Page 411 – Sonoma Magazine

Neighborhood Open House at Morton’s Warm Springs May 1

April 2016

By Lorna Sheridan

Siblings, Carter Gardea, 9, Sophia, 7, and Camille, 12, jump into the pool at Morton’s Warm Springs in Glen Ellen (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Sean Wadsworth and Laurie Hobbs, the new owners of Morton’s Warm Springs, are inviting the local community to an open house with food and family fun at the pool complex from 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 1. The spring-fed geothermal pools will be open for swimming with lifeguards on duty, and there will be games, activities and prizes.

Morton’s Warm Springs will not officially open to the general public until Saturday, May 7, so this event is specifically for the local community to meet the new owners. Attendees are asked to bring a potluck dish and to say the word “community” upon entry for free admission. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Registration in advance at facebook.com/mortonswarmspringsCA. Wadsworth and Hobbs say they planned the social event as an opportunity for the community to make new connections, to get involved at Morton’s as a volunteer or for local musicians to learn about opportunities to play at Morton’s.

Morton’s is located at 1651 Warm Springs Road in Glen Ellen. The complex is currently hiring staff for summer 2016. For more information, visit mortsonwarmssprings.com or call 833-5511.

The Pork Belly Burger: Hey Misstir Bar & Grill, Santa Rosa

April 2016

By biteclub

Pork Belly Burger at Hey Misstir Bar and Grill in Santa Rosa (Heather Irwin)

The burgers at Santa Rosa’s Hey Misstir Bar & Grill are intimidating, even to an experienced eater. It’s not just the sheer size of these towering beefscrapers, but the carnivorous radicalism of a poultry, pork and beef menage a trois under a single bun. At a bar.

Now, readers have been extolling the virtues of this hidden bar on the outskirts of Rincon Valley. But after years of being burnt by reheated mozzarella sticks and mushy fries at neighborhood watering holes, we’ve been slow on the uptake.

Black and Blue Burger at Hey Misstir Bar and Grill in Santa Rosa (Heather Irwin)

However, on a crowded Tuesday night, mustering smiles as we walked past pool tables and gruff-around-the edges patrons and plopping ourselves on barstools, it was clear we were in for an off-the-beaten-path food experience.

Behold the Pork Belly Burger, which I’ve dubbed the Moo, Cluck, Oink and will break down layer by layer: Toasted Franco American bun, mayo, fried egg, bacon, pork-belly stuffed hamburger, requisite vegetables, toasted bun.

With a side of buffalo wing sauce-slathered fries (topped of course with blue cheese crumbles), it’s a cardiac nightmare, so bring an army to help you eat it. In fact, the food disposal called my teenage son declared the burger “too rich” to eat even half. A few bites are all you need for the profound experience of this $13.50 burger.

There’s a laundry list of other ridiculous burgers, made with the chef’s special grind of black Angus, short rib, chuck and brisket, including the Black and Bleu (balsamic onions, blue cheese, bacon) and Juicy Lucy, which is cheese sandwiched between two quarter pound patties. Plus cheese steak, homemade chili, homemade lumpia (Filipino egg rolls) and fried pickles.

We’re kind of astounded at this little gem, but it won’t stay under the radar long. Happy hour menu from 4-7 p.m., kitchen open daily from 11 a.m. to around 10 p.m., 52 Mission Circle, Suite 111, Santa Rosa, facebook.com/heymisstir.

Eats & Beats: Food, Drinks and Music at New Santa Rosa Event

April 2016

By Sofia Englund

Enjoy food from popular Sonoma County food trucks, live music, DJing, lawn games and much more at the inaugural Downtown Eats & Beats at Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa this Saturday, April 30th, 12pm-5pm.

Visitors to the event will be able to sample food and drinks from different corners of the world — from Spain to India — while listening to live music from R&B and Funk band Simply Amazing (the Santa Rosa based band is lead by Rodney Gregory, who has performed with numerous leading musicians, including James Brown, M.C. Hammer, Lenny Williams, Sheila E and The Earth, Wind & Fire Experience).

Tickets are $15 pre-sale or $20 at the door and give access to all lawn games, including Cornhole, Giant Jenga and Knockerball of Santa Rosa. $5 of every ticket will be donated to the Santa Rosa Downtown Santa Rosa Lights Event. Visitors must be 21 or older.

