Page 423 – Sonoma Magazine

Healdsburg’s Newcomer: Persimmon On the Square – Asian Fusion Restaurant

February 2016

By Heather Irwin

Written and photographed by Heather Irwin for BiteClubEats.

In Sonoma County, “outing” visiting celebrities is generally frowned upon. But I’m fairly sure that actress Christina Applegate dined at this Healdsburg newcomer, Persimmon On the Square, after walking by and seeing me take taking pictures/scarfing down plates of Sichuan mapo tofu, seven spice brisket, duck bao and dulce de leche waffles.

Or at least that’s what I’m telling Chef Danny Mai, who opened the restaurant in late January 2016.

You’re welcome.

But it doesn’t take a lot of persuading to appreciate Mai’s Wine Country approach to Asian-fusion cuisine. The Vietnamese-born chef marries classical French techniques, Sonoma County ingredients, a broad interpretation of Thai/Vietnamese/Chinese cuisines and just a soupçon of Mexican for something entirely his own. From pho and ramen to banh mi and shrimp dumplings, this is approachable-yet-upscale dining that works perfectly in Healdsburg.

Best bets include:

Northern China Green Onion Pancakes ($11): Mai tells us that this was, by far, the most difficult dish on his menu to get just right. After many iterations, the pancake became a thin, crisp wafer broken into four pieces, interspersed with minced pork in spicy XO seafood sauce, maitake mushrooms and green onions.

Peking Duck Bao ($14): Steamed buns hug shredded duck with hoisin gastrique (we told you there was some French technique), chiles, cilantro and cucumber.

Banh Mi Du Jour ($14): Only served until 2 p.m., these Vietnamese-style sandwiches come with a new filling each day. Ours was curried shrimp, and it makes for a satisfying lunch, served with a bowl of consomme.

Bird in a Nest Warm Frise Salad ($14): Make sure to try this one, because it’s our favorite. Bitter frise and a small forest of enoki mushrooms get a warm dousing of vinaigrette and lardons (basically thick little pieces of bacon) rendered in sake. A perfectly poached egg perches on top, slathering the whole shebang with creamy yolk.

Ginger Chicken Porridge ($20): We were really hoping for a comforting bowl of congee and chicken, which is a hangover/cold staple in Asia. Instead, Mai riffs on the dish with risotto, bok choy, juicy poached chicken and ginger sauce. It won’t light your night on fire, but it’s a gentle, sophisticated entrée for less adventurous eaters.

Seven Spice Brisket ($23): Traditional Chinese five-spice (anise, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, fennel) goes two better to flavor this fall-apart brisket served with a potato-wasabi croquette.

Tres Leche Waffle ($7): Here’s where the influence of co-owner Octavio Diaz (Agave, Casa del Mole) and Mai’s work in Diaz’ Mexican restaurants come into play. Soft Belgian waffles with persimmon brulee, creme fraiche and candied pistachios. Over the top? Absolutely. But that’s why celebrities (and the rest of us) love Persimmon.

Persimmon On the Square Restaurant, 335 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 395-0318, persimmonhealdsburg.com.

Things to Do in Sonoma County This Week

February 2016

By Crissi Langwell

On Saturday and Sunday, fancy felines will strut their stuff at a cat show being held at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

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

Looking for some fun this weekend? Here’s what you have to look forward to. This Saturday, amateur to professional builders will construct elaborate structures out of donated cans of food at the annual Canstruction event at Coddingtown. Plus, all weekend long is the Santa Rosa Cat Show at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, and a children’s book sale at the Petaluma library. All this and more is in our list of things to do.

Friday, Feb. 19
Charlie Musselwhite: The famed bluesman performs live at Uptown Theatre in Napa this Friday with the North Mississippi All-Stars. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are $40-$60. Read more about this concert here.

Feb. 19-20
Children’s book sale: Find new-to-you books at the library sale being held this weekend at the Petaluma Regional Library. On Friday, find children’s books from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. And on Saturday, all of these books are 50% off from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The general sale will take place Wednesday, Feb. 24 to Saturday, Feb. 27. Find out all the details here.

Feb. 20-21
Santa Rosa Cat Show: This weekend, fancy felines will strut their stuff at a cat show being held at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. The show will feature over 100 pedigreed cats and kittens, as well as shelter cats that are ready for adoption. The weekend will also include feline agility, a raffle and silent auction, a costumed cat contest and more. Admission is $5 adults, $3 kids 6-12 and free for kids 5 and under. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Find out more at srcatshow.com.

