Join the mushroom foraging weekend in the Bay Area
Healdsburg goes into a fungi-frenzy over the weekend of February 22-24, 2013 with a collection of dinners, mushroom hunting forays, classes and events at the very peak of mushroom season.
The lineup includes a free mushroom expo at the Hotel Healdsburg with forager Connie Green, mushroom hunting and a four-course luncheon at Relish Culinary Adventures, wild mushrooms on the menus of several local restaurants, including a five-course mushroom tasting menu at Madrona Manor and a six-course menu at Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen. The Camellia Inn is offering a two-night stay with a $100 gift certificate to Healdsburg’s Baci Cafe and a take-home “grow your own” mushroom kit.
Spork Restaurant opens in Cloverdale on Valentine’s Day with Chef Andrew Casey at the helm. Operating just three nights per week (Thurs-Sat), the pop-up will be located inside the Eagle’s Nest Deli, featuring locally-sourced dishes ranging from house-made sausages to hangar steak, shrimp and mushroom risotto and baked oysters.
113 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, 707-687-8795.
Oh, the pressure to get Valentine’s Day right. This year, it falls on Thursday, February 14th–giving you the option of celebrating the weekend before, after or on the day itself. Why not spread out the love? Wine Country’s rife with romance if you just know where to look…
– Conquer the “No Manches” burrito, a seven pound monster filled with meat, cheese, rice and beans as long as your arm at Los Tres Chiles(http://www.lostreschiles.com/) in Santa Rosa for $19.95. Any one person who can eat it in 60 minutes gets the burrito free, plus a cash prize. How sexy is that? 2765 Yulupa Ave. at Bethards Dr., Santa Rosa, 707-304-5724.
– Dungeness crab cioppino, grilled lamb and cheddar grits, duck breast with candied bacon, red velvet cake with marshmallow cream and powdered sugar beignets at Rocker Oysterfellers (. $55, reservations recommended, 707-876-1983, 14415 Highway One, Valley Ford.
– Chef Josh Silvers’ brings back his Syrah Bistro V-day menu for one day only, including crab cakes with arugula salad, lobster bisque, pan-roasted quail, whisky creamed lobster, braised short ribs, and warm lemon pudding cake. $85 per person, reservations required, 305 Fifth St. at Davis St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-4300.
– A chocolate three-way: J Vineyard’s Bubble Room has a lineup of haute nibbles, still and sparkling wines from new winery chef Jason LaBue (an alum of Madrona Manor, Meadowood and Cavallo Point). On the menu throughout February, oyster chowder croquette, beet risotto with cocoa nibs, braised brisket with gnocchi and black trumpet mushrooms and a baby red velvet cake and chocolate “three ways”. Seatings by appointment Friday through Sunday, 11am, noon, 2 and 3pm, $75 per person. 431-5430 to reserve.
– An evening of Shakespeare, romance and a four-course dinner at the Castello di Amorosa, Feb. 16 from 7-11pm. Guest Chef Alejandra Schrader serves dinner in the barrel rooms, actors inspire romance with romantic sonnets and wines flow freely. $225 per person, reservations required, 707-967-6274, 4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga.
– The classic film, Casablanca, bubbly from Domaine Carneros and chocolates from La Belge at the Napa Valley Opera House, February 14th at 7pm, $10. 1030 Main St. at First St, Napa, 707-226-7372.
Candy cap mushroom ice cream with blue corn crepe at Cocina Latina in Healdsburg
– Candy cap ice cream rolled into a blue corn crepe at Mateo Granadas’ Cocina Latino. Though it may sound a little strange, the foraged mushrooms have a sweet, maple-syrup flavor and a hint of earthiness that make for a perfect dessert. 214 Healdsburg Ave. at Front St, Healdsburg, 707-433-1520.
– A six-pack of conversation heart cookies for tongue-tied Romeos from Sift Cupcake and Dessert Bar, various locations around Sonoma County, San Francisco and at siftcupcakes.com.
