Looks like Pieology wins because they’re still open. Persona closed 8/17
Chipotle Chicken Pizza from Persona in Santa Rosa
Sometimes I think Sonoma County needs another pizzeria about as much as it needs another vineyard. With top-notchers at every turn—from World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani’s spot at the Graton Casino to Rosso Pizzerias in Petaluma and Santa Rosa, Vignette Pizzeria in Sebastopol and Pizzando in Healdsburg (though my Friday-night go to is still Mombo’s) — we’re not hurting for a slice.
But when two DIY chain pizzerias hit town, serving up piping hot bespoke pies in minutes, it was hard to take the whole thing too seriously. Thus was born the Persona vs Pieology battle. Lemme break it down, and you can make the choice:
Pieology Pizza from @pieology
Pieology: Thin crusts that are pre-made (ie: they’re not stretching them at the counter). A nice selection of toppings—if rather mundane—include red sauce, Alfredo, buffalo, pesto and BBQ along with the usual suspects of pepperoni, tomatoes, pineapple, meatballs, etc. Pluses include three types of crust (whole wheat and gluten free along with the classic), “Favorites” for the less creative—Rustic Veggie, Meat, Alfredo; and passable pre-made salads. The pies have very thin crusts, and an average eater can bust through a pie alone with ease. Sharing? Not if you’re hungry. Plus: Very kid friendly menu. Minus: Gourmet pizzas aren’t their thing, too small to share, salads are pre-made and toppings are ho-hum. Prices range from $6.95 to $7.95 per pizza. Pizzas are cooked in a stone fired oven. 2280 Mendocino Ave., Suite B, Santa Rosa, website.
Burrata and beet salad at Persona Pizza in Santa Rosa
Persona:Recently opened in the former Arrigoni’s (701 Fourth St., Santa Rosa), this small chain (the other is in Santa Barbara) of pizzerias features a small wood-fired oven that cooks your pizza at 800 degrees in about 90 seconds. Created by World Pizza Champion Glenn Cybulski, the dough is hand-stretched to order, and uses “00” Caputo flour (what the pros use). On top: Serious bases of marinara, pesto, “bianca”(olive oil and garlic), and Margherita. Choose from pepperoni, Sopressata, meatball, anchovies, prosciutto, bacon, seasonal local veggies, pine nuts, caramelized onions, arugula, blue cheese and three types of mozzarella. You see where I’m headed here. Pre-thought-out pies include a meat pizza (Carne), buffalo blue cheese and the winner of the World Pizza Competition in Napoli, the Chipotle Chicken, loaded with mozzarella, roasted chicken, chipotle sauce and fresh pico, its a bit gimmicky, but ends up being seriously addictive.
Other plusses: OMG burrata salad (that’s fresh mozzarella with creamy ricotta in the middle), beets, arugula and vinaigrette. And…one of those fun digital Coke machines that make pretty much any flavored soda under the sun (I know, dumb, but my kids love them). Pizzas are easily enough for two unless you’re a huge eater, and with a salad, there’s plenty left over for another meal. Minuses: Pizzas are a bit more expensive: $7.95 to $15.50 (most are about $11). website
Ozzie and Christian scoop up strawberry miso ice cream at Taste of Sonoma 2015
Ozzie and Christian scoop up strawberry miso ice cream at Taste of Sonoma 2015
The gents from Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar (116 Matheson St, Healdsburg, 395-4426) have a new baby—their just-off-the-boat-from-England ice cream cart that debuted at Taste of Sonoma 2015.
Miso Strawberry Ice Cream from Noble Folk in Healdsburg
With all the bells and whistles (climate-control, back-up generator, hella cuteness) this custom-made cart was funded by a Kickstarter campaign that raised more than $12,000. Owners Osvaldo Jimenez and Christian Sullberg (also behind Moustache Baked Goods in Healdsburg) couldn’t be prouder of their new bundle, which will be at local events, weddings and the like.