Saturday, Feb. 20
Canstruction at Coddingtown: Fight hunger in Sonoma County through the annual Canstruction competition at Coddingtown this Saturday. Whether a professional architect or an amateur builder, anyone is invited to participate in creating unique sculptured using only canned foods. Building starts at 9 a.m., and the structures will remain on display all week long, with the awards ceremony happening on Feb. 28. This year’s theme is Love Where You Live. To register for this free event, plus see examples from previous years, click here.

Saturday, Feb. 20
Fairy Tale Father & Daughters Ball: Dads and their daughters are invited to this special fairy tale-themed dance at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa on Saturday for a night of royal fun. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the event will include fun activities, refreshments, a princess visit and more. Admission is $30 per couple, and $10 for each additional youth. Find out all the details at santarosarec.com.

Sunday, Feb. 21
Rickie Lee Jones: The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter is performing live at the Mystic Theater in Petaluma this Sunday night. Doors open at 8 p.m. for this 21-plus show, and tickets are $41 general, and $96 for VIP. Find out more at mystictheatre.com.

Would you like more people to know about your event? Enter it into our online events calendar at pressdemocrat.com/events.

Other upcoming events:

Friday, Feb. 19

David Arora: Copperfield’s books presents forager/author of ‘Mushrooms Demystified’ at 7:30 p.m. Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. $10; $30 for two, plus book. 823-1511, seb.org, copperfieldsbooks.com.

Jim Jefferies: Australian-born stand-up comic brings his ‘Freedumb Tour’ to Wells Fargo Center at 8 p.m. $39.50-$49.50. 546-3600, wellsfargocenterarts.org.

The King’s Singers: Classical vocal ensemble. 7:30 p.m. Weill Hall, Green Music Center. $35 & up. gmc.sonoma.edu, 866-955-6040.

‘Art Shapes the World’: Opening reception for youth art exhibit. 4-7 p.m. Friday. Exhibit ends March 5. Petaluma Arts Center. Free. 762-5600, petalumaartscenter.org.

Scott Capurro: SOMO Concerts presents the stand-up comedian 8 p.m. Sally Tomatoes, Rohnert Park. $20. 665-9472, eventbrite.com.

Saturday, Feb. 20

Wvrth: Northern California metal band tops five-group roster. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Phoenix Theatre, Petaluma. $10-$12. 762-3565, thephoenixtheater.com.
Hearth Tales: ‘How Art Shaped My World,’ 7:30 p.m. Saturday.. Petaluma Arts Center. $20. 762-5600, petalumaartscenter.org.

Govinda: Gypsy roots & world music, plus Kaminanda, Psymbionic. 10 p.m. Saturday. HopMonk Tavern, Sebastopol. $20. 829-7300, hopmonk.com.

Chinese New Year Parade: Celebrate the Year of the Monkey as the parade travels from Second and Market streets through Chinatown, 5:15 p.m. Saturday, San Francisco. sanfranciscochinatown.com.

SOCO Dance Theater: Dynamic dance and original music, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, , Ives Hall at Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park. $10-$17. 664-4246, sonoma.edu/theatreanddance.

Sunday, Feb. 21

Rickie Lee Jones: Grammy-winning singer-songwriter. 8 p.m. Sunday. Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $41-$96. 765-2121, mystictheatre.com.

‘BFG’: Roald Dahl’s play, by Dallas Children’s Theater. 3 p.m. Sunday. Wells Fargo Center. $12-$17; $5 under 2. 546-3600, wellsfargocenterarts.org.

Chamber Concert Series: Violinist Ian Swensen, pianist Jeffrey LaDeur. 4 p.m. Sunday. Newman Auditorium, Santa Rosa Junior College. $15-$26. 415-392-4400, cityboxoffice.com.

Santa Rosa Junior College Wine Classic: More than 50 wines from 30 Sonoma County winemakers. 2-5 p.m. Sunday. Bertolini Student Center, Santa Rosa campus. $75. srjcwineclassic.com.

Monday, Feb. 22

Santa Rosa Symphony: Violinist Rachel Batron Pine featured. 8 p.m. Saturday and Monday; 3 p.m. Sunday. $20-$80. Weill Hall, Green Music Center. santarosasymphony.com.

