El Dorado Inn

sounds like another promo from friend or family-- 'Gabe'

I just ate at Syrah for the 1st time... to see what all the hype about this "Gabe" was... and I was BLOWN away with how perfect my meal was. Every flavor was right on point - wonderul seasoning of the sauces, cooked to perfection - by far the best meal I have had in Sonoma County!

John and Dominic Corsi of Blazing Saddles BBQ

Brian Anderson, of Bistro 29 simply the best.

you are nuts Gabe is a no-so-good cook yes just a cook!!!

BARNDIVA!

Rick Williams owner/chef at Cafe Zazzle on Kentucky St. in Petaluma serves the most creative, inspired and completely delicious food in town! Yummy huge salads with heavenly dressings. Great, huge wraps! Sublime coleslaw. Great curries! Brilliant homemade desserts, such as fresh fruit cobbler and THE best Key Lime Pie lovingly served to you. Rick is the best!

Alex Purroy, Doce Lunas Restraunt in Kenwood, best place in town.

To M. Ramey (Nov 13, 12:06 p.m., about six posts up):

I'm sorry honey, but you have no idea what real Thai food is. I'm not saying the food at Sea is bad, it's just not real Thai food. I think even the owners would tell you that. It's an attempt at "Thai-Californian Fusion". Some pretty authentic Thai food can be had in the city (SF), but it is very scarce in the North Bay. Jhanthong Banbua comes kind of close but is still quite conservative (by that I mean deathly afraid to give customers good amounts of lemongrass, kha, garlic, bai makrut, etc.).

I ate lunch at Sea (Petaluma) recently and paid close attention to who was in the kitchen cooking my food. It was Mexican guys! There wasn't a Thai face to be seen back there at all. Maybe I'm weird, but when I eat Thai food, I want it made by a Thai person; and when I eat Mexican food, it darn well better be made by a Mexican person. If not, it loses 98% of its potential authenticity before it begins.

I'm glad you like Sea's food, but you steer people very wrong when you call it the "best in North Bay". I don't believe in calling this or that restaurant "the best", but I also don't like to see places that couldn't possibly be the best being called "the best." PLEASE get down to SF and try some far more bold and ethnically drawn Thai food. Or at least, North Bay-wise, try Baan Thai in Santa Rosa, the Thai-Lao place on south Santa Rosa Ave or maybe even Banyan Tree (Petaluma); at least at these places the food is cooked by down-to-earth people who are trying to make the real thing that is not a fusion. But what I urge you and everyone who loves Thai food to do is GO TO THAILAND. That's where you get the real stuff.

And how have we missed Stephanie Ratstetter on the
Petaluma River @ her bistro, Waterstreet?? Her
creativity and manner surrounds you with a dining
experience that fulfills your appetite's desires and
you leave with a welcome lightness. Ask about her
multi-course eves!

Favorite chef in Sonoma Valley?? Max Schacher, of course, from the Kenwood Restaurant. Always a treat! The food is delicous and the most consistent in the county. Go Max!

Jude Wilmoth of Cook, St Helena. His food is full of love and graceful attention. You will never be disappointed.

What about the Brasserie, the food there is great! I think his name is Richard

For Petaluma- I'm going to have to admit I don't know the name, but whoever the chef is at Sugo is excellent! Also of course Fabio Flagiello at Risibisi deserves to be on the list.

I would like to say that Sea Thai Bistro (Santa Rosa) is the best Thai food in all of the North Bay, and that includes both restaurants, one in Petaluma,(Sea Modern Thai Cuisine) and one in Montgomery Village (newest one) in Santa Rosa. Tony Ounpamornchai who is the Chef is absolutely amazing. Not only is he extraordinarily creative, he is a brilliant chef, and makes every dining experience unforgettable, and you feel as though you have had a true adventure, and an exciting night out. He also knows wines, and his wine-pairing, highly unusual and distinctive wines are carefully chosen with each dish. I have sent many friends to eat at his restaurants and they are always exceptionally impressed with everything. I could not recommend these restaurants more highly.
Sincerely,
M. Ramey

Dana Jaffe at Saddles in Sonoma - best steaks and sides!

Yes I agree the Equus' Chef Reilly is personable and very talented chef. The food keeps us coming back, My wife and I go every week. Gee I'm getting hungry.

I found that Chef Jeff Reilly from the Equus is a fantastic chef. His creations are sensational. Hats off Equss!!! We will be back.

Favorite chef for many miles around:
TAI OLESKY at Mosaics in Forestville

Les Goodman of Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg...big ups to DCK since he recently took over as chef de cuisine!

Chef Roger at La Gare Restaurant in Santa Rosa. I have been dining there sent I was 15 and 25 years later. It is still my favorite. To my luck, my children love Jackie and Roger. Don't forget Sonoma County best Chef Roger at La Gare Restaurant.

Excuse me but Sondra Bernstein of the famed Girl & The Fig, is NOT a chef ! She employs REAL chefs to do the cooking. She got her start at TGI Fridays as a door person and she sucked(in her own words). She does not have any REAL culinary education, training or experience. I doubt the woman can make a PB&J without asking for help!