Ozzie and Christian scoop up strawberry miso ice cream at Taste of Sonoma 2015
I snagged a cup of their Miso Strawberry ice cream at the MacMurray Ranch Taste Event, and it was undoubtedly one of the biggest food hits of the day (aside from Backyard Restaurant’s mozzarella with garden tomatoes and the Asian-inspired tomatoes from Ramen Gaijin).
And I don’t just say that because they’ve offered to make me an unofficial ice cream taste tester.
Noble Folk Ice Cream Cart (from the Facebook page)
Jen and Sarafina, Hip Chick Farms. (Photo: Whole Foods Market)
Hip Chick FarmsJen Johnson and Serafina Palandech have been named one of Food + Wine Magazine’s Most Innovative Women in Food.The local couple founded the frozen foods company several years ago in Sebastopol, winning acclaim for their sustainable, locally-sourced chicken wings, meatballs and chicken nuggets. Congrats to our local gals!
Here’s the shout-out from F+W.
Chicken fingers and Chez Panisse aren’t usually associated with one another. But Palandech and Johnson (far left), the couple behind Hip Chick Farms, are bringing a sustainable ethic to the world of frozen chicken dinners. Johnson, a former Chez Panisse chef, develops the recipes, which include spicy wings, meatballs and nuggets, using ethically raised birds from a local Sonoma farm. “Frozen foods don’t tend to be superhot items in the marketplace, but we’re a premium product,” says Palandech. The chef-driven, sustainably sourced recipes are especially appealing at a moment when consumers and retailers alike are paying more attention to the quality of their food. In early 2015, Hip Chick was in 300 stores; by the end of the year, it will be in 1,200.
Manuel Azevedo of La Salette (Press Democrat file)
Sheana Davis of Epicurean Connection in Sonoma has sold her business to La Salette Owner Manuel Azevedo.
LaSalette’s Manuel Azevedo has purchased Sonoma’s Epicurean Connection (122 W Napa St., Sonoma), with plans to open a tapas restaurant and wine bar in downtown the space in early 2016.
Dubbed Tasca Tasca Tapas Restaurant and Wine Bar, the forthcoming eatery is the third for Azevedo, who also owns Sonoma’s LaSalette and Cafe Lucia in Healdsburg. Both have won numerous accolades for Azevedo’s “Cozinha Nova Portuguesa” or “new Portuguese cuisine”.
Manuel Azevedo of La Salette (Press Democrat file)
Tasca Tasca’s menu will reflect Azevedo’s focus on Portuguese cooking, small plate style, including: Sonoma Goat Cheese with Apricot Jelly; Portuguese Mac & Cheese; Herb & Garlic Marinated Olives; Linguiça-Sausage; Raw Oysters with Lemon Fennel Mignonette; House-Smoked California Sturgeon; Polvo – Octopus with “villain’s” sauce; Azoriana Sliders – Pork & São Jorge Cheese; Goat Stew with Fingerling Potatoes; Pork Belly with Madiera Glaze; Foie Gras Terrine, as well as a many other authentic and seasonal tapas including a variety of salads, soups and sweets. A curated wine list focuses on Portuguese wines and an extensive Port and Madeira selection.
Sheana Davis, whose Epicurean Connection opened on the Sonoma Square in 2010, has no plans to hang up her apron anytime soon. The cheesemaker, caterer and educator will be expanding her cheesemaking operations with new locations for her Delice de la Vallee and Creme de Fromage cheeses (found at swank spots like The French Laundry). She also plans to continue to cater and host a variety of classes throughout the region, and in NYC and New Orleans.
Davis will continue to run her Epicurean Connection shop through September, so stop by and wish her well.
The former Caffe Portofino in downtown Santa Rosa may soon get a new lease on life.
After more than two years of gathering dust, restaurateur Sonu Chandi and with his brothers Joti Chandi and Sunny Chandi have taken over the space, planning a modern American bistro called Craft 535 Kitchen + Bar. Chandi is co-owner of nearby Stout Brother’s Pub and two Mountain Mike’s Pizza restaurants in Sonoma County.
