BiteClub Eats

Santa Rosa bistro is what Applebee’s can only aspire to: Good eating in the neighborhood.

For months now, BiteClubbers have been lauding the breakfast-time merits of Carlos Country Kitchen, the red-checkered diner off College Avenue. Bordered by a gas station, botanica and car-repair shops just past the 101 overpass, the neighborhood isn’t the most charming. There were some health inspection issues that were corrected. But hey, it keeps out the dilettantes and dabblers–though certainly not fans who pack the parking lot to overflow capacity

Hot Dogs: Though Wine Country doesn’t even register among the top hot dog consuming spots (New York is, not surprisingly number 1 with LA coming in second) a handful of doggeries have opened in recent months to rave reviews. Uh, especially among local chefs who among their most rabid fans.

Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches in Santa Rosa

Cafe Saint Rose: Mark’s already proven himself to locals–from his years of service as winery chef and caterer to his ever-intruiging menus at the old Saint Rose. We get it. But the new spot reflects more of his comfort with comfort foods. Easy-going preparations of farm-fresh ingredients that feel so very right in Sebastopol.

Ad Hoc: Though the restaurant was only supposed to be a temporary experiment, Thomas Keller’s home-style prix-fix diner has settled in for the long haul.

Original Fieri eatery, Johnny Garlic’s lacks the fire and panache you might expect from Guy