FarmShorts, a local group documenting the North Bay food movement, its farmers and producers is nearly a third of its way toward raising $15,000 to fund its ongoing video project. Headed by local entrepreneur Kala Philo, FarmShorts aims to create 15 professional videos showcasing the food movement at its source. You can help with their crowd-funding effort at farmshorts.com.
Meanwhile, Sonoma cheesemaker and Epicurean Connection owner Sheana Davis is facing some ongoing medical challenges. Friends have set up the website sheanadavisfund.com to allow supporters in the food community and beyond to donate to her hospital bills.
Artists rendering of the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park
UPDATE 3/22/13
Wine Country is still abuzz at the news that M.Y. China’s Martin Yan has filed for a business license in Sonoma County. Though company spokesfolks aren’t confirming the news, rumors abound that Yan is looking at the forthcoming Graton Resort & Casino as a possibility.
Under construction in Rohnert Park, the upscale casino is promising four fine dining establishments and locals in the know say the offerings should be pretty impressive and have confirmed that the casino was in talks with Yan and a number of other high-profile restaurateurs. With plans for more than just gambling, including headlining concerts and events, and additional nine quick-serve eateries and close proximity to the new Green Music Center at Sonoma State (host to both classical and contemporary live music), it’s no wonder Yan and others may be eager to head north.
Yan Can Wine Country?
Rumor has it Martin Yan may be pondering a move north. After opening M.Y. China in San Francisco’s Westfield Centre last December to solid reviews, the buzz around Santa Rosa is that he’s looking for a second location in Wine Country.
Chris Smith says Yan has filed for a ficticious business name in Sonoma County in reporting the story.
Fueling the fire: Hints on Yan’s Facebook page that something big is in the works and a picture of Santa Rosa’s own cheflebrity Guy Fieri pulling noodles at the restaurant yesterday.
Speakeasy Taco Trio — pork belly, chicken tomatillo and salmon — at Speakeasy in Petaluma
Working in restaurants is a hungry business. Despite being surrounded by food, most kitchen staff and servers leave their jobs hungry, tired and ready for a beer at 10 p.m. or so — just about the time most eateries shutter in Sonoma County. Serving the county’s late night cravings with Lobster and Bacon Mac, the egg-topped Croque Madame, Sweet and Spicy Pork Belly and Wild Salmon Tacos is Speakeasy
Lobster Mac and Cheese at Speakeasy
Open from 5p.m. to 2 a.m., the tiny bar and dining room has quickly become a late-night hangout not only for industry folks, but also for barflies and revelers looking for a post-party nosh.
The tapas-style menu covers all the bases — from creamy asparagus soup with tarragon creme fraiche ($6) to butternut squash and goat cheese panini (with crispy pork belly, $13), vegan tahini burgers with hand-cut fries ($9), spring Pea and mushroom risotto ($10), chicken Paillard with citrus caper butter ($13), the signature lobster mac (which may run out, so order early, $13) and the smoked ham, cheese and fried egg sandwich with Mornay sauce (croque Madame, $11).
Don’t miss the Jalapeno Firecrackers ($8) which come with a verbal warning: Apparently the heat level is variable and you never know what you’ll get. Unpredictable vegetables, those jalapenos. Avocado puree and a ready glass of milk help mitigate the fear factor.
Jalapeno Firecrackers at Speakeasy in Petaluma
Also worth the trip is Orange-Tea infused creme brulee ($6) with cookies. So now you know where to go to quell your 1a.m. munchie-attack with a nice pork belly taco and sweet and spicy chicken wings. You’re welcome.
Speakeasy, 139 Petaluma Blvd North, Suite B, Petaluma
Orange Tea Creme Brulee at SpeakeasyAsparagus Soup at SpeakeasyChocolate Torte with Caramel Sauce at Speakeasy
Follow your nose to Petaluma’s final day of the 2013 Artisan Cheese Festival and the marketplace of more than 70 cheese makers, wineries and breweries offering up their wares from noon to 4p.m, Sunday March 24, 2013. The big top event at the Petaluma Sheraton also includes plenty of chef demos, book signings and shoulder-rubbing with the cultured culturers. Tickets $45 at the door, 745 Baywood Dr., Petaluma.
Barbecue Chicken Pizza at Art’s Place in Rohnert ParkClassic Caesar Salad at Art’s Place in Rohnert Park
His signature Sonoma County fair favorites — baked polenta with cheese and marinara ($9), half and half spaghetti (pesto and marinara, Art’s most popular fair food), Parmesan truffle fries ($6) and Caesar salads ($7) are all on the menu every day at Art’s Place. The restaurant is a joint venture with friends and family.
The opening menu also includes sandwiches, burgers and paninis along with a full page of wood-fired pizzas ($7 to $20).
