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Wine Pairing: Sonoma Coast Chardonnay with Crab Tomato Bisque

April 2016

By Michele Anna Jordan

At $17, our Wine of the Week is a steal. Trig Point 2014 Signpost Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a beautifully made, classically California quaffer. Fans of the varietal will want to snag several bottles.

The wine is rich and succulent, with fruit ranging from baked green apples, white peaches and sweet citrus to apricots and figs, all buoyed by the wine’s diaphanous acidity and mouth-filling juiciness. On the palate, it is round and full but not cloying. This west county wine is an excellent example of cool-climate chardonnay, with flavors that blossom during a long growing season with plenty of light but not a lot of heat.

At the table, you’ll enjoy the wine with chicken, pork, veal, lobster, scallops, mussels, eggplant, winter squash, parsnips, carrots and creamy pastas. Roasted root vegetables tossed with butter, mussels steamed in the wine itself and veal chops served on a bed of steamed winter squash are all excellent matches. Oyster chowder, clam chowder and crab vichyssoise welcome the wine alongside, too.

Today’s recipe, adapted from one in “California Home Cooking” (Harvard Common Press, 1997), is inspired by our local Dungeness crab, which we are finally able to enjoy for a very brief time this spring. It’s not a great match with crab served chilled with nothing more than a squeeze of lemon, but it is outstanding when the crab is served hot with melted butter or folded into this rich bisque.

Crab Tomato Bisque
Serves 3 to 4

3 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, cut into small dice
1 small celery rib, cut into small dice
— Kosher salt
½ cup dry white wine
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon minced fresh Italian parsley
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper, preferably white
3 cups chicken stock or fish stock
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
¼ cup sherry
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon sugar, optional
— Cooked and picked meat from 1 Dungeness crab
¾ cup cream
½ cup half-and-half, plus more as needed
— Hot sourdough hearth bread

Put the butter into a large saucepan, set over medium heat, add the onion and celery and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 12 minutes; do not let the vegetables brown. Season with salt, increase the heat to high, add the wine and cook until it is nearly completely reduced.

Add the bay leaf, parsley, pepper, stock, tomatoes, sherry and lemon juice and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

Use tongs to remove and discard the bay leaf. For a smooth soup, purée with an immersion blender.

Taste the bisque and, if it seems a bit flat, add the sugar. Add the crab, cream and half-and-half, and heat through but do not let it reach a boil. Taste again, correct for salt and pepper and thin with a little more half-and-half if too thick for your taste.

Ladle into soup plates or bowls and enjoy right away, with the hot bread alongside.

Michele Anna Jordan is author of the new “Good Cook’s” series. Email her at michele@micheleannajordan.com and visit her blog at pantry.blogs.pressdemocrat.com.

Local Favorites Jackie Greene, Steve Kimock Headed to Petaluma Music Festival

April 2016

By Dan Taylor

6/13/2009:B1: Eyes closed, Steve Kimock performs Friday. PC: Steve Kimock performs during the 31st Annual Harmony Festival held at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, Friday June 12, 2009.

Tickets are on sale now for the ninth annual Petaluma Music Festival, set for Aug. 6 at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Drive in Petaluma.

The festival lineup features a long list of regional favorites, including Jackie Greene, Steve Kimock and Friends, The David Nelson Band, The Mother Hips, Moonalice, Mark Karan (Artist at Large), David Luning, The Sam Chase, Joy & Madness, The Highway Poets, Kingsborough, MoeTar, The Grain, Saffell and The Melt.

Concerned about the future of school music programs, Petaluma High School band instructor Cliff Eveland started the festival in 2008 to raise money for them. As of last year, the festival had raised more than $125,000 in the five previous years to keep music education programs going in Petaluma area public schools.

General admission tickets cost $40, $95 for VIP tickets until April 30. On May 1, the prices go up to $45 for general admission, and $110 for VIP. Admission is free for children 12 and younger. Tickets for teenagers 13-18 cost $20 and will be sold only at the gate.

For tickets and information: petalumamusicfestival.org.

Westwood Estates Wins ‘Best of Best’ at 2016 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge

April 2016

By Diane Peterson

After 27 judges worked their way through 1,005 wines April 12, Sonoma’s Westwood Estate Winery landed on top of the 2016 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge, taking home a triple crown.

