Is there a tastier way to explore Sonoma County than through its restaurants? I think not. People don’t live by bread alone, but sample some of the breads at our bakeries and you’ll wonder, “Why not.”
If bread is just your starter course, make sure you try out some of these new restaurants or find a great deal at one of your favorites.
Restaurants
Francophiles Delight in Restaurant Choices
The husband-and-wife team of restaurant owners Matthew and Bryan Bousquet announce changes in the foodie paradise of Windsor. Local favorite Restaurant Mirepoix, now open 5-9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, has been updated and now offers a new, elegant prix-fixe menu: four courses for $45, five courses for $55, and six courses for $65. You may also purchase a corresponding wine flight.
Casual, classic French fare can now be found at the duo’s newest restaurant: Bistro M. “Old Parisian” is the mood of the new restaurant that has a full bar and separate dining area. The new, affordable menu offers lunch entrees for under $12 and dinner entrees under $20.
Restaurant Mirepoix
275 Windsor River Road
Windsor, CA 95492
(707) 838-0162
restaurantmirepoix@comcast.net
www.restaurantmirepoix.com
Bistro M
610 McClelland Drive
Windsor, CA 95492
bistrom_windsor@comcast.net
Beat the Winter Woes with Farmhouse Michelin-star Special
Back by popular demand: Dine at the Michelin-starred Farmhouse Restaurant on Sundays or Mondays (excluding holidays) through March 29 for $45 a person. The winter special is a three-course, prix-fixe meal. The offer excludes tax and staff gratuity.
Farmhouse Inn, Restaurant and Spa
7871 River Road
Forestville, CA 95436
(707) 887-3300
innkeep@farmhouseinn.com
www.farmhouseinn.com
Discover New Chefs Before They’re Famous
The Santa Rosa Junior College Culinary Cafe and Bakery will open for lunch during the spring semester, beginning Jan. 20. The cafe will be open 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays.
Also on those days, 7:30-10 a.m., freshly baked pastries and award-winning breads, made by students in the baking and pastry program, are available along with Taylor Maid coffee drinks. Fresh breads, pastries and desserts (that change daily) that are available for purchase until 2 p.m.
For lunch, students plan, prepare, cook and serve a weekly menu of seasonal salads, soups, sandwiches, pizzas, entrees and desserts. Seniors age 60 and older receive a 15 percent discount. Reservations, though not required, are recommended. A separate room is available for group luncheons and meetings of up to 36 people.
Santa Rosa Junior College Culinary Arts Center
458 B Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
(707) 576-0279
www.santarosa.edu/cafe
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
Jackson’s Bar and Oven Opens to Rave Reviews
Popular chef and restaurant owner Josh Silvers has opened Jackson’s Bar & Oven in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square. His popular 10-year-old Syrah Bistro is just a block away. Jackson’s is a more casual, family-friendly eaterie. The menu centers around dishes from the kitchen’s wood-fired oven.
Jackson’s Bar and Oven
135 Fourth Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
(707) 545-6900
www.jacksonsbarandoven.com
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
Jenner Inn and Event Center’s New Cafe Serves Up Ocean Views
The Jenner Inn & Event Center recently opened the restaurant doors on it’s new Cafe & Wine Bar, complete with panoramic ocean views of Jenner by the Sea as the perfect accompaniment to the lunch and dinners prepared by executive chef de cuisine Gerald Lowe and his talented team.
The menu at the Jenner Cafe & Wine Bar is Sonoma Wine Country at its finest, blending classical technique with an artful combination of textures and flavors and a rich range of locally-produced organic and sustainable ingredients. The more exotic dishes use the best specialty food purveyors from around the country.
Jenner Inn and Event Center
10400 Coast Highway 1
Jenner, CA 95450
(707) 865-2377
(800) 732-2377
www.jennerinn.com
The Roadhouse Restaurant at Dawn Ranch Offers Specials
The Roadhouse Restaurant is now offering daily specials in addition to the dinner menu served on Friday and Saturday, and the pub menu served Sunday through Thursday:
Saturday and Sunday: Brunch, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday: Fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy, biscuit and honey.
Monday – Community night, special three-course prix-fixe menu.
Tuesday – Steak night with soup, potato, vegetable and dessert.
Wednesday – Gourmet burger night, includes glass of house wine or pint of draft beer.
Thursday – Vegetarian night.
Dawn Ranch Lodge
16467 Highway 116
Guerneville, CA 95446
(707) 869-0656
www.dawnranch.com