Valentine’s Day Dining 2011 in Sonoma County

By biteclub

Okay lovers, here’s the annual wrap-up of romantic eats around the North Bay. Almost all require reservations and most will sell out. On your mark, get set…Valentine!

$ = Lower-cost menus.

Got a question or something you want to add? Shout out!

SANTA ROSA
Jackson’s Bar and Oven: If you failed to make a resy, take heart, Jackson’s doesn’t take ’em anyway. Last minute Romeos can check out the three course menu including a chilled shellfish plate with half a Maine lobster, oysters, prawns and scallop ceviche, veal osso bucco and Valrohna chocolate fondue with brownies, fruit and crispy marshmallows. $85 for two, $20pp for Mauritson Estate wine pairing. Regular menu also available. 135 4th Street. Santa Rosa, 545-6900.

Zazu: We dare you to try and choose just three items from this prix fixe whopper. Poutine with truffled fonduta gravy, hamachi poke, red curry and lobster soup, potted foie gras, teleme ravioli, Kalua pig, Delmonico steak for two, frozen woopie pie, s’more dacquiose. $69. 3535 Guerneville Road. 523-4814.

Bistro 29: How many courses may just depend on how very in love you are. Chef Brian Anderson goes from a demure four-course prix fixe to a hot and heavy six-course menu. Selections include oysters on the half-shell, Maine lobster bisque, seared foie gras, buckwheat crepe with duck confit, grilled quail with pain d’Epice bread pudding, duck confit with duck fat potatoes, Beef Wellington, bistro escargot in buttered brioche, roasted shrimp with paprika garlic butter baguette. Wine pairings available for $32, $39 and $46. 650 Fifth St. 546-2929.

Santi: New chef Douglas Richey dives into Valentine’s Day with a 4 course menu ($75) including crudo of yellow tail and sea urchin with Meyer lemon granita; potato leek soup with fried Miyagi oysters; rock shrimp gnocchi; chicken “Saltimbocca” with prosciutto, fontina and sage; wood roasted sturgeon, braised beef short ribs and steamed chocolate cake with raspberries and mint cream. Wine pairings available for $40. 2097 Stagecoach Rd. 528-1549.

Jack and Tony’s: $45 three course menu. Menu items include seared sea scallops, potato leek soup, braised lamb shank with noodles, filet mignon with prawns, seared sea bass, bananas foster with vanilla ice cream. 115 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 526-4347.

Syrah: Chef Josh Silvers outdoes himself with a four-course, prix-fixe menu Valentine’s Day with dishes including champagne poached oysters, lobster bisque with tarragon cream, black truffle gnocchi, Liberty duck breast, whiskey creamed lobster vol-au-vent, braised short ribs and a dessert tasting plate. $85, with wine pairing an additional $40. 205 Fifth St. 568-4002.

Blue Label at the Belvedere: The menu’s still in the works, but chef Miriam Donaldson plans a four course prix fixe and a glass of bubbly on Sunday (they are closed Monday) for $50 per person.  Reservations at 707-542-8705, 727 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, 542-8705.

$ Sizzling Tandoor: A solid choice for vegetarian couples, the downtown Indian eatery offers up a meat-free feast including lentil soup, veggie pakoras, Nine Jewels Korma (local veggies in creamy tomato gravy) along with fresh naan, and homemade mango ice cream, $24.99. Their omnivorous V-day menu includes Mulligatawny soup, salad, heart-shaped aloo tike, tandoori platter, chicken tike masala and a a dessert platter for $34.99. 409 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, 579-5999.

La Gare: Starting on Friday, February 11th through Monday the 14th, the restaurant will  offer Lobster Tail and is available for combining with one of Roger’s popular steaks to create a surf ‘n’ turf feast. 208 Wilson Street, Santa Rosa, 528-4355. For reservations: 707-528-4355.

