Discoveries For Those Who Live and Play in Northwest Sonoma County
Sustainable Seafood
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National Heirloom Expo Vintage Clothing A Family’s Organic Vineyards Road Trips to the Coast A Sonoma West Magazine | Fall 2012
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Editor’s
Letter
BOUNTIFUL AUTUMN Late summer and fall are cherished times of year. Not only is the weather reliably temperate, the summer crops reach their apex and the fall harvests of grapes, apples, pears, figs, and more fill Sonoma County’s agricultural pantry with plenty. Naturally, one of the largest crops is wine grapes. Delving into the subject of sustainability, Nathan Wright examines how a family owned winery’s conversion to organic agriculture made for healthier crops and ecosystems—including the human component. Sustainability is also desirable for our fisheries, if we want ample supplies for the future. Wondering how to navigate the veritable sea of confusion over choosing the right fish to eat? Read Robin Hug’s article on selecting sustainably caught seafood. The bountiful yields from backyard vegetable and fruit crops are peaking right now, but as Jess Poshepny notes, visits to the farmers markets will nourish both body and soul. For a little while longer, there are also evening markets during the week, so there’s no excuse to miss out on the wealth of food and fun they offer. By the way, much of that farm-fresh bounty will be on display at September’s Heirloom Expo, a local event with national cache that Lynda Hopkins previews for us. Beautiful views are also abundant in Sonoma County. Select a route from Ray Holley’s Day Tripping journey, and meander along either of two remote byways that end up at Sonoma’s scenic coast. If shopping is your bag (or inclement weather drives you inside), explore the plenitude of vintage clothing in Northwest Sonoma County with Abby Bard. There’s a profuse and wide-ranging supply that will meet any style or period criteria; it’s just awaiting your discovery. Whatever you choose to do, enjoy this beautiful, bountiful season. Pam Whigham, Editor
2 Fall 2012
22
32
fall 2012
Contributors................................................................................. 4 Absolute Musts........................................................... 5 Six can’t-miss fall events Do Dates....................................................................... 6 An illustrated event calendar, September through November On Stage .....................................................................13 Fall’s local theater productions
contents 36 40
Editor’s Letter............................................................ 2 Bountiful Autumn
Art & About .............................................................. 14 Exhibits and events at galleries and art centers Farmers Markets.................................................... 46 Advertiser’s Index................................................. 46 Regional Map........................................................... 47 [Cover] A sustainably caught salmon entree at Duck Club Restaurant, Bodega Bay Lodge.
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[ This page ] Clockwise from top left—Heirloom squash varieties at the National Heirloom Exposition; Gio Martorana in one of his family’s organic vineyards; King salmon for sale at Santa Rosa Seafood’s stand at the Windsor Farmers Market; vintage clothing and accessories at Hot Couture in Santa Rosa; below—a view on the drive from Healdsburg to the coast on Skaggs Springs Rd. Photos by Sarah Bradbury.
12 Healdsburg Arts & International Short Film Festival Healdsburg takes a Bodega Bay film festival under its wing.
18 The Edible Landscape
The state of the autumn food garden and a golden squash soup.
20 Pairings
Farmers markets and loved ones: a superb recipe for good times.
22 National Heirloom Expo
The 2nd annual “little festival that could” is growing bigger.
26 Think Before You Eat
A guide to selecting sustainably caught seafood.
32 Make Mine Organic
Adopting organic practices rescued a family’s vineyards from decline.
36 The Closet Recycler
Vintage clothing establishments hold tantalizing collections.
40 Day Tripping
Two roads less traveled, both lead to the Coast. Discoveries 3
Home FurnisHings & Design
Cont r ibutor s Abby Bard is a weaver who learned the craft in Guatemala in 1974. She sells her handwoven clothing from her studio in Sebastopol and is a member of ARTrails, an open-studios program of the Arts Council of Sonoma County. Her passion for growing food in an urban landscape has enhanced her lifelong love of cooking and she considers the garden to be her teacher. She writes about it and other subjects for Discoveries magazine. Lynda Hopkins is a farmer who raises heritage livestock and heirloom produce with her husband, Emmett Hopkins, in the fertile soils of the Russian River Valley. Their farm, Foggy River Farm, is home to many sustainably grown plants, Babydoll Southdown sheep, Nigerian Dwarf goats, and chickens. Lynda is also a freelance writer, reporter, and author of The Wisdom of the Radish, a book about her farming adventures in Sonoma County. Ray Holley is the former editor of The Healdsburg Tribune. He is a free range writer and photographer, lucky enough to live and work in Healdsburg, the home of good weather, good coffee, good bread and good citizens.
Introducing Bernhardt Interiors
259 Center Street | HealdSburg www.saintdhome.com 707.473.0980
Robin Hug is a journalist for The Healdsburg Tribune and The Windsor Times. She enjoys lifestyle writing, focusing mainly on food, wine and art. She grew up in the heart of Northern California’s food Mecca, developing a taste for fine wine and fresh local ingredients. She spends her days touring Sonoma County, taking photographs, interviewing residents and encouraging locals to read their community publications. Jess Poshepny is Direct Sales and Marketing Manager for Trione Vineyards & Winery in Geyserville. The Sonoma native is currently Vice President of the Geyserville Chamber of Commerce board. She has 12 years of experience in the wine business and has completed level one of her Court of Masters Sommelier training. She loves to eat, drink and play local, writing about her experiences in her blog (jessposhepny.com). Nathan Wright is a freelance writer and former reporter for The Healdsburg Tribune and The Windsor Times. A native of Sebastopol, he’s long enjoyed exploring Sonoma County in the name of journalism, introducing the interesting people he meets and places he sees to his readers. Nathan now works in the wine industry but still finds time to write for Sonoma West Publishers when invited to do so. Pam Whigham is a writer and editor who has contributed to Sonoma West publications for over a decade. Prior to 1995, she had earned a living reporting numbers; she much more enjoys playing with words. A Bay Area native who spent nearly 22 years living in Sonoma County, she is now keeping her finger on the pulse of ‘Discoveries Country’ from a new home base near Athens, Georgia.
St aff MANAGING EDITOR Sarah Bradbury EDITOR Pam Whigham COPY EDITOR Grace Garner EDITORIAL DESIGN Gail Sands PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Sarah Bradbury CONTRIBUTORS Abby Bard Ray Holley Lynda Hopkins Robin Hug Jess Poshepny Pam Whigham Nathan Wright email us with comments, questions and suggestions at: sarah@sonomawest.com PUBLISHER Rollie Atkinson ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Sarah Bradbury ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Cherie Kelsay 4 Fall 2012
email us with advertising placement inquiries at: cherie@sonomadiscoveries.com ADVERTISING SALES Deborah Brown Lacey Burdette Cherie Kelsay Steve Pedersen Discoveries Magazine Advertising and Editorial Offices P.O. Box 518 Healdsburg, CA 95448 Phone: 707-838-9211 sonomawest.com sonomadiscoveries.com Discoveries Magazine,
Vol XVI, #1, is published quarterly by Sonoma West Publishers, Inc. Discoveries is published quarterly by Sonoma West Publishers. It is distributed at over 220 locations throughout Sonoma County free of charge— as a newspaper insert, on the Web, and to visitors centers, Chambers of
Commerce, tasting rooms, shops, restaurants, inns and hotels, and other venues around North and West Sonoma County. Reprints in publications outside our distribution area are encouraged, but prior written permission is required. © Copyright Sonoma West Publishers, Inc. 2012. All rights reserved. Discoveries is an advertising supplement to the August 30, 2012 issue of Sonoma West Times & News, The Windsor Times & The Healdsburg Tribune. This magazine uses zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) UV inks. VOCs create smog. Because it’s not printed using conventional Heatset this publication has substantially reduced its carbon footprint. Printed by Barlow Printing, Cotati, CA.
Artisano Grand Tasting
Absolute Musts
theater festivals concerts wine tastings
Sebastopol Cajun-Zydeco Festival
The good times really do roll when this festival comes to town. Live it up in true bayou fashion, dancing to Zydeco music and indulging in Cajun treats such as gumbo, gator sausage, oyster shooters and maybe a Hurricane or two.
September
8
Russian River Jazz & Blues Festival
There is no finer time of year to hear music outdoors. This festival is everyone’s favorite, because you can float in the river or dance on the sand while listening to your favorite genre—jazz on Saturday and blues on Sunday.
September
22-23
Apple & Pear Festival
Join the Windsor Certified Farmers Market for this 2nd annual festival that’s chock full of food and fun. Not to be missed is a slice of California’s largest apple pie, baked courtesy of Windsor High’s Culinary Arts crew. Dwayne Dopsie at the Cajun-Zydeco Festival
October
7
October
13-14 & 20-21
Laura Hoffman at ARTrails
ARTrails Open Studios
Saddle up and hit the trail—the art trail! The annual event represents a wide array of fine arts and other media, and the map is speckled with dozens of locations where you can meet the artists and learn about their work.
Bay View Winemaker Dinner
November
9
If you’ve never attended one of these multi-course dinners paired with wines at the Bay View Restaurant in Bodega Bay, you owe yourself the experience. Diane Wilson of Healdsburg’s Wilson Winery is guest vintner.
Artisano Grand Tasting
November
17
Artisano is a stunning showcase of local artisanal food, wine and art. The event always benefits a cause; this year it’s Ceres Community Project, an organization that provides delicious, nutritious meals for people and families struggling with serious illness.
More details for the above can be found in Do Dates. Discoveries 5
osmosis D A Y S P A S A N C T U A R Y
Your Pathway to Peacefulness
DoDates Calendar September (Area codes 707 unless noted.)
September 9
September 1 Huey Lewis & The News The Rodney Strong Summer Concert Series presents one of Marin County’s best known rock-n-roll bands performing in a beautiful vineyard setting. Food vendors and Rodney Strong wine available; picnic baskets okay, but no outside alcohol, please. $75 general, $110 VIP; doors 4 p.m., show at 5:00. 11455 Old Redwood Hwy., Healdsburg; 869-1595 x4; omegaevents.com/ rodneystrong.
September 1 - 3
www.osmosis.com FREESTONE | 7 0 7 - 8 2 3 - 8 2 3 1 a SuSTaiNably maNagEd gREEN Spa
Studio Discovery Tour Discover art along a 25-mile stretch of Highway 1, from Sea Ranch north to Irish Beach. This is the second weekend of the 20th annual self-guided tour where dozens of art studios open to the public with paintings, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, glass art, textiles, photography, iron work, murals and more. Call for the catalog/ map or download from web site. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 785-9513; studio-tours.com. • Tippi Hedren at Tides Wharf Meet the non-feathered star of Alfred Hitchcock’s film classic “The Birds” over Labor Day weekend. Photos will be available for purchase and autographing. Free to attend, autograph fee applies. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.; Monday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tides Wharf, 835 Hwy. One, Bodega Bay; 8753652.
Laguna Art and Garden Gala It’s the 9th annual benefit for the Laguna Foundation. Support educational and conservation programs for the Laguna de Santa Rosa at this gala garden party that offers artisan food paired with local wines, entertainment, a kayak raffle, plus silent and live auctions. $75. 2 to 6 p.m. Vine Hill House, Vine Hill Rd., Sebastopol; 527-9277; lagunafoundation.org. • Tomato & Pepper Festival The Windsor Certified Farmers Market holds its 11th annual festival celebrating the bounty of tomato and pepper season. Along with the usual cornucopia of produce and food products, enjoy contests for several categories of tomatoes plus cooking demonstrations
Rodney Crowell, EarleFest 2012
©Allen Messer, photography
September 7 - 8 Cloverdale Street Celebration Friday night from 5 to 10 p.m., cruise down Main and rock at the sock hop in the Plaza. Saturday morning from 8 to 11 a.m., attend the Pancake Breakfast and Rummage Sale at the Senior Center (311 Main St.) then stroll the annual Classic Car and Motorcycle Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The capper is the Firefighters BBQ and Dance at the Citrus Fair, 6 p.m. to midnight. Sock hop, car show and rummage sale free to attend. Downtown Cloverdale. 894-4470; cloverdale.com.
September 8 Beer in the Plaza Over 30 breweries offer tastes of their best suds to accompany food, live music, a silent auction and a raffle at the 26th annual fundraiser for Soroptimist International of Healdsburg. Tasting fee TBA, all proceeds benefit Healdsburg-area community service projects. 2 to 6 p.m. Plaza Park, downtown Healdsburg. 536-6363; sihealdsburg.org. • Sebastopol Cajun-Zydeco Festival Rotary Club of Sebastopol Sunrise hosts this annual celebration/fundraiser. Boogie on the outdoor dance floor under the trees to four great Zydeco bands. Food 6 Fall 2012
includes BBQ, crawfish, gumbo, and gator sausage, shaved ice, and watermelon. 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. $25 general; ages 12 and under free. Ives Park, Sebastopol; 823-1991; winecountrycajun.com.
by Chef Mei Ibach. Free to attend. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Windsor Town Green, Market St., Windsor; 838-1320; windsorfarmersmarket.com.
September 14 Lucy Kaplansky This folk-pop, alt-country songstress went from singing with partner Shawn Colvin in New York to a career as a psychologist and back to music artist again. Enjoy her richly nuanced performance at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. $25 premium seating, $20 general in advance, $23 at the door. 8 p.m. 390 Morris St., Sebastopol; 823-1511; seb.org; cumuluspresents.com.
September 15 Flavors of Fall at Korbel Korbel Champagne Cellars celebrates the season with champagne, wine and food pairings plus special tram tours of the vineyards and crushing facilities. Enjoy discounts offered throughout the Wine Shop and take home a logo glass included with your admission. $15 general, $10 Club Members. 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 13250 River Rd., Guerneville; 824-7216. • Old Grove Festival The music for this benefit for Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods features Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks,
with opener Solid Air, and pre-show entertainment by The Mighty Chiplings and Gordon & D’Orazi. $25 general, $40 for Redwood Circle; $10 kids 5 to 12. Food and beverages available for purchase or bring your own picnic. Gates open 4 p.m. Armstrong Woods State Reserve, 17000 Armstrong Woods Rd., Guerneville; 8699177; oldgrovefestival.org.
