Rendering of Social Club Exterior

More SF players moving north: The team behind SF’s CIRCA, The Cosmopolitan and Parlor Bar plan to open The Social Club, in Petaluma this July.

Taking over the long-empty Pazzo space at 132 Keller Street, Exec Chef Steven Levine will create a rustic American menu around a wood-fired oven and grill expected to include smoked short ribs, grilled Angus hangar steak, Prather Ranch burgers and Sonoma fried chicken. Prices will range from $5 to $24. Levine garnered critical acclaim for The Cosmopolitan and was the former chef of Freestyle in Sonoma. Owners are currently looking for a chef de cuisine.

Big names attached include restaurateur Mick Suverkrubbe, designer Lauren Germia ((Blackbird, Churchill, Citizens Band), a beverage program developed by Alex Fox (Bar Tartine, Gary Danko and Myth) and GM Damion Wallace (Wexler’s, Bistro Aix, Gary Danko and Myth).

The bar menu will include 50 bottled craft beers, single malt whiskeys, scotches and bourbons, along with an affordable wine list. Outdoor fire-pits and a large patio are a key outdoor feature planned for the restaurant.

Wednesday night steps up the food scene at the Downtown Market.

BBQ is becoming a Sonoma County thing.  Dad and Son’s hits it out of the park with carefully smoked brisket, St. Louis style ribs and four kinds of sauce, including Alabama white. Cochon Volant, from Chef Rob Larman (La Poste, Sonoma) brings bbq onsite with a custom made smoker, 5 Dot Ranch meat, ABC baking buns and his own pickled red onions. Two very different personalities, but both equally charming.

Republic of Paradise smoked, fried tofu stuffed with mushrooms, fresh arugula salad and sweet potato chips only teases to the rest of the lineup of jerk chicken and steamed pork buns. For southeast Asian noodle fanatics, pho-style rice noodles laden with fresh and pickled veggies, pork, chicken and hard-boiled eggs in a fragrant broth.

Eat. Eat. Eat.

If there’s one holiday you better get right, it’s Mother’s Day (May 13). Not because your mama slaved away for years, raising you right. Not because even though you’re 41, she still worries about you. And not because she has helped you out of too many jams to count. But because mom deserves a day where she gets to be the center of attention, for once.

And while scrambled eggs in bed, homemade cards and hugs are much appreciated, we’ve found a few other events to make your favorite lady feel extra special — from Elvis impersonators to luxe brunches.

But no matter what you do, just make sure to tell her how much you love her.

Saturday
Edible Bouquet Class for Kids
Small chefs aged 6-10 can make cake, cookie and chocolate lollipops to put in an edible bouquet for mom (if it lasts that long). Recipe packet and arrangement included. 10a.m. to noon, $30. G&G Market, 1211 West College Ave., Santa Rosa. Register at gandgmarket.com.

Queen for a Day Cooking Class & Brunch
Fun in the kitchen, with a tasty reward. Chef Annie Simmons offers a hands-on class that includes a sparkling wine fruit cocktail, lemon-lavender beignets, spring veggie salad with Champagne vinaigrette, smoked salmon and Florentine Benedicts. Berry meringue trifle for dessert. 10a.m. to 1p.m., $90, 450 W. Spain St., Sonoma.

Sunday
Flock to the Flock
Canvas Ranch, home to babydoll lambs and cashmere goats, invites families to an old-fashioned farm day social from 11a.m. to 4p.m. Bring a blanket and picnic to eat on the lawn, shop their fresh farm products and enjoy a little country air. Free for CSA members; adults $10, children $3. 755 Tomales Road, Petaluma.

Cheap Kitchen Inspiration
The BrokeAss Gourmet, aka Gabi Moskowitz, celebrates the release of her cookbook at The Olive Press from 11a.m. to 3p.m., featuring tips on maximizing grocery shopping and making meals under $20 (like oven-fried sriracha chicken). Enter mom in a raffle for a liter of extra virgin olive oil and a copy of the cookbook. 24724 Arnold Dr., Sonoma.

For the Birds
Take a guided hike through the Martin Griffin Preserve and observe nesting mother egrets near the Bolinas Lagoon, along with a barbecue luncheon of chicken (don’t tell the egrets) or vegetarian quiche. $25 for adults, $12 for children. The event is a benefit for the Audubon Canyon Ranch and Marin Audubon Society. Tickets required: marinaudubon.org or (415) 453-2216.

