We couldn’t leave this one alone: Apparently the Duck Dynasty now has a wine label. The reality television show, which features the foibles and follies of a group of camo-wearing, beard-sporting good ‘ol boys from Louisiana, has spun-off hundreds of products (from cookbooks and faith literature to T-shirts and “duck” tape) was apparently a natch for a line of wines from Trinchero Family Estates (based in Napa).

On the Duck Commander wine roster:  Wood Duck Chardonnay (rich tropical fruit aromas, creamy finish), Triple Threat Red Blend (jam like fruit) and of course, Miss Priss Pink Moscato (white peaches, honeysuckle). They’ll be in stores just in time for holiday giving. Imagine that.

Michelin-starred Madrona Manor will once again hold their beloved annual Dickens Dinners Dec 8 through Christmas Day. In addition to a five-course feast from Chef Jesse Mallgren, strolling carolers in 19th century garb serenade diners throughout the evening.

The menu includes Smoked Egg Sabayon with Estate Watercress, and Proscuitto Syrup and Potato, Beef Wellington with Mashed Potatoes and Red Wine Reduction. Osetra Caviar, black winter truffles and Alba white truffles.

Prices range from $90 to $170 per person (for the Christmas night dinner). Reservations are required, and can be made by calling (707) 433-4231. More details online.

Want to extend your holiday fun? Book a room at Madrona Manor on the night of your dinner reservation and receive 25% off the room rate for that night.

Area Mary’s Pizza Shacks will celebrate what would have been founder Mary Fazio’s 100th birthday Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013. Which, of course, means a free slice of birthday cake for diners throughout the day at all Mary’s locations.

The iconic pizzeria has been a Northbay staple since 1959, when Mary founded her first “shack” in Boyes Hot Springs, growing to 19 locations in Northern California. Fazio passed away in 1999, but her family continues to run the company.

Kaede Japanese is slated to open in the Larkfield Shopping Center (near Molsberry Market) in the coming months.

So far, not much info, but it joins Baan Thai (one of the best local Thai restaurants that’s remained well under the radar), Cookie Take A Bite’s kitchens (gourmet cookies from a former Cyrus pastry chef) and Sweet Cakes, BiteClub’s newest bakery find with scratch-baked morning muffins, croissants, brownies, cupcakes, custom cakes, pies and, well you get the idea. We’re especially fond of their signature graham cookies and Snack Crack (a pretzel rod covered in caramel and chocolate).

Oops! And how could I forget Big Boys Buns and Burgers!

 

Torc, a new American restaurant in downtown Napa, opened in early December 2013. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the opening dishes. Stay tuned for other menu items including Dungeness crab with Buddha’s hand, artichoke soup, roasted beet salad, Liberty Duck agnolotti, pork with cheddar grits, Pacific sablefish and sweet and sour baked Rancho Gordo beans.

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On Dec. 5, 86 Sonoma County restaurants will donate up to 50% of their food sales to Food For Thought, Sonoma County AIDS Food Bank. The national night of dining out benefits local AIDS/HIV-focused non-profits. All you have to do? Eat out. A list of participating restaurants in Sonoma County is available at diningoutforlife.com/sonomacounty/restaurants.

If you haven’t checked out local Cheflebrity John Ash’s new cookbook, Culinary Birds (Running Press, $30), here’s your chance to kill a few, uh, birds with one stone. Ash will appear at Santa Rosa’s Savory Spice Shop (317 D St., (707) 284-1310) on Dec. 6 from 5-7p.m. to sign his new book (available in the store). While you’re there, grab some holiday seasonings (how old is that rosemary and nutmeg in your cupboard, honestly?) as well as tested-tips from Ash on how to serve up the best bird ever.

So the new chef at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek isn’t exactly new. In fact, Liz Ozanich was actually one of the opening chefs for the Hyatt Vineyard Creek Inn’s restaurant, when it opened as Brasserie de la Mer in 2007. She replaces Richard Whipple, who left the restaurant in October. The new menu is in the works, and will likely take a couple of months to be fully established. BiteClub looks forward to seeing what’s new, but sheds a tiny tear for the loss of Whipple’s amazing Swedish cream cannolis.

Pescatarians rejoice! Healdsburg’s Spoonbar will once again celebrate the sea with The Feast of the Seven Fishes Wednesday December 18th through Christmas eve.  This traditional Italian-American holiday, usually observed on the 24th, typically features seven seafood dishes on the Catholic holy night (when meat is verboten). Maldonado is taking this often-humble celebration to the next level by flying in fresh fish from Japan’s famed Tsukiji market.

Among the, ahem, fintastic dishes being served by Chef Louis Maldonado: Oyster panna cotta with trout roe, sea urchin tartlets, abalone roasted in seaweed butter, cold smoked yellow fin tuna, big fin squid salad, roasted crab bouillon, hamachi collar, clam fritters and of course plenty of clams.

Each of the dinners (which can include special wine pairings) is $75 and reservations are required. 219 Healdsburg Ave. at Mill St., Healdsburg, (707) 433-7222.

BiteClub’s plotzing about Hanukkah dinner at Backyard Restaurant in Forestville. The four course meal, which happens on Wednesday, Dec. 4, includes latkes, halibut quenelles (way better than gefilte fish!), matzoh ball soup, brisket, farro-stuffed pumpkins and a few more surprises including guest chef Josh Silvers joining exec chef Daniel Kedan in the kitchen. Reservations recommended. 6566 Front St., Forestville, (707) 820-8445.