John Ash & Co: On Valentine’s Day, Chef Tomas Schmidt creates a passion-inspired menu that includes  Oysters on the Half Shell, Duo of Sonoma Foie Gras, Sesame-Coated Ahi Tuna with Crispy Sticky Rice Cake, Pan-Seared Liberty Duck Breast with Swiss Chard and Sweet Potato Gnocchi in Blood Orange Sauce, or Fillet of Beef with Asparagus, Potato Gratin and Zinfandel Reduction. Desserts: Warm Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Lemongrass Cheesecake or Chambord Cream Tart with Toasted Almonds and Fresh Raspberries. For additional information or to make a reservation, call (707) 527-7687, or www.vintnersinn.com. Barnes Road, River Road exit, just west of Highway 101.

El Coqui Puerto Rican Cuisine: Surf and Turf for $45.99. Steak and shrimp dinner for two with wine rum punch, coconut flan and live acoustic guitarist Victoria Holman from 6-9pm. 400 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, 542-8868.

Sift: Custom cupcakes with your Valentines’ name, $45. Or, why not pick up a heaping helping of their new sweets, including french macarons, profiteroles and a frosting shot. Want to really get sweet? Sign your cupcake up for a decorating classs with Andrea Ballus and Corey Fanfa at the shop. $55 per person. 404-A Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, 703-4228, Cotati, 7582 Commerce Blvd,, Cotati, 792-1681.

Rendez Vous Bistro: Three luxe courses for $59 (with wine pairing) includes choices of Maine lobster bisque, grilled apple salad with Spanish serrano ham, herb crusted filet mignon, Dungeness crab stuffed Dover sole, chocolate lava torn with goat milk caramel, Limoncello pound cake or French cheesecake with fresh raspberries. Each reservations receives a gift bag with a bottle of Amarosa Bella sparkling rose, soy candle and chocolate. 614 4th Street Santa Rosa, 526-7700. Reservations required.

Viola Pastry Boutique & Cafe: Special prix-fixe dinner Friday, Feb. 11 through Monday the 14th. Menu items include salad of Dungeness crab with blood oranges, braised shortribs with polento or homemade ricotta gnocchi, warm beignets with chocolate sauce. $35. 709 Village Court, Montgomery Village Shopping Center, Santa Rosa, 544-8830.

HEALDSBURG
Barndiva: A special Monday opening for Chef Ryan Fancher, who serves a special six-course dinner on the 14th that includes chevre croquettes with wildflower honey, Dungeness crab salad, truffled risotto and mushroom tempura, seared filet of beef and lobster mashed potatoes, plus a variety of sweet endings. The menu is available through the following weekend in addition to the regular menu. $70, $45 additional wine pairing.  231 Center St., Healdsburg, 431-0100.

Spoonbar at h2hotel: During Valentine’s Weekend, Chef Rudy Mihal offers a four-course menu featuring Dry Aged Creekstone NY Strip Steak for two with local mushrooms, Pan Seared California Sea Bass with Grand Royal Caviar Sauce, Crispy Dungeness Crab with Caper Remoulade, and Hazel-n-heart Meringue Torte, one of Pastry Chef Tosha Callahan’s “desserts to be shared” available in February.  $55 per person, 210 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg.  Reservations at (707) 433-7222 or www.OpenTable.com.

SONOMA
Estate, Girl and the Fig: Though they’re sister restaurants, the menus have personalities all their own.  At Estate, Chef John Toulze features a seven-course family-style tasting menu — all the better for intimate sharing or, well, appreciating your romance with more than just you two. Served Friday, February 11 through Monday menu includes antipasti, winter citrus salad, goat cheese terrine, diver scallops, beef ribeye, broccoli rabe and strawberry semi-freddo. $41 per person. 400 West Spain St., Sonoma. 933-3663. At girl and the fig, it’s a five course menu for $46 pp that features roasted baby beet salad, chanterelle mushroom soup, crispy pork belly, diver scallops and panna cotta. 110 West Spain St., Sonoma, 938-3634.

