BiteClub Eats http://www.biteclubeats.com/ Santa Rosa, Sonoma, Napa and Wine Country Restaurants and Dining from the Press Democrat's Heather Irwin. Short, sweet, sassy and just what you need to know. en Copyright 2010 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:45:58 -0800Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:44:12 -0800Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:52:36 -0800 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Rocket Cafe Sonoma rocketcafe.jpgCatering sisters Molly and Liz Heyerly open their Sonoma cafe and kitchen five nights a week to an intimate dinner crowd. Friends and restaurant folks huddle around Rocket Cafe's sushi bar where Jacob Talbert, a Hawaiian-trained sushi roller, cranks out specialty rolls like the Ruby Rocket (tempura shrimp with ahi tuna, jalapenos, lemon aioli and pesto oil, $13.50), Drawn in Butter (prawns and Dungeness crab wrapped in soy paper with a hot butter sauce, $13) or Hawaii 5.0 (mango, cilantro, avocado, tuna and crab with macadamia nuts, $14.50). What easily becomes a ham-fisted mess in less capable hands is instead a clever and flavorful homage to traditional sushi flavors.

The sisters will re-introduce monthly themed menus in April, starting with a France (in addition to the sushi menu). May is Spanish tapas and seasonal produce will be featured throughout the summer. As the weather warms, don't miss the covered/heated outside patio.
Rocket Cafe, Open Tuesday through Saturday, 5 to 9:30pm, 18812 Sonoma Hyw, Sonoma, 707.933.9755. ]]> http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/02/rocket-cafe-sonoma.html http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/02/rocket-cafe-sonoma.html Japanese Sonoma Sonoma sushi Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:45:58 -0800 Chrome Lotus opens in Santa Rosa cl1.jpgPut on your party pants, because Chrome Lotus is officially open for business. After two nights of pre-parties with friends and Facebook fans, the revamped 505/Acapulco throws open its doors to the public and gets the taps flowing.

The Vibe: The interior has been transformed and the massive space broken up into two distinct parts: A casual bar area in front, and a live stage in back where the management hopes to bring local acts and touring bands. There's no goofy "club wear" dress code (meaning yes, you can wear jeans) though no "affiliation" wear will be permitted. "It's a space where everyone can have a casual good time," said Chris Denny, whose local company The Engine Is Red, handles PR. Denny says owners hope to attract 20-somethings as well as an older crowd with the laid back atmosphere. (Note, the pix are from Denny...)

cl2.jpgThe Beverages: Full bar with prices set at around $3 for domestic beers, $8 for top-shelf booze, according to Denny. And party pitchers with, um, colorful names. One comes with mustaches for everyone. I'll leave it at that.

The Music: No DJ's, no hip-hop says Denny. When live bands aren't playing (this weekend opens with indie band Music For Animals on Friday and dance party cover band SuperBad on Saturday), music will pipe in from the jukebox. Patrick Malone, who does talent aquisition for Hopmonk will be helping to bring in 80-90 percent local bands to the bar.

To do: Pool tables, party kits for bachelorette parties, video screens, a disco ball and stage are among the perks for partiers. The bar is a completely separate entity from next door's forthcoming restaurant, Franco's, though Denny says he hopes the bar (which has no kitchen) will be able to collaborate to have some nibbles for bar-goers.

The Peeps: The owners are Bill Cutting and Gianni Messmer, who also own the Round Robin. Messmer was a founding partner of Seven Ultralounge (he was later bought out by former Los Robles Lodge owners Andy and Joy Kalia).

Hours: The club will be open from 2pm to 2am daily, 364 days a year.

Chrome Lotus, 501 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, chromelotussr.com
]]> http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/02/chrome-lotus-opens.html http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/02/chrome-lotus-opens.html Nightlife Opening/Closing Pubs Santa Rosa Wine Bar/Cocktails bars clubs cocktails nightclubs Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:44:12 -0800 Consider the oyster: Your favorite aphrodisiac dishes aphrofoods.gifEating oysters this time of year is a rather pressure-filled event. Every suck or slurp is somehow laden with innuendo as bystanders (or worse, your date) snicker and give off knowing glances about the legendary aphrodisiac. Suddenly and oyster isn't just an oyster. It's a public peep show.

