If you haven’t been up to Healdsburg lately, you probably haven’t seen the major expansion of popular seafood eatery Willi’s Seafood. Along with an expanded seafood bar and open prep area, they’ve added steamer pots to the menu — mussels, oysters, clams or crab legs swimming in PBR, green garlic butter and Old Bay. Make sure to get a side of sourdough to mop up all that tasty seafood broth. More best bets: Flash fried calamari with sweet chili sauce and Tuna Tartare with Jalapenos, cashews, ginger and coconut milk served on taro chips.
Since writing about the changes at Rendez Vous Bistro in Santa Rosa a few weeks back, it’s come to BiteClub’s attention that there are, well, continuing changes afoot.
After hearing considerable chatter in the food community about staff changes at the restaurant, BiteClub contacted owner Nino Rabbaa who said, “We are changing up the management team to make things more consistent at the restaurant.”
That includes a chef change. Current Chef de Cuisine Matthew Karson has announced his exit, but is remaining to help with the transition. Rabbaa said he is already in discussions with another local chef and Karson is leaving on good terms — at least from his perspective. Several other staff have also made recent exits.
The changes also include a likely closure of the restaurant this summer to “remodel the restaurant for a better flow,” said Rabbaa. “There are physical problems with the floorplan and we’re remodeling,” he added. Rabbaa plans for the closure to be about seven days. “We cannot afford to close longer.” He hopes to create a to-go window for sandwiches and change the front bar area of the restaurant into more of a lounge atmosphere.
That leaves the question of Flipside, Rabbaa’s forthcoming haute burgery which was slated to open this summer. Rabbaa said the restaurant is still in development but may be pushed back slightly. “We want to get things right,” he said.
Mr. Pickles Sandwich Shop in downtown Santa Rosa has rather suddenly changed to Mom & Pop’s Sandwich Shop.
“We just de-franchised,” said one of the sandwich makers by way of explanation. That means that other than a few menu changes, it’s still basically the same place.
The revamped lunchtime spot now features seven sandwiches inspired by local school mascots, including the Santa Rosa High School Mighty Panther (roast beef, olives, horseradish and Swiss cheese); Newman Cardinal (turkey, cranberry sauce and mozzarella), Little Lobo (turkey, bacon, avocado and cream cheese) and J.C. Helicopter (pastrami, bacon, pepper, jack and Swiss).
The restaurant also has hot dogs and corn dogs, along with an a la carte sandwich menu. And if you’re craving one of the old Mr. Pickles sandwiches (like the Hot T), they can probably still make it for you — they’ll just have to call it something else. Starting at 10am you can also get breakfast ‘wiches. Oh, and yes, you still get a free a cookie.
Dogs are welcome at Occidental’s Howard’s Station Cafe. (Heather Irwin/PD)
Dogs are welcome at Occidental's Howard's Station Cafe
Do you dogatarian? Here in Wine Country, four-legged friends can get downright gourmet at restaurants that not only welcome dogs, but even have specialized menus for your pup. As the weather turns warmer, outside patios are the perfect spot for a nosh with man’s best friend. Want to share a toast? There are plenty of wineries that welcome dogs as well (including one that has a “Yappy Hour”). Here’s a handy list of dog-friendly spots around Sonoma County.
Howard’s Station Cafe
This Occidental breakfast and lunch institution has a pooch-approved menu that includes ham and eggs, the bow-wow burger, kibbles and gravy and even peanut-butter filled squeak toys. “Customers frequently asked for side dishes for their dogs,” said owner Terry Martin. She recently added the specialized menu of canine-friendly foods for dog-owners who are welcomed on the restaurant’s open-air front porch. “We’re a destination restaurant near the coast, and a lot of people have dogs with them,” she said. After a hiker recently showed up with a thirsty dog companion, the idea gelled and will soon expand to include frozen dog pops. Well-behaved furry companions are served their suppers in special dog bowls next to the owners’ tables. For humans, the restaurant’s specialties include eggs Benedict (with fresh eggs from the Martin’s nearby farm), doughnut milkshakes, and a hearty granola bake with fresh bananas, cream and syrup. 3611 Bohemian Highway Occidental, CA 95465 – (707) 874-2838
Not sure about dogging dining rules? In California, health department laws only permit licensed guide animals inside restaurants. However, pet-friendly restaurant owners can legally allow dogs (and other well-tempered pets) to join their owners in certain outdoor areas. Keep in mind that not everyone will be thrilled to see your drooling darling, so it’s important to be respectful of non-pet owners and make sure you animal is well-groomed and well-mannered. You are ultimately responsible for its behavior and clean-up. Keep your dog out of aisles, closely leashed and out of the path of curious children who may inadvertently poke or upset your pup.