Carneros Bistro: This menu isn’t pulling any punches with its Valentine’s Aphrodisiac Tasting Menu. Chef Janine Falvo and sommelier Chris Sawyer put together a toe-tingling $85 prix fixe that includes Pt. Reyes Oysters with yuzu gelee; poached lobster salad with spicy jalapeno bubbles; foie gras with cinnamon apple tarte tatin, dayboat scallops, duck poached eggs and ginger forbidden rice, coffee braised short ribs with cabernet cocoa nib jus, and Mexican hot chocolate with warm churros for dessert. $120 with wine pairings. 1325 Broadway, Sonoma, 935-6600.

$ Breakaway Cafe: This funky little restaurant always serves up great food. On the menu: Shrimp Bisque; Petit Filet & Sauce Bernaise
Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes; Winter Greens or Linguini with Bodega Bay Dungeness Crab, Mushrooms, Arugula, Chives, Meyer Lemon Cream & Zest with chocolate gelato and a true love cookie. $23 per person. 19101 Sonoma Hwy., Sonoma.

SEBASTOPOL
French Garden: Chef Patrick Quellic serves up prix-fixe menus on Valentine’s Day, from 5:30 p.m. $60 for three-course, $70 for a four-course menu, with wine pairing for an additional $30. On Monday’s menu: Delicata squash ravioli with black caviar, seared ahi tuna salad, Sonoma foie gras cream; lobster bisque, lobster and potato gnocchi, roasted beef tenderloin, duck breast with forbidden rice risotto. Valentine specials throughout the weekend. 8050 Bodega Ave. 824-2030.

COAST
Nick’s Cove: If oysters are an aphrodisiac, there are few spots you’ll find more to love. Executive Chef Adam Mali does a three-course, prix fixe menu on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, with menu items including plenty of oysters, crab cakes, Dungeness crab stuffed prawned, Chateaubriand for two. $65. 23240 Highway 1. 415-663-1033.

$ Casino: Mark Malicki’s got one of the best V-day deals in town. For $24pp, he’ll hook you up with steelhead crudo, pickled beets,
potato cracklings & blood orange aioli; grilled sonoma duck breast and warm endive salad with pancetta and green garlic or sheeps milk ricotta cannelloni with collard greens and a pink lady apple tartlet with muscat sabayon. 17000 Bodega Highway, Bodega, 876-3185.

NAPA
Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant:  On the mneu: a half dozen oysters on the half shell with golden whitefish caviar and a glass of J sparkling wine for $18; truffled fonduta cordoni, red endive leaves and baquette for $12; petit filet and crab Louie for $32;  classic chocolate souffle for $9 per person. Dishes will be offered from February 12 through the 14th, in addition to the regular menu. 2555 Main Street, St. Helena. Call 707-967-1010 for reservations or visit www.ciachef.edu/restaurants/wsgr.

$ The Black and Pink at Gott’s Roadside: In honor of St. Valentine, all three Gott’s Roadside’s will be serving the Black & Pink (not to be confused with black & orange) – a Strawberry Milkshake swirled with rich chocolate syrup made even better with the addition Double Rainbow ice cream. $5.99 and available from Feb 11 through Feb 20.

Larks’ Tongues in Aspic

By biteclub

What did you listen to when you were young? And do you still play the same records? Looking back, I may have been indicted as excessively broad, as wantonly eclectic for its own sake: Experimental jazz, baroque classical, LA punk, progressive rock (whatever that means), and lots of metal, a scattershot gang of vinyl finery parading across my turntable. Partly fair, although, while my Art Ensemble of Chicago CDs may be dusty, Bach, Metallica, and Black Flag still get regular play in our house, the occasional F-bomb and my young daughters’ ears notwithstanding, and I’ve yet to lift my Orwellian sanctions on bubble-gum pop from the likes of Justin Bieber or that silly girl who spells her name with a “$”.

