Page 72 – Sonoma Magazine

Sonoma County Restaurant Makes Yelp’s ‘Top 100 Places to Eat in 2024’

January 2024

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

Elotitos, or oven-roasted corn, with Jamaican jerk seasoning and chive crema at Guiso Latin Fusion. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)

Guiso Latin Fusion has been recognized as one of the best places to eat in the US by restaurant review website Yelp.

Highlighted as a fusion hotspot, the Healdsburg restaurant came in at No. 32 on Yelp’s list of “Top 100 Places to Eat” in 2024 and was featured among just over a handful of dining destinations described as “new Latin tastes.”

Yelp’s top 100 list, compiled annually, highlights spots that “truly reflect the unique tastes of the Yelp community,” according to the website.

Guiso Latin Fusion specializes in sophisticated renditions and reincarnations of the cuisines of Central America, the Caribbean and South America. Chef Carlos J. Mojica, who was born in El Salvador and grew up in Sonoma County, opened the restaurant in October 2015, when he was only 24 years old.

These are not the first national gastronomic accolades for Mojica’s restaurant. In 2019, it was named one of the 100 best restaurants in the US by Open Table.

“Reservations are hard to come by at the 24-seat restaurant, so fans advise booking in advance for Carlos’ menu of family-style entrees and desserts—such as delicate fish tacos with poblano Chile yogurt sauce on homemade tortillas, and unique Arroz con Leche (rice pudding with coconut milk),” wrote Yelp in its listing of top 100 US restaurants in 2024.

After Mojica opened Guiso Latin Fusion in 2015, family, friends and extended family joined the chef in the operation of his restaurant to support his culinary vision, including Mojica’s mother, who prepared Salvadorean pupusas (stuffed corn tortillas).

The family-run establishment continues to be popular among diners, who appreciate its feeling of authenticity and its focus on preserving culinary traditions.

“I applaud all those who work here to keep traditional food alive and beautiful,” wrote Yelp user Adriana R in a review that was quoted on this year’s list.

Now in its 11th year, Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat ranking covers everything from restaurants to food trucks to hot dog carts.

The selection process involves several stages. First, Yelp asks its community members to submit nominations for their favorite restaurants. The community submissions are then analyzed by the website’s data science team to determine top restaurants based on ratings, number of reviews and volume of submissions. Finally, the field of restaurant nominees is refined by Yelp’s community managers and experts “to curate a list as quirky, interesting and unique as the Yelp Community itself,” according to the website.

This year, the No. 1 spot went to Tumerico, a vegetarian Latin American restaurant in Tucson, Arizona. Bay Area restaurants that made Yelp’s 2024 list include Ocean Indian Cuisine in San Francisco (No. 29), Shakespeare-themed pizzeria Much Ado About Pizza in Pleasanton (No. 51), Japanese curry restaurant Curry Hyuga in Burlingame (No. 55) and Mediterranean-style restaurant Mazra in San Bruno (No. 23).

This Brunch Pop-Up in Geyserville Is a Hidden Gem

January 2024

By Heather Irwin

A cocktail at Geyserville Gun Club in Geyserville. (Emma K Creative)

The brunch gods are calling you to a new underground collab at the coolest bar in Sonoma County, the Geyserville Gun Club. Chef Kristine Gallagher is popping up at Diavola’s sister pub on the last two Sundays of the month for brunch and cocktails.

But this is no weak mimosa and dry scrambled eggs kind of situation — Gallagher’s menu includes dishes like a savory Belgian waffle with crispy prosciutto, whipped ricotta cheese and sweet chili jam; brisket hash and poached egg with candied jalapeño; biscuits and gravy; and Meyer lemon ricotta pancakes with lemon curd and blueberries.

A savory Belgian waffle is topped with prosciutto and ricotta cheese at the Geyserville Gun Club brunch from Chef Kristine Gallagher. (Courtesy photo) — A savory Belgian waffle is topped with prosciutto and ricotta cheese at the Geyserville Gun Club brunch from chef Kristine Gallagher. (Courtesy photo)

To drink, try the Apple Jack Fizz with apple cinnamon syrup, vodka, heavy cream and citrus, a Bloody Mary with miso, Irish coffee with brown sugar whipped cream, or, ya know, a mimosa if that’s really what you’re craving.

The collaboration between GGCB owner Dino Bugica and Gallagher results from a longtime friendship between the two chefs.

“Dino and I always chatted about doing stuff together, and it just seemed to work now,” said Gallagher, a Farmhouse Inn alum and longtime winery chef. Until 2017, she owned a catering company and restaurant in Cloverdale called Savvy on First.