Picnic in the Blooms
Sonoma Valley Winery Chateau St. Jean celebrates moms with the annual Fete De La Fleur. Stroll through the gardens, in full bloom, sample wine and hors d’oeuvres and take a terroir tour. $25, (877) 478-5326 for reservations. 8555 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood.

Elvis Your Mama
Treat your queen to the King! The AllwaysElvis Show & Band channels the Viva Las Vegas vibe, rocking by the river at Stumptown Brewery from 2 to 7p.m. No cover, 15045 River Road, Guerneville

Brunches
Brasserie: Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Salad ($13), Humboldt Fog tomato galette ($10), Seafood Louie Salad, fish and chips, roasted chicken breast or treat her to filet mignon with bacon potato puree ($36). 10a.m. to 3p.m., Hyatt Vineyard Creek, 170 Railroad St., Santa Rosa.

Duck Club: Seafood buffet, assorted breakfast pastries, Thai beef salad, quiche plus mushroom chicken crepes, pan-roasted salmon, eggs Benedict, berry waffle, creme brulee, mini cheesecakes. Starter and dessert buffet, entrees a la carte. Adults $39, children under 12, $19.

Zazu: Cornmeal waffle, smoked salmon, bacon burger with onion rings, maple glazed donuts with bacon, $39, 523-4814, reservations required. 3535 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa.

Corks: Scones, cheeses and choice of smoked salmon scramble, steak and eggs, crab and asparagus omelet, dessert ($42.95) and special kids brunch menu with french toast, grilled cheese sandwich, buttered pasta ($19.95). 5700 California, Forestville.

Estate: House salumis, eggs Benedict, veggie frittata, brunch pizza, bacon panini, berry semifreddo, $32 per pesron, $15 for kid under 11. Reservations required. 400 West Spain St., Sonoma, 933-3663.

Hungry for more? Check out BiteClubEats.com for updated food and dining news.

Summerfield Waldorf School and Farm presents the 6th annual Farm to Feast dinner and auction on their biodynamic farm.

The event includes pre-dinner wine tasting, an online and silent auction, a farm-to-table dinner, live music and dancing. Enjoy a bonfire at dusk, as well as artwork and music under Summerfield’s circus ten at this simply elegant, yet relaxed celebratory fundraiser out on the farm.

Chefs Traci Des Jardins of Jardiniere and Manzanita, Duskie Estes and John Stewart of zazu and Black Pig Meat Co. and Lowell Sheldon of Peter Lowell’s Cafe prepare a dinner that includes dessert by Patricia Tan of Farmhouse Inn with service orchestrated by Nick Peyton of Cyrus.

Check out the online auction at biddingforgood.com/farmtofeast.org April 2-May 19, 2012 to bid on unique arts and services, gourmet meals, natural products, and much more.

Regrets on not announcing this sooner, because I know that Craig was well known to many in the food community:

Restaurateur (Bella Luma Caffe) and well-known Petaluman Craig Stammler died suddenly on April 22, 2012. Friends, family and community gathered at the Mystic Theater to celebrate his life. Stammler, who worked with wife Melanie at StarStruck Boutique and most recently at LoCoco’s Cucina Rustica in Santa Rosa was 50.

Sign the guest book
Read the full obituary

Photographer and friend Will Bucquoy shares his photos…

Just a week after opening his new burger cafe in downtown Santa Rosa, Flipside and Rendez Vous restaurant owner Nino Rabbaa tells BiteClub he’ll also be opening a burger concession at Spring Lake Park this summer.

Though an official announcement from the Regional Parks has yet been made, insiders confirmed Rabbaa’s intent to take over the concession stand near the swimming pond. That may sound like small potatoes, but Spring Lake averages more than 600,000 visitors each year, with 300,000 folks visiting nearby Annadel Park.

What’s even more intriguing? There’s discussion of a possible construction of a cafe/restaurant inside the park being explored. The concession, which typically runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, will join a fleet of food trucks who pull up to Spring Lake’s boat ramp each Tuesday from 4p.m. to dusk throughout the summer.

The new outpost of Rosso Pizzeria and Wine Bar opens Monday, May 14, 2012 in Petaluma’s Theater District.

Think again if you’re expecting a carbon copy of the Santa Rosa restaurant. It’s more like an evolution, said co-owner Kevin Cronin.  The 25-item menu includes some familiar favorites (calamari fritti, housemade burrata, margherita pizza) but ventures into new territory with a dedicated latteria (a cheese bar) featuring Ramini buffalo mozzarella, braised leeks with burrata and stretched-to-order mozzarella. “In Petaluma, we’re reflecting the focus on cheese and dairy,” said Cronin.