More Information & Tickets

eatsbeats_greengrocer — Sample foods from popular local food trucks and vendors, including Keith’s BBQ Beast, Camacho’s Southern Style BBQ, TIPS Tri-Tip, El Roy’s Mexican Grill, Tacos Los Tres Hermanos, The Green Grocer, Fork Catering, Paella People, Tuck Box Indian Food, Caribbean Spices, Croques & Toques, Trader Jim’s, The Kettle Corn Show, Sisters Switchel and Stick to Sweet.

Brewpub Replacing Old Mexico in Santa Rosa

April 2016

By biteclub

Old Mexico Restaurant in Santa Rosa will close after more than 50 years in business. (Facebook)

Old Mexico to Become Mountain Mike’s?

After more than 50 years of serving Santa Rosa, the venerable Old Mexico Restaurant & Bar (4501 Montgomery Dr., Santa Rosa) is closing. The restaurant will serve its last margarita Sunday, May 1, 2016, according to owner Gus Lopez. Burgeoning restaurant mogul Sonu Chandi’s restaurant group has purchased the space, and is reportedly planning a Mountain Mike’s Brewpub for the location after an extensive remodel. This is the first brewpub concept for the pizza chain, and will include craft brews and a full bar.

The Chandi Restaurant Group, which includes his two brothers and wife, currently own five Mountain Mike’s Pizza restaurants in Sonoma County, as well as Santa Rosa’s Stout Brothers, the recently-opened Bibi’s Burgers and the soon-to-open Craft 535 Kitchen + Bar (late May) in the former Caffe Portofino.

Lopez will continue with his barbecue catering company, Big Boy’s Bar-B-Que, and has plans for a future restaurant in Windsor.

Green Music Center Announces Summer Line-Up

April 2016

By Diane Peterson

Written by Diane Peterson for the Press Democrat.

The Green Music Center has announced the lineup for its Summer 2016 season at Weill Hall + Lawn, with an array of 22 events spanning all genres of music, several comedy shows and an outdoor movie marathon.

Headliners range from double bill of bluesmen Boz Scaggs and The Robert Cray Band on July 14 to the Silk Road Ensemble with cellist Yo-Yo Ma on Aug. 19.

Other concerts likely to draw a crowd include the Hollywood Vampires, featuring Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp and Joe Perry paying tribute to the ‘70s hard rock July 22; a new Blues at the Green mini-festival featuring The Taj Mahal Trio, Acoustic Hot Tuna and pianist Marcia Ball July 23; female music icon Melissa Etheridge Sept. 3; singer/songwriter Gavin DeGraw Sept. 11; bluegrass/folk/Southern rockers The Avett Brothers Sept. 15; and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, celebrating 50 years of country rock Sept. 16.

“I tried to make this summer very well rounded this year,” said Peter Williams, GMC’s senior director of popular programming. “I think you’ll find something here for everyone — some comedy, pop, bluegrass, big names and new talents.”

The summer season kicks off July 4 with the annual Independence Day Spectacular for the whole family, featuring jazz singer Steve Tyrell and the Santa Rosa Symphony. The season runs through Sept. 25, ending with a kid-friendly performance by the Shanghai Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China.

“We’re trying to do some children’s programming, and we’ll be doing that throughout the year,” Williams said. “It’s expanding our mission to use the hall for as many people as we can.”

The GMC Bluegrass Festival will return July 10 with The David Grisman Bluegrass Experience, mandolinist Sam Bush and the Jeff Austin Band. The three virtuoso mandolinists will also join forces at the festival as The Mando Kings.

The summer season includes four comedy shows, ranging from Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias on July 16 and “Weird Al” Yankovic July 30 to “The Daily Show” host Trevor Noah Aug. 20.

“I wanted to making sure we had some good comedy,” Williams said. “I’m trying to draw in people who live in the community.”

New talents include quirky, electronic violinist Lindsey Stirling Aug. 11 and country-rock-blues singer Hunter Hayes Aug. 28. Young country artist Chris Young will appear Sept. 24.

“Country does really well,” Williams said. “Hayes has a very young following, and Chris Young is a pretty big name.”

In the jazz genre, guitarist Pat Metheny will appear Sept. 13 with a new group consisting of Antonio Sanchez, Linda Oh and Gwilym Simcock. Los Tigres del Norte, a popular Norteño band from San Jose, will perform Aug. 5.

“It’s a great group and a great way for us to support the local Latino community,” Williams said.