But one man's oyster is another's Cinnabon (yep, cinnamon is a known male turn-on). What foods get our libidos going are as different as we are.

For the ladies chocolate seems to be a universal, along with honey, raspberries, cucumbers and bananas (stop laughing). For the guys, oysters, figs and papayas tend to be popular. Wine and honey swing both ways, along with whipped cream and anything in syrup form.

Then again, I've known folks who really get frothy over stinky cheese and beer. It takes all kinds.

What's the one food that really gets your engine revving? Sound off!


]]> http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/02/consider-the-oyster-your-favorite-aphrodisiac-dishes.html http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/02/consider-the-oyster-your-favorite-aphrodisiac-dishes.html Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:52:36 -0800 Rodney Strong Wine & Chocolate Fantasy 2010 strongchocolate.jpgHand-slapping usually isn't considered good form around the office, but some stinging wrists around BiteClub's desk serve as a lesson to anyone touching my Valentine treats. I don't share.

You can go and get your own this weekend at Rodney Strong's annual Wine & Chocolate Fantasy this Saturday (2/6/10) -- an early Valentine for the sweetie in your life. The barrel room will be transformed into a sea of raspberry and pink with local chocolatiers like Peter's Chocolates, Sonoma Chocolatiers, Bert's Desserts, Patisserie Angelica, Ellene's Peanut Brittle, Zettie's Confections, Miller's Candy Emporium, Vintage Sweet Shoppe, Harry London Chocolates, The San Francisco Chocolate Factory, eager to ply you with their truffles, brownies, and other coco-covered delights.

Pairs Well With: Velvety Symmetry Meritage or the recently released True Gentleman's Port, which should probably come with a smoking jacket, slippers and a recliner for the ultimate experience. I can say with assurance, however, that it works equally well with a slice of pizza and yoga pants, so you're covered.

The Excuse: Just think of all the resveratrol and anti-oxidants you'll be consuming. Not to mention the happy honey you'll be taking home after wards.

The Enablers: On hand will be Ziggy the Wine Gal and Jeff Mall from Zin Restaurant with two chocolate demonstrations.

Rodney Strong Wine and Chocolate Fantasy 2010, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., February 6, 2010.
Fee:  $40.00 per person ($35.00 for Collectors Circle Members) tickets may be purchased at the winery or online. ]]> http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/02/rodney-strong-wine-chocolate-fantasy-2010.html http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/02/rodney-strong-wine-chocolate-fantasy-2010.html Events Chocolate Desserts Events Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:15:08 -0800 Game Day Grub: Where to Go & Eat 2010 biggamebrews.gif
It's the one day a year when there's no shame in eating spray-cheese on CheezIts as an appetizer (I recommend a young can of bacon cheddar with spicy hot 'zits), three bowls of chili with Fritos as a snack, a bucket of chicken wings, a bowl of clam dip and a whole box of Little Debbies for dessert. And possibly some nachos just to take the edge off at half-time.

Embrace your inner sports-lover and indulge in all the gross, processed, overly salty, horrible stuff we love to hate today.

BiteClub finds the best spots to do it. Plus a few recipes for really delicious stuff you can make yourself.
WHERE TO GO
Barley and Hops: Pub owner Noah Bolmer knows his beers like nobody's busines. His take on beer-drinking this weekend? Do it right or go home.

"Superbowl is a beer drinking commitment; I'll easily go through a dozen of something, so I recommend something low octane, but full flavored. If you see it on a half-time commercial, STAY AWAY.  Would you watch the Super Bowl with... a Lean Cuisine? Perhaps watercress tea sandwiches? Hell no. Then why in the name of (insert favorite deity) would anyone drink LIGHT WATERY BEER? Grab something that will put out the flames of those pounds of hot wings (such as our perfect organic ones), something without a ton of alcohol, so you can drink a dozen, but not something pretending to be a beer."
'Nuff said. Bolmer puts his money where his mouth is with some top Superbowl brews (left) and will set you up proper this weekend. S 3688 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental, 707.874.9037.

