Riding the mechanical bull at KJ’s. (photo Digital Barrett)
Riding the mechanical bull at KJ's. (photo Digital Barrett)
After 17 years of boot scootin’, line dancing, honky tonk, Thirsty Thursdays, bull riding, and the infamous Miss KJ contest, Kodiak Jacks Honky Tonk & Restaurant is packing up their mechanical bull and calling it a day come mid-July. In their dust, many are left feeling disappointed by the loss of the country bar, especially since it was the only nightspot open for the 18+ crowd at the end of the week to dance the night away.
But the loss won’t be felt for long.
While the owners are bidding farewell to their Petaluma location, they’re starting fresh with Mavericks, their new nightclub in Santa Rosa. Mavericks is slated to open July 19th, and is boasted to be the largest nightclub and live music venue in the North Bay with a capacity of 700. They’re amplifying their dance lessons with workshops and couples dancing, and also introducing a new menu with non-traditional pizzas – think “taco pizza”, “Reuben pizza”, or “Mac-and-Cheese pizza”.
But while they’re expanding their restaurant, music genres, dance floor, and hours they are open, many of the things we love about KJ’s will be carried over to the new Maverick’s. There’s still the 18+ nights, karaoke, country line dancing, Friday night live band nights, and the all ages Family Night on Sundays. Plus, Monday nights you can sing karaoke with a live band, and Tuesday caters to the LGBT crowd.
Located at 397 Aviation Blvd, Ste E in Santa Rosa, Mavericks is easy access from the freeway, and centrally located from anywhere in Sonoma County. For more information visit their website at maverickssantarosa.com (website still in progress), or keep informed on all the changes at the Kodiak Jack’s Facebook fan page at facebook.com/kodiakjackspetaluma.
J.M. Rosen Cheesecake owner Jan Rosen is reportedly taking over Graziano’s in Petaluma, according to Petaluma Patch. Owner Graziano Perozzi plans to retire from the historic restaurant at 170 Petaluma Blvd. North. Rosen owned J.M. Rosen’s Waterfront Grill in the Golden Eagle Shopping Center and Rosen’s Eastside Grill, and was involved in a Petaluma nightclub. She sold her stake in all three after the death of her sister and business partner, Michelle, in 2004.
Mike and Kendra McCoy are returning to the cafe and catering company they sold last spring. The couple have been asked to bring their longtime expertise back to the business after a reorganization of the company now owned by Chef Josef Keller and wife, Jill Keller-Peters.
“Recent months have proved to be disappointing and it is thought that their experience will help to improve the future business. [We] will be evaluating the present circumstances and making some constructive changes where appropriate,”said Kendra McCoy.
Locations at Fourth Street and on Mendocino Avenue remain open for business. The company will no longer operate a cafe at Kaiser Permanente. “We hope all customers, new and old, will visit us soon,” said McCoy.
Keller purchased the business from the McCoy’s last winter, after a overhauling the county’s Meals on Wheels food program. He shuttered his longtime restaurant, Josef’s in 2010. The Kellers are currently maintaining ownership.
“We needed to step back and are looking for new opportunities in our lives,” said Keller.
Napoleon once said that an army marches on its stomach. The translation from French, perhaps, could better be interpreted as “the poor sap who gets the job of planning a meal for an army-sized group will feel like his stomach has been marched on.”
No matter the season or reason, families, friends and business associates gather to break bread, and the age old question arises: Where can I take a group to eat out? Usually with some amount of panic. With family vacations in full swing (and a recent rash of urgent pleas for local restaurants able to accommodate parties of eight or more) it seemed an opportune time to survey the local landscape for large tables and crowd-friendly dining. Depending on the crowd you’re entertaining, here are some spots we found around Sonoma County…
Crowd etiquette
Restaurants are usually happy to accommodate groups of all sizes, but if you’re taking up half the restaurant, there are some expectations on you as well.
– It goes without saying, of course, that showing up with a party of 18 and demanding a table on the spot is unlikely to be successful unless you’re there at 4pm on a Tuesday. And even then, your server will be scrambling. Call well in advance (at least 48 hours, and at higher-end restaurants several weeks ahead) for a reservation.
– Keep in mind that you’re obligated to show up if you make a large reservation. Some restaurants may ask for a deposit, which is standard, considering that extra staff may be needed to accommodate the group. If something happens and you have to break the reservation, call as soon as possible and let them know so they can release the spot.
– Tipping is customary. However, with large groups, restaurateurs sometimes automatically include a gratuity of between 15 and 20% with your bill. You’re welcome to add to that.
– Don’t ask for ten separate checks. Two checks is usually okay, but beyond that you’re causing a headache. Work out who’s paying in advance. Your poor planning isn’t your server’s problem.