September 16 Mexican Heritage Festival The Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society invites you to a celebration for its “Ancestors of Mexico” exhibit. Dancers from local schools and musicians performing traditional Mexican music will entertain. Free to attend; refreshments offered for sale. 1 to 3 p.m. Healdsburg Plaza, downtown Healdsburg; 431-3325; healdsburgmuseum.org.
September 21 Winemaker Dinner: Carol Shelton The Inn at the Tides in Bodega Bay welcomes Carol Shelton, proprietor/winemaker, for a 4-course food and wine pairing dinner featuring Coquille Blanc, Wild Thing Zinfandel, Karma Zin, and Black Magic Late Harvest Zinfandel. Preview the menu online. $99 plus tax and gratuity; reservations a must. 6:30 p.m. 800 Hwy. One, Bodega Bay; 800-541-7788 or 875-2751; innatthetides.com.
September 22 EarleFest 2012 The Earle Baum Center for the Blind hosts this annual Americana music festival. Performers include Rodney Crowell, Carolyn Wonderland, Poor Man’s Whiskey, and David Luning Band. Food, beverages, and a silent auction accompany the music. $25 advance, $30 day of show. Noon to 7 p.m., gates open at 11 a.m. 4539 Occidental Rd., Santa Rosa; 523-3222; earlefest.com.
California State Parks Presents the Seventh Annual
ve Festiva GAroBenefit d l l for O
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods Redwood Forest Theatre, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012 “Swinging in the Redwoods” Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks Opener: Solid Air Gates open: 4:00 pm Great Feast: 4:00 - 8:00 pm Solid Air: 6:00 pm Dan Hicks: 7:00 pm
Tickets available online
General - $25, Child $10 (one child free with an adult), Redwood Circle $40 Great Feast (Cajun Gumbo) - $15 per person, Veggie Option - $10
www.oldgrovefestival.org Ad Sponsored by: Sonoma West Times and News
• Russian Riverfest Celebrate the River at this annual bash and support Russian Riverkeeper’s commitment to protect and restore. The festivities include environmental awards, an outdoor dinner, wine tasting, music and a silent auction. See website or call for admission price. 4 to 7 p.m. Burke’s Canoe Trips, 8600 River Rd., Forestville; 433-1958; russianriverkeeper.org. • Young-Ha Kim This dynamic and distinguished tenor, known for roles such as Ferrando in “Cosi Fan Tutte” and Cavaradossi in “Tosca,” performs a program called “From Seoul to Napoli.” Presented by Redwood Arts Council. $25 general. 8 p.m. Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Ct., Occidental; 874-1124; redwoodarts. org; brownpapertickets.com.
September 21 - 23 Healdsburg Arts & International Short Film Festival Healdsburg Center for the Arts combines its annual exhibition of arts on the town’s historic plaza square with a 3-day film festival at the Raven Film Center. Visit the Plaza on Saturday for fine art and craft, live music, wine and food, Children’s Art Zone and more. Free to attend, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For film festival schedule and info, see healdsburgfilmfest.org. 431-1970; healdsburgcenterforthearts.com.
September 22 - 23 Russian River Jazz & Blues Festival Two long-standing music festivals meet during one great weekend. Saturday is jazz day, featuring George Benson, Brian Culbertson, and David Sanborn. Taj Mahal, George Thorogood, Eric Lindell and others perform Sunday. Gate opens at 10 a.m. In advance, $50 for single day or $80 for weekend pass; $10 ages 6 to 12. $10 extra for tickets at the door while available. Johnson’s Beach Resort, First & Church St., Guerneville; 869-1595; omegaevents.com. Discoveries 7
Purls of Joy
October (Area codes 707 unless noted.)
October 5-7 Sonoma County Harvest Fair This celebration of harvest offers premier wine and food tasting, chef demonstrations, an art show and sale, continuous live jazz, farm animals, and activities and contests, such as the renowned World Championship Grape Stomp. $8 adults, $3 youth, 6 and under free. Fri. noon to 7 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa; 545-4203; harvestfair.org.
Yarns • Books • Notions Classes & Gifts Open every day (Thursdays till 8pm) 429 Healdsburg Ave. Healdsburg (707) 433-JOYS www.purlsofjoy.com
• Farm-to-Table Dinner Quivira Vineyards & Winery holds a quarterly dinner with seasonal emphasis and ingredients raised on site and harvested by dinner guests. Get an in-depth look at Quivira’s estate, farming practices, winemaking, and wines. $125 per person. 4 to 8 p.m. Quivira Vineyards & Winery, 4900 West Dry Creek Rd., Healdsburg; 431-8354 x224; quivirawine.com.
October 7 Apple & Pear Festival Have a slice of California’s largest apple pie; taste and purchase late season apples, pears, heirloom tomatoes plus more produce and artisan food products; and take in exhibits, live music, artists, and kid activities. Free to attend. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Windsor Town Green, Market St., Windsor; 838-1320; windsorfarmersmarket.com. • Calabash Gourds grown at the gardens of Food For Thought, Sonoma County AIDS Food Bank, go to artists and craftspeople and re-appear at this annual benefit gala as art, gifts and more. Also in the mix: wine and seasonal hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and even musicians playing on gourd instruments. Call or see website for ticket and time info. 6550 Railroad Ave., Forestville; 8871647; fftfoodbank.org.
October 9 Tom Rush This veteran of the American music scene has influenced
Apple & Pear Festival
a generation of musicians, James Taylor and Garth Brooks among them. His story-telling gift, distinctive guitar style and wry humor have made him a legend to audiences around the globe. $35 premium seating and $30 general in advance; $33 at the door. 8 p.m. Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol; 823-1511; seb.org.
October 12 - 13 Graton Flower Show and Plant Sale A semiannual tradition since 1924, this show’s theme is “Fabric, Fiber, and Flowers.” Find a large selection of locally-raised flowers and plants (including natives), handcrafted items and collectibles, plus a raffle. Lunch with beverage and dessert available for $10. Free to attend; proceeds benefit SRJC scholarships and clubhouse building fund. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Graton Community Club, 8996 Graton Rd., Graton; 8295314. • Cemetery Walk This is the 10th annual Barbara Bull Memorial Cemetery Walk, and it’s always a sell-out event. In addition to the tour through the grave sites (along with six vignettes acted out from local history), you’ll enjoy dinner, dessert and coffee served in Luther Burbank’s historic farm cottage. $25 to $30, advance only; call for reservations. Burbank Farm, 7777 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol; 823-0884 or 829-1757; wschsgrf.org.
October 13 - 14 ARTrails Open Studios Take a self-guided tour of artists’ studios all around Sonoma County. Peruse the illustrated catalog to map your route, meet the artists and learn about their processes and techniques. Free to attend. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call or see website for a catalog. 579-2787; sonomaarts.com/artrails.
October 13 Gualala River Run The Gualala Arts Center is the start and finish point for this 8th annual benefit that features 5K and 10K runs plus a 5K Fun Walk. Scenic Gualala River Road is the course, closed to traffic for the event. Other highlights include a raffle and a delicious brunch served by Coastal Creations. Adult registration is $25 and $30, with discounts for youth under 18, and families in the Fun Walk; brunch is extra. Register online at active.com or call 884-5413. • Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart Schaef-Abel Productions presents this husband-wife duo that blends acoustic guitar interplay, autobiographical songwriting, harmonies, and storytelling. Tone Bent (Bill Horvitz and Robin Eschner) opens the show. Studio E concerts offer an intimate live music experience in a rural setting. 8 p.m., doors open at 7:30. Ticket information at northbaylive.com or email musicfan@sonic.net.
October 14 Wine Seminar, Tasting & Dinner The Wine Pioneers Series presents “Organic and Biodynamic Winemaking,” a seminar, wine tasting and four-course dinner. Ames Morrison of Medlock Ames, Hugh Chappelle of Quivira Vineyards & Winery, and Marimar Torres of Marimar Estate share their wines and expertise on the topic. $99 plus tax and gratuity. Reservations required. Seminar begins at 3:30, dinner seating 5:30 p.m. Dry Creek Kitchen, 317 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg; 431-0330.
October 19 Winemaker Dinner: Selby Winery Susie Selby, winemaker and proprietor, presides over a five-course dinner paired with Selby varietals from Russian River and Sonoma County appellations. $79 plus tax & gratuity; discounted room rates for attendees. 6:30 8 Fall 2012
p.m., reservations a must. 800 Hwy. 1, Bodega Bay; 8752751; innatthetides.com.
October 20 Carducci String Quartet “Turning Point Paris” is the name of tonight’s program, performed by this UK-based quartet that wins competitions at home and abroad, and holds residencies and visiting positions at five schools of music. Presented by Redwood Arts Council. $25. 8 p.m. Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Ct., Occidental; 8741124; redwoodarts.org.
October 20 - 21 ARTrails Open Studios Second weekend. See October 13 - 14 for description.
October 21 Cloverdale Kiwanis Harvest Marathon Run (or walk) along the Russian River, through Alexander Valley vineyards resplendent with fall colors, and on unspoiled hillsides. The full or half-marathon, 5K Fun Run/Walk and generous time limits makes participation easy for anyone. Post race activities include showers, BBQ lunch, beer and wine, live music, and even kids’ activities. Cost varies, register online. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds, 1 Citrus Fair Dr., Cloverdale; 894-2067; runthewinecountry.org. • A Taste of Pinot If you love Pinot Noir, you know that the Russian River appellation is one of the best in the world. Part of the sold-out Pinot on the River event, the grand tasting on Sunday around the Healdsburg Plaza may still have space available. Enjoy limited production Pinot Noirs and tastes from artisan food vendors. $75 general admission at noon, $85 early entry at 11 a.m. 922-1096; pinotfestival.com. • CAS Organ Concert The opening performance of Creative Arts Series’ 20122013 season brings organist Sophie-Véronique CaucheferChoplin from Paris. Refer to website for program and admission info. Resurrection Parish, 303 Stony Point Rd., Santa Rosa; 824-5611; creativeartsseries.com.
October 26 Occidental Harvest Festival The Occidental Bohemian Farmers Market ends its seasonal run with a party. Enjoy the Halloween-inspired fun at their eighth annual ode to harvest. There’s a scarecrow contest, live music, and kid activities along with prepared foods, produce and farm products. 4 p.m. until dusk. Downtown Occidental; 793-2159; occidentalfarmersmarket.com.
October 27 Healdsburg Pumpkin Festival Pumpkin car races, pumpkin carving, a scarecrow contest and lots more fun turns the colorful Saturday Healdsburg Farmers Market into a great big Halloween treat. Free. Market open 9 a.m. to noon; pumpkin festivities begin at 10. North and Vine streets at Foss Creek, 1 block west of Plaza Park, Healdsburg; 431-1956; healdsburgfarmersmarket.com.
October 28 Fall Colors Festival and Vintage Car Show Downtown Geyserville comes alive for a day of fall fun. Start off with a pancake breakfast cooked up by the Volunteer Fire Department from 7 to 11 a.m. Then view the Kiwanis vintage car show; enter contests for the Prettiest Grape Leaf and various pumpkin categories; enjoy live music, food and crafts booths, kids’ games, scarecrows, a silent auction, and meet local authors. Downtown wineries are also open for tasting. Free to attend. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Geyserville Ave., Geyserville; 857-3745; geyservillecc.com. Discoveries 9
lighting jewelry primitives
100 Dealers! Our 23rd year! On Sebastopol’s Antique Row (Hwy 116) 2661 Gravenstein Hwy So. | 707.829.1733
california
A huge place to browse! Fido friendly! Visit our delicious bakery too!
country
Antique Society
post modern
kitchen tools
arts & crafts
architectural
Friends don’t let friends miss this place!
toys & dolls
glass
furniture fruit labels garden antiques
November (Area codes 707 unless noted.)
Wines, and Hidden Ridge Vineyard. Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen prepares the four-course dinner. $99 plus tax and gratuity. Reservations required. Seminar begins at 3:30, dinner seating 5:30 p.m. Dry Creek Kitchen, 317 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg; 431-0330.
November 3 - 4
November 17
14th Annual Wine & Food Affair Russian River Wine Road brings together wineries in Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys for a marriage of food and wine. Wineries prepare a recipe that goes into the event’s “Along the Wine Road Cookbook” and pair it with their wines. Participation includes tasting, the cookbook, a logo glass and special offers on wine purchases. Ticket price varies: weekend passes, Sunday only, or designated drivers. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 800-723-6336; wineroad.com.
November 9 Winemaker Dinner: Wilson Winery The Bay View Restaurant at the Inn at the Tides in Bodega Bay welcomes Diane Wilson, winemaker/ proprietor of Wilson Winery, who will preside over a four-course dinner paired with four different varietals. Reservations are a must; preview the menu online. $89 plus tax and gratuity. Dinner guests receive discounted room rates. 6:30 p.m. 800 Hwy. 1, Bodega Bay; 875-2751; innatthetides.com.
Winemaker Dinner— Wilson Winery
www.antiquesociety.com
Jerry Takigawa, False Food #3
10 Fall 2012
Philharmonia Healdsburg: The Four Seasons This chamber orchestra of 20-plus musicians, led by Ukiah Symphony conductor Les Pfutzenreuter, performs with violin soloist Ray Malan in Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Grieg’s Holberg Suite, and Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3. Call or see the website for ticket info. Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Raven Theater, 115 North St., Healdsburg; 433-6335; raventheater.org.
November 23 - 24 Bodega Christmas Crafts Fair This annual crafts fair raises funds for the Town of Bodega’s Volunteer Fire Department and its new building. Get a jump on the gift-giving season, find décor to deck out your home, and enjoy seasonal refreshments in this relaxed, historic town setting. Free to attend. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. McCaughey Fire Hall, 17184 Bodega Hwy., Bodega; 876-3385; bodegafire.org.
SALUTING SONOMA COUNTY ARTISTS
The Healdsburg Tribune The Windsor Times
November 17 - 18
Healdsburg Holiday Party The mood gets festive in downtown Healdsburg today. Join in the celebration with Healdsburg merchants as they throw an open house to kick off the holidays. There are special sales and special treats, including live entertainment. Free to attend. 5 to 9 p.m. Downtown Healdsburg; 433-6935.