Also added to the menu are dishes including tripe, Italian Surf and Turf (roasted pork belly with Drake’s Bay crispy oysters), a Clam Pie with Manila clams, a smoked brick chicken pizza and a piadini (flatbread) Po Boy with oysters, remoulade, romaine, shaved fennel and bacon vinaigrette.

Gluten-free pizzas are available. Because no one should have to miss out on this opening. 25+ wines by the glass, plus beer. No dessert, cause they don’t do that.

Rosso Pizzeria Petaluma, 151 Petaluma Blvd S., Petaluma

Though many mark summer’s start and finish line by the bookends of Memorial and Labor Day, the opening of the Wednesday Night Market signals the season in Santa Rosa.

This year, the Santa Rosa Downtown Market (best known as Wednesday Night Market) kicks off May 9 at 5p.m., lasting until 8:30p.m. in downtown Santa Rosa (Fourth St. between Mendocino and D St.). This year, the market will move a bit further eastward, with the wine tasting area near Flavor Bistro and four live stages.

Though there’s plenty to see, hear and do, BiteClub’s main mission is the food. Here’s your cheat sheet to new vendors, along with recommendations for old favorites…

New
Republic of Paradise: Sebastopol-based caterers serve up beef adobo(!), jerk tofu and chicken wraps, humba pork buns (pork stewed in cinnamon, star anise and soy), flan.

Cochon Volant: Chef Rob Larman’s mobile bbq has been turning up throughout Sonoma County, but rarely in Santa Rosa. The former La Poste (Sonoma) toque makes a mean sauce.

Real Cool Frozen Treats: Don’t call these popsicles. Chef Maria deCorpo’s frozen ice pops are made with Meyer Lemon, carrot ginger and other exotic flavors. She’s adding dessert sandwiches featuring Screaming Mimi’s strawberry ice cream as well.

Zoup Street Noodle: Vietnamese and Thai flavors infuse noodle soups and pho.

Taste of Louisiana: Jambalaya, chicken gumbo, shrimp Creole and hot links.

Ana’s Catering: Mexican favorites

Returning
Street Eatz: The market’s only food truck
Rosso Pizzeria: Wood-fired gourmet pizzas
Ultimate Souvlaki: Bobby the Greek’s gyros and Mediterranean eats
Lata Indian: Authentic curries and vegetarian options
Nellie’s Oysters: BBQ oysters
Mommy’s Yammys: Eclectic Mediterranean eats
Dad & Son’s BBQ: Tasty bbq
Ralph’s, Chicago Style Hot Dogs: Courthouse Square legend, Ralph’s and new(ish) cart king, Chicago Style Hot Dogs both serve up wieners with serious street cred.

Plus: Pink Elephant cotton candy, Harvey’s mini donuts, Thai House, Cold Stone Creamery, Ralph’s, Mary’s Pizza Shack, Hullabaloo Pretzels, Johnny Garlic’s, Kettle Corn, Mom’s Apple Pie, RCC Lemonade, Snowie, Fancy Funnel Cakes, Vero’s, California Thai, Pasta King

They’re the most important food writing awards of the year — The annual James Beard Foundation Awards for cookbooks, journalism and media.

This year, few surprises, with Nathan Myhrvold’s $600+ epic cooking masterpiece, Modernist Cuisine taking the prize for Cookbook of the year. Amanda Hesser’s Food52 won for publication of the year, along with Gastronomica. Locally, Heidi Swanson (101cookbooks.com) won in the “Focus on Health” category with Super Natural Every Day, and Paula Wolfert won for her book, The Food of Morocco.

Congrats to all the winners.

2012 James Beard Foundation Book Awards

Cookbook of the Year

Modernist Cuisine
Nathan Myhrvold with Chris Young and Maxime Bilet
 (The Cooking Lab)

Cookbook Hall of Fame

Laurie Colwin
Home Cooking and More Home Cooking

American Cooking
A New Turn in the South: Southern Flavors Reinvented for Your Kitchen
Hugh Acheson (Clarkson Potter)

Baking and Dessert

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Home
Jeni Britton Bauer
(Artisan)

Beverage
Bitters: A Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, with Cocktails, Recipes, & Formulas
Brad Thomas Parsons
(Ten Speed Press)

Cooking from a Professional Point of View
Modernist Cuisine
Nathan Myhrvold with Chris Young and Maxime Bilet 
(The Cooking Lab)

General Cooking

Ruhlman’s Twenty
Michael Ruhlman
 (Chronicle Books)