These outdoor adventures are perfect for the last few nights of summer. What this has to do with food is that I cannot eat much that spooks my narrowly Western sensibilities, all that ostensibly freaky stuff that tastes impossibly good, without thinking of the King Crimson classic that birthed this post. Roasted marrow bones at St John, the molten fat oozing over crusty bread and topped with a tangy parsley-caper salad; Thomas Keller’s venison heart confit, the Santa Rosa's Howarth Park showing kids movies into the end of summer. spiritual apex of every Jewish-deli pastrami I ate as a child; and – my most recent moment of carnivorous zen – grilled beef tongue with beets, pickles, creme fraiche and duck-fat potatoes, courtesy of April Bloomfield at the Spotted Pig, and pictured at left. She also made me a wicked salad of crispy pig’s ear on frisee with a refreshingly tart and lemony dressing; given that said ear was enormous and disturbingly recognizable for what it actually was, I suppose it deserves its own freaky due as well. Ah, but that tongue – that is what has relegated every bite I’ve taken since to the flaccid, the tepid, the banal.

I could wax lyrical foodie nonsense about the particulars, but the essential fact is this: But for its unfortunate etymology, and the unappealing imagery it begets, we’d all happily snarf lengua a la parilla like some Bubby’s pot roast. Probably she boils or braises it first, or perhaps I’ve just never had good tongue before, because April’s manages to take on the texture of tender, almost flaky short ribs, slightly smoky from the grill, with a mildly beefy flavor and virtually no noticeable fat; and, while the protein itself is nicely weighty, it acquires a deeper richness from the opulence of the potatoes fried in duck fat. What truly elevates it from the merely damn-good to the sublime, however, is its exquisite balance, the earthy sweetness of the beets, the zingy acidity of the gherkins, and the tart creaminess of the creme fraiche all framing what is, in its soul, a classic plate of meat and potatoes. Very highly recommended.

[Photo credits: King Crimson, Lay Gastronomer, Spotted Pig]

Pliny the Younger Released

By biteclub

Growlers in hand and beer on their minds, hundreds of eager brew fans lined up in downtown Santa Rosa today (Feb. 4, 2011) for the annual release of Pliny the Younger. The triple IPA released just once a year by the Russian River Brewing Company is, according to its devoted, worth waiting, well, at least two or three hours for.

Stretching for blocks, crowds came from throughout the Bay Area — Berekely, San Ramon and further afield to get their two glass allotment at the popular Santa Rosa brew pub, which was standing room only by noon.

Is it really that good? Ask anyone in line and they’ll probably roll their eyes in disbelief that you asked such a stupid question. Of course it’s that good. It’s the best beer ever, said several die-hards. Last year, it sold out by 4:30pm on the first day of release.

The beer will be available on tap with a daily allotment as long as it lasts through February 17, 2011.

Thanks for the heads up BiteClubber, Robin! Shout out…were you in line?


Noodle Bowl | Santa Rosa

By biteclub
Noodle Bowl banh mi
Banh Mi from Noodle Bowl
Noodle Bowl banh mi
Banh Mi from Noodle Bowl

“Asian Sandwich” doesn’t quite do justice to the $3 masterpiece before you. This meaty torpedo, filled with warm slices of barbecued pork, crunchy carrots, pickled daikon, mayonnaise, pate, cilantro and a sneaky slice of jalapeno was made by a true sandwich artist.

Nestled into a grilled Costeaux Bakery baguette, you will brave Santa Rosa’s afternoon traffic jams, give up your primo parking spot and maybe even drive across town for one of these tasty banh mi. It is that good.

The home of this little whopper is the unassuming Noodle Bowl (821 Russel Ave, Santa Rosa, 843-5256). Open just three weeks, owner Kong Eav is an eager Empire College tourism & hospitality grad who clearly did his homework when it comes to tasty pan-Asian eats.

