Page 419 – Sonoma Magazine

Things to Do This Week in Sonoma County

March 2016

By Crissi Langwell

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

If you’re looking for something to do this week, you’ve come to the right place. This Saturday night, don your best Rocky Horror fashions and arm yourself with props for the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Phoenix Theatre. Burn some calories before your St. Paddy’s Day corned beef and hash at the St. Patrick’s Day 5K. And don’t forget to turn your clock ahead one hour when Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday. All this and more is in our list of things to do.

March 10-13
Just Between Friends Sale: The semi-annual event is back this weekend with deals on gently used and new items for young families. With everything from strollers to clothing to toys and more, the event is a must for those with growing kids or growing baby bellies. Cost is $3 Thursday, $2 Friday and free on Saturday and Sunday. Free admission passes can be found at jbfnorthbay.eventbrite.com. Find out all the details at northbay.jbfsale.com.

March 11-12
Sporting Collectible Show: If your idea of a good day is one spent in a fishing boat or hunting game, you’ll want to mark your calendars for this Friday and Saturday when the Fishing Tackle, Duck Decoy and Sporting Collectible Show comes to the Veteran’s Building in Santa Rosa. In its 22nd year, the event is the largest sporting collectible show on the West Coast, and features items from more than 150 vendors. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Find out all the details at www.redsshow.com.

March 11-13
Barrel Tasting Weekend Continues: This weekend, multiple wineries throughout Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys will be presenting the first tastes of their barrel samples, with a chance to purchase the wine at a discount when it has properly matured and is bottled. The event takes place 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday, and admission is $35-$60. Designated drivers are $5. Find a list of participating wineries and more details at www.wineroad.com/events/barrel-tasting.

Saturday, March 12
Rocky Horror Picture Show: Dammit, Janet, come to the Phoenix Theatre in Petaluma this Saturday night wearing your best Rocky Horror fashions and armed with a variety of props. Not sure what to expect? Check out a Rocky Horror virgin’s guide here. The all-ages show starts at 11:30 p.m., and tickets are $10. Find out all the details at thephoenixtheater.com.

Saturday March 12
Arbor Day: Come to Southwest Community Park this Saturday to celebrate Luther Burbank’s birthday. The celebration takes place 9 a.m. to noon and will include cake, prize giveaways, and seedlings to take home and plant your very own tree. Find out all the details at pd2go.net/arbordaySR.

Saturday, March 12
Coffee With a Cop: Come to the Coddingtown Starbucks this Saturday at 8:20 a.m. to discuss community issues over coffee with local law enforcement. See our article about a past Coffee With a Cop event here.

Saturday, March 12
Kidgits Eggstravaganza: This Saturday, bring the kids to Coddingtown for a mall-wide scavenger hunt, arts and crafts and special giveaways. The free event is from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and will be located near JC Penney. Find out more at pd2go.net/KidgitsEgg.

Saturday, March 12
Sonoma County Bluegrass & Folk Festival: Enjoy some boot-stompin’ music this Saturday with this 16th annual folk and bluegrass festival. Held at the Sebastopol Community Center from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., the event will include live music, jam sessions open to the public and food and beverages for sale. Doors open at noon. Tickets are $35 at the door, and free for kids 11 & under. Find out more at www.socofoso.com.

Saturday, March 12
Petaluma Food, Wine & Craft Beer Festival: This Saturday, the Petaluma Host Lion’s Club is hosting their 23rd annual fundraiser for Project Graduation in Petaluma, raising funds for Petaluma, Casa Grande, St. Vincent’s and Tomales High Schools. The event will include food from over 25 restaurants, caterers and food producers, as well as craft beer and premium wines. The event is 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Petaluma Veteran’s Memorial Building, and admission is $40. Find out more at www.facebook.com/PetalumaLions.

Saturday, March 12
Loretta Lynn Tribute Night: Sing along to songs by the ‘Coal Miners’s Daughter’ when local singers cover Loretta Lynn songs this Saturday at the Arlene Francis Center. Guests are invited to dress in western attire. Admission is a $10-$20 donation, and all proceeds benefit the YWCA Sonoma County’s Confidential Safe House. Find out more at the Facebook events page.

Sunday, March 13 – SPRING FORWARD!
Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday, so don’t forget to turn your clocks an hour forward on Saturday night. Sure, you’ll lose an hour’s sleep. But that’s what Sunday afternoon naps are for.