“If everything goes well with the city, we hope to open in mid-November,” he said.
But there’s plenty of work to be done on the interior, which Chandi said hasn’t been updated in decades. That means a significant investment, he said, in refurbishing the outdated kitchen and becoming compliant with stringent accessibility requirements — which can run hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the age of the building.
Chandi, isn’t daunted, however. “We still need more great restaurants in downtown Santa Rosa. We need more of a draw for people to come here to downtown,” he said.
As for whether Chandi’s new restaurant will live up to the legendary happy hour scene at Portofino is yet to be seen. “We aren’t going to be Portofino, but we’ll have a great happy hour for folks coming in after work or visiting Sonoma County,” he said.
The hiring of an executive chef is still in the works, but Chandi hopes to include plenty of local produce, meat, wines and craft cocktails.
Caffe Portofino,which opened in 1987, closed in February 2013 after the death of owner Bob Musante.
Ever wished you could get a glass of wine and some truffle popcorn at Starbucks at night? Personally, I can’t say that I’m especially jazzed about anything other than getting a post-6p.m. caffeine fix, but Starbucks’ new “Evenings” has quietly started up in a few markets, including Northern California. Hint: That means us.
Starting Sept. 25 (we hear), the Coddingtown Starbucks will serve beer, wine and a small plate selection that includes (according to their sample menu) things like spinach artichoke dip with pita chips, truffle mac and cheese, flatbreads, a cheese plate, bacon-wrapped dates and truffle popcorn, along with a selection of wines (Ferrari-Carano chardonnay is on the list) along with various craft beers.
In the midst of so much locally made charcuterie, cheese, bread and beer, it seems pretty beside the point to be going to Starbucks for your fix. Not to mention the whole Boulange fiasco (bring my dang scones back). But then again, Starbucks is like an old friend — a little boring, but approachable and non-judgmental. Especially when you get that venti Frap with double caramel and whip. We get it.
Here’s a note from Starbucks on their new concept:
We’ve always been your neighborhood morning stop—a place to help you start your day. Now we’re bringing a little delight to your evenings too.
Our Starbucks Evenings menu features a thoughtful selection of wine and craft beer alongside the signature coffee and tea beverages you know and love. Enjoy one of our savory small plates – whether it’s our creamy Truffle Mac & Cheese or a delicious flatbread.
So take a moment to unwind, meet up with friends and enjoy a glass of wine and a delicious little something—with us.
Happy Hour at Brew happens twice daily. Photo, Heather Irwin.
Happy Hour at Brew happens twice daily. Photo, Heather Irwin.
Happy hour has gone legit — even upscale — in Sonoma County with craft cocktails, gourmet small bites and crowds looking to mingle and mix rather than simply get loaded on PBR and mozzarella sticks.
Once the sole refuge of sports bars and low-brow eateries, top shelf restaurants are now drawing crowds with deep discounts on many of their regular menu items (usually in petite form) from the hours of 3-6p.m. with hopes that you’ll stick around for dinner, or at least some top shelf booze.
And it seems to be working.
Though there are hundreds of great happy hours from Cloverdale to Petaluma, not all are created equal. Here are some favorites with a combination of great food, drinks and crowds that will make your post-work hours happier — at least for an hour or so.
Haute Happy Hours: Upscale restaurants where you’ll find well-heeled movers and shakers enjoying a martini or three.
Stark’s Steak and Seafood There’s no denying that Stark’s is the Grand Pubah when it comes to Santa Rosa’s happy hour scene. Packed to the gills most nights, It’s the perfect storm of top-notch bites well under $5, well crafted drinks and a clubby, steakhouse atmosphere. Rather than trotting out nuked chicken strips and Bud lights, they roll out inspired tapas and sides from their steakhouse menu — tuna tartar taco ($1.75), prime rib banh mi, $5; potato skin fondue, sweet chili chicken wings and truffle fries for $3.95 and a quarter-pound burger with caramelized onions and truffle aioli for a thrifty $5. Plus a $2.50 Beefeater martini, Lost Coast Blonde Ale ($2.75) selected wines,$5 margaritas on Monday and Tuesday, along with several other old school cocktails for $5 and $6. Monday through Saturday 3-6pm. 521 Adams St., Santa Rosa, 546-5100.
