre-order online.
Costeaux French Bakery has a selection of treats and baked goods available for Easter, such as carrot cake, hot cross buns (available through April 25) and holiday shortbread cookies. Order at Costeaux locations or online for pickup in time for Easter.
Hot cross buns from Costeaux French Bakery in Healdsburg. (Costeaux French Bakery)Easter treats from Costeaux French Bakery in Healdsburg. (Costeaux French Bakery)
Patisserie Angelica
Patisserie Angelica is selling a selection of spring and Easter-themed desserts to order before the holiday. The spring dessert menu includes macarons, decorated Easter cookies, lemon egg-shaped cake, chocolate raspberry eggs, Easter-decorated spiced carrot cake, gateau Parisian and flourless chocolate souffle. Call or walk in to order. Spring hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Closed on Easter Sunday, April 20.
Lemon Lavender egg from Patisserie Angelica in Sebastopol. (Patisserie Angelica)Macaron flavors by Patisserie Angelica in Sebastopol include rose, pistachio, salted caramel, Meyer lemon and blackberry. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Nom Nom Cakes
Bodega Bay-based bakery Nom Nom Cakes is offering Easter specials in addition to its usual array of pies, tarts and specialty cakes. The specials include chocolate-dipped cream puffs; spring floral basket cake with buttercream flowers; bunny and spring floral cupcakes; breakable, candy-filled chocolate Easter eggs; and an Easter cookie decorating kit that has everything you need to create a dozen charming Easter-themed sugar cookies. Easter items range from $18-$150. Order online for pickup.
Famous Bay Area chocolatier See’s Candies has a vast selection of Easter candy available for shipping, delivery or pickup. Treats include chocolate bunnies, springtime truffles, jelly beans, sour bunnies gummies, limited-time spring lollipops, chocolate eggs and assorted Easter baskets and chocolate boxes. Order online or visit locations in Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa and Windsor. sees.com
We’ve seen friends nearly come to blows over where to find the best burritos in Sonoma County — everyone has a favorite taco truck or hole-in-the-wall taqueria they’re convinced has the secret sauce for making the world’s best burrito.
To help settle this ones and for all, we’ve come up with the ultimate guide to the best burritos in Sonoma County — from the obvious to the undiscovered, including one that weighs in at 8 pounds. Adding to our own opinions, we’ve previously included direct quotes from Bite Club readers and foodies who responded to our call out for “the best burritos in Sonoma County.”
Click through the above gallery for a peek at some of the best burritos in Sonoma County.
Sonoma
Sonoma Eats: The Wet Super Burrito is enough for a small family or a single teenage boy. It is stuffed with meat (we recommend the house-marinated al pastor), cheese, beans, rice and all the fixings, and comes topped with mole or salsa verde. 18133 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, 707-343-1141, sonoma-eats.com
Juanita Juanita: We say go nuts with the Garlic Garlic Burrito and never worry about vampires again. “I’m partial to their Carnitas Pastor Tacos,” said Tony. Their Super Burrito is a favorite among locals; the next level up is the Big Ranch and the Super, grilled and topped with melted cheese and ranchero sauce. 19114 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-935-3981, juanitajuanita.com
La Bamba Taco Truck: Locals swear this is the ultimate nighttime spot for tacos and some of the best burritos the town of Sonoma has to offer. Open from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cash only. 18155 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, 707-322-1070. Find them on Instagram
Second-generation owner Kate Bruno with the Big Ranch carne asada burrito from Juanita Juanita in Sonoma. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Santa Rosa
Chelino’s: Chelino’s Super Wet Burrito is as flavorful as it is filling. Readers recommend carne asada for this large burrito, which is topped with a spicy verde sauce or a rich mole. 1079 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-571-7478. Find them on Instagram