Sunday, March 13
St. Patrick’s Day 5K: Burn some calories before St. Paddy’s Day at this traditional Santa Rosa run. Starting at Juilliard Park, the race kicks off at 3 p.m., and ends with a mug of beer or root beer. Participants are encouraged to wear their best St. Patrick’s Day getup. Stick around for the post-race fun with a judged costume contest, music, activities and more. Registration is $40. Find out all the details at srcity.org/spdrun.

Sunday, March 13
Improve Your Story Dialogue: This Sunday, the featured speaker at the monthly Redwood Writers general meeting is Mysti Berry, an accomplished linguist and an award-winning writer. Berry will share how to improve dialogue in writing through examples, and invites guests to bring their own page of dialogue to spruce up. The meeting is from 2-4:30 p.m. in the Empire Room at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa. Admission is $5 for members, and $10 for non-members. Find out more at redwoodwriters.org.

More upcoming events:

Friday, March 11

‘Wait Until Dark’: Broadway thriller opens 8 p.m. Friday, Spreckels Performing Arts Center, Rohnert Park. $16-$26. 588-3400, rpcity.org.

UPside Dance Company: ‘all.things.PAPER’ dance collage, 6 p.m. first act only, 8 p.m. full show, Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa. $10-$25. upsidedance.com.

‘Anna in the Tropics’: Pulitzer Prize-winning play opens 8 p.m. at 6th Street Playhouse, Santa Rosa. $15-$32. 523-4185, ext. 1, 6thstreetplayhouse.com.

Lawrence Brownlee: Opera recital, African-American spirituals, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Schroeder Hall, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $17.50-$85. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

Saturday, March 12

‘Full Circle’: Pond Farm Revisited pottery exhibit reception, 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Healdsburg Center for the Arts. Free. 431-1970, healdsburgcenterforthearts.com

‘The Birds’: Comedy by Cinnabar Theater’s Young Rep, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Cinnabar Theater, Petaluma. $10-$15. 763-8920, cinnabartheater.org

Mary Wilson: Motown sounds with The Supremes founder and musician Lenny Williams, 8 p.m. Saturday, Wells Fargo Center, Santa Rosa. $45-$75. Benefits Petaluma nonprofit Carousel Fund. 546-3600, wellsfargocenterarts.org.

M.F.K. Fisher book launch: ‘The Theoretical Foot’ discussion with the late author’s daughter, 7 p.m. Saturday, Copperfield’s Books, Healdsburg. Free. 433-9270, copperfieldsbooks.com/stores/healdsburg.

Sunday, March 13

Sonoma County Restaurant Week: Final day to explore dining options at specialty prices at 100-plus restaurants on Sunday. $10 and up. sonomacounty.com/restaurant-week.

Maria Muldaur: Dinner concert with ‘Jazzabelle’ & Her All-Star Jazz Quintet, 5 p.m. Sunday, French Garden, Sebastopol. $25-$30. 824-2030, frenchgardenrestaurant.com

Patrick Ball: Celtic harpist, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Cinnabar Theater, Petaluma. $15-$25. 763-8920, cinnabartheater.org.

Santa Rosa Symphony: ‘Gershwin’s Magic Key,’ with pre-show instrument “petting zoo” for kids, 3 p.m. Sunday, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $12-$17. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

Monday, March 14

‘The Quiet Man’: 1952 John Wayne romantic comedy-drama, 7 p.m. Monday, Sebastiani Theatre, Sonoma. $9. 996-2020, sebastianitheatre.com.

Tuesday, March 15

Joyce Maynard: ‘Under the Influence’ author visit, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Book Passage, Corte Madera. Free. (415) 927-0960, bookpassage.com.

‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’: Live family musical, free pre-show art projects, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wells Fargo Center, Santa Rosa. $5-$17. 546-3600, wellsfargocenterarts.org.

Wednesday, March 16

‘Flavor! Napa Valley’: Five-day event opens with marketplace of food, wine and live entertainment, 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Culinary Institute of America at Copia, Napa. $95. flavornapavalley.com

The Polovetsian Dances: Santa Rosa Junior College Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Burbank Auditorium, SRJC, Santa Rosa. $5-$10. 527-4307, santarosa.edu/music.

Thursday, March 17

Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival: Opening party and screening, 7 p.m. Thursday, Sebastopol Center for the Arts Center. $35. 829-4797, sebarts.org.

David Luning: Americana Night, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Cloverdale Arts Alliance. $20. 894-4410, cloverdaleartsalliance.org.