Arts
ALL YOU NEED TO STAY TUNED TO THE LOCAL ART SCENE, EVERY MONTH.
• Trio Chaskinakuy Redwood Arts Council presents an evening of traditional Andean village music. The Duo Chaskinakuy (Edmund Badoux and Francy Vidal) becomes a trio with the addition of Daniel Zamalloa on Peruvian violin, guitar, and mandolin. $25. 8 p.m. Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Ct., Occidental; 874-1124; redwoodarts.org.
November 23
Celebrate the
Artisano Grand Tasting The 4th annual celebration of local, handcrafted food, wine and art benefits Ceres Community Project. Enjoy wine tastings, artisan foods, chef demos and book signings, art exhibits, silent auction, raffle, and live music. $75 advance, $90 at the door; 12 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also offered is a limited-attendance Harvest Dinner at 5 p.m. prepared by Chef Tom Schmidt at John Ash & Co. Vintners Inn, 4350 Barnes Rd., Santa Rosa; 575-7350; artisano.org.
November 9 - 10 Dancing with the Stars at the Raven A fundraiser for the Raven Theater, this event has been expanded to two nights. It brings a distinctly local version of the widely known TV show to Healdsburg’s performing arts stage. Root for your favorite couples, professional dancers who’ve trained local celebs in a variety of dance styles. Call or see website for ticket prices and times. Raven Theater, 115 North St., Healdsburg; 433-6335; raventheater.org.
November 11 Wine Seminar, Tasting & Dinner The Wine Pioneers Series presents an interactive wine tasting and dinner addressing high elevation viticulture with the winemakers from La Follette Wines, Stonestreet
• Gualala Festival of Trees Marketplace Wander the Fantasy Forest where decorated table-top trees sparkle, waiting for your bid in the silent auction. There are also local handcrafts and edible gifts for sale, and the Gingerbread House offers activities and crafts for kids. You can also purchase a hearty bite for lunch, plus seasonal beverages and baked goods. Free to attend. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closes at 4 p.m. on Sat. Gualala Arts Center, 46501 Gualala Rd., Gualala; 884-1138; gualalaarts.org.
November 24 Holiday Celebration at Dry Creek Vineyard The Thanksgiving weekend holiday is a great time to get in the holiday mood (and out of the house). Dry Creek Vineyard celebrates with festive decorations, gift giving ideas, wine and holiday treats. Free to attend. 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 3770 Lambert Bridge Rd., Healdsburg; 800-8649463; drycreekvineyard.com. • Gualala Lighted Truck Parade Festively lit and decorated trucks and big rigs twinkle and shine along Highway 1 through downtown Gualala. Santa
Claus leads the parade and lights the Community Tree. Food vendors and hot chocolate add to the merriment. The judges’ grandstand is located at the Gualala Hotel. Free to attend. 6 p.m. Downtown Gualala; gualala.com.
November 25 Healdsburg Tree Lighting Ceremony Merchants around the Plaza hold an open house before the ceremony. Afterwards, Sutter VNA Hospice presents the Lights of Life holiday tree lighting and remembrance candle ceremony. Free. Open house from 3 to 5 p.m., tree lighting at 5 p.m. Healdsburg Plaza Park; 431-3301.
November 30 - December 2 Korbel Holiday Weekend Get an early start on Christmas shopping while having some fun. Korbel Champagne Cellars holds a holiday shopping spree with special sales throughout the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, you’ll be serenaded by Christmas carolers from 1 to 3 p.m., and Santa Claus drops in from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Free to attend. Open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 13250 River Rd., Guerneville; 8247216; korbel.com.
Ongoing Shop with the Chef Come to the Healdsburg Farmers Market for a chef’s tour of the fresh produce offerings and then attend a cooking demonstration at Relish Culinary Adventures, followed by lunch. Second Saturdays through November, starting at 10 a.m. Downtown Healdsburg; 431-9999; relishculinary.com.
aged, Natural Black Angus hormone and antibiotic free slow cooked prime rib hand trimmed steaks fresh fish full bar cozy fireplace lounge Sonoma County wines lunch weekdays 11:30 - 2:30 dinner every night at 5 4618 Old Redwood Hwy Santa Rosa, CA (707) 527-7768 www.cricklewoodrestaurant.com catty corner from Wells Fargo Art Center
Weekends Along Farm Trails Local ranches, farms, and nurseries open their gates and barn doors during a month of fall harvest weekends (Sept. 29 - Oct. 28). See, taste and explore some of the county’s finest agricultural treasures, from animals to foods to crafts plus hands-on farm activities and U-pick crops. Free to attend. Info for each weekend available online. 837-8896; farmtrails.org. Pacific Coast Air Museum Open House From Skyhawks and Harriers to Phantoms and Tomcats, you can climb aboard and inspect the open cockpit of a featured aircraft every third weekend of the month. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Coast Air Museum, 2330 Becker Blvd., Santa Rosa; 575-7900; pacificcoastairmuseum. org. Live Jazz in Cloverdale The Cloverdale Arts Alliance presents live jazz on the second Thursday of the month in a club-like atmosphere. Come early; seating is limited to the first 44 guests. $12 general, $10 for CAA members. September through spring. Doors open at 7:30, music starts at 8 p.m. Cloverdale Arts Alliance, 105 E. First St., Cloverdale; 894-4410; cloverdaleartsalliance.org. Live Jazz in the Fireside Lounge On Friday and Saturday nights, relax in the lodge-like ambiance of Hotel Healdsburg’s Fireside Lounge and take in the sounds of a piano and bass duo (Fridays) or a trio (Saturdays) from 7:30 to 11 p.m. No cover. Hotel Healdsburg, 25 Matheson St., Healdsburg; 800-8897188; hotelhealdsburg.com. Live Music at Main Street Station Enjoy acoustic jazz, blues, folk, Celtic, and cabaret shows at this restaurant/pizzeria/piano bar venue almost every night. No cover. Main Street Station, 16280 Main St., Guerneville; 869-0501; mainststation.com. Real Flicks The Cloverdale Arts Alliance screens independent films every second and fourth Mondays and Tuesdays. 7 p.m. Clover Cinema, 121 E. First St., Cloverdale; 894-4410; cloverdaleartsalliance.org. Discoveries 11
By Ray Holley The autumnal equinox falls on a busy weekend in Healdsburg, with Healdsburg Center for the Arts’ annual festival welcoming a new film festival component. The former Bodega Bay International Short Film Festival is now the Healdsburg International Short Film Festival, having outgrown its Bodega Bay birthplace after just one year. Launched in 2011 at the Bodega Bay Marine Lab, the festival featured almost 100 short films from 26 countries. This year, the festival will take place over a threeday weekend, September 21 through 23. Organizers are promising an outstanding collection of films in a variety of genres, screened at the Raven Film Center. The films will be juried by multi-genre performer Tom Waits, his wife Kathleen Brennan (also a writer and musician), actor Ed Begley, Jr., producer Jon Shapiro, and actor Jack McGee.
sic, and a children’s art zone (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) sponsored by West Side School. As Raymond also noted, “The HCA is celebrating its 10th year as a community art center, and the proceeds from the combined festivals open up more possibilities for arts programs and art education for children and adults.” The combined event, known as the Healdsburg Arts & International Short Film Festival, should once again underscore Healdsburg’s spot on the map as a locale for devotees of arts and culture. Visit healdsburgcenterforthearts.com for more details.
Film Festival
Moves to Healdsburg
Top— “Everyday” (USA) — Directed by Hasan Can Dagli; The story of a man swept up in meeting the gorgeous woman who walks by his apartment everyday at the exact same time. Left— “The Secret” (Sweden) — Directed by Dennis Petersen; The heart-wrenching story of a young boy who dies in the company of his loving family. But only his little sister knows an inspiring secret about his fate. Bottom— “The Morning After” (United Kingdom) — Directed by Pj Harling; A man and woman wake up one morning after a night of partying. They are strangers to each other and have no idea whose house they slept in.
“Growing the Healdsburg Arts Festival to include the International Short Film Festival is very exciting,” said Kara Raymond of the Healdsburg Center for the Arts. “The response and interest expressed by the community is wonderful. It opens another door of opportunities for local artists, as well as artists from around the world, to expose their work and share their creativity in Sonoma County.” The weekend also features the 6th Annual Healdsburg Arts Festival—Saturday, September 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seventy Northern Californian artists and craftspeople exhibit and sell their creations: sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, painting, photography, glass and more. The festival takes over the Healdsburg Plaza for a day and offers a mellow vibe, with art, wine tasting, live mu12 Fall 2012
healdsburgcenterforthearts.com
On Stage (Area codes 707 unless noted.)
Moon Over Buffalo
Fall in love all over again.
August 31 - September 16 A has-been acting couple touring in Buffalo in 1953 with “Cyrano de Bergerac” and “Private Lives” is hoping that Frank Capra, en route to catch their matinee, will cast them in his next movie. Will Capra see Cyrano, Private Lives, or a disturbing mixture of the two given by a drunken actor? Hilarious misadventures are magnified by a deaf theater manager. $26 general, $20 seniors. See website for a new reserved seating option and value nights. Fri. and Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. matinees, 2 p.m. Raven Players, Raven Theater, 115 North St., Healdsburg; 4336335 x11; ravenplayers.org.
• Always fighting for space & storage? • Tired, outdated look? • Embarrassed to have guests over? • Don’t enjoy cooking like you used to?
Tapas Short Play Festival September 21 - October 21 Join Pegasus Theater for its 6th annual installment of new short works by Northern California playwrights. Lois Perlman produces a potpourri of playlets with diverse themes and a variety of directors. $15 Sat. and Sun., final three Fridays are pay-what-you-can. 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 2 p.m. matinee Sundays. Rio Nido Lodge, 14540 Canyon 2 Rd., Rio Nido; 583-2343; pegasustheater.com.
• He’s been promising you for years...
T r a n s f o r m i n g h o m e s a n d l i v e s s i n c e 19 7 8
Now is the perfect time to remodel. Call us. (707) 823-4899
How the Other Half Loves October 19 - 28 Alan Ayckbourn’s play tells a story about three couples, the husbands of which all work at the same firm. An affair between one husband and another’s wife starts this famous farce off on its ingenious path. $15 general, $18 opening night. Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. matinees at 2 p.m. Cloverdale Performing Arts Center, 209 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale; 894-2214; cloverdaleperformingarts.com.
Lic 521133
Learn more — attend our free talks. www.leffconstruction.com
August: Osage County October 19 - November 4 A large Oklahoma family reunites unexpectedly when Father vanishes, unleashing a maelstrom of repressed truths and unsettling secrets. $32 general; discounts for seniors, youth, Thur. evening and Sat. matinee performances. Thur. through Sat. 8 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. 2 p.m. matinees. G.K. Hardt Theater, 6th Street Playhouse, 52 W. 6th St., Santa Rosa; 523-4185; 6thstreetplayhouse. com.
Harvey October 19 - November 4 Elwood P. Dowd, his sister Vera, and his imaginary friend Harvey (a 6-1/2-foot-tall rabbit) are the main characters in a story that blurs the line between lunacy and sanity, and raises the question of who is better equipped to define reality. $26 general, $20 seniors. See website for a new reserved seating option and value nights. Fri. and Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. matinees, 2 p.m. Raven Players, Raven Theater, 115 North St., Healdsburg; 4336335 x11; ravenplayers.org.
Cash on Delivery October 26 - November 18 This is a comedy of errors, written by Michael Cooney. It involves identity theft, mistaken identities, fraud, crossdressing, cover-ups, mixed signals and any other device of farce you can imagine in a rollicking good play. $12, tickets by phone reservation only. Fri. and Sat., 8 p.m., Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Camp Rose Players, 2140 So. Fitch Mountain Rd., Healdsburg; 473-0616; camproseplayers.com.
Discoveries 13
Art & About
Paul Jacoulet (1902-1960), color woodcuts at Ren Brown Collection
(All area codes 707 unless noted.)
Artisans’ Co-op
Representing works of over 50 artists: woven, felted, quilted, and knitted items, pottery, yarn & fiber, glass, sheepskin boots, painting, sculpture, photos, jewelry, cards. Demonstration every first Saturday. Daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 17135 Bodega Hwy. (Hwy. 12), Bodega; 876-9830; artisansco-op.com.
Dana Hawley Art Studio
New barrel stave furniture designs and oil paintings from Austin Hawley and Dana Hawley. Open daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; 36 North St., Healdsburg; 473-9500; danahawley.com.
Dolphin Gallery
Maggie Bolt, mixed media and gourds by Chris Johnson, Sept. 1 through Oct. 3, reception, Sat., Sept. 1, 5 to 7 p.m.; Ann Kessler, pastels and concrete garden sculptures by Diane Cochran, Oct. 6 through Nov. 11, reception, Sat., Oct. 6, 5 to 7 p.m.; Dolphin Gallery Holiday Boutique, Nov. 20 through Dec. 30. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 39225 Hwy. 1, Gualala; 884-3896; gualalaarts.org.
Erickson Fine Art Gallery
Recent paintings by Tom Monaghan and bronze sculptures by Jeffrey Van Dyke, Oct. 9 through Nov. 6. Representing the best of Northern California painters and sculptors: Bobette Barnes, Joe Draegert, Finley 14 Fall 2012
Fryer, Chris Grassano, Susan Hall, John Haines, Jerome Kirk, Donna McGinnis, Jean Mooney, Jeanne Mullen, Bob Nugent, Carlos Perez, Carol Setterlund, Monica Steiner, Paul Van Lith and Antoinette Von Grone. Open daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wed. by appointment; 324 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg; 431-7073; ericksonfineartgallery.com.
Finely Lara’s, Gallery of Fine Things
Custom jewelry, paintings, art glass and more. Representing over 25 local and national American artists. Just off the plaza on the south block of Center St. Open Wed. through Sat., 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sun. noon to 4 p.m. Private appointments available. Member of the Healdsburg Gallery Group. 239 B Center St., Healdsburg; 707-433-2959; www.finelylaras.com.
