Devoto Orchards Cider

Stan and Jolie Devoto Photo credit: Devoto Orchards

Next county north of Marin is the place where Stan and Susan Devoto started their 20-acre farm in 1976 with a diversity of crops, including more than 50 varieties of heirloom apples.  Grown on the Goldridge soil of Sonoma county, 6,500 apple trees form the basis of Devoto Orchards Cider, and new brand, Golden State cider. Currently, Devoto Orchards Cider is owned and operated by Jolie Devoto and Hunter Wade.

The semi-dry Devoto Orchards Cider is pressed and fermented in stainless steel to preserve its bright acidity of the fruit and the aromas. There are several opportunities in August to taste and enjoy hard ciders sourced from the Devoto's organic and heirloom apples, as well as meet the owners.

August 23: 3:15 to 6:15 p.m. on a 150-foot yacht during Seven Stills first annual "I'm on a Boat" event. There will be 29 breweries and catered bites for 370 guests on a 3-hour tour while also listening to DJ curated tunes.  Devoto will pour with sister cidery, Golden State Cider.  Tickets are $100 for General Admission and $200 for the VIP Whiskey Lounge. Purchase tickets here.

Photo credit: Devoto Orchards

Devoto Orchards will also be participating in the Taste of Petaluma same day, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. August 23.  Devoto will be pouring alongside 40 participating restaurants and breweries. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased here.

August 24: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Santa Rosa's Farm to Fermentation Festival.  Devoto will participate in the cider and cheese pairing activities and libations lounge.  The event is at the Santa Rosa Finley Community Center.  Buy tickets here.

August 27: Golden State Cider, Devoto's sister brand, will debut with a public party start at 4 p.m. at the Southside Spirit House in San Francisco.

For more information about Devoto Orchards ciders, please visit www.devotocider.com or call 707-861-0595.   

A slice of Nepal

While in Sonoma on Saturday, I lunched at Taste of the Himalayas. I was greeted warmly by a woman who shared with me lots of interesting information about Nepal and the restaurant.

My lunch started with Dal - a yellow lentil soup which also had a hint of ginger and garlic. I mentioned that the menu seemed to list things with the same names as Indian food. She said the names and most of the ingredients would be the same as the Indian menus, particularly Northern Indian cuisine. She also said that the Nepalese cuisine was lighter than Indian, and I noticed it in this delightfully refreshing yet satisfying soup.

I ordered Veggie Momo's, a Tibetan inspired treat. These had a thick dough that was steamed around cabbage, spinach and onions. It was good as well. I liked the light tomato-curry sauce that accompanied it. It had flavor without heaviness.

I enjoyed the Alu Bhanta as my main dish. It was described as Himalayan style cubes of eggplant and potatoes in curry sauce, and that pretty much sums it up. It was Indian like, yet lighter as I heard earlier. It came with a Papad (papadam equivalent), basmati rice and naan. All were warm and fresh. We also had quite a conversation about vegetarianism in Nepal, the inhabitants being mostly Hindu, it's quite prevalent as a lifestyle choice. The most popular meat is water buffalo! She said that most Himalayan restaurants in the US substitute beef. She mentioned that it is actually against the law to eat beef in Nepal. I asked about salmon in Nepal and she giggled softly, saying it's not to be found there, but locals love it! However, river fish is eaten in Nepal. I came away please with my meal and charmed by the good conversation and service!

And she gave me a little scoop on a Taste of the Himalayas that is soon to open in Sausalito. Although the restaurants are not related, one of the partners in this restaurant is opening the one in Sausalito -- and he's a great chef that will probably feature more fusion foods in the Sausalito venue!

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 1
Noncritical: 1
Last inspected: November 20, 2009

A Glimpse of Sonoma

Yesterday I enjoyed a leisurely half-day in Sonoma having my hair cut and lunching. I enjoyed looking at the town and surrounding area with new eyes. Everywhere I went, I found charm.

On the way up I got in the mood when passing numerous fields with the delicate and bright mustard flowers popping up.

I tried capturing some on the way out of town, but it wasn't nearly as misty as when I drove in, so I didn't capture that mysterious misty look low on the green fields filled with mustard. I enjoyed seeing it in the rows between fields on the way back.

In town, I walked through the little breezeway to the shops at El Paseo.

From the street you have no idea of the thoughtful beautification of the walls,

and the ceiling just a few steps from the shops inside.

