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"content": "\u003cp>This week’s highlights should feel a bit summery with news about the Tacolicious guest chef taco lineup and a rosé tasting, plus there’s the Refugee Food Festival, an all-cake dessert menu at Bluestem Brasserie, and where to find amatriciana pizza in SF.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128882\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new.jpg\" alt=\"Sujan Sarkar of ROOH served a pulled jackfruit masala taco, with pineapple kut, smoked avocado, bikaneri boondi, and baby radish for his Tacolicious guest chef taco.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128882\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sujan Sarkar of ROOH served a pulled jackfruit masala taco, with pineapple kut, smoked avocado, bikaneri boondi, and baby radish for his Tacolicious guest chef taco. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Tacolicious)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>The Tacolicious Guest Chef Taco Series Returns\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/934MaFs9bko\">Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market, San Francisco\u003c/a> (stand outside)\u003cbr>\nJune 14–August 9, Thursdays 10am–2pm\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Summertime means the \u003cstrong>Tacolicious summer guest chef taco series\u003c/strong> returns to their Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market stand. Every Thursday, one of San Francisco’s top chefs slings their take on a taco. Coming up on June 14 is Daniel Sudar of \u003ca href=\"https://chinalivesf.com/\">China Live\u003c/a> (Betelnut’s minced chicken taco), June 21 is Monica Martinez of \u003ca href=\"https://www.donbugito.com/\">Don Bugito\u003c/a> (edible insects!), June 28 is Adam Tortosa of \u003ca href=\"http://robinsanfrancisco.com/\">Robin\u003c/a> (miso-roasted sweet potato with Japanese chimichurri), July 7 is Freedom Rains of \u003ca href=\"http://amanosf.com/\">a Mano\u003c/a> (Italy meets Mexico!), and July 12 is Chris Cosentino of \u003ca href=\"http://cockscombsf.com/\">Cockscomb\u003c/a> (could be offal, ha-ha). Check their \u003ca href=\"https://www.tacolicious.com/\">site\u003c/a> and social media channels for more chef updates.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>All proceeds of each chef’s taco benefits \u003ca href=\"http://www.cuesa.org/\">CUESA\u003c/a> (the Center for Urban Education and Sustainable Agriculture). All Tacolicious locations, including their farmers’ market stand, will be giving away Guest Chef Series “punch cards” for visitors to bring back each week. The market-goers with the most punches will be entered to win a prize of two tickets to a CUESA Cocktail Series event, a local farm tour for two, a CUESA tote bag filled with market goodies, $25 in market coins, and a Tacolicious cookbook. Good luck!\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128880\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new.jpg\" alt=\"Don’t miss the Refugee Food Festival in San Francisco.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128880\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new-160x90.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new-800x450.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new-768x432.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new-1180x664.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new-960x540.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new-240x135.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new-375x211.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new-520x293.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Don’t miss the Refugee Food Festival in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Refugee Food Festival)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>The Refugee Food Festival Comes to San Francisco\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/events/620987854904577/permalink/624410277895668/\">Refugee Food Festival\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nJune 19–23\u003cbr>\nVarious restaurants, San Francisco\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>June 20th is \u003ca href=\"http://www.un.org/en/events/refugeeday/\">World Refugee Day\u003c/a> and the third \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/events/620987854904577/permalink/624410277895668/\">Refugee Food Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> is coming to 14 cities around the world in June—and how fortuitous, the festival in SF (the first stateside location) corresponds with the date! The organization is pairing local chefs and refugee chefs together for five days of pop-up dinners.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In San Francisco, the following chefs will participate, cooking alongside refugee chefs:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Tuesday, June 19: \u003ca href=\"https://hogislandoysters.com/locations/san-francisco\">Hog Island\u003c/a> in the Ferry Building, featuring Pa Wah, a Burmese chef\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Wednesday, June 20: \u003ca href=\"http://www.tawlasf.com\">Tawla\u003c/a> in the Mission District, featuring Muna, an Iraqi chef\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Thursday June 21: \u003ca href=\"https://www.dosasf.com/dosa-fillmore\">DOSA on Fillmore\u003c/a>, featuring Anu, a Bhutanese chef\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Friday, June 22: \u003ca href=\"https://www.sonsaddition.com\">Son’s Addition\u003c/a> in the Mission District, featuring Muna, an Iraqi chef\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Saturday, June 23: \u003ca href=\"http://jardiniere.com\">Jardinière\u003c/a> in Hayes Valley, featuring Vito, a Senegalese chef\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>This is not a ticketed event, and reservations can be made via each restaurant's reservation system. A portion of profits from each dinner will be donated to a local organization in the Bay Area promoting integrating refugees into communities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>First launched in Paris in 2016, this year’s festival will include more than 100 restaurants in cities like New York, Amsterdam, and Athens that will open their kitchens to refugee chefs from countries including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Participating restaurants range from casual kitchens to Michelin-star restaurants and many refugee chefs who joined the festival have launched careers in the food industry as a result. The Refugee Food Festival partnered with the \u003ca href=\"http://ggra.org/\">Golden Gate Restaurant Association\u003c/a> on the SF festival.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128877\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1800px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio.jpeg\" alt=\"The dreamy patio behind Arlequin.\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1200\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128877\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio.jpeg 1800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio-160x107.jpeg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio-1020x680.jpeg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio-1200x800.jpeg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio-1180x787.jpeg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio-960x640.jpeg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio-240x160.jpeg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio-375x250.jpeg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio-520x347.jpeg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The dreamy patio behind Arlequin. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of The Absinthe Group)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>A Rosé Tasting on the Patio at Arlequin Wine Merchant\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"http://arlequinwinemerchant.com/\">Arlequin Wine Merchant\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/LnGrSvmCn942\">372 Hayes St., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSaturday, June 23\u003cbr>\n3pm–6pm\u003cbr>\n$12 tasting\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rosé season is in full swing, and \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://arlequinwinemerchant.com/\">Arlequin Wine Merchant\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> in Hayes Valley has the perfect patio to celebrate on. Which is why you won’t want to miss their \u003cstrong>Rosé Rundown Tasting Event\u003c/strong> on Saturday, June 23. They’re hosting a tasting of 12 still and sparkling rosé wines from the U.S., France, Spain, and Germany. Tickets are just $12 (for 12 tastings), and during the event, you will receive 10% off all bottles of wine sampled at Arlequin Wine Merchant. You’ll be set for the summer!\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128878\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new.jpg\" alt=\"Enjoy the Strawberry Tall Cake at Bluestem Brasserie.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128878\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Enjoy the Strawberry Tall Cake at Bluestem Brasserie. \u003ccite>(Madison Ginnett)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>All-Cake Dessert Menu at Bluestem Brasserie\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Bluestem Brasserie\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/Hgt35gU8mdt\">1 Yerba Buena Lane, San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSaturday, June 23 through Labor Day\u003cbr>\nOpen daily from 11am–10pm\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Let them eat cake! Would a dessert menu full of just cake make you happy? Yeah, me too. Then you’ll want to swing by \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://www.bluestembrasserie.com/\">Bluestem Brasserie\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> from June 23 through Labor Day (see, you can go by multiple times) as they celebrate their seventh birthday with nothing but cake on the dessert menu. Consulting pastry chef Lori Baker is one heck of a cake-maker, and will include flavors like Honolulu Hangover (chocolate cake, coconut rum filling, toasted coconut meringue) and Strawberry Tall Cake (yellow cake, strawberry cheesecake, strawberry buttercream), plus Banana Ice Cream Cake with peanut butter caramel and peanut brittle (seven in all). $1 from each cake slice sold over the summer will go to CUESA’s Foodwise Kids. Look for more fundraising events coming this summer in their \u003cem>Baking the World a Better Place \u003c/em>campaign.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128879\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new.jpg\" alt=\"It’s time for amatriciana pizza. The saucy version at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128879\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">It’s time for amatriciana pizza. The saucy version at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana. \u003ccite>(tablehopper.com)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Amatriciana Pizza, the Ultimate Italian Mash-Up\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Amatriciana, that much-adored Roman pasta dish of guanciale (cured pork jowl, AKA pure umami), tomato sauce, onion (sometimes, this can be \u003ca href=\"https://www.seriouseats.com/2016/02/origins-history-of-roman-pasta-gricia-amatriciana-carbonara.html\">debated\u003c/a> heavily), and pecorino, with a kick of peperoncino (red chile), is one of the most perfect pasta dishes, especially when it’s served with the traditional choice of bucatini. You can find some good renditions here in SF, but did you know you can also find an \u003cstrong>amatriciana pizza\u003c/strong>? For this amatriciana \u003cem>and\u003c/em> pizza fanatic, it’s a special kind of mash-up heaven.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For years, I’ve been enjoying the amatriciana pizza by Sharon Ardiana at \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://ragazzasf.com/\">Ragazza\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> (311 Divisadero St.), made with tomato, Olli pancetta, Calabrian chilies, pecorino, oregano, and an organic egg ($18). While some folks could cry foul over the pancetta instead of guanciale, just remember, we’re talking about a pizza here. The egg also takes things in another direction, but it’s to the utterly delicious zone, so that’s great. You can also find the amatriciana pie at her pizzeria \u003ca href=\"https://www.gialina.com/\">Gialina\u003c/a> (2842 Diamond St.) in Glen Park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you want to play the “authentic” amatriciana pizza game, which is kind of ridiculous, but okay, the version at \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://pizzeriadelfina.com/\">Pizzeria Delfina\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> (multiple locations) is true to the original pasta dish, made with guanciale, chile, tomato, pecorino, and black pepper (which, actually, some people would argue about!). It’s $19, and the deep saucy flavor is like enjoying a bowl of the pasta, but on their tasty crust. Magic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Leave it to the Roman owner of \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://www.montesacrosf.com/\">Montesacro Pinseria\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> (510 Stevenson St.) in SoMa, Gianluca Legrottaglie, to offer an amatriciana version on their ancient Roman-style pinsa. Certo! Look for the Quadraro, with tomato, guanciale, red onion, hot chile, and of course, pecorino ($19).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another location serving an amatriciana pizza is \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://tonyspizzanapoletana.com\">Tony’s Pizza Napoletana\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> (1570 Stockton St.) in North Beach. Tony Gemignani’s version comes on his California-style crust, and it’s a really saucy pie, almost close to a plate of pasta. His version ($23) comes with sliced Aiello mozzarella, amatriciana tomato sauce with guanciale, onion, olive oil, and grated romano. I recommend a drizzle of his spicy oil on the table to kick things up.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>This week’s highlights should feel a bit summery with news about the Tacolicious guest chef taco lineup and a rosé tasting, plus there’s the Refugee Food Festival, an all-cake dessert menu at Bluestem Brasserie, and where to find amatriciana pizza in SF.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128882\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new.jpg\" alt=\"Sujan Sarkar of ROOH served a pulled jackfruit masala taco, with pineapple kut, smoked avocado, bikaneri boondi, and baby radish for his Tacolicious guest chef taco.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128882\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/tacolicious-rooh-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sujan Sarkar of ROOH served a pulled jackfruit masala taco, with pineapple kut, smoked avocado, bikaneri boondi, and baby radish for his Tacolicious guest chef taco. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Tacolicious)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>The Tacolicious Guest Chef Taco Series Returns\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/934MaFs9bko\">Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market, San Francisco\u003c/a> (stand outside)\u003cbr>\nJune 14–August 9, Thursdays 10am–2pm\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Summertime means the \u003cstrong>Tacolicious summer guest chef taco series\u003c/strong> returns to their Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market stand. Every Thursday, one of San Francisco’s top chefs slings their take on a taco. Coming up on June 14 is Daniel Sudar of \u003ca href=\"https://chinalivesf.com/\">China Live\u003c/a> (Betelnut’s minced chicken taco), June 21 is Monica Martinez of \u003ca href=\"https://www.donbugito.com/\">Don Bugito\u003c/a> (edible insects!), June 28 is Adam Tortosa of \u003ca href=\"http://robinsanfrancisco.com/\">Robin\u003c/a> (miso-roasted sweet potato with Japanese chimichurri), July 7 is Freedom Rains of \u003ca href=\"http://amanosf.com/\">a Mano\u003c/a> (Italy meets Mexico!), and July 12 is Chris Cosentino of \u003ca href=\"http://cockscombsf.com/\">Cockscomb\u003c/a> (could be offal, ha-ha). Check their \u003ca href=\"https://www.tacolicious.com/\">site\u003c/a> and social media channels for more chef updates.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>All proceeds of each chef’s taco benefits \u003ca href=\"http://www.cuesa.org/\">CUESA\u003c/a> (the Center for Urban Education and Sustainable Agriculture). All Tacolicious locations, including their farmers’ market stand, will be giving away Guest Chef Series “punch cards” for visitors to bring back each week. The market-goers with the most punches will be entered to win a prize of two tickets to a CUESA Cocktail Series event, a local farm tour for two, a CUESA tote bag filled with market goodies, $25 in market coins, and a Tacolicious cookbook. Good luck!\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128880\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new.jpg\" alt=\"Don’t miss the Refugee Food Festival in San Francisco.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128880\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new-160x90.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new-800x450.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new-768x432.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new-1180x664.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new-960x540.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new-240x135.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new-375x211.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/refugeefestival-new-520x293.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Don’t miss the Refugee Food Festival in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Refugee Food Festival)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>The Refugee Food Festival Comes to San Francisco\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/events/620987854904577/permalink/624410277895668/\">Refugee Food Festival\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nJune 19–23\u003cbr>\nVarious restaurants, San Francisco\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>June 20th is \u003ca href=\"http://www.un.org/en/events/refugeeday/\">World Refugee Day\u003c/a> and the third \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/events/620987854904577/permalink/624410277895668/\">Refugee Food Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> is coming to 14 cities around the world in June—and how fortuitous, the festival in SF (the first stateside location) corresponds with the date! The organization is pairing local chefs and refugee chefs together for five days of pop-up dinners.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In San Francisco, the following chefs will participate, cooking alongside refugee chefs:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Tuesday, June 19: \u003ca href=\"https://hogislandoysters.com/locations/san-francisco\">Hog Island\u003c/a> in the Ferry Building, featuring Pa Wah, a Burmese chef\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Wednesday, June 20: \u003ca href=\"http://www.tawlasf.com\">Tawla\u003c/a> in the Mission District, featuring Muna, an Iraqi chef\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Thursday June 21: \u003ca href=\"https://www.dosasf.com/dosa-fillmore\">DOSA on Fillmore\u003c/a>, featuring Anu, a Bhutanese chef\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Friday, June 22: \u003ca href=\"https://www.sonsaddition.com\">Son’s Addition\u003c/a> in the Mission District, featuring Muna, an Iraqi chef\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Saturday, June 23: \u003ca href=\"http://jardiniere.com\">Jardinière\u003c/a> in Hayes Valley, featuring Vito, a Senegalese chef\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>This is not a ticketed event, and reservations can be made via each restaurant's reservation system. A portion of profits from each dinner will be donated to a local organization in the Bay Area promoting integrating refugees into communities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>First launched in Paris in 2016, this year’s festival will include more than 100 restaurants in cities like New York, Amsterdam, and Athens that will open their kitchens to refugee chefs from countries including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Participating restaurants range from casual kitchens to Michelin-star restaurants and many refugee chefs who joined the festival have launched careers in the food industry as a result. The Refugee Food Festival partnered with the \u003ca href=\"http://ggra.org/\">Golden Gate Restaurant Association\u003c/a> on the SF festival.