McNear's Restaurant: Danger Dogs (bacon-wrapped weenies), Super Sliders and Game Day Nachos with belt & brew chili, each $6.95. Beer and drink specials throughout. 12 to 9pm, 23 Petaluma Blvd North, Petaluma.. FACEBOOK details.

Hopmonk Tavern: Two events on one super Sunday.  Uptownish: Fritz Maytag (of Anchor Brewing and York Creek Vineyards fame) hosts a brewer's luncheon at 1pm, $45pp, meals and drinks.
Downtownish: Big screen TV and buffet in the Abbey. Menu includes chili, brats, wings (and a whole lot of other delish artery-clogging goodies). Abbey bar will be open. Post-game ice cream bar. No cover, all ages. 230 Petaluma Avenue, Sebastopol,707.829.7300

Ausiello's 5th St. Grill: Free appetizer spread and half-time spaghetti dinner. With 17 televisions and a full bar, this is every fan's dream spot. Stretch your legs at the outside patio, where you can eat, drink and let your pasty face get a few rays. Throughout the day, the grill will be fired up, serving the restaurant's regular menu. Don't miss the Lava Love burger, a big beefy hamburger with bacon, Swiss cheese and sweet-spicy BBQ sauce. Beer and wine only. 609 5th St, Santa Rosa, 707.579.9408

John & Zeke's Bar: The friendliest place in Wine Country. 111 Plaza Street, Healdsburg, 707.433.3735.

Third Street Ale Works: Rockin' house brews, $5 pizza and an all-dog menu with various kinds of bratwurst. 610 3rd St., Santa Rosa 707-523-3060

Russian River Brewing Co.: It's no surprise that some of the best beer in Wine Country flows from the taps of SR's own RRBC -- downtown's favorite rumpus room. "North of Malibu" performs free live surf-style music after the Super Bowl. Pizza and regular menu items. 725 4th St., Santa Rosa, 707.545.2337

Beyond the Glory: All manner of batter-dipped and fried delights. Plus, 14, 42-inch plasma screen TV's. Your husband may never come home. 1371 N McDowell Boulevard, Suite 130, Petaluma, 866.377.7389.

Cinema West Movie Theatre, located in Downtown Petaluma, projecting the game on the big screen with free admission, with a $5 snack bar purchase. Seating starts at 2:45 p.m.

Bear Republic Brewery: 72" TV, appetizer specials & raffle prizes, 345 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, 1:30 to 9pm. 707.433.BEER.

WINGS OF GLORY
Jackson's Bar and Oven: NeoClassical Buffalo Wings with Point Reyes Blue Cheese Dip, 135 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, 707-545-6900.

Russian River Pub's Famous Chicken Wings: Super Bucket $22.95, 11829 River Road, Forestville (707) 887-7932.

Original Buffalo Wings; 219 Lakeville Street, Petaluma. Delivery and open throughout the day Sunday.

RECIPES TO TRY AT HOME
Brown Sugar Bacon-wrapped Weenies
Tater Tot Pie

]]> http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/02/superbowl-eats-2010.html http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/02/superbowl-eats-2010.html American Cheap Eats Events Pubs Foot Ball Man Eats Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:34:05 -0800 P30: Chic, cheap comfort food pizza.jpgIt takes a village to open a restaurant.

Since last summer, legions of Facebook friends have watched the daily highs and lows as Patrick and Christine Tafoya open their first restaurant, P30 in Sebastopol. Some days were clearly rough going ("Opening night and no babysitter (flu). This is fun") while others ecstatic ("The restaurant is totally packed on a Sunday night....we are just so flippin' happy").

But through six months of choppy waters they found instant commiseration from a choir of 140-character cheers.