– Be a group you’d like to sit next to. It’s understandable that a group of ten people might get a little louder than a table of four, but keep it reasonable. Shouting, loud laughing and joking around with your friends is okay in a private space, but in public, its just annoying to everyone else.
– If you make a mess, clean it up or give an extra tip. Big groups, especially with small children, are a nightmare to clean up after. Try to keep chaos under control. If things get a little out of hand, be sure to leave some extra gratuity for the poor souls left behind to pick up.
Wedding Guest Crowd: Ca’Bianca
Sweet Victorian ambiance, good food and cordial service keep Ca’Bianca at the top of wedding-related dining lists around Sonoma County. Pastel-colored private dining areas, a tasteful chapel and banquet room are mother-in-law approved. 835 2nd St., Santa Rosa, 542-5800.
Sit Outdoors and Drink Margaritas Crowd: La Rosa Tequileria
A large patio, endless chips and fire-roasted salsa, top-shelf margaritas and a central downtown location make this a hot-spot for gatherings. Mexican-American favorites are crowd pleasers, and the nearby fountain will entertain the kids for hours. 500 4th St., Santa Rosa, 523-3663.
Family Crowd: Healdsburg Bar and Grill, Kin Windsor
If pizza, burgers, ice cream plain noodles or chicken fingers aren’t on the menu, beware of bringing unseasoned diners under the age of 16. All of these restaurants are guaranteed child-friendly, with food (and beverages) for grown-ups. Plus easy-access to outdoor spaces for runnin’ around. Also good: Mary’s Pizza Shack, Union Hotel at various locations in Sonoma County. HBG, 245 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 433-3333; Kin Windsor, 740 McClelland Dr., Windsor, 837-7546.
The Big Birthday Crowd: Birthday: Stark’s Steakhouse Secret Cellar
You’re 40. You’re 50. Whatever. Grab your best friends and celebrate that you’ve made it through another year of life. Stark’s Steakhouse has a secret wine cellar dining room that accommodates you and 13 of your besties. You’ll get a special dessert with best wishes written in chocolate, and the best news: Whatever happens in the cellar stays in the cellar. 521 Adams St., Santa Rosa, 546-5100. Another secret spot: The upstairs room at Caffe Portofino 535 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 578-3096.
Star-Struck Crowd: Johnny Garlic’s
Your in-laws insist that they must go to a Guy Fieri restaurant before leaving Sonoma County, right? Indulge the Fieriness inside you, and head over to Johnny Garlic’s. The drinks are strong and there’s a large private back room for large groups. 1460 Farmers Lane, Santa Rosa and other locations. 571-1800.
Cinema-Fan Crowd: Rustic at Francis Ford Coppola winery
If the castle-like location, pool and Francis Ford Coppola’s personal collection of movie memorabilia doesn’t wow your guests, the food will. Rustic has top-drawer Italian-influenced Wine Country dining and million-dollar views. Prices reflect that luxury. 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, 857-1400.
Lazy Susan Crowd: Kirin
Chinese dining is, by default, community dining. Plus, who can deny the thrill of whirling away grandma’s sweet-and-sour pork just as she reaches for the turntable? Zoom! Our grandma’s favorite spot for this kind of torture is the Bennet Valley Asian-American eatery that continues to pack in families. They’ve got several tables set up for 8-10 folks, depending on how much you like to squeeze. 2700 Yulupa, Santa Rosa, 525-1957.
Gastro-Crowd: Diavola, Estate
Housemade, well, everything brings chef cred to these eateries. Diavola gets extra nods for being in out-of-the-way Geyserville (food snobs love the hunt) while Estate brings historic charm and upscale class to the table. Artisan salumi? Yes. Hand-crafted cheeses? Yes. Unusual cuts of meat? Affirmative. Stellar wines from winemakers that won’t be written about in the mainstream press for another six months? But of course. Diavola, 21021 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville, 814-0111; Estate, 400 W. Spain, Sonoma, 933-3663.
Added: Spoonbar
At the funky h2hotel, the expansive dining room is a scene, especially on warm days and evenings when the glass doors open onto the sidewalk. Owners say they can usually accommodate groups with short notice and the bar is always a great spot for hanging with friends. 219 Healdsburg Avenue,. Healdsburg, CA, (707) 431-2202
Beer Crowd: Hopmonk
Beer. Food. Music. Patio. You’re the fraternity/Elks Group/soccer team hero, bro! Eminently dude-friendly. 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol and 691 Broadway, Sonoma. 829-7300.
Breakfast Crowd: Sam’s for Play
Though there are plenty of great breakfast diners in Sonoma County, most just aren’t set up for big groups. If you’re getting your scrambled eggs for a crowd, Sam’s for Play is set up for big eaters and big groups. Plus, the thousand-or-so items on the menu are sure to please even picky eaters. 2630 Cleveland Ave. and 1024 Sebastopol Rd., Santa Rosa.