The Westwood Estate 2014 Sonoma Valley Annadel Gap Vineyard Clone 37 Pinot Noir was the judges’ top pick, receiving 99 out of 100 points and taking home the Best of Show Red, Best of Sonoma County and the Best of the Best awards.

The deep red pinot noir, with hints of raspberry, black cherry, vanilla and spice, inspired the judges to comment, “An absolute stunner. Wow!”

The contest, co-hosted by the Press Democrat and Vineyard & Winery Management, is open to wineries that source fruit from the North Coast AVA, including Napa, Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties and parts of Marin and Solano counties.

Westwood grows small lots of pinot noir and Rhone Valley varietals at Annadel Gap Vineyard, located at the far northwest corner of the Sonoma Valley AVA. The 22-acre vineyard is located in a narrow pass between the Sonoma Mountains and Hood Mountain, known as the Annadel Gap, which enjoys a cool climate due to morning fog and afternoon breezes out of the northwest.

“It’s at that pinch point as you’re starting into the Sonoma Valley from Santa Rosa,” said Chris Vyenielo, partner and general manager of Westwood. “It’s a very cold site, so it gets the full impact of the ocean influence.”

Although the vineyard was first planted in 2001 and three of the original four partners still own the winery, 2014 marked the first vintage produced by the winery’s new team, including Consulting Winemaker David Ramey, Winemaker Ben Cane, Assistant Winemaker Natalie Winkler and Biodynamic Vineyard consultant Philippe Coderey.

“There was a lot of hard work, and everybody is excited about getting this award,” Vyenielo said. “It encourages us to keep trying to find how we can really get more out of this site.”

A native of Australia, Cane honed his pinot noir crafting skills while working for Twomey Cellars in Healdsburg.

“Ben’s hallmark is impeccable balance,” Vyenielo said. “He’s able to create that generosity on the palate with fruit and texture, but he has this wonderful hand at making sure the wine remains vibrant and fresh.”

Out of the 27 judges, 21 were in agreement that the pinot noir was the Best Red Wine as well as the Best of the Best at the competition. It’s the second time in the contest’s four-year history that a pinot noir took home the top prize.

“This is the highest number of votes for one wine we have seen in the four years of the competition,” said Chief Judge Daryl Groom. The judging panel uses the acclimation voting system, which means judges can vote for as many wines as they want and the wine with the highest votes wins.

“The panel of judges are people who know wine, and they have a very high level of knowledge,” Vyenielo said. “To have that peer group have that level of alignment is the highest award.”

Westwood was one of 22 wineries entering the contest for the first time this year. Westwood Estate Winery’s production facility is located off Eighth Street East in Sonoma, and its tasting room is just off the Sonoma Plaza, in the Vine Alley complex.

In another North Coast winery coup, the Navarro Vineyards 2015 Mendocino County Pinot Blanc won two top awards: Best of Show White and Best of Mendocino County awards. It was awarded 97 points.

The delicate white wine is emblematic of the aromatic, Alsatian varietals for which the longtime Anderson Valley producer is known. The judges called the aromatic wine “floral and pretty” with a nose that “follows into the palate.”

“It is a wine that is meant to be consumed young and fresh,” said Deborah Cahn, owner of Navarro Vineyards in Philo.

Kokomo Winery 2015 North Coast Grenache Rosé won Best of Show Rosé. The delicate pink wine boasting hints of strawberries and watermelon and a silky texture was made from grapes grown at Teldeschi Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley and Tollini Vineyard in the Redwood Valley of Mendocino County. The judges compared the summery sipper to “burying your head in a watermelon” and gave it 97 points.

The Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards 2004 Late Disgorged Carneros Cuvée Brut, the well-known Carneros producer’s flagship sparkling wine, took home Best of Show Sparkling Wine. The effervescent bubbly, made from premium estate fruit, opens with aromas of Asian pear and apples with hints of Meyer lemon for balanced acidity. In their comments, the judges said they enjoyed its “complexity,” “tiny bubbles” and “beautiful almond aromas.” It received 97 points.

Husch Vineyards 2014 Anderson Valley Late Harvest Gewurztraminer won Best of Show Dessert/Late Harvest wine. The judges praised the wine as “floral, vibrant, grounded and elegant.” It received 96 points.