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128877\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1800px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio.jpeg\" alt=\"The dreamy patio behind Arlequin.\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1200\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128877\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio.jpeg 1800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio-160x107.jpeg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio-1020x680.jpeg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio-1200x800.jpeg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio-1180x787.jpeg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio-960x640.jpeg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio-240x160.jpeg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio-375x250.jpeg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/arlequin-patio-520x347.jpeg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The dreamy patio behind Arlequin. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of The Absinthe Group)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>A Rosé Tasting on the Patio at Arlequin Wine Merchant\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"http://arlequinwinemerchant.com/\">Arlequin Wine Merchant\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/LnGrSvmCn942\">372 Hayes St., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSaturday, June 23\u003cbr>\n3pm–6pm\u003cbr>\n$12 tasting\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rosé season is in full swing, and \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://arlequinwinemerchant.com/\">Arlequin Wine Merchant\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> in Hayes Valley has the perfect patio to celebrate on. Which is why you won’t want to miss their \u003cstrong>Rosé Rundown Tasting Event\u003c/strong> on Saturday, June 23. They’re hosting a tasting of 12 still and sparkling rosé wines from the U.S., France, Spain, and Germany. Tickets are just $12 (for 12 tastings), and during the event, you will receive 10% off all bottles of wine sampled at Arlequin Wine Merchant. You’ll be set for the summer!\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128878\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new.jpg\" alt=\"Enjoy the Strawberry Tall Cake at Bluestem Brasserie.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128878\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bluestem-StrawberryTall-Cake-Madison-Ginnett-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Enjoy the Strawberry Tall Cake at Bluestem Brasserie. \u003ccite>(Madison Ginnett)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>All-Cake Dessert Menu at Bluestem Brasserie\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Bluestem Brasserie\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/Hgt35gU8mdt\">1 Yerba Buena Lane, San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSaturday, June 23 through Labor Day\u003cbr>\nOpen daily from 11am–10pm\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Let them eat cake! Would a dessert menu full of just cake make you happy? Yeah, me too. Then you’ll want to swing by \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://www.bluestembrasserie.com/\">Bluestem Brasserie\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> from June 23 through Labor Day (see, you can go by multiple times) as they celebrate their seventh birthday with nothing but cake on the dessert menu. Consulting pastry chef Lori Baker is one heck of a cake-maker, and will include flavors like Honolulu Hangover (chocolate cake, coconut rum filling, toasted coconut meringue) and Strawberry Tall Cake (yellow cake, strawberry cheesecake, strawberry buttercream), plus Banana Ice Cream Cake with peanut butter caramel and peanut brittle (seven in all). $1 from each cake slice sold over the summer will go to CUESA’s Foodwise Kids. Look for more fundraising events coming this summer in their \u003cem>Baking the World a Better Place \u003c/em>campaign.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128879\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new.jpg\" alt=\"It’s time for amatriciana pizza. The saucy version at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128879\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/amatriciana-tonyspizza-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">It’s time for amatriciana pizza. The saucy version at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana. \u003ccite>(tablehopper.com)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Amatriciana Pizza, the Ultimate Italian Mash-Up\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Amatriciana, that much-adored Roman pasta dish of guanciale (cured pork jowl, AKA pure umami), tomato sauce, onion (sometimes, this can be \u003ca href=\"https://www.seriouseats.com/2016/02/origins-history-of-roman-pasta-gricia-amatriciana-carbonara.html\">debated\u003c/a> heavily), and pecorino, with a kick of peperoncino (red chile), is one of the most perfect pasta dishes, especially when it’s served with the traditional choice of bucatini. You can find some good renditions here in SF, but did you know you can also find an \u003cstrong>amatriciana pizza\u003c/strong>? For this amatriciana \u003cem>and\u003c/em> pizza fanatic, it’s a special kind of mash-up heaven.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For years, I’ve been enjoying the amatriciana pizza by Sharon Ardiana at \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://ragazzasf.com/\">Ragazza\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> (311 Divisadero St.), made with tomato, Olli pancetta, Calabrian chilies, pecorino, oregano, and an organic egg ($18). While some folks could cry foul over the pancetta instead of guanciale, just remember, we’re talking about a pizza here. The egg also takes things in another direction, but it’s to the utterly delicious zone, so that’s great. You can also find the amatriciana pie at her pizzeria \u003ca href=\"https://www.gialina.com/\">Gialina\u003c/a> (2842 Diamond St.) in Glen Park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you want to play the “authentic” amatriciana pizza game, which is kind of ridiculous, but okay, the version at \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://pizzeriadelfina.com/\">Pizzeria Delfina\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> (multiple locations) is true to the original pasta dish, made with guanciale, chile, tomato, pecorino, and black pepper (which, actually, some people would argue about!). It’s $19, and the deep saucy flavor is like enjoying a bowl of the pasta, but on their tasty crust. Magic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Leave it to the Roman owner of \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://www.montesacrosf.com/\">Montesacro Pinseria\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> (510 Stevenson St.) in SoMa, Gianluca Legrottaglie, to offer an amatriciana version on their ancient Roman-style pinsa. Certo! Look for the Quadraro, with tomato, guanciale, red onion, hot chile, and of course, pecorino ($19).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another location serving an amatriciana pizza is \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://tonyspizzanapoletana.com\">Tony’s Pizza Napoletana\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> (1570 Stockton St.) in North Beach. Tony Gemignani’s version comes on his California-style crust, and it’s a really saucy pie, almost close to a plate of pasta. His version ($23) comes with sliced Aiello mozzarella, amatriciana tomato sauce with guanciale, onion, olive oil, and grated romano. I recommend a drizzle of his spicy oil on the table to kick things up.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"disqusTitle": "Growing California Rice and Almonds Against the Grain",
"title": "Growing California Rice and Almonds Against the Grain",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>These two crops are often treated like commodities in the state, but Greg Massa and Raquel Krach have prioritized a high-functioning ecosystem on their farm while selling direct to customers.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In his now-weathered, century-old diary, Manuel Fonseca penned an entry in Portuguese about the many challenges he faced as a new immigrant trying to grow rice in California’s Sacramento Valley. Fonseca planted his first crop in 1916 and found himself wrestling with an alarming number of weeds in the paddies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Despite the challenges, the farm survived, and three generations and a century later, his great-grandson Greg Massa is still growing rice, along with his wife Raquel Krach. Although Greg’s father, Manuel Massa Jr., opted to use herbicides, Greg has chosen to farm organically, meaning he’s facing the same weeds as his great-grandfather, which are difficult to remove once he floods his fields with nourishing waters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We farm organically because we think spraying poison on food and on our environment is wrong,” Massa says. But being an organic rice farm has been anything but easy, requiring Massa and Krach to employ an arsenal of farming techniques: crop rotation, cover crops, field preparation, timely planting, and deep water followed by drought stress to restrain weeds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Rice is difficult to grow organically with modern varieties that were bred for high inputs of nitrogen and herbicides to kill weeds,” Massa explains. “Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. We’ve tried using goats, mowing, and spraying vinegar with limited success.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Set on 200 verdant acres in Hamilton City, \u003ca href=\"http://massaorganics.com/\">Massa Organics\u003c/a> farms rice, almonds, sheep, and pigs. Sandwiched between two majestic national forests, the Mendocino and the Plumas, with the Sacramento River at its feet, Massa Organics is 15 miles from the university town of Chico.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128779\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1200px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1.jpg\" alt=\"Massa Organics’ rice fields after a winter rain.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128779\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Massa Organics’ rice fields after a winter rain. \u003ccite>(Photo courtesy of \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/massaorganics/\">Massa Organics\u003c/a>.)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Though rice, which Massa sells to restaurants in town, is its primary selling staple, the farm also sells its grass-fed ground lamb at the Chico farmers’ market and raw nonpareil almonds, jars of almond butter, lamb, and pork to farmers’ markets in the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In a rice industry dominated by larger producers like \u003ca href=\"http://www.lundberg.com/\">Lundberg\u003c/a> (which does its own \u003ca href=\"http://www.lundberg.com/about/\">conservation work\u003c/a>), Massa Organics is the rare independent brand selling directly to its customers through markets, CSAs, and small retail stores using social media as a marketing tool. Rarer still is the Massa approach to farming as a means of ecological work. The couple views each crop as part of a \u003ca href=\"http://massaorganics.com/how-we-grow/\">fully functioning ecosystem\u003c/a>—the rice as part of a pond ecosystem and the almonds part of a woodland ecosystem—that relies on biodiversity and natural relationships for crop health.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch4>\u003cstrong>An Ecological Approach to Farming\u003c/strong>\u003c/h4>\n\u003cp>Massa and Krach both have Masters’ degrees in ecology and moved to the farm in 1997 with hopes of re-thinking his family’s approach to conventional commodity farming. Though they could have entered academia, the pair was inspired by Krach’s agroecology research on Costa Rican tropical tree plantations growing right next to rainforests without harming them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I was doing my research on this actual plantation and thought, ‘This is kind of weird that I’m doing this in a research-based situation when we have a real farm,’” Krach says. Hoping to engage in applied ecology that made an immediate difference, she convinced Massa they could convert his family farm into a living experiment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We chose organic farming as a means of doing conservation work because our methods promote biodiversity by mimicking natural ecosystems,” Massa says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128780\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1200px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field.jpg\" alt=\"Snow geese spend a winter morning on the farm in this photo from a drone flying over Massa’s fields.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128780\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Snow geese spend a winter morning on the farm in this photo from a drone flying over Massa’s fields. \u003ccite>(Photo courtesy of \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/massaorganics/\">Massa Organics\u003c/a>.)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Like Massa’s ancestors, he and Krach chose to farm medium-grain \u003ca href=\"https://healthyliving.azcentral.com/nutrition-of-calrose-rice-12230450.html\">Calrose rice\u003c/a>, a versatile variety bred specifically to flourish in California. The result is a sweet, nutty brown rice high in fiber and taste that Charles Phan, executive chef at the renowned San Francisco restaurant \u003ca href=\"http://www.slanteddoor.com/\">The Slanted Door\u003c/a>, serves and swears by. But its taste isn’t the only reason that Massa and Krach chose Calrose over jasmine and basmati varieties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Small farmers in Thailand sell a little jasmine rice, and they’re reliant on that for their income,” Massa said. “Many generations of Thai farmers worked to select jasmine rice to make it what it is. We decided early on we were not going to grow jasmine or basmati because it felt too much like stealing their genetic heritage.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Soon after taking over, Massa and Krach began to transition the land to organic, eventually diversifying the operation, adding almonds, wheat, and several heritage breeds of animals to the mix. By 2002, the rice operation was certified, and the rest followed over the course of the next eight years. Today, their whole operation is certified organic.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch4>\u003cstrong>Creating a Natural Woodland Environment\u003c/strong>\u003c/h4>\n\u003cp>Integrating heritage animal breeds—Dorper sheep, Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs, and Berkshire pigs—has been an important way to improve the farm’s ecological footprint as well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128781\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1200px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1.jpg\" alt=\"Some of Massa Organics’ piglets.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1133\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128781\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1-160x151.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1-800x755.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1-768x725.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1-1020x963.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1-1180x1114.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1-960x906.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1-240x227.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1-375x354.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1-520x491.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Some of Massa Organics’ piglets. \u003ccite>(Photo courtesy of \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/massaorganics/\">Massa Organics\u003c/a>.)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Krach and Massa have pioneered a natural grazing pattern for their sheep, converting their 30-acre almond orchard into a natural woodland. Every morning, and sometimes in the afternoons, Massa and Krach move an electric fence to cover a different 6,000- to 8,000-square foot area, guiding 100 Dorper sheep and lambs to a new patch of orchard.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mimicking the ancient patterns of pack herbivores like pronghorn antelope, the sheep graze happily on perennials and other grasses. In the process, the herd replicates a natural woodland ecosystem—one that consists of mature trees, understory plants, large mammals, small mammals, birds, and insects all living in symbiosis that serve the crops well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The woodland environment \u003ca href=\"https://civileats.com/2010/05/26/beeline-to-extinction/\">attracts beneficial insects\u003c/a> that protect against pests, and the grazing animals naturally remove weeds, fertilize the almond trees with their waste, and create a richer soil for insects and thus a richer food source for birds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Massa and Krach pasture their 120 pigs as well. In addition to creating natural fertilizer, Krach says the pigs provide a plowing function for the farmers, digging up stubborn weeds, and are mostly fed rice, wheat, safflower, and hay that is grown on the farm. “They’re part of the cycle,” she says. “If they tear up the ground, we can just plow it and move them out.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Agriculture is intricately connected to the larger web of life for the pair. “Everything we do with the animals is totally counter to mass production,” Krach says. “Letting them live like they should is the only way we can imagine.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Spring is a lively time for Krach, as she manages their animal operations. Most of the 45 ewes are pregnant this time of year and hungrily mow down the tall grasses by at least a foot over three or four hours in the field. Krach finds it hard to go inside when she’s standing in three-foot grass watching her ewes and 11 lambs, the babies frolicking in a beautiful pink sunset.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128782\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1200px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1.jpg\" alt=\"Sheep before an approaching storm.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1036\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128782\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1-160x138.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1-800x691.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1-768x663.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1-1020x881.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1-1180x1019.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1-960x829.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1-240x207.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1-375x324.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1-520x449.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sheep before an approaching storm. \u003ccite>(Photo courtesy of \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/massaorganics/\">Massa Organics\u003c/a>.)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It’s pretty idyllic,” Krach says. “It’s hard work, but raising the sheep is fun, and it’s lambing time, so I can’t get enough of them.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Soon, the lambs will go to the farmers’ market to be sold. Krach sees letting the animals go as part of the cycle and hopes to educate omnivores about where their meat comes from. “We hope we can teach people and they can learn about [how we raise animals] by knowing our farm or buying our products,” she says.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch4>\u003cstrong>Water Limitations and an Ecological Lifestyle\u003c/strong>\u003c/h4>\n\u003cp>Almonds, like meat, have often \u003ca href=\"https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/09/california-stil-drought-and-almonds-are-still-sucking-lots-water/\">gotten a bad rap\u003c/a> as a water-thirsty crop in drought-ridden California. But as an almond farmer, Massa sees much of that response as scapegoating.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Yes, it takes some water to grow [almonds], but if you look at what you get out of these nuts, [it’s worth it],” he says. “They’re really full of health benefits—they can \u003ca href=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/almonds\">regulate your blood sugar\u003c/a> and hold your hunger at bay for several hours. I’d challenge you to find another crop that could do that.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Greg says rice used to have a similarly bad rap. “In terms of water used per serving, rice can be pretty good. Lots of crops use a lot of water, and in most of California, you can’t dry-farm everything.