Each representing different teams, friends (from left) Ernie Garnica, Marcell Nesmith, Mark Chavez and Jimmy Garnica toasted to an exciting Superbowl match up at Ausiello’s sports bar in Santa Rosa, Sunday February 4th, 2018. (Will Bucquoy/for the Press democrat)
Super Bowl LVIII, featuring the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs, will commence at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. If you’re not prepared to shell out a lot of money to see the game in person (ticket prices this year are the highest on record, averaging $12,240 for a resale ticket), but still would like to watch these two teams battle it out for ultimate football glory, we’ve got plenty of exciting local sports bars that are sure to be buzzing on game day. Click through the gallery above for details and check out the schedule here: espn.com/nfl/schedule.
Do you know more local venues that are showing the Super Bowl? Send us an email.
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)
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 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
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.
Semla from Stockhome restaurant in Petaluma. (Stockhome)
In Sonoma County, every season has its own flavor. In the United States, almost all of our favorite foods have their own day. There’s National Pie Day, National Hamburger Day, National Pizza Day—there’s even National Baked Alaska Day.
In Sweden, where I’m from, we also like to dedicate a day—or a time of year—to our most beloved dishes. There’s Cinnamon Bun Day, All Sausages’ Day and Waffle Day. On most public holidays, including Christmas, Easter and Midsummer, we eat a lot of lox. During late summer crayfish parties, we sip schnapps and nibble on crustaceans. And on the third Thursday of August, some crazy Swedes feast on fermented herring.
For me, there’s no better seasonal treat than “semla,” a deliciously sweet Fat Tuesday bun filled with cardamom and almond paste and topped with whipped cream. Thankfully, for me and the rest of Sonoma County, you can order a semla (or “semlor,” plural – because you’ll want more than one) at Stockhome restaurant in Petaluma throughout February (also available for preorder and pickup).
Make the semla part of a “fika” with friends, a Swedish-style coffee break with some socializing. For more on how to live like a Swede in Sonoma County, check out this article from 2018.
Stockhome, 220 Western Ave., Petaluma, 707-981-8511. Semla preorders can be made at stockhomepetaluma.com.
Crispy Kennebec Fries from the Spinster Sisters in the South A district of Santa Rosa. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Michelin stars are well and good, but in Sonoma County, one of the most sought-after recognitions is the Snail of Approval from local chapters of Slow Food — an international organization based on the pursuit and practice of good, clean and fair food for all.
In September, 12 Sonoma County restaurants, farms and artisan producers were awarded the 2023 Snail of Approval by Slow Food Russian River and Slow Food Sonoma County North, which they will receive at the organizations’ 6th annual awards ceremony on Feb. 28 at the Sebastopol Grange. The rubrics for selecting winners each year include sustainability, ethical sourcing, environmental impacts, cultural connections, and community involvement.
“The Snail of Approval program celebrates the great achievements of establishments locally and nationally, with the goal of generating greater support for them as they incorporate Slow Food values in their businesses,” according to a joint statement from Slow Food Sonoma County North and Slow Food Russian River.
Click through the above gallery to meet this year’s Snail of Approval awardees.
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.
“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).
Prime Burger Royale with comté cheese, onion marmalade, truffle mayo on a brioche bun with frites from Augie’s French Tuesday, November 28, 2023, on Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
It’s not easy to keep up with Sonoma County’s dynamic food scene. Restaurants open and close, there are constant chef shuffles, menus change depending on mood and season, and there’s always a slew of new delicious dishes to try. The amount of options can get overwhelming and, instead of trying something new, we revert to the same tried-and-true restaurants. But every once in a while, it’s time to get a little adventurous and treat those tastebuds to something different. And who knows, maybe that new place that just opened up downtown will end up being your new favorite spot?
For some inspiration for 2024, click through the above gallery for a list of new and much-anticipated restaurants coming to Sonoma County this year.
Compline Restaurant and Wine Shop in downtown Napa. (Courtesy of Compline)
Artist Frida Kahlo’s great-great-nephew, chef Diego Isunza Kahlo, offers a three-night interactive dinner series from Feb. 8 to 10 that will take diners on a virtual tour of Mexico City’s vibrant neighborhoods.
The eight-course meal, hosted at Napa’s Compline Restaurant, celebrates 24 hours of dining in the culinary mecca, starting and ending with breakfast. Guests can follow the journey on a map, and Isunza will offer his own stories with each dish.
“I present a menu in which, from breakfast through my midnight cravings, I will create a tour without respecting purisms or traditions imposed by the gastronomic police. These are the places, memories and flavors that in a very personal way have left a mark in my memory, in my heart and surely, in the size of my pants,” says Isunza Kahlo.
Reservations are $125 per person with the option to add an international wine pairing. More details and tickets available at https://shorturl.at/dpJY3.
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)
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.
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.
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.