Best of County awards were given to wines from all six counties in the North Coast AVA. In order to qualify, the wines had to earn at least 90 points and a gold medal.

Hagafen Cellars 2015 Lake County Clearwater Ranch White Riesling won Best of Lake County. The judges described it as “stylish” and “well balanced,” and gave it 93 points.

The Amizetta Estate Winery 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon won Best of Napa County. The judges compared it to a “cashmere sweater: silky, luxurious and elegant,” awarding it 97 points.

The DeLoach Vineyards 2013 Marin County Pinot Noir won Best of Marin County. The judges called the pinot a “classic pinot noir” with “vibrant fruit and a lingering finish.” They gave it 90 points.

Cairdean Vineyards 2014 Suisun Valley Riesling won the Best of Solano County. The judges described it as a “wonderful California Riesling.” It received 90 points.

This year, the judges gave out a total of 184 gold medals, up from 174 last year. The percentage of gold medals was 18.5 percent, up from 17 percent last year. The varietal categories receiving the most entries included pinot noir, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel and sauvignon blanc.

“The strongest wines were pinot by far, with 24 percent getting gold,” Groom said. “But it was refreshing to see an increase in merlot entires and also syrah from last year.”

On May 15, the public can sample all the gold medal-wining wines and enjoy gourmet bites from nine celebrity chefs between 1 and 4 p.m. at the Sonoma Mountain Village Event Center in Rohnert Park. To reserve tickets, go to northcoastwineevent.com.

BEST OF COUNTY WINNERS

Best of Lake County: Hagafen Cellars 2015 Lake County Clearwater Ranch White Riesling

Best of Marin County: DeLoach Vineyards 2013 Marin County Pinot Noir

Best of Mendocino County: Navarro Vineyards 2015 Mendocino County Pinot Blanc

Best of Napa County: Amizetta Estate Winery 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, left

Best of Solano County: Cairdean Vineyards 2014 Suisun Valley Riesling

Best of Sonoma County: Westwood Estate 2014 Sonoma Valley Annadel Gap Vineyard Clone 37 Pinot Noir

View the 2016 database of the Press Democrat’s North Coast Wine Challenge Gold Medal Winners

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

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Scott Beattie Spices Up Ramen Gaijin’s Cocktail Menu

April 2016

By Heather Irwin

Written by Heather Irwin for BiteClubEats.

Cocktail-whisperer Scott Beattie has created a drink menu for Ramen Gaijin inspired by his passion for Japan and, well, booze.

Tea-infused whiskeys, along with cocktails that showcase pickled plums and even mushrooms are beyond incredible. Also look for shrub cocktails with seasonal fruit from Bar Manager Gillian Tyrnauaer.

We’re a little bit in love, and a whole lot ready for happy hour.

Trading Post Bakery Enters Cloverdale’s New Food Scene

April 2016

By Heather Irwin

Bread from Trading Post in Cloverdale. This secret little bake shop is doing some of the best bread in the Bay. Just follow your nose. 102 S Cloverdale Blvd, Cloverdale, CA, 707-894-6483, thepostcloverdale.com (Courtesy Photo)

Written by Heather Irwin for BiteClubEats.

There’s a whole lot more to Cloverdale than the Hamburger Ranch these days. A burgeoning food scene is rapidly making this small, north county town a destination for adventurous eaters.

While playing hooky (I mean working really hard) last Friday afternoon, BiteClub stopped into the eagerly-anticipated Trading Post Market and Bakery. A project of SF’s Mercer Restaurant Group (AQ, Melange, The Hall), the bakery is more of an industrial cooking space with a small collection of jams and raw honey than what you might think of as a “bakery”. That doesn’t matter much, since you’re really there for the bread — hearty country loaves and baguettes on our visit — from the stone-hearth oven. It’s truly excellent bread, with big air pockets and a crunchy crust that only need a swipe of fresh butter and raw honey to become spectacular. The bakery is the first stage of a larger-scale project at The Trading Post, which will include a full restaurant. Another North Bay project is also in the works for Mercer, Long View Ranch in Mendocino. The 32-acre property will house a chef’s garden, vineyard and heirloom seed library, along with a high-end restaurant, but is still in the investment stage. Trading Post Bakery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1-6p.m., 102 S. Cloverdale Blvd.