Tuesday, Feb. 23

Mira Sorvino: Social justice lecture series. Actress speaks on human trafficking. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Weill Hall, Green Music Center. $10. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

Wednesday, Feb. 24

Bill Callahan: Baritone vocalist. 8 p.m. Wednesday in the 100-year-old redwood barn at Gundlach Bundschu Winery, Sonoma. $41, $10 parking (carpoolers free). gunbun.com.

Thursday, Feb. 25

Jazz on the Menu: Live jazz and food food at 12 Healdsburg-Geyserville area restaurants, 6-9 p.m. Thursday. Benefits music education in local schools. Prices vary. healdsburgjazzfestival.org.

Friday, Feb. 26

Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen: Folk duo. 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Occidental Center for the Arts. $12-$15. 874-9392, occidentalcenterforthearts.org.

Tattoo & Blues Festival: 25th annual. Noon-10 p.m. Feb. 26, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Feb. 27, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Feb. 28. Flamingo Resort, Santa Rosa. $20-$35. 253-306-0170, santarosatatoosandblues.com.

Royal Marines Band: Pipes, drums and Highland dancers of the Scots Guards. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26. Weill Hall, Green Music Center. $40 & up. $40 & up. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

‘Next Women of Country’: Jennifer Nettles, Brandy Clark, Lindsay Ell and Tara Thompson perform 8 p.m. Feb. 26. Wells Fargo Center, Santa Rosa. $58-78. 546-3600, wellsfargocenterarts.org.

Rubber Soul: Beatles tribute band. 7-10 p.m. Feb. 26. Rossi’s 1906, Sonoma. Free. 343-0044, rossis1906.com.

Saturday, Feb. 27

Bonnie Brooks: Jazz singer. accompanied by pianist John Simon, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27. Sebastopol Center for the Arts. $15. 829-4797, sebarts.org.

Paddy Moloney & The Chieftains: Irish folk band. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27. Weill Hall, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $60 & up. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

Sons of Champlin & David Luning: R&B, jazz and Americana, 8:30 p.m. Feb. 27. Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $36. 765-2121, ticketweb.com.

Sunday, Feb. 28

Academy Awards: Watch the Oscars on the big screen at Food for Thought benefit. 5 p.m. Feb. 28, Rialto Cinemas, Sebastopol. $25, $45 VIP. 887-1647, rialtocinemas.com.

‘Red Carpet Evening’: Black-tie Oscar night viewing benefits the Alexander Valley Film Society. 4 p.m. Feb. 28. Clover Theater, Cloverdale. $100, $200 VIP. avfilmsociety.org.

‘The Envelope, Please’: Academy Awards show, food and drinks 4 p.m. Feb. 28. Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $50, $75 VIP, benefits KPCA Radio. 765-2121, mystictheatre.com.

Noise Pop: DIIV, Dirty Ghosts, Creative Adult and Fine Points play the indie music fest 8 p.m. Feb. 28. The Independent, San Francisco. $20; $22 at the door. noisepop.com.

Cypress Cypress String Quartet: San Francisco ensemble performs beloved favorites, 3 p.m. Feb. 28, Schroeder Hall, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $30. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

Persimmon On the Square – Asian Fusion Restaurant in Healdsburg

February 2016

By biteclub

Onion pancakes at Persimmon Asian fusion restaurant in Healdsburg, California. (Heather Irwin)

Persimmon Restaurant in Healdsburg (Heather Irwin) — Chef Danny Mai at Persimmon Asian Fusion Restaurant in Healdsburg (Heather Irwin)

Or at least that’s what I’m telling Chef Danny Mai, who opened the restaurant in late January 2016.

You’re welcome.

Persimmon restaurant in Healdsburg (Danny Mai)

Best bets include:

Peking duck bao at Persimmon Asian fusion restaurant in Healdsburg, California. (Heather Irwin)

Peking Duck Bao ($14): Steamed buns hug shredded duck with hoisin gastrique (we told you there was some French technique), chiles, cilantro and cucumber.

Banh mi at Persimmon Asian fusion restaurant in Healdsburg, California. (Heather Irwin)

Bird in a nest salad at Persimmon Asian fusion restaurant in Healdsburg, California. (Heather Irwin)

Ginger chicken porridge at Persimmon Asian fusion restaurant in Healdsburg, California. (Heather Irwin)

Seven spice brisket at Persimmon Asian fusion restaurant in Healdsburg, California. (Heather Irwin)

Seven Spice Brisket ($23): Traditional Chinese five-spice (anise, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, fennel) goes two better to flavor this fall-apart brisket served with a potato-wasabi croquette.

