Are we talking just American restaurants or other culture ones? I think its nice to dive into another culture once in a while to break away from our own which we are used to. Finding a good authentic Indian or Chinese restaurant is a great way to try something new.

My Saul's Restaurant and Deli comment didn't get printed??????

So who won? Or what restaurants haven’t you reviewed yet??? The suspense is killing me!!

I love Pia Cerre in Cloverdale, I may be spelling it wrong but it's right across from the high school on Main Street. Super nice people and excellant Italian food!

Yeti's in Glen Ellen. If you want the best of what India has to offer over here you have to eat at Yeti's at Jack London Village. It is operated by an extended family that can't do enough to make sure your dining experience is totally complete...a must try.

Buca Di Pepo in San Francisco. Awesome Italian food. The amostphere is warm, cultural, it's just plain awesome. Not cheap and not expensive. Memorbilia on the walls and the checkered red & white table cloths add to the true MaMa Italian experience.

Hello!
I love, love, love a little Italian restaurant in Cotati called Nicolino's. They have some of the tastiest sauces I've ever had. And as the little Italian owner will tell you, "Nothing comes out of a can!". I believe it, the sauces are heaven sent. Drooling just thinking on it. Don't even get me started on the home made salad dressings and olive oil/garlic dipping oil they have for bread...YUM!!!

My newest favorite, El Malecon in Rohnert Park. Who knew Salvadoran cuisine was available so close. Handmade pupusas,a few varieties can't be beat! Great salsas, plantains, coleslaw, black beans and rice all are primo tasty. Family run and friendly too..check it out.

Hi there!
By far, the best pizza we have ever had in Santa Rosa is Borolo's Original Pizza on 500 Mission Blvd. Combining Californian tastes with eclectic pizza and salads, they have it all!
It's a great place - but be prepared for delivery or carry-out only. They do not have a restaurant - they're too busy for it!
I'd love to win the tickets! Thanks!

ROBERTO'S on Hwy 12 in Rincon Valley. My favorite authentic Italian and you cant beat that BAR!

I lived in Santa Rosa my whole life and am Italian. I think that the best italian restaurant here is Lo Coco's on lower 4th street. Service has always been good and and the food is very close to the way my mother used to cook.

Jeanette

Good grief. You have written about ALL of my favorites (though, to be fair, I discovered some of my favorites here) But how about Cafe Giostra in Petaluma?

Simply Vietnam has it all. Great food, clean, nice people and fair prices. Also for as close to authentic Philly cheese steaks its the Cheese Steak Shop. They import the rolls and the peppers and cook it up just like Philly. Get a deluxe with fries and you will know what I mean.

Shangri-la, is just that gem to be discovered. Across from the Sonoma State campus is sonoma county's best indian food. Suggest the Creamy Chicken, lumps of dark meat in a delectable sauce. Anything is good there. Give it a try it is great!

Lata's indian food can be considered a moving restaurant right? Lata serves absolutely delicious hand-made and rolled samosas, chicken masala, veggie rice, laatsi and plenty more fabulous indian food. You can find her at all the local farmer's markets and she caters too. Not only is she delightful but the food is well worth my trip on Sunday mornings to Sebastopol. Truly delicious and she takes no shortcuts while preparing her babulous food. Yummylicious!

The Village Inn Restaurant in Monte Rio has everything - fabulous food, great ambiance and professional service. It has a great local following but has never been reviewed or mentioned anywhere else that I have seen.
A former luxury hotel concierge from San Francisco and his partner opened it about 10 years ago. It was his dream to have an inn and restaurant. The building was featured in the Bing Crosby film Holiday Inn and has been lovingly restored. The food is classic American and is sourced from Sonoma County suppliers. People drive for miles for their Madeira Chicken Livers on Tuscan Toast - which I have never tried and probably never will. Liver is not my thing. But their Grilled local Filet of Petrale Sole 1with house-made tartar sauce, rice Pilaf & fresh sauteed vegetables and their New York Steak au Poivre with cracked peppercorn sauce and herbed pancetta potato cake are FABULOUS. 20822 River Boulevard in Monte Rio. The owners do little things that show how much they care. They have lights for the menus and reading glasses if needed.
707-865-2304 and www.villageinn-ca.com.

You had all my favorites on the site but Andre asked me to submit Philly's Burgers on Hwy 12 it's his favorite spot. Their shakes are to die for. I craved them all through my pregnancy!

Mari

Taste Tix

Santa Rosa subs makes a great sandwich! And they deliver downtown.

Centro Espresso best and prettiest late you will ever have!!