For best chef Sonoma County I nominate or vote for or whatever for Chef Greg Gerrard of Alliance Redwoods

What about DON TAYLOR of the Omelette Express? I'm sure he would like to see his name mentioned here, wouldn't you DON TAYLOR?

It might be good for your hit count, but I might restrict comments in future polls to name the "Best..." anything. They aren't exactly productive.

See above ... Some people ... Jeeze!

ha ha ha ... NOW THAT'S FUNNY !!!
Gabe didn't even know about this silly poll until I told him! GET REAL.

I think the best winery chef would have to be Dave Bush at St Francis Winery,Santi's at the fairmont has chef Andrew Cain,who has worked at French Laundry and many other top chefs.

stuart and yvette chef/owners of cena luna in healdsburg... they rock

Jack Mitchell chef and owner at Sassafras restaurant is the best chef!

I think BEST WINERY CHEF would be a great addition to this poll. I also ate at Bistro 29 earlier tonight - it was so so - nothing to write home about - but I will try it again - I think it was an off night - the wait staff seemed to be having some trouble getting organized and my food was a tad on the "chilly" side.

We all know some of the BEST Sonoma County chefs work in wineries. What about BEST WINERY CHEF in Sonoma County!??!!??! Have you ever had JUSTIN WANGLER"S (Kendall Jackson) food?!?!?! Plus, he beat out some of Food and Wine Magazine's Best New Chef National Winners. YUMMY!

I think calling him the worst chef in the north is a little harsh but I agree with the toolbag part. I will never eat there again. He is RUDE RUDE!

Rudy from Odyssey is a total tool bag. Food is horrible and he is the worst chef in the North Bay.

Brian is an amazingly kind individual who makes a mean halibut! I am so glad I found Bistro 29.

Brian Anderson who had stints at Le Provence & Applewood, finally get to shine for himself at his own place.
"And the Winner is"
Mr. Anderson Please!!!

Brian Anderson at Bistro 29 is hands down the best chef. I hope he wins because he deserves it!!

No one beats the crazy Frenchman - Christophe Preyale at Fountaingrove!

How to Enjoy Chef Cristophe Preyale's Cusine -
Book a private event at the club and set up a tasting with the Catering Director there.

Chef Christophe Preyale is awesome!!!!

Become a member at the Fountaingrove Golf and Athletic CLub just to enjoy his food!!!

Tai Olesky of Mosaic in Forestville is hands down my favorite chef in the county. If you have not tried his sublime creations, get over there asap!

Rosso's John Franchetti

Don't leave out Peter Brown at
Jimtown store!

John Franchetti of Rosso!!

No mention of Dry Creek Kitchen or Barn Diva?

Jack Mitchell, Chef Sassafras = j_dog ????????

You are. and ya do. and Im not. and no. Ok. Psycho. easy.

fakin the funk - hell yah! dude I wish I was Gabe's publicist, I don't even know him but I do know it's fun to mess with you. Why are you blaming Gabe for all his votes? Do you really think he voted for himself all those times... think again!

ur fakin the funk Gabe. tell your publicist to give it a rest.

I take that back - you deserve all the votes you got!

Gabe-- bro, you should've kept it a little closer number wise, then it would have been a little more believeable.

Ari Rosen, Scopa, Healdsburg!!!

So glad to see Jeff on this list - he has the most FRESH, ORGANIC and light food! And yes people, let's remember this is just for fun ( so to accuse someone of cheating is really bad)- this is not some national contest with a huge prize so have fun with it and be sure to try ALL the chef's amazing food!

Heather,

If you decide to have a sushi/Japanese sub-category, add Isamu (Sam) Ogura at Yao Kiku on Yulupa in Santa Rosa. If you go as a novice sushi eater, he will treat you gently. If you demonstrate your appreciation for sushi, he will pull out all the stops. He values long-term relationships with his patrons. In August he treated many of us at a delicious birthday party he threw for himself.

In the winter, the soups he makes are amazing. A few years ago, he did a multi-course birthday party for me for about 10 of us. Blew us away.

Yay Sam!

Brian Anderson at Bistro 29 is outstanding as a chef and as a human being. Love those buckwheat crepes!

J-dog, I'm beginning to feel like you're a disgruntled nominee with minimal votes. Cheer up chap! Olive Garden provides a wonderful pension plan.

I'd like to commend Gabey on fulfilling the desires of my taste buds. As a venture capitalist I must treat my clients to the most scrumptious delights, without the formal feel of a gaudy restaurant. Syrah provides a warm cozy atmosphere and if I could, I promise you, we'd hire Gabey to work as our personal chef.

Someone's cranky this morning. Grrrrrrrrr.

WHO CARES!!!!!!!
THIS BUSINESS IS HARD ENOUGH WITHOUT THIS STUPID BLOG ADDING A HIGH SCHOOL-LIKE COMPETITION TO IT!
THIS BLOG IS TYPICAL OF THE WHOLE WANNABE LEGITAMATE FOOD CRITIC SCENE AND CHEF CLIQUE THAT HAS DEVELOPED OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS.
GROW UP

this whole competition thing is lame!!
it's like asking whose the best guitarist? Pointless, it depends on the style of food and restaurant! this bite club thing is really poorly done and annoying. Get rid of this crap and jeff cox and start over!!!

zoi antonitsas at zazu restaurant + farm!