Graton Gallery
“A Murder of Crows,” featuring Sally Baker, Marsha Connell and Micah Schwaberow with guest artists Lorraine Cook, James Freed and Carol Rosemond, through Sept. 30; “ARTrails Preview Show,” work by over 30 open studio participating artists, Oct. 3 through Oct. 21, reception, Sun., Oct. 7, 2 to 4 p.m.; “The Great Basin,” flora, fauna and landscapes of the largest contiguous endorheic watershed in North America, illustrated by Pam Lewis with guest artists Ellen Boulanger, Monica de la Fuente and Jim Spitzer, Oct. 24 through Dec. 2, reception, Sun., Oct. 28, 2 to 4 p.m. Open Wed. through Sat. 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Mon. and Tue.; 9048 Graton Rd., Graton; 829-8912; gratongallery.com.
Gualala Art Center
Studio Discovery Tour 2012, Labor Day weekend and Sept. 1 through Sept. 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Kashaya Portraits: Historic and Contemporary,” featuring the photographs of William Heick, Jr. and selected photographs by his father, William Heick, who worked on the American Indian Film Project for the Anthropology Dept. at UC Berkeley—part of the ongoing commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Fort Ross, Sept. 7 through Sept. 30, reception, Fri., Sept. 7, 5 to 7 p.m.; “Face to Face,” artwork by Bob Bralove in the Elaine Jacob Foyer, Sept. 7 through Oct. 28; “A Little Night Music,” a juried exhibition of night photography, Oct. 5 through Oct. 28, reception, Fri., Oct. 5, 5 p.m.; “Memento Mori: An Exhibition of Contemporary Art Exploring Death and the Ephemeral,” Nov. 2 through Nov. 18, reception, Fri., Nov. 2, 5 p.m.; “Festival of Trees,” Nov. 23 through Nov. 24. 46501 Gualala Rd., Gualala; 884-1138; gualalaarts.org.
Hammerfriar
Rotating exhibits by established and emerging conceptual Sonoma County and Bay Area artists. Open Tue. through Fri., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 132 Mill St., Suite 101, Healdsburg; 473-9600; hammerfriar.com.
Hand Fan Museum
American Fan Collector 2012 features the collection of Betty Minaker, Oct. through Dec. The only fan museum in the U.S. includes a rotating exhibit of 3,000 fans which reflect the history and culture of the human race. Free admission. Open Wed. through Sun., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed holidays and rainy days. 219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg; 431-2500; handfanmuseum.org.
Healdsburg Center for the Arts
130 Plaza St., Healdsburg; 431-1970; healdsburgcenterforthearts.com.
J. Howell Fine Art
J. Howell Fine Art has moved to 105 C Plaza St., Healdsburg. Visit us upstairs in the newly renovated Bank of Italy building. Open weekends and by appointment. 431-2684; jhowellfineart.com.
Local Color Gallery
“Of Land and Sea,” featuring JC Henderson’s expressionist paintings, also showing the paintings of Judy Butler and Kathy Fell, through Oct. 1; “Beyond the Ordinary,” mixed media paintings by Olga Storms and Lynn Davis, Oct. 3 through Nov. 12, reception, Sat., Oct. 6, 1 to 4 p.m.; “Celebration,” small paintings by gallery artists and holiday gifts, Nov. 13 through Dec. 30. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 1580 Eastshore Rd., Bodega Bay; 875-2744; localcolorgallery.com.
ART continues on page 16 Discoveries 15
Thick Night (detail) Charles Fahlen Copper, brass, epoxy, 43” X 39” X 5”, 2007
Occidental Center for the Arts
Open Thu. and Fri. noon to 4 p.m. 4008 Bohemian Highway, Occidental; 874-9392; occidentalcenterforthearts.org.
Quercia Gallery
Fine Art Rotating Exhibitions Cultural Events
Quicksilver Mine Co. The
6671 Front Street/Hwy 116, Forestville
707.887.0799
www.quicksilvermineco.com
“Hold and Behold,” paintings by Ron Quercia, sculptures by Bobbie Jeanne Quercia, Sept. 1 through Sept. 30, reception, Sat., Sept. 1, 3 to 6 p.m.; paintings of Sonoma County by Jan Thomas and Cynthia Jackson-Hein, Oct. 1 through Oct. 29, reception, Sat., Oct. 6, 4 to 7 p.m.; “Sea, Land, City,” 12 artists, 9 paintings by each artist, Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, reception, Sat., Nov. 3, 3 to 6 p.m. Open Thu. through Mon. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m; Duncans Mills; 865-0243.
Quicksilver Mine Co.
“Threads of Illusion,” Adela Akers, through Sept. 23; “Poems, Stories, Humor & Blood: Four Wine Country Writers,” David Beckman, Armando Garcia-Davila, Jonah Raskin and Waights Taylor, Sept. 13, 7 p.m.; “Calabash: A Celebration of Gourds, Art & the Garden,” a preview exhibit benefitting Food For Thought Sonoma County AIDS Food Bank, Sept. 22 through Oct. 4; “Charles Fahlen: Sculpture,” Sept. 28 through Nov. 11, reception, Sat., Sept. 29, 4 to 6 p.m.; “Last Hurrah,” Nov. 16 through Dec. 31, reception, Nov. 17, 4 to 6 p.m.; Holiday Open House, Community Tree Lighting featuring the Susan Comstock Swingtet, Nov. 25, 4 to 6 p.m. Open Thu. through Mon. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed Tues. and Wed. 6671 Front St. (Hwy. 116), Forestville; 887-0799; quicksilvermineco.com.
Ren Brown Collection
“Small is Beautiful,” an exhibit of mini prints by gallery artists Mayumi Oda, Ryohei Tanaka, Mikio Watanabe, Micah Scwaberow, Haku Maki, Sarah Brayer, Seiko Tachibana and Holly Downing—woodblock, mezzotint, etching, aquatint and silkscreen—through Labor Day weekend; Paul Jacoulet (1902-1960), color woodcuts, a major exhibit of prints by the Frenchman who resided in Japan for almost his entire life. The artist primarily did portraits of people from Polynesia, Japan, China and Korea. Meticulous technique, vibrant color and subtle textures mark these remarkable works, Sept. 7 through Oct. 21. Recent Acquisitions. Woodblocks by Rei Morimura, aquatints by Noriwaki Miyamoto and mezzotints from Katsunori Hamanishi, October 26 - December 30. Ongoing contemporary ceramics, handcrafted jewelry and Japanese antique furnishings. Come visit our Japanese gardens, too. Wed. to Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 1781 Coast Hwy. 1, Bodega Bay; 875-2922; renbrown.com.
Renga Arts
Featuring the sculpture of Patrick Amiot, Renga Arts offers art, crafts and products made from reclaimed and re-used materials. Rotating exhibits. Thu. through Mon., 11 16 Fall 2012
GALLERIES
a.m. to 5 p.m.; 2371 Gravenstein Hwy. So., Sebastopol; 823-9407; renga-arts.com.
Sea Ranch Art Tour
Sea Ranch open studios, featuring 23 professional and emerging artists in their Sea Ranch home or studio and nearby galleries on the Sonoma-Mendocino coast, Sept. 1 through Sept. 3; 884-9065; searancharttour. com.
Sebastopol Center for the Arts
“Grand Salon” is a farewell exhibition and a way to celebrate 10 years on Depot Street before moving to the Veterans Memorial Building in Sebastopol, Sept. 6 through Sept. 27. This salon-style exhibition of West County artists ends with a potluck party on Sept. 27, Thu. 6 to 8:30 p.m. Everyone welcome. 6780 Depot St., Sebastopol and 282 S. High St., Sebastopol; 829-4797; sebarts. org.
Sebastopol Gallery
“Wild Prayer: Listening to Nature,” watercolors and acrylics by Sandy Eastoak, through Sept. 30, artist talk: “Painting with all our Relations,” Fri., Sept. 7, 6:30 p.m.; “Emotion Recollected in Tranquility,” photography by Amanda Lane, through Nov. 18, reception, Oct. 6, 5 to 7 p.m.; “Wood Transformed,” turned wood by Kalia Kliban, obtanium art by Rebeca Trevino, Nov. 19 through Jan. 6. Open daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 150 North Main St., Sebastopol; 829-7200; sebastopol-gallery.com.
Studio 391
Award-winning gallery specializing in photography, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass and mixed media by local, regional and nationally established artists. Located in Gualala’s Cypress Village gallery district. Now representing ceramics by Karen Shapiro. Open Fri. through Mon., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 39102 Ocean Dr., Gualala; 884-9065; studio391.net.
'Onion'
Amanda Lane
SEBASTOPOL SEBASTOPOL GALLERY fine art by local artisans
150 N. Main Street Sebastopol CA 829-7200
www.sebastopol-gallery.com
Windsor Arts Council
Gallery
Supporting local artists & engaging community
507 David Clayton Ln., downtown Windsor Open Thurs. through Sat. noon-6, Sun. noon-5
Second Saturday ArtWalk every month, 5-8 PM
Upstairs Art Gallery
Healdsburg’s historic, oldest gallery is artist-owned and exhibits a wide variety of fine art paintings and artisan crafts. Open daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; 306 Center St., Healdsburg, on the mezzanine inside Levin & Co. Bookstore; 431-4214; upstairsartgallery.com.
Windsor Arts Council Gallery
Ongoing shows feature the work of local member-artists and guest artists in various media. Windsor celebrates art all yearround with ArtWalks every month on the second Sat., downtown, 5 to 8 p.m. Open Thu. through Sat. noon to 6 p.m., Sun. noon to 5 p.m. 507 David Clayton Ln., Windsor.
r Discoveries 17
The Edible Landscape:
In the Garden, Autumn 2012 story by Abby Bard
Finding enough sunny space for all the edibles I want to
grow has always been an issue in my north-sloped garden, but this year, my neighbor Beverly (who I think of as the Compost Queen) found herself too busy to tend a garden in the sunny rectangle that lays between our two south-facing driveways, and she offered the space to me. She has been lovingly augmenting the soil for many years with her super-rich, home-blended compost, so I was thrilled to have this sunny bonus plot with deep soft soil. I decided it would be a good place to plant winter squash, where they could sprawl at will and take advantage of the heat rising from the driveways and reflecting off the south wall of my house. Last year I planted I planted six winter squashes—three kabochas grown about 40 cloves of from seed saved by my friend garlic and the resultMerryl from her garden off Bodega Highway in West ing harvest lasted Sebastopol plus two butteran entire year. I gave nut and one acorn squash some away and cooked from seedlings purchased at Bill’s Farm Basket. with the rest of it I also set up a teepee of all year long, finishbamboo poles and planted pole beans. The beans didn’t ing the last of it just survive the insects (neither as the new crop was the first nor second planting), ready to pull. but the squashes happily took over the space with their fantastic broad leaves and voracious shoots. They spread out toward the calendulas and borage that had naturalized in that spot over the years, twining past some chard going to seed and a patch of culinary sage in full flower, reaching toward a sunflower stand at one end and a volunteer potato vine at the other. There is not much angst with winter squash. You can tell pretty early on whether the plants are going to survive the baby stage, and then all you have to do is water, keep out of their way, and wait. The resulting crop is so colorful, delicious and satisfying as an autumn meal that is definitely worth the wait—and the space! Last year, I planted garlic in the sunniest winter spot in the back yard, just in front of the blackberry patch at the edge of my 18 Fall 2012
property. I was able to harvest garlic and get it out the path of the blackberry vines as their flowers dropped petals and formed fruit. I had imagined this scenario the year before, and was happy that this garden dance worked out, gaining a little more confidence in my garden planning. This autumn, I’ll plant the garlic patch in the front yard, where it can take advantage of the low winter sun and be ready to harvest next spring. Last year I planted about 40 cloves of garlic and the resulting harvest lasted an entire year. I gave some away and cooked with the rest of it all year long, finishing the last of it just as the new crop was ready to pull. This year’s garlic, which I dry-farmed (not providing additional water after the rainy season ended, and mulching it deeply with straw) is dried and hanging in a dark closet. The bulbs were easy to lift from the dry soil underneath the mulch, and, with a thin outer layer of crisp husk removed, are clean and sparkling white. In addition to the winter squashes, I have potatoes for the first time. I planted them in March and harvested the first plants in June, with more left in the ground for digging as needed. Oregano is dried and stored and the kale and chard that survived the heat of summer have been revived by the cooler weather and are sending out deep green leaves. Basil is preserved into pesto cubes in the freezer, along with tomatoes that I roasted to a pulp in olive oil and sealed into bags. Raspberries and figs are finishing their cycle, and dozens of apples and pears have become winter treats, stewed and packed in glass jars or sliced and dried, or mixed with sugar, cinnamon and flour and frozen into pie-portioned bags. The sun is setting earlier every day; I’m happy to have the busiest time in the garden come to a close and more time to cook and enjoy the harvest meals. The delightful artist/chef Janaka Conner prepared a fantastic dinner last autumn as a guest chef in my kitchen after foraging in my garden for the raw ingredients. Still growing were kale and Swiss chard, onions, lettuce and arugula, and a few nice cherry tomatoes still on the vine, but the stars of the meal were two little kabocha and butternut squashes, which he made into a velvety soup, along with the last of the Golden Delicious apples from the ancient tree in the back yard. He made a lot, thankfully, since this is the kind of soup that you want to have for several meals. A bowl of golden soup, some crusty bread, a tangy arugula and cherry tomato salad, and you are in autumn heaven! n
photo by Sarah Bradbury
Janaka Conner’s Golden Winter Squash & Apple Soup Yields about 3 quarts 1 small kabocha or butternut squash, peeled and cut into 2-inch cubes Extra virgin olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and roughly chopped Several cloves of garlic, peeled and finely chopped 2 stalks of celery, roughly chopped 1 ripe Golden Delicious apple, seeds and stem removed, roughly chopped 2 quarts vegetable or chicken stock (homemade is best) 2 pinches of fresh grated nutmeg 1 pinch of cayenne pepper 2 oz. unsalted butter 1/2 pint heavy cream Sea salt and black pepper to taste Fresh thyme or basil for garnish Spread squash cubes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and roast in an oven at 350 degrees until just fork tender, about 30 minutes. In a large, heavy soup pot, sautÊ the onions, garlic and celery on medium-high heat in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once they start to brown and become translucent, add the apples, roasted squash, stock, nutmeg and cayenne pepper, bring to a boil then turn heat to low and simmer for 1 hour. Blend with an immersion blender in the pot (or in a blender, working very carefully in small batches, holding down the lid firmly with a towel, and then return the blended soup to the pot). Stir in butter and cream, and more stock if needed to thin the soup to your desired consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme or basil leaves, a few drops of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of coarse sea salt. Serve with grilled bread brushed with more olive oil. Discoveries 19
[ PAIRINGS ]
The Joys of Farmers Markets STORY JESS POSHEPNY PHOTOGRAPHY SARAH BRADBURY
Imagine a place where the foggy mornings make for a beautiful walk to a local coffee shop with your pup, where the afternoons bring rays of sunshine that increase your energy, and where the cool evenings make for a perfect setting overlooking the rolling hills, a glass of wine in hand and with no other noise but the sounds of crickets. In Sonoma County you will find that sense of peace and tranquility. Lying on a blanket on a patch of green grass under a tree, people watching and laughing with a group of friends, is truly the most satisfying way to spend a few hours. Having grown up in the town of Sonoma, where the farmers market was the one time I was able to see old friends and chow down on fantastic food, I felt at home right away when spending time at any of the markets in northern Sonoma County. We are a social community and our farmers markets exemplify that atmosphere of family. My favorite reason to go to the markets, any of them, is to be with the ones I love. Beginning in spring and into fall, the markets are a place to be and be seen. Locals attend to buy their weekly produce from their favorite farmers, and visitors want to have a taste of the action. Groups of people gather together on blankets and chairs to enjoy the evening markets with loved ones, a luxury that is possible almost every week during the season. Whether you have children or want to feel like one for an evening, the Windsor Thursday Night Farmers Market (June through August) is the place to be. Pair your food with fun and create a lasting memory. I love food that is nostalgic and what better way to embrace it than with ice cream cones, icies, corn dogs and candy? Windsor Certified Farmers Market Manager Glenda Castelli is happy to be a part of creating memories like she remembers as a child, both 20 Fall 2012
…when I bite into a fresh, hot corn dog with bright yellow mustard smeared all over it; I am suddenly taken back to a place where I feel more innocent, a place where it is okay to have yellow mustard on my cheeks.