We also stopped in at Savvy on First (116 E First St.), an adorable cafe we’ve been meaning to hit up for a couple years. Chef/owner Kristine Bodily has created a charming breakfast/brunch/lunch spot that helped define Cloverdale’s food scene with lots of locally-sourced dishes that span the gamut from a killer 8 oz. burger, homemade biscuits and sausage gravy, to a not-so-local but delicious-sounding Maine lobster roll with Old Bay butter, lemon aioli on a brioche bun.

The restaurant’s dinner menus have included everything from roasted bone marrow and beef Bourguignon to togarashi-crusted ahi served Thursday through Sunday from 5:30 to 9p.m.. Sadly, we’d already filled up at Diavola on the way up, so we grabbed a couple cookies from the stocked bakery case and made our way, promising to return soon. Saavy on First offers up breakfast and lunch Wed.-Fri. from 9a.m. to 3p.m. and brunch Saturday and Sunday from 9a.m. to 3p.m.

Another favorite for a coffee boost-up? The always hip Plank Coffee and Tea (227 North Cloverdale Blvd.)

Check out our article for more on Cloverdale’s rise.

Things to Do This Week in Sonoma County

April 2016

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

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

If you’re looking for fun, you’ve come to the right place. This weekend, head over to Sebastopol for their annual Apple Blossom Festival and Parade. You can also view the bounty of spring on several wildflower hikes at Jack London Historic State Park. And you can celebrate Earth Day with lots of festive fun at Quarryhill Botanical Gardens. All this and more is in our list of things to do.

Saturday, April 16
Butter & Egg Days Opening Ceremony: The official countdown to the Butter & Egg Days Festival begins this Saturday when the Petaluma hosts the opening ceremonies. From noon to 1 p.m. at the Petaluma Historical Museum, meet the town’s newest Good Egg recipient and cheer the 2016 Grand Marshal. Following the ceremony will be a BBQ lunch for sale. Find out more information at www.petalumadowntown.com/opening-ceremonies.html.

Saturday, April 16
Crab in the Cave: Enjoy a delicious crab dinner and auction at Deerfield Ranch Winery in Kenwood this Saturday night. Proceeds from the event will benefit Sonoma Valley schools and community projects, and will also help international clean water, sanitation and educational programs. The event goes from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and the dinner includes wine, pasta, salad, crab, French bread and dessert. Tickets are $75 per person. Purchase tickets at crabcave.bpt.me.

Saturday, April 16
Earth Day at Quarryhill: This year, celebrate Earth Day a little early with fun and activities at Quarryhill. On Saturday, the botanical garden preserve will offer arts, crafts, games, kayak rides, live animals and more, taking place 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free to attend with a $5 parking fee. Find out more at www.quarryhillbg.org.

April 16 & 17
Apple Blossom Festival and Parade: This weekend marks the 70th annual Sebastopol Apple Blossom celebration, beginning this Saturday at 10 a.m. with the traditional parade. The weekend-long event includes live blues performances, art exhibits, local food and drink, family fun and more. Find out all the details at www.appleblossomfest.com.

April 16 & 17
Petaluma River Trips: If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the Petaluma River, now is your chance. This Saturday and Sunday, Dolphin Charters is offering 3-hour tours of the river, departing from the Petaluma Turning Basin. The tour will share unique aspects of this waterway, including history of the river and why it’s still important today. Tours are $40 per person, and tour times vary. Find out more at www.dolphincharters.com.

April 16 & 17
Rose Harvest Celebration: This Saturday and Sunday, celebrate the spring rose harvest with two festive events at the Russian River Rose Company in Healdsburg. On Saturday, the Gradina Slavic Singers will kick things off with the Blessing of the Rose Harvest to ensure a bountiful bloom. Both days will feature the Rose Petal Toss, Spring Singing and other fragrant frolics. Performances are at noon and 2 p.m. both days. Admission is a $2 donation. Find out more at www.russian-river-rose.com.

April 16 & 17
Wildflower Extravaganza: Spring has sprung at Jack London Historic State Park, and you’re invited to view the blooms. This Saturday and Sunday, take part in one of several wildflower outings around the grounds. A park naturalist will lead easy to intermediate hikes along several of the park’s trails, offering views of vibrant flowers and wildlife. Admission is $10 per person, plus $10 parking fee. Find out more at www.jacklondonpark.com.

