Page 431 – Sonoma Magazine

Saddle Up and Celebrate Cycling in Sonoma County

May 2016

By Sofia Englund

May is national bike month. In Sonoma County, it’s always time for a ride.

Get inspired by the Amgen Tour of California as it swooshes through Santa Rosa for its 7th stage on Saturday, May 21. Then, when the roads clear (at least, of professional cyclists), take your very own cruise over the local landscape. Whether you’re a lycra-loving road racer, chic city cruiser or a rugged mountain biker there’s always a reason to put those feet on the pedals – so adjust your helmet, check your tire pressure, jump on your saddle and ride with us on Sonoma’s best biking bets!

Riders speed down 4th St. in downtown Santa Rosa on the final lap of the final day of the 2013 Amgen Tour of California (John Burgess/The Press Democrat) — Riders speed down 4th St. in downtown Santa Rosa on the final lap of the final day of the 2013 Amgen Tour of California (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

ROAD RACER RIDES

Stage 7 of the Amgen Tour of California will start and finish in Santa Rosa, the home of national road racing champion and three-time Amgen Tour winner Levi Leipheimer.

Leipheimer is the founder of Levi’s Gran Fondo, a long distance charity race held the first Saturday in October. Now in its 7th year and attracting some 7,500 professional and amateur cyclists from across the country and around the world, the race is the ultimate rite of passage for Sonoma County road racing.

If you’d prefer not to share the road with 7499 other riders during the one day race in October, why not try one or more of this Sonoma Fondo’s routes in their rugged rural — and relatively solitary — splendor on the remaining 364 days of the year.

Levi Leipheimer of Santa Rosa prepares to talk to over 7500 bicycle riders at the start of his King Ridge Gran Fondo. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)

The Piccolo Route
This entry-level “recreational” 32 mile route takes you from the city of Santa Rosa across vineyard plains and over a “moderate” 1,500 feet climb into the redwood-flanked Occidental. After a pitstop at craft brewery destination Barley and Hops Tavern, you’re back in the saddle to finish your loop to Santa Rosa.

The Medio Route
The Medio route, while less demanding than the Gran route, offers its share of cycling challenges. This roughly 60 mile ride consists of more than 4,000 feet of elevation gain. But while you traverse “harrowing descents” through redwood forests and a “gut-puncher” of a climb up Coleman Valley Road, you’ll take in stunning and panoramic Pacific Ocean views along California Highway 1.

The Gran Route
The 103 mile Gran route, with 9,000 feet of elevation gain, will take you from the damp redwood forests at the base of King Ridge to the 360-degree panoramas at its knife-thin top. (On Saturday, the 2016 Amgen riders will take on this section of Levi’s Gran Fondo). Professional cyclists complete this route in under five hours; non-professionals can take over 10 hours to finish (probably best not attempted by the faint of heart — or leg).

The Panzer Route
If you are still doing more pedaling than panting, try advancing to Levi’s Panzer Route which serves up “more descents, more fir-lined canyons, more sweeping vistas, more quiet gravel, more mileage and more climbing” than any other route of the Fondo. As an added bonus, panzerotti and espresso will be served to the few who reach the final destination, Stewart’s Point. While most of us would probably need a bigger carrot than the promise of a cup of joe and some stuffed pizza dough to consider embarking on this killer ride, the Panzer route is nonetheless already sold out for the October 2016 edition of Levi’s Fondo.

CG0209_ODESSABIKE_291581 — Professional Canadian cyclist Odessa Gunn (who is married to Levi Leipheimer) can be seen riding around Santa Rosa. (Charlie Gesell / The Press Democrat)

CHIC CITY CYCLING

Cycling in the typical California town, streets choked with America’s love of the automobile, bears little similarity to cruising the wide bike lanes of downtown Amsterdam or Stockholm where old and young roll side by side in European harmony. But US-style cycling has its own special charms…and its best to prepare for its challenges.

Top Steeds
Long gone are the days when urban biking meant sitting astride any old diamond-framed bicycle— right jean leg rolled up, sans helmet — to pedal from point A to point B. Bike designs continue to trend toward specialization; and the urban cyclist’s head can sometimes spin gear-less, dazed and confused, when confronted with the variety of bike shapes and makes.

Fortunately, whether your preferred method of two-wheeled transportation is a flat-foot comfort bike, a versatile hybrid or a functional cruiser, Sonoma County has a wealth of phenomenal bike shops ready to help. From Cloverdale Cyclery to The Bicycle Czar in Santa Rosa, from Healdsburg Spoke Folk Cyclery to Mike’s Bikes of Petaluma, from Wine Country Cyclery in Sonoma to The Hub Cyclery in Cotati, there is at least one top tier shop in every town. (Our local favorite is The Bike Peddler. This Santa Rosa shop has been around for 40 years, and the staff has over 100 years of collective experience.)