Back for the third year, a free Concert for the Community on July 31 will feature Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles and the Santa Rosa Symphony conducted by Michael Berkowitz.

Aug. 26 and 27 there will also be a free “Star Wars” Movie Marathon Weekend, with all seven films presented on the big screen outside of Weill Hall in conjunction with Campus Programming and On Campus Presents.

“We thought it would be a nice way to start the year off for the students,” Williams said. “But everybody’s invited.”

Tickets to Summer 2016 in Weill Hall + Lawn go on sale to season subscribers at 10 a.m. May 5 and to the general public at 10 a.m. May 10. Reservations are required for the free shows.

See the full lineup of the Green Music Center’s Summer 2016 MasterCard Performance Series at gmc.sonoma.edu/summer2016.

For a complete listing of events and ticket information, go to gmc.sonoma.edu or call (866) 955-6040.

Staff writer Diane Peterson can be reached at 521-5287 or diane.peterson@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @dianepete56.

Trail of the Week: Pomo Canyon Trail

April 2016

By Robert Stone

A group led by the Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods sets out on a therapy walk through Pomo Canyon Environmental Campground near Jenner. (Jeremy Portje / For The Press Democrat)

Written by Robert Stone for the Press Democrat.

Pomo Canyon Campground sits on the alluvial flats above broad Willow Creek canyon in a beautiful redwood grove. The Pomo Canyon Trail begins at the campground and winds across the rolling coastal hills, skirting the north slope of Red Hill.

The trail follows an ancient trading route of the Pomo and Miwok people. The path weaves through lush redwood forests, oak woodlands and open grasslands, crossing seasonal streams en route to the ocean at Shell Beach.

From the trail are panoramic vistas of the lower Russian River, Willow Creek, the town of Jenner and the serrated coastline.

From Highway 1 and Highway 116 (just south of Jenner) cross the south side of the Russian River bridge on Highway 1. Immediately turn left (inland) on Willow Creek Road at mile marker 19.79. Drive 2.6 miles on the narrow road to the Pomo Canyon Campground turnoff. Park near the gated road (but not in front of it). The campground is open from April through November. During that time, drive a half mile up the campground road and park by the kiosk.

A group led by the Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods sets out on a therapy walk through Pomo Canyon Environmental Campground. (Jeremy Portje / For The Press Democrat)

From Bodega Bay, drive 9 miles north on Highway 1 to Willow Creek Road at mile marker 19.79. The road is just before the Russian River bridge. Turn right (inland) and follow the directions above to the Pomo Canyon Campground.

Shuttle car

8901 Hwy 1 • Jenner

38.418837, -123.101977

Leave the shuttle car at the Shell Beach parking lot. The turnoff is located at mile marker 18.22 along Highway 1.

The Hike

From Willow Creek Road, walk past the gate and follow the unpaved campground access road. Stroll a half mile through a grassy valley between forested hills to the campground entrance. Head into the campground on the right as the road veers off to the left. Go 15 yards and bear right on the posted Dr. David Joseph Memorial Pomo Canyon Trail.

Pomo Canyon is named for the native people who once inhabited it. (Jeremy Portje / For The Press Democrat)

Enter the gorgeous redwood forest and stay to the right, passing two paths on the left and the campsites on each side of the main trail. Climb up the ridge through tanbark oak, bay laurel, Douglas fir, circular stands of redwoods, sword ferns, and trillium. Emerge from the forest to a Y-fork at 0.8 miles, located in a clearing with views of Jenner and the mouth of the Russian River.

The left fork leads to the 1,062-foot summit of Red Hill and forms a loop with this trail — an optional return route.

Stay to the right towards Shell Beach, and traverse the hill. Cross a bridge over a seasonal creek and curve right, skirting a rock outcrop. Descend through brush to the open, rolling slopes with ocean views. Cross a small stream and reenter a fir and redwood forest. Cross a third stream and gradually descend through the thick brush.

The trailhead at Pomo Canyon Environmental Campground near Jenner. (Jeremy Portje / For The Press Democrat)

Curve left into the gulch, cross the creek, and head down the draw. Ascend the hill to a knoll with a picnic area and vista point on the right. The main trail continues straight, with a view of the serpentine Russian River. Head up another hill on the wide, grassy path to a knoll atop the 500-foot oceanfront ridge and a junction with the west end of the Red Hill Trail.