Mendo burger - super yummy fries! Lots of burger choices

Guignis in St Helena - Sandwiches so good we have to go there everytime my boyfriends sister is in town. She says its the Guigni Juice that makes them.

Murry Circle, or at least the bar. Best porch to watch the bay and eat yummy snacks and fancy cocktails. A little piece of heaven.

Pizzas & Cream in Gualala - Crustless pizza!!!!!!!

Thats all I could think of for now.

Please pick Me!!!

Monti's in Montgomery Village is the best! The menu changes frequently to keep it interesting and the service is always fabulous! We live in the Village and go there quite frequently and have never been disappointed!

I like El Palomar on 4th in Santa Rosa. The Sonora Burrito is a must with black beans and veggies.

Definitely Himalayan Nepal Restaurant in Sebastopol, covers the basics with genuine feel of the culture.

I agree with Joyce a great restaurant for Chinese food in Petaluma is Lily Kai, food is fresh, not greasy and they don't use any msg. My husband and I purchased the Savings Card (Sonoma Express Card) and have found a romantic restaurant overlooking the Russian River in Monte Rio, Highland Dell. We liked it so much we went back a second time to try their German food which was delicious. We would love to ride our bikes to Taste of Railroad Square on Saturday! My husband says the best place for cookies is our home. What's your favorite cookie?

Hands down, Rin's Thai has the best Thai cuisine in Sonoma County. They have an amazing grilled salmon lunch special with veggies and rice.

You must give Giorgio's Restaurant in Healdsburg a try. They have wonderful Veal Scallopini and Veal Picatta. You will not leave there hungry. Very generous with their portions. There pizza is also worth the trip. You can taste the fresh herbs in their sauce.

Big John's Market in Healdsburg (1345 Healdsburg Ave @ Dry Creek...433-7151) Not only do they have an extensive selection of sandwich (start@ 5.99) and panini ($6.99) options that go from the ordinary to the extraordinary, they also offer a Wine Country ($15.99) or Everyday Gourmet ($12.99) boxed lunch that include a specialty sandwich, choice of pasta or potato salad, fruit, olives, and a choice of a brownie or a cookie. There is a good selection of hot foods that you can grab yourself and they are constantly trading the trays out so everything is always fresh. It takes me some time to choose what I want because it ALL looks so good! Their sushi...real sushi...not the been sitting there for awhile fake fish kind...is also very fresh. This is in a perfect location to pick up something on the way to go boating on Lake Sonoma (which is how we discovered this place). I know that this isn't a restaurant but you can take your purchase and sit outside in their sectioned off patio area and watch the world go by....

Please consider reviewing Skyhawk Village Market, Deli and Wine Bar. The Friday Night BBQ has great food on the grille or you can go inside and order premade things. Even better is the Saturday Night Pizza and Beer Tastings. Not only is it fun, but the outdoor seating really works!

If I don't win tickets, you should still check out the pizza menu some Saturday night for your pizza column:)

Jyun Kang Vegetarian Restaurant located in Ukiah at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas. The place is AMAZING...check out the reviews on yelp. Both vegetarians and carnivores alike rave over this place. I have been there before when people from the bay area (SJ and SF) have driven up just for lunch. Open 12 p.m.- 3 p.m. Closed on Tuesday. enjoy :)

My wife swears by My Ha on Airport Blvd. She goes there every few weeks and buys enough takeout for several meals. the atmosphere is not the coziest, but it is very clean.

For a deliciously cozy little hole-in-the-wall breakfast or lunch, try Java Amore cafe in Penngrove. It's a tiny family-run deli with a warm ambiance, and the only reason I stumbled across it was that Full Circle Bakery (the wonderful bakery just across the street) no longer serves sandwiches. But luckily, they're right across from Java Amore -- so now you can pick up an amazing loaf of bread, and then waltz across the parking lot for lunch. (As you might have guessed by the name, your daily caffeine fix is readily available, too.)

It's not fancy, but it's the kind of place where you can pull up a chair, settle in with a newspaper (or a laptop), and enjoy a simple, wholesome meal at a reasonable price. Yum.

And of course, you're talking restaurants, but I have a few farmers markets and farm stands to recommend if you're ever interested in a contest for cook-at-home meals... :)

I recommend the vegetarian restaurant at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas in Ukiah (Talmage, on the grounds of the former State Mental Hospital. The food is da bomb - fresh, fresh, fresh. Their eggplant with basil is to die for. They grown all their own veggies on site. The setting is very, very simple, the food is warmly presented by the residents there. Great day trip from Santa Rosa! Don't forget to check out the temple as well.