Focus on Health

Super Natural Every Day: Well-Loved Recipes from My Natural Foods Kitchen
Heidi Swanson (Ten Speed Press)

International
The Food of Morocco
Paula Wolfert (Ecco)

Photography

Notes from a Kitchen: A Journey Inside Culinary Obsession
Artist/Photographer: Jeff Scott 
(Tatroux)

Reference and Scholarship

Turning the Tables: Restaurants and the Rise of the American Middle Class, 1880-1920
Andrew P. Haley 
(The University of North Carolina Press)

Single Subject
All About Roasting
Molly Stevens 
(W.W. Norton & Company)

Writing and Literature 

Blood, Bones & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef
Gabrielle Hamilton 
(Random House)

2012 James Beard Foundation Journalism Awards
Publications of the Year
Amanda Hesser
Food52

Darra Goldstein
Gastronomica

Cooking, Recipes, or Instruction
Anna Thomas
EatingWell
, “The Soup for Life”

Environment, Food Politics, and Policy

Ben Paynter
Fast Company
, “The Sweet Science”

Food Coverage in a Food-Focused Publication
Saveur
James Oseland

Food Coverage in a General-Interest Publication

Lesley Bargar Suter
Los Angeles, 
”Chinese Food in L.A.,” “It’s Time for Breakfast in L.A,” “Food Lovers Guide”

Food Culture and Travel

Fuchsia Dunlop
The Financial Times, 
”Global Menu: Kicking Up a Stink”

Food-Related Columns

Lettie Teague
The Wall Street Journal, 
On Wine: Lettie Teague: “Drink, Memory: How to Remember that Wine;” “In Praise of the One-Cabernet Lunch;” “May I recommend: Lessons of Great Sommeliers”

Group Food Blog
The Salt: NPR’s Food Blog
Maria Godoy
npr.org/blogs/thesalt

Health and Well-Being
Maureen O’Hagan
The Seattle Times, 
”Feeling the Weight: The Emotional Battle to Control Kids’ Diet”

Humor
Brett Martin
GQ, 
”The Hangover Part III”

Individual Food Blog
Poor Man’s Feast
Elissa Altman
, Poormansfeast.com
 “Craving the Food of Depravity”

Personal Essay
Cal Fussman
Esquire.com
, “Drinking at 1,300 Ft: A 9/11 Story About Wine and Wisdom”

Profile
Susan Choi
Food & Wine
, “The Spice Wizardry of Lior Lev Sercarz”

Visual Storytelling
Landon Nordeman
Saveur, 
”Soul of Sicily,” “BBQ Nation,” “Heart of the Valley”

Wine, Spirits, and Other Beverages
Sarah Karnasiewicz
Imbibe
”Fizzy Business”

Craig Claiborne Distinguished Restaurant Review Award
Alan Richman
GQ
”The Very Tasty Liberation of Paris,” “I Heart SF,” “Diner for Schmucks”

MFK Fisher Distinguished Writing Award
John T. Edge
Saveurm 
”BBQ Nation”

2012 James Beard Foundation Broadcast Media Awards

Radio Show/Audio Webcast
Fear of Frying: Culinary Nightmares
Host: Nina Barrett
Area: WBEZ
Producer: Jason Marck

Special/Documentary (Television or Video Webcast)
A Matter of Taste: Serving Up Paul Liebrandt
Network: HBO
Producers: Sally Rowe, Rachel Mills, and Alan Oxman

Television Program, In Studio or Fixed Location
Chopped
Host: Ted Allen
Network: Food Network
Producers: Linda Lea, Dave Noll, and Vivian Sorenson

Television Program, On Location
Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern
Host: Andrew Zimmern
Network: Travel Channel
Producer: Andrew Zimmern

Television Segment
CBS News Sunday Morning
Host: Martha Teichner
Network: CBS
Producers: Lauren Barnello, Jon Carras, Edward Forgotson, Patrick Lee, and David Small

Video Webcast
eatTV with Jamie Tiampo
Eattv.com
Host: Jamie Tiampo
Producers: Suzanne Glickstein, Jimmy McCoy, and Jamie Tiampo

Media Personality/Host (Television or Video Webcast)
Host: Ted Allen
Show: Chopped
Network: Food Network

Bacon beckons at St. Francis Vineyards on May 19, when the Sonoma Valley winery hosts it’s Luxury Bacon Dinner. It’s a porktastic voyage that includes a bacon-stuffed roulade of beef, chicken fried bacon and gravy, smoked bacon tamari and banana bread with bacon lardons for dessert. 100 Pythian Road at Hwy 12, Santa Rosa.