Page 78 – Sonoma Magazine

Where to Eat Out on Valentine’s Day in Sonoma County

February 2024

By Owen Ruderman

Basque cheesecake with vanilla macerated berries and served with an Irish coffee at Layla restaurant at MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa in Sonoma. (Erik Castro/for The Press Democrat)

As we’re fast approaching Valentine’s Day, love is in the air. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or an evening out with friends, here are some of the best restaurants and sweet treats around to celebrate the day of love. (Dinners are served Feb. 14, unless otherwise noted.)

Santa Rosa

Marla Bakery: Marla bakery is teaming up with Dan Marioni of Marioni Wines to present a five-course Valentine’s supper. Menu highlights include Kusshi Oysters, Celery Root Soup, Salt Baked Trout for Two and a Parfait of Almond-Olive Oil Cake to finish. $200 per person (including tax and gratuity). Purchase tickets at pdne.ws/4bkTNrh. 208 Davis St., Santa Rosa. 707-852-4091.

John Ash & Co.: A five-course prix fixe Valentine’s menu that begins with oysters au gratin. Then, choose between a variety of dishes for each course, including baby lettuce salad, seared sea scallop, truffle tagliatelle pasta, Angus beef and bittersweet chocolate flourless cake for dessert. $125 per person, $65 extra for wine pairing. Reserve a table at opentable.com/john-ash-and-co. 4350 Barnes Road, 707-527-7687.

Benovia Winery: Join the winery for a Paint & Sip wine-tasting extravaganza. Guests will paint a Benovia-branded wine glass during a guided tasting. The finished product will make a perfect memento of a fun Valentine’s weekend. This experience is available Feb. 14- 18. $25 for a branded wine glass. Make reservations by calling the winery at 707-921-1040. For more information, go to pdne.ws/3UmB9ZW. 3339 Hartman Lane, Santa Rosa.

Healdsburg

Dry Creek Kitchen: A five-course prix fixe menu for $175 per person, with an optional wine pairing for $95. The menu includes Tomales Bay Miyagi oyster, fluke “aguachile,” slow-poached egg, pork and pistachio agnolotti, duo of Painted Hills prime beef and a dark chocolate and red wine mousse cake for dessert. Reserve a table at pdne.ws/3HHDzLl. 317 Healdsburg Ave., 707-431-0330, drycreekkitchen.com

Hazel Hill at Montage Healdsburg: Six-course prix fixe dinner from 5 – 9 p.m. The menu includes Morro Bay oysters, sacchetti, sea scallop, golden tilefish, lamb and baked Alaska. Dinner for $225 per person, with the option to add local wines for $95 or reserve wines for $250. Call 707-354-6900 for reservations. 100 Montage Way, montagehotels.com/healdsburg

Jordan Vineyard & Winery: A romantic Caviar Tasting with a view at the Vista Point pavilion. Couples will be seated at private tables for the tasting, which features the Jordan Chef’s Reserve Caviar. Guests will also enjoy buckwheat blini and caviar accoutrements, as well as tastings of Chardonnay and Champagne. Tastings begin at 2:30 p.m. and conclude at 4:15 p.m. Available Feb. 13-16. $150 per person. Purchase tickets at pdne.ws/42iXIAV. 1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg, 707-431-5250, jordanwinery.com

The Rooftop at Harmon Guest House: This menu is served throughout February and includes special Dungeness Crab Cakes ($24) and Rooftop Chocolate Fondue for Two ($15) with an optional shot of liqueur ($4), along with romantic rooftop views. The Rooftop exclusively accepts walk-ins. 227 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 707-922-5442. harmonguesthouse.com/the-rooftop

The Second Story at Little Saint: The upstairs restaurant at Little Saint is hosting a Saint Valentine Dinner, with a special tasting menu experience. Guests can enjoy “sweet surprises from the kitchen” to the sound of live vinyl tunes from the dynamic couple DJ Paz and Gabriel. $150 per person. Reservations can be made on OpenTable. 25 North St., Healdsburg, 707-433-8207, littlesainthealdsburg.com