St. Patrick’s Day: Live Celtic music, gypsy rock and blues funk rock, 7 p.m. Thursday, Arlene Francis Center, Santa Rosa. $15-$20. 528-3009, arlenefranciscenter.org.

Friday, March 18

Haymarket Squares: Bluegrass with a punk twist, 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 18, The Big Easy, Petaluma. Free. 776-4631, bigeasypetaluma.com.

‘Carnage’: Left Edge Theatre comedy, 8 p.m. Friday, March 18, Wells Fargo Center, Santa Rosa. $30-$40. 546-3600, wellsfargocenterarts.org.

Amit Peled: Cellist with pianist Noreen Polera, 8 p.m. Friday, March 18, Glaser Center, Santa Rosa. $30. 874-1124, redwoodarts.org.

Sir James Galway: Flutist with the Galway Chamber Players, 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 18, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $60-$130. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

Saturday, March 19

Trashion Fashion: Showcase of apparel designed from repurposed items, 1 p.m. rehearsal, 4:30 p.m. show, Saturday, March 19, Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building, Sonoma. $25-$50. 938-4626, sonomacommunitycenter.org.

Savor Sonoma Valley: Vintage wines, new releases and food, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 19 at 19 Sonoma Valley wineries. $10-$65. 431-1137, heartofsonomavalley.com

‘The Invisible Flame’: Twelve Centuries of Women Composers concert, 7 p.m. Saturday, March 19, Petaluma Historical Library & Museum. $25-$40. 778-4398, petalumamuseum.com

‘Modern Twist’: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art exhibit opening, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, March 19, Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, Sonoma. $5-$8. 939-7862, svma.org

James Ehnes: Classical violinist, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 19, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $35-$85. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

Sunday, March 20

‘Acoustic Africa’: Guitarist Habib Koité and vocalist Vusi Mahlasela, 7 p.m. Sunday, March 20, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $35-$85. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

‘Sons of Noir’: North Bay writers’ book launch, 2 p.m. Sunday, March 20, Occidental Center for the Arts. Free. 874-9392, occidentalcenterforthearts.org.

California’s Artisan Cheese Festival: Brunch, cheese tasting and marketplace, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, March 20, Sheraton Sonoma County, Petaluma. $45-$115. 837-1928, artisancheesefestival.com.

Food & Wine Magazine Named Fremont Diner Among “Best Diners”

March 2016

By Kathleen Hill

The Fremont Diner in Sonoma is famous for its chicken and waffles. The wait for a plate can be up to an hour on busy weekends, but these chicken and waffles transport your taste buds straight to the South. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Fremont Diner was just named among the “best diners” in America by Food & Wine magazine. Now it will be even more crowded, but everything works quite smoothly and the food is always interesting. It’s definitely a creative diner, rather than what we might think of as a traditional one. So often you see two people at a picnic table that could seat eight. Funky and hip all at the same time.

Here’s what Food & Wine had to say:

“Chef and owner Chad Harris taps into the agricultural gifts of the surrounding Carneros region to enliven his elevated take on comfort food, which at breakfast includes a fresh sunny-side up egg over house-smoked black-pepper brisket. A rusty pickup parked out front and walls lined with Harris’s own antiques lend this tiny wine country waypoint – open since 2009 – a throwback charm.

Congratulations!

10 Best Pizza Pies in Sonoma County

March 2016

By biteclub

Mombo's Pizzeria (photo John Burgess/PD) — Mombo’s Pizzeria (photo John Burgess/PD)

This isn’t your fancy wood-fired pizza, or pizza with four kinds of Brie. This is Friday night Pizza in Sonoma County. The ooey-gooey stuff you pull out of a box and eat with a paper towel. here are a handful of our favorite mom-and-pop spots for the Best Friday Night Pizza in Sonoma County. All of these were submitted by Biteclubbers.

1. NY Pie
Mike Petterssen has a favorite quote that pretty much sums up Americans’ universal love of pizza. “You can’t make everyone happy. You aren’t pizza,” says Petterssen, who owns NY Pie in downtown Santa Rosa. Pizza is the Friday night family dinner, with more than $38 billion in annual sales , primarily at mom and pop stores like Petterssen’s. It’s also the late night nosh, the quick lunchtime slice and the after-game fuel-up we all love.

“When kids get together, they don’t have hamburger parties,” Petterssen says.