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128777\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1200px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1.jpg\" alt=\"150 tons of compost to be spread on the Massa almond orchards.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1199\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128777\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-160x160.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-800x799.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-768x767.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-1020x1019.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-1180x1179.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-960x959.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-240x240.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-375x375.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-520x520.jpg 520w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-32x32.jpg 32w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-50x50.jpg 50w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-64x64.jpg 64w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-96x96.jpg 96w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-128x128.jpg 128w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">150 tons of compost to be spread on the Massa almond orchards. \u003ccite>(Photo courtesy of \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/massaorganics/\">Massa Organics\u003c/a>.)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>With two water-intensive crops, Massa Organics is fortunately situated just a few hundred yards from the Sacramento River near its intersection with Stony Creek. Half the land is in an irrigation district with water rights from the river, and the other half of their water comes from what Greg called “very good groundwater,” with minimal sinking of the ground.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Massa and Krach’s dedication to ecology and conservation—a view of the bigger picture that goes far beyond profits—has also inspired innovation. They live in a well-insulated, energy-efficient \u003ca href=\"http://massaorganics.com/the-house-that-rice-built\">rice straw-bale farmhouse\u003c/a>, use solar panels to provide approximately 90 percent of the farm’s energy, and use biodiesel made from vegetable oil they recycle from local restaurants to power most of the farm’s vehicles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Our background in ecology directs everything we do on the land,” Massa says. “We’re always looking to stack enterprises, integrate processes, grow new things, and grow them better.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This article was originally published on\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://civileats.com/2018/05/29/growing-california-rice-and-almonds-against-the-grain/\">\u003cem>Civil Eats\u003c/em>\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"excerpt": "These two crops are often treated like commodities in the state, but Greg Massa and Raquel Krach have prioritized a high-functioning ecosystem on their farm while selling direct to customers.\r\n\r\n",
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"nprByline": "\u003ca href=\"https://civileats.com/author/dkim/\">Dakota Kim\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://civileats.com/2018/05/29/growing-california-rice-and-almonds-against-the-grain/\">Civil Eats\u003c/a>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>These two crops are often treated like commodities in the state, but Greg Massa and Raquel Krach have prioritized a high-functioning ecosystem on their farm while selling direct to customers.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In his now-weathered, century-old diary, Manuel Fonseca penned an entry in Portuguese about the many challenges he faced as a new immigrant trying to grow rice in California’s Sacramento Valley. Fonseca planted his first crop in 1916 and found himself wrestling with an alarming number of weeds in the paddies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Despite the challenges, the farm survived, and three generations and a century later, his great-grandson Greg Massa is still growing rice, along with his wife Raquel Krach. Although Greg’s father, Manuel Massa Jr., opted to use herbicides, Greg has chosen to farm organically, meaning he’s facing the same weeds as his great-grandfather, which are difficult to remove once he floods his fields with nourishing waters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We farm organically because we think spraying poison on food and on our environment is wrong,” Massa says. But being an organic rice farm has been anything but easy, requiring Massa and Krach to employ an arsenal of farming techniques: crop rotation, cover crops, field preparation, timely planting, and deep water followed by drought stress to restrain weeds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Rice is difficult to grow organically with modern varieties that were bred for high inputs of nitrogen and herbicides to kill weeds,” Massa explains. “Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. We’ve tried using goats, mowing, and spraying vinegar with limited success.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Set on 200 verdant acres in Hamilton City, \u003ca href=\"http://massaorganics.com/\">Massa Organics\u003c/a> farms rice, almonds, sheep, and pigs. Sandwiched between two majestic national forests, the Mendocino and the Plumas, with the Sacramento River at its feet, Massa Organics is 15 miles from the university town of Chico.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128779\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1200px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1.jpg\" alt=\"Massa Organics’ rice fields after a winter rain.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128779\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-fields-1-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Massa Organics’ rice fields after a winter rain. \u003ccite>(Photo courtesy of \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/massaorganics/\">Massa Organics\u003c/a>.)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Though rice, which Massa sells to restaurants in town, is its primary selling staple, the farm also sells its grass-fed ground lamb at the Chico farmers’ market and raw nonpareil almonds, jars of almond butter, lamb, and pork to farmers’ markets in the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In a rice industry dominated by larger producers like \u003ca href=\"http://www.lundberg.com/\">Lundberg\u003c/a> (which does its own \u003ca href=\"http://www.lundberg.com/about/\">conservation work\u003c/a>), Massa Organics is the rare independent brand selling directly to its customers through markets, CSAs, and small retail stores using social media as a marketing tool. Rarer still is the Massa approach to farming as a means of ecological work. The couple views each crop as part of a \u003ca href=\"http://massaorganics.com/how-we-grow/\">fully functioning ecosystem\u003c/a>—the rice as part of a pond ecosystem and the almonds part of a woodland ecosystem—that relies on biodiversity and natural relationships for crop health.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch4>\u003cstrong>An Ecological Approach to Farming\u003c/strong>\u003c/h4>\n\u003cp>Massa and Krach both have Masters’ degrees in ecology and moved to the farm in 1997 with hopes of re-thinking his family’s approach to conventional commodity farming. Though they could have entered academia, the pair was inspired by Krach’s agroecology research on Costa Rican tropical tree plantations growing right next to rainforests without harming them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I was doing my research on this actual plantation and thought, ‘This is kind of weird that I’m doing this in a research-based situation when we have a real farm,’” Krach says. Hoping to engage in applied ecology that made an immediate difference, she convinced Massa they could convert his family farm into a living experiment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We chose organic farming as a means of doing conservation work because our methods promote biodiversity by mimicking natural ecosystems,” Massa says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128780\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1200px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field.jpg\" alt=\"Snow geese spend a winter morning on the farm in this photo from a drone flying over Massa’s fields.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128780\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-geese-field-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Snow geese spend a winter morning on the farm in this photo from a drone flying over Massa’s fields. \u003ccite>(Photo courtesy of \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/massaorganics/\">Massa Organics\u003c/a>.)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Like Massa’s ancestors, he and Krach chose to farm medium-grain \u003ca href=\"https://healthyliving.azcentral.com/nutrition-of-calrose-rice-12230450.html\">Calrose rice\u003c/a>, a versatile variety bred specifically to flourish in California. The result is a sweet, nutty brown rice high in fiber and taste that Charles Phan, executive chef at the renowned San Francisco restaurant \u003ca href=\"http://www.slanteddoor.com/\">The Slanted Door\u003c/a>, serves and swears by. But its taste isn’t the only reason that Massa and Krach chose Calrose over jasmine and basmati varieties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Small farmers in Thailand sell a little jasmine rice, and they’re reliant on that for their income,” Massa said. “Many generations of Thai farmers worked to select jasmine rice to make it what it is. We decided early on we were not going to grow jasmine or basmati because it felt too much like stealing their genetic heritage.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Soon after taking over, Massa and Krach began to transition the land to organic, eventually diversifying the operation, adding almonds, wheat, and several heritage breeds of animals to the mix. By 2002, the rice operation was certified, and the rest followed over the course of the next eight years. Today, their whole operation is certified organic.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch4>\u003cstrong>Creating a Natural Woodland Environment\u003c/strong>\u003c/h4>\n\u003cp>Integrating heritage animal breeds—Dorper sheep, Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs, and Berkshire pigs—has been an important way to improve the farm’s ecological footprint as well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128781\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1200px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1.jpg\" alt=\"Some of Massa Organics’ piglets.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1133\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128781\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1-160x151.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1-800x755.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1-768x725.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1-1020x963.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1-1180x1114.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1-960x906.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1-240x227.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1-375x354.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-piglets-1-520x491.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Some of Massa Organics’ piglets. \u003ccite>(Photo courtesy of \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/massaorganics/\">Massa Organics\u003c/a>.)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Krach and Massa have pioneered a natural grazing pattern for their sheep, converting their 30-acre almond orchard into a natural woodland. Every morning, and sometimes in the afternoons, Massa and Krach move an electric fence to cover a different 6,000- to 8,000-square foot area, guiding 100 Dorper sheep and lambs to a new patch of orchard.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mimicking the ancient patterns of pack herbivores like pronghorn antelope, the sheep graze happily on perennials and other grasses. In the process, the herd replicates a natural woodland ecosystem—one that consists of mature trees, understory plants, large mammals, small mammals, birds, and insects all living in symbiosis that serve the crops well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The woodland environment \u003ca href=\"https://civileats.com/2010/05/26/beeline-to-extinction/\">attracts beneficial insects\u003c/a> that protect against pests, and the grazing animals naturally remove weeds, fertilize the almond trees with their waste, and create a richer soil for insects and thus a richer food source for birds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Massa and Krach pasture their 120 pigs as well. In addition to creating natural fertilizer, Krach says the pigs provide a plowing function for the farmers, digging up stubborn weeds, and are mostly fed rice, wheat, safflower, and hay that is grown on the farm. “They’re part of the cycle,” she says. “If they tear up the ground, we can just plow it and move them out.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Agriculture is intricately connected to the larger web of life for the pair. “Everything we do with the animals is totally counter to mass production,” Krach says. “Letting them live like they should is the only way we can imagine.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Spring is a lively time for Krach, as she manages their animal operations. Most of the 45 ewes are pregnant this time of year and hungrily mow down the tall grasses by at least a foot over three or four hours in the field. Krach finds it hard to go inside when she’s standing in three-foot grass watching her ewes and 11 lambs, the babies frolicking in a beautiful pink sunset.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128782\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1200px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1.jpg\" alt=\"Sheep before an approaching storm.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1036\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128782\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1-160x138.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1-800x691.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1-768x663.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1-1020x881.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1-1180x1019.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1-960x829.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1-240x207.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1-375x324.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-sheep-storm-1-520x449.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sheep before an approaching storm. \u003ccite>(Photo courtesy of \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/massaorganics/\">Massa Organics\u003c/a>.)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It’s pretty idyllic,” Krach says. “It’s hard work, but raising the sheep is fun, and it’s lambing time, so I can’t get enough of them.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Soon, the lambs will go to the farmers’ market to be sold. Krach sees letting the animals go as part of the cycle and hopes to educate omnivores about where their meat comes from. “We hope we can teach people and they can learn about [how we raise animals] by knowing our farm or buying our products,” she says.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch4>\u003cstrong>Water Limitations and an Ecological Lifestyle\u003c/strong>\u003c/h4>\n\u003cp>Almonds, like meat, have often \u003ca href=\"https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/09/california-stil-drought-and-almonds-are-still-sucking-lots-water/\">gotten a bad rap\u003c/a> as a water-thirsty crop in drought-ridden California. But as an almond farmer, Massa sees much of that response as scapegoating.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Yes, it takes some water to grow [almonds], but if you look at what you get out of these nuts, [it’s worth it],” he says. “They’re really full of health benefits—they can \u003ca href=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/almonds\">regulate your blood sugar\u003c/a> and hold your hunger at bay for several hours. I’d challenge you to find another crop that could do that.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Greg says rice used to have a similarly bad rap. “In terms of water used per serving, rice can be pretty good. Lots of crops use a lot of water, and in most of California, you can’t dry-farm everything.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128777\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1200px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1.jpg\" alt=\"150 tons of compost to be spread on the Massa almond orchards.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1199\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128777\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-160x160.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-800x799.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-768x767.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-1020x1019.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-1180x1179.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-960x959.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-240x240.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-375x375.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-520x520.jpg 520w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-32x32.jpg 32w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-50x50.jpg 50w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-64x64.jpg 64w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-96x96.jpg 96w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-128x128.jpg 128w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/180525-massa-organics-compost-1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">150 tons of compost to be spread on the Massa almond orchards. \u003ccite>(Photo courtesy of \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/massaorganics/\">Massa Organics\u003c/a>.)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>With two water-intensive crops, Massa Organics is fortunately situated just a few hundred yards from the Sacramento River near its intersection with Stony Creek. Half the land is in an irrigation district with water rights from the river, and the other half of their water comes from what Greg called “very good groundwater,” with minimal sinking of the ground.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Massa and Krach’s dedication to ecology and conservation—a view of the bigger picture that goes far beyond profits—has also inspired innovation. They live in a well-insulated, energy-efficient \u003ca href=\"http://massaorganics.com/the-house-that-rice-built\">rice straw-bale farmhouse\u003c/a>, use solar panels to provide approximately 90 percent of the farm’s energy, and use biodiesel made from vegetable oil they recycle from local restaurants to power most of the farm’s vehicles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Our background in ecology directs everything we do on the land,” Massa says. “We’re always looking to stack enterprises, integrate processes, grow new things, and grow them better.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This article was originally published on\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://civileats.com/2018/05/29/growing-california-rice-and-almonds-against-the-grain/\">\u003cem>Civil Eats\u003c/em>\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"disqusTitle": "50 Best Restaurants in Sonoma County 2018",
"title": "50 Best Restaurants in Sonoma County 2018",
"headTitle": "Bay Area Bites | KQED Food",