April 15-24
Village Building Convergence: The 2nd annual 10-day festival kicks off in Sebastopol on Friday and continues through April 24 with placemaking projects, evening lectures, presentations, discussions and music. Most events take place at the Sebastopol Grange, and placemaking projects will be located in various spaces around Sebastopol. View a schedule and event locations at sebastopolvbc.weebly.com.

Sunday, April 17
Simcha Sunday: Come to the Jewish Cultural Festival this Sunday at Sally Tomatoes in Rohnert Park. From noon to 4 p.m., enjoy delicious food, entertainment, family activities and more. The event is free to the public. Find out all the details at www.jccsoco.org.

Other upcoming events:

Friday, April 15

Paul McCandless/Christian Foley-Beining Collaboration: Original compositions by jazz quartet, 8 p.m., Occidental Center for the Arts. $20. 874-9392, occidentalcenterforthearts.org.

Chanticleer: Twelve-voice San Francisco men’s ensemble ‘Over the Moon’ program, 7:30 p.m., Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $35-$85. (866) 955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

Babatunde Lea: Soulful jazz drummer-percussionist and friends, concerts 7 and 9 p.m., Healdsburg Center for the Arts. $20. 431-1970, healdsburgcenterforthearts.com.

‘All My Sons’: Raven Players production of Arthur Miller’s first play, 8 p.m., Raven Performing Arts Theater, Healdsburg. $10-$25. 433-6335, raventheater.org.

Saturday, April 16

Anoushka Shankar: Sitar performance, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $35-$85. (866) 955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

Harlem String Quartet: New York-based classical ensemble, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Glaser Center, Santa Rosa. $30. 874-1124, redwoodarts.org.

Beer Blossom Festival: Venue’s ninth-anniversary celebration, live music, noon Saturday, HopMonk Tavern, Sebastopol. Free. 829-7300, hopmonk-sebastopol.ticketfly.com.

Sunday, April 17

‘April in Carneros’: Wine, food, live entertainment at 15 award-winning wineries, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, southern Sonoma Valley. $15-$75. carneroswineries.org.

Santa Rosa Symphony Pops: ‘The King: The Music of Elvis,’ 3 p.m. Sunday, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $37-$80. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.

Sonoma Bach Consort: ‘Sacred Realms: Song of Songs’ concert with Green Mountain Singers, 3 p.m. Sunday, St. Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Church, Santa Rosa. $15-$25. (877) 914-2224, sonomabach.org.

James David Christie: Organist performs works of 16th- to 18th-century masters of the ‘king of instrument,’ 3 p.m. Sunday, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $30. (866) 955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.
Monday, April 18

John Franchetti: Healdsburg Chef’s Table dinner and conversation with Franchettis’ Wood Fire Kitchen chef, 6 p.m. Monday, Relish Culinary Center, Healdsburg. $98. 431-9999, relishculinary.com.

Tuesday, April 19

Veronika Scott: Sonoma County Women in Conversation series with the social entrepreneur and CEO/founder of The Empowerment Plan, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. Sold out. socowomenevents.com.

Wednesday, April 20

Kiki Thorpe: Children’s author of ‘Into the Waves’ from ‘Never Girls’ series, 3 p.m. Wednesday, Copperfield’s Books, Napa. Free. 252-8002, copperfieldsbooks.com.

Thursday, April 21

‘Wine Country Chefs of Tomorrow’: Food, wine and auctions benefit 10 local youth culinary arts programs, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel, Santa Rosa. $85. 837-1928, chefsoftomorrow.org.

Chick Corea & Béla Fleck: Legendary jazz pianist and banjo virtuoso, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $65-$155. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

The Crux: Songs and stories by multi-instrumentalist ensemble at Americana Night, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Cloverdale Arts Alliance. $20. 894-4410, cloverdaleartsalliance.org.

Friday, April 22

Prelude to Passport Weekend: Vineyard-tour lunches, winemaker dinners open weekend Passport event, various times and wineries, Friday, April 22, Dry Creek Valley, Healdsburg. $76-$155. drycreekvalley.org.