Dulce de leche waffles at Persimmon Asian fusion restaurant in Healdsburg, California. (Heather Irwin)

Persimmon Restaurant, 335 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 395-0318, persimmonhealdsburg.com.

The Barber is Back in Sonoma County

February 2016

By John Burgess

The 50’s are back in style at the Santa Rosa Barber Shop. Owner Eric Gardea runs pomade through the hair of Cody Garzini. (JOHN BURGESS / The Press Democrat)

Men are flooding back to barbershops, lured by the prospect of a clipper cut and beard trim in the company of other men. Changing hairstyles have provided some of the fuel. Salon-driven ‘70s feathered hair styles and ‘80s mullets have been replaced by the fades and pompadours that are the specialty of old-school barbers, delivered in man caves with games on the flat-screen TVs and signed Buster Posey pictures on the walls.

At the simply-named Barber Shop, a 60-year fixture in Santa Rosa, customers fill eight extra chairs while waiting for their turns. Across town is Dappers, where young barbers cater to bearded hipsters with razor cut styles. At both kinds of shops, customers who want a little more pampering can spring for steamy straight-razor shaves.

Why Barbershops are Popular in Sonoma County

Fred Reed, who has operated Reed’s Hair Barn in Cotati for 33 years, said, “When I started there were only three barbers in two towns. Now there are three on this street alone.”

The return to basics is more than just nostalgia.

“For $20 you not only get a haircut, you get your community,” said Lamarion Spence at Plaza Barber in Healdsburg, where the smell of pomade and after shave greets fathers and sons as well as doctors and janitors. “It’s the only place where everyone is exactly the same.”

Guide to Dog-Friendly Places in Sonoma County

February 2016

By Jenna Fischer

Sonoma County Regional Parks allows leashed (six feet or less) and licensed dogs at all parks. Keep clicking through the gallery to see where else you can take your dog in Sonoma County.

Love to explore and travel, but don’t know if the pup can go, too?

See the gallery above for different dog-friendly spots in Sonoma County with four sections: beaches and parks, shopping, wineries and hotels and inns. Did we miss any places? Let us know in the comments.

Dungeness Crab Report: For Better or Worse

February 2016

By biteclub

So, I’m not an expert in the ins and outs of crab fishing, but there have been some confusing reports about Bay Area crabbing season.

The good news is that a large portion of the California Coast has opened for sport fishing and may soon open commercially. The bad news: It doesn’t include anything north of Point Reyes in Marin. Here’s what I know about Dungeness crabs for the North Bay.

Dungeness Crab at Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg. Photo: ©Heather Irwin

Feb. 12, 2016: As of today, it’s a good news, bad news for Northern California’s Dungeness crab season. The good news is that recreational fishing for the crabs is open for areas south of Point Reyes in Marin County. The bad news: It’s still closed for anything north, including Bodega Bay and the Sonoma Coast. It was decided by numerous agencies that Dungeness crab caught on the coast south of Pt. Reyes posed no significant human health risk from high levels of domoic acid.

Word is that commercial fishing may resume late next week south of Point Reyes, although its still speculative.

The Dungeness and rock crab health advisory between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties was lifted in late December, according to published reports.

Oregon and Washington state also had delays in their crab seasons, but commercial crab fishing season officially opened on Jan. 4, 2016. What most of us who’ve had crab recently are eating is from those states.

The backstory: Commercial crab season was officially closed in early November after high levels of domoic acid was found in crabs. The acid is a neurotoxin that poses a health risk to humans and can result in short-term memory loss, seizures and even death at high levels. In lower levels, expect a pretty bad stomach ache.

On Feb. 9, Gov. Jerry Brown request a federal disaster declaration for California’s commercial crab fisheries. The economic impact to the state’s crab industry has been devastating, with an estimated loss of up to $90 million.

(Did I get something wrong? Please let me know so I can fix it. As I said, I’m not an expert, just passing along what I know.)

Dungeness Crab Fishing Resources
California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Ocean Recreational Fishing Report

Sonoma Florists Create Drought-Friendly Arrangements

February 2016

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

Jaclyn K. Nesbitt Designs, Santa Rosa. 415-948-1626.

Written for the Sonoma Weddings Issue by Abigail Peterson

Photographs by Emily Hagopian Styling by Abigail Peterson and Tamara Apple Shot on location at Annadel Estate Winery

California’s weather challenges have proved to be a creative gift for our region’s top wedding florists.

