sonoma county chef Archives

Chef Lee Desrosiers' signature "Hell Chicken" he slow-roasts over coals. (Conor Hagen)

Local Chef’s ‘Hell Chicken’ Might Be a Taste of Heaven on Earth

July 2026

How does chef Lee Desrosiers make his New York Times-recognized "Hell Chicken" so mind-blowingly delicious? The devil, as the saying goes, is in the details.

Josh Silvers cooking in the kitchen of his Santa Rosa home. (Eileen Roche)

Food Is the Love Language at This Santa Rosa Chef’s Home

June 2026

The heart of the home is the kitchen, where Josh Silvers, chef and owner of Jackson's Bar and Oven, can continue to play.

Betsy Fischer is retiring as the head of the Santa Rosa Junior College Culinary Arts Department. Photo taken in Santa Rosa on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)

SRJC Culinary Chair Betsy Fischer Reflects on the ‘Joy as a Teacher’

May 2026

Betsy Fischer has worked in Santa Rosa Junior College’s Culinary Arts Program for 26 years. As she prepares to depart, she dispenses lasting advice for students.

John Ash memorial at Vinarosa Resort and Spa in Santa Rosa, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

A Salute to Late Chef John Ash, ‘The Father of Wine Country Cuisine’

November 2025

The late, legendary chef dedicated his career to clean, sparkling cooking that riveted us with its artistry and clever wine pairings.

Traditional French cuisine from Brigitte Bistro Sunday, July 6, 2025 in Petaluma. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Petaluma’s Brigitte Bistro To Be Featured on ‘Check, Please! Bay Area’

October 2025

The Petaluma bistro's French chef wants to "make you feel special." His upcoming episode on KQED will show how he does it.

Private chef Jessie Keilt is the daughter of Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter. After spending the previous day on stage introducing Dead & Company, Keilt created a meal for Trixie Garcia, daughter of Jerry, and Reya Hart, daughter of Mickey, at the family home of longtime friend and Sonoma County winemaker Phil Coturri Tuesday, August 5, 2025 in Sonoma. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Local Chef’s Grateful Dead-Inspired Harvest Dinner Bridges Art and Food

October 2025

A Sonoma County chef who grew up in the extended Grateful Dead family creates a menu to celebrate the band’s 60th anniversary.

Table Culture Provisions’ co-owner/chef Stéphane Saint Louis inside the construction zone of his new casual dining, full-bar Bijou restaurant Friday, April 4, 2025, in downtown Petaluma. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Chef Stéphane Saint Louis’s Dining Journey Comes Full Circle With Upcoming Petaluma Restaurant

May 2025

After making his mark on the Sonoma County dining scene, chef Stéphane Saint Louis of Table Culture Provisions is gearing up for his second Petaluma eatery, Bijou.

Justin Gill adds his Bachan's Japanese Barbecue Sauce onto grilled rib-eye in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

Bachan’s Founder Justin Gill Shares Favorite Sonoma County Spots

May 2025

The founder of the supremely popular, Japanese-style barbecue sauce reveals the best local spots for margaritas, surfing and more.

Malaysian cooking expert Mei Ibach. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Culinary Instructor Mei Ibach Shares Secrets on How to Be a Successful Chef

May 2025

Chef and instructor Mei Ibach talks passion for cooking, affordable culinary education, being curious about different foods and more.

Delta Asparagus Salad with fresh ricotta, fennel pollen, prosciutto, focaccia croutons and arugula at Spoonbar in Healdsburg. (Winston Lai)

Spoonbar in Healdsburg Welcomes New Acclaimed Chef

May 2025

Chef Robert Leva, who previously worked at Michelin-starred Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley, takes the helm at h2hotel's restaurant.