Please review The Quail Inn at Oakmont. They have a great Thursday night buffet that varies from week to week and the prices range from $16.00 to $21.00 per person which includes a dessert. They also have a great Sunday brunch from 10:00 to 1:00 pm.

Hikuni the relatively new Hibachi style restaurant where you can opt to have the food cooked in-front of you, sit at a table, or at the sushi bar....the sushi there is amazing and everything is so fresh!

You haven't had great chinese food until you eat at Lili Kai in Petaluma. The location is in a small shopping center on Lakeville Hwy. Lili gives great customer service, the place is beautiful and the food is more than fabulous. This is not on your current list for chinese food. It is worth driving from anywhere in Sonoma County to eat Lili's food. The crab and cream cheese fried in a wonton triangle has real crab! and is a fantastic appetizer. Non of the food is greasy like other restaurants. The hot&sour soup gives great pleasure expecially if you have a cold, it is full of mushrooms and tofu and Lili Kai's is the only place I will eat hot&sour soup..Yum! Each dinner is over the top in flavor, and you cannot find better service; your water glass and tea are never empty. Watch out though the charm will capture you and you will want to eat there often, they will remember your name and before you know it they are a part of your family. Charm, ambiance,geat service,fabulous authintic chinese food! You foodies better get there quick and Lili Kai deserves to be at the top of the list... so get this one on the list and I want to win free tickets for the event on Saturday so I can take my daughter and spend a wonderful day tasting and having a mom and daughter day. Don't forget to go to Petlauma and eat at Lili Kai's. Thanks,Joyce Swisher

Harvest Moon Cafe in Sonoma is one of my favorite restaurants in the county. It's a very small place with a adorable patio outback, perfect for our warm summer nights. The small kitchen is run by husband and wife who either both or just one of them has worked at Chez Panisse in Berkeley. Everything is made to order, including the risotto. The desserts are to die for, absolutely amazing. The desserts alone are worth the trip. Every time I've been to Harvest Moon Cafe I've had something that was the best I've ever had.

My husband really likes Truc Lihn on the green in Windsor for Vietnamese cuisine. Best pho in town, and it is always clean with good service.

Big Daddy's in Rohnert Park is a must. The fabulous Quirk brothers who used to run the kitchen at the Hilltop in Novato have moved on and landed here. Comfort food and great values! Try it with a Lagunitas IPA.

I suggest Stumptown Brewery in Guerneville. Go out on the back patio during a nice Saturday or Sunday, watch the river run, and chow down on a big meaty burger! Delicious!

La Reyna Bakery

This Mexican bakery is amazing! So many different desserts to choose from, all baked fresh daily. Plus they have mexican food too. Just quality & authentic. Very good stuff

Ps. Try the tres leches cake!

On old redwood hwy

I'd like to win tickets. My favorite Petaluma place for the best fish and chips in Petaluma is "Finbar Devines". They also make a killer shepards pie.

Oops! I meant martini glass!

There is a little corner of Santa Rosa that has the land of forgotten restaurants, called Bennett Valley. One of those is called Pizzeria Grillo. This place rocks. Great food, atmosphere, and probably the best deep dish pizza, wings and tiramisu that you ever had. Give it a try, a belly-up to the bar for a taste of one or two of the 15 plus beers on tap there.

Sorry, I have to give you two of my faves that were neglected. At Simply Vietnam, everything is delicious. I love the Lemongrass Chicken Spring Rolls and their soup. What about Hiro's? I always stop there when in Petaluma. Fabulous sushi and they top their cucumber salad with tons of real crab and serve it in martini dish.

Hey, I can't do all the work!

The reason I've been asking these questions is because I'm planning to expand BiteClub pretty exponentially (and why I've been a little quiet lately...I'm working behind the scenes). it helps me to know what the community thinks.

Because for so long i've been focused on "new" and "opening" restaurants, it was fairly shocking (to me) how few of "The 25" I actually had listed in BiteClub. So I'm backfilling like crazy to make sure this is as complete a resource as possible on Sonoma/Wine Country dining.

Help a sister out! ;)

First timer. Just reading over your list of different restaurants, and they all sound delicious, but if your into Vietnamese Food, there is a cute place in Cotati called, MAI VIETNAMESE CUISINE. The have the best spring rolls, egg rolls, soups and much more. Its a true treasure. The owners and staff are friendly and the service is top notch.

I really like Favorita Mexican Restaurant in Sebastopol and Santa Rosa. I haven't found many Mexican restaurants that offer good vegetarian burritos but Favorita's are delicious - lots of salsa and big chunks of avocado.

