The end of an era for Chicago’s Cock Robin burger chain signaled a new beginning for Barlow owner Barney Aldridge. Now, he’s bringing the childhood memories of burgers and shakes to Sebastopol with the help of chef Jared Rogers of Petaluma’s Easy Rider.
The fast-casual, value-oriented restaurant replaces Seismic Brewing at the 12-acre outdoor marketplace. Seismic moved into the Golden State Cider tasting room in 2022 after vacating the high-profile, 4,000-square-foot space at the corner of Highway 12 and Morris Street.
Chef Jared Rogers from Easy Rider will consult on the new menu for Cock Robin in Sebastopol. (The Press Democrat)
A healthier spin
Though Chicago’s Cock Robin restaurants were known for artery-clogging burgers, milkshakes and ice cream, Rogers wants to put a healthier spin on the menu while keeping the family-friendly vibe.
“I want it to be as healthy and organic as possible,” Rogers said. Though the final dishes are still in development, he plans to include salads, sandwiches, plant-based dishes, and old-school classics with a modern spin.
“The staples will all be there,” he said, including the signature “One-in-a-Million” milkshakes and malts. Aldridge purchased the brand after the last Cock Robin closed in 2008 with hopes of recreating the same magic in Sebastopol.
Rogers will continue his work at Easy Rider, so fried chicken dinner lovers need not panic.
Restaurant designer Doug Washington will bring the Barlow space to life with a large, open kitchen and family-focused details, including an expansive outdoor patio. A September opening is anticipated.
Plus, a smoothie and juice bar
Rogers is also behind the menu at the recently opened Purple Acai smoothie and juice bar at the Barlow.
The health-conscious walk-up kitchen features hefty bowls filled with frozen, fair-trade acai, a South American berry hailed for its antioxidant qualities. Toppings and mix-ins include peanut butter, chia seeds, cacao nibs, flax seeds, coconut and protein powder.
If you go: Try the Mango and Greens Smoothie ($12) with mango, cashew milk, orange juice and spinach; the Toasty Rice Tea Fusion ($10), cold-pressed juice with a green tea and ginger kick; or the Nutty Bowl ($14) with acai, candied peanuts, peanut butter, almonds, flax seed, banana, honey and bee pollen.
6760 McKinley Ave., Suite 130, Sebastopol, 707-503-6412, purpleacai.net. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
The Stewarts Point Ranch bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Gualala River to the east, Wednesday Feb. 22, 2017. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat) 2017
Looking to spend a day by the coast but want to avoid the crowds? These seven secret spots and unique experiences are perfect for the solitary ocean aficionado. Click through the above gallery for all the details.
Though they might seem like just another visitor attraction at a winery, wine caves do serve a specific purpose — to store wine at a steady, cool temperature as it ages to perfection. And when when it’s hot outside, these underground caverns also do a great job of keeping wine tasters comfortably chilled. Here are a few favorite carved-out hillsides where you can taste wine and stay cool in the hot days ahead.
Did we miss your favorite? Let us know in a comment below.
Stillwater Cove Regional Park north of Fort Ross, Monday Oct. 2, 2017. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
Hot and sunny summer days don’t have to put a damper on plans to get outside in Wine Country. You can lace up your boots and stay cool in one of Sonoma County’s many shady parks. Tree-lined paths make hiking excursions a breeze, even when the sun is blazing and temperatures soar. Click through the gallery above for details.
The Green Music Center at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park. (Courtesy of Festival del Sole)
This summer, Northern California welcomes the return of Festival del Sole, which will be held at the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University from Aug. 1 to 4.
The event, presented in collaboration with arts entrepreneur and pianist Barrett Wissman, will feature a lineup of international musicians, wine events and an exclusive gala dinner and auction, which will welcome actor Robert Redford and his wife, multimedia environmental artist Sibylle Szaggars Redford.
Originating in the 1990s in Italy, Festival del Sole was conceived by Wissman and his wife, cellist Nina Kotova, as an event where friends could gather to make music in a welcoming atmosphere.