And while fancy wood-fired, knife-and-fork style pizzas have their place, old school spots like NY Pie serve up thin-crust, tomato sauce and mozzarella pies meant to be shared. They require the Manhattan-style fold to cram a slice into your face, and they’re uniquely Italian-American.

“There should be a little grease running down your hands when you eat it,” adds Petterssen.

Best Friday Night Pizza in Sonoma County. This pizza is from Joey's in Santa Rosa. Photo: Heather Irwin (eater) — Best Friday Night Pizza in Sonoma County. This pizza is from Joey’s in Santa Rosa. Photo: Heather Irwin (eater)

He and his wife, Kristina, recently renovated the small pizzeria at the corner of Brookwood Avenue and Fourth Street, expanding the footprint of the original restaurant once owned by New Yorkers RJ and Camille Iervolino. Although the couple retired to Southern California, Petterssen says he frequently talks to them and continues to use the original recipes developed by Camille.

“The sauce is an old Italian recipe, and we fresh slice blocks of whole milk mozzarella. The real secret to a great New York style pizza is the recipe and ingredients.”

The Minnesota native, who has owned NY Pie for two years, says he loved being able to order pizza at 2 a.m. on Christmas morning — or pretty much any day — and having it arrive hot at his home, which is why he continues to provide daily delivery until 3 a.m. His busiest time? “Anytime after midnight.”

The pizzeria (65 Brookwood Ave., Santa Rosa, 526-9743) hasw 20 beers on tap, slices and an expanded menu including calzones and sandwiches. But Friday night pies will always be the heart and soul of his business, ranging from simple cheese to his best seller, the Godfather (with pepperoni, sausage, artichoke hearts and garlic).

“It’s just the funnest thing in the whole world to sell,” he says. “And we’ll always stay true to our New York roots,” he adds, which means that your pie will come with red pepper flakes and cheap Parmesan in a packet.

Here are some more local NY(ish)-style pies from pizzerias that offer late night delivery or pick-up, and the thin-crust, giant slices you can pick up, fold and share this weekend, with a smile on your face and just a little grease running down your fingers.

(Note: Call for delivery areas and hours, as they may vary.)

Gio's Pizza in Bennett Valley. Photo: Gios — Gio’s Pizza in Bennett Valley. Photo: Gios

2. Gio’s Pizza: This New York style pizzeria also was once owned by the Iervolinos and has stayed true to the founders’ vision. Friends say it’s the best slice in Sonoma County. Delivery 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays. 2700 Yulupa Ave., #5, Santa Rosa, 542-2797.

Mombo's Pizza in Santa Rosa California (mombo's website) — Mombo’s Pizza in Santa Rosa California (mombo’s website)

3. Mombo’s: There’s a reason the Santa Rosa outpost of this classic pizzeria is standing room only all weekend. It’s just darn good pizza. It’s our go-to on Friday nights, and we’re willing to wait the hour or two it takes for delivery during peak hours. Delivery available until 10 p.m. in Santa Rosa. Also, a selection of pizzas now available frozen. 1880B Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, 528-3278. Sebastopol location open until 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, until 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 560 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, 823-7492.

4. Joey’s: Another neighborhood favorite, Joey’s has one of the largest pizza menus, including clam with garlic sauce and a cheeseburger pizza with mustard sauce and plenty of veggie options. Plus, you can get a slice of homemade cheesecake or Scooby Snacks (fried doughballs with cinnamon) added to your order. Late night weekend delivery until 1 a.m., 727 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, 595-5639.

Italian style pizza with basil, tomatoes, olive oil and mozzarella at La Vera restaurant in Santa Rosa. Heather Irwin/PD

5. La Vera: More than just a sit-down Italian restaurant, La Vera does a great take-out pizza. After 30 years in business, they know how to do pizza right. Slices available at lunch. Open until 9 p.m. daily, delivery via foodtoyou.com. 629 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 575-1113.

Simply Delicious Pizza in Santa Rosa. Courtesy of the PD.

6. Simply Delicious: This West Santa Rosa pizzeria always gets big props for its family-friendly pizzas, which range from simple cheese to fancier versions with grilled eggplant and roasted red peppers. The crust is a little thicker than traditional NY style, but just as tasty. Open until 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Dine in or pick up only. 2780 Stony Point, Santa Rosa, 579-2083.