Pass a trail on the right leading to Lookout Hill, then descend the slope, with views of Point Reyes, Bodega Head, Gull Rock, and Goat Rock. Drop down a partially paved utility road to the trailhead gate, across the road from the Shell Beach parking lot.

Pomo Canyon Trail

Pomo Canyon Campground to Shell Beach

Sonoma Coast State Park

Hiking distance: 6.6 miles round trip

3.3-mile one-way shuttle to Shell Beach

Hiking time: 3.5 hours

Configuration: out-and-back

Elevation gain: 650 feet

Difficulty: moderate

A campground sits vacant at Pomo Canyon Environmental Campground near Jenner. (Jeremy Portje / For The Press Democrat)

Exposure: a mix of forest and open hillsides

Maps: USGS Duncan Mills • Sonoma Coast State Beach map

To the trailhead

Willow Creek Rd. • Jenner

38.430110, -123.070255

Source: “Day Trips Around Sonoma County” by Robert Stone (Dayhike Books, 2016)

Hog Island Oyster Farm Picnic Outrage!

April 2016

By biteclub

Hog Island Oyster Company (Photo by Charlie Gesell) — Hog Island Oyster Company. (Photo by Charlie Gesell)

Hold onto your coolers. Hog Island Oyster Farm in Marshall quietly made two major changes to The Boat Oyster Bar picnic area recently: Seating is now reservation-only and no outside food or beverages are allowed.

Reservations are also limited to 90 minutes, which flies by faster than a Game of Thrones episode when you’re watching egrets hunting along the banks of Tomales Bay. (You’ll kindly be given a five-minute warning.) Luckily, the changes are only enforced Friday through Monday. If you needed an excuse to take that midweek vacation day this summer, you’ve got it.

Tables are still communal, but servers now tend to guests table-side, offering printed menus featuring two salads, a cheeseboard and a charcuterie plate in addition to raw and their wickedly delicious barbecue oysters. Also 86’d: those kitschy wire buckets for tossing oyster shells, the self-serve water station and the charming chalkboard drink menu. Your server will recite a short list of wines and beers. Paper cups of water are delivered upon request. A water jug is now situated at the end of The Boat counter for refills.

Adding insult to injury? If you’re a no-show, you’ll be charged a fee of $10 per person.

According to the Hog Island website, increasing demand and wait times led to the change. Their goal with this reservation system “is to serve you the best oyster experience possible.” We checked availability for some recent weekends, and Sundays definitely seem the toughest to book so far.

The good news amongst the sea of sorrow is that the beloved farm’s reservation-only shuck-your-own picnic area below The Boat remains unchanged. Parties can continue to book tables in advance on the Hog Island website, pay $5 per person for a three-hour time slot and get to bring all their own picnic provisions, including beer and wine. These coveted reservations can book out one to four months in advance, depending on the season. Techies just might hack the system faster than State Bird Provisions’.

The news will go down harder than a half dozen gulf oysters for locals who remember the days, less than a decade ago, when everything at Hog Island was BYO, save for the bivalves.

This guest post was submitted by the inimitable Lisa Mattson, author of The Exes in My Glass: How I Refined My Taste in Men & Alcohol {a dating memoir}. www.lisamattsonwine.com/books

Have some news you’d like to share, a review you’d like to write or a suggestion for a post? Email me.

Things to Do in Sonoma County This Week

April 2016

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

Written by Crissi Langwell & Dan Taylor for the Press Democrat.

Looking for something to do this weekend? We have lots of ideas! Celebrate Arbor Day this weekend in Sonoma with a ceremony, a tree planting and a few hikes to choose from. On Saturday, cheer on your local bookstore on Independent Bookstore Day with tons of events at a Copperfield’s Bookstore near you. Also on Saturday, extend your Earth Day celebrations with a few fun happenings at Montgomery Village’s Day on the Green. And on Sunday, get your grub on for a great cause at the 4-H ChickenQue. All this and more is in our list of things to to.

April 29-30
Arbor Day Celebration: This Friday at the Sonoma Plaza, a Jack London Coastal Oak will be presented to Sonoma. Commemorating the occasion will be a free event program that starts at 11 a.m. and includes music, poetry and a presentation of this year’s Rotary Conservation Award. On Saturday, the celebration continues with the planting of the Jack London oak at 10 a.m. And on both Friday and Saturday will be moderate 3-mile hikes. For more information, visit jacklondonpark.com/arbor-day.html.