Cielito Lindo: “We ordered burritos (the super chicken burrito and a carnitas burrito),” said Elisa O. “They were both huge — stuffed with a lot of fresh deliciousness! We will definitely go again!” Come for the burritos and stay for the birria tacos and fresh ceviche. 52 Mission Circle, Suite 110, Santa Rosa, 707-978-2070. Find them on Instagram
Delicias Elenita Taco Truck: Authentic Mexican food served under the stars makes Delicias Elenita a fiesta after dark. “Their super steak burrito is not only mouthwatering delicious, but is also cheap and affordable,” said Paul. 816 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-575-7021. Find them on Facebook
El Patio: “Burritos and breakfast burritos are probably some of the best in our great city of Santa Rosa,” said Brooks. “My burrito was practically the size of a brick,” said Ricardo, who ordered the Pork Chile Verde Super Burrito. “They did not skimp on anything, including the star of the show, which was the pork.” 425 Stony Point Road, Santa Rosa, elpatio1.com; 901 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-571-2222, elpatio2.com
La Palapa: “By far the best burrito I have ever had anywhere is the wet Terminator with Diabla Sauce at La Palapa. It is enough for two people and then some,” said Bite Club reader PepperHead. 590 Lewis Road, Santa Rosa, 707-569-9210, lapalapamexicanrestaurant.com
Mole burrito at La Fondita in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
La Fondita: This downtown cantina brings the fiesta (and some of the best burritos in Sonoma County) to downtown Santa Rosa. The shrimp burrito is awesome, along with the Mole burrito. La Fondita is open until 1 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 816 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-526-0881
Los Arcos: Los Arcos receives high praise from Facebook fans as a place to get a satisfying meat-egg-and-potato-stuffed breakfast burrito, with the chorizo breakfast burrito being among the most highly recommended. The McDougall Deluxe Burrito is a great veggie option. 1791 Marlow Road, Suite 6, Santa Rosa, 707-545-5858, losarcosrestaurantsr.com
Lola’s Market (various locations): Latino grocer with family-friendly prices and solid carnitas. “Huge and great prices, too,” said Michelle. 1680 Petaluma Hill Road, Santa Rosa, 707-571-7579; 440 Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-577-8846; 241 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, 707-762-2112; 102 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg 707-433-1978; 2750 Old Sonoma Road, Napa, 707-251-1698, lolasmarkets.com
Los Tres Chiles: The “No Manches” burrito is about the size of 10 regular burritos. It weighs in at 8 pounds and is 15 inches long. If you can eat it in 60 minutes, it’s free. Otherwise, it’s $44.95. 2765 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-304-5724, lostreschiles.com
Taqueria El Favorito: If you’re looking for Mission-style burritos, head to El Favorito on Sebastopol Road. “Get the super burrito al pastor,” said Crystal, “I would show you a pic, but I ate it with the voracity of a honey badger eating a cobra. Sorry.” 565 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-526-7444, elfarolitosf.com
Taqueria Las Palmas: This unassuming taqueria off Santa Rosa Avenue is a sleeper, but is popular among authentic Mexican street food fans and off-duty chefs. Carne asada and al pastor burritos are a go-to. “It is HUGE and packed with perfectly tender and flavorful asada, refried beans, rice, avocado, sour cream and salsa with just a hint of fresh lime juice,” said Walt about the Super Burrito with carne asada. 415 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-546-3091
Zoftig Eatery: Zoftig’s Korean BBQ Burrito is a food truck mashup stuffed with Stemple Creek Ranch grass-fed ground beef, kimchi, daikon and short-grain brown rice inside a tortilla. It’s rib-sticking and hearty — not for dainty eaters. Our never-quite-full-enough digital editor gives it a thumbs up. 57 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-521-9554, zoftigeatery.com
Korean Burrito with ground beef, Korean barbecue sauce, avocado, jalapeno, pickled daikon and carrot, organic brown rice and kimchi at Zoftig in Santa Rosa. (Chris Hardy/For Sonoma Magazine)
Rohnert Park
Don Julios: This secret little gem is well-known for its pupusas, but readers really love the burritos as well. “You MUST try their al pastor. I’ve eaten at a lot of burrito spots and drive further for this place. Please. Try it,” said Brent. The Camarones Tropical Burrito with sautéed prawns, homemade Spanish rice and fresh tropical mango salsa is pretty delish, too. 217 Southwest Blvd., Rohnert Park, 707-242-3160, donjulioslatingrill.com