7. Red Grape Pizza: Though this dine-in restaurant’s pizzas only come in one size (12 inch) and are a little fancier than the usual New York style slices, it is definitely where Sonoma residents go for their Friday night pizzas. Pizzas come in white (olive oil and garlic) or red (tomato sauce), and even the cheese version is special, with aged Parmesan and gouda. A personal favorite is pear and gorgonzola. Dine in or pick up only, 529 First St., West, Sonoma, 996-4103.

Sal's New Yorker Pizza (courtesy of Yelp) — Sal’s New Yorker Pizza (courtesy of Yelp)

8. Sal’s New Yorker Pizza: This 2014 newcomer to the pizza game is a favorite pizzeria of SSU students. Open until 9 p.m. daily, delivery available. 8270 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati, 664-8460.

Rafy's Pizzeria in Petaluma (courtesy of Yelp)Rafy's Pizzeria in Petaluma (courtesy of Yelp) — Rafy’s Pizzeria in Petaluma (courtesy of Yelp)

9. Rafy’s Pizzeria: A New Yorker who’s spent the year tossing pies in the Big Apple serves up authentic slices big as your head. Petalumans give it a big thumbs-up. Open daily until 9 p.m., delivery available, 615 E. Washington, Petaluma, 559-5735.

Forestville Pizza in Forestville (Forestville Pizza)

10. Forestville Pizza: A local winemaker took over the former Andorno’s several years ago, preserving as one of the few pizza spots in West County. A;though this definitely isn’t a late-night location, locals say it’s their favorite take-out spot, with delivery available daily from 5 p.m. 6490 Mirabel Road, Forestville, 887-9574.

Click here for even more stories about Pizza in Sonoma County on BiteClubEats.com

Have a favorite we missed? Let us know in the comments below.

Fort Bragg to hold 20th Annual Beer Festival

March 2016

By Brendan Dorsey

The Fort Bragg Rotary Club will be holding their 20th annual beer festival on Saturday, March 19 in Fort Bragg.

Sixteen craft brewers will pour their best beers and ales and the famous North Coast Brewing Company will be showcasing their new North Coast Steller IPA.

The beer fest is part of the Fort Bragg Whale Festival which celebrates whale migration up the North Coast every spring.

The Gnarly Pints will be providing music while you sip on a bubbly brew. And if you get hungry, feel free to check out the chowder tasting that features a chowder contest between various local restaurants.

After the beer fest head over to new Coastal Trail in Fort Bragg and see if you can spot some whales.

The event is from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 21+ and no pets are allowed. Tickets are $30 and include unlimited beer tastings.

Sonoma County’s Evelyn Cheatham Named Woman of the Year

March 2016

By biteclub

Evelyn Cheatham talks with friend Penny Ferry, at Worth Our Weight Cafe in Santa Rosa. It was Cheatham’s 25th and final year leading the effort. BETH SCHLANKER / The Press Democrat

If there’s a patron saint of aspiring culinary talent in Sonoma County, it’s Worth Our Weight’s Evelyn Cheatham.

The tireless chef who founded Santa Rosa’s training program (and restaurant) for at-risk kids in 2006 was been named a “Woman of the Year” by U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson on March 1, 2016.

In honor of Women’s History Month, she was one of five “extraordinary women” representing each of the five counties Thompson represents. “They are leaders in their community and thanks to their efforts, our communities are stronger today,” said Thompson. Other honorees included Linda Parks of Napa’s Lixit Animal Care Products, Vallejo Together’s Maria Guevara of Solono County, Lake County businesswoman Monica Rosenthal and Contra Costa businesswoman Josephine Orozco.

Trail of the Week: Taylor Mountain Regional Park

March 2016

By Bruce Baird

Peri Olsson of Santa Rosa takes her dog Teddy on a walk at Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve in Santa Rosa, California on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat) Santa Rosa ranked one of the best places to live

A red-shouldered hawk surveys the greening slopes of Taylor Mountain from its perch, then lifts and wheels southward in search of lunch. It’s another wintertime visitor to the Santa Rosa open-space preserve, just minutes from downtown.

The hawk has plenty of bird company at the 1,100-acre preserve, which opened in February 2013. Year-round residents include quail, acorn woodpeckers, black Phoebes, turkeys and the ever-present vultures and crows. In winter and spring, flocks of bluebirds dot the open hillsides, along with the more solitary Western meadowlarks.

The shortest and perhaps most popular route to the top of Taylor Mountain is the Eastern Route, a sometimes steep 3.2-mile old farm road. The single-track Sky Lupine Trail is an easier grade, lazily crisscrossing the Eastern Route as the two make their way up the 1,000-foot hill. It is less slippery in the winter and less exhausting in summer.