"content": "\u003cp>There’s certainly no shortage of “best” restaurants in Sonoma County, a region known as much for culinary excellence as it is for the quality of its wines and the beauty of its landscape. So in a way, the task was simple as we selected local chefs and restaurants that continually offer up dishes beyond compare.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yet even as we wrote why a specific restaurant deserved special praise (drooling a little along the way), it was hard to keep our minds off that little corner bistro that serves a great Reuben, the popular cafe with that perfect little salad, or an always-full restaurant that somehow fell off the radar. That’s part of what makes Sonoma so special — there are surprising food finds to discover around every corner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We present 50 of our favorite restaurants for everyday eats, special occasions, family outings, and quick bites.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128729\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128729\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PARADISE_SUSHI_ALLYOUCANEAT_777514-1024x751.jpg\" alt=\"All-You-Can Eat Sushi: Paradise, Santa Rosa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"751\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PARADISE_SUSHI_ALLYOUCANEAT_777514-1024x751.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PARADISE_SUSHI_ALLYOUCANEAT_777514-1024x751-160x117.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PARADISE_SUSHI_ALLYOUCANEAT_777514-1024x751-800x587.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PARADISE_SUSHI_ALLYOUCANEAT_777514-1024x751-768x563.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PARADISE_SUSHI_ALLYOUCANEAT_777514-1024x751-1020x748.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PARADISE_SUSHI_ALLYOUCANEAT_777514-1024x751-960x704.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PARADISE_SUSHI_ALLYOUCANEAT_777514-1024x751-240x176.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PARADISE_SUSHI_ALLYOUCANEAT_777514-1024x751-375x275.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PARADISE_SUSHI_ALLYOUCANEAT_777514-1024x751-520x381.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">All-You-Can Eat Sushi: Paradise, Santa Rosa \u003ccite>(Heather Irwin)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>All-You-Can Eat Sushi: Paradise, Santa Rosa: \u003c/strong>Sometime you just need more California rolls than any human should really consume. All-youcan- eat sushi and rolls for lunch and dinner may not have the panache of pricier raw fish, but sometimes utility sushi does the job. Solidly done, with pennypincher pricing. \u003cem>119 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-542-4582, \u003ca href=\"http://paradisesushi.net/\">paradisesushi.net\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128711\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128711\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CJ1230_ELDORADOKITCHEN04_589131-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Bar to See Winemakers: El Dorado Kitchen, Sonoma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CJ1230_ELDORADOKITCHEN04_589131-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CJ1230_ELDORADOKITCHEN04_589131-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CJ1230_ELDORADOKITCHEN04_589131-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CJ1230_ELDORADOKITCHEN04_589131-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CJ1230_ELDORADOKITCHEN04_589131-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CJ1230_ELDORADOKITCHEN04_589131-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CJ1230_ELDORADOKITCHEN04_589131-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CJ1230_ELDORADOKITCHEN04_589131-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CJ1230_ELDORADOKITCHEN04_589131-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bar to See Winemakers: El Dorado Kitchen, Sonoma \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Bar to See Winemakers: El Dorado Kitchen, Sonoma: \u003c/strong>The seven chairs at the marble bar are a favorite hangout for the many winemakers in the Sonoma and Sonoma Valley area — particularly so during harvest. Talent from Sebastiani, Buena Vista, and other nearby wineries converge here in the afternoons, usually drinking, what else, beer. \u003cem>405 1st St. W., Sonoma, 707996-3030, \u003ca href=\"http://eldoradosonoma.com/\">eldoradosonoma.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128700\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128700\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0201_VALENTINESCOCKTAILS_06_860525-1024x747.jpg\" alt=\"Belly Up to the Bar: Geyserville Gun Club\" width=\"1024\" height=\"747\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0201_VALENTINESCOCKTAILS_06_860525-1024x747.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0201_VALENTINESCOCKTAILS_06_860525-1024x747-160x117.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0201_VALENTINESCOCKTAILS_06_860525-1024x747-800x584.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0201_VALENTINESCOCKTAILS_06_860525-1024x747-768x560.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0201_VALENTINESCOCKTAILS_06_860525-1024x747-1020x744.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0201_VALENTINESCOCKTAILS_06_860525-1024x747-960x700.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0201_VALENTINESCOCKTAILS_06_860525-1024x747-240x175.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0201_VALENTINESCOCKTAILS_06_860525-1024x747-375x274.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0201_VALENTINESCOCKTAILS_06_860525-1024x747-520x379.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Belly Up to the Bar: Geyserville Gun Club \u003ccite>(Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Belly Up to the Bar: Geyserville Gun Club:\u003c/strong> The best-kept secret in Wine Country is this unassuming Geyserville bar that once served as an Odd Fellows Hall. It’s been transformed into an eclectic catch-all hangout for the post-winery set, winemakers, local chefs, and in-the-know gastronomes who sidle up to the historic bar for wildly creative cocktails or Olympia beer from a can. Chef Dino Bugica (Diavola) is behind the menu of low-brow hot dog creations (try the Tijuana with bacon, jalapeno, fried onions, and pickled pineapple), fresh oysters, pork belly ramen, and Korean tacos. \u003cem>21025 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-8140036, \u003ca href=\"http://geyservillegunclub.com/\">geyservillegunclub.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128733\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128733\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TRADINGPOST_810961-1024x645.jpg\" alt=\"Bread Basket: Trading Post, Cloverdale\" width=\"1024\" height=\"645\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TRADINGPOST_810961-1024x645.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TRADINGPOST_810961-1024x645-160x101.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TRADINGPOST_810961-1024x645-800x504.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TRADINGPOST_810961-1024x645-768x484.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TRADINGPOST_810961-1024x645-1020x642.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TRADINGPOST_810961-1024x645-960x605.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TRADINGPOST_810961-1024x645-240x151.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TRADINGPOST_810961-1024x645-375x236.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TRADINGPOST_810961-1024x645-520x328.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bread Basket: Trading Post, Cloverdale \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Bread Basket: Trading Post, Cloverdale:\u003c/strong> Rather than a tummy-filling distraction, the bread service at this charming raw-wood-trimmed cafe is a star of the meal. That’s because partner-chef Aaron Arabian has his very own bakery, viewed through a glass wall off the dining room. He bakes daily and constantly changes his breadboard lineup, sending out such a generous array of slices and rolls that it’s a bargain for $6. One evening, we might score superb brandied onion rolls, potato-arugula focaccia, pumpkin rye, and rosemary pain d’epi for spreading with silky cultured butter; on another, we might salivate over French baguette, artisanal sourdough country loaf, seeded rye, and sweet fruit-nut bread. \u003cem>102 S. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, 707-8946483, \u003ca href=\"http://thepostcloverdale.com/\">thepostcloverdale.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128723\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128723\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB1101_BRASS_001_847961-1024x654.jpg\" alt=\"Channeling Julia: Brass Rabbit, Healdsburg \" width=\"1024\" height=\"654\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB1101_BRASS_001_847961-1024x654.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB1101_BRASS_001_847961-1024x654-160x102.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB1101_BRASS_001_847961-1024x654-800x511.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB1101_BRASS_001_847961-1024x654-768x491.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB1101_BRASS_001_847961-1024x654-1020x651.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB1101_BRASS_001_847961-1024x654-960x613.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB1101_BRASS_001_847961-1024x654-240x153.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB1101_BRASS_001_847961-1024x654-375x240.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB1101_BRASS_001_847961-1024x654-520x332.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Channeling Julia: Brass Rabbit, Healdsburg \u003ccite>(John Burgess/The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Channeling Julia: Brass Rabbit, Healdsburg: \u003c/strong>Julia Child’s claim to fame was bringing French cuisine to a Jello mold nation in the early 1960s. We’ve come a long way in 50 years, but classic dishes like her boeuf Bourguignon and lobster Thermidor deserve a revival, and chef Shane McAnelly is doing just that. With a restaurant that’s part Wine Country and part La Grenouille, diners sup on daily specials like bouillabaise, shrimp with cocktail sauce, rabbit pot pie, Dungeness Crab Louie, and bavette steak with creamed Swiss chard. \u003cem>109 Plaza St., Healdsburg, 707-473-8580, \u003ca href=\"http://thebrassrabbithealdsburg.com/\">thebrassrabbithealdsburg.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128713\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128713\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/girlandfigcheese-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Cheese Fest: The Girl and the Fig, Sonoma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/girlandfigcheese-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/girlandfigcheese-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/girlandfigcheese-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/girlandfigcheese-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/girlandfigcheese-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/girlandfigcheese-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/girlandfigcheese-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/girlandfigcheese-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/girlandfigcheese-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cheese Fest: The Girl and the Fig, Sonoma \u003ccite>(Rayna Greenberg - One Hungry Jew)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cheese Fest: The Girl and the Fig, Sonoma: \u003c/strong>So many Sonoma County restaurants offer cheese plates these days, it’s become a Wine Country signature. But restaurateur Sondra Bernstein says she was the first to put together the platters 20 years ago, and now, she runs an entire Salon de Fromage as part of her menu, offering more than a dozen platters such as the Fromage Tower of six weekly changing cheese selections, seasonal fruit, spiced nuts, olives, Mano Formate cured meats and charcuterie, her own fig food condiments, and baguettes. \u003cem>1206 E. Macarthur St., Ste. 3, Sonoma, 707-938-3634, \u003ca href=\"http://thegirlandthefig.com/\">thegirlandthefig.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128699\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128699\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0121_BIRDANDTHEBOTTLE_06_764819-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Date Night: Bird and Bottle, Santa Rosa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0121_BIRDANDTHEBOTTLE_06_764819-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0121_BIRDANDTHEBOTTLE_06_764819-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0121_BIRDANDTHEBOTTLE_06_764819-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0121_BIRDANDTHEBOTTLE_06_764819-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0121_BIRDANDTHEBOTTLE_06_764819-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0121_BIRDANDTHEBOTTLE_06_764819-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0121_BIRDANDTHEBOTTLE_06_764819-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0121_BIRDANDTHEBOTTLE_06_764819-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0121_BIRDANDTHEBOTTLE_06_764819-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Date Night: Bird and Bottle, Santa Rosa \u003ccite>(Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Date Night: Bird and Bottle, Santa Rosa: \u003c/strong>An ambitious mashup of Jewish, Southern, and Korean comfort classics may seem like a stretch for a romantic night out, but in the hands of chef Mark Stark, even schmaltz can be sexy. With a luxe interior in just the shade of light gray that makes any complexion glow, a list of cocktails to get each other giggling, plenty of raw oysters, and a ramen matzoh ball soup to cure any marital misgivings, we’ll pretty much guarantee a smile the morning after. Did we mention the chicken liver mousse with cracklings, thrice-fried potatoes, fried cheese curds, and pastrami steamed buns? Excellent consolation even if your date is a dud. If you’re missing your old date-night favorite, Willi’s Wine Bar, since its tragic loss in the fires, the restaurant’s famous Tunisian roasted carrots and arugula and Endive salad make appearances on the B&B menu. \u003cem>1055 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-568-4000, \u003ca href=\"http://birdandthebottle.com/\">birdandthebottle.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128708\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128708\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CG0220_FARMHOUSEINN26_722540-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Duck, Duck, Duck: Farmhouse Inn Restaurant, Forestville\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CG0220_FARMHOUSEINN26_722540-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CG0220_FARMHOUSEINN26_722540-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CG0220_FARMHOUSEINN26_722540-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CG0220_FARMHOUSEINN26_722540-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CG0220_FARMHOUSEINN26_722540-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CG0220_FARMHOUSEINN26_722540-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CG0220_FARMHOUSEINN26_722540-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CG0220_FARMHOUSEINN26_722540-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CG0220_FARMHOUSEINN26_722540-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Duck, Duck, Duck: Farmhouse Inn Restaurant, Forestville \u003ccite>(Charlie Gesell)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Duck, Duck, Duck: Farmhouse Inn Restaurant, Forestville: \u003c/strong>Duck is a Sonoma County staple — ubiquitous, actually — but we can never, ever get tired of how the local poultry is presented at this classy, Michelin-starred destination. That’s because chef Steve Litke changes his recipes often for his expertly toothtender, richly flavored bird. One evening, it may be smoked duck breast with silky foie gras on brioche sweetened with poached quince, while another evening may bring duck breast moistened in spicy red wine mole sauce atop polenta and collards. Recently, we were wooed by crispy-skin Peking-style duck, glazed in ginger plum sauce and perched on farro verde and spiced greens dotted with soy braised Alba mushrooms. As you may deduce, this is truly dynamite duck. \u003cem>7871 River Road, Forestville, 707-887-3300, \u003ca href=\"http://farmhouseinn.com/\">farmhouseinn.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128727\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128727\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/John-Ash-Co.s-Front-Room-Bar-and-Lounge-1024x650.jpg\" alt=\"Eating Out for the Holidays: John Ash & Co, Santa Rosa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"650\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/John-Ash-Co.s-Front-Room-Bar-and-Lounge-1024x650.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/John-Ash-Co.s-Front-Room-Bar-and-Lounge-1024x650-160x102.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/John-Ash-Co.s-Front-Room-Bar-and-Lounge-1024x650-800x508.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/John-Ash-Co.s-Front-Room-Bar-and-Lounge-1024x650-768x488.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/John-Ash-Co.s-Front-Room-Bar-and-Lounge-1024x650-1020x647.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/John-Ash-Co.s-Front-Room-Bar-and-Lounge-1024x650-960x609.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/John-Ash-Co.s-Front-Room-Bar-and-Lounge-1024x650-240x152.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/John-Ash-Co.s-Front-Room-Bar-and-Lounge-1024x650-375x238.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/John-Ash-Co.s-Front-Room-Bar-and-Lounge-1024x650-520x330.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Eating Out for the Holidays: John Ash & Co, Santa Rosa \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eating Out for the Holidays: John Ash & Co, Santa Rosa:\u003c/strong> Why bother fussing over a holiday meal when chef Tom Schmidt can do it so much better? Personally, we’d far rather be sipping a Negroni and eating pan-seared Liberty Duck confit hash with fresh duck eggs and pan-seared foie gras than wrestling to get an overly salted ham and boxed mashed potatoes on the table before the kids melt down. John Ash & Co., the birthplace of Wine Country dining, gets it so right with their inspired brunch, lunch, and dinner menus for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s, featuring seasonal produce and locally sourced meats in a calm, stress-free environment (we love the vineyard views). Holidays are stressful enough without figuring out how to make bananas Foster French toast on your own. So don’t. \u003cem>4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa, 707-527-7687, \u003ca href=\"http://vintnersinn.com/dining\">vintnersinn.com/dining\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128717\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128717\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0126_SINGLETHREAD_033_813535-1024x686.jpg\" alt=\"Fancy Pants: Single Thread, Healdsburg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"686\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0126_SINGLETHREAD_033_813535-1024x686.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0126_SINGLETHREAD_033_813535-1024x686-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0126_SINGLETHREAD_033_813535-1024x686-800x536.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0126_SINGLETHREAD_033_813535-1024x686-768x515.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0126_SINGLETHREAD_033_813535-1024x686-1020x683.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0126_SINGLETHREAD_033_813535-1024x686-960x643.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0126_SINGLETHREAD_033_813535-1024x686-240x161.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0126_SINGLETHREAD_033_813535-1024x686-375x251.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0126_SINGLETHREAD_033_813535-1024x686-520x348.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fancy Pants: Single Thread, Healdsburg \u003ccite>(John Burgess/The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Fancy Pants: Single Thread, Healdsburg: \u003c/strong>A restaurant experience that costs as much as a flat-screen television isn’t for everyone, but for those once-in-a-lifetime occasions, there’s pretty much no better pick in Sonoma County. Chef Kyle Connaughton spent years dreaming of a bespoke dining experience that embraces Japanese micro-seasonality, an artist’s attention to color and texture, and the unique terroir of the farm he runs with wife Katina. The quiet, minimalist interior lets the food do all the talking. Entering a world so perfectly ordered and eating food so perfectly executed is an experience that you won’t soon forget — if ever. \u003cem>131 North St., Healdsburg, 707-723-4646, \u003ca href=\"http://singlethreadfarms.com/\">singlethreadfarms.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128714\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128714\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/handline_fishtacos-1-1024x751.jpg\" alt=\"Fish Tacos: Handline, Sebastopol\" width=\"1024\" height=\"751\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/handline_fishtacos-1-1024x751.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/handline_fishtacos-1-1024x751-160x117.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/handline_fishtacos-1-1024x751-800x587.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/handline_fishtacos-1-1024x751-768x563.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/handline_fishtacos-1-1024x751-1020x748.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/handline_fishtacos-1-1024x751-960x704.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/handline_fishtacos-1-1024x751-240x176.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/handline_fishtacos-1-1024x751-375x275.