Garden Court Cafe and Bakery
This cozy Glen Ellen eatery also has a specialized menu for doggies that includes it’s signature Bleu Plate Special (eggs, ground beef, garlic and zucchini), egg whites with ground turkey, and a Babaloo Pizza (biscuit crust with catsup, jack cheese and fresh herbs). Dog cookies and water bowls are complimentary. 13647 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen, 935-1565. Closed Tuesdays.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants
These restaurants may not have a special menu, but welcome dogs on the patio and will often have a treat or water bowl ready for Fido.
Barndiva
A quiet outdoor garden is a restful downtown Healdsburg sanctuary for man and beast alike. (231 Center St., Healdsburg, 707.431.0100).
Willi’s Seafood and Raw Bar
The recently-expanded restaurant (403 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, 707.433.9191) has a cozy patio that’s dog friendly. Stop in to Fideaux next door for a menagerie of squeak toys, collars, outfits and other pet-accessories for the well-heeled pet. (43 North Street, Healdsburg, 433-9935.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
A large outdoor area makes for pet-friendly dining. The wafting smell of cooking meat is sure to drive you both wild. 2280 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, 528-2507.
Hopmonk Sebastopol
Dogs are allowed in the Beer Garden at the Sebastopol outpost of Gordon Biersch’s plucky brewpub. Keep in mind that while some dogs may dig the taste of beer, it’s probably not a good idea to share your pint. 230 Petaluma Ave,. Sebastopol, 829-7300.
Rosso Pizzeria and Wine Bar
You’ll often find a relaxing dog or two on the small patio of this Santa Rosa pizzeria. A table and chairs are set out on the sidewalk, along with a water bowl or two, to let pet parents know it’s okay to bring along their dog here. 53 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, (707) 544-3221.
Share a toast with Fido: A number of wineries allow dogs on the grounds, and even into the tasting room.
Lambert Bridge Winery (4085 W. Dry Creek Rd Healdsburg, 800.975.0555) is one of the most welcoming, hosting summertime Yappy Hours and Pizzas from 4:30-6:30pm each month. Owners indulge in wood-fired pizzas and wines while pups can sniff and mingle in the gardens.
Mutt Lynch Winery is all about dogs, from its labels to it’s welcoming stance on dogs. Owners said, “We’ll even do special events for your four legged friend – birthdays, “puppy” showers, even “Bark” Mitzvahs!” 602 Limerick Lane, Healdsburg, .942.6180. Open by appointment only.
JUNE: PORK
If it’s got pork, it’s on the menu. This month, I’m looking for great recipes that include pork — from a killer carnitas to pork chops, anything involving bacon, ham or slow cooked pulled pork! Let me know.
Deadline for this month’s recipes: June 28
THIS MONTH’S WINNER WILL RECEIVE:
– A gift certificate to a local restaurant.
– Your recipe on the menu of a local restaurant
– Eligibility to compete in the Best Wine Country Recipe Cookoff
Submit your recipe in the comments section below, or email me at heather@biteclubeats.com. Want to send it by snailmail?
Heather Irwin/BiteClub
427 Mendocino Ave
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Santa Rosa, (June 1, 2011) — Sonoma Country Music BBQ starring Dierks Bentley is officially being rescheduled due to weather concerns. The new date for the event is Sunday, August 21, 2011. The event will be held at Sonoma County Fairgrounds. All tickets will be honored for the new date. The event was slated for June 4, 2011.
For information on ticket sales and rescheduling (BBQ not included in admission), go to sonomacountrymusicbbq.com
The Apostle Paul wrote in his first letter to the Corinthians:
…the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Now, before anybody loses their composure, this post will not be a religious rant; indeed, Biblically-ignorant, non-practicing Jew that I am, I actually had to look that line up. But this is Sonoma County in the springtime, and it’s hard not to catch at least a whiff of resurrection in the air: the gaudy eruption of roses and wanton exhibitionism of irises, enough to make Georgia O’Keefe blush; the verdant green of Japanese maples, sycamores, and figs, hastily unfurling their leaves like hungry children climbing out of bed on Saturday morning; and always and everywhere, the impatient ascent of the grape, as desperate for the sun as any Icarus before its flight.
In our house, springtime also remains inextricably linked to the resurrection of our favorite farm stands, because the farmer’s market here in Healdsburg welcomes back our farmer-friends from their wintry slumber each May, and our kitchen counters spend the proximal months covered in green garlic, purple onions, sugar snap peas, and baby lettuces. Young lamb, from ranchers like Gleason Farms and the Owen Family Farm, too, is arguably at its finest this time of year; and – a personal favorite and annual rite of culinary passage for my wife and kids – river salmon season is now officially open, from the Copper River up in Alaska, down to the Columbia in Oregon.