Petaluma
Mi Pueblo: The Macho, with meat, rice, cheese, sour cream, onion, cilantro, salsa, tomatoes, refried beans and guacamole, gets the wet treatment with a splash of “burrito sauce.” The Padre doubles the amount in the Macho; the Gordo triples it. 7384 Commerce Blvd., Cotati, mipueblocotati.com; 800 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, eatmipueblopetaluma.com
El Roy’s (various locations): “Finally a burrito spot that lives up to the hype,” said Damien. “I’m only mad about the fact that I didn’t eat here sooner. It’s practically perfect, I can’t think of a bad thing to say.” Shrimp Super Burrito and Carne Asada Super Burrito are popular picks. 401 E. Washington St. and 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma; 1569 Sebastopol Road, 2728 Santa Rosa Ave. and 505 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, elroysxpressmex.com
Healdsburg
Coastal Burrito from Agave Healdsburg with whole wheat tortilla, grilled fish and seasonal vegetables, black beans, cheese, avocado, and covered with salsa fresca. (Agave Healdsburg)
Agave: This restaurant from brothers Octavio and Pedro Diaz serves up a Diego’s Burrito that is a favorite among our Facebook followers. It features al pastor, grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms, organic potatoes, sour cream, guacamole and melted Monterey jack cheese. Regular and super burritos are available, too. 1063 Vine St., Healdsburg, 707-433-2411, agavehealdsburg.com
Casa del Mole: The Super Burrito Al Pastor is a favorite at this market and taqueria from the Diaz brothers. But you’re really here for the mole, which is prepared the old-fashioned way with dozens of ingredients, including Mexican chocolate. 434 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-433-4138, casadelmoletogo.com
Gallina D’Oro: The owners of Healdsburg’s El Farolito have renamed (and revamped the menu) of the longtime restaurant to Gallina D’Oro. The Barbacoa Burrito, with slow-cooked shredded beef and all the fixings, deserves a spot on our list of best burritos. 128 Plaza St., Healdsburg, 707-433-2807, gallinadoro.com
Taqueria Guadalajara: “Try the Burrito Manadero! It has the best mole sauce!” said Sue. “It rivals a Mission (San Francisco) burrito — the gold standard,” said Christopher. “Chili Verde Burrito, best avo-green salsa,” said Tina. 125 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-1052, ordertaqueriaguadalajara.com
Guerneville
Guerneville Taco Truck: No one really remembers what this popular food truck is actually called (it seems almost too easy that it’s simply the “Guerneville Taco Truck”). What they do remember is that they have the best burritos around. Usually parked in front of Safeway. 16405 Highway 116, Guerneville, guernevilletacotruck.com
Maci Martell and Owen Ruderman contributed to this article.
Hat Yai Fried Chicken with sticky rice, cucumber salad and sweet + sour sauce with a Mucho Micho cocktail from Underwood Bar and Bistro Friday, March 21, 2025, in Graton. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Hidden deep within rural west county is a restaurant you’ve visited a hundred times or have never heard of.
Locally, it’s legendary, a longtime favorite of wine industry folk who stop in for a beer after a long day among the vines and barrels of Green Valley. No one bats an eye when someone wearing dusty boots and Carhartt pants walks through the door.
Underwood Bistro is part of the fabric of Graton, having weathered nearly 25 years in the volatile restaurant industry. Built on the bones of a former roadhouse and watering hole, it’s retained its familiar come-as-you-are charm. Once inside, however, diners are transported to a Parisian-style bistro with long banquettes, bentwood chairs, a nickel-topped bar and soft yellow lighting that gives it an all-day sunset glow.
Opened in 2001 by San Francisco transplant and former chef Matthew Greenbaum, the menu has always featured brasserie classics like French onion soup, steak frites, cauliflower gratin and duck leg confit. But the kitchen is equally adept at tapas-style Mediterranean dishes and maybe a surprise Thai dish or two in the last few years.