181130_4 — The Townie, a popular urban bike, features “flat foot technology” patented by bicycle company Electra. (Photo Courtesy Electra Bicycle Company)

Top Guides & Rides (and Pit Stops)
While cycling the roads of Sonoma County can seem daunting at times, there are ways to stay safe and enjoy the ride. And your local bike shop is often a great starting point for finding out about the best (and safest) routes, cycling events and meetups.

The Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition’s Map serves as perfect travel companion for the city biker novice. Be sure to plan your route before you hit the road: avoid highly trafficked areas, find the best bike paths, back-routes and short-cuts, and map out locations for cycling services and facilities.

Bike Monkey, a Santa Rosa based events company, is your insider’s guide to local biking. Their website and Facebook page list Sonoma County bike happenings: the latest scoop on Levi’s Gran Fondo to the Santa Rosa Cup, the short-track “Dirt Crits” mountain bike race at Howarth Park, and the “Tuesday Night Twilights” race training at Sonoma County Fairgrounds.

Spring Lake Regional Park in Santa Rosa gives you the opportunity for a gentle introduction to Sonoma County cycling on a paved 3.5-mile loop around the lake. The trail has gentle climbs, is intersected by off-road trails and you’ll see many cyclists of all abilities on this trail. Spring Lake connects with Annadel State Park, a top destination for off-road riding.

After circumnavigating the lake, shift down at Riviera Ristorante on Montgomery Drive — a favorite haunt of many of cycling’s big names.The restaurant, decorated with race photos and signed jerseys of elite athletes, features authentic Mediterranean fare which includes a sautéed prawns, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes and garlic olive oil dish named for Levi Leipheimer.

The Joe Radota Trail is a popular weekend ride for Sonoma County families. This paved trail meanders agricultural ranches and then runs along abandoned railroad line. The ride begins in Santa Rosa and ends at Screamin’ Mimi’s in Sebastopol for a well deserved ice cream for kids (and parents) alike. Unwind by strolling The Barlow for local food and refreshments.

jb0713_best_mimis — After taking the family on a weekend bike ride from Santa Rosa to Sebastopol, celebrate with an ice-cream at Screamin’ Mimi’s. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

MUDDY MOUNTAIN MILES

Annadel State Park, situated just 42 miles north of Marin’s mountain biking mecca, Mount Tamalpais, is one of the most popular mountain bike destinations in the North Bay. Located just outside of Santa Rosa, its scenery and terrain continue to inspire and challenge many an avid mountain biker.

Annadel offers a good mix of “technical rocky climbs,” “screaming downhill descents” and over 40 miles of “pristine single track.” Below we’ve listed two ways to enjoy Annadel rides; one for skilled mountain bikers who prefer to take on the tracks solo; another for riders who enjoy cycling camaraderie as they ride.

Shane Bresnyan catching some air on Canyon Trail in Annadel Park, Santa Rosa. ( Erik Castro/ The Press Democrat) — Shane Bresnyan catching some air on Canyon Trail in Annadel Park, Santa Rosa. ( Erik Castro / The Press Democrat)

Flying Solo on the Big Loop
The 20 mile Big Loop ride at Annadel covers the perimeter of the park. The ride begins with a sharp ascent up Cobblestone Trail, near the northern tip of the park. The reward for your hard work is the spectacular views of Lake Ilsanjo and Ledson Marsh, and swooping descents of North and South Burma Trails at the end of your ride.

Annadel Mountain Meetups
The Annadel Mountain Biking Group, a local “meetup” group, connects riders interested in exploring the popular Sonoma County park. If you’ve been looking to ride with mountain bikers of differing skill levels in challenging terrain — with the added bonus of having cycling buddies to look out for your safety — this is the group for you. With 1,172 members, the Annadel mountain biking group offers plenty of opportunity to socialize and make friends with fellow bikers — meetups include the “Ladies Ride” on May 22 and the regular “Tuesday Afternoon Beers and Brats” (that’s sausages) meetup.

Shopping for Summer in Sonoma

May 2016

By Amy Schaus

Although it’s not officially summer, I find myself staring out the window, dreaming of being outdoors (with beverage in hand). These items instantly give me that summer time vibe. Bottoms up!