While the classic look of peonies and other water-demanding blooms never goes out of style, local designers have expanded their options with foraged greenery, succulents, grasses, seed pods, and other nontraditional elements. Santa Rosa designer Jaclyn K. Nesbitt says eco-conscious wedding flowers can be sophisticated and verdant. “I don’t find the drought to be limiting creatively at all,” says Nesbitt. “It opens a new store of inventiveness.” Designer Bonnie Z of Dragonfly Floral in Healdsburg takes the ultimate drought-tolerant approach by growing all the flowers she uses on her family’s six-acre organic farm. “Not many florist shops have tractors—or ducks running around wild,” she jokes. This year, Z was able to cut back drastically on her farm’s water usage, yet her creations still convey the special abundance that comes from eco-friendly, field-grown blooms.

Click through the gallery to see all the floral arrangements.

Sonoma Sparklers: The Best Sparkling Wine for Weddings

February 2016

By Linda Murphy

Pricey Champagne is traditional, while buoyantly effervescent Prosecco is all the rage and far less inexpensive. Cava from Spain, cremant from Burgundy and Alsace, and New World bubblies from Oregon, New York, Australia, and New Zealand all add dimension to the sparkling wine scene.

Yet a wedding in Sonoma calls for Sonoma sparkling wines, the best of which deliver Champagne-like quality and depth at a fraction of the price. Vibrantly fruity, expressive, and impressive, local bubblies are so good that those getting hitched in Sonoma should consider nothing else. Marry Sonoma, drink Sonoma.

A great place to start is Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards. Its Carneros Cuvée ($70) and Royal Cuvée ($37) are glorious, yet possibly cost-prohibitive for serving to a crowd. As alternatives, consider the winery’s rich Sonoma Brut and subtly pink, delicate Blanc de Noirs (each $22), both great values for their verve, generosity of flavor, and refinement.

Iron Horse Vineyards’ Green Valley of Russian River Valley Wedding Cuvée ($42) could not be more appropriately named for matrimonial celebration. A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the wine offers peach, raspberry, and blood orange flavors that ride a wave of bracing acidity. Sumptuous and seductive.

On a budget? Don’t forget about Korbel, the Guerneville winery whose sparklers are ubiquitous (approximately 1.4 million produced annually) and often found at $10-ish prices at big-box stores and grocery chains. Two Korbel wines are exceptional for their price: California Brut Rosé ($12 at the winery), lean, racy, and with bright cherry, berry, and citrus flavors, and California Brut Made with Organically Grown Grapes ($15), which has yeasty depth and complexity.

Demi-sec sparklers are best for wedding cake and other after-ceremony desserts, with their subtle sweetness and vibrant acidity both complementing and contrasting the confections. In this case, neighboring Napa Valley producer Schramsberg Vineyards’ 2011 Cremant Demi-Sec ($40) satisfies like no other.

From the reception to the first toast and through the cutting of the cake, sparkling wine is a vital component of any wedding. For Sonoma ceremonies, there is no need to look elsewhere for fizz to fuel this most festive of occasions.

Serving Your Sparklers with Style

While we still love mason jars as much as anyone, many Sonoma couples are choosing a more refined way to serve wedding sparklers: vintage glassware.

Brides can unearth delicate cut-glass beauties and old-fashioned champagne coupes at thrift stores and flea markets, bringing color and personality to their tables. “I love the look for parties and weddings. Mismatched coupes are really fun, and they’re exciting to collect,” says Jayme Powers, proprietor of SIGH., a champagne and sparkling wine bar in Sonoma. Companies such as Williams-Sonoma and BHLDN are even reissuing vintage glassware designs in modern palettes (williams-sonoma.com; bhldn.com). And if you’re not into the hunt, you can source these styles from vintage rental companies.

Another throwback trend a 1920s-era bride might recognize: champagne towers. Not those ever-running fountains (all that churning ruins the bubbles, and the taste) but an elegant stack of vintage-style coupes filled in a cascade from the top. Ask your caterer or look up directions online to re-create the look. It’s sure to get your reception guests on their feet, especially when paired with a magnum of local sparkling wine.

—Abigail Peterson

Buena Vista Winery’s Bubble Lounge

If bubbles are your thing and you just can’t wait till the wedding, consider a pre-wedding celebration at Buena Vista Winery’s Bubble Lounge, housed in the winery’s Champagne cellar. The lounge’s sumptuous décor, complete with tufted couches and crystal chandeliers, evokes a Roaring Twenties mood that will easily match the high spirits of an engagement soiree or girls’ night out. Reservations required; call 800-926-1266.