Spoonbar: This special dinner menu complements the restaurant’s regular offerings. Menu highlights include broiled Tomales Bay oysters ($24), rack of spring lamb for two ($69) and chocolate mousse cake ($15). This dinner experience is available through Feb. 18. Reserve a table at pdne.ws/47XBIfV. 219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-7222, spoonbar.com

Heart-shaped pizza from Mountain Mike's Pizza. (Mountain Mike's Pizza) — Heart-shaped pizza from Mountain Mike’s Pizza. (Mountain Mike’s Pizza)

Rohnert Park

Mountain Mike’s Pizza: Pizza filled (and made) with love. Throughout February, order a heart-shaped pizza in a lovingly decorated box. Choose one topping for the heart pizza for the same price as a large one-topping pizza. 6314 Commerce Blvd., 707-303-7474. Additional locations in Santa Rosa, Cloverdale, Windsor and Petaluma. Visit mountainmikespizza.com/locations to find the location nearest to you.

Petaluma

Seared: Three-course prix fixe dinner. For the first course, choose between a winter spinach salad or a butternut squash and pear bisque. For the main, options include filet mignon, line-caught halibut or Dungeness crab pappardelle ($70-72). For dessert, choose between a chocolate mousse cake or a pistachio pot de creme. Additionally, special starters include options such as ahi crudo or lobster toast ($20-22). Book a table at pdne.ws/3UmUyKz or call the restaurant at 707-762-5997. 170 Petaluma Blvd. N., 707-762-5997, petalumaseared.com

Sonoma

Layla at MacArthur Place: A four-course prix fixe tasting menu. Begin with an amuse of pain perdu with caviar and scallions. For the appetizer, enjoy chicories with citrus supreme, apple and chickpeas. For the main course, choose from sunchoke tortellini, scallops or NY wagyu. For dessert, choose from a Meyer lemon pudding cake or a meringue with grapefruit sorbet and pistachio butter. $185 per person. Reserve a table at pdne.ws/3UnqvlP. 29 E. MacArthur St., 707-938-2929, macarthurplace.com/layla

Wit & Wisdom: A three-course prix fixe dinner. For the starter, choose between dishes such as duck wings and marinated beets; for the entree, a choice of lamb sausage pizza, surf and turf and other dishes; and for dessert, a chocolate “Cupid’s Arrow.” $95 per person. Add a wine pairing for $65. A la carte sides are also available for an extra fee. Reserve a table at pdne.ws/4bl0TMr. 1325 Broadway, 707-931-3405, witandwisdomsonoma.com

A variety of dishes at Wit & Wisdom in Sonoma. (The Lodge at Sonoma, Autograph Collection)

At Wit & Wisdom in Sonoma. (The Lodge at Sonoma, Autograph Collection)

The Chocolate Bar with caramelia milk chocolate and peanut butter crumble at Wit and Wisdom in Sonoma. (The Lodge at Sonoma, Autograph Collection)

West county

Farmhouse Inn: The chefs at Farmhouse Restaurant have crafted a Valentine’s Day tasting menu featuring seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. Add-ons include curated wine pairings. $300 per person. Make a reservation at pdne.ws/47ZMmDd. 7871 River Road, Forestville. 707-887-3300.

The Lodge at Dawn Ranch: Guerneville’s The Lodge at Dawn Ranch is hosting a special dinner for Valentine’s Day. The eight-course tasting menu celebrates local ingredients and is influenced by a variety of cuisines. Expect dishes like Tomales Bay Oysters, Picanha (charcoal-grilled culotte steak, tatemada bearnaise, spigarello broccoli) and a Thousand Layer Crepe with dark chocolate, raspberry powder and hazelnut crème. $110 per person. Make a reservation at dawnranch.com. 16467 Highway 116, Guerneville. 707-869-0656.

On the coast

Coast Kitchen: Valentine’s Day dinner with an ocean view. Enjoy a five-course prix fixe dinner which includes dishes such as tuna, halibut, pan-roasted duck breast, Oak Ridge angus farm beef tenderloin, and espresso and chocolate flourless cake. $175 per person. Reserve a table at pdne.ws/3UpENCq. 21780 Highway 1, Jenner, 707-847-3231, coastkitchensonoma.com

Napa

FARM at Carneros: FARM restaurant is hosting dinners for two, featuring a seasonally inspired five-course tasting menu complemented by cocktails and local wine pairings. Expect courses like caviar and oysters and dry-aged Brandt ribeye, and finish with a passionfruit caramel cheesecake. This Valentine’s dinner is offered through Feb. 17. $165 per person. Make a reservation at pdne.ws/3UFcD6P. 4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa, 707-299-4900.