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/handline_fishtacos-1-1024x751-520x381.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fish Tacos: Handline, Sebastopol \u003ccite>(Heather Irwin)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Fish Tacos: Handline, Sebastopol:\u003c/strong> This classic Baja dish is part of the fabric of California, and a bellwether for any restaurant that serves them. It’s a simple beach shack snack that can go so terribly wrong. Fortunately, Handline does everything right, from the locally sourced rockfish to a light beer battering, crispy shaved cabbage, chipotle aioli, lime, and avocado. What sets these tacos apart from most others are the corn tortillas made from scratch right at the restaurant, not from pre-made masa, but from stone-ground corn. \u003cem>935 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-827-3744, \u003ca href=\"http://handline.com/\">handline.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128716\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128716\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI16_PHARMACY_BEETBREAD_774048-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Fix You Right Up: Pharmacy, Santa Rosa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI16_PHARMACY_BEETBREAD_774048-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI16_PHARMACY_BEETBREAD_774048-1-1024x768-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI16_PHARMACY_BEETBREAD_774048-1-1024x768-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI16_PHARMACY_BEETBREAD_774048-1-1024x768-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI16_PHARMACY_BEETBREAD_774048-1-1024x768-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI16_PHARMACY_BEETBREAD_774048-1-1024x768-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI16_PHARMACY_BEETBREAD_774048-1-1024x768-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI16_PHARMACY_BEETBREAD_774048-1-1024x768-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI16_PHARMACY_BEETBREAD_774048-1-1024x768-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fix You Right Up: Pharmacy, Santa Rosa \u003ccite>(Heather Irwin)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Fix You Right Up: Pharmacy, Santa Rosa:\u003c/strong> Thoughtfully crafted foods that nourish and enrich, rather than deplete, is the mission of this former pharmacy-turned-cafe. Sunny egg salad sandwiches with artisan bread, luxurious chop salads with roasted chicken, and an insanely delicious almond milk lassi with turmeric and ginger are favorites. It’s a perfect quick pitstop that won’t leave you with an afternoon of regret. \u003cem>990 Sonoma Ave., #1, Santa Rosa, 707-978-2801, \u003ca href=\"http://thepharmacysonomacounty.com/\">thepharmacysonomacounty.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>(Photo by Heather Irwin)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128709\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128709\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CityGarden007-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Food with a Hole: City Garden Doughnuts, Santa Rosa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CityGarden007-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CityGarden007-1024x683-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CityGarden007-1024x683-800x534.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CityGarden007-1024x683-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CityGarden007-1024x683-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CityGarden007-1024x683-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CityGarden007-1024x683-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CityGarden007-1024x683-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CityGarden007-1024x683-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Food with a Hole: City Garden Doughnuts, Santa Rosa \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Food with a Hole: City Garden Doughnuts, Santa Rosa:\u003c/strong> These aren’t workaday donuts or wacky cereal-coated marshmallow-dipped curiosities that are more fun to look at than eat. Instead, City Garden takes a more subtle approach. Using intensely flavored glazes made with fresh fruit (pucker-worthy lemons, huckleberries, and strawberries top the list), dark chocolate, sprinkles, and even a bit of bacon atop pillowy brioche, “donut” hardly seems a worthy enough moniker. Regardless, there’s always a new flavor for the season, and cake donuts are new to the lineup. Just make sure to get in line early, or you’ll go home empty handed. And no one wants that. \u003cem>1200 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-595-1932, \u003ca href=\"http://facebook.com/CityGardenDoughnuts\">facebook.com/CityGardenDoughnuts\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128728\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128728\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/LIFE_778714-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"For a Crowd: Franchetti's Wood Fire Kitchen, Santa Rosa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/LIFE_778714-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/LIFE_778714-1024x683-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/LIFE_778714-1024x683-800x534.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/LIFE_778714-1024x683-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/LIFE_778714-1024x683-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/LIFE_778714-1024x683-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/LIFE_778714-1024x683-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/LIFE_778714-1024x683-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/LIFE_778714-1024x683-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">For a Crowd: Franchetti's Wood Fire Kitchen, Santa Rosa \u003ccite>(Erik Castro/for The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>For a Crowd: Franchetti's Wood Fire Kitchen, Santa Rosa: \u003c/strong>As a combo fast-casual restaurant and catering kitchen, this industrial-chic spot is perfect for impromptu groups or planned private events. Just push together some tables, order a slew of spectacular thin crust wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas, then amuse your crew playing Ping-Pong, watching a game, or conquering the little putting green. The Cal-cuisine is superb, as shareable plates like succulent slow-braised roasted pork shoulder, juicy fried chicken, and pasta pomodoro with organic quinoa spaghetti in chunky, garlicky tomato sauce. There’s a pizza and pasta kids’ menu, too, and extra fun for adults: the topnotch wine list and vermouth cocktails. \u003cem>1229 N. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-526-1229, \u003ca href=\"http://franchettis.com/\">franchettis.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128737\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128737\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WISHBONE093_712915-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"For the Brunch Bunch: Wishbone, Petaluma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WISHBONE093_712915-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WISHBONE093_712915-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WISHBONE093_712915-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WISHBONE093_712915-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WISHBONE093_712915-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WISHBONE093_712915-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WISHBONE093_712915-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WISHBONE093_712915-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WISHBONE093_712915-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">For the Brunch Bunch: Wishbone, Petaluma \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>For the Brunch Bunch: Wishbone, Petaluma:\u003c/strong> Everyday is brunch day at this soulful Petaluma eatery run by husband and wife ranchers Miriam Donaldson and Josh Norwitt. Sublime farm-to-table eggs Benny, biscuits, and gravy are all served daily from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A full bar includes generous mimosas, Bloody Marys with house pickles, and a whiskeyspiked coffee makes the morning all the more enjoyable. \u003cem>841 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-763-2663, \u003ca href=\"http://wishbonepetaluma.com/\">wishbonepetaluma.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128722\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128722\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0929_REEL_004_842962-1024x650.jpg\" alt=\"Fresh Catch: Reel Fish Shop & Grill, Sonoma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"650\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0929_REEL_004_842962-1024x650.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0929_REEL_004_842962-1024x650-160x102.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0929_REEL_004_842962-1024x650-800x508.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0929_REEL_004_842962-1024x650-768x488.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0929_REEL_004_842962-1024x650-1020x647.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0929_REEL_004_842962-1024x650-960x609.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0929_REEL_004_842962-1024x650-240x152.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0929_REEL_004_842962-1024x650-375x238.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0929_REEL_004_842962-1024x650-520x330.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fresh Catch: Reel Fish Shop & Grill, Sonoma \u003ccite>(John Burgess/The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Fresh Catch: Reel Fish Shop & Grill, Sonoma: \u003c/strong>You wouldn’t expect such premium food — especially fresh fish — in this rather beat-up- looking stone, corrugated metal, and clapboard building dating back to 1906. Yet chef Aiki Terashima trained at Morimoto, so amid the live music that blasts through the joint most nights, you can nibble excellent ahi poke, macadamia-crusted halibut slathered in creamy kung pao sauce, and a Japanese salmon curry that takes two days to come together. And though you dine at plank wood tables on metal chairs inside, and on picnic tables outside, the kitchen lovingly prepares luxuries like excellent seared scallop risotto in spicy poblano sauce. \u003cem>401 Grove St., Sonoma, 707-343-0044, \u003ca href=\"http://thereelfishshop.com/\">thereelfishshop.com\u003c/a> (Photo by John Burgess)\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128726\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128726\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0811_ELMOLINOCENTRAL_523141-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Kitchen Cachet: El Molino Central, Sonoma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0811_ELMOLINOCENTRAL_523141-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0811_ELMOLINOCENTRAL_523141-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0811_ELMOLINOCENTRAL_523141-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0811_ELMOLINOCENTRAL_523141-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0811_ELMOLINOCENTRAL_523141-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0811_ELMOLINOCENTRAL_523141-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0811_ELMOLINOCENTRAL_523141-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0811_ELMOLINOCENTRAL_523141-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0811_ELMOLINOCENTRAL_523141-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kitchen Cachet: El Molino Central, Sonoma \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Kitchen Cachet: El Molino Central, Sonoma: \u003c/strong>Everything is handcrafted at this teeny Mexican café, from homemade masa for tortillas, to the beef, pork, and apple picadillo stuffed in a chile relleno slathered in walnut sour cream sauce and pomegranate. We mean teeny, too — you watch the cooks at work just steps away as you order at the counter, and then stroll through the kitchen itself to get to the only seating, on a parking lot patio. \u003cem>11 Central Ave., Sonoma, 707-939-1010, \u003ca href=\"http://elmolinocentral.com/\">elmolinocentral.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128705\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128705\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/BS_062916_AMYS4_787038-1024x721.jpg\" alt=\"Mindful Fast Food: Amy's Drive Thru, Rohnert Park\" width=\"1024\" height=\"721\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/BS_062916_AMYS4_787038-1024x721.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/BS_062916_AMYS4_787038-1024x721-160x113.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/BS_062916_AMYS4_787038-1024x721-800x563.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/BS_062916_AMYS4_787038-1024x721-768x541.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/BS_062916_AMYS4_787038-1024x721-1020x718.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/BS_062916_AMYS4_787038-1024x721-960x676.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/BS_062916_AMYS4_787038-1024x721-240x169.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/BS_062916_AMYS4_787038-1024x721-375x264.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/BS_062916_AMYS4_787038-1024x721-520x366.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mindful Fast Food: Amy's Drive Thru, Rohnert Park \u003ccite>(BETH SCHLANKER/ The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Mindful Fast Food: Amy's Drive Thru, Rohnert Park: \u003c/strong>Drive-thru doesn’t have to be a dirty word. Amy’s meatless burgers, crispy fries, and burritos are kid-friendly and the vegan milkshakes (made with coconut milk) are addictive. If you’re looking for something a little less carb-loaded, seasonal salads with beets, quinoa, and baked tofu are fresh as a daisy. Organic breakfast yogurt parfaits, cinnamon rolls, and veggie sausage sandwiches are a go-to. \u003cem>58 Golf Course Dr., Rohnert Park, 707-755-3629, \u003ca href=\"http://amysdrivethru.com/\">amysdrivethru.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128701\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128701\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0601_MEDITERRANEANJEWISHTABLE_10_781819-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Neighborhood Joint: Spinster Sisters, Santa Rosa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0601_MEDITERRANEANJEWISHTABLE_10_781819-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0601_MEDITERRANEANJEWISHTABLE_10_781819-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0601_MEDITERRANEANJEWISHTABLE_10_781819-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0601_MEDITERRANEANJEWISHTABLE_10_781819-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0601_MEDITERRANEANJEWISHTABLE_10_781819-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0601_MEDITERRANEANJEWISHTABLE_10_781819-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0601_MEDITERRANEANJEWISHTABLE_10_781819-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0601_MEDITERRANEANJEWISHTABLE_10_781819-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0601_MEDITERRANEANJEWISHTABLE_10_781819-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Neighborhood Joint: Spinster Sisters, Santa Rosa \u003ccite>(Alvin Jornada)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Neighborhood Joint: Spinster Sisters, Santa Rosa: \u003c/strong>The cornerstone of the SOFA restaurant scene, chef Liza Hinman’s modern comfort food showcases the best of Sonoma County, inspired by world cuisine. Here, Hinman is able to gently tie flavors together with spice, texture, or theme in a loose bow, rather than an unmanageable knot of confused ideas. \u003cem>401 South A St., Santa Rosa, 707-528-7100, \u003ca href=\"http://thespinstersisters.com/\">thespinstersisters.com\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128720\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128720\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0607_LASALLELE_002_830434-1024x754.jpg\" alt=\"Old-World Elegance: La Salette, Sonoma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"754\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0607_LASALLELE_002_830434-1024x754.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0607_LASALLELE_002_830434-1024x754-160x118.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0607_LASALLELE_002_830434-1024x754-800x589.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0607_LASALLELE_002_830434-1024x754-768x566.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0607_LASALLELE_002_830434-1024x754-1020x751.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0607_LASALLELE_002_830434-1024x754-960x707.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0607_LASALLELE_002_830434-1024x754-240x177.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0607_LASALLELE_002_830434-1024x754-375x276.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0607_LASALLELE_002_830434-1024x754-520x383.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Old-World Elegance: La Salette, Sonoma \u003ccite>(John Burgess)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Old-World Elegance: La Salette, Sonoma: \u003c/strong>Chef-owner Manuel Azevedo has been crafting his sophisticated Portuguese cuisine here for 20 years, and it just keeps getting better, with signatures like succulent wood oven-seared day boat scallops in a dark gold crust of crumbled chouriço (chorizo) alongside sweet potato puree, leek confit, and molho cru (chimichurri). \u003cem>452 First St. E., Suite H, Sonoma, 707-938-1927, \u003ca href=\"http://lasaletterestaurant.com/\">lasaletterestaurant.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128735\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128735\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WalterHansel034-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"Ooh-la-la: Walter Hansel Wine & Bistro, Santa Rosa\" width=\"800\" height=\"645\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WalterHansel034-1-1.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WalterHansel034-1-1-160x129.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WalterHansel034-1-1-768x619.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WalterHansel034-1-1-240x194.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WalterHansel034-1-1-375x302.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WalterHansel034-1-1-520x419.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ooh-la-la: Walter Hansel Wine & Bistro, Santa Rosa \u003ccite>(Chris Hardy)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ooh-la-la: Walter Hansel Wine & Bistro, Santa Rosa: \u003c/strong>Chef Saul Barragan is traditionally trained, and it shows in his masterful touch with classics like Pernod-kissed escargot à la Bourguignonne, brandyrich lobster bisque en croute, and sumptuous Coquilles St. Jacques, the scallops bathed in white wine truffle cream sauce and topped in Gruyère, poached baby leeks, and shiitakes. The signature salad is particularly magnifique, in a tumble of confit duck gizzards with frisée, lardons, sautéed wild mushrooms, bacon vinaigrette, and a coddled organic egg. Still, Barragan adds contemporary flair. Oyster ceviche arrives dressed in Peruvian aji amarillo cream, lime, chive, and Japanese tobiko, while pan-seared foie gras is decorated in African grains of paradise, compressed Fuyu persimmon, and pomegranate gastrique. \u003cem>3535 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa, 707-5466462, \u003ca href=\"http://walterhanselbistro.com/\">walterhanselbistro.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128738\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128738\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/ZAZU074_866430-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Pig Out: Zazu, Sebastopol\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/ZAZU074_866430-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/ZAZU074_866430-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/ZAZU074_866430-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/ZAZU074_866430-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/ZAZU074_866430-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/ZAZU074_866430-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/ZAZU074_866430-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/ZAZU074_866430-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/ZAZU074_866430-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pig Out: Zazu, Sebastopol \u003ccite>(Chris Hardy)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pig Out: Zazu, Sebastopol:\u003c/strong> You don’t get to be the King and Queen of Pork by serving fish. Sebastopol restaurateurs John Stewart and Duskie Estes have devoted their lives and their restaurant to all things porka- licious, from their coveted Black Pig Bacon, featured a la carte or in the Black Pig Sour (bacon bourbon) cocktail to house-made salumi, Rodeo Jax (caramel popcorn with bacon), pig sugo and roasted bone marrow with hog-jaw bacon jam. The couple also raise their own pigs and were named the 2011 winners of the Cochon 555 pig-centric culinary competition, gaining them a lifetime reign over the pork kingdom. \u003cem>6770 McKinley St., #150, Sebastopol, 707-523-4814, \u003ca href=\"http://zazukitchen.com/\">zazukitchen.