The back of Sonoma Square also looked charming. I just had fun looking, lunching and loving the beautiful day!

Hidden in Santa Rosa

The photos didn't turn out too well for this lovely Chinese dinner my father and I had with our friend Linda in Santa Rosa. China Room is hidden in a little strip mall a block from Hwy 12. China Room makes their dishes with local organic foods.

We each ordered a dish to share. My Dad was in the mood for Chicken with Garden Vegetables. I tried some of the vegetables and they were obviously fresh and cooked just right. Dad and Linda both liked this dish.

Linda and I collaborated on the second two. Both liking Egg Foo Young (Prawn), we ordered their version, which is deep fried and a huge portion. We all liked it and expressed that it was particularly flavorful to each other as we took seconds.

We also ordered some Prawn Fried Rice. The small kernels of fresh corn and fresh green onion tops were dispersed nicely throughout the golden rice, and the fresh succulent prawns sang through to be the high note of the dish. We'll definitely come back here!

Restaurant Inspection Results
Critical: 4
Noncritical: 5
Last inspected: 8/21/2009

Nice ambiance, good food

Dad had another appointment with the audiologist, so we found ourselves in Petaluma at lunchtime again. This time I used my trusty Prius' GPS to locate the nearest Japanese food. I noticed a place called "Gohan" just a mile or two away.

So off we went following the easy directions up McDowell Street to a corner mall where Gohan is located. The interior had an open, airy, yet zen feel to it and there were beautiful orchids gracing the space as well. We were greeted promptly and warmly and soon seated.

We both chose a variation of the lunchtime Bento Box, quite a bargain at $10 for the one with Chicken Teriyaki, and $11 for the one with Salmon Teriyaki (me). Both came with a flavorful miso soup and crisp cucumber salad.

Besides the sunamono or cucumber salad and miso, all the Bento's come with a basis of prawn and vegetable tempura, California roll, house salad with sesame vinegarette dressing, and steamed rice. To this, the generous piece of salmon teriyaki that I chose was added. The tempura was so artistically presented, and the rest tasted great as well.

Dad went for the option of Chicken Teriyaki, and loved his meal too. We enjoyed our experience, and would come back in a heartbeat if we are in the area again at mealtime.

Restaurant Inspection Results
Critical: 4
Noncritical: 2
Last inspected: 8/18/2009

Tasty Glen Ellen BBQ

I went to Bluegrass Bar & Grill in Glen Ellen's Jack London Village a couple Saturday's ago with friends Linda, Yalda & Olivia. It was a beautiful day, and we had a choice of inside or out on the deck. However, seeing a few yellow jackets, we opted for the indoor choice.

And almost as soon as you sit down a basket of corn muffins arrives. Very tasty corn muffins I might add.

I chose the Grilled Ahi Tuna sandwich, asking to substitute regular fries for the sweet potato fries. They were quite obliging. Besides the ahi tuna, the sandwich also had Asian Slaw, Wasabi Aioli all served up on a Basque Potato Bun.

Linda had the same thing, although she opted to stay with the Sweet Potato Fries. We both loved our sandwiches!

Yalda went for the Western Burger. It looked pretty delectable too. Her burger was dressed with BBQ Sauce, topped with Bacon, Pickles, Red Onion and a Bluegrass Onion Ring. She had the House Made Fire Fries, cooled off a bit with some Blue Cheese dressing. While Miss Olivia, although having Chicken Tenders of her own, managed to snag bits off her companions plates. Smart girl. It was good food.

After dining, we wandered about the Jack London Village a bit, looking at the outside of the Old Gris Mill and admiring the water wheel. The restaurants surroundings are quite pleasant too.

Restaurant Inspection Results
Critical: 0
Noncritical: 2
Last inspected: 8/18/2009

Thai find in Boyes Hot Springs

I was in Sonoma the other day at lunch time and decided to try out Thailand Thai Cuisine in nearby Boyes Hot Springs. I was greeted very nicely and shown a lovely table.

I had noticed how well kept it was outside, and thought it boded well for good food inside.

The inside had lovely touches too, such as these orchids in the window near me.

I was tempted by these Thai Samosas, which I was assured had a Thai touch inside. They did, taro root replacing the usual potatoes for example. These were delightful and filling so I stopped after a couple and enjoyed the rest at home the following day.