Buena Vista Winery, 18000 Old Winery Road, Sonoma, buenavistawinery.com

Eye Candy: Sonoma Doctor Seeing Vision of Chocolate

February 2016

By Heather Irwin

Written by Heather Irwin for BiteClubEats.

Eye Candy Chocolatiers: Chocolate is Dr. Sonja Schluter’s happy place. The Sonoma ophthalmologist spends her days working with patients facing serious vision problems, primarily glaucoma. So her off-time passion for making beautiful chocolate truffles has become an outlet of beauty, precision and, of course, deliciousness.

But after 20 years practice (and giving most of her chocolate creations to friends), she’s finally opened a tiny retail shop at Sebastopol’s Gravenstein Station called Eye Candy.

Jewel-like truffles of every size and shape line the case, with flavors like passionfruit, guava, Earl Grey tea, chai coconut and cinnamon cardamom, making decisions difficult. What we love is the bitterness balancing act. Schulter uses a chocolate that’s between 54-64 percent cacao (milk chocolate has as little as 10% and extra-dark is around 80%), easing up on some of the intense bitterness of other dark chocolates.

Each of the truffles is made in the shop, with a mix of precision and creativity. “It fits my personality,” said Schluter, who has culinary training from the Ecole Chocolat in Vancouver and Callebaut Academy in Chicago. Crediting her mom, Tamara Suslov, M.D. (who founded the Eye Center in Sebastopol) for her tenacity and inspiration, Sonja brings her two worlds of chocolate and ophthamology together by donating a portion of her candy proceeds to the Glaucoma Research Foundation.

“Its a beautiful balancing act,” she said.

6761 Sebastopol Ave, Sebastopol. Open Monday through Saturday from 11a.m. to 4p.m.

Things to Do in Sonoma County This Week

February 2016

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

Whether you’re in love or you’re ready to mingle, we have a whole list of fun things for you to do this weekend. Learn about the birds and the bees, and the lemurs and the giraffes at the annual Wild Jungle Love tour at Safari West. Also happening this weekend is the Cloverdale Citrus Fair, the Steelhead Festival and Love Letters starring Chris Smith. All this and more is in our list of things to do.

Feb. 12-15
Cloverdale Citrus Fair: In its 124th year, this Cloverdale tradition takes place Feb. 12-15 at the Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds. This year’s features include live music, the Citrus Fair Queen, the Diaper Derby, a parade, entertaining competitions, the carnival and more. Find out all the details at cloverdalecitrusfair.org/cloverdale-citrus-fair.

Feb. 12-14
Couple’s Culinary Tour in Sonoma: This Valentine’s Day weekend, impress your sweetie with a Culinary Foodie Tour around the Sonoma Plaza. Limited to 4 couples each day, this tour features wine and food tasting, and a bottle of wine to enjoy after the tour. Price is $135. For all the details, visit facebook.com/sonomafoodandwinetour.

Friday, Feb. 12
Romance Cafe at Copperfield’s: This Friday, meet three great romance writers who will share snippets of their love stories. The evening is paired with Spice Sensuality Boutique, offering a chance to stock up on something new for the bedroom. Cost is free. Reserve your space at copperfieldsbooks.com.

Friday, Feb. 12
Valentine’s Book Swap: This Friday, bring your favorite book that features a love story to Book Passage in Corte Madera, and swap it with a book from another book lover. The event will not only introduce you to your next favorite love story, but will also include wine, appetizers and a chance to mingle with other readers. Admission is $12. Find our more at bookpassage.com.

Friday, Feb. 12-21
Love Letters at the Wells Fargo Center: This 10-day production, starting this Friday, will feature a rotation of players who will star in the two-person romance. This Friday and Saturday, the stars are Press Democrat columnist Chris Smith and YWCA CEO Madeleine Keegan O’Connell, who will share the lifelong friendship of two people through letters, notes and cards exchanged over 50 years. Tickets are $24. Find out all the details at wellsfargocenterarts.org.

Friday, Feb. 12
Pepperland’s Beatles Valentine’s Show: There will be no lonely hearts at this tribute party to the Beatles. This Friday, join in the fun at Hopmonk Tavern when Pepperland plays all your Fab Four favorites at the All You Need is Love Valentine’s Show. Admission is $10. Find out more at hopmonk.com.