San Francisco Opera Adler Fellows: Chamber concert with young opera singers, 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 22, Carole L. Ellis Auditorium, Santa Rosa Junior College Petaluma campus. $15-$26. (415) 392-4400, santarosa.edu/chamber-concerts.

Crary, Evans & Spurgin: Bluegrass songs and stories, 8 p.m. Friday, April 22, Sebastopol Community Cultural Center Annex-Main Room, $22-$25. 824-1858, seb.org.

Terrie Odabi: Rhythm and blues soul singer with Evolution of the Blues, 7 p.m. Friday, April 22, Studio Barndiva Gallery Bar, Healdsburg. $45. barndiva.com.

Saturday, April 23

California Redwood Chorale: Classic songs of the screen and stage, 8 p.m. Saturday, April 23, Glaser Center, Santa Rosa. $17-$20. californiaredwoodchorale.org.

Earth Day OnStage: Performances, food, earth-friendly products and kids’ activities, noon-4 p.m. April 23, Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa. Free. 543-3366, srcity.org.

Butter & Egg Days: Festival 10 a.m.-4 p.m., kids’ parade at 11:30 a.m., main parade noon, April 23, downtown Petaluma. Free. 763-0344, petalumadowntown.com.

Midori: Violin program of Bach, Schubert, Brahms and Tchaikovsky, 7:30 p.m. April 23, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $35-$85. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

‘Earth Laugh!’: Crushers of Comedy stand-up comedy, 8 p.m. Saturday, April 23, Best Western Sonoma Valley Inn Krug Center, Sonoma. $25. (415) 350-6433, crushersofcomedy.com.

Sunday, April 24

‘Twelfth Night’: Shakespearean comedy with a true-to-the-period all-male cast, 2 p.m. Sunday, April 24, Burbank Auditorium, Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa campus. $12-$18. 527-4307, theatrearts.santarosa.edu.

‘Tomatomania’: Tomato celebration with wide variety of heirloom tomato seedlings for sale, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday, April 24, Cornerstone, Sonoma. Free. 933-3010, tomatomania.com/sonoma.

Stephane Wrembel: Multi-faceted master guitarist and composer and his band, 8 p.m. Sunday, April 24, Occidental Center for the Arts. $25. 874-9392, occidentalcenterforthearts.org.

Matthias Goerne: Baritone performance of Schubert’s ‘Die Schöne Müllerin,’ 3 p.m. Sunday, April 24, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $35-$85. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

Jackson Browne: Solo acoustic performance by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 24, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $56-$76. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.

Healdsburg, Napa and San Francisco Named Best Food Cities of 2016

April 2016

By Heather Irwin

Written by Heather Irwin for BiteClubEats.

I rarely get too excited when random magazines and websites celebrate Sonoma County as a best foodie destination. I mean, duh, we all know that. But its a little more interesting when Condé Nast Traveler readers pin Healdsburg (12), Napa(8) and San Francisco (9) among the 15 Best Food Cities in the U.S.

From the website, the Healdsburg caption reads: “An hour outside San Francisco, tiny Healdsburg is our favorite Sonoma County stopover—and a welcome respite after all those oyster crackers at wine tastings in Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valleys. Opened in 2013, mixed-use Healdsburg SHED (pictured) is a 10,000-square-foot prefab structure with a fermentation bar, coffee shop, and the excellent Shed Café, showcasing vegetables grown nearby. Meanwhile, on Healdsburg Square, Valette is the hip cured meats-and-chandeliers newcomer by a former Dry Creek Kitchen chef, and Italian restaurant Scopa is chef Charlie Palmer’s go-to spot for wood-fired, thin-crust pies.”

SF: “Out-there ideas thrive in the Bay Area—where punk-rock Mission Chinese Food chef Danny Bowien made critics swoon when he opened his groundbreaking Chinese-American restaurant in a sticky dive. Another Mission eatery, Al’s Place (pictured), has picked up the mantle; chef Aaron London’s fluffy French fries and spiced fish dishes won him the top spot on Bon Appetit’s 2015 Top Restaurants list. At gray-walled Atelier Crenn, chef Dominique Crenn decorates dishes with rocks, moss, and branches. A decidedly more simple offering, the roasted chicken for two at 37-year-old Zuni Cafe remains a dish worth waiting for.”