Chocolate creations, including a life-size chocolate wine bottle, from Fleur Sauvage in Windsor. (Chris Hardy/Sonoma Magazine) — Chocolate creations from Fleur Sauvage in Windsor. (Chris Hardy/Sonoma Magazine)

Takeout treats

Cookie…Take a Bite: A gift that’s perfect for anyone, from friends and family to sweethearts. This gourmet cookie shop offers three different Valentine’s Day tins filled with a variety of treats. Choose from the Deluxe Tin with more than 16 cookies ($28.50), the Premium Tin with more than 25 ($39.50) or the Platinum Tin with more than 42 ($52). The cookies come with adorable messages and in heart shapes and flavors like chocolate, lemon and raspberry. 430 Larkfield Center, Santa Rosa, 707-291-1785, cookietakeabite.com

Fleur Sauvage: Preorder by email to pick up a Valentine’s Day-themed gift box. Wow your special someone with the pink Valentine’s heart filled with 16 bonbons for $49. To place an order, email fleursavagechocolate@gmail.com. 370 Windsor River Road, Windsor, fleursauvagechocolates.com

Nothing Bundt Cakes: Choose from 13 Valentine’s Day-themed desserts and packages. Options include sweet treats like the “Conversation Hearts Bundtinis” or a “Yours, Mine, Ours” miniature cake. You can add a customized message when you place your order. Prices vary. Place orders online at pdne.ws/3SBAWAV. 266 Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa, 707-708-4800, nothingbundtcakes.com

Craving Greek Cuisine? Cotati’s Mezzeluna Fits the Bill

February 2024

By Heather Irwin

Moussaka from Mezzeluna restaurant in Cotati. (Mezzeluna)

People in Sonoma County seem to be crazy for moussaka, a sort of Greek lasagna layered with creamy Bechamel sauce, eggplant, tomatoes, and ground beef, that’s a rarity in these parts — which may be why Cotati’s new Greek restaurant, Mezzeluna, was completely sold out by 7 p.m. on a Friday.

Though the fledgling restaurant’s vegetarian moussaka didn’t disappoint (even though it was hard to find it under a mound of sprouts, greens and shaved carrots that concealed it on the plate — and every plate — we tried), it was a bit heartbreaking to miss out on this signature dish of great Greek restaurants.

With few authentic Greek restaurants in the North Bay, it’s understandable that moussaka is a hot item, and Mezzeluna is undoubtedly Greek, featuring classic dishes like moussaka, spanakopita, saganaki, koftadakia, avgolemono soup and souvlaki.

Lamb shank from Mezzeluna restaurant in Cotati. (Mezzeluna)

Tzatziki from Mezzeluna restaurant in Cotati. (Mezzeluna)

Pork chops from Mezzeluna restaurant in Cotati. (Mezzeluna)

The warm and welcoming Cotati restaurant is co-owned by chef and restaurateur Ali Cetin, a Santa Rosa Junior College culinary graduate, and chef Baki Bekci , formerly of the Four Seasons Hotel in Napa, and though it’s still early days, chef Bekci’s deftness with this Mediterranean cuisine bodes well.

Though not every dish is perfected, we were impressed by the flaky spanakopita ($9), a puff pastry filled with herbs and spinach; saganaki ($11), fried cheese topped with honey and raisins; and the crisp, grilled Branzino ($30) which was disguised by a pile of greens, making it a little hard to decipher exactly which dish was which on the table.

Dessert is joyful, and Kunefe ($12), a dessert of shredded phyllo dough filled with melted cheese and soaked in sugar syrup, is a must try. Topped with pistachio ice cream, it’s a savory and sweet finish to the meal.

Certainly there’s plenty to like about Mezzeluna, and we promise to be back for the moussaka. 8099 La Plaza A, Cotati, 707-992-0101, mezzeluna.com. Vegetarian options, children’s menu. Open for lunch and dinner.

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