Saturday, Feb. 13
Paws for Love Gala: View the art of shelter pets around Sonoma County at the annual gala event that benefits animals in need of a home. This year’s event will also include delicious food and wine, music and more. Plus, the live and silent auctions feature some unforgettable prizes. Admission to the event is $40-$50, and takes place 6-10 p.m. at the Finley Community Center in Santa Rosa. Find out more at pawsforlove.info.

Saturday, Feb. 13
Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival: Held on Saturday, this free festival throws the spotlight on our regions Steelhead Trout, and will also feature archery, food trucks, live music, art, beer and wine, tours and more. Held at the Milt Brandt Visitors Center at Lake Sonoma. More details at lakesonoma.org.

Saturday, Feb. 13
Love & Meritage Blending Party: In its 8th year, Topel Winery is holding their annual blending party at Hotel Healdsburg. Lovers and singles alike can enjoy crafting their own unique blends from 1-4 p.m., and take it home in a bottle with a personalized label. The event will also include wine pairings and delicious gourmet food. Cost is $75 per person, or $100 per couple. Find out more at topelwines.com.

Feb. 13 & 14
Wild Jungle Love at Safari West: See romance at its wildest when Safari West presents it’s annual Valentine’s weekend tour of exotic encounters between the beasts of the preserve. The Valentine Package includes a delicious brunch, a birds and the bees talk about animal courtship and the Safari Sex Tour. The adults-only event starts at noon both Saturday and Sunday, and costs $148.50 per person. Find out more at safariwest.com.

Feb. 13 & 14
Chocolate & Pairing: Nothing goes together like chocolate and wine, and Meadowcroft Wines agrees. This Saturday and Sunday, the winery will pair decadent chocolate truffles from Recherche Du Plaisir with every wine tasting. Find out more at meadowcroftwines.com/events-at-meadowcroft.

Sunday, Feb. 14
Valentine’s Love Run Through Healdsburg: Start out your day of love right with a festive 5K through Healdsburg. Benefiting the Healdsburg Youth Running club, this Sunday’s fun run will lead you through downtown, across the historic Memorial Bridge, to the scenic Russian River and back. Registration is $25-$40, and the event kicks off at 9 a.m. Find out more at pd2go.net/HealdsburgLoveRun2016.

Sunday, Feb. 14
Little Red-Haired Girls: This Sunday, in honor of Charlie Brown’s affection for a certain little red-haired girl, all little red-haired girls (and boys) are invited to attend the Schulz Museum for free. Current exhibits include Snoopy and the Red Baron, the making of The Peanuts Movie and Charlie Brown’s football hijinks. Find out all the details at schulzmuseum.org.

Sunday, Feb. 14
Valentine’s & Wine at D’Argenzio: This Sunday, you and your sweetheart are invited to an unforgettable night of wine and chocolate tastings at D’Argenzio Winery. The Santa Rosa event will feature a fondue fountain and a myriad of treats to dip into the flowing chocolate, as well as a glass of wine. The event takes place noon to 5 p.m., is only $15 per couple, Find out more at dargenziowine.com.

Sunday, Feb. 14
The Poyntlyss Sistars Valentine’s Day Party: Rock out with this popular dance band at Rossi’s 1906 in Sonoma this Sunday. The show will feature familiar dance hits from the ‘50s to now. Admission is free, and the party kicks off at 6 p.m. Find out all the details at rossis1906.com.

Add your event to the Press Democrat’s online calendar at pressdemocrat.com/events.

Other upcoming events:

Friday, Feb. 12

Cameron Carpenter: Digital organist’s new take on Bach, film scores & more. 7:30 p.m. Weill Hall, Green Music Center. $35 & up. gmc.sonoma.edu, 866-955-6040.

‘Kismet’: Broadway classic runs opens Fridayat 8 p.m. at Spreckels Performing Arts Center, Rohnert Park. Closes Feb. 28. $16-$16. 588-3400, rpcity.org.

Phil and Dave Alvin: Nominees for 2016 Blues Music Award perform at 8 p.m. at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. $25-$28. 823-1511, seb.org.

Saturday, Feb. 13

Madeline Eastman & Randy Porter Duo: Presented by Healdsburg Jazz. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Paul Mahder Gallery, Healdsburg. $25. healdsburgjazzfestival.org.