The Starks’ other restaurants also feature some impressive happy hours, including Bravas Bar de Tapas’ “Locals’ 420 Hour” with gin and tonics, sangria, beer, goat cheese tostadas, duck meatball bocadillos, Spanish flatbread and cider braised chorizo and shishito peppers all for the mind-bending price of (you guessed it), $4.20. 420 Center St., Healdsburg, 433-7700.
Front Room at John Ash & Co. Sink into a leather seat and nibble on tasty small plates while kicking back well-crafted cocktails. Here, you can steer clear of the bro-crowd, rubbing elbows with the hotel’s chic clientele, politicos and pinstriped professionals. Wednesdays’s “Crush the Rush” includes complimentary appetizers from 5:30-6:30pm along with $2 off all cocktails, $4 wine/beer/weekly cocktail. On Saturday it’s Pizza and Pinot from 6-9p.m. with $10 pizzas and a featured $10 pinot of the month. Sunday you can build your own burger and fries for $10. Front Room Happy Hour; 4-6p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 5:30 to 6:30p.m. Wednesday and from 3-6pm Friday through Sunday. 4330 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa, 527-7687.
Central Market An amazing deal from one of Sonoma County’s best chefs, Tony Najiola. But it’s literally an hour, so you can’t dawdle. And chances are you’ll want to stay for dinner. $1 oysters, $5 wines, $3 beers and free pizza at bar Monday through Thursday from 5-6p.m., 42 Petaluma Blvd., Petaluma, 778-9900.
Barndiva Studio Bar We won’t lie, this isn’t a cheapo happy hour. This is a Wine Country experience. But sipping cocktails and bistro bites inside this eclectic gallery of performance and visual art is a must-do in Healdsburg. Chef Ryan Fancher’s restaurant vision has been adapted to a more casual bistro model with small plates of charcuterie and other apps, Barndiva has opened up the beautifully curated space to sip craft cocktails and be one of the beautiful people. Open from 3p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, 237 Center St., Healdsburg.
Hipsters and the Tinder Tribe: Young professionals on the prowl scooter, Uber and bicycle to these trendy spots.
Oso Mole braised short rib tacos, Korean buffalo wings and Sangria at one of Sonoma’s hippest new eateries. Plus, we hear they’ve finally got some outdoor patio space. Happy hour Monday through Thursday from 5-6:30p.m.,. 9 East Napa St., Sonoma, (707) 931-6926.
Chalkboard Chef Shane McAnelly uses his happy hour menu to playfully explore cuisines and dishes that might not make it to his regular menu. Currently he’s stoked on Fillipino cuisine and his 4:30-6:30p.m. menu includes rock shrimp and avocado lumpia, chicken adobo, tamarind braised pork ($6). The theme extends to inspired drinks like Paquiao Plum Punch (with Batavia Arrack, an historic sugar-based spirit), Singapore Sling, plus beer and wine. They’ll be visiting Spain, next, so stay tuned. 29 North St., Healdsburg, 473-8030.
Spoonbar Sit and watch the world—or at least Healdsburg—go by at this open-air eatery inside the H2Hotel. Miyagi oysters, fermented chili glazed chicken wings, grilled chorizo skewers ($5), crafty cocktails like the Blind Tigers (St. George Absinthe, Benedictine, Aperol, lemon, yuzu, hibiscus, $6), wines ($6) and Death & Taxes, Proving Ground IPA ($4). Monday through Thursday, 5-6p.m.,219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 433-7222.