Windsor Certified Farmers Market
for young kids and “big kids.” “As a child growing up in southwest Iowa, we had a plaza with a band and popcorn on the street corner. I will never forget those days.” There is something to be said about the nostalgic feelings I get when I bite into a fresh, hot corn dog with bright yellow mustard smeared all over it; I am suddenly taken back to a place where I feel more innocent, a place where it is okay to have yellow mustard on my cheeks. It is great because at any time you can see that everyone feels the same way. Our farmers markets are a safe and fun place for all people to just come and be happy. As the farm-to-table revolution becomes more of a way of life, people from all over attend the markets to experience the bounty of Sonoma County. With over
15 different farmers markets throughout the week and the county, locals and tourists alike are able to satisfy their farm fresh craving nearly every day. More and more, people are taking farming a little more seriously. Even teens want to learn why some lettuces have deeper and more vibrant colors compared to those found in grocery stores or why the tomatoes are odd shapes rather than being perfectly round. Talk to Dan Magnuson of Soda Rock Farms and taste his tomatoes. Learn how they are different from any other heirloom you may slice to put on top of your burger or serve with Lou Preston’s olive oil drizzled on top with a dash of Kim Cook’s lemon-lime pepper. Talk about a farm-totable dish! This is easily done right at your blanket while listening to the jamming of a
local band. Chat it up with Alma, the “Berry Girl” over at Sebastopol Berry Farm, and learn about her family’s farm where they raise olallieberries and Marion blackberries as well as Golden raspberries, only a few among all the many fantastic forest fruits they grow over in Green Valley. I remember visiting the markets as a child with my family to buy flowers for the table, produce, dips and various other things we would use to make dinner. It is so exciting to browse the booths and pick out the fruits that smell good or the veggies that have beautiful colors and figure out what to do with them when you get home. After a visit to the Windsor market, I found myself back at home, my little guy and I experimenting with all of the goods we came home with. He was ecstatic to join me in the kitchen and create something delicious out of the meat, sauces, herbs and produce we bought over the weekend, farm-fresh. After careful evaluation, we determined our perfect meal.
Sweet Onion Rub sprinkled on top. Pasta Poetry has tasty handmade pasta made from (whenever possible) local ingredients. We tossed it in Preston olive oil and roasted garlic from Bernier Farms. We were pleased with this family-style meal that pairs beautifully with my family, a nice cool night and a glass of Ramazzotti bubbles! The Sonoma County farmers markets are truly the place to stock up your kitchen to make a fine, farm-fresh family meal at home or to visit with old and new friends. Create some lasting memories and enjoy a beautiful sunset before riding your bike or walking home. The stresses of daily life catch up to the best of us, so I recommend adding some passion into your routine and indulging in a little fun by learning, buying, pairing and playing local. We marinated the chicken from Victorian Farmstead in the savory roasted garlic sauce from Russian River Fine Foods; it was perfectly moist after baking in the oven with Cook’s Spices Smokey
Wells Fargo Center for the Arts sePteMBer 19
trombone shorty & orleans avenue, 8pm
29
37th Annual sF Comedy Competition semi-finals, 8pm
oCtoBer Joshua radin and a Fine Frenzy, 8pm
15
Copperfield’s Books renowned speakers series
18
rodney strong Vineyards Dance series
19
tHeater
now
tickets open 707.546.3600 (sun-sat, noon-6pm) sundays! online wellsfargocenterarts.org 22
loretta lynn
23
tenth avenue north
25
Capitol steps, 8pm
27
11
an evening with James Carville and Mary Matalin, 8pm
Company C Contemporary Ballet, 8pm
CoMeDY
with special guest Chuck Mead, 8pm with Audrey Assad and rend Collective experiment, 7:30pm
Bill engvall
with special guest Gary Brightwell, 8pm
NoVeMBer 2 18
B.B. King, 8pm National Geographic Live!
robert Ballard:
Adventures in Deep sea exploration, 3pm
Complete listing online
anjelah Johnson, 8pm
sPeaKers
[Editor’s note: For a listing of area farmers markets and their schedules, see Page 46.]
wellsfargocenterarts.org
MatInees
DanCe
sYMPHonY PoPs
HolIDaY
FaMIlY
Discoveries 21
The National the Little
Fair that Could Story by Lynda Hopkins Photography by Sarah Bradbury
[ This page ] A fantastic floral bouquet carved from watermelon and varieties of squash at the 2011 National Heirloom Exposition; [ Page 23 ] A garden exhibit demonstrates flower plantings from saved heirloom seeds; [ Page 24 ] Top—Paul Wallace with a display of heirloom seed varieties at the Seed Bank in Petaluma; bottom—The mountain of squash at the 2011 Expo designed by Mac Condill; [ Page 25 ] One of the heritage sheep breeds shown at the 2011 Expo.
22 Fall 2012
Heirloom Expo Last year the first-ever National Heirloom Exposition swept Sonoma County up in its pure food fervor and small-town spirit. Like the little engine that could, the Expo focused on an idea that empowered it to achieve great heights—and like the engine, the Expo thinks it can keep going. “When we put it on initially, we said, ‘Hey, it’ll be a once-off.’ But given people’s passion for pure food, and given the passion and the interest of the participants and attendees… we just had to do it again. It’s definitely going to be an annual event,” said the event’s organizer, Paul Wallace from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed and Seed Bank. The event exhibits and celebrates “pure food,” that is, nonGMO, open-pollinated, heirloom produce, grains, and heritage livestock. In 2011, more than The event exhibits and 11,000 people turned out for the three-day, mid-week event. celebrates “pure food,” Exquisite varieties of heirloom produce—from warty, wild-colthat is, non-GMO, openored pumpkins to fiery streaked peppers and delicate fingerling pollinated, heirloom potatoes—were on display from farms across the country. Sonoma produce, grains, and County farmers came out in force, too, showcasing their own heritage livestock. locally grown fare. Attendees at the first expo flitted from movies to lectures to discussions, and in between, they perused produce and petted heritage livestock. They learned about Old World Jersey cows, gathered heirloom seeds from the Seed Savers Exchange, and watched a talented food carver craft intricate designs out of watermelon and squash. According to Wallace, this year’s event will be bigger and better. But, he added, the Expo will take pains to maintain its small-town, locally oriented, community feel. “We hope to keep it that way. We want to really remain focused on the local producer,” Wallace said. “We want the event to have a national appeal, but it really is about encouraging people to eat local, to grow local, to see the diversity that’s out there, to support your local growers, your local farmers.” Discoveries 23
Wallace noted that, in addition to featuring whole, fresh produce, the Expo will Perhaps the most memorable also offer producers an opportunity to show off what image of the 2011 Expo was the can be done with produce, and how it can be transmountain of heirloom winter formed into other products. “We want you to see your squash created by farmer Mac local honey producers, your local farmers, your gardenCondill of The Great Pumpkin ers growing the herbs and pressing the herbs and makPatch and Homestead Seeds in ing hydrosols or salts. There are so many added-value Arthur, Illinois. Condill is the same products that it’s going to be able to showcase—that and man who created a similar display open people’s eyes to the diversity that they have here,” to grace the White House lawn. Wallace said. Diversity is a key theme of the Expo, and this year’s expo may be even more diverse than last year’s. “We expect the heritage poultry display to be bigger. Last year we had about 200 birds; this year we expect about 300 birds,” Wallace said. “Overall, we expect to have a larger component in the livestock area, and we’re adding rabbits this year.” Livestock isn’t the only element that’s expanding. The 2012 National Heirloom Exposition will feature two separate stages for Americana music, bringing the sounds of country and bluegrass to the farm-focused festivities. Roving musicians will wander around singing and playing fiddle and guitar. But some things will remain the same. Perhaps the most memorable image of the 2011 Expo was the mountain of heirloom winter squash created by farmer Mac Condill of The Great Pumpkin Patch and Homestead Seeds in Arthur, Illinois. Condill is the same man who created a similar display to grace the White House lawn. “We’re going to have several thousand varieties of produce on display again. That big pyramid of squash and pumpkins that was done by Mac Condill out of Illinois, he’s coming back this year and he’s planning on doing the world’s largest-ever pumpkin display,” Wallace said. Last year’s squash mountain was built on a simple frame of straw bales, and squash was carried up the mountain by volunteers, piece by piece by piece. The mountain will be coming back this year and once again it will embody the spirit of the little fair that could—“I think I can.” n 24 Fall 2012
Please join us for the ninth annual
2012 GARDEN ART GALA
[EXPO 411] Second Annual National Heirloom Exposition September 11, 12, and 13, 2012 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa Admission: $10 per day per adult; $25 for a three-day pass. Kids 17 and under are free.
Featured speakers: Carlo Petrini, founder of Slow Food Ronnie Cummins, founder and director of Organic Consumers Association Jeffrey Smith, founder of the Institute for Responsible Technology and anti-GMO expert Andrew Kimbrell from the Center for Food Safety, environmental attorney and author
New this year: Expanded heirloom varietal tastings and cooking demonstrations Two stages of music plus roving musicians Expanded heirloom livestock component, including heirloom rabbit display To participate, email info@theheirloomexpo.com or call 707-773-1336. For more information on the event and ticket purchases, visit theheirloomexpo.com.
Sunday, September 9, 2-6pm Hosted at the Vine Hill House 3601 Vine Hill Road, Sebastopol, CA Delicious artisan food paired with premium local wine will be offered by multiple caterers including authentic Neapolitan pizza by Pizza Politana, barbeque satay from Bay Laurel Culinary, and desserts from ZIX Cookies.
An exciting live auction of “experience packages” such as travel getaways and kayaking tours – unique adventures to be remembered!
A silent auction of garden art by over 40 enthused artists using their unique talent to create a memorable piece of art for your garden.
Fine wine from the Laguna environs in assorted varietals and bottle sizes will also be available for bidding at the silent auction.
Tickets $75 Call 707.527.9277 x109, or buy tickets online at www.lagunafoundation.org. All proceeds benefit the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation
Discoveries 25
Think Before Yo Area chefs and fishmongers offer their advice on how to conscientiously choose your seafood.