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128734\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128734\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/VALETTE342_723952-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Place to Take Your Parents (So They Can Pay): Valette, Healdsburg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/VALETTE342_723952-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/VALETTE342_723952-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/VALETTE342_723952-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/VALETTE342_723952-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/VALETTE342_723952-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/VALETTE342_723952-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/VALETTE342_723952-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/VALETTE342_723952-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/VALETTE342_723952-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Place to Take Your Parents (So They Can Pay): Valette, Healdsburg \u003ccite>(Chris Hardy)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Place to Take Your Parents (So They Can Pay): Valette, Healdsburg:\u003c/strong> Even though we all pretend to reach for our wallets when the bill comes, Dad will always be the fastest draw in the Visa showdown. Valette is our “impress the parents” destination — it’s all about the swanky but not stuffy vibe. Foie gras and kaffir lime snow? Check. A medium-rare Wagyu steak? Of course. Scallops en croute served with beurre blanc caviar sauce? Why, yes. Coat and tie required? Not a chance. We recommend the chef’s tasting menu to really show your newfound sophistication, but you can also go à la carte, or sit at the bar and nibble on mushroom fondue while pondering the epic wine list. \u003cem>344 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-473-0946, \u003ca href=\"http://valettehealdsburg.com/\">valettehealdsburg.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128718\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128718\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0215_CHICKENPHARM_004_861445-1024x673.jpg\" alt=\"Private Dining Room: Chicken Pharm, Petaluma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"673\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0215_CHICKENPHARM_004_861445-1024x673.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0215_CHICKENPHARM_004_861445-1024x673-160x105.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0215_CHICKENPHARM_004_861445-1024x673-800x526.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0215_CHICKENPHARM_004_861445-1024x673-768x505.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0215_CHICKENPHARM_004_861445-1024x673-1020x670.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0215_CHICKENPHARM_004_861445-1024x673-960x631.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0215_CHICKENPHARM_004_861445-1024x673-240x158.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0215_CHICKENPHARM_004_861445-1024x673-375x246.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0215_CHICKENPHARM_004_861445-1024x673-520x342.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Private Dining Room: Chicken Pharm, Petaluma \u003ccite>(John Burgess)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Private Dining Room: Chicken Pharm, Petaluma: \u003c/strong>Cutely called The Coop, the PDR at this chicken-centric eatery sits behind sliding wood barn doors next to the main dining room, and welcomes in a farmhouse chic vibe with wood tables, lounge seating, plush couches, three big-screen TVs, and hanging barn lamps. May we suggest ordering party platters of juicy fried buttermilk chicken for your group of up to 45 guests? \u003cem>132 Keller St., Petaluma, 707-543-1278, \u003ca href=\"http://chickenpharm.com/\">chickenpharm.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128706\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128706\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0430_DIAVOLA_SALSICCIAPIZZA_689921-1024x679.jpg\" alt=\"Radical Rustic: Diavola Pizzeria, Geyserville\" width=\"1024\" height=\"679\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0430_DIAVOLA_SALSICCIAPIZZA_689921-1024x679.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0430_DIAVOLA_SALSICCIAPIZZA_689921-1024x679-160x106.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0430_DIAVOLA_SALSICCIAPIZZA_689921-1024x679-800x530.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0430_DIAVOLA_SALSICCIAPIZZA_689921-1024x679-768x509.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0430_DIAVOLA_SALSICCIAPIZZA_689921-1024x679-1020x676.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0430_DIAVOLA_SALSICCIAPIZZA_689921-1024x679-960x637.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0430_DIAVOLA_SALSICCIAPIZZA_689921-1024x679-240x159.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0430_DIAVOLA_SALSICCIAPIZZA_689921-1024x679-375x249.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0430_DIAVOLA_SALSICCIAPIZZA_689921-1024x679-520x345.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Radical Rustic: Diavola Pizzeria, Geyserville \u003ccite>(Christopher Chung)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Radical Rustic: Diavola Pizzeria, Geyserville:\u003c/strong> At first glance, this Italian jewel housed in an historic 1900s brick building offers a traditional farmstyle Italian menu. Chef-owner Dino Bugica spent more than 10 years in Italy, after all, learning the art of butchery and cucina povera (comfort food). Yet study his ingredients, and you’ll discover some wow, in surprising recipes such as potato gnocchi with fennel, peas, green garlic, asparagus, fava tips, ricotta di bufala, and — wait for it — smoked salmon and kumquat. Neapolitan-style pizzas are a specialty, pulled out of a wood-fire oven, but how’s this for oomph: the Dictator pie is topped in marinated rib-eye, garlic, mozzarella, scallions, Serrano chiles, kimchi, Kewpie mayo, and shichimi pepper. \u003cem>21021 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-814-0111, \u003ca href=\"http://diavolapizzeria.com/\">diavolapizzeria.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128721\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128721\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb0611_ramen_001-1024x693.jpg\" alt=\"Ramen Addicted: Ramen Gaijin, Sebastopol\" width=\"1024\" height=\"693\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb0611_ramen_001-1024x693.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb0611_ramen_001-1024x693-160x108.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb0611_ramen_001-1024x693-800x541.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb0611_ramen_001-1024x693-768x520.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb0611_ramen_001-1024x693-1020x690.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb0611_ramen_001-1024x693-960x650.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb0611_ramen_001-1024x693-240x162.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb0611_ramen_001-1024x693-375x254.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb0611_ramen_001-1024x693-520x352.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ramen Addicted: Ramen Gaijin, Sebastopol \u003ccite>(John Burgess)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ramen Addicted: Ramen Gaijin, Sebastopol: \u003c/strong>With dashi in their veins and ramen on their minds, chefs Matthew Williams and Moishe Hahn-Schuman bring together authentic Japanese ramen recipes and techniques with of-the-moment produce for a distinctly Sonoma County izakaya experience. Gaijin’s ramen bowls are filled with homemade miso, chicken and pork broth, house-made noodles, crispy pork belly, perfectly cooked hardboiled and pickled eggs, exotic mushrooms, and bits of pickled kimchi. This seemingly simple concoction is anything but, with days dedicated to preparing its labor-intensive ingredients. Slurp all you want as a sign of appreciation, just this once. The fragrant smell of meat grilling on charcoal is almost hypnotizing, so we suggest sitting at the kitchen bar if possible to enjoy some yakitori, or grilled skewers of meat and veggies.\u003cem> 6948 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, 707-827-3609, \u003ca href=\"http://ramengaijin.com/\">ramengaijin.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>(Photo by John Burgess)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128730\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 937px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128730\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PASCALINE-937x800.jpg\" alt=\"Reason to Get Up in the Morning: Pascaline, Sebastopol\" width=\"937\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PASCALINE-937x800.jpg 937w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PASCALINE-937x800-160x137.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PASCALINE-937x800-800x683.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PASCALINE-937x800-768x656.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PASCALINE-937x800-240x205.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PASCALINE-937x800-375x320.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PASCALINE-937x800-520x444.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 937px) 100vw, 937px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Reason to Get Up in the Morning: Pascaline, Sebastopol \u003ccite>(Reason to Get Up in the Morning: Pascaline, Sebastopol)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Reason to Get Up in the Morning: Pascaline, Sebastopol: \u003c/strong>Real-deal French pastries by French patissieres who aren’t afraid of butter. The croissants are a must-order, but don’t stop there. Faves include Kouign-Amann so flakey you’ll be wearing as much as you’ve eaten, breakfast brioche, and canneles. Lunch salads, sandwiches, and bowls are heartier fare. \u003cem>4552 Gravenstein Highway N., Sebastopol, 707-823-3122, \u003ca href=\"http://pascalinepatisserieandcafe.com/\">pascalinepatisserieandcafe.com\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128703\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128703\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1008_STORMYSSPIRITSSUPPER_10_800304-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Retro Roadhouse: Stormy's Spirits & Supper, Petaluma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1008_STORMYSSPIRITSSUPPER_10_800304-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1008_STORMYSSPIRITSSUPPER_10_800304-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1008_STORMYSSPIRITSSUPPER_10_800304-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1008_STORMYSSPIRITSSUPPER_10_800304-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1008_STORMYSSPIRITSSUPPER_10_800304-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1008_STORMYSSPIRITSSUPPER_10_800304-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1008_STORMYSSPIRITSSUPPER_10_800304-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1008_STORMYSSPIRITSSUPPER_10_800304-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1008_STORMYSSPIRITSSUPPER_10_800304-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Retro Roadhouse: Stormy's Spirits & Supper, Petaluma \u003ccite>(Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Retro Roadhouse: Stormy's Spirits & Supper, Petaluma: \u003c/strong>This former hotel turned laid-back restaurant and lounge has been around since 1854, smack in the middle of nowhere dairy country. Owned by the Cramer family, the weathered redwood and stone-clad oasis attracts savvy diners who know they can get a mouthwatering meal for a nearly ridiculous bargain, featuring local produce and premium beef. Imagine a beautiful, 22-ounce slab of prime rib for $38, complete with salad, potato, vegetables, French bread, and homemade clam chowder stocked with lots of seafood, and vegetables in tomato-kissed broth. Weary travelers, be thee well fed, indeed. \u003cem>6650 Bloomfield Road, Petaluma, 707-7950127, \u003ca href=\"http://stormysrestaurant.com/\">stormysrestaurant.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128731\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128731\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perchplow_dando_chix_best-1024x751-1024x751.jpg\" alt=\"Scene to be Seen: Perch and Plow, Santa Rosa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"751\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perchplow_dando_chix_best-1024x751-1024x751.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perchplow_dando_chix_best-1024x751-1024x751-160x117.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perchplow_dando_chix_best-1024x751-1024x751-800x587.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perchplow_dando_chix_best-1024x751-1024x751-768x563.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perchplow_dando_chix_best-1024x751-1024x751-1020x748.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perchplow_dando_chix_best-1024x751-1024x751-960x704.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perchplow_dando_chix_best-1024x751-1024x751-240x176.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perchplow_dando_chix_best-1024x751-1024x751-375x275.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perchplow_dando_chix_best-1024x751-1024x751-520x381.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Scene to be Seen: Perch and Plow, Santa Rosa \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Scene to be Seen: Perch and Plow, Santa Rosa: \u003c/strong>Downtown Santa Rosa’s newest restaurant is also one of the most Instagram-worthy. Soft, natural light makes selfies glow; sleek, modern design creates a stunning backdrop; and Bud Snow murals are on trend — as are whimsical cocktails featuring the likes of dill foam and strawberry balsamic shrub. And then there’s the food. Chef Mike Mullins creates small-bite plates with big flavors and a kaleidoscope of colors, despite a postage-stamp-sized kitchen. Cozy tables in the side dining rooms make for quiet canoodling. \u003cem>900 Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, 707-541-6896, \u003ca href=\"http://perchandplow.com/\">perchandplow.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128704\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128704\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bs_032614_CafeLaHaye8-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Small But Mighty: Café la Haye, Sonoma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bs_032614_CafeLaHaye8-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bs_032614_CafeLaHaye8-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bs_032614_CafeLaHaye8-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bs_032614_CafeLaHaye8-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bs_032614_CafeLaHaye8-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bs_032614_CafeLaHaye8-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bs_032614_CafeLaHaye8-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bs_032614_CafeLaHaye8-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bs_032614_CafeLaHaye8-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Small But Mighty: Café la Haye, Sonoma \u003ccite>(Beth Schlanker)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Small But Mighty: Café la Haye, Sonoma: \u003c/strong>With just 30 seats and a tiny bar, this iconic Sonoma Plaza bistro also operates out of a closet-size kitchen. But oh, what wonders emerge under owner Saul Gropman’s watch. Chef Jeffrey Lloyd previously worked at Michael Mina, and his deft touch results in divine Cal-Med bites like filet mignon dolloped in roasted shallot-balsamic jus and anchovy butter, or crusted pork chop finished in mustard cream and chorizo butter alongside ricotta dumplings. Brilliant classic cooking at affordable prices in a contemporary, art gallery-style setting — that earns this gem a big place in our hearts. \u003cem>140 E. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-935-5994, \u003ca href=\"http://cafelahaye.com/\">cafelahaye.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em> (Photo by Beth Schlanker)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128707\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128707\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0814_BESTTACOTRUCK_CROWD_743916-1024x675.jpg\" alt=\"Taco Tuesday: El Roy's, Petaluma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"675\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0814_BESTTACOTRUCK_CROWD_743916-1024x675.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0814_BESTTACOTRUCK_CROWD_743916-1024x675-160x105.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0814_BESTTACOTRUCK_CROWD_743916-1024x675-800x527.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0814_BESTTACOTRUCK_CROWD_743916-1024x675-768x506.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0814_BESTTACOTRUCK_CROWD_743916-1024x675-1020x672.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0814_BESTTACOTRUCK_CROWD_743916-1024x675-960x633.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0814_BESTTACOTRUCK_CROWD_743916-1024x675-240x158.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0814_BESTTACOTRUCK_CROWD_743916-1024x675-375x247.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0814_BESTTACOTRUCK_CROWD_743916-1024x675-520x343.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Taco Tuesday: El Roy's, Petaluma \u003ccite>(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Taco Tuesday: El Roy's, Petaluma:\u003c/strong> More than a simple taqueria or a food truck, this family’s Mexican cooking is from the heart. Carnitas burritos are a must-try, but tasty sopes, tortas, and tacos are equally impressive. \u003cem>210 Edith St., Petaluma, 707-774-3738, \u003ca href=\"http://www.facebook.com/pg/elroysmexicangrillofficialpage\">visit on Facebook\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128710\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128710\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/cj0409_GlenEllenStar03-1024x673.jpg\" alt=\"To See Stars: Glen Ellen Star\" width=\"1024\" height=\"673\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/cj0409_GlenEllenStar03-1024x673.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/cj0409_GlenEllenStar03-1024x673-160x105.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/cj0409_GlenEllenStar03-1024x673-800x526.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/cj0409_GlenEllenStar03-1024x673-768x505.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/cj0409_GlenEllenStar03-1024x673-1020x670.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/cj0409_GlenEllenStar03-1024x673-960x631.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/cj0409_GlenEllenStar03-1024x673-240x158.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/cj0409_GlenEllenStar03-1024x673-375x246.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/cj0409_GlenEllenStar03-1024x673-520x342.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Woodoven Baby Carrots served at Glen Ellen Star in To See Stars: Glen Ellen Star \u003ccite>(CRISTA JEREMIASON / The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>To See Stars: Glen Ellen Star: \u003c/strong>Hollywood types love Sonoma County for its natural beauty, world-class wine, and incredible food. That, and the fact that they mostly get left alone. Mostly. A favorite retreat seems to be Ari Weisswasser’s Glen Ellen Star, where the recognizable can sit and sup without a parade of paparazzi. Not to say that the food isn’t red carpet-worthy. Weisswasser’s wood-fired oven takes center stage, with freshfrom- the-garden roasted vegetable (we especially love the Brussels sprouts with brown sugar bacon marmalade), pizza, Tunisian brick chicken, and their own house-baked bread. \u003cem>13648 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen, 707-3431384, \u003ca href=\"http://glenellenstar.com/\">glenellenstar.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128702\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128702\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0610_NORTHCOASTFOODWINEFESTIVAL_15_829975-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Way Better than the Colonel: Backyard, Forestville\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0610_NORTHCOASTFOODWINEFESTIVAL_15_829975-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0610_NORTHCOASTFOODWINEFESTIVAL_15_829975-1024x683-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0610_NORTHCOASTFOODWINEFESTIVAL_15_829975-1024x683-800x534.