Now that the restaurant has officially opened, their virtual village are clamoring for a tableside-seat to the restaurant drama they've watched unfold online. With snap-happy opening in late January (Christine was rarely without her iPhone during the opening week, posing friends both real and virtual) the restaurant is already doing a brisk business even in the doldrums of the SoCo tourist season.
]]> http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/02/p30-chic-cheap-comfort-food.html http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/02/p30-chic-cheap-comfort-food.html American Burgers Cheap Eats Opening/Closing Pizza Sebastopol Slow Food Wine Bar/Cocktails cheap eats openings purveyors Sebastopol Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:54:12 -0800 Bistro M in Windsor opens mirepoixsole.jpgTalking about calorie-laden meals while at a weight-control seminar is, let's say, frowned upon.

Which means a friend and I are reduced to whispering rather conspiratorially about all the places we probably weren't supposed to eat at throughout the week.

The whole thing feels deeply wrong. But dieting brings out the rebel in me.

"The chef uses butter from Brittany," my BiteClub friend whispers about Bistro M, recently opened in Windsor. It's the second restaurant for Matthew and Bryan Bousquet, the couple behind Restaurant Mirepoix just around the corner.

And that's all I need to know. Butter. From Brittany.

Housed in the former Langley's space, the restaurant's first week is still a revolving door of local looky-loos, Town Green business owners and friends who've been helping with everything from painting to kitchen assists. Not to mention there's still no sign out front. You kind of have to know about the place, which Bryan says is completely a result of her not having time to pick up the new signage rather than anything intentionally covert.
]]> http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/01/bistro-m-in-windsor-opens.html http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/01/bistro-m-in-windsor-opens.html French Opening/Closing Windsor Wine Bar/Cocktails bistro French full bar Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:10:31 -0800 Street-Eatz Beta: Agedashi! agedashi.jpgUPDATE: The mobile truck is now on the move. A downtown location has been secured a Revolution Moto (yay!) The truck will roll in today (2/4) at 11:30am, hanging around until about 1:30pm. (518 College Ave., Santa Rosa)

Beta-testing never tasted so good. Especially when the fry machine finally gets sizzling.

Sonic.net staffers got first crack at the much-anticipated Street-Eatz Mobile Kitchen yesterday as the super-sized catering truck rolled up for a super-secret trial lunch-rush.

On the "globally-inspired" menu: Prawn Pasta Florentine, yellow curry, pulled pork sandwiches with Gravenstein apple/chardonnay sauce, fish and chips, chiles rellenos, paella, chicken teriyaki, rosemary fries, beef shwarma and agedashi -- a soul-restoring (and tongue-burning) Japanese broth with fried tofu.

Despite a brief derailment when the fryer failed (and the rosemary fries were a temporary no-go), the roaming cantina seems nearly ready for its public launch.  Co-owner Jillian Dorman, a Silicon Valley expat, says she's hoping for a couple more tests, then a full roll-out to various local business parks and (fingers-crossed) downtown Santa Rosa.  Online ordering will streamline lunchtime, with meals ready to roll at the appointed time and locale.

Finding non-city-owned lots to host the truck has been a challenge, but Dorman remains optimistic. Fingers crossed that city leaders will step up to pave the way for this vibrant food trend that could be a boon for downtown. I can't tell you the number of amazing chefs/cooks who can't afford high rent overheads, but have confessed to me their deep desire to do impromptu carts/stands and frustration with the red tape involved in actually doing it. Here's a link to Food Carts Portland...just in case we're feeling progressive.

Dorman's business partner, La Texanita's Alma Mendez, is providing taco-truck and serious restaurant know-how while a former Saint Rose kitchen staffer mans the grill. Wanna know more or possibly be another beta-testing company? Check out the website: street-eatz.com for the latest info...