Musicians from Valley of the Moon Festival: Performers from annual summer fest plays Green Music Center’s Schroeder Hall. 3 p.m. Saturday. $30. gmc.sonoma.edu, 866-955-6040.

Sunday, Feb. 14

‘Valentine’s Evening’: Grammy-nominated reggae star Matisyahu. 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $30-$35. 765-2121, mystictheatre.com.

Santa Rosa Symphony Pops: ‘Love Is a Many Splendored Thing’ concert for Valentine’s Day. 3 p.m. Sunday. Wells Fargo Center. $37-$80. 546-3600, wellsfargocenterarts.org.

‘Music Inspired by Love’: Live ensemble performs Liszt, Dvorak, Brahms & more. 3 p.m. Sunday. Petaluma Historical Library & Museum. $25-$35. petalumamuseum.org.

‘To Rome With Love’: An evening of Italian food and music by a live trio. 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Cinnabar Theater, Petaluma. $50. 763-8920, cinnabartheater.org.

‘St. Valentine’s Day Concert’: Four pianists perform at 2 p.m. Sunday. at Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen. $20, including parking. jacklondonpark.com.

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra: Opera mezzo-soprano Susan Graham guest-stars. Program features four compositions by Handel. 3 p.m. Sunday. Weill Hall, Green Music Center. $35 & up. gmc.sonoma.edu, 866-955-6040.

Monday, Feb. 15

‘Adam’s Rib’: Classic 1949 comedy starring Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn. 7 p.m. Monday. Sebastiani Theatre, Sonoma. $7-$9.50. 996-9756, sebastianitheatre.com.

Tuesday, Feb. 16

Pliny the Younger: The annual limited release of Russian River Brewing Company’s famed triple India Pale Ale in downtown Santa Rosa began Feb. 5 and ends Feb. 18, so time is getting short. Be ready to stand in line. 545-2337, russianriverbrewing.com.

Wednesday, Feb. 17

Ryan Keberle & Catharsis: Free jazz. 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday Paul Mahder Gallery, Healdsburg. healdsburgjazzfestival.org.

Thursday, Feb. 18

Manhattan Transfer Meets Take 6: Two top vocal ensembles in concert. 8 p.m. Thursday. , Wells Fargo Center. $55-$65. 546-3600, wellsfargocenterarts.org.

Friday, Feb. 19

David Arora: Copperfield’s books presents forager/author of ‘Mushrooms Demystified’ at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19. Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, Sebastopol. $10; $30 for two, plus book. 823-1511, seb.org, copperfieldsbooks.com.

Jim Jefferies: Australian-born stand-up comic brings his ‘Freedumb Tour’ to Wells Fargo Center at 8 p.m. Feb. 19. $39.50-$49.50. 546-3600, wellsfargocenterarts.org.

The King’s Singers: Classical vocal ensemble. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19. Weill Hall, Green Music Center. $35 & up. gmc.sonoma.edu, 866-955-6040.

Noise Pop: San Francisco’s 10-day indie music fest opens Feb. 19 and continues at venues all over the city. Passes: $175-$375. Individual show tickets also available. noisepop.com.

Saturday, Feb. 20

Indigo Girls: Star duo plays at 8 p.m. Feb. 20 at Uptown Theatre, Napa. Sold out. Waiting list: 259-0123.
Wvrth: Northern California metal band tops five-group roster. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20. Phoenix Theatre, Petaluma. $10-$12. 762-3565, thephoenixtheater.com.

Govinda: Gypsy roots & world music, plus Kaminanda, Psymbionic. 10 p.m. Feb. 20. HopMonk Tavern, Sebastopol. $20. 829-7300, hopmonk.com.

Sunday, Feb. 21

Rickie Lee Jones: Grammy-winning singer-songwriter. 8 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $41-$96. 765-2121, mystictheatre.com.

‘Running Fence, 40 Years Post’: Revisit Christo & Jeanne-Claude’s famed 1976 art installation. Feb. 21-April 17 at the Art Museum of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa. sonomacountymuseum.org.

Santa Rosa Symphony: Violinist Rachel Batron Pine featured. 8 p.m. Feb. 20 & 22; 3 p.m. Feb. 21. $20-$80. Weill Hall, Green Music Center. santarosasymphony.com.

Santa Rosa Junior College Wine Classic: More than 50 wines from 30 Sonoma County winemakers. 2-5 p.m. Feb. 21. Bertolini Student Center, Santa Rosa campus. $75. srjcwineclassic.com.

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