Giorgio's Restaurant, 25 Grant Ave., Healdsburg 433-1106 Hands down the best Italian family style dining bargain in So. Co. way too much food, many choices and by the person its only about $13 or $15. Choice of a meat dish plus pick your own pizza, antipasta, salad, veggies, pasta, you get it all!

Hi Heather,
I think you should check out The Cook House on A St. It's a hole in the wall joint with great food, mainly breakfast. If you haven't been there you are missing out on some good grub, "Cheap Eats" too.

Have you tried the Sandpiper in Bodega Bay? Out of the way gem offering good basic seafood with a bit of flair.

Cafe les Jumelles
20391 Bohemian Hwy Monte Rio

Great french fries -triple cooked. Most things on the menu are made from scratch including most of the baked goods.
Named after the chef/owners twin daughters, Les Jumelles has been open for about two years and gets better all the time. What's not to like about a menu with milk shakes and chocolate pecan fritters?

Boon Eat & Drink.

LOVED the dinner we had on Sunday. Loved it.

But, I must disqualify myself, as I am part of Taste, but check out Boon Eat & Drink.

El Malecon in Rohnert Park - 217 Southwest Blvd. Hard to find but so worth it! They were also at the Vegetarian Food Fair in Cotati, and people there were flocking to their stand (vegetarian is only part of their menu - try their pork dish). And to top it all off, the owner is a great person who goes out of her way to make you feel at home.

NOT FAIR!!!! We give you the names of our choices in the Best 25 and now we have to come up with the unkown/surprise places. I think that was the first run through, so those of us who gave those opinions during the first run are now at a disadvantage as all has been revealed. Really, what's left? In-N-Out? After viewing this list, who do you recommend?????

I wish you'd include Cricklewood in Santa Rosa. Love their steak and lobster! Great food and no one ever knows where it is when I rave about it. They need some press because the food is awesome.
s on Thursday and notify you by noon via email.

I'll take the tickets by 10am Friday morning.

Simply Delicious ( Stony Point Rd, Santa Rosa, CA) serves up some truly great italian food in a laid back setting. For italian, the prices can't be beat - splendid eggplant parmesan for $8 bucks is a steal. It's in a strip mall, and a bit out of the way, but totally worth it. They have several great salads, and pizzas as well. My only complaint is the television playing sports. But the food is so good, I overlook it. I'm sure a lot of folks would see that as a bonus anyway. My husband and I fight over scraps and almost always lick the plates clean. They also do a lot of take out which is nice if you want a great meal at home.

I can pick up tics on Friday morning. And as 2 starving nursing students who love good food, we'd sure appreciate it.

DAGNABBIT ... In Phoenix that day!
Ya'll have fun! Best restaurant? 8D
"My House"...references available on request!

Cucina Paradiso in Petaluma is one of my favorites! Always good and great service.

Bones Roadhouse in Gualala. Great Barbeque fun atmosphere and a great drive up. Staying local, I love the ribeye at Stormys in Bloomfield.

My boyfriend and i love the pizza at THE NEW YORKER in petaluma. It's the best. They have great salads and pasta, as well. Their staff is friendly too.

Cafe Mocha in 397 Aviation Blvd Santa Rosa

My household's new comfort restaurant; included are two vegetarians. Great veggie burgers , and an eggs benedict to rival Hank's and Adel's.

P.S. Love your emails. I'm always in with my foodie friends. ;-)

Heather,

I was utterly shocked to see that El Palomar, (formerly Mazatlan) located on 4th St. in Santa Rosa has not been reviewed on Bite Club!

This restaurant has been on 4th St. forever, putting out the best burritos, and meat quesadillas in Northern California.

Every time we go there, (and that is a lot) they are so consistent. The meat they put in their burritos & Quesadillas is 2nd to none. It is the way they cook it and put it in that is brilliant!

Go down there and order the "El Pastor" Quesadilla, which is marinated and then grilled pork, and you will see exactly what I am talking about. Honestly, you will probably feel compelled to go back the next day and get it again it is so good.

Their Chicken is perfect with just the right flavor. Their Grilled Chicken Super Burrito is also amazing!

By the way, I have absolutely no affiliation with this restaurant, except for the fact that I eat there all the time because it is wonderful!

Thanks Heather!

-Scott J. Barbieri

El Malecon, 217 Southwest Blvd, RP ca.
Papusas to die for. My favorite is the mixed pupusa=Cheese, Beans and meat. Pupusas are made fresh at time of order. The chilaquiles are also delicious, best ive ever had, dont tell my grama I said that!

Owner Rocio is the sweetest.