Stealthy Sipper
For those who crave a stealthy sip of an adult beverage this summer, pick up the Sunscreen flask for discreet imbibing. Cute and clever, this sunscreen bottle also makes a fun gift for the over 21 crowd. Just don’t smuggle it into a Giants game. $13.99, Sunscreen Flask

Sonoma Rosé Iced Tea
In Sonoma, even our iced tea is made from grapes and can be paired with food. Republic of Tea’s Sonoma Rosé Iced tea is crafted from Sonoma Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc wine grape skins, strawberries and red apples. Not too sweet, this iced tea pairs well with cheeses, grilled meats and veggies. I gave this to my Mother-in-law in Arizona and she LOVES it! $8.49, Republic of Tea Sonoma Rosé Iced Tea

Be S’well
Stay hydrated on the road this summer with these reusable bottles from S’well. Large enough to hold ice cubes yet small enough to fit in a car cup holder, they’re available in fun finishes and colors. Made of the highest-grade stainless steel, the bottles keep beverages cold for 12 hours. $25-$45, Tamarind, The Barlow, 180 Morris St., No. 170, Sebastopol, 707-861-9513, shoptamarind.com

Shoe Heaven at Sole Desire Rack

May 2016

By Amy Schaus

My name is Amy and I’m a recovering shoe addict. When my “sole sister” Tenaya and I worked downtown, we’d walk to the Santa Rosa Plaza and have “shoes for lunch”. You know…using your lunch break for something other than eating!?

Then with smiles on our faces and shoe boxes tucked under our desks, we’d power through emails as we quaffed down salads. This was retail therapy in action. A break from the craziness of a demanding job for a temporary jolt of instant gratification.

So you can imagine my delight when I discovered Sole Desire gathered a ton of shoes from their retail locations and opened Sole Desire Rack in Historic Railroad Square in Santa Rosa. Occupying the space that formerly housed Sonoma Outfitters, this is a huge store filled with aisles of shoes. Think wall to wall shoes as far as the eye can see. Umm…can, we say shoe heaven??

Being surrounded by over 10,000 pairs of women’s shoes at discounted prices, can make a girl giddy. Where to begin? Along the back wall are the “Lucky Sizes”—a collection of shoes with deep discounts up to 70% off. Carrying brands known for stylish comfort like Clarks, Dansko, Jambu, and Uggs; the rest of the space is filled with a variety of styles including heels, ballet flats, and lots of sandals, just in time for summer.

Most of the inventory is priced at a discount, with some exceptions on accessories and leather goods, like perfectly distressed leather purses from Hobo International. I adore Hobo. Their purses and wallets are designed by women who understand I need a lots of options for cards, cash, change, phone, lipstick, lip gloss—you know, the necessities.

Leather accessories from Hobo International and others, including these glasses cases for $27.95

With sandal season upon us, I chose a turquoise leather pair from Cob Hill for 30% off. I turned 40 this year and my days of trekking around in 4 inch platforms are over. Thanks to the variety of brands and styles Sole Desire Rack carries, I can find chic shoes I can run a marathon in.

Sole Desire Rack, 145 Third Street, Santa Rosa. Open Monday-Saturday, 10-6, Sunday, 10-5. http://www.soledesire.com

Shoe savings — On sale for $89.90, this shoe from Fidji was originally $194.95. At Sole Desire Rack, you save $105.05!

Region’s Top Wines Celebrated at North Coast Wine Challenge Tasting

May 2016

By Heather Irwin

A line of people snaked around the booth of chefs Daniel Kedan and Marianna Gardenhire’s pop-up tent as the couple, who own Backyard Restaurant in Forestville, scrambled to fry enough chicken for the waiting crowd.

“I’m just trying not to boil in here,” said Gardenhire, who moved between assembling the tiny sandwiches and putting rosettes of whipped cream on tiny cups of chocolate caramel budino (a rich chocolate pudding). “But we always have a great time, and it’s a beautiful day,” Gardenhire laughed, as she kept the line moving and the chocolate and fried chicken flowing.

But most of the attendees of Sunday’s North Coast Wine Challenge tasting event at Sonoma Mountain Village weren’t in as much of a panic. Holding full wine glasses and plates of food from the dozens of chefs and wineries serving at the event, the afternoon was more about sipping and strolling in the spring sunshine.

The event, hosted by The Press Democrat, featured eight of the county’s top toques and 80 wines given gold medals by a panel of judges at the recent North Coast Wine Challenge. Now in its fourth year, the event attracted more than 1500 attendees, according to organizers.

“My husband and I look forward to this event every year,” said Kim Norts of Santa Rosa, who sipped a glass of cabernet sauvignon with her husband, Dennis Vozaitis. “It represents Sonoma County at its finest.”

The most-awarded winery at the event, Westwood Winery, also had a long line of oenophiles eager for a taste of its 2014 Annadel Gap Vineyard Clone 37 Estate Pinot Noir, which judges gave 99 out of 100 points possible.

“I’m very humbled by this award, and having a great time introducing this wine to everyone,” said winemaker Ben Cane.

The walk-around tasting experience also included several panels discussing the restaurants, food producers and great everyday wines of Wine Country.