Though the restaurant bills itself as Cambodian, the menu ranges from Vietnamese pho, banh mi and rice plates to Chinese chow fun, curry, steamed buns and egg rolls, Japanese family-style shabu shabu (meat and vegetables cooked at the table in a flavored broth) and Cambodian pan-fried crepes called banchev.

Nothing on the menu (aside from the family-sized shabu shabu) is over $10 and many dishes are under $5. The prices, however, aren’t reflected in nicely-appointed interior and friendly service. A delicious deal.

Noodle Bowl, 821 Russel Ave., Santa Rosa, 843-5256. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited delivery, as well as catering and party trays available.

Wings, Burgers & More

By biteclub
Hot Wings from Wing Stop

Being a football fan is rough work, what with all that yelling and screaming at the television. It works up a powerful appetite. One that’s far bigger than mere clam dip and Ruffles.

So, forgo the easy chair and Fritos this weekend. We’ve got the region’s best spots to hang out this Superbowl Sunday — places where you can quell your raging hunger, drink a beer and watch televisions larger than your refrigerator. Places with nice, fat hamburgers, piles of fries and, did we mention, beer? Lots of beer. How could you go wrong?

Wings of Love: There’s no doubt that buffalo wings are a sort of religion when it comes to game day grub.

Wing Stop: A newcomer to Santa Rosa, this national chain offers buffalo wings in every hue and flavor of the rainbow. This 475-restaurant chain is expected to sell nearly 5 million wings on game day, with some restaurants opening early for pickups. Top picks: Original hot, lemon pepper and hickory smoked BBQ. 760 Stony Point Rd., 120C, Santa Rosa, 544-9464.

Jackson’s Bar and Oven: NeoClassical Buffalo Wings with Point Reyes Blue Cheese Dip, 135 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, 707-545-6900.

What are the Top 10 Superbowl eats? They aren’t what you might think. Click here. 

Russian River Pub’s Famous Chicken Wings: Super Bucket $28.95, 11829 River Road, Forestville (707) 887-7932.

Original Buffalo Wings; 219 Lakeville Street, Petaluma. Delivery and open throughout the day Sunday.

Super Spreads
McNear’s Restaurant: Budweiser specials, $9 pitchers, $3 draft, $2 PBR. Raffles each quarter for t-shirt and bar prizes; Bloody Mary Bar and 27 HD flat screen tvs. .50 chicken wings, $15 platters of sliders and Danger Dogs (bacon-wrapped weenies) and DIY nachos. Noon to 9pm. 23 Petaluma Blvd North, Petaluma.

Ausiello’s 5th St. Grill: Free appetizer spread and half-time lasagna dinner. With 17 televisions and a full bar, this is every fan’s dream spot. Stretch your legs at the outside patio, where you can eat, drink and let your pasty face get a few rays. Throughout the day, the grill will be fired up, serving the restaurant’s regular menu. Don’t miss the Lava Love burger, a big beefy hamburger with bacon, Swiss cheese and sweet-spicy BBQ sauce. 609 5th St, Santa Rosa, 579.9408.

All about the Beer: Spots where beer takes center stage.
Barley and Hops: Though the television over the bar isn’t huge, the beer list is. And that’s all that really matters, right? Did we mention that the food is pretty awesome, too? Great Bavarian-inspired tummy-fillers. 3688 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental, 707.874.9037

Bear Republic Brewery: $5 apps include pigs in a blanket, guacamole and chips, chili cheese nachos, baby back ribs, and bacon-wrapped cream-cheese stuffed jalapenos. 3-7pm. 345 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, 433.BEER.

Toad in the Hole: Enjoy the traditional English Sunday Roast lunch with meat and two vegetables from 12:30 to 7pm. 116 5th Street, Santa Rosa, 544-8623.

Third Street Ale Works: Regular menu and Sunday sliders. Daily specials.  610 3rd St., Santa Rosa 707-523-3060.