And hey, shout out if you'd like to see something like Portland's street food enclaves be a part of Sonoma County. It can't happen unless we demand it.
]]> http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/01/street-eatz-beta-agedashi.html http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/01/street-eatz-beta-agedashi.html Outdoor Santa Rosa Street Food Trends street food Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:28:21 -0800 Mastering the Art of Decent Cooking cooklady.jpgYou're probably not as great a cook as you think. Harsh, but true, even your kids will tell you that a solid grasp on meatloaf and spaghetti casserole don't qualify anyone as a cook. Except perhaps in a fraternity house.

But there's hope. What most of us lack are the simple fundamentals of cooking:  How to confidently wield a paring knife, whip up lump-free sauces, season with herbs like cumin and thyme (and put down the onion salt) or cook meat without turning it into shoe leather. Not convinced? A single perfect veloute sauce will irrevocably change your outlook.

So swallow your pride (which may go down as hard as your recent attempt at beef curry) and check out a host of local cooking classes priced to accommodate almost any budget. Think of it as an investment in your future. And a savior to dinnertime.

Dine and Discover Series, $44
If you're short on time and cash, consider this multi-tasking series that includes a 90 minute cooking demo and dinner to boot. Throughout the month of February, Chef Victoria Blumenstein leads these fast-paced watch-and-learn sessions that explore several different cuts of pork leg, three-ways of cooking the meat as well as recipes for salad, celery root mash and blue cheese panna cotta. Then sup on the results (vegetarian options available). February 3, 10, 17, 24  from 6:30 to 8pm. Relish Culinary Adventures, 14 Matheson St., Healdsburg, 431-9999.

The Art of Balance in Cooking and Eating, $30
New Orleans transplant Maria Vieages, who recently auditioned for season six of the Next Food Network Star leads a series of classes at G&G Market's in-house cooking school, Ginger Grille. She'll focus on how to make good food choices, healthy cooking methods and portion control. Menus include Pan Seared Snapper with Lemongrass Curry, mango jasmine rice (Feb.4), Chicken Piccata and rosemary potatoes (Feb. 11) and blackened fish tacos (Feb. 18). 6 to 8pm, Ginger Grille, G&G Market, 1211 W College Avenue, Santa Rosa,  546-6877.
]]> http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/01/mastering-the-art-of-decent-cooking.html http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/01/mastering-the-art-of-decent-cooking.html Classes Events cooking classes home cooking Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:26:36 -0800 Crepevine to Santa Rosa? crepevine.jpgBay Area breakfastery, Crepevine, is slated to be the newest addition to Santa Rosa's Montgomery Village restaurant lineup.

With several locations in San Francisco and the South Bay (as well as San Rafael), its a popular brunch and lunch spot for the Bloody Mary and stroller-set. The menu features hearty breakfast fare (scrambled eggs, omelettes, pancakes, etc.) plus sweet and savory crepes, salads and pasta on their all-day menu.

Could it be fate? In existing restaurants, there are several Sonoma-County-themed dishes on the menu...the "Santa Rosa"(scrambled eggs with spinach, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and cheddar) and "Petaluma" (scrambled eggs withchicken apple sausage, mushrooms, spinach, provolone and salsa fresca). Somehow Bodega Bay got stuck being a Tuna Salad Sandwich, while Sonoma became a chicken breast sandwich with pesto and provolone. Classy.

Feeling deja vu? Yes, Viola Pastry took over the former "Crepe Escape" location. .

Opening ETA: Summer 2010.  ]]> http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/01/crepevine-to-santa-rosa.html http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/01/crepevine-to-santa-rosa.html Brunch/Breakfast Opening/Closing Santa Rosa openings Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:14:57 -0800 Help for Haiti: Food & Wine Events in Sonoma County helphaiti.jpgBluegrass Bar and Grill: Fried Chicken dinner on Sunday, January 31 from 11:30am to 9pm in support of Save the Children. $30 at the door, with all proceeds going to charity. Reservations Required: 935-4488. Wine and beer bar, raffle ticket included. Cash or check only. 14301 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen.

D'Argenzio Winery: Through the end of February, the winery will donate 100% of normal tasting fees to helping the relief efforts in Haiti. Tasting Room: 1301 Cleveland Ave., Suite A, Santa Rosa , 280-4658. Owner Ray D'Argenzio is encouraging other wineries to follow suit with programs of their own.

