18 Apr 2012
Wine Country Pairs Well with Fresh, Local Foods
SONOMA COUNTY, CALIF. - Whether grown from the fertile earth or harvested fresh from the sea, Sonoma County's eateries embrace an eat-fresh philosophy that offers visitors a true taste of wine country.
Venture out beyond your resort's borders to discover a food lover's paradise: 500-plus restaurants ranging from Michelin- and Zagat-rated to casual wine country cuisine use freshly harvested, locally-grown produce.
Pay attention as you explore the lush countryside; the bounty you see today may be on your plate tonight. An abundance of fruits, vegetables and herbs blanket the countryside. Cattle, sheep, and pigs graze the landscape, chickens and turkeys scratch in the pastures, and goats and cows offer up fresh milk and cheese. Dungenesss crab, salmon and briny oysters expand menu choices.
While the "locavore movement" is changing the way the nation eats, here it’s been that way for hundreds of years. Sonoma County Farm Trails is evidence of this rich heritage. It's a culinary charm bracelet of more than 200 orchards, farms, ranches and vineyards throughout the county, offering everything from apples to zucchini.
Some notable restaurants to visit:
Michelin-star Santé Tempts Diners
Santé Restaurant is the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn's premier dining room and has earned a national reputation for its outstanding food. Literally meaning “to your health,” the restaurant is a celebration of innovative California cuisine and good taste. Recipient of a prestigious Michelin Star as well as the AAA Four Diamond award, Santé is the only restaurant in the Sonoma Valley to receive these accolades.
Guests enjoy a seasonal menu, in a warm and casual yet stylish setting. Designed to exude the California wine country experience, Chef Andrew Cain showcases the region’s abundant local products and world-famous wines. Only the freshest local produce, meats, poultry and seafood are used to create elegantly simple dishes that let the natural flavors of the food speak for themselves.
The Farmhouse Shows Off Fresh, Local Food
Located in the small town of Forestville, California in the stunning Russian River Valley Region of Sonoma County's famed wine country, the Farmhouse represents the finest level of Sonoma inns, restaurants and spas - where sublime guestrooms, farm-fresh food and seasonal body treatments come together in one unforgettable experience.
Nestled in the heart of the Russian River Valley wine region, the "country-chic" Farmhouse is a Michelin-star, top Zagat-reviewed restaurant for the San Francisco Bay Area and has been a San Francisco Chronicle's Top 100 Restaurant four years running. Chef Steve Litke offers "sublime" seasonal California-French cuisine showcasing local, artisan ingredients. The restaurant's signature dish is "Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit," rabbit prepared three ways, all delicious.
Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant
7871 River Road
Forestville, CA 95436
707-887-3300
Pastries and More at Viola
By opening Viola Pastry Boutique & Cafe, Jennifer McMurry celebrates her grandmother, Viola, who was the heart and soul of her family. McMurry has always wanted to share her grandmother's love of food and cooking with others. Cakes, cookies, pastries and cupcakes head the pastry menu.
Want something savory, a full menu for breakfast includes eggs Benedict, breakfast sandwich or burrito, chillaquiles, huevos rancheros, and veggie hash. Sandwiches, soups, paninis and more are lunch and dinner fare. Did we mention pastries?
Viola Pastry Boutique & Cafe
709 Village Court
Montgomery Village Shopping Center
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
www.violapastryboutique.com
Media contact: Jennifer McMurry, jennifer@violapastryboutique.com, (707) 544 -8830
Northern California's Applewood Inn Offers World-class Fine Dining
This Sonoma County restaurant, located in the Russian River Valley, is highly regarded for its exquisite cuisine, soothing atmosphere, polished guest services, and its mellow earthy ambiance. The cozy restaurant was built to recall a French barn, yet gives one the feeling of being at a fine Italian villa. The restaurant is part of Applewood Inn, a Sonoma County bed and breakfast boutique hotel.
Applewood Inn & Restaurant
13555 Highway 116
Guerneville, CA 95446
(800) 555-8509
relax@applewoodinn.com
www.applewoodinn.com
Jackson's Bar and Oven and Petite Syrah a Hit with Diners
Diners rave about popular chef Josh Silvers’ two Santa Rosa restaurants - Jackson's Bar & Oven and Petite Syrah. Both in historic Railroad Square, Jackson's is a more casual, family-friendly eaterie, with a menu that centers on dishes from the kitchen's wood-fired oven. Petite Syrah, created from Silvers’ elegant Syrah Bistro, offers small plates in a wine country casual atmosphere.
Jackson's Bar and Oven
135 Fourth Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
(707) 545-6900
www.jacksonsbarandoven.com
Media contact: Josh Silvers, syrah@sonic.net, (707) 568-4002
Petite Syrah
(707) 568-4002
205 5th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
www.petitesyrah.com/
Media contact: Josh Silvers, syrah@sonic.net, (707) 568-4002
Jeffrey's Hillside Cafe is a Hit
Chef Jeffrey Madura, former head chef at the epitome of wine country restaurants John Ash & Co., has opened the doors to his own cafe. Jeffrey's Hillside Cafe sees Madura moving away from elegant evening service to a hot breakfast, lunch and brunch spot.
After 20 years as executive chef at John Ash & Co., Madura left in 2008 to spend more time with his family. He realized he loved not working nights, but he missed the creativity of cooking. Now, if you want to sample his fare, be there early. The cafe is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Jeffrey's Hillside Cafe
2901 4th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
(707) 546-6317
jeffreyshillsidecafe.com
Media contact: Jeffrey Madura, madurafamily@sbcglobal.net, (707) 546-6317
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Sonoma County, located 50 kilometers/30 miles from San Francisco, is America’s premier wine, spa and coastal destination, featuring more than 300 wineries and 80 kilometers /50-plus miles of stunning Pacific coast.
For a free visitors guide or information on hotels, wineries, events, spas, attractions, and dining in Sonoma County, visit www.sonomacounty.com or call (800) 576-6662.