Harvest Moon Cafe in Sonoma is one of the best restaurants in the county. The place is very small with a great patio out back. Everything is made to order, even the risotto. It is run out of a small kitchen by husband and wife, who either one of them or both worked at Chez Panise. The desserts are to die for, absolutely amazing. I've been there many of times and each time I've had something that was the best I've ever had.

You definitely need to visit El Coronel in Sebastopol. It's located across Fir Crest Market and there food is delicious. My brother introduced me to it a few years back and they've never done me wrong.

I would also like to see Martha's Old Mexico in Sebastopol. The owners are related to the owners of Old Mexico in Santa Rosa. The food there is also great. Small location...big flavor

And last but not leat, Fon Lin Chinese Restaurant located at 2770 Stony Pt. Rd. Ste A. All the guys at my work and even I swear by their Salt & Pepper Pork Chops. Marvelous works of wonder and deinitely addicting.

I really like Tony's on Hwy 1 in Marshall (Tomales Bay) - it is a lovely drive, good food, and is not pretentious like Nick's. Very casual and oh boy, the fish tacos! Yum.

Gramma's Pizza in Sonoma. Weird location next to Rite Aid but wonderful gelato, fabulous pizza crust and a must for patio dining.

El Charro [ Mexican] in Rite Aid plaza at the south end
of Farmers Lane. Also The Fig Cafe in Glen Ellen.

My favorite's in Cloverdale,
Though I don't know the name,
Alas, I probably won't win the tickets,
As that's a prerequisite of the game!

If you're a local you'd know,
What I mean when I say,
By Citrus Fairgrounds, across from the gas station,
Meet me for lunch there any day!

Vietnamese is the cuisine,
Try more than one dish, don't be in a hurry,
The chicken satay app is super-peanuty,
My fav? The spicy pumpkin curry!

I know the phone number by heart,
For take-out 894-5697,
I promise you won't be disappointed,
You'll think you've died and gone to heaven!

PS by the way, Heather -- I make the best grilled pizzas!

Terrapin Cafe in Bodega Bay, CA please.
Please submit my name for the tix to Taste of Railroad Square.
See you there and thanks for your blog!

Taqueria El Farolito has amazing mission style burritos. They even grill the tortillas just like my favorite mission restaurants. I'm available to pick tickets up Friday morning!

Osake is my favorite sushi bar and i believe it should be added and Marthas Old Mexican Restaurant is my favorite mexican food

PIZZA GOURMET in the Raley's shopping center Fulton and Guernevill rd , Santa Rosa

Honey Cuisine, 1712 E. Cotati Ave. Rohnert Park. It's located right across the street from SSU and serves a terrific menu of Korean and Japanese dishes. I can't get enough of their soba noodle salad! The food always tastes very fresh, portions are generous and the kitchen is willing to adjust dishes to a diner's taste. The staff is friendly and attentive and the dining room is clean as a whistle. Very reasonable prices make this one an all-around winner!

Tickets: Taste of Railroad Square...Cricklewood...best prime rib in Sonoma County

I'll give you the name of a quiet, secluded bistro that few know about - my kitchen! If you were to pick me, you can get directions to the BEST rib eye, seafood, italian meal you can sink your teeth into! And don't get me started about the wine pairings!
So, come Heather, choose me! Oh, did I say that you wrote the best article in Savor magazine? Rivetting!!

Fremont Diner, 2660 Fremont Drive, Sonoma. The atomosphere right out of a Norman Rockwell print and the food is as fresh and flavorful as can be. Big change from Babe's Burgers that used to be in that location.

I'd love to get a review of the Baan Thai place in the Larkfield shopping center. They have new owners and I have not been in years. Would love to know how good their thai is. Pick me!! Pick me!!

Doce Lunas in Kenwood always goes unnoticed. The staff is friendly and fun and the chef comes to the tables (when he can) and talks about your meal or the game on TV. And it's way better than 2 of the other 3 places in town...

Underground Coffee and Cafe in Cloverdale. Yummy sandwiches, soups, baked goods, coffee. Located in downtown Cloverdale in a 'shopping mall' that has an antique store, book store and jewelry store! Underground is in the middle of it all!

bite club doesn't list many Thai restaurants (3?) or town-of-Sonoma restaurants (2) at present. I recommend Rin's Thai in Sonoma for both its excellent food (I especially like the charbroiled prawn salad) and lovely ambiance (a pretty Victorian house + patio dining). Prices of food & wine v. reasonable, and service great. Oh, how I'd love to win a taste of Railroad Square...

Single Tree Inn Cafe
165 Healdsburg Ave
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-8263

Fantabulous breakfast! Great specials, every bite yummy.