– Learning to butcher: Meat Revolution’s Berry Salinas and Fork Catering’s Sarah Piccolo are teaming up for a three-class series focused on teaching home cooks how to make the most of their meat — with the benefit of dinner and wine as part of the learning process. Session one (5-8pm, Wednesday February 13th) focuses on breaking down a whole chicken, how to brine and marinade and culminates with a communal dinner of coq au vin. Subsequent sessions include rabbit cookery, sausage and pork curing. Classes are $75 each, or $60 if you purchase the series. Limited to 10 students, 330 Main St. at Calder Ave., Sebastopol. For reservations or call 707-494-0960.
– Beer: The Black and White Beer Ball, Friday February 15th in Santa Rosa features beer-tasting from local craft brewers from 9pm to midnight, silent auction and food. Details at ales4autism.com.
But wait, there’s more…
Casino Bar and Grill: Choose from one of two $25 prix fixe menus: Confit of Duck Heart & Celery Heart Salad; Breast of Pork with Brown Sugar, Pickled Tomatoes, Aioli & Parsley Salad, Devils Food Cake OR Dungeness Crab Cocktail, Sole Roasted on the Bone, Rose Petal Cream Pots. 17000 Bodega Hwy Bodega, (707) 876-3185.
Viola Pastry Cafe: Four course prix fixe menu includes pan seared scallops with blood oranges, aioli, maple glazed pork belly, caramelle pasta with Taleggio cheese and black trumpet mushrooms, grilled halibut with pancetta, braised short ribs, chocolate Marquise with sea salt ice cream, $50. 709 Village Court, Santa Rosa, 544-8830.
Brody’s Burgers, The Lava Love Burger: Grass-Fed Beef, Monterey Jack Cheese, Lava Love Sauce,
Grilled Pineapple, Lettuce, Tomato and Onion Ring. Served on a Sourdough Bun. Includes your choice of fries, $8.27. 3135 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa.
Forchetta/Bastoni: Happy Hour from 3-6pm and 9-close in the bar, four-course prix fixe includes antipasti, Caesar salad, lasagna, risotto or slow-braised pork shoulder, flourless chocolate cake or lemon tart, $55. 6948 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, 829-9500.
Charlie’s Restaurant at the Windsor Golf Club: Blackened sea scallops on roasted corn and jalapeno polenta with chipotle mango buerre blanc ($12.95), crab and artichoke crostini ($14.95), chicken and wild mushroom crepes ($12.95), herb marinated lamb chops with gorgonzola-chive mashed potatoes ($27.95), lobster ravioli with creamy sundried tomato sauce ($29.95), maple glazed veal chop with bacon cheddar potatoes ($26.95), roast prime rib diavolo ($25.95). 1320 19th Hole Dr., Windsor, 838-8802.
Chole’s French Cafe: Available Valentine’s Day only, green salad, cassoulet with garlic sausage OR buckwheat crepe filled with roasted butternut squash, spinach and cheese, raspberry ganache macaron and a glass of French sparkling wine, $15.95. Open 8am to 5pm., 3883 Airway Dr., Santa Rosa, 528-3095.
Gypsy Cafe: FRIDAY Four course prix fixe with sparkling wine and house made focaccia, truffled butternut squash soup, smoked beet salad with pecans and chevre, citrus-glazed mahi-mahi, flat iron steak with heirloom beans, housemade gnocchi with sauteed shitakes, triple chocolate brownie with caramel and cream, $50 with option $20 wine pairing. Reservations online at gypsy-cafe.com, 162 N Main St., Sebastopol, 861-3825.
Brasserie at Hyatt Vineyard Creek: Special menu runs through Saturday (regular menu available as well), includes lobster bisque with creme fraiche ($8), oysters on the half shel ($14/6), North Atlantic lobster ravioli ($30), grilled Scottish salmon with sour cream chive puree ($26), duck breast with sweet potato puree ($32), grilled steak medallions with white bean puree ($28). 170 Railroad St., Santa Rosa, 636-7186.