Aoili Delicatessen/Cellars of Sonoma: On Friday, February 5, Cellars of Sonoma and Aioli Delicatessen will host a fundraiser and silent auction to benefit the Red Cross. The group is asking for a $20 donation at the door, which will include a wine tasting. Tapas will be available for $1 each. The group is currently looking for additional silent auction items, so if you're interested in donating, call (707) 887-2476. 6-9pm, Friday, Feb. 5, 133 4th Street, Santa Rosa.

El Coqui: Puerto Rican restaurant El Coqui will donate all proceeds from one of its most popular dishes, Canoa Con Carnes Molida (stuffed plantains...a BiteClub favorite) on Tuesday, February 9.  400 Mendocino Ave
Santa Rosa, 542-8868.

Do you know about a public food or wine-related event to support Haitian earthquake victims? Let me know!

Just want to donate? Check out www.redcross.org or text "Haiiti" to 90999 on your cellphone for a $10 donation to the Red Cross. Or, check out MSNBC's list of charitable organizations:
]]> http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/01/help-for-haiti-food-wine-events-in-sonoma-county.html http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/01/help-for-haiti-food-wine-events-in-sonoma-county.html Events help Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:44:52 -0800 Sonoma Farmer's Market: Surprise vote reinstates old guard sonomafarmmarket.jpgIn a months-long drama with as much cat-fighting and name-calling as a sweet sixteen slumber party, the leadership of the Sonoma Farmer's Market has officially been declared.  Battle-bruised but victorious, veteran manager Hilda Swartz and the incumbent board of directors will remain in charge of the popular local market.

According to a report in the Sonoma Index-Tribune, Sonoma City Council voted this week to keep Swartz in the driver's seat...with the caveat that the management be more publicly transparent about their decisions (among other things). Swartz's detractors had hoped for a coup after the Community Services and Environment Commission (an organization with oversight of the Plaza) recommended five-to-one that Swartz be replaced.

Confused? Join the crowd.

The saga began when allegations were lobbied last year against Swartz and her team for allegedly playing favorites with vendors. The Press Democrat's Lori Carter outlines the whole kerfuffle here. One of the tastiest tidbits from the story: "Jamie O'Brien, owner of Aztec Dahlias in Petaluma, said he has been told he can only bring two buckets of blooms because others -- including board members -- also sell flowers. "Five or six of the board members are vendors themselves, which is very skewed," O'Brien said. "If somebody comes along that is competing with the board members, they won't let them in."

A call for proposals seeking new managers, according to the Index-Tribune resulted in only two applications (one from the existing market managers and one from a group called Fair Bounty). Despite the CSEC's backing and a a compelling call for composting, recycling and a more inclusive policy on vendors, existing vendors and the council were underwhelmed with Fair Bounty's proposed plans to significantly expand the market and potentially raise vendor fees.

A gem from yesterday's Index-Tribune article: "May I suggest," said 12-year vendor Dyani Bachelder, "if Fair Bounty wins the proposal they rename their event Wine, Food and Art Gala and hold it on Friday night to draw the tourist and the party crowd." Ouch.

But its not a complete victory for Swartz, who will be responsible for enacting "long list of conditions" according to the Index-Tribune as part of her continued tenure -- at the top of which is a more open relationship with the community.

Skeptics, however, are remaining just that -- skeptical that the old guard will make good on their promises of reform. Whatever the case, it seems the fat lady hasn't quite finished her aria on this sticky soap opera.
]]> http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/01/sonoma-farmers-market-surprise-vote-reinstates-old-guard.html http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/01/sonoma-farmers-market-surprise-vote-reinstates-old-guard.html Farm Markets Local Personalities News and gossip Weird farm markets kerfuffles Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:23:42 -0800 Sardines: Tiny fish making a hip comeback jacksonsardines.jpgBlame the can for sardine's bad rap. Because really, how much respect can you give a fish whose name is synonymous with being cramped and claustrophobic?