It also offers a chance to see more of Taylor Mountain’s glory: wildflowers. Practically each week through late winter and spring, another flower species seems to make an appearance: lupine, tidy tips, woodland stars, poppies and the hypnotic gold curlicues of fiddleneck. Sharp eyes on the way up may even spot wild strawberries.

tm3 — A seasonal pond lies tucked away on the slopes of Taylor Mountain. (Bruce Baird)

A glance back from halfway up Taylor Mountain offers terrific views of the Santa Rosa Plain and Mount St. Helena to the north. From the summit, one sees Bennett Valley and Annadel State Park to the east, downtown Santa Rosa to the north, Cooks Peak, Sonoma Mountain and Mount Tamalpais to the south and the hills beyond Sebastopol to the west.

When the heat of summer comes, the mostly unshaded hike to the top will demand more sweat and sunscreen, but the Todd Creek Trail southwest of the Kawana Terrace parking lot is a shadier alternative on a hot day.

(Bruce Baird / The Press Democrat) — (Bruce Baird)

Cows still graze on Taylor Mountain, and making them aware of your close approach is always a good idea. Poison oak is limited to the heavy undergrowth and a few rocky outcroppings.

There are two entrances, one on Kawana Terrace, the other on Petaluma Hill Road. Parking is $7, though limited free parking is available along Kawana Terrace just outside the park. Dogs on leashes are allowed.

TAYLOR MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE PRESERVE

Eastern Route/Sky Lupine Trail

Distance: 3.2 miles, 4.2 using Sky Lupine Trail switchbacks

Configuration: out-and-back

Elevation gain: 1,000 feet

Time: 30 minutes to an hour to the top

Difficulty: moderate to strenuous

Exposure: mostly open hillside with a few shady groves of oak and laurel

Dogs: allowed on leash

Maps: USGS Santa Rosa, park map, Maplets app

A plein air painter captures the scene along the start of the Western Route at Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve. (Bruce Baird / The Press Democrat) — A plein air painter captures the scene along the start of the Western Route at Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve. (Bruce Baird)

The hike: From the Kawana Terrace parking lot, head to the left of the water tanks onto the Eastern Route Trail, an old farm road. Following the road without diverting onto smaller trails will take hikers directly to the summit. The small oak-topped hill to the left at the hike’s beginning offers a nice picnic spot with a view for those short on time.

At 0.3 miles, the start of the hike’s two steep sections, those looking for an easier way to the top can take a right onto the single-track Sky Lupine trail, which crisscrosses the main trail. The Sky Lupine Trail ends where it rejoins the Eastern Route at the top of its two steepest sections, at about 1,000 foot elevation.

A jackrabbit lopes along the Easter Route on Taylor Mountain. (Bruce Baird / The Press Democrat)

From here, the trail heads south along the mountain’s flank for a third of a mile in mixed oak and laurel shade before hitting a pair of switchbacks. Past the switchbacks, the trail heads south again for a quarter mile before sweeping east and up a rocky notch that delivers hikers onto the open summit area beyond an old freestone wall. In wet weather, the Sky Lupine Trail provides a less slippery descent past the main trail’s two steep areas.

Source: “Day Hikes Around Sonoma County” by Robert Stone (Day Hike Books)

Petaluma’s Wild Goat Bistro is a Hidden Treasure

March 2016

By Carey Sweet

Chef Victor Escobar puts the finishing touches on a dish before sending it out to a customer at Wild Goat Bistro in Petaluma, on Wednesday, March 2, 2016. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

The two chefs were having a good time at Wild Goat Bistro in Petaluma.

“Gutty note,” said one guy to the other. “It won’t take long, it’s just a ball of cheese.”

Then he started humming, as he prepared the real dish: The Nutty Goat, a signature platter with a large round of warm local chevre crusted in chunky pistachio and dried fruit crumbles, presented with toasted pepitas and orange marmalade for spreading on crostini ($11).

Throughout the evening, the duo bantered, teasing the servers and nimbly excusing themselves when it was learned that no one would be eating the French-cut pork chop that night. They were missing a key ingredient for the popular winter creation, served with polenta cake, Brussels sprouts, Nueske applewood smoked lardons, Madeira and pan jus ($23).

“Either the meat company forgot to deliver it, or we forgot to order it,” one chef said with a shrug.