The Shitake Noodles, described as steamed small rice noodles in green curry sauce with shitake mushroom, eggplants, carrots, bamboo shoot, bell peppers, zucchini, calamari, prawns, scallops, basil were totally delicious! Besides tasting good the service was prompt and friendly. I'll be by here again when visiting Sonoma!

Restaurant Inspection Results
Critical: 1
Noncritical: 2
Last inspected: 4/16/2009

Olivia's First Communion

I was fortunate to be invited to Olivia's First Communion today, my first time at such an event as well. It was held at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Sonoma. Afterward, there was a lovely party of family and friends with this beautiful cake and a lovely lunch catered by Cafe Citti, a favorite local Italian restaurant.

Olivia was beautiful, the service lovely, and we all enjoyed the day.

Tasty Thai in Rohnert Park

Jo-Ann and I were out bargain shopping one day a few weeks ago, and she had wanted to try an interesting looking Thai place, Sukhothai in Rohnert Park. I was all for trying something new! The interior was very clean and pleasant, and the staff very quick and kind.

The Thai iced tea was served in a pretty glass. It was quite refreshing after a morning of running around.

The lunch specials included pieces of fresh spring rolls, which were great, and I chose a wide rice noodle entree with mine. The noodles were tender and the other vegetables, such as the bright green broccoli were perfectly done. The shrimp in the dish tasted very fresh too.

And Jo-Ann was even more adventurous, trying the pumpkin curry with duck. I tasted a bit of the pumpkin and curry from the dish and was favorably impressed with the complexity and flavor of the curry sauce. The pumpkin was tender and well cooked. Jo-Ann also enjoyed the restaurant. We'd made a new cool find together! I'd stop by here again anytime!

Sonoma County also makes their restaurant inspection results easily obtainable on line, so I will be including those when venturing into their eating space from this point as well.

Restaurant Inspection Results
Critical: 1
Noncritical: 2
Last inspected: 12/2/2008

Sonoma in the fall

Yesterday I drove through the beautiful fall colors of Sonoma, the vines were turning yellow, and trees had color too. I was on my way to meet Linda for lunch at Rins Thai, a favorite meeting spot of ours, and have my hair cut. And I had my new Cybershot tucked away in my purse.

Sonoma was very busy, belying the grim economic news. Perhaps everyone just feels like shopping again with all the positivity surrounding the election results. I had to park some distance from Rins Thai, and it was close to a little creek with a border of still happily blooming flowers.

My phone was playing tricks, so while I shopped in the bookstore waiting for Linda's return call, she had called twice, and my phone neither rang nor registered her voicemail! Bookstores are still dangerous places for me -- I picked up another cookbook while there, "660 Curries". I connected with Linda and she was enjoying some warming soup when I arrived. We enjoyed some pot sticker appetizers, and the hostess kindly made three pork (outer ones) and three vegetarian ones (inner ones).

We also had some Fresh Vegetarian Salad Rolls, so fresh and crunchy inside wrapped in soft rice wrappers.

Then the Shrimp Pad Thai arrived, which was well seasoned and the shrimp tasted fresh and tender. Rins Thai is a cozy place that has consistently served good Thai food over time.

Pan Asian Sushi in Rohnert Park

Colin and I went back to Scandia Family Fun center in Rohnert Park where he found the go carts so fun that we had to go back. We grabbed some lunch on the way at Boat House Sushi. The signage for the restaurant was on the road, and Colin was so eager to get going after lunching, that I didn't walk around the building to capture it. However, the photo above is the entrance to the restaurant.

Our meals began with a crisp salad and some unremarkable, lukewarm miso soup. We also ordered some edamame for the table, which was fine.

Colin enjoyed his 'Flava Flav' roll which had spicy tuna (or salmon) in it, and a unique dipping sauce.

Dad had a two item obento combo - chicken teriyaki and vegetable tempura. He cleaned his plate so you know it was good.

I had the three item combo, which consisted of a California Roll, Teriyaki Salmon and Scallops Frits. It was fresh and well executed. The service was prompt and friendly as well, so I would not hesitate to come again when I'm in the neighborhood. And maybe the miso will be hotter next time.

Saganaki

This flaming Greek cheese dish is called Saganaki. It was one of the 'hit' dishes of Dad's 88th birthday party at Papa's Taverna in Petaluma. This dish is made with kasseri cheese flamed then doused with lemon juice. Upon flaming, you yell "OPA", and then proceed to squeeze the lemon juice over it. This photo captures the first drop of lemon juice heading toward the flames. It is a fun dish!