But sardines are so much more than those oily little abominations that used to sit on grandma's shelf.  Nutritionists and environmentalists are in agreement that the once-lowly sardine is actually a giant at the table, packed with healthy omega-3s and lower in mercury and other toxins than their larger sea-mates.

In fact, the sardine is becoming something of a cause celeb in the food world, backed by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the food network's Alton Brown, a group calling itself the Sardnistas and even a diet dedicated to the tinned fish.

But the funky fish can be a hard sell to eaters unaccustomed to having their dinner look back at them. Not to mention all the little bones. And the smell.
]]> http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/01/sardines-tiny-fish-making-a-hip-comeback.html http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/01/sardines-tiny-fish-making-a-hip-comeback.html Cookbooks Healthy Eating Seafood Trends seafood Thu, 21 Jan 2010 06:08:09 -0800 Josef's calls it quits josef.jpgAfter 30 years in the local restaurant biz, Santa Rosa Chef Josef Keller is hanging up his toque. A fixture in Railroad Square's Hotel La Rose for the past 17 years, the eponymous Josef's Restaurant is slated to close at the end of April 2010.

The pull of family, golf and gardening on the 7-days-a-week chef paired with a bump in rent proved to be the tipping point.

"I've been doing this in Santa Rosa for 30 years. I'm ready for some time to myself. It was a combination of not wanting another lease and it not being (financially) in my favor," Keller, now 57, told BiteClub. "I feel like I'm graduating from college. Did you know what you wanted to do after you graduated? I didn't."

A longtime Santa Rosa resident, Keller plans to stay in the area after a 4-month sabbatical over the summer. Since 2003, he's been a board member of the non-profit agency Becoming Independent and hopes to continue his work with the group post-restaurant. Keller ran La Province Restaurant from 1980 to 1992 and has been an active member of the local culinary scene, including stints at the SRJC, Redwood Empire Restaurant Association and as an adviser to the Sonoma County High School Culinary Arts Program.

The hotel has reportedly had some interest in the space, but so far there are no finalized plans for who will take over. Keller says he's sure the hotel will continue to operate a restaurant, however. "They'll find someone for this place," he said.

"I'm excited and scared. It was a good run and I'm going to miss a lot of people. I appreciate so much what the community has done for me," Keller said.

Stay tuned for details on a planned closing party in April.
]]> http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/01/josefs-calls-it-quits.html http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/01/josefs-calls-it-quits.html News and gossip Opening/Closing Santa Rosa closing Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:34:36 -0800 Fancy Food Show 2010: 10 Food Trends To Watch fancyfood2010.jpgBe kind as I suffer through my Winter Fancy Food Show hangover. The annual NASFT love fest in SF features thousands of gourmet food exhibitors (many of them brand new to the market) hawking something like 250,000 products. It's my annual pilgrimage to mecca. Here are a few highlights and trends to watch for on your grocery shelves...

1. Zocalo Gourmet Peruvian Alternative Flours: Ancient grains from high in the Peruvian Andes are the inspiration for a line of alternative flours made from lima beans, sweet potatoes, quinoa, purple corn, amaranth, lucuma and yacon. All are gluten-free and some contain high amounts of protein and other nutritional goodies. But what's really interesting...these kinds of alternative flours are at the heart of a growing movement by pastry chefs to incorporate uniquely textured, flavorful flours into their cooking. TREND: Alternative/gluten-free nutrifoods

2. Mia's Kitchen: Born from the Mia's Playground line of wines (from Don Sebastiani & Sons), recent college grad Mia Sebastiani has launched a line of wine-based reduction sauces with that kick up weeknight cooking. BiteClub approved (and home tested). Limited availability, but stay tuned to their fan page on Facebook. TREND: Ready-made sauces for your inner Julia. Also: Bubbie Jeanne's Brisket Magic.