And Napa, which is truly one of the most burgeoning food scenes around, is described as: “The country’s most storied wine region should boast a first-rate food scene, and Napa doesn’t disappoint. Downtown on Main Street, Mick Salyer’s duo of Spanish restaurants—Zuzu and La Taberna—showcase his devotion to Iberian meats and Basque-style seafood dishes, while trendsetters head to stylish Ninebark(pictured), a three-story riverfront spot with rooftop views and two-Michelin-star chef Matthew Lightner at the helm. Up north in Yountville, foodie pilgrims who can’t score a reservation at Thomas Keller’s the French Laundry head to easier-going eatery Ad Hoc for the chef’s technique-driven takes on comfort foods like fried chicken and pot roast. His bustling Bouchon Bakery, meanwhile, is a must-stop for macarons and a freshly pulled espresso.”

The rest of the lineup includes Sarasota, Fl., San Antonio, Boston, Aspen, Santa Fe, Las Vegas, NYC (3), New Orleans (2) and the surprise winner, Charleston, South Carolina at #1.

Trail of the Week: Bartholomew Memorial Park Trail

April 2016

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

Small creeks run along the trials in Bartholomew Memorial Park near the heart of Sonoma. (Conner Jay/The Press Democrat)

Some days all you need is a little walk through the woods, with enough ups and downs to make the blood pump and enough shade to keep you cool. If it comes with a little refreshment at the end, who could complain?

That’s the formula for this “only in Sonoma” hike, the 2.4-mile Bartholomew Memorial Park trail. It packs a workout into a 90-minute loop, takes you through a deep oak woodland and, in the process delivers postcard-worthy views of the Sonoma Valley, two historic wineries and, when the weather cooperates, the Golden Gate Bridge.

Turn the outing into an occasion by packing a picnic to eat on the landscaped grounds and pairing it with a bottle of wine from Buena Vista Winery or Bartholomew Park Winery. Both maintain tasting rooms within each reach.

The entire park was once home to Hungarian Count Agoston Haraszthy, who planted grapevines there in 1861 and built the Buena Vista winery to process them. A villa for his family soon followed.

A bench provides rest for hikers and spectacular views of Sonoma from an overlook along the Bartholomew Memorial Park loop. (Conner Jay/The Press Democrat)

Less than a decade later, the vines were wiped out by Phylloxera and Haraszthy abandoned them. He died in 1869 in Central America, and his villa later burned. It was replaced by a replica.

The overgrown property was purchased in 1943 by a war correspondent named Frank Bartholomew and his wife, Toni. They eventually sold the winery. After Frank’s death, she created the memorial park and built a replica of the count’s villa. It now holds the Bartholomew Park Winery’s tasting room.

Visitors can park near the villa and hike the loop in either direction. About midway, Benicia’s Lake is a natural shady rest stop. During wet months it is filled with pollywogs, singing frogs and mosquitoes.

Benches are located on either end of the loop, providing another chance to stop and drink in the scenic landscape below.

Stair-stepped hillsides help hikers and runners navitage Bartholomew Park's undulating trail. (Conner Jay/The Press Democrat) — Stair-stepped hillsides help hikers and runners navitage Bartholomew Park’s undulating trail. (Conner Jay/The Press Democrat)

Sonoma’s Bartholomew Memorial Park

(Closed from January 1 to April 1)

Hiking distance: 2.4-mile loop

Hiking time: 1.5 hours

Configuration: loop

Elevation gain: 450 feet

Difficulty: easy to moderate

Exposure: a mix of open meadows and shaded forest

Dogs: allowed

Maps: U.S.G.S. Sonoma, Bartholomew Foundation Trail Map

Bartholomew Memorial Park is a little known gem tucked into the hills less than two miles northeast of Sonoma. The 375-acre park leases part of its diverse land to Bartholomew Winery. This hike is not a meandering stroll through a winery, it only begins and ends there. The trail is a backcountry hike winding through oak-covered mountain slopes and redwood groves. The hike follows portions of Arroyo Seco and the South Fork of Arroyo Seco to a pond, lake, cave, and two impressive overlooks.

To the trailhead

1695 Castle Road, Sonoma

From East Napa Street by the Sonoma Plaza in downtown Sonoma, drive one mile east on East Napa Street to Seventh Street East. Turn left and continue 0.3 miles to Castle Road. Turn right and drive 0.4 miles to the Bartholomew Park Winery entrance. Enter the winery grounds and go a quarter mile to a road fork. The right fork leads to the tasting room. Veer left 0.1 mile to the trailhead parking lot.