It’s never been easy to pinpoint Underwood’s exact focus — “global tapas” doesn’t do it justice — but more importantly, there are always familiar favorites to revisit. Open for dinner until 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, it’s also a rare late-night spot.
Flat Iron Steak Frites with mushroom-shallot butter, arugula, chipotle steak sauce and frites from Underwood Bar and Bistro Friday, March 21, 2025, in Graton. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Chef Mark Miller has helmed the kitchen for 20 years, creating food that pairs perfectly with the region’s cool-climate Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays and adding his touches to the menu — most notably authentic Thai dishes.
On his first trip to Southeast Asia in the early 1990s, he fell in love with the hallmark sweet, sour and salty flavors of Thai cuisine — so much so that he began cooking in a Thai kitchen, learning how to make authentic curries, sauces and wok-fired dishes.
“I started going back every year — sometimes twice a year. Working in a Thai kitchen just changed me,” Miller said.
And while a few Thai dishes began appearing on the Underwood menu over the years, it wasn’t until COVID-19 that Thai cuisine became a secret specialty for in-the-know locals.
Hat Yai Fried Chicken with sticky rice, cucumber salad and sweet and sour sauce with a Mucho Micho cocktail from Underwood Bar and Bistro Friday, March 21, 2025, in Graton. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Chef Mark Miller’s Lord of the Rice competition winner: Nam Khao Tod, Lao-Thai Crispy Rice Salad with the popular Pineapple Express cocktail with a sprig of Thai basil Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, from Underwood Bar and Bistro in Graton. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
As restaurants shifted to takeout-only during the early months of the pandemic, Underwood moved to an all-Thai menu to simplify takeout. Cheeseburgers just don’t travel as well as pad Thai, said Miller. Locals not only loved it, they lined up for it.
“It just took off,” he said. With few choices for any type of Asian cuisine in west county, flavorful dishes like pad thai, crispy rice salad, Thai lettuce cups and Thai-style fried chicken gained a following.
In the years since, the Underwood menu has returned to its lineup of European tapas-style dishes — though Thai fan favorites have remained.
This year, he hopes to do a Thai pop-up featuring some of his favorite recipes, happy to have an excuse to fire up the wok and cook what he loves.
Pad Thai from Underwood Bar and Bistro Friday, March 21, 2025, in Graton. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Fun Fact: Pad thai is the number one seller among Thai dishes. “I’m not sure why, but we serve hundreds of them each week,” Miller said.
The Vibe: The bar is the heart of the restaurant and a great place to hang out if you’re going solo. The dining room is cozy, with tables for two and four — but it can get loud at night. The secluded outdoor patio is excellent for a lunch rendezvous or brunch with your dog.
A couple celebrate their anniversary in one of the two patio dining areas available for pets at Underwood Bar and Bistro Friday, March 21, 2025, in Graton. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
The Food: Chou-fleur, a cauliflower gratin, is a must-try — even if you hate cauliflower. No one can hate that much butter and cheese on anything. Salads are a specialty, and they’re all worth trying. The French frisse aux lardons salad has bitter greens, a poached egg and pancetta. You can’t go wrong with entrées, but the pad grapao moo is excellent. This unique Thai dish has spicy ground pork, a fried egg, pungent fish sauce with lime juice and jasmine rice. Hat Yai fried chicken is a revelation.
Pad Grapao Moo with spicy stir fried ground pork, long beans, Thai-style fried egg, prik nam pla and jasmine rice from Underwood Bar and Bistro Friday, March 21, 2025, in Graton. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)The view into the bar from the main dining room at Underwood Bar and Bistro Friday, March 21, 2025, in Graton. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
The Perks: An excellent classic cocktail list.
The Tab: Appetizers are $12-$15, and with a cocktail are a nice light choice. Salads are $13 to $24, and entrées from $24 to $36 (steak is $55). The range of prices makes it affordable for most, but you can certainly splurge.
The Service: Overall excellent, with props to the bar staff. Wait times are reasonable, even on busy nights.