Children are welcome to the bar during brunch hours, and cartoons are on to keep little (and big) kids occupied. 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Jan. 28, Feb. 18 and 25. 21025 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-814-0036. For more details, go to Instagram.com/asavvykitchen.

Another pop-up experience not to miss in Geyserville

Cafe de Marguerite: A roving pop-up dining experience from chef Margaret Ameel will be hosted at Catelli’s restaurant in Geyserville on Feb. 2. The five-course Mediterranean dinner will include wine from Cartograph. $130 per person. More details at Instagram.com/cafe_de_marguerite.

Handblown Glass Sparkles in Healdsburg Showroom

January 2024

By Meg McConahey

The new trade showroom at SkLO Studio in Healdsburg. (Adam Potts / Courtesy SkLO)

Karen Gilbert and Paul Pavlak founded the lighting and accessories company SkLO 10 years ago with design partner Pavel Hanousek.

The trio have a new trade showroom in Healdsburg, and their designs are produced at a glassblowing facility in the Czech Republic. As with Gilbert and Pavlak’s home in Sebastopol, the focus of the company’s designs is on subtlety and process, paring back shapes to their essence while layering in vibrant color.

Vases in the the new trade showroom at SkLO Studio in Healdsburg. (Adam Potts / Courtesy SkLO)

Light fixture in the new trade showroom at SkLO Studio in Healdsburg. (Adam Potts / Courtesy SkLO)

Handblown pendant lights and sconces, jewel-colored vases and vessels, and elaborate glass-beaded wall art installations (a nod to Gilbert’s background in jewelry design) are staples of the SkLO lineup. The trio’s designs, with their deep Sonoma County roots, are now found in high-end restaurants and hotels around the world.

Early on, the three founders felt compelled to put every dollar they made straight back into each next project. But as they found their design footing, the company expanded.

SKLO Healdsburg — The new trade showroom at SkLO Studio in Healdsburg. (Adam Potts / Courtesy SkLO)

This year the designers introduced beautiful fluting and frosted options into the line. They soon will add new designs for furniture and tabletop accessories.

“I feel like we’re finally making what we want to make, versus what we had to make,” Gilbert said. “You go through a phase in design where you’re just trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together and make something that people want. And then, once you start to learn the language, you can create combinations of beautiful thoughts and processes together. I think we’re finally at that phase where we have a language we can speak in.

707-385-2101, sklo.com

Peek inside the home of SkLO owners Karen Gilbert and Paul Pavlak in this article.

20 Best Restaurants in Sebastopol

January 2024

By Heather Irwin

(l to r) The Pickle Plate, Yakitori (from top; Chicken Tsukune, Hokkaido Scallop, Broccoli, and Wagyu Short Rib) and Maguro Poke from Ramen Gaijin in Sebastopol. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Right now, Sebastopol is one of the hottest food scenes in the North Bay. A combination of young chefs trying out new concepts, seasoned chefs creating destination restaurants, and a strong commitment to keeping things local has diners trekking to west county.

Restaurants here rarely disappoint because they know exactly who they are – or they don’t last long. Sebastopudlians insist on good food, made well and with a conscience.

Here are some favorites, though this is far from an exhaustive list.

Fern Bar

A vibey lounge and restaurant with astounding craft cocktails and super shareable plates for the table. It’s a favorite summer spot to sit outside and people-watch, but equally ideal for a cozy winter supper with friends. 6780 Depot St., Sebastopol, 707-861-9603, fernbar.com

Handline

Sustainable seafood, tacos, and great burgers in the coastal California tradition. Family-friendly and fast casual with outdoor and indoor dining. Hand-made corn tortillas, unbelievable al pastor, soft serve and fresh daily produce specials that never fail to impress. 935 Gravenstein Ave. South, Sebastopol, 707-827-3744, handline.com

Acre Pizza

Detroit pizza is always a winner, with a deep, crispy crust and melted cheese, but there’s no way to go wrong with any of the pies. Get a side of homemade Ranch dressing for a chef’s kiss experience, because here you won’t get side eye for a dipping. 6760 McKinley St., Suite 150, Sebastopol, 707-827-3455, acrepizza.com

The Redwood

Natural wine is the focus of this casual wine bar, but the kitchen outdoes itself with creative riffs on Mediterranean classics, seasonal plates and of-the-moment specialties. 234 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-861-9730, theredwoodwine.com