26 Fall 2012
You Eat
Story by Robin Hug Photography by Sarah Bradbury It is no secret that Sonoma County residents have been blazing the trail when it comes to eating. We have some of the best restaurants in the country, arguably in the world. In addition, many of us pay close attention to the provenance of the food we eat. The demand for locally grown produce and sustainable meats is rising every year and the spotlight has been turned on those who are forging the food trends. In recent years, the development of new concepts, such as cheese tasting trails linking local creameries and artisan food truck fare, are just a few ways that we can get closer to the people and the process of what we consume. But when it comes to the trends in seafood consumption, most of us are unclear as to what the best products are to buy to stay in compliance with sustainability. There is the misconception that buying local is always the There is the misconception that best policy when, buying local is always the best policy in fact, some lowhen, in fact, some local species cal species are threatened and are threatened and there are many there are many seafood products from around the seafood products from around the world that fit into the parameters of world that fit into the parameters of conscientious consumption. conscientious consumption. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch guide is a useful tool when purchasing seafood from the market or ordering off a menu, as long as you are shopping and dining at places that abide by the guidelines. Seafood Watch categorizes catch into three groups—Green, Yellow and Red. Seafood marked Green means that the fish is abundant, well managed, and caught or farmed in an environmentally friendly way. Yellow is an alternative, meaning that there are some concerns around how the fish is caught and the human impact on their habitat. Seafood marked Yellow indicates that there is room for improvement and that the fish should be consumed in moderation if at all. Fish such as Chilean sea bass and Atlantic cod are marked Red, meaning avoid consumption, as the species are either overfished and/or there is harm to other marine life Discoveries 27
“Right now we are bringing in whole Albacore tunas coming in off the coast of California—I can’t get much more sustainable than that. Not only are they hook-andline caught, where there is just one hook and line and you don’t have bycatch [extraneous creatures caught up in the catch], but they are not traveling in from Fiji or Tahiti, so I am The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program creates science-based recommendations supporting local fishermen. that help consumers and businesses make ocean-friendly seafood choices. Carry this pocket Monterey Bay Aquarium SeafoodWatch guide with you and share it with others to help spread the word. [The fish] spend less time on Support Ocean-Friendly Seafood a boat and you get a better BEST CHOICES AVOID G O O D A LT E R N A T I V E S Best Choices product,” said Page. Other local chefs such as Good Alternatives Jeff Reilly of the Bodega Bay Lodge and Executive Chef at Avoid the Duck Club Restaurant not only follow the guideKey lines of Seafood Watch but also advertise the label on the restaurant menu to alert diners to their sustainability practices. “We use the Seafood Watch and we advertise it right on the menu, although this year has been the biggest change for me as a chef, because I can’t always get what I want because of restrictions on when you can fish it and the different seasons,” said Reilly as he thumbs down his menu and points out that each seafood dish is a Green item and that The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch guide is a useful tool he plans his menu around what is available. when purchasing seafood from the market or ordering off a menu, Green list items include clams, Black cod, Dungeness as long as you are shopping and dining at places that abide by the crab, Pacific halibut, California lobster, mussels, guidelines. oysters and salmon to name a few. “You want to be able to just on conservation, and it can’t be based which means they are not taking out the litget the same things year after year, and on just ecology; it has to be a combination tle guys; they are going to go on and spawn for those that aren’t following the guideof the three,” said Chef de Cuisine the next generation and move towards that lines, they are the ones that are going to put Shawnee Page of Willi’s Seafood & Raw sustainability,” Page said. things to extinction and I would rather Bar in Healdsburg. As another key component to picking use something else than see that happen,” In keeping up with the Seafood Watch which fish to buy, Page looks at what can Reilly said. program, Page works with Royal Hawaiian be sourced locally. Unlike your produce Even with local chefs such as Page and to make sure that every time he receives a and meat buying from local farmers, someReilly doing the background work to enshipment, he can see on his invoice where times seafood is more sustainable when sure the most sustainable seafood lands the fish is caught and the fishing method. purchased outside of our area and buying on your plate, the bigger worry is in what More recently, the documents are begin- locally isn’t always the first indicator that consumers are buying from the market— the fish meets the guidelines. or the environment when the fish is caught or farmed. “In the world of restaurants we look at it a little bit differently, not only does it have a Green label but how that sustainability label is attached to it—it can’t just be based on economics, it can’t be based
®
are abundant, wellmanaged and caught or farmed in environmentally friendly ways.
are an option, but there are concerns with how they’re caught or farmed — or with the health of their habitat due to other human impacts.
for now as these items are overfished or caught or farmed in ways that harm other marine life or the environment.
CA = California OR = Oregon WA = Washington
* Limit consumption due to concerns about mercury or other contaminants. Visit www.edf.org/seafoodhealth Contaminant information provided by: ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND
Seafood may appear in more than one column
By purchasing fish caught or farmed using environmentally friendly practices, you’re supporting healthy, abundant oceans.
West Coast Sustainable Seafood Guide January 2012
The seafood recommendations in this guide are credited to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation ©2012. All rights reserved. Printed on recycled paper.
CHINOOK
2. When you buy seafood, ask where your seafood comes from and whether it was farmed or wild-caught.
To see the complete and most up-to-date list visit us: • Online at seafoodwatch.org • On our free app • On our mobile site • Or join us on Facebook or Twitter
1. Purchase seafood from the green list or, if unavailable, the yellow list. Or look for the Marine Stewardship Council blue eco-label in stores and restaurants.
In addition to the recommendations on this guide, we have hundreds more available from our scientists.
Support ocean-friendly seafood in three easy steps:
Worldwide, the demand for seafood is increasing. Yet many populations of the large fish we enjoy eating are overfished and, in the U.S., we import over 80% of our seafood to meet the demand. Destructive fishing and fish farming practices only add to the problem.
You Can Make A Difference
Why Do Your Seafood Choices Matter?
SALMON
WATCH Seafood
®
MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM
Learn More
28 Fall 2012
Caviar, Sturgeon* (imported wild) Chilean Seabass/Toothfish* Cod: Atlantic (Canada & US) Cod: Pacific (imported) Cobia (imported farmed) Crab: King (imported) Dogfish (US)* Grenadier Lobster: Spiny (Brazil) Mahi Mahi (imported longline) Marlin: Blue, Striped (Pacific)* Monkfish Orange Roughy* Rockfish/”Pacific Snapper” (trawled) Salmon (farmed, including Atlantic)* Sharks* Shrimp (imported) Swordfish (imported)* Tilapia (Asia farmed) Tuna: Albacore*, Bigeye*, Skipjack, Tongol, Yellowfin* (except troll/pole) Tuna: Bluefin* Tuna: Canned (except troll/pole)
1. Cut along outer black line 2. Fold on grey lines
Basa/Pangasius/Swai (farmed) Caviar, Sturgeon (US farmed) Clams, Oysters (wild) Cod: Pacific (US trawled) Crab: King (US), Snow Flounders, Soles (Pacific) Halibut: California* Lingcod* Lobster: American/Maine Mahi Mahi (US) Pollock: Alaska (US) Rockfish (Pacific hook & line) Sablefish/Black Cod (CA, OR, WA) Salmon (CA, OR, WA*, wild) Sanddabs (Pacific) Scallops (wild) Shrimp (US, Canada) Spot Prawn (US) Squid Swordfish (US)* Tilapia (Central & South America farmed) Tuna: Bigeye, Tongol, Yellowfin (troll/pole) Yellowtail: California (US wild)
To use your pocket guide:
Abalone (US farmed) Arctic Char (farmed) Barramundi (US farmed) Catfish (US farmed) Clams, Mussels, Oysters (farmed) Cod: Pacific (US non-trawled) Crab: Dungeness Halibut: Pacific (US) Lobster: California Spiny (US) Rockfish: Black (CA, OR, WA, hook & line) Sablefish/Black Cod (Alaska & Canada) Salmon (Alaska wild) Sardines: Pacific (US) Scallops (farmed) Shrimp: Pink (OR) Spot Prawn (Canada) Striped Bass (farmed & wild*) Tilapia (US farmed) Trout: Rainbow (US farmed) Tuna: Albacore (Canada & US Pacific, troll/pole) Tuna: Skipjack, Yellowfin (US troll/pole) White Seabass (hook & line)
3. Tell your friends about Seafood Watch. The more people that ask for ocean-friendly seafood, the better!
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ning to provide the name of the boat and the captain. “When we say sustainability, it is this huge thing that comes in many parts. The size of the fish really does indicate how a fishery is doing, so seeing huge fish shows me that the fishery is only targeting big fish,
Experience desired where the majority of seafood purchases are made. “Looking at where we eat on the food chain is really important and conveying that information to the public in all outlets whether it be what is on the Discovery Channel, what’s in the grocery store, or what it is that we put through our pass window here that makes it out to the table, those are all going to be effective,” said Page. In order to find these items, try shopping at a local fish market like Santa Rosa Seafood or The Tides Wharf in Bodega Bay. Both locations carry a wide variety of products on the Green list and many are also seasonal and local. Santa Rosa Seafood has been a local family run business since 1976, running four commercial boats that bring in catches for their store, which carries close to 100 items of fish a week and more than 20 types of oysters from Santa Barbara to Humboldt. The majority of the seafood is fresh; only specialty items brought in from other areas are frozen. You can also find them selling seafood at the farmers markets in Windsor, Santa Rosa, Calistoga, and several markets in Marin County. “I do most of the cutting myself, so everything that goes to the counter or at our markets, I see 90 percent of every piece that is cut, and we wouldn’t sell
Making, and enjoying, great wine is a hands-on experience. Join us for a taste of our Single Vineyard Cabernets.
Open Daily 10:00 am to 5:00 pm 11455 Old Redwood Hwy. Healdsburg, CA 800.678.4763 www.RodneyStrong.com
A wine experience made for you. Place Matters - Sonoma County
The Bay View Restaurant & Bar Authentic Italian Cuisine and Sonoma County Favorites Open for Dinner — Seasonal Hours Bay View Bar & Lounge Spectacular Sunset Views Fireside Lounge and Outdoor Patio “Winemaker Dinners” featured monthly
(707) 875-2751
The Tides Wharf Restaurant & Bar “Locals” Favorite for over 50 Years Focusing on Fresh Seafood Specialties Open Daily — Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner No Seats without a View of the Bay Children’s Menu Annual Crab Feeds and Beer Dinners Fish Market, Gift Shop, Snack Bar Large Groups Welcome
(707) 875-3652
www.InnattheTides.com 800 and 835 Highway One Bodega Bay
Discoveries 29
anything that we wouldn’t eat ourselves,” said Anna Svedise who helps her parents Mike and Trudy run the business. With the help of local chefs and seafood purveyors there are many options available in Sonoma County for eating sustainable seafood. People like Page, Reilly and Svedise take the time to hand select products that are fresh, seasonal, sustainable and when possible, local. But there is still a lot of work to be done by the consumer. Start by downloading the Seafood Watch app on your smart phone or pick up a wallet-sized copy from one of the fish markets. Before planning a meal, consult your guide to find out what is the best choice for that day and then plan around that item. Choose seafood items that are caught on a single line and not by fishing fleets using unsustainable or harmful methods or that fish in no-catch fishing areas and breeding grounds. Do not eat endangered species that are listed in Red and when dining out, first check to see if the chef follows guidelines and believes in serving sustainably caught seafood. And if you are having trouble finding the right items at your local grocer, put in a request that they carry them for you. “If we all ask our grocers for Arctic char, then they are going to start carrying Arctic char. Why do you think that Whole Foods carries ahi tuna? I don’t think they just said ‘we should put ahi tuna in there.’ Enough people wanted ahi and they could sell enough of it that people want it,” said Page. “Well, let’s get people eating Albacore tuna that is local off our coast, let’s get people trying Black cod, let’s get people asking.” For more information on Seafood Watch and how to download the phone application, visit www.seafoodwatch.org. n
[ This page ] Above—Santa Rosa Seafood’s stand at the Windsor Certified Farmers Market; below—Fresh caught salmon at The Tides Wharf in Bodega Bay; [ Page 29 ] Oysters on half shell and peel-and-eat Gulf prawns at Willie’s Seafood & Raw Bar in Healdsburg; [ Page 26-27 ] Willie’s Seafood Chef de Cuisine, Shawnee Page (center) preps a tuna for Char Rare Ahi.
30 Fall 2012
Trione Vineyards & Winery For more than three decades, the Trione family has carefully farmed and managed 750 acres of some of the finest grapes in Sonoma County. With painstaking devotion to the land, the Trione family has developed a reputation for producing premium grapes, and in 2005, they decided to start their own portfolio as Trione Vineyards & Winery.
Trione Vineyards &Winery 19550 Geyserville Ave. Geyserville, Ca 95441 Our tasting room is open to the public. May-October: ThursdayMonday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. November-April: ThursdaySunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 707-814-8100 www.trionewinery.com
11th ANNUAL
2nd ANNUAL
TOMATO & PEPPER FESTIVAL
APPLE & PEAR FESTIVAL
11th ANNUAL
PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
SUNDAYS 10-1 THROUGH DECEMBER 16TH
WWW.WINDSORFARMERSMARKET.COM OCTOBER 7—BICYCLE RODEO OCTOBER 21—WINDSOR GARDEN CLUB FALL PLANT SALE
SEPTEMBER 9 6 Foot Focaccia Pie by WHS Culinary Arts Chef Demos Arts & Crafts Live Music Tomato & Pepper tastings
OCTOBER 7 World’s largest apple pie Recipe contests Apple & pear tastings fritters, pies, caramel apples Arts & Crafts • Music • BBQ
OCTOBER 21 Parade of the pumpkin desserts Largest pumpkin contest Pumpkin bowling Scarecrow building BBQ/Music Discoveries 31
Make Mine Organic A family winery’s conversion to organic farming conquers a deteriorating vineyard situation while reaping even more benefits. Story by Nathan Wright Photography by Sarah Bradbury
32 Fall 2012
Gio Martorana, winemaker and son of longtime Dry Creek Valley grape grower Anthony Martorana, gathers a group around him and invites them to the vineyard to talk organic farming. This is a subject close to his heart—a family mission of sustainability and land stewardship that’s nearly a decade in the making. He leads the group up a small hill to the living roof on top of the winery’s tasting room that’s planted in sedum. He starts to tell of nematodes— round worms that once threatened the Martorana family vineyards. These worms had fed on fungi in the soil, but years of pesticide use killed their natural food source. As a result, the nematodes started eating the precious root structure of the grape vines. The damaged vines produced less fruit, a problem that would change the way the family Instead of full [organic] certification, many growers participate farmed the land. “I just wasn’t seeing any results to fix our problems by farming conventionally,” says in other organized land stewardship programs. “Growers are Gio. “We tried many different things, and they certainly very interested in any techniques that would have just weren’t working. Instead of throwing money less environmental impact,” says Frey. “Fifty-six percent of back at it, we decided to try something else.” Gio was already interested in organic farming, acreage is involved in the sustainability program.” but the practices can be far more costly than using pesticides and herbicides to kill weeds and pests. ouples square off on bocce courts while friends sip wine “I knew organic farming would be better for the at nearby picnic tables, teasing and encouraging the play- environment and our waterways and our creeks we live so close to, ers. Others venture down a path to sit at a creekside table and I finally had the opportunity to prove my case to my dad,” he where they can enjoy glasses of cool Chardonnay on the warm says. “I always knew I wanted to go into organic farming, and we summer evening. ended up there.” Many guests are content to simply mingle inside the tastThe family turned to Amigo Bob Cantisano, a farming consuling room, sampling wines and examining stacks of barrels filled tant known for restoring land by using organic farming techniques. with future bottlings of vintage Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Instead of trying to kill the nematodes, the family instead worked Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. to restore the worms’ natural fungus food source. They trucked in shrimp shells from the Pacific Northwest and spread it throughout
C
Discoveries 33
[ This page ] Bottles of Martorana Chardonnay keep their cool for al fresco tasting; [ Page 32 ] Christer Alli pours wine in the Martorana Family Winery tasting room; [ Page 33 ] Top—Visitors enjoy some games on the winery’s two bocce courts; bottom—Gio stands on the living roof of the tasting room, which cools the facility underneath and adds to healthy ecosystems on the property.