Really Big Crowd: Sally Tomatoes
Most hotels offer banquet and event catering, but Sally Tomatoes is a favorite for bistro-casual dining for a big crowd. The Sonoma Mountain Village space can hold up to 500. 1100 Valley House Dr., Rohnert Park, 665-9472.
We should mention that lodging is a very important aspect when traveling to Sonoma County. Some notice went to Hotel Healdsburg as well as Boon in Guerneville.
UPDATED 6/14
Spoonbar chef Louis Maldonado has been tapped to open Pizzando in downtown Healdsburg. A sister property to h2hotel’s Spoonbar, the new pizza cafe is slated for an August opening at the former Cafe Newsstand inside the Hotel Healdsburg.
More than just another pizzeria, owners have called in former A16 chef, Liza Shaw to consult. Also involved is Paolo Petron of Mill Valley’s venerable Piazza D’Angelo, whose Piazza Hospitality Group manages Hotel Healdsburg, h2hotel and Spoonbar. The casual pizzeria will be the second restaurant inside Hotel Healdsburg, which also houses Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen.
Wanna get an advance taste? Maldonado tests the new Pizzando menu at a series of bi-monthly pop-up previews inside Spoonbar beginning Wednesday June 27. Expect wood-fired pizza (in a portable Mugnaini oven, natch) with gourmet toppings of stinging nettles, burrata, lardo, and mushrooms; fried chicken; the chef’s own take on Spaghetti Carbonara and grilled Romaine hearts. The Pizzando pop-up menu will be served in a tasting format–$32 for three courses, all served family style. Cocktails for the dinners will focus on Italian apertifs and wines.
Reservations for the limited seatings can be reserved by calling 707-433-7222.
Let’s all scream for ice cream making. Sur La Table hosts a cooking class on June 16 in Santa Rosa featuring Seattle’s wildly popular Molly Moon of Molly Moon Ice Cream. Saturday, June 6, 11:30am, $69. Details at surlatable.com.
On Friday, hang out with food writer Marcia Gagliardi and Peter Temkin (Showdogs, Foreign Cinema SF) as they discuss and taste through a variety of artisan meats.You’ll learn about the history of different styles of cured meats, how to pronounce some of the more challenging names, and sample from some secret stashes of celeb salumists.
Get ready to become an expert on this very popular (and delicious) craft.
Big news out of Healdsburg — John Stewart of Bovolo says they will be leaving their downtown Healdsburg location on the plaza this weekend. After seven years in the space, which opened inside the failed Plaza Farms, then transformed into a Copperfield’s bookstore, they’re ready to relocate.
The new Bovolo will be located inside Davis Family Vineyards’ tasting room at 52 Front St., edging the river, beginning next week (6/18/2012)
Stewart, who also owns Zazu Restaurant + Farm and Black Pig Meat with wife, Duskie Estes, says they’ll changing the format slightly, staying open for dinners in high season, and scaling back a bit during the slower winters. They’ll still have plenty of John’s salumis, along with salads and sandwiches, but pizzas may have to wait a bit, since they won’t have the pizza ovens at the new space.
Twist, a bistro/diner is slated to open in early July in the former Aioli Deli location. In the kitchen is Chef Jeff Young, who locals may know from his years as culinary director/chef at Alexander Valley Vineyards and prior to that, Chateau Souverain and Tre Scalini in Healdsburg. AVV’s Toni Echols will partner in the venture.
“We’ve been working on this since May 1,” said Young. The interior has been gutted to include an L-shaped counter with room for about 12 inside in addition to patio seating. The restaurant will serve breakfast and Sunday brunch to start, adding lunch service with upscale sandwiches like a “fried calamari roll” inspired by the lobster roll, entree salads, homemade pasta and other dishes inspired by Young’s interest in locally-sourced world cuisine.
“We’re changing from an upscale deli to an ‘eatery’,” Young said.
Do you tlayuda? Often referred to as a Mexican pizza, these Oaxacan specialties are crispy flour tortillas topped with a schmear of refried beans, lettuce, carnitas, Mexican cheese, avocado and, if you’re lucky, a dribble of pork lard. Unless you’re a native, they’ll usually ask before adding the lard, but insiders know to ask for “asiento”.
Feeling adventurous? Try it at Tacos Carrenos, a taco truck parked at 5503 Old Redwood Highway in Santa Rosa. Tlayuda are $10.99 each, but big enough to share. You can also find tlayuda at Agave Mexican Restaurant, 1063 Vine St., Healdsburg.
(Thanks, Emily, for finding this terrific spot! Got a spot you’d like me to check out? Email me at heather@biteclubeats.com)