“This is the most exquisite day ever. We are drinking the world’s great wines and eating great food among the redwoods right here in Rohnert Park,” said food and restaurant consultant Clark Wolf. “What more could you ask for?”

Browse the photos below for a sweet recap of the event… Photography by Will Bucquoy.

: Laura McArthur (left) and Jodi Shubin (right) enjoying a glass of the Westwood Estates Best of Show.

: Deviled Eggs by Chef Liza Hinman of The Spinster Sisters in Santa Rosa.

: Guest enjoying Chardonnay from Compovida “Arneis.”

: Salmon Rittling prepared by Executive Chef Armando Navarro of Eldorado Hotel & Restaurant in Sonoma

: Jeff Wandel and his wife Sandi of Santa Rosa being served a glass of Wonderment Wines Pinot Noir.

: Macaroni and meatballs prepared by Chef John Franchetti

: Compovida “Arneis” served at the North Coast Wine Tasting Event.

: Hanna Sauvignon Blanc poured into a glass at the North Coast Wine Challenge at the Sonoma Mountain Village Event Center in Rohnert Park.

Hungry Like the Wolf for Outside Lands Food Lineup

May 2016

By biteclub

Outside Lands 2016 Food and Drink Lineup

Outside Lands, the San Francisco food, wine, beer and oh-yeah-music festival, has announced its 2016 eats and drinks lineup to gleeful gastronauts once again.

In total 80 restaurants, 40 wineries and 28 breweries will participate, along with a dedicated culinary stage, throughout the August 5-7, 2016 drink, eat, dance, nap, repeat weekend in Golden Gate Park.

Navajo fry bread at Outside Lands 2015 (heather irwin)

Now in its ninth year, culinary stakes are raised each year as restaurateurs vie for festival-goers appetites. Ranging from simple to sophisticated, food fare includes everything from pork belly burgers and corn dogs to crab rolls, gourmet hot chocolate, Raclette cheese, ramen and Indonesian fried noodles.

It’s a mostly-fried, calorie-dense and/or sugared-up swath of eats (not surprisingly) to keep the hoards nourished while walking miles and miles and miles between venues throughout the weekend. We actually wore out a pair of shoes wandering through Chocolands, Cheeselands, Beerlands, Winelands, and the Gastromagic stage (where Big Freddia booty bounced into town while throwing beignets the last two years).

The lineup for Outside Lands food, wine and beer vendors for 2016

Here’s what we’re looking forward to for 2016, as August approaches. BTW: If you haven’t got tickets yet, the bad news is that the event is sold out. The good news is that we’ll be there noshing our way through the event once again, saving you the calories, parking hassles and frozen toes (SF is freezing in August), if that’s any consolation.

New This Year: Outside Clams
Woodhouse Fish Co. will curate a “comprehensive crustacean experience” including raw and BBQ oysters, lobster rolls and clam chowder next to Wine Lands. I want the Outside Clams T-shirt, already.

More than 80 restaurants represent in “Taste of the Bay Area”, the gourmet food lineup spread throughout the event.

New to Taste of the Bay Area
Belcampo Meat Co.: Butcher shop/cafe in SF and Larkspur offers up humanely-raised meats including burger with pickled goat horn chiles and hot dogs.
Bini’s Kitchen: Turkey momo’s, Nepalese veggie dumplings
Fine and Rare: Crab rolls, BLT’s, Old Bay Kettle Chips a newish SF breakfast and lunch spot.
Itani Ramen: Vegetarian ramen, pork gyoza
Koja Kitchen: Chicken and veggie tacos, kamikaze fries
Rove Kitchen: Fried chicken skin sammies
* The Farmer’s Wife: Gravenstein apple and wildflower honey melts (SONOMA COUNTY LOCAL)
The Japanese Pantry: Former Nojo owner Greg Dunmore brings Japanese ingredients and food traditions to the US.
Trestle: TBA

Beerlands at Outside Lands 2015 (heather irwin)

New Trucks and Carts
Homestead Cookies: Savory sweet chocolate chip cookies and milk
Il Morso: S’mores, coffee bars
Mozzeria: Margherita, salumi pizzas

The Vets
More than 90% of food vendors return to Outside Lands each year, usually bumping up their game in a friendly competition with other chefs and restaurants. Here are the Outside Lands gourmet grub veterans:

4505 Meats: Best damn cheeseburgers, spicy chimichurri fries, chicharrones
Alicia’s Tamales Los Mayas: Pork, chicken, dulce tamales, elote, flan, arroz con leche
Azalinas: Malaysian chicken curry nachos
Bacon Bacon: California BBQ bacon burritos, Porky Fries, chocolate covered bacon
Beast and the Hare: Loaded baked potatoes
Big Chef Tom’s Belly Burgers: Pork belly burgers, natch
Candybar Dessert Lounge: Churro ice cream sandiwches with chocolate drizzle
Charles Chocolates: Frozen hot chocolate, fudge brownies
Curry Up Now: Chicken tikka bowls and burritos, sexy fries with chicken or paneer tikka masala
Del Popolo: Margherita pizzas
Delessio Market and Bakery: Cochinita pibil pork sandwiches, Brazilian french toast.
Earthy Delights: Italian chicken sandwiches, crispy chicken ranch wraps
El Huarache Loco: Huraches, gorditas
Endless Summer Sweets: Corn dogs and funnel cakes
Epic Cookies: Gluten free cookies, chocolate krackle, snickerdoodles, milk
Escape from New York Pizza: Pizza by the slice
Four Barrel Coffee: Cold brew coffee
Freshroll Vietnamese Rolls and Bowls: Grilled chicken Vietnamese sandwiches, Vietnamese iced coffee
Glaze Teriyaki: Salmon, steak, chicken teriyaki, spicy wings
Guittard Chocolate Co.: Melted chocolate bars
Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream: Secret Breakfast Ice cream, Bourbon coke floats
Il Cane Rosso: Fried egg sandwiches
Kara’s Cupcakes: Cupcakes, Sea Salt Chocolate cookies, raspberry lemonade with white chocolate drizzle.
La Urbana: Chorizo bacon dogs
Little Skillet: Fried chicken and waffles, red velvet cupcakes, fresh watermelon
Living Greens Juice: Fresh cracked coconuts, living lemonade
Long Meadow Ranch: Charcuterie and cheese, Raclette with fresh bread.
Loving Cup: Vanilla bean rice pudding, cookies, coffee

Spicy tater tots at Outside Lands in 2015 (heather irwin)

Lucca Foods: BBQ pulled pork, Rice Krispy treats
Merigan Sub Shop: Mozzarella sticks and Italian ices
Namu Street Food: Korean Fried Chicken
Nombe: Ramenburgers, Sushi Burritos
Pacific Catch: Hawaiian Ahi Poke, Fish & Chips, Sweet Potato Fries
Pica Pica Arepa Kitchen: Arepas, Yuca Fries, Sweet Plantains
Precita Park Cafe: Bacon Egg and Cheese Fries, Nitro Coffee
Proposition Chicken: Fried Chicken Sandwiches with Spicy Slaw
Rich Table: Porcini Doughnuts with Raclette Cheese
Rosamunde Sausage Grill: Grilled Beer Sausage Sandwiches, Brats, Poutine
Sababa: Falafel Sandwiches and Plates
Sabores Del Sur: Empanadas, Alfajores, Aguas Frescas
Sataysfied: Chicken Satays, Mie Tek Tek (Indonesian Fried Noodles)
Southpaw BBQ & Southern Cooking: Brisket Sandwiches, Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches
Spicy Pie: Giant Pizza Slices, Cookie Pie
Split Pea Seduction: Country Style Split Pea Soup, Shakable Stone Fruit Salads, Puerto Rican Pork Sandwiches
Stones Throw: Meatball Sandwiches
Straw: Donut Cheeseburgers, Sweet Potato Tots
Sugar & Spun: Cotton Candy Bouquets
Suite Foods Waffles: Belgian Waffles Stuffed with Whipped Cream
Tacolicious: Shot-and-a-Beer Braised Chicken Tacos
The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen: Classic Grilled Cheeses, Smokey Tomato Soup

Bacon sampler at Outside Lands 2015 (heather irwin)

The Little Chihuahua: Fried Plantain and Black Bean Burritos
The Monk’s Kettle: Pretzel Knots with Beer Cheese Sauce
The Pizza Place: Vegan Personal Pizzas
The Up & Under Pub and Grill: Gourmet Waffle Fries
Three Babes Bakeshop: Peach Cobblers
Three Twins Ice Cream: Assorted Organic Ice Creams, Wafer Ice Cream Sandwiches
Wise Sons Jewish Deli: Bagels and Shmear, Chocolate Babka

Food Truck Vets

Rocko’s Ice Cream Tacos: Ice Cream Tacos, Frozen Bananas
Senor Sisig: Pork, Chicken & Tofu Sisig with Steamed Rice
Seoul on Wheels: Kimchee Fried Rice Plates, Korritos
Sprogs: Fresh Fruit & Veggie Dippers, Fresh Fruit Sippers
The Chairman: Steamed and Baked Baos, Bao Chips
Those Fabulous Frickle Brothers: Fabulous Frickles, Fried Green Tomatoes