One of the best mexican restaurants in SR is El Azteca on Airway Drive (between Piner & Industrial). Their Carnitas burrito is so full of yummy carnitas meat that it could fill 2 burritos! Their food is consistantly good and fresh time and again.

Hey, what about Annapurna! C'mon, Heather, you must have eaten lunch there at some point as a PD staffer. Best lunch in Sonoma County IMHO -- any day of the week from 11a-2p you can walk right in and dish up the freshest, best "fast" food for miles. There are always vegetarian dishes and some kind of curry dish, along with the standard tandoori, dal, rice, and naan. Good stuff. The dinner menu is much broader and quite outstanding.

Up in the northern section of Sonoma County there isn't much fine dining, especially after Santi pulls up stakes. But there is an excellent Italian restaurant in Cloverdale; Piacere. The owners, Juan & Mary, are always on site and stop by to say hello. Juan is the chef and Mary makes a killer tiramisu. Give them a try.

Oh, and "pick me, pick me".

El Mariachi on Sebastopol Road - the first burrito I tried when I moved to CA and it's still the best!

One of my favorite local mexican restaurants is El Patio on 4th St. Equally good is their cousin, Taco Shop on Piner Rd. at Coffey Lane.

Marvin's in Cotati is one of my favorites for breakfast. The omelettes are huge, delicious, and the prices are right. You can also eat outside, especially when it is a beautiful Sonoma County morning!

Or, there is always Dos Amigos in Cotati. I crave it ALL the time!! EVERYTHING is fabulous! The shredded beef is flavorful and cooked to perfection!

Ochoa's Mexican Restaurant. I go to the one on Marlow, never tried the location in Sebastopol. Good food, big portions.

Try Maya's in Sonoma. They have the best cocktails and appetizers.

WISH YOU WOULD INCLUDE...
The Swiss Hotel & Restaurant on the square in Sonoma. Great food, fabulous wine selection, cute little bar...I really like the ambiance (you can eat outside on a warm evening and it's lovely). This is for one of those fancier nights out, but everyone can use some special treatment now and then. Not to mention, after dinner you can cruise the square or ramble through the park. Perfect date night!!

Surprised you don't have Ravenette in Healdsburg. It's a tiny, cozy gem that locals have enjoyed for quite a while.

Heather, I THINK I searched correctly (I'm a little confused) but could not find "Garden Grill" on Hwy 116 just west of downtown Guerneville. They have THEE BEST burger I have found in Sonoma Co. The meat is Angus beef, so juicy and they serve them on wonderful "soft" Ciabatti rolls. The fries are to die for...not "truffle" oiled up or Parmesan'd, just plain ol delicious freshly cut perfectly cooked fries. Their soup is home-made and I hear they have a really good breakfast as well. I have to work at M-G both days so can't use the tickets but wanted to pass this on to you. Ciao!

Lila's Mexican Restaurant on Yulupa has great food. I'm very fond of the chile relleno and grilled chicken anything

I don't see that you've tried Murphy's Irish Pub in Sonoma. They have new owners and a new menu. Give it a whirl or swill!

Cheers!

I'll pony up Thai Kitchen Restaurant (next to Oliver's in Cotati). Yummmmmm . . . red curry vegetarian. Though must second both El Patio (Carne Asada super burrito w/ just the right amount of cilantro) and Cafe Giostra (it's all good).

Murphys Irish Pub! Excellent fish and chips, great cole slaw, and a REALLY good pickle on the side!

My friend and I like to breakfast at the Village Cafe in the Raley's Shopping Center at Fulton Rd & Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa. The bacon there is great.

Graffiti in Petaluma - A nice find; not what I was expecting. Food was very fresh and tasty. Great coconut encrusted prawns and blackened catfish.

El Patio on stony point rd. in the longs plaza. They have the best chile rellenos I have ever had (except, of course the one I make at home.) Their carnitas are crispy and not too greasy. Everything is of good quality and fresh, fresh, fresh. Also their hot sause is medium hot and muy saboraso.

JOHN BARLEYCORN'S.....................Great burgers in Bennett Valley. Full bar too.

I have to agree with Sandy -- Hunan Village is our go to spot for great Chinese food.

Cafe Giostra in Petaluma -- a diamond is the rough. Giostra is in the collection of stores and fast food places over by the Orchard Supply Store - a gem of an Italian restaurant in a not-so-lovely location. The salads are divine, the pastas delicious and comforting and the chicken piccata heavenly.