April 20-May 1
Santa Rosa Gem Faire: This weekend, expand your collection of fine jewelry, beads, precious and semi-precious gemstones, gold and silver, crystals and more when the Gem Faire comes to the Sonoma County fairgrounds. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $7 for a weekend pass, and free for kids 11 and under. Find out more at www.gemfaire.com.

Friday, April 29
H-Town Youth Theatre Spring Gala: This Friday, enjoy a catered reception at Healdsburg Parkpoint and a comedic performance at the Healdsburg Raven in a fundraiser for H-Town Youth Theatre — a community based theatre company dedicated to nurturing self expression in youth through a theatre arts curriculum. The reception is from 5:30-7 p.m., and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50 for the full gala, and $25 for the performance. Find out all the details at htownyt.com.

Friday, April 29
High Heels for Hope: Enjoy an evening of glamour this Friday in a posh fundraiser benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Don your best heels, nosh on wine country appetizers, sip Sonoma County wines, dance the night away and bid on bachelors and bachelorettes. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. at Vintners Inn in Santa Rosa. Tickets are $65, or $75 at the door. Find out more at squareup.com/store/high-heels-for-hope.

Friday, April 29
Opening Night of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid”: Take an enchanting trip under the sea when the production of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” comes to the Spreckels Theatre stage in Rohnert Park. From April 29-May 22, fans of The Little Mermaid can watch Ariel and her crabby sidekick, Sebastian, battle the evil sea witch, Ursula, and win the heart of Prince Eric. Tickets are $16-$26. Find out more at pd2go.net/LittleMermaid.

Saturday, April 30
Independent Bookstore Day at Copperfield’s: Join the party this Saturday at all 8 Copperfield’s stores as the independent bookseller celebrates 35 years of business alongside this national event for indie bookstores. All day long, each store will host various happenings, including author events, a Literary Costume Contest, raffles, coloring, storytime, open mics and more. For a complete listing of the day’s events, visit copperfieldsbooks.com/IBD-2016.

Saturday, April 30
Windsor Day Parade: Celebrate Windsor Days this Saturday at the annual parade and festival around Windsor Town Green. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m., followed by the festival from noon to 3 p.m. Enjoy music by the Poyntlyss Sistars Band, food and drink, games, crafts and more. Find out all the details at the Facebook events page.

Saturday, April 30
Downtown Eats & Beats: From noon to 5 p.m. this Saturday in Old Courthouse Square, enjoy a day of food, wine, brews and live music. Food trucks will be abundant for your dining pleasure, and lawn games will be all the rage as local bands and DJs provide tunes to tap your feet to. Tickets are $15 before the event, and $20 at the door. Must be 21-plus to attend. Find out more at www.facebook.com/EatsAndBeatsEvent.

Saturday, April 30
Healthy Kids Day: Join the Sonoma County Family YMCA this Saturday for a day of games, healthy snacks, crafts, science projects and more. The fun is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the College Ave. campus in Santa Rosa. Find out more at www.scfymca.org.

Saturday, April 30
Healdsburg Bicycle Tour: Whether you prefer the ruggedness of a beaten path or the smooth sailing on a paved road, an avid cyclist or a weekend roller, you are invited to ride through the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys this Saturday for the 30th annual Healdsburg Bicycle Tour. Distance options include 20, 40 or 60-mile rides, all moderately challenging and gradually increasing with difficulty. The rides kick off at 6:30 a.m. Ticket sales have ended (Sorry! But you can still head out and cheer). Find out more at eventbrite.com.

Saturday, April 30
Girls on the Run 5K: Cheer on or run with Sonoma County girls and their families in a non-competitive fun fun at Sonoma Mountain Village. The event begins at 9 a.m., and cost is $25-$40. Online registration and more information is available at www.gotrsonomacounty.org.

April 30 & May 1
Blossoms, Bees & Barnyard Babies: This weekend, visit any one of three dozen participating Sonoma County farms, checking out barnyard babies and adorable seedlings at this farm Trails event. Activities will include farm tours, demonstrations, animal petting, crafts and more. Many stops will also offer snacks, lunches and picnic sites. Plus, you can purchase farm-fresh items from the farm stands. Admission is free. Find out all the details and locations at pd2go.net/BarnBabies.