That playful nature is just one of the many charms of this 20-seat café, where every chair — including four at the front counter and four at the window overlooking the edge of the riverfront — offers a view and eavesdropping privileges into the kitchen. Servers smile at us; regular customers greet each other; and it’s not tacky to look at other guest’s dinner plates and admire their meals out loud.

Owner Nancy DeLorenzo clearly has put a lot of personal attention into her Cal-American eatery, and since the place opened in 2010, it has become a locals’ favorite, requiring some geographical knowledge since it’s hidden in the back of the historic, 1854 brick Great Petaluma Mill.

It’s tiny, indeed, housed in space once used as a butcher’s wild game storage locker. You’ll see a small sign and a few patio tables outside, but you’ll have to enter the Mill itself to find the front door.

The Goat recently expanded, adding another two dozen seats in the Mill’s entry hallway, including a long communal table.

And in October, DeLorenzo opened The Social Hall right next door, bringing another dining room and private party space. This area is more modern than original, decorated in mostly reclaimed materials that include a floor made from 100-year-old hop house siding saved from the scrap heap by Heritage Salvage.

In the Goat proper, stone walls are hung with local artwork for sale, menus are affixed to wood clipboards, and specials are hand-drawn on chalkboards, while the new hall is sleek with leather banquettes and polished wood.

While the chefs like their jokes, they’re serious about coaxing the best flavors from their ingredients, no matter how basic.

A Get Chopped salad is classic Cobb, but the way every Cobb dreams it could taste. Baby greens are layered with Mary’s chicken breast, bacon, sliced egg and avocado slabs so fresh they practically dance under the creamy blue cheese dressing ($9 small/$14 large).

Off-the-Hook salad puts art into Nicoise, too, molding the line-caught albacore, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, capers and baby greens into a tidy tower, capping it with sliced egg and rimming it with kalamata olives, crisp green beans and fingerling potato drizzled in sparkly bright lemon olive oil vinaigrette ($10/$15).

The broth is little more than white wine, lemon and herbs for the Beans-N-Greens bowl, meanwhile, but the dish is sumptuous, nearly a stew, with giant, al dente Rancho Gordo and Iacopi Farms heirloom legumes tumbled with soft, salty braising greens ($7.50).

Excellent ingredients also elevate the 10-inch Fig and Pig pizza ($15.50), arriving as six slices of thin crust, golden-edged pie topped in housemade fig spread, prosciutto, fontina, Grana Padano, goat and blue cheeses finished with arugula.

The sweet-tangy fruit gets a lusty jolt from the bleu cheese, the greens add a shot of pepper, and each bite is complex.

Such balance would make the sandwiches better, though. The Favorite Burger ($16) brings a fine Niman Ranch patty, bacon, blue cheese and aioli, but it’s overwhelmed by the thick baguette roll that could easily hold double the meat.

I ended up dismantling it, removing the clever skewer of sautéed fingerling potatoes holding the sandwich together and pulling the bread apart to make a more beefy chew.

It was the same problem with a daily special chicken Parmesan ($13), with the breast pounded thin and ever-so-slightly pan-burned on its lightly breaded edges, as I like it.

I discarded half the bread and wished for a lot more arugula, lemon aioli, marinara and the entirely meager mozzarella topping.

Perhaps the fanciest dish here is the duck two ways, of pan seared Liberty breast and leg confit, though the recipe remains relaxed and comforting with mixed root vegetables and smashed red potatoes ($28).

“Can you do a duck?” I heard the server say as she put my order in. The comedian chef replied, “Well, I can give it the old college try.”

He nailed it.

We don’t have to ask what’s for dessert. It’s on display on the counter, tempting with glass-topped stands bearing home-baked cakes like chocolate hazelnut or salted caramel chocolate (all $7.50/slice).

They’re all delicious, but the Italian lemon cream cake is light, fluffy and brimming with a tart silken interior that brings a clean finish to our meal. It’s a pride of Petaluma, this Gild Woat — um, Wild Goat.

Wild Goat Bistro

Where: 6 Petaluma Blvd. North, #A5, Petaluma

When: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat.; 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sun.

Reservations: (707) 658-1156, wildgoatbistro.com

Cuisine: California, American

Price: Expensive, entrées $13-$28

Corkage: $15

Stars: ** ½

Summary: Hidden in back of the historic Great Petaluma Mill, the charming spot pleases with Cal-American comfort food fancied with superb ingredients. Tuna Nicoise, Beans-N-Greens and Liberty duck are stars.