Beerlands Lineup
21st Amendment Brewery
Ace Cider
Almanac Beer Co.
Anchor Brewing Company
Bear Republic Brewing Company
Calicraft Brewing Co.
Drake’s Brewing
Faction Brewing
Fort Point
Harmonic (new)
Headlands Brewing
High Water Brewing
Iron Springs Brewery
Local Brewing
Lost Coast Brewery
Mad River
Magnolia Brewery
Mendocino Brewing
Napa Smith
North Coast Brewing
Pine Street
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Social Kitchen
Speakeasy Ales & Lagers
Strongbow Hard Ciders

Winelands Lineup
Alysian Wines (new)
AP Vin
August West
Baker Lane (new)
Banshee
Bluxome Street Winery
Bonterra (new)
Broc Cellars
Ca’ Momi (new)
Cannonball Wine Company
Chateau Montelena
Claypool Cellars
CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs
Fount (new)
Georges Duboeuf (new)
Ghost Pines
Hobo Wine Co.
Idell Family Vineyard
Idlewild / Ryme / Leo Steen
Long Meadow Ranch
Marietta Cellars
Menage a Trois
Niven Family (new)
Pellegrini Wine Company
Preston Farm and Winery
Prisoner Wine Company
Raymond (new)
Red Car
Ridge Vineyards
Roth (new)
SakéOne
Scharffenberger Cellars
Scribe
Tank Garage Winery (new)
Thomas George Estates (new)
Tropical “Tiki” Wine Bar (new)
Tin Barn
Turley Wine Cellars
Union Wine Co.
Wind Gap

Healdsburg Chef Serves Up $3,000 Beef

May 2016

By Heather Irwin

We’re not usually ones to brag about schwanky dinners we’ve crashed, but a recent winemaker dinner at Chef Dustin Valette’s Healdsburg restaurant, Valette, featured one of the most expensive cuts of meat we’ve ever laid eyes on.

A few pounds of the top-grade Japanese Kobe beef Valette served in small slices to the attendees cost about as much as a round-trip ticket to Tokyo and caused a few tears when pictures of the perfectly marbled meat appeared on Instagram. Now, if you’re not familiar with Kobe, it’s highly sought-after beef from Wagyu cattle raised exclusively in Hyogo Prefecture sometimes fed on Japanese beer and massaged for hours with sake. We have no idea if the cow we were eating lived the good life, but let’s just say it wasn’t missing any meals.

Why we mention this bit of luxury isn’t to brag (okay, maybe a humble brag). But it’s also reaffirm that every once in a while it’s worth experiencing food that isn’t just sustenance, but sublime — even if its just a perfect peach at the market or a warm croissant from the bakery.

That is what eating is truly about.

More photos from the dinner (because I know you want to see ’em)

spring_peas_valette — Spring peas and lobster at a winemaker dinner at Valette restaurant in Healdsburg. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)

quail_valette_dinner-600x440 — Quail and red polenta at a winemaker dinner at Valette restaurant in Healdsburg. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)

foie_gras_valette-600x440 — Foie gras and red pepper gelee at a winemaker dinner at Valette restaurant in Healdsburg. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)

Dark chocolate dessert at a winemaker dinner at Valette restaurant in Healdsburg. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)

Farmers Market Report: Santa Rosa’s Wednesday Night Market

May 2016

By Heather Irwin

Pacheco’s Roasted Corn at Santa Rosa’s Wednesday Night Market (Heather Irwin/Bite Club Eats)

We lost that loving feeling for Santa Rosa’s Wednesday Night Market for a couple years after what felt like a lot of same old same old from the food vendors. It’s time for a makeup to that breakup…

The market opened a couple weeks ago for the season, and we’re excited to see some new faces, and even more excited to find a reason to eat our way through the nearly 50 food stalls and trucks. A quick first pass turned up some awesome finds: Anello Family Crab and Seafood are serving salmon and crab from their boat; Haute Gypsy with arepas, cubanos and a pork belly BLT, Gerard’s Paella and Adobos n’More who are serving authentic Filipino chicken adobo, lumpia and rice.

Though they’re not new to the market, S’Wine Country BBQ killed it with their Pig Pen ($8), a gut-busting sausage topped with pulled pork, mango cole slaw and fried onions. Their beans are better than my mom’s (sorry mom) with sweet and heat, and the mango jalapeno slaw is also a stunner. We waited patiently in the mile-long line for Pacheco’s Roasted Corn, slathered with mayo, cojeta cheese and chili powder. If you haven’t tried this Mexican street food, make a bee line, because you’re going to become a fan.

Biteclub’s ready for a second date, Wednesday night…

The Wednesday Night Market runs each Wednesday evening from 5-8:30p.m. through Aug. 17, wednesdaynightmarket.org.