Goldfinch

Chef Rodrigo Mendoza’s (formerly of Willi’s Seafood and Charro Negro) dishes are organized into Bites, Small Shareable plates and Large Shareable plates. Full bar and great cocktails. 119 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-827-9882, goldfinchsebastopol.com

Piala

“The Eastern European Republic has set up an outpost in Sebastopol, and the result is delicious, interesting-to-explore Georgian cuisine and wines,” wrote The Press Democrat dining contributor Carey Sweet. 7233 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol, 707-861-9186, pialanaturalwine.com

Ramen Gaijin

Sonoma County’s required ramen spot, but there’s more to love on this menu. The izakaya and donburi selections include poke, fried chicken (kara-age), Liberty duck teriyaki and rice bowls. 6948 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, 707-827-3609, ramengaijin.com

A&M BBQ

Marvin’s BBQ and Austin’s Southern Smoke BBQ merged to bring us flavor-bursting tri-tip, hearty ribs and pulled pork, jalapeno cornbread and excellent sides. 495 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-888-1315, instagram.com/ambbqllc

Sushi Kosho

Top quality, affordable donburi and poke bowls for lunch, and the county’s top sushi (my tippy top fave) and excellent Japanese izakaya. 6750 McKinley St. (at The Barlow), Sebastopol, 707-827-6373, koshosushi.com

Americana

A second outpost of Santa Rosa’s favorite breakfast (served all day) and lunch cafe. Everything on the menu is sustainably sourced from local farms and ranchers. But this isn’t fussy food, it’s classic American favorites like burgers, milkshakes, fried chicken and onion rings. You can snooze away the morning and still get biscuits and country gravy, omelets and huevos rancheros until 3 p.m. 162 N. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-827-3309, americanasr.com

The Farmer’s Wife

Decadent and ridiculously ooey-gooey, munchy, crunchy grilled cheese sandos with all the goodness of Sonoma County stuffed inside. Like, say, housemade lamb merguez sausage with avocado, chimichurri, a farm egg and aged cheddar? Yep. Loaded fries and salads are tasty sides. 6760 McKinley St., Suite 120, Sebastopol, 707-397-9237, thefarmerswifeca.com

Osito Style Tacos

Chef Carlos Rosas has moved on from his Mexican street food concept Barrio at Sebastopol’s The Barlow and renamed his restaurant Osito Style Tacos, offering a playful take on fusion tacos. 6760 McKinley St., Suite 140, Sebastopol, 707-494-1416, ositostyletacos.com

Khom Loi

Authentically-inspired Thai cuisine from the Ramen Gaijin team. The indoor-outdoor space pays homage to the cuisine of Chiang Mai and nearby Laos, with nods to central and southern Thailand. There’s nothing shy or demure about the spicy, sweet, sour and bitter flavors of East Asia in every one of the dishes. 7385 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol, 707-329-6917, khomloisonoma.com

Psychic Pie

Roman-style slices are cut to order and weighed to determine price, meaning you can have small tastes of several or a large piece all to yourself. You’ll find seasonal, farm-fresh toppings like chevre with fresh lemon and herbs; potato with chile oil, mozzarella and crème fraîche; or hot coppa with Estero Gold cheese, mozzarella and hot honey. Traditionalists fear not — pepperoni and plain cheese are always on the menu. 980 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-827-6032, psychicpie.com

Lunch Box

Their signature Burger Harn is the kind of messy, smushy, everything-that’s-good-about-beef masterpiece you rarely find. Paired with “dirty fries” (a pile of crispy fries, chevre ranch dressing, bacon, green onion, roasted garlic and pepperoncini), you’ll need a handful of napkins and a stout appetite. Menu additions include chicken Parmesan sandwiches and meaty hoagies. 128 N. Main St., Sebastopol, lunchboxsonomacounty.com

Jam’s Joy Bungalow

Behind this tiny walk-up window are giant flavors. Southeast Asian-inspired fare like banh mi, noodles and inspired daily specials like spicy seafood salad. Make your Monday with the Charlie Hustle fried chicken sandwich with sweet honey sauce, tamari pickles, cabbage and sriracha. 150 Weeks Way, Sebastopol, instagram.com/jamsjoybungalow

Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine

Inspired versions of the fine cuisine of Peru. The kitchen goes out of its way to use authentic ingredients and techniques but isn’t bound by tradition. 799 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-861-9057, incasrestaurant.net

Muir’s Tea Room

A bright and cheery tea room with finger sandwiches, scones, soup and salads. The menu is entirely plant-based, but you won’t miss what’s missing. 330 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-634-6143, muirstearoomandcafe.com