Hunan Village is the best Chinese in Petaluma

A real WINNER for adults and kids alike would be Hamburger Ranch and Spagetti Palace in Cloverdale!
It took me, a Geyservillian years to get there, shame on me..The ribs had been slow cooked from early morning, and my sons hamburger was delicious. A must for my son..free refills on soda pop!! Now let talk desert, the pumpkin something..I forgot the official name, but it is their signature desert was good enough to order a second for the three of us to share! Authentic, local haunt..pincic tables outside, weekend BBQ oysters, ribs..etc. Just plain old YUM..without breaking the bank.

I think Doce Lunas in Kenwood deserves some attention. Not only do they have carefully executed interesting dishes, but they also have a fantastic 3 course meal at a great price! They've been very nice the few times I've been in and my friend had her rehearsal dinner there and was very pleased!
PS-I'd love to win the tickets since my teacher's budget doesn't really include these kinds of things!

Tonayan Mexican Restaurant in Rohnert Park. Absolutely by far the best Mexican food anywhere. A relaxed friendly atmosphere and everything on the menu is wonderful. A must try!

La Plaza Mexican Restaurant on Santa Rosa Avenue. They put some sort of addictive chemical in the carnitas that makes me crave it fortnightly!

Mendo Bistro in Fort Bragg is a great spot, soulful food, great value, friendly staff. Crabcakes have won so often in the annual Crabcake Cookoff that they are barred from entering. Now Nicholas Petty is the head judge. He is the bomb. Not Sonoma County, but only 2 hours away.

Caffe Portofino! Always fresh and tasty. Everything cooked to perfection, but not pretentious. Also very lively with a great staff, a nice wine list, perfect drinks, and Stella.

I would love to win tix to Taste of Railroad Square - you do not have Namaste in Petaluma on your list. Great indian food, nice people!

Has to be Old Chicago Pizza in Petaluma. Better Chicago style pizza than what you get in the windy city... just don't plan to do anything other than sleep afterward!

The best Italian restaraunt in the whole world is Simona's in Ukiah california. They use to be Angelos Italian restaraunt then retired but came back by large demand!!! The best pasta and sausage ever!!!! They were born and raised in Italy and make their food the real italian way!

Boonville General store. Amazing organic chicken salad sandwich on homemade organic sourdough with local organic greens and lots of other delicious items for breakfast and lunch!!

Bones Roadhouse in Gualala.......awesome BBQ....their homemade tater chips are TDF! The brisket is my fave!

Russian River Pub !!!! Great breakfast and great wings and burgers !!!!

Working on a pizza piece this week!

By the way... I love you guys. This is so great! I love these recommendations! Keep 'em coming!!!!

How about NY Pizza Pie on 4th street, for us average joe's who love a good slice of NY style pizza every now and then. The owner is a social guy who will be willing to strike up a conversation any time you wish. Bring friends because the large is gigantic.

I know this doesn't answer your question, but don't forget the Cotati Accordion Festival- also going on this weekend. I couldn't find anything on the website about food vendors. Anyone know who will be there serving up grub?

Since moving back to Sonoma County two years ago I have found only a couple of Mexican restaurants worth eating at. The one my wife and I eat at most is El Azteca in Santa Rosa. The food is great. The Chimis and Carne Asada are some of the best I have had. Price is good and you always get enough.

Heather, Senju Sushi in Windsor is terrific. Order off the menu like a local and order their Sunflower Roll, it's knockout.

Fancy expensive places are nice every once in a while, but what about our diners, drive-ins and dives...My first stop for our county's best burger and mountain of fries is Sequoia Drive-In, hwy 116 south, Sebastopol. Nothing beats the Redwood burger with bacon! and sharing the massive mound of fries with your friends!!!

Ca'Bianca the taste of Northern Italy at it's best with authentic italian flvors atmosphere and history (the old Marshall House)which dates back to the mid 1800's. The fettuccine with black truffles -my favorite- has a taste that is unbelievable. I always feel like I am back in Italy when I enjoy a grat meal at Ca'Bianca.

I just went to the new Tomi Thai in Windsor. They took over the spot left by Odyssey. Have only been there once but the drunken noodles and red curry was very yummy.

Hi Heather,

My favorite lunchtime place to eat is the "Final Edition" in Larkfield Shopping Center. The make the best Bacon-Cheeseburger in town.

Papa's pizza in Cloverdale - stumbled into this older local pizza parlor and was pleasantly surprised to have a tasty bite of their fresh beatball mozzarella sandwich - yum! You have to check it out.

I can pick up tickets on Friday if I win, yay!

It's a little further away, but Sonoma Latina Grill in Novato - in the Hamilton Marketplace - is fantastic! Real, organic, natural - with homemade tortillas, and fantastic carnitas! It is reasonably priced, and the staff is very friendly. Please let people know about this delicious, fast-casual restaurant!