Barrett Wissman, concert pianist and co-founder of Festival del Sole. (Courtesy of Festival del Sole)
The couple, who were living in Italy at the time, frequented a 19th-century theater in Cortona, Tuscany, that used to screen movies one day a week on Sundays. “Back then, there were spiderwebs everywhere. We thought, wouldn’t it be great to have a festival here,” Wissman said.
The festival officially launched in Cortona in 2003, featuring concerts, art exhibitions, culinary events, wine tastings and literary gatherings. Over the next couple of years, it grew rapidly. Barrett attributed the success to the fact that the festival was dedicated to the artists themselves.
“It was the one time in the summer where they had time to come together, and it led to interesting collaborations that they normally wouldn’t be able to do,” Wissman said. “We had the best artists from across the world. From Anthony Hopkins to Sting.”
In 2006, Wissman brought Festival del Sole to Napa Valley, and the event was renamed Festival Napa Valley in 2016. However, this August will be Festival del Sole’s reincarnation.
Wissman set out to unite the purest form of collaboration and talent, from wineries to chefs, with the notion of bringing all artists together.
Festival del Sole concerts will be held inside Weill Hall in the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park from Aug. 1 to 4. (Crista Jeremiason / The Press Democrat)
“The idea is to build something in Sonoma like what Ravinia is to Chicago. The highest level of performance and arts combined with food and wine,” Wissman said.
The festival kicks off on Thursday, Aug. 1, with performances by acclaimed instrumentalists Olga Kern, Nina Kotova and Viktoria Mullova. “This is the first time these musicians are coming together, they’ve never played together,” Wissman said.
On Friday, Aug. 2, celebrated violinist and violist Pinchas Zukerman will perform alongside cellist Amanda Forsyth and pianist Michael Brown. On Saturday, Aug. 3, tenor Joseph Calleja, known for his “golden-age” voice and commanding stage presence, will perform.
The festival will conclude on Sunday, Aug. 4, with a screening of “The Way of the Rain: Hope for Earth—A Symphony for Our Planet.” The film captures the October 2023 live performance at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Hall in Dallas, Texas, featuring narration by Robert Redford and music by Tim Janis. Sibylle Szaggars Redford and Robert Redford will attend the screening and gala dinner.
Robert Redford with violinist Chad Hoopes, 14, and Alondra de la Parra, conductor of the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas at the Castello di Amorosa in Napa Valley, part of the 2009 Festival del Sole. Redford and his wife Sibylle Szaggars Redford will attend the film screening and gala dinner at this year’s Festival del Sole at the Green Music Center in Rohnert Park. (Courtesy of vibottaro.com)
Buena Vista Winery and French vintner Jean-Charles Boisset will host the grand gala dinner and auction on Aug. 4. The event will benefit The Way of the Rain, a nonprofit founded by Sibylle Szaggars Redford that promotes environmental awareness through artistic performances.
Attendees can enjoy wines from Buena Vista and a special Bordeaux crafted by enologist Michel Rolland. Additionally, Vinous, a renowned wine publication, has organized a series of lunches and tastings at wineries such as Freeman Vineyard & Winery and Three Sticks Wines. One of the festival’s main draws will be the culinary and wine experiences curated by private wine club Domus Artium Reserve.
Montage Healdsburg will offer accommodations for artists and participants. The resort is located on 258 acres in Sonoma and features 130 bungalow-style guest rooms and suites and 40 private residences.
“We really want to bring the community together, something that Sonoma can be really proud of and proud to host. I really want to try to encourage anyone who wants to collaborate to be a part of it,” said Wissman.
Tickets for Festival del Sole range from $45 to $70 for music performances, $190 for lunch and wine tastings, and $500 for the gala dinner. Purchase tickets at gmc.sonoma.edu or by calling 707-664-4246. For more details on the gala and wine events, visit festivaldelsolearts.com.
The pace of the Russian River sets up a leisurely tempo of life in west Sonoma County. In this laid-back enclave of charming redwood cabins nestled into steep hillsides, you are bound to find your own rhythm in relaxed Russian River style.