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0610_NORTHCOASTFOODWINEFESTIVAL_15_829975-1024x683-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0610_NORTHCOASTFOODWINEFESTIVAL_15_829975-1024x683-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0610_NORTHCOASTFOODWINEFESTIVAL_15_829975-1024x683-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0610_NORTHCOASTFOODWINEFESTIVAL_15_829975-1024x683-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0610_NORTHCOASTFOODWINEFESTIVAL_15_829975-1024x683-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0610_NORTHCOASTFOODWINEFESTIVAL_15_829975-1024x683-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Way Better than the Colonel: Backyard, Forestville \u003ccite>(Alvin Jornada)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Way Better than the Colonel: Backyard, Forestville: \u003c/strong>Everyone does fried chicken these days. Not everyone does it well. The secret to this Forestville outpost’s bird is a special brine, buttermilk, and secretly seasoned flour. There may also be unicorn dust involved. We love the moist inside and crispy exterior, and the fact that you can get some sort of fried chicken for brunch, lunch, and dinner — from a chop salad or sandwich to fried chicken and waffles with all the fixings. There are even to-go boxes with five or nine pieces, a seasonal side, biscuits, and honey butter. \u003cem>6566 Front St., Forestville, 707-8208445, \u003ca href=\"http://backyardforestville.com/\">backyardforestville.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128697\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128697\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0113_SEASIDEMETALCHOWDER_01_763928-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Who’d Have Thought: Seaside Metal, Guerneville\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0113_SEASIDEMETALCHOWDER_01_763928-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0113_SEASIDEMETALCHOWDER_01_763928-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0113_SEASIDEMETALCHOWDER_01_763928-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0113_SEASIDEMETALCHOWDER_01_763928-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0113_SEASIDEMETALCHOWDER_01_763928-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0113_SEASIDEMETALCHOWDER_01_763928-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0113_SEASIDEMETALCHOWDER_01_763928-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0113_SEASIDEMETALCHOWDER_01_763928-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0113_SEASIDEMETALCHOWDER_01_763928-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Who’d Have Thought: Seaside Metal, Guerneville \u003ccite>(Alvin Jornada)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Who’d Have Thought: Seaside Metal, Guerneville: \u003c/strong>You could schlep all the way to San Francisco, and stand in line hoping to get a seat at the very popular Bar Crudo. Or, you could scamper to our very own river town, and luxuriate in an easy feast at this ultra-stylish satellite salon from Crudo owners Mike Selvera and his partner/ twin brother Tim Selvera. Really. It’s right there amid the souvenir shops and friendly dive bars of Main Street. The SF-Guerneville menus are very similar, too, showcasing briny fresh oysters of all kinds, elegant chowder brimming with fish, shrimp, mussels, squid, bacon, and potato, and fancy plates like Arctic char glittering with wasabi tobiko and horseradish crème fraîche. \u003cem>16222 Main St., Guerneville, 707-604-7250, \u003ca href=\"http://seasidemetal.com/\">seasidemetal.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>(Photo by Alvin Jornada)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128724\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128724\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb1122_rrvineyards_003-1024x637.jpg\" alt=\"Wine Country Terroir: Russian River Vineyards, Forestville\" width=\"1024\" height=\"637\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb1122_rrvineyards_003-1024x637.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb1122_rrvineyards_003-1024x637-160x100.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb1122_rrvineyards_003-1024x637-800x498.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb1122_rrvineyards_003-1024x637-768x478.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb1122_rrvineyards_003-1024x637-1020x635.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb1122_rrvineyards_003-1024x637-960x597.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb1122_rrvineyards_003-1024x637-240x149.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb1122_rrvineyards_003-1024x637-375x233.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb1122_rrvineyards_003-1024x637-520x323.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Wine Country Terroir: Russian River Vineyards, Forestville \u003ccite>(John Burgess)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Wine Country Terroir: Russian River Vineyards, Forestville:\u003c/strong> At the crossroads between sea and pasture, river and hillsides, farm and forest, the two-light burg of Forestville has a unique Sonoma County terroir, and Russian River Vineyards’ recently revamped restaurant luxuriously showcases that special sense of place. Chef Ben Davies’ on-site farm is a staple for seasonal produce, but the menu pulls from throughout the region for fresh seafood, meat, and of-the-moment ingredients. His Friday and Saturday menus are four courses of surprises, or you can do a chef’s tasting of eight. The daily “estate” menu is simplified, with more casual but equally impressive warm or chilled items. \u003cem>5700 Highway 116 N., Forestville, 707-887-3344, \u003ca href=\"http://russianrivervineyards.com/\">russianrivervineyards.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>(Photo by John Burgess)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128712\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128712\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/dry-creek-kitchen-bar-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Wine List: Dry Creek Kitchen, Healdsburg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/dry-creek-kitchen-bar-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/dry-creek-kitchen-bar-1024x683-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/dry-creek-kitchen-bar-1024x683-800x534.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/dry-creek-kitchen-bar-1024x683-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/dry-creek-kitchen-bar-1024x683-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/dry-creek-kitchen-bar-1024x683-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/dry-creek-kitchen-bar-1024x683-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/dry-creek-kitchen-bar-1024x683-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/dry-creek-kitchen-bar-1024x683-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Wine List: Dry Creek Kitchen, Healdsburg \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Wine List: Dry Creek Kitchen, Healdsburg:\u003c/strong> More than 500 selections, including bottles from the private libraries and cellars of local winemakers, help earn this spot a perennial place on the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. An insider secret: The Sonoma Neighbor menu is served Monday through Thursday, a $36, three-course prix fixe with wine pairing for an additional $18 – a steal in tony Healdsburg. \u003cem>317 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-431-0330, \u003ca href=\"http://drycreekkitchen.com/\">drycreekkitchen.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128715\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128715\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HBGMIMOSA-1024x779.jpg\" alt=\"With Kids: HBG, Healdsburg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"779\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HBGMIMOSA-1024x779.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HBGMIMOSA-1024x779-160x122.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HBGMIMOSA-1024x779-800x609.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HBGMIMOSA-1024x779-768x584.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HBGMIMOSA-1024x779-1020x776.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HBGMIMOSA-1024x779-960x730.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HBGMIMOSA-1024x779-240x183.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HBGMIMOSA-1024x779-375x285.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HBGMIMOSA-1024x779-520x396.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">With Kids: HBG, Healdsburg \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>With Kids: HBG, Healdsburg: \u003c/strong>Great burgers and fries, a large fenced-in patio, top-notch Bloody Marys. Need we say more? Owned by one of Wine Country’s top chefs, Douglas Keane, this is everyday fare with a toque’s special touch. Grown up mac and cheese is worth the cost of admission alone. \u003cem>245 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-3333, \u003ca href=\"http://healdsburgbarandgrill.com/\">healdsburgbarandgrill.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128719\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128719\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0421_FREMONT_CHAD_557814-1024x705.jpg\" alt=\"Worth a U-Turn: Fremont Diner, Sonoma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"705\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0421_FREMONT_CHAD_557814-1024x705.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0421_FREMONT_CHAD_557814-1024x705-160x110.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0421_FREMONT_CHAD_557814-1024x705-800x551.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0421_FREMONT_CHAD_557814-1024x705-768x529.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0421_FREMONT_CHAD_557814-1024x705-1020x702.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0421_FREMONT_CHAD_557814-1024x705-960x661.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0421_FREMONT_CHAD_557814-1024x705-240x165.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0421_FREMONT_CHAD_557814-1024x705-375x258.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0421_FREMONT_CHAD_557814-1024x705-520x358.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Worth a U-Turn: Fremont Diner, Sonoma \u003ccite>(John Burgess)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Worth a U-Turn: Fremont Diner, Sonoma: \u003c/strong>If you didn’t realize this tiny shack was there, on the edge of Hwy 12/121 vineyards and dairy fields, you’d zoom right by. But since you know this is where you get owner Chad Harris’ magical ranch cuisine, you hit the brakes, and zoom in for Nashville-style spicy fried chicken atop white bread, buttermilk biscuits ‘n’ gravy, or house smoked brisket. \u003cem>2698 Fremont Drive, Sonoma, 707-938-7370, \u003ca href=\"http://thefremontdiner.com/\">thefremontdiner.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128732\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128732\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/terrapincreek233-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Worth the Drive: Terrapin Creek, Bodega Bay\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/terrapincreek233-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/terrapincreek233-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/terrapincreek233-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/terrapincreek233-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/terrapincreek233-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/terrapincreek233-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/terrapincreek233-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/terrapincreek233-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/terrapincreek233-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Worth the Drive: Terrapin Creek, Bodega Bay \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Worth the Drive: Terrapin Creek, Bodega Bay: \u003c/strong>As if we needed any excuse to visit the beautiful waterfront burg that is Bodega Bay, this Michelin Star jewel beckons with extraordinary Cal-Asian cuisine that would wow even in a big city. To enjoy it in a serene, artsy hideaway makes it even more special. Chef-owners and husband-wife team Andrew Truong and Liya Lin impress with innovative fare like a salad of charred octopus, roasted cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, arugula, and toasted almonds zinged with fiery chili pepper aioli. Seafood is a signature, in fact, such as meaty sea bass paired with savoy cabbage, mushrooms, Delicata squash, and red rice in a splash of delicate fish fumet. \u003cem>1580 Eastshore Road, Bodega Bay, 707-875-2700, \u003ca href=\"http://terrapincreekcafe.com/\">terrapincreekcafe.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128725\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 780px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128725\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0111_SWEETTS_SIGNAGE_589936-780x800.jpg\" alt=\"Making a return after the fire: Sweet T's, Windsor\" width=\"780\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0111_SWEETTS_SIGNAGE_589936-780x800.jpg 780w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0111_SWEETTS_SIGNAGE_589936-780x800-160x164.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0111_SWEETTS_SIGNAGE_589936-780x800-768x788.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0111_SWEETTS_SIGNAGE_589936-780x800-240x246.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0111_SWEETTS_SIGNAGE_589936-780x800-375x385.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0111_SWEETTS_SIGNAGE_589936-780x800-520x533.jpg 520w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0111_SWEETTS_SIGNAGE_589936-780x800-32x32.jpg 32w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0111_SWEETTS_SIGNAGE_589936-780x800-50x50.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Making a return after the fire: Sweet T's, Windsor \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Making a return after the fire: Sweet T's, Windsor:\u003c/strong> Six months ago, Dennis Tussey was sifting through the ashes of his Fountaingrove restaurant Sweet T’s’ in search of whatever he and his wife Anne could salvage — a few dishes, some patio furniture, and a $25,000 barbecue smoker they recently purchased. Down but not out, the couple immediately began looking for a new space to call home. Now they’ve found it — in Windsor, where they will open the new Sweet T's in May. Their beloved pitmaster, George Ah Chin, will continue to work alongside them in the new location. The Tusseys have worked with the kitchen staff to rewrite the many recipes for Sweet T’s signature Southern dishes — from grits to ribs — and have had a staff of 12 working on the reopening. “We have such a faithful following,” says Tussey, misting up a bit, “We didn’t realize until after the fire, but we can go anywhere and people want to talk to us about the restaurant.” It never entered their minds, he adds, that Sweet T’s was done. “Our only thought was that we needed to come back. We want to put our employees back to work.” \u003cem>9098 Brooks Road S., Windsor\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Crowd Pleasers\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128749\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1280px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128749\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1.jpg\" alt=\"The New Yorker Pizza at Tony’s of North Beach at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park.\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1.jpg 1280w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1-960x641.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The New Yorker Pizza at Tony’s of North Beach at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park. \u003ccite>(Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Best burgers, best pizza…\u003c/strong>them’s fighting words, considering how many top-notch restaurants we have in Sonoma County, and how fiercely loyal food fans are to their regular hangouts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, there are spots where the staples truly shine, and if you haven’t yet tried these mouthwatering marvels, you owe it to yourself to skedaddle in right away. See if you don’t find some new favorites, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Burgers: Mike’s at the Crossroads, Cotati:\u003c/strong> Boasting 17 kinds of burgers, these big, beautiful, near half-pound monsters promise bliss for any appetite. Maybe you crave a Krush, topped in sautéed mushrooms, Swiss, onion, garlic, and Zinfandel glaze. Or you might want to fire up with the 987, sizzling with diced green chiles, jalapenos, black olives, onions, roasted red peppers, and pepper jack. Or you may dig in a bit daintier, with the Belle, topped in sautéed red onions, fresh basil, rosemary, and crumbled Nauvoo blue cheese. Whatever you choose, plan for crowds in the 10-table eatery with a dozen bar stools beneath an enormous mural of a bull’s head snorting, “One Mean Burger.” \u003cem>7665 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati, 707-665-9999, \u003ca href=\"http://mikesatthecrossroads.com/\">mikesatthecrossroads.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pizza: Tony’s of North Beach, Rohnert Park: \u003c/strong>Tony Gemignani became an international star for his San Francisco restaurants, and five years ago, he shared his magic with a new Tony’s at the Graton Resort & Casino. Featuring eight styles of pizzas made in four different ovens (wood-fired brick, gas brick, electric brick, and electric stone), the lengthy menu tempts with delicate, charred Napoletana, classic Italian/Americana, thin-chewy New York, thick and rectangular Sicilian, California thin-crust-style, and glutenfree pies. Portions are huge, flavors are rich and bold, and ingredients are premium, such as handcrafted mozzarella and burrata, San Marzano DOP tomatoes, and housemade sausage. A bonus: while you have to wait in line at the SF locations, the casino spot is still somewhat of a locals’ secret, with tables at the ready. \u003cem>630 Park Court, Rohnert Park, 707-588-7741, \u003ca href=\"http://gratonresortcasino.com/\">gratonresortcasino.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Japanese: Hana, Rohnert Park:\u003c/strong> It’s set in an unassuming strip mall, but open the heavy wood front door and you’ll discover chef-owner Ken Tominaga’s spectacular sushi, traditional wafu (pure, clean) cooking, and a truly impressive sake selection. Authentic cuisine shines in seasonal specialty fish like house-cured saba mackerel and kamatoro (succulent, fatty tuna), chawanmushi custard with shrimp and scallops, and prime steak sent out sizzling on a Mount Fuji stone. The raw wood décor and sommelier service adds to the elegance. \u003cem>101 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park, 707-586-0270,\u003ca href=\"http://hanajapanese.com/\">hanajapanese.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Mexican: Barrio Fresca Cocina Mexican, Sebastopol: \u003c/strong>This new spot in the Barlow blends casual, order-at-the-counter service with high-end regional dishes crafted from organic seasonal ingredients. That means owner Carlos Rosas features homemade GMO-free California corn tortillas and produce from local farms, resulting in captivating bites like red corn tortillas topped in potatoes, handmade chorizo, scrambled eggs, pumpkin seed, melted cheese curds, arugula, and salsa de chile Morita; or a pork belly torta smothered in chipotle aioli, pico de gallo, and peppery arugula. What’s not to love about such fancy food in such friendly surroundings, and extra warm touches like free homemade chips, salsa, and fiery hot sauce? \u003cem>6760 McKinley St., #120, Sebastopol, 707-329-6538, \u003ca href=\"http://barriobayarea.com/\">barriobayarea.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Wine Country Cuisine: Barndiva, Healdsburg:\u003c/strong> The sophisticated spot looks Sonoma Wine Country with its luxurious mahogany barn setting and lush garden patio. Chef Ryan Fancher sources Sonoma, too, with partner farms like Bellwether Farms, Early Bird’s Place, Mix Garden, and Preston Farm & Winery. California cuisine is creative and clean, shimmering in bites like crispy duck leg confit with marble potatoes, poached quail egg, olive tapenade, fennel, and haricots verts. \u003cem>231 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-431-0100, \u003ca class=\"vglnk\" href=\"http://barndiva.com/\" rel=\"nofollow\">barndiva.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Deli: Mac’s Deli & Cafe, Santa Rosa:\u003c/strong> There’s good reason this 1952 institution is the oldest continuing breakfast and sandwich café in Sonoma County. The mere thought of the sumptuous overstuff ed omelets and sandwiches get folks salivating, and anyone who can polish off an entire plate well deserves the happy food coma they’re guaranteed. Start the day with a lox, cream cheese, and onion omelet with crispy hash browns and pumpernickel toast, then segue into a hearty lunch of pastrami and egg salad on rye. It’s hard to beat the cheerful combo of a hot corned beef Sammy including a choice of salad and glass of tap beer, either. \u003cem>630 4th St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-3785, \u003ca href=\"http://macsdeliandcafe.com/\">macsdeliandcafe.