Sarmentine Bakery

A new outpost of this Santa Rosa patisserie has opened at The Barlow. Caneles, croissants and baguettes are winners, but eclairs always steal the show. 6760 McKinley St, Sebastopol, 707-623-9595, sarmentine.com

Patisserie Angelica

This luxe French bakery does everything from gasp-worthy wedding cakes and high-tea to galettes, macaron and flaky croissants. You’re guaranteed not to leave this charming cafe empty-handed. 6821 Laguna Park Way, Sebastopol, 707-827-7998, patisserieangelica.com

A Contemporary Glen Ellen Estate References the Past, Looks Toward the Future

January 2024

By Karen Kizer

Glen Ellen vineyard estate — This recently completed Glen Ellen estate, built on the site of a home destroyed by the 2017 wildfires, references its surroundings and the property’s past, but also look toward the future. (Adam Potts Photography)

When architect Amy A. Alper was asked to design a new home on a Glen Ellen property destroyed by the 2017 Northern California wildfires, she felt that the new building should reference its surroundings and the property’s past, but also look toward the future.

“Sadness over the loss (of the previous home on the property) would be overcome by the idea of connection, expressed in a variety of ways,” she explains. Like Alper, the owners wanted the property to represent its “poignant history,” as well as “a renewed future.”

The recently completed Glen Ellen estate has an exterior of stone, Corten steel and cedar that, according to Alper, expresses “another kind of connection” and “anchors” the building to the property’s working vineyard as well as the agricultural history of the region.

Fireplace and vineyard views. (Adam Potts Photography)

The privacy of the property allowed for a window in the shower. (Adam Potts Photography)

These metal pickets at the stair are a "nod to the stakes supporting vines," says architect Amy A. Alper. (Adam Potts Photography) — These metal pickets at the stair are a “nod to the stakes supporting vines,” says architect Amy A. Alper. (Adam Potts Photography)

Beyond a connection to the past and the surrounding landscape, Alper and the property owners also wanted the new home to foster “emotional connections.” This idea is expressed in the reconfiguration of the home’s entrance, which is now a central feature of the building, and welcomes family and friends through a tower covered in a patchwork of Corten steel. And, compared to the previously much smaller home, there is now ample room to entertain and house guests.

The interior of the building also takes inspiration from the natural setting. Toasted-oak cabinetry matches the golden grassy hillside. Veiny marble slabs in the shower mimic the “movement and soft textures of the grasses and trees outside,” according to Alper. Charcoal tile floors connect to the scorched gray tones that remain amid new green growth. Lots of windows allow light to flood the rooms, giving the home a bright and airy atmosphere.

Click through the above gallery for a peek inside the Glen Ellen estate.

Amy A. Alper, Architect, alperarchitect.com

Wine Country Home of Restoration Hardware CEO Sells For $9 Million. Take a Look

January 2024

By Karen Kizer

Restoration Hardware home. — The pool area. (Paul Rollins / Sotheby’s International Realty)

Home furnishings giant Restoration Hardware is known for its striking if not audacious aesthetics: a distinctive palette of neutrals and earthy colors, oversized sectionals, and a pared-down selection of sophisticated, rustic and industrial-chic design pieces.

Now, those looking to emulate the signature RH style can peek inside company CEO Gary Friedman’s former Wine County residence, which recently sold in St. Helena for $9,000,000.

Sold in January through Sotheby’s International Realty, the property consists of a 5000-square-foot main home, a guest house and a pool and spa surrounded by patios, lawns and gardens.

The St. Helena estate embodies the retailer’s design ethos. The angular main home features a gray concrete exterior and stands boldly in the vineyard setting, while the entrance is flanked with matched sets of palm trees, plants and hedges.

The exterior’s gray color extends into the interior of the home and the boldness of the design is accented with gold fixtures, graceful chandeliers, and restrained touches of color, like hints of chartreuse dragged through several rooms.

This same mix of opulence and understatement continues in the home’s bedrooms and bathrooms. A double shower is rendered in perfect symmetry, down to the recessed shelves and towel hooks. The gray walls are again contrasted by ornamental fixtures and lighting.

Outside areas offer the best of amenities, like a covered outdoor kitchen and dining space, an outdoor fireplace and lounge area, level lawns and patios and, of course, a pool with prime lounging under two rows of palms trees. The tress give the home its moniker, Eight Palms, and offer an example of how symmetry and repetition can create a feeling of grand, energized simplicity.

Click through the above gallery to peek inside the St. Helena estate.