Still hungry? Check out our “Where to eat now” listing for the latest and greatest Sonoma County Restaurants.

Geyserville Gun Club Bar and Lounge

March 2016

By biteclub

Geyserville Gun Club Bar and Lounge in Geyserville

Diavola’s Dino Bugica is continuing to make tiny Geyserville a hip destination for travelers. His pizzeria and salumeria have become legendary, but now there’s a reason to hang out late in a town where, well, there’s not much else to do after 9p.m.

Geyserville Gun Club, Bar and Lounge (#GGC)

The Geyserville Gun Club, Bar and Lounge has opened, featuring classic cocktails and a bar bites menu featuring hot dogs and chicken nuggets, crudos, caviar, lumpia and spicy tuna hand rolls.

As with anything that Bugica does, expect it to be beyond your expectations.
Geyserville Gun Club, Bar and Lounge, 21025 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, (707) 814-0036.

Partake by K-J Shuttering

March 2016

By biteclub

After three years, Jackson Family Wines has decided to close Partake by K-J, their restaurant and tasting room in Healdsburg.

The winery group will shift their focus back to their flagship estate, Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens. In addition to enhancing their daily food and wine pairings, the winery will host monthly Farm to Table dinners in the estate gardens overseen by the inimitable Tucker Taylor.

The Healdsburg restaurant/tasting room will be reopened as a tasting experience for sister winery, Siduri. Stay tuned for more details.

Ibis: Rare Birds Spotted in Petaluma

March 2016

By Eric Gneckow

Written by Eric Gneckow for the Petaluma Argus-Courier.

Many hundreds of bird species have made an appearance in the expansive wetlands of southeast Petaluma, delighting birders and casual observers alike. But every now and then, one species takes the spotlight.

In what one wetlands activist described as a potentially once-in-a-generation event, a group of white-faced ibis is offering itself up for an extended viewing in the habitat around Petaluma’s Ellis Creek water treatment plant.

Bob Dyer observes three White-faced Ibis at the Ellis Creek marshland in Petaluma on Monday, February 29, 2016. (SCOTT MANCHESTER/ARGUS-COURIER STAFF)

“This is the first time we’ve had a flock that have apparently decided to winter here, as opposed to stopping in to relax, maybe grab a quick snack and move off. It’s an unusual thing,” said Bob Dyer, senior docent with the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance.

Whether a one-time fluke or the start of a long-term shift, Dyer said the birds, which are among the 231 avian species recorded in the area, appear to be settling in for the time being. He has been observing and photographing 10 of the lanky, long-beaked birds at the wetlands around the facility since Jan. 15.

The migratory species has a range that generally only goes as far north as Southern California during the winter, part of a broader migration pattern spanning between western Canada and South America.

Adapted to shallow water and marshy environments, the white-faced ibis has a long, curved beak, sinewy legs and subtly iridescent plumage that shimmers in the sun. The birds take their name from the white plumage around the eyes that becomes far more prominent during the breeding season, meaning that Petaluma’s animals have taken a darker hue for this time of year.

The species is most common in areas around Southern California and Mexico during the winter, with many migrating north during other times of the year, according to information from the National Audubon Society. The white-faced ibis is generally uncommon in the Bay Area and North Coast regions of California.

Two White-faced Ibis at the Ellis Creek marshland in Petaluma on Monday, February 29, 2016. (SCOTT MANCHESTER/ARGUS-COURIER STAFF)

Careful watchers may catch a glimpse of the birds in Petaluma’s skies or marshes during the migrations of a typical year, but the extended stopover in the city is turning more heads than usual, Dyer said.

“Every person that I run into at Ellis Creek who are not birders still say, ‘What are those?’” he said.

The group appears relatively comfortable with human interlopers — Dyer said he recently got within 10 feet of a small gathering of white-faced ibis, making for striking photos as the birds probe the shallow waters in search of food.

The arrival of the ibis is causing a stir among birders at a time when many are already keeping a close eye on the areas around Ellis Creek, Shollenberger Park and the Alman Marsh, said Gordon Beebe, president of the Sonoma County-based Madrone Audubon Society.

“The winter is a real time of rich diversity at the ponds, Shollenberger, the whole area, for waterfowl and shorebirds,” he said. “You get a lot of variety of species. It’s a great time of year.”

Contact Eric Gneckow at eric.gneckow@arguscourier.com. On Twitter @Eric_Reports.