the vineyard rows, providing a food supply of pectin for the nematodes. After a few harvests, the natural fungi slowly grew back and the worms stopped destroying the vine root system. “It was probably two to three growing seasons that I started seeing better vine health,” says Gio. “Our bloom was more successful and we saw better fruiting. We also saw better color on the leaves and better vigor in some of our higher impacted areas,” he notes. With this success came increased confidence for the Martorana family. “We saw the benefits of what was going on and basically sat down and discussed staying with this philosophy of growing,” says Gio. The family follows guidelines set by the Organic Material Review Institute for organic production and processing when adopting farming techniques. They are now in the process of becoming certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers—one of the largest organic certifiers in the nation. “Organic farming allows us to stay in business and do the right thing for the land at the same time,” Gio says. “[It] just makes sense to me. I was tired of fighting
nature with chemicals, now I can farm without worrying about my family’s health.” He notes that both his family’s and workers’ lives have improved. Certified organic farming is still rare in the wine industry, according to Sonoma County Winegrape Commission President Nick Frey. “There’s been some growth, but it’s still only one percent of the acreage [in Sonoma County] in terms of certified organic,” he says. He also says that number is likely misleading. “There are growers who are organic, but they don’t go through the expense of certification because there isn’t a premium on organic grapes,” he says, also noting, “Public demand for organic goods has been growing for decades.” Instead of full certification, many growers participate in other organized land stewardship programs. “Growers are certainly very interested in any techniques that would have less environmental impact,” says Frey. “Fifty-six percent of acreage is involved in the sustainability program. “Growers are very conscious on the impact to the environment,” he says.
[ORGANIC WAYS] The Martorana family utilizes numerous organic farming practices at their Dry Creek Valley vineyards: Shrimp shells – After nematodes started eating the grapevine root structure, the family trucked in shrimp shells from the Pacific Northwest to give the worms a new food source. A few years later the nematodes’ original food source—fungi—had regenerated and the vines have been showing great improvement. Compost – The winery purchases compost from the City of San Francisco, using it to help enrich and restore the vineyard soil. Cover crop – Planting vegetation between the vine rows helps build bio mass and attracts bugs that kill other bugs that are harmful to the grapevines. This farming technique is now done in many non-organic vineyards as well. 34 Fall 2012
Mechanical weed removal – A great deal more labor, but unlike herbicides, disk and hoe plowing kill the weeds without harming the soil’s biodiversity or the local water supply. Predator mites – Available for order, predator mites will hunt out other mites that are harmful to the vineyard. Bat, bird and owl houses – Bats hunt the Blue-green Sharpshooter, many birds prey on insect pests, and owls hunt for gophers. Conservation of wild areas – Areas of native flowering plants encourage natural predators of pests, reducing or eliminating the need for other types of pest control. There are also two steelhead/Coho salmon streams on the farm, and the Martoranas protect these valuable resources by implementing sediment catch drains and other erosion control measures to keep the soil
on the farm and not in the creeks. “We have helped with two stream restoration projects on Grape Creek and use a fan for frost protection instead of water,” notes Gio. Find out much more about organic principles and practices by visiting the Organic Materials Review Institute at omri.org. Located deep along West Dry Creek Road, Martorana Family Winery resides in one of the most celebrated wine regions in Sonoma County.The winery recently hosted its first wine dinner event for the public and plans are in the works for many more. 5956 West Dry Creek Rd., Healdsburg 707-433-1909; martoranafamilywinery.com Tasting Room Hours: Thursday – Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Many feel that they want to leave this land in better condition than they bought it for future generations.” Frey’s words certainly describe the Martorana family who has spent three decades of grape growing in the Dry Creek Valley. “We definitely built this for our kids and to improve on what we’re doing here in Dry Creek,” says Gio. Anthony Martorana, Gio’s father, purchased two properties on West Dry Creek Road in the early 1980s, after his family fell in love with the region on trips to Lake Sonoma. “I would come up with my wife and my sons before the dam was built and have picnics with the dogs,” he says. “I’d always tell her, someday, if we can, we’d like to have a place here.” The family remained San Francisco residents, selling grapes to local wineries for three decades. Gio spent his childhood visiting and working at the Dry Creek vineyards, but didn’t immediately pursue a career in the wine industry after graduating high school. He studied Communications and Philosophy at the University of Northern Colorado before returning to San Francisco to work in a property management business. Gio later started making wines with Rick Hutchinson of Amphora Winery, and when Hutchinson moved his operations to Timber Crest Farms, Gio was given the opportunity to bring three tons of Merlot, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon to make some of his earliest vintages at Rick’s facility. In the years since, the Martorana family has established its own winery and tasting room. Gio strives to offer visitors an “authentic Dry Creek experience” with great wines and a facility geared for picnicking and fun. He especially enjoys the opportunity to share his wine with new customers, an experience that helps him gauge his success in winemaking. “There’s nothing like having someone come in and say these are some of the best wines they’ve had all day,” he says. “It’s instant gratification. You learn pretty quick if people like your product. That’s my barometer for success, how I know we’re going in the right direction.” n
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Discoveries 35
What’s in your closet? Better yet, what’s
missing? Are you nostalgic for the fashions of the ’50s and ’60s? Were you born too late to have squeezed into hip-hugging paisley bellbottoms and go-go boots? Do you wish you’d rocked ’80s big hair and shoulder pads? How about an elegant beaded 1930s gown? Yearn no more—those oldies but goodies are waiting for you at local vintage emporiums. Vintage loosely means something that is typical of a certain era or place, of high quality or lasting appeal. When I lived in San Francisco in the late ’60s, vintage meant Victorian velvets or 1920s beaded flapper dresses, filigree pendants and blind-stitch embroidered shawls from Imperial China. Now vintage fashion includes the entire 20th century, giving you lots of options to time travel and revisit the wildest, the weirdest, the hottest and the coolest trends that fashion designers ever devised. Your search for that perfect outfit can be high end or super thrifty depending on your budget and tastes. Let’s start at the high end with the grande dame of vintage retail, Hot Couture Vintage Clothing, a fixture at the corner of 3rd and Davis in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square for the over 30 years. Owner Marta Koehne has assembled hundreds of items in a single open space, so artfully arranged that there is no sense of being weighed down by the past, but rather a feeling of being uplifted by
The Closet Recycler the beauty, whimsy and craftsmanship of decades of past fashion trends. Even the name is a gentle play on the term “haute couture,” the French phrase for high fashion. Representing styles of the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s for women and men, all the garments are in beautiful condition, labeled with details such as dates, fiber content, waist measurements, and notes about the condition of the piece. Freestanding racks form little islands of color and texture, where ladies’ garments are arranged by style and color. There are narrow Victorian boots, soignée cocktail dresses of satin and chiffon, and a glass case filled with exquisitely beaded and brocaded purses. There are sundresses and prom gowns, sweaters embellished with beads, brocade, and feathers—some hand knitted or crocheted—and beautifully tailored ladies suits, including a stunning vermilion one with a Dior label. On a shelf above a rack of ladies hats and a long jewelry case, two Barbie dolls flank a boombox. Across 36 Fall 2012
Story by Abby Bard Photography by Sarah Bradbury
Dresses at Hot Couture
the room there are racks of 1950s circle skirts, a patchwork quilted maxi-skirt and neon-bright ’80s jackets with heavy shoulder pads. A ’60s beige tweed coat (that must weigh about 15 pounds) with a Persian lamb collar and an ILGWU label sewn into the peach silk lining hangs next to an even heavier 1940s plum-colored velvet nipped-waist coat. Since the size of men’s heads have increased over the years (fact, not opinion), you’ll find a wall of reproduction hats by Dorfman Pacific Co., which overlook a discreet display of crocodile shoes and snakeskin boots. There are dozens of ties, a handsome collection of sports jackets, real Stetson felt hats and a bowler from The Emporium in San Francisco. In the back of the store are three spacious, white-draped dressing rooms, which are also near the entrance to the wellstocked rental area where you can find a vintage tuxedo to wear for a special occasion or a period costume for a theme event (but don’t expect to find clowns or animals). Just around the corner on Davis Street, you’ll find SKIRT CHASER VINTAGE. If Hot Couture is the crème de la crème, Skirt Chaser is the banana split sundae with the cherry on top. Owner Christina, a passionate collector for 25 years, opened the store at this location three years ago. Christina researches old fashion magazines and scours the thrift stores to bring the finest specimens of ’50s and ’60s vintage to her adorable shop. To the bouncy sounds of the Marvelettes on the stereo (hi-fi?), I wandered through the store from rack to rack, feeling memories of the past surge up as I fondled the prom dresses, the Lucite high heels, ruffled bathing suits, embellished sweaters and pastel patent leather pumps. There’s an array of jewelry boxes, purses, hatboxes and overnight cases. Every item in the store is a treasure from the past, including the yellow countertop with a chrome rim and the Hawaiian posters on the walls. The dressing rooms have a Hawaiian theme as well, with traditional fabric curtains, thatched ceilings and bright, cheerful lighting. There’s an entire room just for the guys with a great selection of shirts, suits and shoes—even a letter sweater and a pair of white bucks. This store was so much fun it made me wish that Christina had been my best friend in high school so I could’ve chatted with her about clothes and boys every night on my princess phone. In Sebastopol, look for the sculpture of the Eiffel Tower topped with a steaming cup of espresso perched on an eggplant-colored Citroen (a Patrick Amiot creation). It marks the entrance to AUBERGINE VINTAGE EMPORIUM AND CAFÉ, a 10,000 square-foot building at the junction of Gravenstein Highway and Petaluma Avenue. There are bargain racks on the front porch, and inside, you can spend hours browsing the tens of thousands of pieces of inventory (over 250,000 lbs!), mostly vintage from any era you might desire. If that sounds exhausting, you can always take a break at the café, open for lunch during the summer. Wear your new-to-you outfit in the evenings at the
…vintage fashion includes the entire 20th century, giving you lots of options to time travel and revisit the wildest, the weirdest, the hottest and the coolest trends that fashion designers ever devised.
Discoveries 37
Hat selection at Hot Couture
adjacent bar and live entertainment venue called Aubergine After Dark. Owner Randy Graves, an avid vintage collector, opened the original store in 2007 in Occidental and stocked it with the contents of a 40-foot shipping container from Holland. His daughter Morgan, then 15 and now an integral part of the business, remembers climbing on piles of 50-kilo bags to open and sort the clothes, and discovering the joys of “dressing up” in vintage. Randy buys “categories” from clothing consolidators, who collect from estate sales and thrift stores in El Paso and Houston. He and Morgan hand pick the items, fill totes, weigh and bale them, and bring them to a warehouse where they are sorted once again. When they are brought to the store, every piece is laundered, steamed, labeled by style and size, and hung in 27 aisles on long racks that hold 200 garments each for your shopping pleasure. Aubergine claims the largest selection of men’s vintage clothing in the North Bay with hundreds of shirts, jeans, pants, overalls and jackets. Each rack of clothing is topped by dozens of shoes, boots and handbags. There’s another wall of boots to one side, long racks of coats and pants along the length of the store, and a wall of scarves. You’ll find ’50s and ’60s lingerie and bustiers from Europe and Texas, camisoles from Germany and Italy, slips from 38 Fall 2012
Germany, France and England (many over-dyed onsite in yummy colors), and a “Rubenesque” section. There are countless accessories, including fairy wings, tutus and fishnet stockings. Try on your choices at the center of the action in the dramatically lit, freestanding dressing rooms (also built by sculptor Amiot). Store manager Leslie and wardrobe specialists Jules and Reeva will help you put together your look for Burning Man, Tribal Fest, roller derby, Halloween, the Peggy Sue classic car show, theme parties, and, of course, the Ugly Christmas Sweater phenomenon that overtakes Sebastopol each December. A few blocks away on Main Street you cannot miss the psychedelically painted storefront of FUNK AND FLASH, Sebastopol’s newest vintage and costume shop, where you’ll find styles from the 1890s to the present moment for men and women. The emphasis here is definitely on the flash, with a blinding array of pop-art printed shirts, DayGlo wigs, feathers, masks, leathers, platform shoes, silver boots, a rainbow of vinyl boots (and vintage vinyl LPs), belly-dance wear, hats from faux helmet to chieftain and pirate to pimpwear, as well as metallic false eyelashes and face paint. The delightful consultant Marisa will help you select from both new vintage-inspired items consigned by local designers and used clothing. To add to your sensory experience, you may be
entertained by ear-splitting music as you gaze into a creepy display cabinet of stuffed birds, horns and various skulls. If you enjoy the thrill of the hunt or want to stretch your clothing budget to the max, visit the big mama of all thrift stores, the SALVATION ARMY STORE, aka Sallie’s, just north of Healdsburg on Lytton Springs Road. On a lovely hillside near high-end wineries is a sprawling complex of yards and barns where you can engage in different levels of bargain hunting. There are two barns devoted to clothing, Sallie’s Barn and Sallie’s Attic. The first is huge, with basic thrift store ambiance— racks stuffed full of garments at cheap prices, arranged by style and color, with a very good men’s section in a mezzanine that had some nice tweed wool jackets and button-down shirts. The second, smaller store has the better quality, brand name clothing in nicer condition. The prices are higher, but on certain days you get a 50-percent discount. Probably these two stores have been picked over by vendors, but if you have the time, it’s worth the search. I found an ’80s lace and beaded wedding gown for only $99 sharing a rack with a size-13 “military punk” dress, a size 4x J. Jill linen dress, and an indeterminately sized and gendered cobalt blue leather pantsuit. Just up Highway 101 is GEYSERVILLE VINTAGE, a collection of antique vendors housed in a single building. You’ll find a fascinating collection of clothing in the
red suede-and-leather cowboy boots ($48.50) paired with a red leather pencil skirt and an embroidered western shirt with rhinestone buttons. The Underground Coffee and Café here offers espresso drinks, pastries and light lunch fare. With all that shopping, you’ll need to stay fueled up. Happy hunting! n
West County
[ Find It ]
Glasses at Aubergine
tiny space of vendor Kelley Voss. I spotted a royal blue and Kelly green satin brocade cocktail dress ($125) reminiscent of the one I wore to my sister’s wedding in 1963, sharing a rack with a tan suede patchwork miniskirt from a slightly later era, a green Proenza Schouler silk jacket ($345), and a brown crepe jacket with heavy shoulder pads and military-esque gold braid embellishments ($115.) The prices signaled a return to the high end, but these pieces were the real deal with exquisite tailoring and detail. Around a corner is a space called Figwife, specializing in the ’30s and ’40s, which offered a gorgeous draped, cream satin wedding gown with a price of only $65 and a luxurious salmon-and-cream robe with a silk crepe lining. In another space, Michael’s Hall Closet, I spotted a very small black cutaway tailcoat with beautifully quilted lining and detailing for $60, and a nice collection of vintage Hawaiian shirts. ANTIQUES AND UNIQUES in Cloverdale is a veritable maze of clean, well-lighted display spaces, mostly full of furniture and collectibles, but also with a few wearables scattered around. I found a grouping of Hawaiian shirts and Pendleton wool shirts, some extremely kitschy (and possibly itchy) sweaters, and a strange juxtaposition of a beaded and scalloped silk top nestled next to a paint-splattered denim miniskirt from Forever 21. One nice display had
HOT COUTURE VINTAGE FASHION 101 Third St., Santa Rosa 707-528-7247; hotcouturevintage.com M-Sat 10-6, Sun 11-5 SKIRT CHASER VINTAGE 208 Davis St., Santa Rosa 707-546-4021; skirtchaservintage.weebly.com M-W 11:30-4:30, Thu-Sat 11-6, Sun 11:30-4:30 AUBERGINE VINTAGE EMPORIUM AND CAFÉ 755 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol 707-827-3460; aubergineafterdark.com M-Sat 11-6, Sun 11-5 ANTIQUES & UNIQUES 124 S. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale 707-894-4080 M-F 10-6, Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5 GEYSERVILLE VINTAGE Voss Signature Vintage Figwife 20980 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville 707-857-4438; geyservillevintage@gmail.com 415-606-3793; kelleyvoss@gmail.com Daily 10-5:30 SALVATION ARMY 200 Lytton Springs Rd., Healdsburg 707-433-3334 M-Sat 9:30-5 Discoveries 39
[ DAY TRIPPING ]
STORY BY RAY HOLLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH BRADBURY 40 Fall 2012
Two Roads Less Traveled TAKE YOUR TIME WHILE EXPLORING TWO OF SONOMA COUNTY’S MORE REMOTE, SCENIC BYWAYS.