April 30 & May 1
May Day and Monet: Celebrate May Day on Saturday and Sunday at the Russian River Rose Company with a May-Pole Dance, surrounded by abundantly blooming gardens and the scent of rose in the air. Then unleash your inner Monet as you help paint a large group canvas for the garden. Other activities include demonstrations of roses being processed into rose water and rose oil, and opportunities to sample rose sorbet. The May-Pole Dance occurs at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The nursery and garden are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $2. Find out more at www.russian-river-rose.com.

Saturday, April 30
Day of the Child/Dia Del Niño: This Saturday, fifteen locations throughout Sonoma County are inviting Sonoma County’s youth and their families to partake in free or low cost activities, many of them outside. Fun happenings include nature, crafts, kayaking, visits with animals, hiking and more. All offerings are offered in English and Spanish. For information on this event and its locations, visit www.sonomaecountyee.org.

Saturday, April 30
Montgomery Village’s Day on the Green: Extend your Earth Day celebrations with a few fun happenings at Montgomery Village in Santa Rosa. Starting at 11 a.m., the free event includes an art show and sale, live music and dance performances, creative activities, henna painting and more. Find out all the details at mvshops.com.

Saturday, April 30
Children’s Day at the Mission: This Saturday, kids are invited to Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma on the Sonoma Square for a fun-filled day for the whole family. Activities include candle making, basket weaving, spinning wool, games and more. The event is free for kids, and $3 for adults. Find out more at www.sonomaparks.org.

Sunday, May 1
Day Under the Oaks: This Sunday, the SRJC is offering free admission and free parking to their annual event located at their Santa Rosa campus. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., activities include music and dance performances, interactive demonstrations, Native American performances, a Planetarium Star Show, a peek at student clubs, fun for kids and more. Potential students can also learn about college courses and register for classes, and learn what the SRJC has to offer. Find out more at santarosa.edu/about_srjc/day-under-the-oaks.

Sunday, May 1
Healdsburg Homes Tour: On Sunday, visit six exquisite homes of varying historic and modern features in the annual Homes Tour presented by the Healdsburg American Association of University Women. Guests will not only be able to view these beautiful homes, but will also be treated to home baked treats by the Russian River Tea Company and live music by young musicians. There will also be chances to enter a raffle with impressive prizes. Tickets to the tour are $35 in advance, or $40 on the day of tour. Find out more at Healdsburg-ca.aauw.net.

Sunday, May 1
55th Annual 4-H ChickenQue: Bring your appetites this Sunday to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds for the annual 4-H BBQ fundraiser. The highlight of the event is the BBQ chicken lunch and delicious homemade cake. The event also includes games, 4-H exhibits, animals, a chance to learn more about the 4-H program and more. The free event is 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and lunch is $10. Find out more at pd2go.net/chickenque.

Other upcoming events:

Friday, April 29

Juanito Pascual: Flamenco guitarist with his New Flamenco Trio, 8 p.m., Occidental Center for the Arts. $15-$20. 874-9392, occidentalcenterforthearts.org

Pete Stringfellow: Country musician plus acoustic-rock Pat Jordan Band, 7:30 tonight, HopMonk Tavern, Sebastopol. $15-$18. 829-7300, hopmonk-sebastopol.ticketfly.com.

Saturday, April 30

‘Grease’ Sing-Along: Alexander Valley Film Society drive-in movie fundraiser, 6:30 p.m. gates, 7:45 p.m. movie, Saturday, Citrus Fairgrounds, Cloverdale. $15-$50. 893-7150, avfilmsociety.org.

Tortoise: Chicago-based quintet plus multi-instrumentalist Chris Cohen, 8 p.m. Saturday, Gundlach Bundschu Winery, Sonoma. $35-$40. gunbun.ticketfly.com

Jean Hegland: ‘Into the Forest’ and ‘Still Time’ author, 7 p.m. Saturday, Copperfield’s Books, Santa Rosa. Free. 578-8938, copperfieldsbooks.com.

Paula West: Jazz and cabaret artist, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $30. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

Sunday, May 1

Occidental Community Choir: ‘A West County Home Companion’ of songs and stories, 3 p.m. Sunday, Sebastopol Center for the Arts. $15-$20. 874-8622, occidentalchoir.org.

Margaret Leng Tan: ‘Ode to Schroeder’ performance on toy pianos and other toy instruments, 3 p.m. Sunday, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $30. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

Tom Holland: ‘Five Decades of Art’ exhibit opening, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Art Museum of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa. $7-$10. 579-1500, sonomacountymuseum.org.