Russian River Brewing Co.: It’s no surprise that some of the best beer in Wine Country flows from the taps of SR’s own RRBC — downtown’s favorite rumpus room. Pizza and regular menu items. 725 4th St., Santa Rosa, 707.545.2337

Burger Spots
Beyond the Glory: Although the staff couldn’t go into much more details than “super awesome” when we called, apparently this Petaluma sports bar is a hot commodity for Feb. 6. The front of the bar is reserved for invite-only guests, but the back room is first-come first-serve for the 42-inch plasma screen tvs. 1371 N McDowell Boulevard, Suite 130, Petaluma, 866.377.7389.

West Side Grill: Solid burgers, a large bar and pool tables make this a decent bet for game day. 3082 Marlow Rd., Santa Rosa, 573-9453.

Top 10 Superbowl eats aren’t what you’d think

By biteclub

According to a recent survey, the top 10 Super Bowl Sunday foods aren’t beer, beer, and nachos. You might be surprised to find out that vegetables top the list  and salads, milk and tea make the top ten. Really?

Unless “vegetables” means spinach dip, bean dip and salsa, call me very skeptical.

1. Vegetables
2. Potatoes
3. Carbonated Soft Drinks
4. Total Salty Snacks
5. Sandwiches
6. Salads
7. Chicken
8. Milk
9. Pizza
10. Tea

What are your favorite Super Bowl eats?

When Life Gives You Lemons, Cook Them

By biteclub

Wildly popular Santa Rosa Millapalooza block party has changed name and location. Road Trip: Sunday night red-eye from SFO to JFK; mythical quantities of food and booze; a cumulative loss of sleep bordering on some chapter in FM 34-52, the field manual of interrogation techniques. Many of my best and oldest friends and much personal history remain rooted in the concrete canyons of Manhattan, so normally I’d say I get to go to NYC this week, but instead I’ll limp into this post with I have to be there, because – as I kvetched in last week’s post – I really do need to extricate myself from the ranks of the marginally attached worker; and, while I may live here in the 707 area code, Gotham City remains the undisputed mecca for my line of work, or at least for the line of work for which I may conceivably be paid.

By definition, I won’t be in my kitchen, but what are mere time and space to the dorky home cook? No, I’ll be cooking in absentia, using my downtime from the cooktop to preserve a big-ass batch of Meyer lemon confit, the acid, sugar and salt gently breaking down the fruit of its own accord, all while I suffer the indignity of 6+ hours in a middle seat. At least I’ll have something to come home to.

A quick-clean baby-steps routine to tackle the bathroom in tiny bits — each day. But the main reason to make this stuff is that it requires almost no effort, lasts for weeks, and tastes really good: I’ve served it as a garnish to Red Lentil Soup, chopped it into a Mediterranean Tuna Salad, layered it under Grilled Chicken w/ Lemons & Rosemary from My Garden, and I can’t wait to try this lemony-garlicky concoction with roasted fish, probably something baked whole in a salt crust; it’s also nice that the Meyers are in season right now, because my garden has far too many ever to eat, I know I’ll be missing them like a child gone to college once they’ve dropped to the ground.

Meyer Lemon Confit

There are endless variations on confit, but I love the simplicity of this version from Tom Colicchio’s Think Like a Chef (reprinted here in the Denver Post and below, with my notes), which gets extra kick from garlic and shallots, requires no cooking, and lets the fruit shine through. The original recipe uses standard lemons, but I especially like the Meyers because I find their thinner skins and less aggressive flavor so much more pleasant to eat; and, of course, Meyers are in season right now, while their local Eureka cousins won’t be around for another couple of months.