Brew
We love the laid back, inclusive vibe of this combo coffeehouse and pub. Sip on pour-overs and cold-brewed coffee from SF’s Ritual Roasters (the owner are coffee fanatics), local microbrews and ciders that change frequently, along with wine and tea. Their TWO happy hours are from 4-6p.m. and 8-10p.m. daily with $1 off beer and cider on tap (and also wine by the glass). 555 Healdsburg Ave., Santa Rosa,
Epicurean Connection Sheana Davis’ cozy gourmet shop and bistro has one of the chillest happy hours we know of, with beer or wine, local cheese and crostini and chef-made tapenade for $10. 3-6p.m. Tuesday through Friday.122 W. Napa St, Sonoma, 935-7960.
The Villa This popular Happy Hour on the Hill is a mix of old-timers and youngsters who both appreciate a bargain. And a shrimp cocktail. There’s nothing fancy here, but the view is spectacular, and you can get a Bud Light, fried calamari and mozzarella sticks or a pizza for a song. From 3:30-6p.m. grab some retro-cool eats including the aforementioned shrimp cocktail, spaghetti and meatball, fried zucchini and even a straight up hot dog start at $2 and top out at $5. Bud, Coors, PBR and wine are $2. 3901 Montgomery Dr., Santa Rosa, 528-7755.
BroHour: Favorites of the beer and spirits crowd for whom happy hour is just a warm-up
Seared
Folks in Petaluma give a hefty thumbs up to this relative newcomer downtown. They’ve doubled their happy hour on Friday and Saturday (4-6p.m. and 9-10p.m.). The menu is extensive, with filet mignon skewers, pork belly banh mi, salt and pepper calamari, citrus cured salmon, mac and cheese, tacos and the ultimate beer food, onion dip and chips. All are $6 and under. Drinks include the George Clooney margarita, whisky punch, rye martini, wine and beer from $2.50 to $7.
La Rosa Tequileria
Welcome to Sonoma County’s favorite margaritaville. Tequila-drinks and approachable Mexican fare make this an easy choice for kicking back with a few friends from 4-6p.m. daily. House margaritas and shots, $5; well cocktails and microbrews ($4). Cheese nachos, quesadillas, hot dogs, ahi tostada and other mini bites for $3-$5. 500 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 523-3663.
Belly Left Coast Kitchen
When isn’t it happy hour at this downtown Santa Rosa restaurant? They’ve got food and drink specials from 3-6p.m. Monday through Friday, with your best bet being Taco Tuesday from 2p.m to close with solid tacos and an impressive collection of craft brews. The rock star vibe and beer-centric drink list makes for plenty of fist-bumping fun. 523 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, (707) 526-5757.
Maya Restaurant
Not just nachos, but “Really Good Nachos”, along with tacos, sliders and margaritas from 4-6p.m. Monday through Friday. 101 E. Napa St., Sonoma, (707) 935-3500.
Wine Country Weekend (Sept. 4-6, 2015) is Sonoma County’s biggest harvest party of the year, and everyone’s invited. The three-day extravaganza includes dozens of winery parties, Sunday’s big dollar wine auction, a starlight dinner at Coppola Winery, and best of all, the MacMurray Ranch smorgasbord of food and wine, Taste of Sonoma 2015. With some 200 wineries and restaurants pouring and serving their finest, even longtime attendees tend to look like Golden Ticket winners walking into a Willy Wonka factory of bubbly, wine, foie gras and pork belly.
Here’s what you gotta know before you go, because we don’t want you ending making drunken snow angels on the lawn of actor Fred MacMurray’s family ranch. Trust us, it happens.
Go Early: This is one event you don’t want to show up late to. Parking and traffic get hairy, it gets really hot, and you’ll be sweating it out in longer lines for that little one-ounce pour and nibble. Best bet: Hit as many restaurant stations as possible (fuel and a solid base for all that wine) and the handful of wineries you want to spend time chatting with early on. Enjoy the afternoon at a slower pace, making sure to hydrate like crazy.