Monday, May 2

CeresFest: Live music, Irish-inspired dinner benefit for Ceres Community Project, 5:30 p.m. Monday, Lagunitas Brewing Co., Petaluma. $12.50-$25. 829-5833, ext. 108, ceresproject.org.

Tuesday, May 3

‘Hamlet’: Shakespearean tragedy opening sold-out, 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 3, Evert B. Person Theatre, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park. Daily through Sunday, May 8. $10-$17. 664-4246, sonoma.edu/theatreanddance/productions/hamlet.

Wednesday, May 4

‘Westside Stories’: True-life storytelling competition, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sonoma Portworks, Petaluma. $8-$10. 477-4416, westsidestoriespetaluma.com.

Thursday, May 5

Roseland Cinco de Mayo: Community event celebrating Mexican heritage on Sebastopol Ave., Santa Rosa. Free rides with Rosie the Trolley to and from the event. Park in Food Maxx parking lot. 4-9 p.m. www.santarosacincodemayo.com

The Dixie Giants: New Orleans jazz classics and pop/rock jazz reinterpretations, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Cloverdale Arts Alliance. $20. 894-4410, cloverdaleartsalliance.org.

David Sedaris: Humorist, author and storyteller, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Uptown Theatre, Napa. $59. 259-0123, uptowntheatrenapa.com.

Friday, May 6

Yuja Wang: World-renowned 27-year-old classical pianist, 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $40-$90. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

Sol Flamenco: ‘Viva Espana!’ program of passionate song, dance, guitar, 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, Sebastopol Center for the Arts. $15. 829-4797, sebarts.org.

Marshall Tucker Band: Southern rock/country band’s ‘Long Hard Ride Tour,’ 8 p.m. Friday, May 6, Uptown Theatre, Napa. $30-$40. 259-0123, uptowntheatrenapa.com.

Kathleen Madigan: ‘The Mermaid Lady Tour’ stand-up comedy, 8 p.m. Friday, May 6, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $35. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.

‘Bob – A Life in 5 Acts’: One man’s genuine-yet-comedic search for ‘greatness,’ opens 8 p.m. Friday, May 6, Main Stage West, Sebastopol. $15-$25. 823-0177, mainstagewest.com.

‘My Fair Lady’: Triumphant musical opens 8 p.m. Friday, May 6, 6th Street Playhouse, Santa Rosa. $15-$37. 523-4185, 6thstreetplayhouse.com.

Saturday, May 7

Human Race: Nonprofit fundraising run/walk plus pancake breakfast, marketplace and entertainment, 8-11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 7, Herbert Slater Middle School, Santa Rosa. Donations, $3-$6 breakfast. 573-3399, humanracenow.org.

Santa Rosa Symphony: ‘Jazzy Impressions’ with pianist Gabriela Martinez, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $10-$80. 546-8742, srsymphony.org.

Matsuri! Japanese Arts Festival: Japanese performing and visual arts, food, crafts, clothing and activities, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 7, Juilliard Park, Santa Rosa. Free. sonomamatsuri.com.

‘On the Wing’: Sonoma Bach program of poetry and music depicting birds and angels, plus avian guests, 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7, Penngrove Clubhouse. $15-$25. sonomabach.org.

Sunday, May 8

Mother’s Day Open Garden: Self-guided rose garden tours, 650+ rose varieties, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 8, Russian River Rose Co., Healdsburg. $2. 433-7455, russian-river-rose.com.

Mother’s Day Piano Concert: Jack London Piano Club with vocalist Laura Benward, 2-4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 8, Jack London State Historic Park, Glen Ellen. $20 includes parking. 938-5216, jacklondonpark.com.

Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch: Tours aboard the African Queen or brunch only, 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 8, Safari West, Santa Rosa. $18-$75. 579-2551, safariwest.com/wild-about-mom.

Mother’s Day Bubbles & BBQ: Slow-cooked barbecue, sparkling wines, live music, noon-2 p.m. Sunday, May 8, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Sonoma. $45-$70. 933-1917, gloriaferrer.com.

Sonoma Mission Inn to Close Big 3 Diner

April 2016

By Kathleen Hill

Written by Kathleen Hill for the Sonoma Index-Tribune.

Big 3 Diner fans flocked to the last lunch service on Sunday, April 24. It has closed permanently.

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, which owns Big 3, says on its website that the diner is, “the longest-running continuously operated restaurant in Sonoma Valley.”