The Bohème Wines tasting room in Occidental. (Jerry Dodrill / Bohème Wines)
Named for the Bohemian Highway that twists and turns its way through Sonoma’s majestic Northern Coast Range of redwoods, Bohème Wines is an unexpected find in laid-back downtown Occidental. The winery specializes in fresh and focused Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, inspired by cool-climate Sonoma Coast vineyard sites.
The story
Kurt Beitler founded Bohème Wines in 2004, but his winemaking origin story begins decades earlier. As the grandson of Caymus Vineyards founder Charlie Wagner and the nephew of co-founder Chuck Wagner, Beitler spent his early years among the vines in Napa. Although his family moved to Oregon when Beitler was still a child, the vines — and his uncle Chuck — would eventually call him back to the North Coast.
Kurt Beitler, founder of Bohème Wines, in a foggy coastal vineyard. (Jerry Dodrill / Bohème Wines)
Beitler spent summers as a preteen working on the Caymus bottling line and in 1999, Wagner encouraged his nephew to pursue a career in winemaking. Beitler started in the vineyards, learning the intricacies of winegrowing, and found that he loved working outdoors and tending the vines. Still, he wasn’t a big wine drinker in those early days; it took a few special wines from the Sonoma Coast — including William Selyem’s Summa Vineyard Pinot Noir and Littorai wines from the late ’90s — to light the spark of inspiration.
In 2004, Beitler founded his own winery focused on cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from four Sonoma Coast vineyards, including English Hill, Stuller, Taylor Ridge and Occidental Hills. He makes just 2,500 cases per year.
At English Hill Vineyard by the Sonoma Coast. (Jerry Dodrill / Bohème Wines)The Bohème Wines tasting room in Occidental. (Jerry Dodrill / Bohème Wines)
The vibe
Bohème’s tasting room is set in a small storefront on Occidental’s Main Street, outfitted with a few tables and a leather sofa, plus a casual stand-up tasting bar. Stunning large-scale photos of Bohème’s fog-shrouded vineyards adorn the walls, hinting at hidden landscapes just up the road from the tasting room. When he’s not out in the vineyards, the affable Beitler can often be found pouring wines for guests.
On the palate
Though Beitler enjoyed bolder wines in his younger days — he grew up on Caymus, after all — he makes his own Pinot and Chardonnay in a more delicate and reserved style. Alcohol levels are kept on the modest side and the wines are fermented until no residual sugar remains.
A bottle of 2021 Bohème Wines English Hill Vineyard Chardonnay. (Bohème Wines)A bottle of 2021 Bohème Wines Stuller Vineyard Pinot Noir. (Bohème Wines)
A standout for me is the 2021 English Hill West Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ($49), with its ocean-inspired minerality and floral notes. The 2021 Taylor Ridge Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($63) is another beauty, with a delicate profile that taps you on the shoulder and whispers of juicy pomegranates. The 2021 Stuller Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($63) is Bohème’s darkest Pinot, combining black fruits, earthy notes and complex tannins.
It’s common these days for Sonoma and Napa wineries to charge $50 or more for tastings, but Bohème doesn’t charge a thing. Beitler said he appreciates that people want to come in and sample his wines, and he wouldn’t feel right asking them to pay for it. Besides, he said, “Occidental is just not that kind of place.”
Kurt Beitler, founder of Bohème Winesin Occidental. (Jerry Dodrill / Bohème Wines)The Grove of Old Trees, an old-growth redwood grove with walking trails, near Occidental. (Alvin Jornada/The Press Democrat)
Beyond the bottle
Get a taste of the redwoods near Bohème with a hike at the Grove of Old Trees. This lovely old-growth Coast Redwood forest was set to be cut down in the 1990s before the LandPaths conservancy saved it from the saw. Now visitors can explore an easily accessible network of paths and trails in this privately owned grove.
3625 Main St., Occidental, 707-887-2287. Open from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. bohemewines.com
Tina Caputo is a wine, food and travel journalist who contributes to Sonoma magazine, SevenFifty Daily, Visit California, Northern California Public Media, KQED and more. Follow her on Bluesky at @winebroad.bsky.social, view her website at tinacaputo.com, and email her story ideas at tina@caputocontent.com.