Ingredients: 12 lemons (NOTE: Use Meyers, if possible);  5 shallots, peeled and minced; 6 garlic cloves, peeled and minced; 2/3 cup kosher salt; 1/3 cup sugar; Extra-virgin olive oil

Directions: Plunge the lemons into boiling water (this softens the outer layer of wax). Drain, rinse, then wipe the lemons clean. Dry the lemons, then slice them very thin. Discard the ends and remove and discard the seeds. (NOTE: If you’re using your own lemons or others fresh from a tree, you shouldn’t have to bother with the boiling and wiping.) Combine the shallots with the garlic. Mix the salt with the sugar. Arrange a layer of lemon slices in the bottom of a midsized container with a lid. Sprinkle the lemons first with a little of the shallot mixture, then with some of the salt mixture. Repeat, layering lemons and sprinkling them with the shallot and salt mixtures until the final lemon slices are topped with the last of the salt and shallot mixtures. Cover the container and refrigerate the confit for 3 days. The confit can be used immediately or covered with olive oil and stored in the refrigerator for about a month. (NOTE: My last batch has been in the fridge for weeks, and it just gets better and better – vastly so, after a week or two, in fact. I don’t know how long it will last, but I suspect well over a month.)

Eater Events This Week

By biteclub

Jazz on the Menu
Help support the Healdsburg Jazz Festival with a delicious dining opportunity Thursday, February 3, 2011. Throughout the night, ten Healdsburg restaurants will donate 25% of their total proceeds to the Jazz Festival and it’s Music Education Programs. Participating restaurants will feature live jazz music during the evening, and reservations are strongly recommended. On the list: A Divine Affair, Bistro Ralph, Baci Cafe and Wine Bar, Catelli’s (Geyserville), Dry Creek Kitchen, El Farolito, Ravenous Cafe & Lounge, Restaurant Charcuterie, Rustic (Geyserville) and Spoonbar. More details at healdsburgjazzfestival.org.

Wine & Chocolate 2011
Get a head start on your buttering up your Valentine at the Rodney Strong Wine & Chocolate event on Saturday, February 5, 2011 from 1-5pm. The barrel room is transformed into a sea of pink with top-notch chocolatiers, music, wine and oh, did we mention chocolate? $50 per person. rodneystrong.com

State of Sonoma County Food
Sonoma County will host it’s first Healthy Food Forum on February 24. The all-day event brings together farmers, producers and consumers, along with a number of local politicians to discuss the future of the local food system. Among those slated to attend and speak: Paul Vossen, Richard Rominger, Efren Carrillo, Shirlee Zane, Joe Pozzi, Sheana Davis and many others. Registration is free. 8am to 4pm, Showcase Cafe at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road. Register at cesonoma.ucdavis.edu or call 565-2621.

A burger for the pool?
Throughout 2011, Stony Point Grill (130 Stony Point Road, Santa Rosa, 578-1953) will donate 10% of your dining purchase to the Santa Rosa Aquatics Trust to help support local swimming pools. Just write “Save Our Pools” on your receipt. Tasty and terrific!

Chinese Feast Sonoma County

By biteclub

Flaming Pu Pu Platter: The source of many a childhood jokes, the pu pu platter is a glee-inducing treat. Sure, it’s most fried bits of deliciousness that will have you on the treadmill and extra two hours this week, but that flickering blue flame and sizzling beef skewers are so worth it. Ting Hau, 717 4th Street, Santa Rosa, 545-5204.

Peking Duck: Served since imperial days, this Chinese delicacy of crispy duck skin and meat served with plum sauce is the country’s national dish. Unlike imposter dishes like General Tsao chicken (rarely found outside the US), restaurants take pride in getting this dish right. Upmarket spots like Gary Chu’s (611 5th Street
Santa Rosa, 526-5840) require 24 hours notice to make the dish, but you can get Peking duck with just a thirty minute wait at Hang Ah Dim Sum and a smaller plate of sliced duck a la cart.  2130 Armory Rd, Santa Rosa, (707) 576-7873.

Just the facts:
One of twelve animal signs of the Chinese Zodiac, of you were born in a rabbit year (2011, 1999, ’87, ’75, ’63, ’51, ’39), you’re keen, wise, non-confrontational, tranquil and considerate, but perhaps a bit fragile. Celebrity rabbits include Angelina Jolie, Drew Barrymore, Jane Seymore and Kate Winslet. 

