Though our table was little more than a stained wood plank stretched between towering oaks, it was the best seat in the house. As spring-picked asparagus toast, frittata and piles of greens made their way to us from The Wild Poppy Cafe’s tiny kitchen, we clinked our mimosas and drank in the moment. And the cocktails. The rambling outdoor patio of this perfectly imperfect Sebastopol restaurant (formerly Fork Roadhouse) has always been a magical place, full of nooks, crannies and hidden spaces to explore. And on a lovely west county morning perfumed with a hint of salt air, the space comes ali ..read more

For two long years, chef Craig Wilmer closely followed the transitions at Forestville’s legendary Farmhouse Inn. Chef Steve Litke’s departure in late 2021 signaled a changing of the guard at a restaurant that had remained among Sonoma County’s most impressive for more than two decades and received 14 consecutive Michelin stars between 2007 and 2021. Related: Family-Run Sonoma Hotel, Named Among Best in The World, Celebrates 20th Anniversary Filling Litke’s shoes and meeting the expectations of diners who had enjoyed signature dishes like “Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit” (rabbit prepared three ways ..read more

Last month, we dug into restaurants founded in Sonoma County that became so renowned, they blossomed into treasured local chains, opening one or more other locations to cater to their adoring fanbases. Now, we’re taking a look into outside chains — from the greater Bay Area and across the Golden State — that opened up shop in the county and became instantly popular. Bay Area chains Mi Pueblo  The Mi Pueblo restaurants that have been a longtime staple in Marin and Sonoma counties started in a small spot on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in San Anselmo in 1997. The following year, the taquer ..read more

The former Acacia House at the Alila Hotel and Resort in Napa Valley will reopen in mid-May as Violetto, a fine dining experience with tasting and a la carte menus. Executive Chef and Director of Culinary Thomas Lents, whose resume includes Michelin-star restaurants in the Midwest, a stint at Joel Robuchon’s Mansion restaurant, and Quince in San Francisco, will head the reimagined eatery. Related: What’s New in Napa Valley: Where to Eat, Drink and Stay The menu is focused on Northern Italian cooking with California influences. It offers a variety of dining options — from simple to long and l ..read more

Drew Peletz, the owner of Mombo’s Pizza, has confirmed that a fourth location will open later this summer in Cotati. Rumors had swirled for several weeks that a new pizzeria was coming to town as Cotati continues to expand its downtown restaurant scene. Best known for its East Coast-style, hand-tossed pies, the family-friendly Mombo’s was founded by Fred Poulos, who died in 2020. The affable owner proudly mentored a generation of pizzaiolos, including longtime manager Peletz, who purchased the Santa Rosa and Sebastopol restaurants after Poulous’ death. Peletz opened a Healdsburg Mombos’ in A ..read more

What began as a pop-up caviar lounge in 2021 from French Laundry chef Thomas Keller is transforming into a full-fledged restaurant focused on Asian-inspired cuisine. The former Regiis Ova Caviar & Champagne Lounge in Yountville, which showcased Keller’s own brand of caviars, has become RO Restaurant and Lounge. While caviar will still have a strong showing at the intimate indoor/outdoor Yountville destination, Chef de Cuisine Jeffrey Hayashi has imagined a debut menu that includes Hokkaido Uni Toast, Artichoke Custard infused with almond wood-smoked pork belly, Wolfe Ranch BBQ brined in ..read more

Consider this a friendly reminder to start making plans: Mother’s Day is May 12 this year. If there’s one thing all mothers love, it’s a good brunch. Luckily, we live in Sonoma County, which is teeming with delicious brunch spots that are putting on special events for the holiday. Now is the perfect opportunity to start paying your mother back for all the love and care she’s provided you by taking her out to a lovely meal at one of Sonoma County’s hottest brunch spots. Santa Rosa Bennett Valley Golf Course: A Mother’s Day golfing session and brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the golf course’s ..read more

The first commemoration of Cinco de Mayo took place in California in 1863, one year after a stunning Mexican victory over a much larger invading French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. 161 years later, Cinco de Mayo continues to be a cause for celebration in the United States where people of all ages get together to celebrate Mexican American culture. This year, Sonoma County serves up a variety of opportunities to enjoy the day with food and fun. Here are a few things to do this Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo events Roseland Cinco de Mayo Festival, Santa Rosa: Roseland’s immensely ..read more

Paolo Pedrinazzi feeds a simple ball of dough through metal rollers in the front of his open kitchen over and over until a sheet of nearly translucent pasta stretches several feet between his arms. It’s gossamer light and threatens to tear if you look at it the wrong way, but somehow, the Italian native gently carries the fresh lasagna sheets to the back, where they’ll be cut and piled between a Bolognese ragu and béchamel sauce. Not your mama’s lasagna. Pedrinazzi and his wife, Kat Escamilla, are the pasta whisperers of Portico Italian Social Food restaurant in Sebastopol. The homey cafe ha ..read more

My buddy Ana is a serious quesabirria fan and swears that Mi Ranchito in Larkfield is the hands-down winner for her. That’s a tall order, my friend, since I’ve had my share of these long-simmered beef tacos dunked into their chile-laden broth, stuffed with cheese and grilled to a bubbly brown. I gotta say, I’m a die-hard fan of Galvan’s Eatery and Jalapeño Mexican Grill (both food trucks) for the drippy, messy, delicious versions that have stained many a shirt and may be the mystery stain on my car’s seat belt. But I’m giving a giant thumbs-up to Mi Ranchito for the lacy bits of caramelized ..read more