Wine and beer on tap plus (we hear) a killer puff pastry apple torte a la mode ($7) we missed on our first visit. Second time’s a charm, right?
Art’s Place, 563 Rohnert Park Expressway, Rohnert Park, (707) 588-2787).
Pappardelle Pasta with Creamy Pesto at Art’s Place in Rohnert Park.
Napa’s La Toque restaurant, which has been a vocal opponent of the foie gras ban, is being sued by the Animal Legal Defense Fund in Napa County Superior court for serving foie gras.
According to the Napa Vally Register, the Michelin-starred restaurant “routinely sells foie gras products,” in violation of the 2012 ban which prohibits the sale of poultry products in which the animal has been force fed, a practice called gauvage.
Their part, executive chef Ken Frank says he does not sell the foie gras, but instead gives it away to customers who request it as part of their meal.
Bianchini’s Petaluma location. The regional salad and sandwich chain will open a shop in Santa Rosa soon.
It seems like the Big Salad fad hit the skids about the same time as Rollerblades and Magic Eye pictures — with only the Caesar and Chinese chicken surviving into the new millennium
The good news: Bianchini’s is bringing ’em back. The gourmet sandwich and salad market lets you craft a salad on the fly with a variety of toppings and dressings done your way. They’ve also got more than a dozen specialty sandwiches and other lunchtime goodies as well as a grab-and-go section.
They’re headed to Santa Rosa (in the former Baja Fresh on Mendocino) in the coming weeks. Their first Sonoma County location has been a popular noontime escape in Petaluma.
In SR, they’ll find plenty of competition from nearby Ike’s Place and Panera Breads as well as neighbors Five Guys and Panda Express, but who can resist a Big Salad?
Santa Rosa produce paladins Tierra Vegetables and Chalk Hill Cookery are collaborating on a six-course vegan meal at the Tierra Vegetables Farm, Saturday March 23 at 6pm.
Chef Matteo Silverman turns humble produce, heirloom beans, and cornmeal grown on the farm into you’ll-never-miss-the-meat dishes like thyme-scented cashew cheese ravioli, butternut squash chowder with fire-roasted chile, spring lettuces with hickory-smoked olives, red polenta with shiitake mushroom ragù, and chocolate almond brownies with Meyer lemon nectar.
The cost is $65, some of which will benefit the White Barn project. Bring your own wine, beer, or other beverage. Reservations are required as seating is limited to about 50 people. Details online, 707-837-8366.
Chef Matthew Accarino of SPQR courtesy of StarChefs.com
Chef Matthew Accarino of SPQR courtesy of StarChefs.com
SF’s SPQR chef Matthew Accarrino heads to Forestville for a one-night guest chef gig at the Michelin-starred Farmhouse Inn on Thursday March 21st. Part of the restaurant’s Winter Dinner Series, he’ll whip up a collaborative multicourse dinner inspired by his book SPQR: Modern Italian Food and Wine.
The menu includes stuffed quail with rhubarb, spring onion, black truffle, and Castelluccio lentil; rabbit lasagna and prosciutto cotto; as well as an hors d’oeuvres reception and book signing. There will also be wine pairings from the restaurant’s master sommelier, Geoff Kruth. To buy tickets ($175 each) and secure reservations, call 707-887-3300 or visit the Farmhouse Inn website. Farmhouse Inn is offering a 25 percent discount on accommodations for those attending the dinners. 7871 River Rd., Forestville, 707-887-3300.
Roll Me A Fatty Sushi Roll at Haku Sushi in Santa Rosa
Worst Boss I Ever Had Roll at Haku Sushi in Santa Rosa
After School Special Roll at Haku Sushi in Santa Rosa
Staples like vegetable tempura, agedashi and California rolls get special touches (minimalist service ware, a bit of fluttering bonito, creamy “crab” salad), but its the rolls that’ll put a smile on your face. Maybe more of a giggle.
Though I’m usually a nigiri purist, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink rolls called “Roll Me A Fatty”, “The Worst Boss I Ever Had”, “The Alex P. Keaton” and the “After School Special” are as fun to eat as they are to order.
Don’t look too hard for a reason behind the shrimp tempura, crab salad and tempura crunchy roll topped with “house sauce” to be called the Silent But Deadly. Perhaps the mystery reveals itself later.
There’s no doubt, however, that asking for a “Funny Feeling Down There” is kind of priceless, no matter what’s inside.
FarmShorts, a local group documenting the North Bay food movement, its farmers and producers is nearly a third of its way toward raising $15,000 to fund its ongoing video project. Headed by local entrepreneur Kala Philo, FarmShorts aims to create 15 professional videos showcasing the food movement at its source. You can help with their crowd-funding effort at farmshorts.com. 