A second trailhead is located off Old Winery Road. From East Napa Street, just east of Eighth Street East, turn north on Old Winery Road. Drive 0.75 miles to the posted trailhead parking area on the left.

The hike

From the north end of the parking lot, -follow the posted trail 40 yards to Duck Pond. Curve right along the east side of the pond to a trail gate. Pass through the gate and cross a stream in an oak, manzanita, and madrone forest. Climb the hill on the Grape Stomp Trail and traverse the slope, parallel to the stream. Head up the shaded draw and recross the stream. Climb steps and zigzag up the hill to Grape Stomp Bench and an overlook of Sonoma and San Pablo Bay. Weave along the contours of the hills with small dips and rises. Descend to a fork of Arroyo Seco Creek by a private road.

Rock-hop over the creek and cross the road. Climb eight steps and head up the forested hillside. Follow the north side of Arroyo Seco Creek, passing above Benicia’s Lake. Descend steps and hop over the creek upstream of the lake. Enter a redwood grove with Douglas fir and continue climbing. A side path on the right leads to the east shore of the lake. The main trail continues to a posted junction at one mile. Angel’s Flight Trail descends to the right for a slightly shorter and easier loop.

Bear left on the You-Walk Miwok Trail, climbing to the 640-foot summit that is just past a bench. On clear days, the vistas extend as far as the Golden Gate Bridge. Descend from the upper slope, with the aid of dirt and log steps, to the Shortcut Trail on the right. Stay straight 20 yards to a side path on the right to Szeptaj Point bench, with beautiful views of Sonoma from under a canopy of oaks. Continue downhill on the main trail to a posted junction. Detour to the left 80 yards. Follow the South Fork of Arroyo Seco upstream, passing small waterfalls. Continue over mossy boulders to Solano’s Hideaway, a massive rock formation with caves. Solano was an Indian chief of the Suisun Tribe and a friend of General Vallejo.

Return to the junction and continue west, passing a junction with the lower south end of Angel’s Flight Trail. Pass through a trail gate and skirt the backside of the Buena Vista Winery. Pass through a second gate to a narrow paved road by a gazebo on the left. Cross a rock bridge over Arroyo Seco Stream and follow the path on the right side of the road. Cross Castle Road and complete the loop at the trailhead parking lot.

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

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Cloverdale’s New Food Scene: Trading Post Bakery

April 2016

By biteclub

Country loaf from Cloverdale's Trading Post Bakery (heather irwin) — Country loaf from Cloverdale’s Trading Post Bakery (heather irwin)

There’s a whole lot more to Cloverdale than the Hamburger Ranch these days. A burgeoning food scene is rapidly making this small, north county town a destination for adventurous eaters.

Cloverdale's Trading Post Bakery (Facebook) — Cloverdale’s Trading Post Bakery (Facebook)

Kristine Bodily of Savvy on First in Cloverdale (PD File)

Another favorite for a coffee boost-up? The always hip Plank Coffee and Tea (227 North Cloverdale Blvd.)

Check out this article from Sonomamag.com for more on Cloverdale’s rise.

Healdsburg, Napa and San Francisco Named Best Food Cities 2016

April 2016

By biteclub

Chef Dustin Valette at Valette, Healdsburg, CA

I rarely get too excited when random magazines and websites celebrate Sonoma County as a best foodie destination. I mean, duh, we all know that. But its a little more interesting when Conde Nast Traveler readers pin Healdsburg (12), Napa(8) and San Francisco (9) among the 15 Best Food Cities in the U.S.

Wild Farro salad at SHED Cafe in Healdsburg, California. Photo: Heather Irwin.

Al's Place in SF is a conde nast reader favorite for 2016 — Al’s Place in SF is a conde nast reader favorite for 2016 (courtesy photo)

Ninebark in Napa (PD file) — Ninebark in Napa is a conde nast reader favorite for 2016 (PD file)

The rest of the lineup includes Sarasota, Fl., San Antonio, Boston, Aspen, Santa Fe, Las Vegas, NYC (3), New Orleans (2) and the surprise winner, Charleston, South Carolina at #1.