What do certain foods mean?

Whole Fish: Abundance
Dried Bean Curd: Wealth and Happiness
Egg Roll: Good Fortune
Citrus: Wealth and sweet abundance
Garlic Chives:
Coconut: Career Advancement
Duck: Fidelity
Bok Choy: Health
Number 8: Luck
Pork = Wealth
Red Envelope: Lucky Money
Eff: Fertility
Circle: Family gathering, health and good fortune
Noodles: Intentionally made to be extra long, they represent long life.

Dim Sum & Chicken Feet: Santa Rosa’s Hang Ah is also a top spot for dim sum — small plates of steamed buns, dumplings and bites of meat or tofu. It’s a dive into sometimes uncharted waters, where descriptions and pictures don’t always match up to expectations. Rice Noodle Roll with Flour Crispy is a sort of fried sweet dough wrapped in slippery noodles. Crispy Shrimp Ball: A shrimp meatball wrapped in a tangle of fried noodles. Plates fringe from a meager $2.50 to $4.50 each, so it’s worth taking a few chances — like chicken claws in black bean sauce — a fibrous yet gelatinous treat you’ll either love or have nightmares about for weeks. 2130 Armory Rd, Santa Rosa, (707) 576-7873.

Hot and Sour Soup: Everyone has a favorite neighborhood spot serving up this kitchen-sink brew of tart broth, mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, chile paste and green onions. It’s a warming way to start the meal and frankly, a good gauge of the quality of the meal to come. Best bets: Kirin, 2700 Yulupa Avenue # 3, Santa Rosa, 525-1957 and China Star, 2101 W College Ave # A, Santa Rosa, 526-0888.

Chinese Buffets: I’m not a person who gets excited about facing down 100-plus items sitting in steam trays. But I can get behind the idea of feeding lots of people for a low, low price. So if you’re headed for the buffets, top marks go to Gourmet Garden Buffet, 100 S. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, 778.3899; the always popular Fou Zhou II in downtown Santa Rosa with its dizzying 150 or so item spread and King Buffet, 595 Rohnert Park Expy W, Rohnert Park, 588-8383, where you can often find whole crab legs and other fresh seafood.

More Chinese Restaurants:

If there’s a go-to favorite Chinese restaurant in Santa Rosa, it’s China Room,500 Mission Blvd, Santa Rosa, 539-5570, Despite a ho-hum interior, the menu is extensive, with standard Chinese-American fare with Sweet & Sour everything, Moo shu, fried rice, walnut prawns,General Tso chicken, orange beef, hot pots as well as more intriguing daily specials featuring with seasonal veggies, curries and seafood.

In Petaluma, it’s Lilly Kai, where locals nibble on bbq spare ribs, homemade pot stickers and moo she and broccoli beef with relish. 3100 Lakeville Hwy, Petaluma, 782-1132.

Under the radar: Headed up by the former owner of China Room, Fresh China’s menu is heavy on organics, seasonal vegetables and advertises its use of local Rocky Range chicken.. 284 Coddingtown Mall, Santa Rosa, 707.527.6444.

Tasty Tuesday: Trucks hit RP

By biteclub

The Eat Fleet mobile food trucks that have popularized Munch Mondays in downtown Santa Rosa are adding Tasty Tuesdays in Rohnert Park beginning February 1.

According to Laure Tatman, market manager for the Rohnert Park Certified Farmers Market, vendors including La Texanita, Sift Cupcakes, Karma Mobile Indian, Chicago Style Hot Dogs, Dim Sum Charlie’s, Matchbox Diner  and Fork Catering will roll into the Callinan Sports and Fitness Center parking lot (5404 Snyder Lane) from 10 am to 3pm each Tuesday. Tatman is also inviting local vendors from the Friday night farm market to be part of the lunchtime gathering.

More details: Check the Tasty Tuesday Facebook page