This is a perfect piece of roasted corn with all the toppings from a recent trip to SF’s Gott’s Roadside (Heather Irwin/Bite Club Eats)

Authentic Indian With a Modern Twist in Sonoma

May 2016

By Heather Irwin

The masala chai tea steaming fragrantly between my palms tastes nothing like the chai tea that Oprah and about a million other Americans have come to know as a milky, sweet, spiced black tea more like a pumpkin latte than what southeast Asians know as “masala” chai, or spiced tea.

That’s the problem with so many ethnic foods we think we love (or hate). The true flavors and inspirations often get lost in translation.

On this uncharacteristically rainy day at Delhi Belly Indian Bistro in Sonoma, the hot, milky masala smells of cardamom, cinnamon and clove but wakes up the tastebuds with a one-two punch of black pepper and ginger. It’s barely sweet and as comforting as a mother’s embrace.

delhi_belly_2 — Scallops at Dehli Belly Indian Restaurant in Sonoma. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)

Just off the Sonoma Square, Delhi Belly is one of only a handful of Indian restaurants in Sonoma County, and easily one of the best. Focused heavily on Northern Indian cuisine, the menu has a familiar lineup of dishes that range from palak paneer to daal and naan, along with tandoori and tikka masala for traditionalists.

But the real buzz is about the less-familiar dishes: Roti and paratha (wheat breads), Hariyali Mali Kofta (a cheese dumpling with spinach and veggies in tomato sauce), kale pokoda (chickpea fritters also known as pakora), and the elusive butter chicken. Often confused with tikka masala, butter chicken is an actual Indian dish (usually from Delhi) with a little more spice, a little less cream and a lot more butter. I like to think of it as tikka masala’s classier cousin.

The menu makes it immediately clear that Delhi Belly isn’t your usual hodgepodge of Nepalese, Northern and Southern Indian curries and overcooked momo. Instead it is a chef-driven menu that’s heavy on authentic spices the use of a hand-tiled tandoori clay oven that cooks at 800-plus degrees.

delhi_belly_4 — Raj Singh and Bhupender Singh, co-owners of Dehli Belly Indian Restaurant in Sonoma. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat).

Chef Bhupender Singh looks far younger than a man with his experience at some of India’s top-rated restaurants and well-received eateries throughout California (Avatar, Ambrosia, Saffron). But it was his childhood friendship with co-owner Raj Singh in New Delhi that brought him to Sonoma County.

Missing the endless family feasts, street foods and flavors of home, the two decided that Delhi Belly would be about authentic dishes with modern twists that often nod to a sense of place in Northern California. That means dishes using local ingredients like kale, avocado, salmon and goat cheese in traditional dishes like kale pakora ($5), avocado chaat with layers of pomegranate, yogurt and tamarind chutney ($7) or lamb kebabs stuffed with goat cheese ($9). Cumin scallops with cilantro, lime and roasted peppers ($10) have just a hint of the musky spice, brightened with citrus and perfectly cooked.

Lamb Shank at Dehli Belly Indian Restaurant in Sonoma. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)

Singh’s food isn’t about heat, but about flavor. One of the most impressive dishes is a slow-cooked lamb shank in hand-pounded spices ($18) that falls off the bone into an angry-looking red sauce, surprisingly delicate and deeply complex.

Tikka masala ($14) is a house specialty that’s hard to resist, but it gets the respect it deserves. The tender tandoori chicken and tomato sauce is miles beyond the usual tomato-soup style sauce we’ve had in other Indian restaurants.

Delhi Belly is far better than its name, which the owners meant to evoke the goodness of Delhi’s food but might evoke something else in world travelers. That’s too bad, because our bellies are now very much in love with the luxurious cuisine of this northern Indian metropolis.

Instead, think of Delhi Belly Indian Bistro as a well-deserved departure from ho-hum Indian food and a dive into the rich, fragrant, exotic flavors of a distant land. Without anything lost in translation.

520 Broadway, Sonoma, 343-1003, facebook.com/Delhi-Belly-Indian-Bistro

Don’t Miss Dishes

Vegetable Samosa ($6): Crispy pastry triangles hold a mix of potatoes, spices and peas atop a bed of tamarind and mint sauce.

Tandoori Mixed Grill ($27): We rarely recommend tandoori because too often the meat is drier than Death Valley. Delhi Belly gets it right with tender chicken, rosemary lamb, salmon with mint and basil seekh kabab (minced meat). Heaven on a plate.

Butter Cilantro Naan ($3): Natch. What else are you going to soak up all that goodness with?

Sonoma People: Who’s Your Dream Dinner Guest?

May 2016

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

If you could pick anyone in Sonoma County to join you for dinner, who would it be?
In our article series “Sonoma People: Who’s Your Dream Dinner Guest?” we ask well known locals to name three Sonomans they would like to have at their table…

The Hostess

Ameila Morán Ceja has had a trailblazing career, going from vineyard worker to president of Ceja Vineyards Estate in Sonoma Carneros. She relocated to California from Jalisco, Mexico, in 1967, joining her father by working in Napa Valley vineyards.