Designated as sacred ground by Native Americans due its warm springs, over many years the entire property has gone through major economic ups and downs and developments.

During World War II, the Navy took over the building for “resting sailors and marines,” and later it served as the training hotel for Bay Area baseball teams such as the San Francisco Seals and the Oakland Oaks, according to Historic Hotels of America of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

When we moved here 40 years ago, the Big 3 was a wonderfully country, funky hangout with a U-shaped counter and lots of men perched on stools with too much flesh showing above the belt. V. Pratt eventually owned the Sonoma Mission Inn with a bevy of older gentlemen living in the smaller upstairs rooms of the original building.

Then the Big 3 was great for breakfast and lunch, at least that’s what I remember, with those heavy ceramic coffee cups, waitresses who had been there forever, ranchers and Springs locals meeting there weekly, sometimes daily. Lots of local news got hashed and re-hashed over the hash.

As a succession of new owners, including Edward Safdie who wanted to paint all buildings in SMI’s Springs neighborhood beige, upgraded the Sonoma Mission Inn and surrounding property into a more elegant resort, the Big 3 changed, too. The counter was removed, a gift shop was added, and luxurious booths were installed. Meals began to cost more, but Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn guests could dine there less expensively with FSMI quality without Santé prices.

Another new owner removed the popular gift shop hoping to turn that key entrance real estate into a wine sports bar.

Through all this, the Big 3 has been best known for its lemon pancakes, eggs Benedict, excellent bacon and specialty macaroni and cheese.

While the Big 3 closed Sunday, breakfast and dinner will be served in Santé restaurant in the hotel, and that breakfast will be the same as the Big 3’s menu. Lunch will be served either in the Water Tower Bar by the pool, weather permitting, or in Santé. Dinner will continue to be served in Santé. FSMI still offers free valet parking for diners. 100 Boyes Blvd., Boyes Hot Springs. 938-9000.

All You Can Eat Sushi in Sonoma County

April 2016

By biteclub

All you can eat sushi at Paradise Sushi in santa Rosa california on 4/25/16. (heather irwin)

For our money, Paradise Sushi in Santa Rosa and Petaluma are the outright winners for your money. Unlike other all-you-can-eat sushi bars, they don’t over wrap with rice, just to make you full.

Sane people approach an all you can eat sushi bar with the same caution as, say, a trapped opossum. Which is to say with an equal mix of amount of extreme fear and unbridled fascination. We have evolved as a species to seriously question the combination of highly perishable raw seafood at value prices for good reason. Chinese buffet “sushi” steam tables have only reinforced our instinct to run screaming.

But hope springs eternal for that raw food of the gods. Fortunately, BiteClub found two contenders worthy of two-chopstick salute for their endless sushi bars: Santa Rosa’s Hikuni Sushi Bar and Hibachi and Paradise Sushi in Petaluma (now also in Santa Rosa!).

For about $19 per person ($22.95 for dinner at Paradise), you can order nigiri (the typical “sushi” with a piece of fish placed on a neat pile of rice), maki rolls or hand rolled sushi from their specialized menus until you plead for mercy.

These are not buffets, and the rub is that you have to eat everything on the plate before you order more (including the rice), you can’t share, you can’t do take-out (duh) and some of the prime cuts of tuna, salmon or costly uni are extra (or not on the menu). But when a single Rainbow Roll typically costs $14 or more, two people can come out ahead on the deal.

Serious sushi snarfers can inflict damage. At Paradise Sushi, our server assured us that several high school football players were regulars, and the record number of rolls eaten by one person: 13. “I don’t know where people put it,” she said.

Be prepared to cool your heels if you’re going several rounds. Sushi is a hand-made item, and people paying full price will likely bump your order down, along with those football players ordering 13 California rolls.

You’ll be expected to finish what you order (or pay a penalty), so be judicious in your selections. Also, it’s usually wise to stick to the basics, rather than use this time to explore. We found that out by accidentally ordering “ikura” rather than “uni” and having to down a half-cup of giant orange fish eggs. Ack.

Overall, we found the all-you-can-eat sushi hovers in the “utility” category, rather than truly great, but sometimes you just need a fix. Cheap.

Paradise Sushi & Grill Santa Rosa
119 Fourth St., Santa Rosa

Paradise Sushi & Grill
20 E. Washington St.
Petaluma
781-9695

Hikuni Sushi Bar and Hibachi
4100 Montgomery Dr., Suite C
Santa Rosa
539-9188.