The Restaurants: Get up close and personal with more than 60 Wine Country chefs as they serve nibbles and participate in cooking demos. This isn’t a Happy Hour buffet, so be mindful of how much you take (we see you stuffing food into your purse) and skip over food that doesn’t interest you. Newcomers this year: Applewood Inn, Patisserie Angelica, Ramen Gaijin, SubZero Ice Cream, Pullman Kitchen, Mark and Terri Stark’s Stark Reality Restaurants,Vignette Pizzeria and Woodfour Brewing.
Get Schooled: Cooking demos from top toques happen from noon to 3:30 p.m., including the baking gurus of Moustache Baked Goods, Boon Eat + Drink’s Crista Luedtke, mac ’n cheese lollipops with Feast Catering’s Jesse McQuarrie, Paella with Jose Castaneda and Chef Mark Stark, chef/owner of Bravas, Willie’s Wine Bar and Stark’s Steakhouse (to name a few).
The Wine: There are three main tents, divided up by appellations. Again, this isn’t happy hour, so sip, don’t guzzle (unless its water). Aside from that, make sure to keep your glass handy and don’t be afraid to spit.
Bubble It Up: The Gloria Ferrer Bubble Lounge always has great food and lots of sparkling. It also gets filled up fast, so don’t dawdle in making your way.
Don’t Forget the Marketplace: I like to hit the various vendors from the Sonoma County Marketplace later in the afternoon, as folks swarm the wine tents. Plus, its the only place to get beer (Bear Republic, Moonlight, Lagunitas, St. Florian’s, Third St. Aleworks, Woodfour), coffee, cheese and other tasty treats that many folks miss altogether.
Pace Yourself: If you hit it hard the first day, the rest of the weekend is a giant hangover. Do what the pros do, and pace yourself — there’s plenty to eat and drink. If you’re feeling buzzed, take a break. If you’re stuffed, sit in the shade for a bit.
Be comfy: Biggest rookie mistake at Saturday’s Taste of Sonoma? Heels. Chances are you’ll be doing plenty of walking on uneven surfaces (grass, rocks, bricks, etc) and twisting your ankle is a bummer. Wear platforms or, even better, flats. Also, wear something comfy and cool with a sweater or jacket for the evening. And a hat. You’ve got to have a hat for the late-summer Sonoma sun.
Bring a pen and business cards: You never know who you’ll meet. From ranchers and chefs to high-end winemakers and Sonoma celebrities, its good to have a way to reconnect.
THIS CONTEST IS OVER. CONGRATS TO CAROL. Your local food knowledge rivals mine.
Want to eat and drink your way through the Appellations of Sonoma County? We thought so.
BiteClub is giving away two tickets to Taste of Sonoma, part of the 2015 Wine Country Weekend extravaganza.
One winner will get the golden tickets to hobnob with the food and wine elite, sample small bites from dozens of our best restaurants, sip from hundreds of bottles of primo local wine (along with beer and cider), watch food demonstrations, wander around MacMurray Ranch and smile in wonderment at this place we call home.
Here’s what you have to do to enter: I want to know the absolute must try dishes of Wine Country. That can be anything from the Fig Salad at The Girl and the Fig, or chicken livers at Ralph’s, to oysters on the coast and fresh peaches from Dry Creek Peach.
Add your suggestion to the comments below. I’ll choose my favorite suggestion, which will be featured in an upcoming article on Wine Country eats, and you’ll get two tickets for Saturday’s event. Entries submitted by email or on my Facebook page will not be considered. You have to submit a comment.
Want to know how to survive the event? Click here for more details onTaste of Sonoma.
The Fine Print:
1. YOU MUST BE 21 TO ENTER. This is a 21+ event, so your guest must be of age as well.
2. I’ll need a viable email address to let you know if you’ve won.
3. Winner will be chosen at 5pm, Thursday, Sept. 3 and notified. Winners must respond by 1pm on Friday, or forfeit their tickets.
4. See full rules here.