Guerneville’s varied storefronts reflect the layers of the region’s recent history, from timber town to hippie haven to gay-friendly retreat and upscale weekend getaway. Close to the beach and with a downtown full of excellent places to eat and drink, it is a great place to kick back and soak up the sun during summer days. Click through the above gallery for a few of our favorite places in Guerneville.
Sonoma County residents have a hot week ahead, with 90- to 110-degree daytime highs. So how to stay cool? Click through the above gallery for a few ideas.
Dungeness Crab Sandwich at The Marshall Store. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)
As temperatures heat up inland, the coast is our cool-weather getaway through the summer. Click through the above gallery for a few of our favorite coastal restaurants in Sonoma and Marin counties.
John Beck and Dana Rebmann contributed to this article.
Summertime in Sonoma County calls for several beach trips to cool off in the water or sunbathe on the shore while sipping a cold drink.
Scroll on below to find the best beaches in Sonoma County for all your summer waterfront needs.
Note: Due to an Aug. 30, 2024, breach in the Vacation Beach summer dam on the lower Russian River, Sonoma County Public Infrastructure has closed the summer road and bridge off Neely Road for the season.
Best for those who like some space: Blind Beach
Nestled near Goat Rock south of Jenner, this narrow pebble beach offers great views of the ocean and the impressive Arch Rock. It’s the perfect beach sanctuary for those who want to get away from it all while listening to waves crashing against rocks. Highway 1 and Goat Rock Road, Jenner, parks.ca.gov
Tamara Bautista, 3, laughs as she floats in the water at Veterans Memorial Beach in Healdsburg, on Saturday, June 18, 2016. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)
Best for kids/families: Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach
Sometimes it can be difficult to find a beach that’s both entertaining and safe for kids. Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach offers essential summer activities, has lifeguard patrols and provides life vests to loan for free. River’s Edge Kayak & Canoe Trips is located nearby, off Healdsburg Avenue, to help plan your family river excursions. 13839 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov
Best for beachcombers: Schoolhouse Beach
Enclosed by rocky headlands, this beach has a glorious pebble shore and a low tide that sea scavengers will enjoy. The vibrantly colored and ocean-polished small stones and seashells are great for collecting, and the tidepools are teeming with colorful marine life, such as starfish, mussels, hermit crabs, sea anemones and other interesting critters and crustaceans. Viking Strand and Highway 1, Bodega Bay, parks.ca.gov
Mikos leaps into the air to catch a ball tossed by Ingrid Stearns on the beach at Doran Regional Park, in Bodega Bay on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)
Best for dogs: Doran Beach
This regional park beach is popular for a number of activities: picnicking, fishing, paddling, bird watching, kite flying and even horseback riding. But perhaps one of its most beloved aspects is that it’s dog-friendly (on a leash, that is). Take your playful pup on a trail through the grassy dunes or wade by the gentle seashore for a memorable time. 201 Doran Beach Road, Bodega Bay, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov
Best for couples: Sea Ranch
There are six public access trails in Sea Ranch leading to coastal beaches, such as Shell Beach and Stengel Beach (temporarily closed to replace a wooden staircase) with its seasonal waterfalls. But perhaps the best beach for couples here is Black Point, a long sandy cove accessed via a steep wooden staircase. The beach is typically secluded and enjoys beautiful ocean views. Access Black Point Beach via Sea Walk Drive, located off Coast Highway 1, The Sea Ranch, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov
Bill Blaze, of Sebastopol, walks up the beach after surfing at Salmon Creek Beach, north of Bodega Bay. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)
Best for surfers: Salmon Creek beaches
Both North and South Salmon Creek beaches are popular spots for the local surfing community. On days when conditions are just right, experienced riders can enjoy some powerful swells while navigating gnarly rip currents. It’s also a good place for beginners when the waves are less intense. The sandy bottom of the ocean floor lessens the blows of wipeouts. 3095 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, parks.ca.gov
Best for water activities: Johnson’s Beach