Papa's pizza in Cloverdale has an amazing meatball sandwhich with melted mozzarella! Yum! Stumbled into this older pizza parlor one hot day and was pleasantly surprised to find such a tasty bite!

I can pick up the tickets on Friday so please pull my name! :-)

http://www.michaelssourdough.com/

Micheals sourdough sandwich shop in petaluma is a gem. It may not be a restaurant but it is a rare find. The bread is baked fresh and warm when you get your sandwich. They use Boar's head meats. It takes less time to get a fresh, yummy, and wonderful sandwich then it does to get fast food! It is located in a small shop near a ballet studio (near the car lots)- never knew it was there. I swear it is the best sandwich place around!

E-Saan Thai House

18629 Sonoma Hwy # 88
Sonoma, CA 95476-4429

(707) 939-9077‎

Best Thai Food in Sonoma County. When I eat here, I feel like I'm back in the Trang, hanging with my Peace Corps friends again.

Hello! So, this is a bit ironic, but I can't find Khoom Lanna (...on Railroad Square) mentioned in Bite Club. When we lived in the West End, this was our go to Thai place, and we never went away unsatisfied. Their soups are particularly tasty. Another great place that I couldn't find using your search function is Gilardi's Deli in Windsor. They have a huge lunch following, and my office uses them as caterers (fantastic broccoli cheddar soup...) and always receives rave reviews. These two should definitely make it onto the site. Thanks.

I would love to see Redd in Yountville featured. Beautiful restaurant in a great town, polite and attentive staff, and to DIE for tasting menu. The scallops with cauliflower puree is amazing. More people need to know about this place!

Martha's Old Mexican Restaurant in Sebastopol - great "real" Mexican food - and you can eat outside on the patio!

Dear Ms. Irwin,
Please include my favorite Mexican restaurant, Taqueria La Tapatia in Guerneville, in your BiteClub column. I have been on a mission to try every Mexican restaurant in Sonoma County since I moved here four years ago. My litmus test for authenticity is chile rellenos. Taqueria La Tapatia far surpasses all of the other Mexican restaurants I have tried. The chiles have a bit of heat to them and are very fresh, unlike many of the canned, bland chiles I have tasted. The cheese inside is flavorful, plentiful and absolutely melts in your mouth. The side dishes are also well-executed, with intense flavor and a lovely presentation. I'd love the Taste of Railroad tickets if they are available still. Many thanks!

When I worked in Petaluma, I enjoyed a great many lunches at Mr. Pickles sandwich shop. Love, love, love the garlic sauce. They also make killer salads as well. They never skimped on things like avocado either (I hate when you add on something and don't get a fair amount!).

WISH YOU'D INCLUDE...Calibri Cafe! You must go!!!! Everytime I go there, a new dish pleasantly surprises me. Everything on that menu is delish!!! Props to the chef!

Would also love to see you come to St. Helena and dine at the Wine Spectator Restaurant at Greystone at the CIA! ;-)

Hey Heather-

I'm a Santa Rosa native with a new job over in Napa. I am getting to learn the way of the lunch land over in this valley. A good rule of thumb, follow the locals! The locals over here go CRAZY for the Small World Cafe&Restaurant (928 Coombs St, Dwtn Napa, CA, 224-7743)and I can see why. HUGE portions, GREAT prices, and SERIOUSLY-THE BEST FALAFELS AROUND!!! Serves beer and wine and features "foods from Nazareth and Around the World," hence the name. In and out for lunch under $10-in NAPA! In this economy, this place gets super busy during lunch hour for good reason!

Actually Heather, it's not "officially" listed. So don't fret.

Is it totally obvious that i'm testing my search functionality here? :)
I'm trying to see if restaurants people want to find come up easily or not.

Oh well, two birds, one stone.
h

Hi Heather-

Would love to see you visit one my all-time favorite taquerias-- Taqueria Santa Rosa on Mendocino Ave. They have excellent Al Pastor and I love their small quesadilla marina, but so many things there are good.

Ooh, I found one! Kara's Cupcakes in Napa. You mention the one in the city in a reference to Sift cupcakes, but no mention that we now have Kara's fine lemon cupcakes up here in wine country! They're fantastic, as long as you avoid the chocolate frosting.

okay, i deserve several snarky responsess - just re-read the instructions and searched in the *correct* search bar this time --- to find about 47 positive reviews of Sam's Sebastopol Road... In the words of Roseanne Rosanna Danna: Never Mind! Many apologies...