Cafe Europe: Three or four-course prix fixe menu includes porcini ravioli, mussels, lobster bisque, Surf & Turf (filet mignon and jumbo prawns), wild boar ragout, puff pastry tart with wild mushrooms, Maine lobster. $35 or $40, 104 Calistoga Road, Santa Rosa, 538-5255.
Jeffrey’s Hillside Cafe: Cheese Blintzes filled with fromage blanc, topped with mixed berry sauce and lemon curd. $5 Monday through Thursday if you tell them you saw it on BiteClub. 2901 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 56-6317.
Bistro 29: Prix fixe menu includes tart flamiche with smoked salmon, carrot and butternut squash soup with brown butter, crab profiterole with lobster buerre fondue, potato buckwheat crepe with goat cheese Mornay, monkfish stew with smoked scallops, pan seared beef with black trumpet mushrooms and macaroni gratin, duck with juckleberry syrah sauce, chocolate Marquise, $65 with optional $35 wine pairing. 620 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 546-2929.
Jackson’s Bar and Oven’s Gayla: Open-invite party on V-day to honor LGBTQ community and to support Marriage Equality. 25% of all proceeds donated to Equality California. 135 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
Sweet 116: Celebrate Valentine’s Day on Saturday along Route 116. Seven wineries (Balletto, Dutton Estate, Graton Ridge, Hook & Ladder, Martin Ray, Russian River, Taft Street) offer wine tasting, decadent treats and cheese plus, enjoy a tour of Laguna de Santa Rosa. 11am to 4pm, Saturday, Feb. 16, $30. 823-3040 or online.
Corks Restaurant at Russian River Vineyards: Three course prix fixe menu includes oyster shooters, seared ahi tuna, asparagus wrapped in filet mignon, seared sea bass, roasted rack of Sonoma lamb, bricked rosemary garlic chicken, prime Chateaubriand for two with wild mushrooms, Meyer lemon tart or chocolate fondue, $89. 5700 California 116 Forestville.
Tolay Restaurant at the Sheraton Sonoma County: Prix fixe includes short rib pierogies with wild mushrooms, fresh oysters, lobster with kefir lime butter, enoki leek risotto, cowboy steak with twice baked potato, collard greens and ham hock, whole red snapper, wild mushroom ravioli, red wine chocolate cake, apple calette, rose gelato. $65, 745 Baywood Dr., Petaluma.
Patisserie Angelica: The haute bakery and sweet shop opens Wednesday through Sunday, Feb. 13-17 from 10am to 5pm with a case full of chocolate deliciousness including their coconut and black tea infused palets, Parisian macarons (the best I’ve had in years), truffles (try the white chocolate passionfruit), cookies and their Better Than Sex Chocolate Sauce. 6821 Laguna Parkway, Sebastopol, 827-7998.
Who needs dinner and a movie when you can have dinner and a butchering class? Now that’s some serious romance.
Beginning Feb. 13, 2012, Meat Revolution’s Berry Salinas and Fork Catering’s Sarah Piccolo are teaming up for a three-class series focused on teaching home cooks how to make the most of their meat — with the benefit of dinner and wine as part of the learning process.
Session 1: Chicken (Wednesday, Feb. 13, 5-8PM)
Learn how to break down a whole chicken from wings to thighs, how to use the whole carcass, how to brine and marinade and finally, prepare coq au vin. Afterward, sit down for a communal dinner featuring coq au vin, creamy farro, braised fennel and leeks and salad. Go home with recipes and a chicken to prepare at home.
Session 2: Rabbit (Wednesday, Feb. 20 5-8PM)
Learn how to break down this versatile animal for a tasty rabbit ragout. A family-style meal will include homemade mal tagliati pasta and polenta with rabbit ragout, local mushrooms, and a salad.