As a farmworker, she learned firsthand how difficult the life is, and has pushed to improve the working and living conditions of those who toil in the fields today. In February, Ceja was given the Delores Huerta Award by the Farmworker Justice organization, for helping the group successfully advocate for new Environmental Protection Agency Worker Protection Standards on pesticides, to which agricultural workers are often exposed. In 2005, the California Legislature recognized Ceja as “Woman of the Year” for “breaking the glass ceiling in a very competitive business” as the first female Mexican-American winery president.

“Without farmworkers, there would not be a wine industry nor food on our table, and they must be protected and treated with dignity and respect,” said the energetic Ceja, who runs the business with other family members, including her husband, Pedro, and kids Dalia and Ariel. Yet she also finds time to prepare authentic Mexican dishes and pair them with wine, for those who doubt the two can be complementary (and they can).

Ameila’s Dream Dinner Guests

Marimar Torres, Founder Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery

“I’ve not met Marimar Torres but I’ve followed her career since she opened Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery in Sebastopol in 1992. We could meet at her winery or at Ceja Vineyards Estate to enjoy a lovely meal paired with both our wines, and discuss the present and the future of the wine industry.

“Marimar comes from an elite and very traditional Spanish winemaking family, while I come from a nontraditional matriarchal farmworking Mexican family. Yet we’re both Hispanic immigrant women. We founded wineries in the two most renowned winegrowing regions in the U.S. We share a passion for food from our country of origin and we’ve succeeded in the maledominant wine industry. I have great admiration for Marimar’s tenacity in shaping her own brand, distinct from her family’s Bodegas Torres in Spain.”

Candido Morales, Board Member La Cooperativa Campesina de California

“I met Candido Morales a few years ago, when he was unit chief of the Institute for Mexicans Abroad. His mission was to connect Mexican nationals with the tools that would enable them to successfully transition to life in the U.S. He retired in 2013 and now serves on the board of directors of La Cooperativa Campesina de California.

“Candido and I are immigrants from Mexico. I was 12 years old when I arrived in Napa Valley and he was 13 when he arrived in Sonoma. Neither of us spoke English and our fathers were vineyard foremen. We’re both university educated and we care about social justice issues relating to immigrants and farmworkers. “I would enjoy sharing a meal with Candido to discuss our experiences as immigrants in our adopted country. What has changed and what remains the same?”

Merry Edwards, Founder Merry Edwards Winery

“Merry Edwards of Merry Edwards Winery in Russian River Valley and I have much in common: We like to cook and garden, and we both love Pinot Noir! Equally important, we both have experienced discrimination in the wine industry because of our gender. “Merry is a pioneer in one of the most competitive industries, winemaking. I’ve admired her journey from UC Berkeley to UC Davis to crafting some of the most iconic Pinot Noirs in Sonoma. It would be so interesting and fun to have dinner with Merry, the food prepared by both of us with ingredients from our organic gardens, and paired with our Chardonnays and Pinots.”

Celebrity Chef Ayesha Curry Headlines Sunset’s Celebration Weekend in Sonoma

May 2016

By Sofia Englund

Some 10,000 Sunset Magazine fans experienced the very best of “Western Living” as the California lifestyle magazine hosted its 2016 Celebration Weekend at its new home in Cornerstone Sonoma.

Visitors to the event were delightfully enthralled as editors, celebrity chefs, vintners, craft beer brewers and renowned lifestyle experts went about bringing the pages of Sunset Magazine colorfully alive. While touring the new Sunset grounds, visitors enjoyed fine food and wine while being treated to a lavish preview of the magazine’s picture perfect Test Gardens (designed by Bay Area edible landscaping company Homestead Design Collective), top-of-the line Outdoor Kitchen and a brand new Airstream Village.

Ayesha Curry 2 — Celebrity chef and lifestyle blogger Ayesha Curry captivated the Celebration Weekend audience as she prepared a parsley-mint chicken, steak with chimichurri, and a citrus-infused tequila cocktail.

Culinary stars traveled from across the West (and beyond) to share their favorite recipes with an engaged Celebration Weekend audience. The weekend’s headliners were dynamic duo Ayesha Curry, author of the Little Lights of Mine blog and The Seasoned Life cookbook; and Amanda Haas, culinary director of Williams-Sonoma. Curry especially captivated the large and ebullient audience as she prepared a parsley-mint chicken, steak with chimichurri, and a citrus-infused tequila cocktail.

Video and photography by Joshua Dylan Mellars – Abuela Luna Pictures.