If I didn’t already spend so much time making fun of my glassy-eyed, new-age, over-Yoga’d friends and family, I’d have to wax all mystical about Mother Nature’s proclivity for producing seasonal foods in such a way as to most flatter those of us who love to eat: Why is it that green garlic pairs so nicely with snap peas and wild salmon? Why does young rosemary mate so effortlessly with new potatoes and spring lamb? Like the wine geeks are fond of saying, if it grows together, it goes together, right?
I’ve got all sorts of things I want to cook, from Daniel Patterson’s gorgeous green garlic vinaigrette, to wild river salmon poached in Dry Creek olive oil, to simple salads of baby greens with Point Reyes bleu cheese dressing, to the panna cotta of fresh goat’s milk from Wyeth Acres… so please, check back in over the next few weeks, and by all means, let me know what you’re doing with our early season bounty…
The burger voted most likely to look like a Health Code Violation (but isn’t)….The Country Cricket Burger at Brody’s Burgers and Brews. Part of the “Adventure Series”, the burger features all the usual suspects plus a healthy sprinkling of Bacon Cheddar Crickettes.
Not surprisingly, it hasn’t been a huge seller (BiteClub was only the second to ever request it), but packs a surprisingly tasty crunch. Just watch for the wings getting stuck in your teeth.
Pair with a $1 pint of beer to wash down those thoraxes.
Brody’s Burgers and Brews, 3135 Cleveland Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95403-2118
(707) 526-4878
UPDATE: Check out this picture of a BiteClubber eating the Cricket Burger! Send me your pics at heather@biteclubeats.com
Truly undiscovered food finds are rare in the age of Yelp, Twitter and Facebook. Anyone with a smart phone and the ability to type can become an instant culinary expert, sussing out off-the-beaten-path dives and unknown chefs.
But Real Food BBQ has remained far below the radar, whispered between friends and vaguely described by locals for more than two years. And owner Matt Fiddler isn’t complaining.
There are no flashing signs or flags along a quiet stretch of Bodega Highway a few miles east of Freestone to alert you to his bbq pit. You have to happen upon it accidentally, pulling into the gravel parking lot of Bill’s Farm Basket — a local farm stand — wander back toward the hay bales and see the hand-written menu stuck on the side of a converted carport.
If you get that far, and it happens to be Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday, you might just get some barbecue. Fiddler starts the smokers at 7:30am those days, gives the meat a few additional hours of bathing in a fruitwood smoke bath and opens at 11:30am. When the brisket, pork shoulder, and barbecued chicken runs out, that’s it for the day. “I only make a certain amount each day. When it’s gone, it’s gone,” he said.
So what’s guy like Fiddler doing in a place like this? After working with a number of French chefs in New York, he made his way west and was the opening chef at Lucy’s in Sebastopol. He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t give up information easily, but once you get him talking has plenty to say.
Like why he doesn’t use barbecue sauce. “I want the flavors of the meat and dry rub and brines to speak for themselves,” he says. Instead, he offers up a Carolina style, chili garlic hot sauce he makes himself. “It brings out the flavors rather than masking them.” Or the fact that he uses only local meats and as many seasonal ingredients as he can. “It’s all as seasonal and local as I can make it.”
The pink smoke rings around the edge of the meat — a sign of truly great barbecue — speak for themselves. Days of braising, dry rubbing, and smoking make this word-of-mouth road stand a secret destination that may not stay secret for long.
Best bets: The brisket, with tender meat and edges of tasty fat is the hands-down winner, though the smoky pork shoulder and chicken are serious contenders. Plates come with sides of mashed potatoes, beans and slaw. Keep in mind that ‘cue isn’t all there is at this roadside cafe. Fiddler usually has several other tasty menu items including a salad, quesadillas and recently Vietnamese Seafood Cakes with four kinds of seafood wrapped in coconut panko breadcrumbs.
If you go: 10315 Bodega Hwy, Sebastopol, (707) 829-1777. Thursday and Sunday 11:30-3pm, Friday and Saturday until 6pm. Cash only (though you can pay with a card inside the Farm Basket for a .50 fee).
A new bar and lounge is slated to open in downtown Santa Rosa on Mendocino Ave in the former BarSpace/Stir space at 404 Mendocino Avenue. Though final details are still in the works, owners cautiously confirmed the news. Several new businesses have recently opened nearby, including Thai Time and Sift Dessert Bar. Another lounge and eatery, XXV is slated to open early this summer, adding to the late-night options. Cocktail-friendly restaurants Tex Wasabi’s and La Rosa Tequileria and Grill opened this spring.