Floating down the river is what summer is all about. This Guerneville beach is perfect for those who want to kayak down the flowing currents or simply relax on the water in inner tubes with a cold drink in hand. Whether you want to paddleboard solo or canoe with a group of friends, there’s no shortage of summer fun here. 16215 First St., Guerneville, johnsonsbeach.com
The Big Rocky Games at the Monte Rio Beach brings back good old all-American fun with sack races, rock skipping and ice cream eating contests. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Best for land activities: Monte Rio Beach
While there are plenty of water sports to enjoy at Monte Rio Beach, its shore is superb for landlubbers. Volleyball courts and horseshoe pits are free. There are also barbecue areas to grill by the beach and a food concession stand with summer grub. 20488 Highway 116, Monte Rio, mrrpd.org
Best for animal sightings: Goat Rock Beach
This beach is a great destination for animal lovers. Go birdwatching for gliding seabirds like gulls and sandpipers, catch a glimpse of breaching whales during migrating season and see a colony of Pacific Harbor seals with their pups throughout summer. No dogs are allowed and people should stay at least 300 feet away from the seals, especially during pupping season from March to August. Highway 1 and Goat Rock Road, Jenner, parks.ca.gov
Best for sunsets: Portuguese Beach
While any beach along the Sonoma Coast can provide excellent sunsets views, this is the ideal spot to get comfortable and really soak them in. Whether you’re fishing from the rocky bluffs, strolling on the wide sandy beach or relaxing on the grassy knoll by the parking lot, there’s no bad spot here to watch a stunning, golden sunset over the ocean. Eureka Drive and Highway 1, Bodega Bay, parks.ca.gov
Handline was built on the site of the old Foster’s Freeze in Sebastopol and they continue to keep soft serve ice cream on the menu. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
As the sizzling season continues with meltingly hot days and everlasting nights, thoughts turn to ice cream and its cousins — gelato and sorbet — to cool things down.
Scroll on below or click through the gallery above for a few of our favorite ice cream shops.
Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar, Santa Rosa and Healdsburg
This ice cream shop is worth a special trip. Unique flavors include passionfruit, Thai tea, salted caramel and Dutch cookie, each inspired by local produce and the seasons. The menu changes frequently.
Nimble and Finn’s Ice Cream. (Photo courtesy of Nimble & Finn’s)
Nimble and Finn’s, Santa Rosa and Guerneville
Cheeky by-the-scoop flavors include Front Porch Mint Chip (the mint is from one of the owner’s front porch), Meyer Lemon, Lavender Honeycomb and Whiskey Butterscotch. Add booze and you’ve got a sassy little float. We love the Permanent Holiday with creamy Meyer lemon ice cream, Lo Fi sweet vermouth and Goat Rock rosé cider, or the summery Strawberry Letter with strawberry sorbet, vermouth, elderflower and Champagne.
16290 Main St., Guerneville, 707-666-9411; 123 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-666-9590, nimbleandfinns.com
Sweet Scoops, Sonoma
Sonomans go wild for this housemade ice cream spot on the square, which always has 22 flavors, from simple vanilla to lemon custard and Mexican chocolate. Or this combo: pistachio and lavender fig. Yum. Ice cream flavors rotate regularly; check the website for current flavors.
This old school burger and ice cream spot is all about the memories. Maybe because you’ve walked there, or your mom and dad took you in the family wagon, or it’s just Tuesday.
1400 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-576-7028; 855 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-542-3212, fostersfreeze.com
Handline was built on the site of the old Foster’s Freeze in Sebastopol and they continue to keep soft serve ice cream on the menu. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Handline, Sebastopol
This restaurant in Sebastopol was built on the site of an old Foster’s Freeze and they continue to keep soft serve ice cream on the menu.
The ultimate kid spot with half a dozen flavors like crème brûlée, mudslide pie, white chocolate raspberry and Dole Whip pineapple sorbet.
2188 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-545-9866, menchies.com
Dave’s Gourmet Ice Cream, Santa Rosa
This local artisan producer uses premium organic milk, organic cream and liquid nitrogen (!) to make their ice cream. At a cool 321° below zero, the liquid nitrogen keeps fat and water molecules small, making for a creamier ice cream.