Session 3: Sausage and Curing Pork Belly (Wednesday, Feb. 27, 5-8PM) Learn how to cure your own pork belly for some tasty pancetta as well as learning how to stuff sausage (not as easy as it looks!). Dinner is carbonara with tagliatelli, grilled sausages and salad. Students take home a chunk of pancetta for later.
Classes are $75 each, or $60 if you purchase the series. Limited to 10 students, 330 Main St., Sebastopol. Email info@forkcatering.com for reservations or call 707-494-0960.
Campo Fina’s co-executive chef Jamil Peden has departed from the Healdsburg restaurant. Owner and co-exec chef Ari Rosen will step into Peden’s place. Meanwhile, in Sebastopol, Chef Martin Maigaard has taken over the kitchen of the Gypsy Cafe, introducing a deep fried portobello mushroom po boy, rock cod fish cakes, hush puppies with honey butter and butternut squash lasagna with Bechamel sauce.
Get your sweetie in the mood for amore, or at least a little snuggling, at the 24th annual Wine and Chocolate Fantasy at Rodney Strong Vineyards Saturday Feb. 9, 2013 from 1-4p.m.
Wander through the mood-lit barrel cellar nibbling dark chocolate truffles, cupcakes, small-bites from local chefs and sipping some of the Healdsburg winemaker’s best pours. $65 per person, tickets and info at rodneystrong.com or 431-1533.
Rosso’s John Franchetti, Three Squares’ Josh Silvers, Kendall Jackson’s Justin Wangler along with Press Democrat columnist Michele Anna Jordan and several other prominent local chefs will participate in Third Thursday, a seres of dinners in conjunction with Worth Our Weight. The program puts chefs in the kitchen with at-risk youth apprentice cooks to serve up a multi-course prix-fixe dinner. The first dinner, February 21, features Liza Hinman of Spinster Sisters and Franco Dunn of Franco’s One World Sausage. $55 per person, with proceeds going to help the WOW program. Reservations 544-1200.
The time has come for Fresh to move from the Skyhawk Village Marketplace.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the business relentlessly without ever doubting. You all have stuck in there and I appreciate the good memories I will take with me.
We are negotiating a new location and will close our doors for business tonight. The new facility has all the equipment and accoutrements we need so we will be able to sell most of the equipment that we brought here. Tomorrow Tuesday Feb 5th we will be Closed all day to prepare for the moving sale. There will be no Tuesday night take out specials.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Feb. 6-8th from noon to six o’clock, all items will be for sale and marked down 25 – 50%. We are planning to sell everything from food to equipment and décor.
We hope that you can come by to take advantage of this sale.
Thank you sincerely,
Lisa Hemenway
PS We will continue to do catering out of the Skyhawk Village Marketplace until the move is final.
Art Ibleto will open Art’s Place in Rohnert Park (courtesy of Art’s Place)
Pasta King Art Ibletohas taken over the former Seasons Sports Bar in Rohnert Park with plans to open a family-style trattoria in late February.
Art’s Place will be a joint venture with his wife, Victoria, and daughter, Annette, and family friends Greg and Wendy Kalemba. The menu will be a mix of traditional Ibleto-favorites like polenta, minestrone, pesto and marinara along with wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, burgers and specialty entrees.
“We’re featuring Art’s food,” said Wendy Kalemba, adding that the family-operation will also include brother Angelo Ibleto’s focaccia.The vibe will be family-friendly with lunch and dinner served seven days a week. The restaurant will serve beer and wine.
Ibleto, 86, continues to run his Pasta King catering business and sauce empire and will being “making regular appearances” at the restaurant, said Kalemba.
“He just puts us all to shame with how hard he still works,” she added.
Art’s Place, opening soon at 563 Rohnert Park Expressway, Rohnert Park.
The multi-course dinner is slated to include Hedgehog mushroom and caramelized onion tart, “Poor Man’s” truffle risotto, juniper and maple glazed Sonoma County duck breast and butternut squash and candy cap mushroom creme brulee along with wine pairings from master sommelier Geoff Kruth.