Where Coleman Valley Road ends at Highway 1. Inset—An old schoolhouse built in the 1860s is part of Coleman Valley Ranch, on Coleman Valley Road. Discoveries 41
View from Skaggs Springs Road
Skaggs Springs Road – Healdsburg to the Coast SKAGGS SPRINGS ROAD—WHICH RUNS FROM
Lake Sonoma to Stewarts Point—is long, twisty and remote, so make sure your tires are good and the batteries are charged in your phone. And bring bear spray and emergency flares. Just kidding. This area is fairly isolated and one should follow common sense rules, but the road is in decent condition and just curvy enough to make it feel like an adventure. On your way to the lake via Dry Creek a time in its heyday, folks who came from Road out of Healdsburg, it’s a good idea to the city for the healing hot springs and a stop at the Dry Creek General Store and rustic atmosphere. stock up on munchies and fluids. It’s the Just because the resort is gone doesn’t last stop for a while, and you might see a mean the area is deserted. Every gate and few places to pull over and relish the view dirt road you see leads to a ranch or rural while you have a snack. home, some with cattle or sheep, many Dry Creek Road leads you to Lake with privacy-loving residents and protecSonoma’s Warm Springs Dam, which fea- tive dogs. tures a fish hatchery, a visitor center and The views are of a series of ridges and museum, miles of hiking trails and a little canyons that extend from Dry Creek Valley marina. Keep driving uphill and you’ll see to the coast. If you’re wondering why some the turn to Skaggs Springs Road. areas are thickly treed and others feature What you won’t see is any sign of the the soft rolling hills we see in so much of Skaggs Springs Resort, built in the 1850s, the area, think logging. The great conifer or the hotel built in 1864. According to a forests of the area supplied lumber for history of the area, it hosted 300 people at homes and buildings from Healdsburg to 42 Fall 2012
San Francisco, and in some areas, still do. After the great trees came livestock, which keep the hillside vegetation trimmed. You may notice pickup trucks with ATVs in the back, or multiple dog crates. These belong to hunters who work out arrangements with property owners to take deer in season, wild pigs much of the year, and coyotes if they have the proper permits to protect livestock. Local hunters and hunting guides are generally polite, even if they sometimes look a little feral themselves after chasing wild boar up and down the canyons. Also, be ready to share the road. Skaggs Springs Road is famous as a raceway for hot cars and motorcycles. A Google search of the road’s name results in a stomach-clenching series of YouTube videos taken from helmet-mounted cameras touting a particular 10-mile stretch of fast road near the House Creek Bridge. Warnings aside, don’t be afraid to take a beautiful drive. Go with a friend and take
Coleman Valley Road — Occidental to the Ocean
Mexican Grass Tree at Western Hills Nursery
turns driving, ogling the scenery, and on a warm day, watching the skies for Redtailed hawks and Golden eagles riding the thermals over those sculpted hills. Near the end of your 30-mile run, you’ll pass a small, settled area—the Stewarts Point Rancheria, home of the Kashia Pomo. There are historic structures, but
ask before you go poking around. The road ends at Highway 1, across from the historic Stewarts Points Store. A combination general store, gas station and tourist stop, you might share the porch with a hardy group of bicyclists, motorcyclists, coastal residents and passers-by, all admiring the scenery, just like you.
Begin your Coleman Valley Road journey in Occidental, a charming little town with more restaurants per capita than just about anywhere. The classic Italian fare at Negri’s is a good bet, along with quirkier grub at Howard Station (try the beet smoothie), or the best pizza in the county at the Union Hotel. Look west in downtown Occidental and you’ll see Coleman Valley Road next to Negri’s, the pavement climbing steeply out of town. Just a half mile up is the entrance to the Occidental Arts & Ecology Center, wellknown as an organic farm, as well as an educational and retreat center focused on social and environmental justice. OAEC is not open to the public on a regular basis, but offers scheduled courses, tours, and three annual plant sales in April, August and October. A mile or so farther, watch for Western Hills Nursery, so beloved by plant aficio-
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nados that it boasts a dedicated group of galleries and eateries are tucked in along volunteers who are helping restore it to both sides of the highway. Diekmann’s its former glory after a period of decline. and Pelican Plaza Deli are good places The nursery is open on Saturdays or by to get picnic supplies. At the south end, appointment and features a remarkable the Duck Club at Bodega Bay Lodge is well-regarded for its appetizers. collection of rare plants. Via Eastshore and Bay Flat roads, you Watch for bicyclists on Coleman Valley Road. It’s a proving ground for can take Westshore Road along the bayamateur cycling buffs, a training ride for side, past the marina, to Bodega Head, professionals and it’s part of the wildly which was once threatened as a possible popular Levi’s Gran Fondo each fall. The site for a nuclear power plant and now road was also part of the Amgen Tour of seen as a monument to citizen activism. California, where cowbells briefly out- ‘The Head’ has an easy trail with dramatnumbered cows. Coleman Valley Road takes a series of ups and downs. The first little valley, not far past the Joy Road intersection, is said to be where artist Bill Wheeler founded Wheeler Ranch, a hippie commune that flourished for a few years in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. After you cruise through that bucolic valley you start climbing again, and as you enter the dairy country you’ll encounter a dramatic shift in the weather as a stiff coastal breeze pours inland over the ridges. Beware, as cyclists who hit that wind like a wall can wobble in the lane. As you start to descend towards the Pacific Ocean, watch for ocean views and keep an eye out for freerange cattle that might be a little slow to move out of your path and will contemA reminder of livestock on Coleman Valley Road plate you quietly as you snap their picture. A twisty descent ends with a row of ic coastal views. weathered cypress trees and Highway From Bodega Bay, you can return 1. Turn left and just past Salmon Creek inland by following Highway 1 north is a right hand turn for Bodega Dunes, to Jenner and then taking Highway 116 a friendly place with camping, picnickthrough the Russian River resort area. ing and plenty of sand. Bodega Dunes Alternately, you can turn south and take has some disabled access features as a left at Bodega Highway, which leads to well, such as a boardwalk ramp to Sebastopol. If you take this route, Friday the beach. through Monday, you must stop at Wild If you’ve stayed on Highway 1, you’re Flour Bread in Freestone, where the at the north end of Bodega Bay, the com- baked goods are worth a trip of their own. mercial center for the area. Shops, art n
44 Fall 2012
[ STOPS & EATS ] All area codes 707, unless noted.
Dry Creek General Store 3495 Dry Creek Rd., Healdsburg 433-4171 Stewarts Points Store 32000 Hwy. 1, Stewarts Point 785-2406 Negri’s Original Italian Restaurant 3700 Bohemian Hwy., Occidental 823-5301 Occidental Arts & Ecology Center 15290 Coleman Valley Rd., Occidental 874-1557; oaec.org
WONDERING WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND?
Western Hills Nursery 16250 Coleman Valley Rd., Occidental 872-5463 (appts.); westernhillsgarden.com Bodega Dunes Sonoma Coast State Park 875-3483; parks.ca.gov Diekmann’s Bay Store 1275 Hwy. 1, Bodega Bay 875-3517 Pelican Plaza Deli 1400 N. Hwy. 1, Bodega Bay 875-2522 Duck Club at Bodega Bay Lodge 103 S. Hwy. 1, Bodega Bay 875-3525; bodegabaylodge.com Wild Flour Bread 140 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone 874-2938; wildflourbread.com
SONOMADISCOVERIES.COM Discoveries 45
Farmers Markets (Area codes 707, unless noted.)
Sunday
Friday
Sebastopol Certified Farmers Market
Occidental Bohemian Farmers Market
Downtown Plaza, McKinley St. at Petaluma Ave.; 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., through November; 522-9305.
Bohemian Hwy., in front of Howard Station Café; 4 p.m. until dusk, through October; 793-2159.
Windsor Certified Farmers Market
Saturday
Windsor Town Green, Market St.; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., through December 18; 838-1320; windsorfarmersmarket.com.
Wednesday Healdsburg Certified Farmers Market
Healdsburg Certified -Farmers Market Foss Creek, one block west of the Plaza, Healdsburg; 9 a.m. to noon, through November; 431-1956; healdsburgfarmersmarket.org.
Petaluma Farmers Market
North and Vine streets (Purity/Cerri lot), 4 to 7 p.m., June through October; 431-1956; healdsburgfarmersmarket.org.
Walnut Park, Petaluma Blvd. South and D St.; 2 to 5 p.m., through October; 762-0344.
Redwood Empire Farmers Market
Oakmont Farmers Market
Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building East Parking Lot, 1351 Maple Ave.; 8:30 a.m. to noon year ‘round; 237-5340; redwoodempirefarmersmarkets.com.
Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., 8:30 a.m. to noon year ‘round; 522-8629; thesantarosafarmersmarket.com.
Oakmont at White Oak Dr., Santa Rosa; 9 a.m. to noon year ‘round; 538-7023.
Redwood Empire Farmers Market Santa Rosa Veteran’s Building East Parking Lot, 1351 Maple Ave.; 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. year ‘round; 237-5340; redwoodempirefarmersmarkets.com.
Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., year ‘round; 522-8629; thesantarosafarmersmarket.com.
Advertiser Index Antique Society............................................................ 10 Art Galleries .................................................................. 17 J. Howell Hammerfriar Erickson Fine Art Gualala Art Center Healdsburg Center for the Arts Sebastopol Gallery Windsor Arts Center Bear Republic Brewing Company ............................9 Big John’s Market ........................................................ 48 Boathouse Restaurant..................................................7 Costeaux Bakery ......................................................... 35 Cricklewood Restaurant............................................ 11 Garrett’s Hardware.........................................................4 Graton Gallery ............................................................. 15 Gualala............................................................................ 44 Clutterbug Garcia Casino Gualala Arts Center Hammerfriar ................................................................. 15 Inn at the Tides ............................................................ 29 Kate Anchordoguy Landscaping........................... 43 Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation....................... 25 Lake Sonoma Resort......................................................9 Leff Construction......................................................... 13 Northwood Golf .............................................................6 Old Grove Festival..........................................................7 Osmosis Day Spa ...........................................................6 Purl’s of Joy.......................................................................8 Quicksilver Mine Company ..................................... 16 Ram’s Head Realty ...................................................... 45 Ren Brown Gallery ...................................................... 16 Rodney Strong Winery ............................................. 29 Russian River Wine Road .......................................... 13 Salvation Army............................................................. 11 Sebastopol Area .......................................................... 39 Andy’s Produce Mom’s Apple Pie Hook & Ladder Silk Moon........................................................................ 19 Sonoma Discoveries................................................... 45 St. Dizier Home Furnishings.......................................4 Sushi Tozai ..................................................................... 19 Thankfully There’s Healdsburg .................................2 B Real Finely Lara Hand Fan Museum Papitre Zizi Xtravagance Trione Winery................................................................ 31 Villagio Dental ................................................................8 Wells Fargo Center for the Arts............................... 21 Windsor Farmers Market........................................... 31
46 Fall 2012
Ma rk W est Spr ings Rd
Armstrong Woods Rd .
Cazadero Hwy.
Sonoma County
Discoveries 47
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