320 W. Third St. Suite A, Santa Rosa, 707-978-2635, dgicecream.com
A variety of ice cream, or glacée, from Goguette Bread in Santa Rosa. (Goguette Bread)
Goguette Bread, Santa Rosa
While known for their mélange of breads and pastries, Goguette also churns out delightful, French-style ice cream, or glacée. Using locally sourced or imported (from France and Italy) ingredients, find flavors like pear, lemon, chocolate orange, Madagascar vanilla and more. The bakery now also sells ice cream cakes, with such flavors as vanilla, strawberry, pistachio and matcha.
It’s no surprise that Food & Wine magazine has named this Sebastopol ice cream spot one of the best in America. There’s always a line, there are always kids with messy chocolate grins, and there’s always a new flavor to try. When it comes to rich dark chocolate, there’s always Mimi’s Mud or Deep Dark Secret.
Formerly SubZero, this Sebastopol spot at the Barlow (and now in Windsor) calls itself “farm to cone,” using organic local ingredients and natural flavors for soft, gelato-style ice cream. Seasonal flavors like Summer Yuzu are a treat, while classic scoops, including Bananas Foster Crunch and Coffee Heath Bar always satisfy. One of the few places you can still get a banana split!
6760 McKinley St., Suite 110, Sebastopol, 707-823-9376; 9240 Old Redwood Highway, Suite 100, Windsor, 707-837-5965, twodognightcreamery.com
Lavender Angela’s Organic ice cream is served in a sugar cone at Iggy’s Organic Burgers on the plaza, Friday in Downtown Healdsburg June 30, 2023. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
Angela’s Ice Cream, Petaluma
Formerly known as Lala’s Creamery, this spot looks like the soda fountains of old, with a marble-topped bar and brick walls, but in addition to the traditional confections and banana splits, it serves up unique flavors. If you want to pair burgers with your ice cream, head on over to the Healdsburg location, home to Iggy’s Organic Burgers.
134 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, 707-774-6567; 1390 N. McDowell Blvd. East, Petaluma, 707-981-6910; 6671 Front St., Forestville, 707-820-1559; 109 Plaza St., Healdsburg, 707-473-8636. angelasicecream.com
Petaluma Creamery, Petaluma
This historic creamery still makes house-made ice cream along with Spring Hill cheese. Most popular is the lavender ice cream, but Meyer lemon is also a contender.
Taking over the former Amy’s Wicked Slush location in Petaluma’s American Alley in 2022, Once Upon A Slush has won over slush fans with its assortment of shakes, slushys, floats and soft serve. There are childhood favorite flavors like the blue raspberry slush and chocolate vanilla swirl soft serve, as well as new summer flavors such as black cherry, sour watermelon and cotton candy.
Cielito store manager Stephanie Ramirez dishes out a scoop of mint chocolate chip at the new ice cream shop in the Valietti shopping center in Boyes Hot Springs. (Robbi Pengelly/Index-Tribune)
Cielito Coffee and Ice Cream, Sonoma
This coffee and ice cream shop in the Vailetti Plaza shopping center on Highway 12 serves a wide variety of coffee beverages, milkshakes and ice cream.
You can’t miss this ice cream spot’s bright pink and orange exterior. It’s best known for fruit paletas, or frozen ice pops. Try their Mangonada: blended fresh mango with ice, swirled chamoy sauce, topped with mango chunks and tamarind candy, and a tamarind stick.
A selection of hand-made ice cream and popsicles from Frozen Art in Roseland using traditional recipes from the owners’ hometown, Tocumbo, Mexico. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Frozen Art, Santa Rosa
The Alcazars have been making Michoacana-style ice creams since 2011, originally as La Real Michoacana, and they continue to expand their lineup of 40 plus flavors. It now includes merlot chocolate chip, Kahlua, Mexican caramel, hibiscus flower, rum raisin and strawberry butter. The family comes from Tocumbo, Mexico’s ice cream-making capital.
This little retro camper does only one thing: pineapple whips, a little aloha in a cup. It is non-dairy soft-serve that you can get with or without a float of fresh pineapple juice. Check farmers markets and other locations here.
