Ah, the end of an era. A very long era. And that’s all I have to say about that. BiteClub gives you the scoop on where to dig in and drink up for a brighter tomorrow.
TOP PICK: I can hardly wait for The Great West End & Railroad Square Inaugural Dinner. Local tastemakers will enjoy a reinterpretation of Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural luncheon featuring mock turtle soup, corned beef & cabbage, parsley potatoes, blackberry pie and coffee. Bring your favorite wine or beer to share. 7 to 10pm; at the New Arts Project, 606 Wilson St., (707) 570-0128. Tickets, $20. Only a handful of tickets remain.
SANTA ROSA
Red Rose Cafe: Cajun buffet plus music by Reggae band Midnight Sun of Sonoma. Call for tickets. $20 for buffet and party, or $12 for only the party. 5pm; 1770 Piner Rd., Santa Rosa, 573-9741.
Russian River Brewing Company: 11 piece Motown Funk Band, Cloud 9. 8 – 11pm; 725 4th Street.., Santa Rosa, FREE, all-age.
SEBASTOPOL
French Garden Restaurant and Bistro hosts music and dancing at their inaugural festivities from 5pm on, 8050 Bodega Ave, Sebastopol.
Aubergine Cafe: Obama Inaugural video, music and dance celebration, food & drinks. 755 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol, 707.827.3460
SONOMA
Sonoma Community Center: Sonoma for Obama Inaugural Ball, including a buffet dinner, music, dancing, beer, wine and a big-screen broadcast. $30. 276 East Napa St., 933.9755.
NAPA
Elements Restaurant and Enoteca: Inauguration celebration and toast, 1400 Second Street. Napa.
Napa Valley Mariott Hotel/Grand Ballroom: Jazz, no-host bar, hors d’oeuvres. 3245 Solano Ave., Napa.
Brannan’s Grill: Come to Brannan’s and watch the historic Inauguration. Toast the end of the Bush era with a complimentary glass of Champagne. Brannan’s will be featuring live music with Herb Gibson and friends and a big screen TV to watch the festivities. We will be serving from our regular menu and the chef will have some great specials! 5-9pm, 1374 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, (707) 942-2233
PETALUMA
Big Tent Inauguration Party and Potluck: The Petaluma Progressives will sponsor an inaugural celebration in honor of the new administration in Washington. Admission is free but donations encouraged to benefit the Phoenix Theater and the Petaluma Big Tent. Events include a potluck dinner with music by the Phoenix Jazz Band, short talks by Mayor Pam Torliatt and other city officials, an introduction to community groups in Petaluma, the Obama inauguration on the big screen, and dancing to the music of the Sofa Kings. Other entertainment will include a shoe-throwing booth, a decorated shoe contest, and a public wish list for the Obama administration. Bring: Your tastiest dish to share; a decorated shoe for the contest; your wish for the Obama administration. Phoenix Theater, 201 Washington St. at Keller from 6pm to 10pm.
SF
The Bubble Lounge: Big Screen television viewing and champagne, 5:30pm, 714 Montgomery Street, San Francisco.
HEALDSBURG/GEYSERVILLE
BarnDiva: After this Hburg restaurant was swamped on election night, the crew decided to make Obama’s inauguration really special. They’ll be serving specialty drinks (the Hope Floats, “O’ and “Lipstick Pitbull” and a menu inspired by local farms including the “Community Organizer Salad”, South Side Ribs, and DC Sundae. Dinner $35, cocktails $8. Reservations recommended: 231 Center Street, Healdsburg, 431.0100.
Santi: 50% off all wine bottles and a 3-course dinner for $44. A glass of sparkling wine included with each dinner. 21047 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville
Know of any other celebrations? How will you celebrate?