3. Happy Goat Caramels: Comfort confections are hot for 2010, and these goat-milk caramels lead the herd with environmentally sustainable, but more importantly, delicious caramels. TREND: Comfort Confections. More delish sweets: Naia Gelato with St. George Whiskey and Blue Bottle Coffee, Sir Francis Bacon Peanut Brittle

4. Mother In Law's Kimchi: With mouth-puckering stench that only a kimchi devotee could love, this fermented cabbage isn't shy about introducing itself.  But this spicy, hot, sweet and sour version from a Garden Grove restaurant (near Long Beach) is garnering serious buzz from coast to coast. Consider it a wake up call to your taste buds. TREND: Korean
 
5. Black Truffle Popcorn: SF-based 479 popcorn is all the race with the glam-set, nestled in gotta-have-it packaging and crave-worthy flavors like Black Truffle and White Cheddar. Check out their PIY Kit with organic heirloom popcorn, salt/sugar blends and cutsey paper cones for a party. TREND: Fancy pants snacks The antithesis: Alaskabits Smoked Salmon "bacon" bits.

6. Black Garlic: Despite its ugly duckling looks (black is always a hard-sell in the food world), black garlic is a hot new culinary add-in making its way from the Far East.  A month-long fermenting and drying process results in a chewy black cloves reminiscent of a garlic-flavored prune. Think sweet, soft and earthy. And oddly addictive. TREND: Alternative/gluten-free nutrifoods, Exotic Foods

7. Slow Cow L-Theanine Relaxing Drink: Contrary to the name, it's not a glass of warm milk. Slow Cow is the anti-energy drink dressed in, well, wolf's clothing. The tutti-frutti taste, tickle of fizz and skinny silver seem paradoxical when the effect is of calm well-being. Leave it to the Canadians to come up with something so anti-type-A. TREND: Nutrifoods, Hyperfoods backlash

8. Siggi Icelandic Skyr: Think Greek yogurt with hipper Iceland sensibilities and you've got skyr. Strained non-fat yogurt with the mind-bending consistency and look of whipped cream. But no fat. Add in pomegranate, orange, ginger and acai and it gets pretty tasty. Available at Whole Foods. TREND: Nutrifoods, Exotic Foods

9. Tyler Florence's shilling his new West Coast Kitchen Essentials sauces and marinades: Tyler Florence is one of the few Food Network personalities everyone still roots for. The Johnson & Wales-trained chef has so-far steered clear of major commercial disaster (although I still hold him personally responsible for making me try one of his shameful Applebees entrees in 2007) and is on the cusp of several major restaurant openings in the Bay Area (including Napa) this year. In the midst of all the hubbub, the cherub-faced chef has partnered with Napa's Tulocay and Co. (Made in Napa Valley) to launch a new line of sauces and marinades called West Coast Kitchen Essentials. He shilled the 17-product line at the 2010 Fancy Food Show to the squealing delight of attendees, but the jury's still out on the line -- most of which is still a mystery. Stay tuned.

10. Ohgave: Agave is the new Splenda. The honey-like nectar is totally natch, derived from the agave plant and is being used in everything from coffee to cookies. Garnering a 17 on the glycemic index (cupcakes are about a 73) Ohgave has a line of sweetners including "honey" and maple syrup. TREND: Ready-made sauces for your inner Julia

Local Sightings: Zix Cookies, Sonoma Syrups, Terra Sonoma Verjus, Cowgirl Creamery, Delice de la Vallee, Cypress Grove Chevre (Sofi gold winning Truffle Tremor), Bellwether Farms, Marin French Cheese Company, Achadinha Cheese Company, Jill Nussinow the Veggie Queen, Smoked Olive smoked olive oils, Napa Fudge...

Were you there? What's your take?
]]> http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/01/fancy-food-show-2010-10-food-trends-to-watch.html http://www.biteclubeats.com/2010/01/fancy-food-show-2010-10-food-trends-to-watch.html Celebrity Chefs Events Local Personalities News and gossip Trends Where to buy alternative ingredients celebrity chef Trends Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:33:03 -0800