FOOD & DRINK
Historic Willie Bird’s location in Santa Rosa to reopen as new restaurant
After Willie Bird's turkey restaurant flew the coop from its longtime Santa Rosa Avenue location in 2021, the future of the crumbling Hofbrau was uncertain. For several years, the iconic, nearly 1-acre property stood quietly decaying, increasingly hidden by graffiti and weeds. But local restaurateur and real estate developer Sonu...
Petaluma teen’s film on Polly Klaas’ legacy attracts nationwide interest
Thirteen-year-old India Mitchell only learned of Polly Klaas’ story a year or two ago through a social media course she took at Kenilworth Junior High School in Petaluma. With the marking of the 30th anniversary of Klaas’ kidnapping and killing this past October, India, who is an aspiring filmmaker, dove into the case for her entry into the Santa Rosa Junior College’s Student Film Festival on April 5.
Historic wine legacy honored at Santa Rosa winery
When Anthony Beckman and Alissa Lind decided to launch a winery in 2013, inspiration wasn’t hard to find. During her youth, Lind recalls hearing stories about her “famous” great-great-uncle William Cruess who had “something to do with wine and grapes.”. What she didn’t realize, was that...
Swing Thing: Look Back and Forward
It was a night to remember, because I certainly do. Mystic Theater, 1997. The 14 members of Marin-based Lee Press-On & The Nails, led by a short singer-bandleader akin to the character Beetlejuice, take the stage before a curious audience with no idea what’s about to happen to them.
Three Dog Night, Crowded House among 15 new shows coming to Luther Burbank Center
Santa Rosa’s Luther Burbank Center for the Arts has announced 15 new shows, including Three Dog Night, Crowded House, Pink Martini and Sarah Brightman. Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. May 17. They are available online at lutherburbankcenter.org, by calling 707-546- 3600, or at the Luther Burbank Center ticket office, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 6 pm. Tuesday through Saturday.
John Mayer gifts North Bay musical teen with a guitar
SANTA ROSA, Calif. - With every note, every word, every strum of his guitar, you get another glimpse of 17-year-old Ryan Woodard. It’s a side of him that, for many years, people could not see. "What saved my life is music" explains Ryan, "and it helps me express myself....
Thomas Keller Has Turned His California Caviar Lounge Into an Asian-Inspired Restaurant
Thomas Keller’s Yountville caviar lounge has entered its second act.Why the French Laundry Sent This Cannabis Company a Cease-and-Desist Letter RO Restaurant & Lounge, formerly the Regiis Ova Caviar & Champagne Lounge, reopened on Wednesday as a whole new dining spot. Alongside chef de cuisine Jeffery Hayashi, Keller has created a fresh menu with a focus on Asian-inspired cuisine, as well as wine, cocktails, and—yes—a large selection of Champagne and sparkling. “We’ve listened to our guests looking for a local spot that highlights some of the best Asian flavors,” Keller said in a statement. “Chef Hayashi will continue evolving the menu, and...
Glamour Puss: Phillip Ruise
I first met Phillip Ruise on a volunteer build for Sebastopol’s Siren Fest. He was supervising the construction of two opposing dance stages he designed. One stage was decorated purple and teal with scrab and veiled siren eye motif, the other in a black and saffron, lotus blossom and cat head pattern.
Rockers Joe Satriani, Steve Vai bring tour to Santa Rosa
Star rock guitarists Joe Satriani and Steve Vai have teamed up with many famous musicians during their long careers: Satriani (or “Satch”) with Mick Jagger, Deep Purple and Charlie Hunter; Vai with Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth and Whitesnake. But the two of them have a deeper bond...
John Ash cookbook nominated for James Beard Award
Chef John Ash is nominated for a James Beard Award for his latest cookbook, “The Hog Island Book of Fish & Seafood,” the James Beard Foundation announced Tuesday. “It was so great to do this with Hog Island because they’re the gold standard for working with fish and shellfish,” said Ash after learning the news of his nomination.
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