Gabe at Syrah - Excellent Chef!

Brian Anderson at Bistro 29 is hands down the best chef in town.

Gabe is my Hero

Gabe is the "man"

Gabe cheated

FYI - Farmhouse Inn is in Forestville, not Healdsburg/Windsor

Priyale may rock, but is there a way to actually taste his food without being a member of the club?

Chill. Chill. Gabe is nothing but awesome. Just impressed.

So BiteClub are you saying Gabe is not worthy to be on this list? I know for a fact that his votes are coming in from ALL over the US. I think to say you got punked implies you think this is a joke when in fact it is not!

You should only be able to vote once. But seems there is something funky going on. Yeah. I think I just got punk'd

Is there a rule that you can only vote once? I am new to this bite club in this county and honestly have voted more than one time for the chef of my choice but if that is against the rules I need to know. Thanks.

Just wondering how Syrah Chef has gone from 280 votes when I checked this AM, to 360+ a few hours later?
Is anyone actually looking at IP #'s in this? A little fishy from here, but it is a great restaurant, can't wait for them to move into the old MIXX spot. And Bistro 29, can't say much more about that place, it's awesome as well!

Gabe is the one of the chef's at Syrah he is one of the best and yes he has a lot of votes but there are a lot of us who support him. So if you are implying some kind of set up here you are wrong. Go taste his food then you will be clicking his name as well!

Who is this Gabe fellow???? Something looks a little fishy....

As far as Gabe goes, get it while you can Santa Rosa. This guy is destined for greatness.

Brian Anderson's Bistro 29 is wonderful...give it a try, you'll go back again and again.

Christophe Preyale is the best. His food is superb.

Just to point out to everyone shouting out their chef from places other than Santa Rosa. This column is about Santa Rosa chefs. Heather said there would be columns for different areas such as Petaluma, Healdsburg, and Sebastapol in the furture and then take the winners from each area to see who is the best chef is Sonoma County.

I live a sheltered life, have only been to two of these Restaurants and must say that Brian Anderson at Bistro 29 wins my vote.

We're hearing good things about Syrah's Gabe all the way down here in Vegas. Could he be the next Charlie Palmer, Alessandro Stratta, or Thomas Keller? He's getting buzz at a young age, and his skills in the Syrah's kitchen seem to be getting refined like a fine wine with each passing day.

John Franchetti of Rosso - new & innovative style of food - GREAT!

Josh Silvers

Out of the several restauranteurs, Bistro 29 is by far the best in quality and in value, I strongly urge all who haven't given Anderson's restaurant a try, treat yourself.

I am gonna have to go with Gabe on this one...

Jeff from Zin's in Healdsburg and Tony from Central Market in Petaluma!!! (need to represent Petaluma more pls!)

Josh is the best but Gabe is an up and comer and needs to be on the list.

Gabe from Syrah is an amazing chef. Just give him a try and you will agree. Love his short ribs!!

What about Chef Richard Whipple from the Brasserie

Brian Anderson...hands down...and he and his wife are both wonderful people...it's easy to root for them...I go out of my way to patronize Bistro 29.

Brian Anderson at Bistro 29, most elegant, tasty food in town...

Gabe from Syrah needs to be on this list. I for for a FACT he has a fan club who agrees with me that he is one of the best!

Michael Salinger, who has trained local chefs and tirelessly supports the local culinary community through his position as department head of the SRJC culinary arts program.

Rita and Luca at Riviera should be on the list even if they don't make "haute cusine".

I just got word that this poll was out - YES GABE from Syrah - I love going in and seeing him behind the bar cooking. He is always polite and his food is the best I have had in Sonoma County in a while!

I second Gabe from Syrah - the best up and coming in Sonoma County!

Gabe from Syrah gets my vote!

Renee Pisan at Chloe's
Landmark Bldg on Airway

Any chef at Rosso should be instantly disqualified on account of their food is awful.

Renee Pisan at Chloe's is wonderful! I love their food. I was spoiled when I worked in their building!

Brian @ Bistro 29 and John Frusciante(?) of Rosso are two of our favorites in Santa Rosa. In north county, Ari Rosen is rocking @ Scopa and his former partner Dino Buciga @ Diavola. Now, I'm hungry again.

You've got to have Jeff Mall of Zin Restaurant in Healdsburg on the list

Jamie, Did you read the difference between chef John Ash and Tom Schmidt? John Ash is a chef author, consultant and teacher. Tom Scmidt is the current chef of the restaurant. Get your facts straight before writing...and yes there are great chef in Santa Rosa, some of the ones you mentioned are not in SR - need to read the instructions, I guess.

I think there are more chef's in Sonoma county than these....plus John Ash twice??
When he doesn't even work in his namesake restaurant!!
Add:
Chefs from Eloise; Dino Bucigia; Todd Muir;Renee Pisan at Chloe's; Jeff Mall; Evette at Cena Luna to name a few