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pub Fare: Woodfour Brewery, Sebastopol: \u003c/strong>Yes, beer is a food group in Sonoma County, with its proliferation of craft breweries, many of which offer good eats, too. At this hip, lively place, brewmaster Seth Wood rotates beer styles and provide guest taps for other local producers. The kitchen takes the same jaunt, hosting pop-ups that lately have featured Mexican food. Really delicious Mexican food, like pork al pastor laced with chiles, sea bass tacos, bass ceviche, gooey cheese enchiladas, and fluffy chicken-green salsa tamales handmade by chef Maria. Just the thing to go with the brewery’s saison, farmhouse, and sour beers. \u003cem>6780 Depot St., Sebastopol, 707-823-3144, \u003ca href=\"http://woodfourbrewing.com/\">woodfourbrewing.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Vegetarian/Vegan: The Drawing Board, Petaluma:\u003c/strong> Eating plant-based foods is such a “thing” these days that chefs treat meatless cuisine as an art. Even kids and hardcore carnivores love it, when it’s done as masterfully as it is at this chic Petaluma bistro. Owner Rosie Wiggins artfully mixes in vegetarian/ vegan among other animal- protein dishes, sometimes crossing into hybrids like the signature carrot lox. The result is wow, bringing carrots smoked, rolled in nori and smoked sea salt (like salmon, see?), then baked and sliced atop veggie cashew cream cheese on toast with baby greens. \u003cem>190 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707-774-6689, \u003ca href=\"http://tdbpetaluma.com/\">tdbpetaluma.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Best Butcher – It’s a Tie!\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128750\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1280px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034.jpg\" alt=\"Charcuterie platter at Thistle Meats in Petaluma.\" width=\"1280\" height=\"904\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128750\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034.jpg 1280w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034-160x113.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034-800x565.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034-768x542.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034-1020x720.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034-1200x848.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034-1180x833.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034-960x678.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034-240x170.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034-375x265.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034-520x367.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Charcuterie platter at Thistle Meats in Petaluma. \u003ccite>(Heather Irwin)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Thistle Meats, Petaluma:\u003c/strong> With years of study as a salumist and butcher, chef Travis Day of Thistle Meats is a chef’s chef — working his way up the kitchen ladder with the kind of intense focus and passion that results in 25 journals filled with business plans and recipes, traveling to 20 countries with his chef’s knives and developing a resume that includes some of the best restaurants in the world. To say he’s obsessive about meat is an understatement. “I used to cure duck prosciutto in the rafters and stay up until 3 a.m. translating old French cookbooks,” Day says. With whole animal butchery, salumi, and the county’s best ham and roast beef sandwiches (which we don’t say lightly), Thistle is my choice for top butchery. \u003cem>160 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, 707-772-5442, \u003ca href=\"http://thistlemeats.com/\">thistlemeats.com \u003c/a>\u003c/em> —Heather Irwin\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Journeyman Meat Co., Healdsburg:\u003c/strong> Peter Seghesio of Journeyman Meat Co. looked to his Italian heritage, and studied whole-animal butchery and salumi-making in Italy before opening this gorgeous shrine to meat last summer. And certainly prime meats star at the combination butcher shop, salumi counter, and wine bar just off the Healdsburg Plaza. Still, I adore the fresh sausages the most, crafted from Seghesio’s family recipes and sizzled in the wood-fired oven behind the display counter. The pork beauties include lavish flavors like Sicilian-style Terrona imbued with Parmesan or Il Bustino, studded with bacon, all offered as sandwiches — or my favorite, in a trio selection on a wood board laden with mustards, arugula, and pickles. Hog heaven. \u003cem>404 Center St, Healdsburg, 707-395-6328, \u003ca href=\"http://journeymanmeat.com/\">journeymanmeat.com \u003c/a>\u003c/em>— Carey Sweet\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128751\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1280px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407.jpg\" alt=\"Journeyman Meat Co. owner Peter Seghesio chats with a customer.\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128751\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407.jpg 1280w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407-1180x786.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Journeyman Meat Co. owner Peter Seghesio chats with a customer. \u003ccite>(Chris Hardy)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>Metholodogy\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Sonoma Magazine dining editor Heather Irwin, restaurant reviewer Carey Sweet, and senior food writer Diane Peterson – in collaboration with our team of editors – selected the 50 best restaurants in Sonoma County based on a year’s worth of restaurant visits, reviews, and chef interviews. We also sought opinions from some of the county’s notables to get a sense for their go-to local haunts. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This guide originally was published on \u003ca href=\"http://www.sonomamag.com/50-best-restaurants-in-sonoma-county-2018/\">Sonoma Magazine\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"excerpt": "From fabulous food trucks to fancy wine country fare, we present the best Sonoma County restaurants for every craving - handpicked by people who eat for a living.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>There’s certainly no shortage of “best” restaurants in Sonoma County, a region known as much for culinary excellence as it is for the quality of its wines and the beauty of its landscape. So in a way, the task was simple as we selected local chefs and restaurants that continually offer up dishes beyond compare.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yet even as we wrote why a specific restaurant deserved special praise (drooling a little along the way), it was hard to keep our minds off that little corner bistro that serves a great Reuben, the popular cafe with that perfect little salad, or an always-full restaurant that somehow fell off the radar. That’s part of what makes Sonoma so special — there are surprising food finds to discover around every corner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We present 50 of our favorite restaurants for everyday eats, special occasions, family outings, and quick bites.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128729\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128729\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PARADISE_SUSHI_ALLYOUCANEAT_777514-1024x751.jpg\" alt=\"All-You-Can Eat Sushi: Paradise, Santa Rosa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"751\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PARADISE_SUSHI_ALLYOUCANEAT_777514-1024x751.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PARADISE_SUSHI_ALLYOUCANEAT_777514-1024x751-160x117.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PARADISE_SUSHI_ALLYOUCANEAT_777514-1024x751-800x587.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PARADISE_SUSHI_ALLYOUCANEAT_777514-1024x751-768x563.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PARADISE_SUSHI_ALLYOUCANEAT_777514-1024x751-1020x748.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PARADISE_SUSHI_ALLYOUCANEAT_777514-1024x751-960x704.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PARADISE_SUSHI_ALLYOUCANEAT_777514-1024x751-240x176.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PARADISE_SUSHI_ALLYOUCANEAT_777514-1024x751-375x275.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PARADISE_SUSHI_ALLYOUCANEAT_777514-1024x751-520x381.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">All-You-Can Eat Sushi: Paradise, Santa Rosa \u003ccite>(Heather Irwin)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>All-You-Can Eat Sushi: Paradise, Santa Rosa: \u003c/strong>Sometime you just need more California rolls than any human should really consume. All-youcan- eat sushi and rolls for lunch and dinner may not have the panache of pricier raw fish, but sometimes utility sushi does the job. Solidly done, with pennypincher pricing. \u003cem>119 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-542-4582, \u003ca href=\"http://paradisesushi.net/\">paradisesushi.net\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128711\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128711\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CJ1230_ELDORADOKITCHEN04_589131-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Bar to See Winemakers: El Dorado Kitchen, Sonoma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CJ1230_ELDORADOKITCHEN04_589131-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CJ1230_ELDORADOKITCHEN04_589131-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CJ1230_ELDORADOKITCHEN04_589131-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CJ1230_ELDORADOKITCHEN04_589131-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CJ1230_ELDORADOKITCHEN04_589131-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CJ1230_ELDORADOKITCHEN04_589131-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CJ1230_ELDORADOKITCHEN04_589131-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CJ1230_ELDORADOKITCHEN04_589131-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CJ1230_ELDORADOKITCHEN04_589131-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bar to See Winemakers: El Dorado Kitchen, Sonoma \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Bar to See Winemakers: El Dorado Kitchen, Sonoma: \u003c/strong>The seven chairs at the marble bar are a favorite hangout for the many winemakers in the Sonoma and Sonoma Valley area — particularly so during harvest. Talent from Sebastiani, Buena Vista, and other nearby wineries converge here in the afternoons, usually drinking, what else, beer. \u003cem>405 1st St. W., Sonoma, 707996-3030, \u003ca href=\"http://eldoradosonoma.com/\">eldoradosonoma.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128700\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128700\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0201_VALENTINESCOCKTAILS_06_860525-1024x747.jpg\" alt=\"Belly Up to the Bar: Geyserville Gun Club\" width=\"1024\" height=\"747\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0201_VALENTINESCOCKTAILS_06_860525-1024x747.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0201_VALENTINESCOCKTAILS_06_860525-1024x747-160x117.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0201_VALENTINESCOCKTAILS_06_860525-1024x747-800x584.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0201_VALENTINESCOCKTAILS_06_860525-1024x747-768x560.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0201_VALENTINESCOCKTAILS_06_860525-1024x747-1020x744.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0201_VALENTINESCOCKTAILS_06_860525-1024x747-960x700.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0201_VALENTINESCOCKTAILS_06_860525-1024x747-240x175.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0201_VALENTINESCOCKTAILS_06_860525-1024x747-375x274.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0201_VALENTINESCOCKTAILS_06_860525-1024x747-520x379.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Belly Up to the Bar: Geyserville Gun Club \u003ccite>(Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Belly Up to the Bar: Geyserville Gun Club:\u003c/strong> The best-kept secret in Wine Country is this unassuming Geyserville bar that once served as an Odd Fellows Hall. It’s been transformed into an eclectic catch-all hangout for the post-winery set, winemakers, local chefs, and in-the-know gastronomes who sidle up to the historic bar for wildly creative cocktails or Olympia beer from a can. Chef Dino Bugica (Diavola) is behind the menu of low-brow hot dog creations (try the Tijuana with bacon, jalapeno, fried onions, and pickled pineapple), fresh oysters, pork belly ramen, and Korean tacos. \u003cem>21025 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-8140036, \u003ca href=\"http://geyservillegunclub.com/\">geyservillegunclub.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128733\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128733\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TRADINGPOST_810961-1024x645.jpg\" alt=\"Bread Basket: Trading Post, Cloverdale\" width=\"1024\" height=\"645\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TRADINGPOST_810961-1024x645.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TRADINGPOST_810961-1024x645-160x101.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TRADINGPOST_810961-1024x645-800x504.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TRADINGPOST_810961-1024x645-768x484.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TRADINGPOST_810961-1024x645-1020x642.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TRADINGPOST_810961-1024x645-960x605.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TRADINGPOST_810961-1024x645-240x151.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TRADINGPOST_810961-1024x645-375x236.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TRADINGPOST_810961-1024x645-520x328.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bread Basket: Trading Post, Cloverdale \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Bread Basket: Trading Post, Cloverdale:\u003c/strong> Rather than a tummy-filling distraction, the bread service at this charming raw-wood-trimmed cafe is a star of the meal. That’s because partner-chef Aaron Arabian has his very own bakery, viewed through a glass wall off the dining room. He bakes daily and constantly changes his breadboard lineup, sending out such a generous array of slices and rolls that it’s a bargain for $6. One evening, we might score superb brandied onion rolls, potato-arugula focaccia, pumpkin rye, and rosemary pain d’epi for spreading with silky cultured butter; on another, we might salivate over French baguette, artisanal sourdough country loaf, seeded rye, and sweet fruit-nut bread. \u003cem>102 S. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, 707-8946483, \u003ca href=\"http://thepostcloverdale.com/\">thepostcloverdale.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128723\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128723\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB1101_BRASS_001_847961-1024x654.jpg\" alt=\"Channeling Julia: Brass Rabbit, Healdsburg \" width=\"1024\" height=\"654\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB1101_BRASS_001_847961-1024x654.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB1101_BRASS_001_847961-1024x654-160x102.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB1101_BRASS_001_847961-1024x654-800x511.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB1101_BRASS_001_847961-1024x654-768x491.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB1101_BRASS_001_847961-1024x654-1020x651.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB1101_BRASS_001_847961-1024x654-960x613.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB1101_BRASS_001_847961-1024x654-240x153.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB1101_BRASS_001_847961-1024x654-375x240.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB1101_BRASS_001_847961-1024x654-520x332.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Channeling Julia: Brass Rabbit, Healdsburg \u003ccite>(John Burgess/The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Channeling Julia: Brass Rabbit, Healdsburg: \u003c/strong>Julia Child’s claim to fame was bringing French cuisine to a Jello mold nation in the early 1960s. We’ve come a long way in 50 years, but classic dishes like her boeuf Bourguignon and lobster Thermidor deserve a revival, and chef Shane McAnelly is doing just that. With a restaurant that’s part Wine Country and part La Grenouille, diners sup on daily specials like bouillabaise, shrimp with cocktail sauce, rabbit pot pie, Dungeness Crab Louie, and bavette steak with creamed Swiss chard. \u003cem>109 Plaza St., Healdsburg, 707-473-8580, \u003ca href=\"http://thebrassrabbithealdsburg.com/\">thebrassrabbithealdsburg.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128713\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128713\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/girlandfigcheese-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Cheese Fest: The Girl and the Fig, Sonoma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/girlandfigcheese-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/girlandfigcheese-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/girlandfigcheese-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/girlandfigcheese-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/girlandfigcheese-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/girlandfigcheese-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/girlandfigcheese-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/girlandfigcheese-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/girlandfigcheese-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cheese Fest: The Girl and the Fig, Sonoma \u003ccite>(Rayna Greenberg - One Hungry Jew)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cheese Fest: The Girl and the Fig, Sonoma: \u003c/strong>So many Sonoma County restaurants offer cheese plates these days, it’s become a Wine Country signature. But restaurateur Sondra Bernstein says she was the first to put together the platters 20 years ago, and now, she runs an entire Salon de Fromage as part of her menu, offering more than a dozen platters such as the Fromage Tower of six weekly changing cheese selections, seasonal fruit, spiced nuts, olives, Mano Formate cured meats and charcuterie, her own fig food condiments, and baguettes. \u003cem>1206 E. Macarthur St., Ste. 3, Sonoma, 707-938-3634, \u003ca href=\"http://thegirlandthefig.com/\">thegirlandthefig.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128699\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128699\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0121_BIRDANDTHEBOTTLE_06_764819-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Date Night: Bird and Bottle, Santa Rosa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0121_BIRDANDTHEBOTTLE_06_764819-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0121_BIRDANDTHEBOTTLE_06_764819-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0121_BIRDANDTHEBOTTLE_06_764819-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0121_BIRDANDTHEBOTTLE_06_764819-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0121_BIRDANDTHEBOTTLE_06_764819-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0121_BIRDANDTHEBOTTLE_06_764819-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0121_BIRDANDTHEBOTTLE_06_764819-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0121_BIRDANDTHEBOTTLE_06_764819-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0121_BIRDANDTHEBOTTLE_06_764819-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Date Night: Bird and Bottle, Santa Rosa \u003ccite>(Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Date Night: Bird and Bottle, Santa Rosa: \u003c/strong>An ambitious mashup of Jewish, Southern, and Korean comfort classics may seem like a stretch for a romantic night out, but in the hands of chef Mark Stark, even schmaltz can be sexy. With a luxe interior in just the shade of light gray that makes any complexion glow, a list of cocktails to get each other giggling, plenty of raw oysters, and a ramen matzoh ball soup to cure any marital misgivings, we’ll pretty much guarantee a smile the morning after. Did we mention the chicken liver mousse with cracklings, thrice-fried potatoes, fried cheese curds, and pastrami steamed buns? Excellent consolation even if your date is a dud. If you’re missing your old date-night favorite, Willi’s Wine Bar, since its tragic loss in the fires, the restaurant’s famous Tunisian roasted carrots and arugula and Endive salad make appearances on the B&B menu. \u003cem>1055 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-568-4000, \u003ca href=\"http://birdandthebottle.com/\">birdandthebottle.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128708\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128708\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CG0220_FARMHOUSEINN26_722540-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Duck, Duck, Duck: Farmhouse Inn Restaurant, Forestville\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CG0220_FARMHOUSEINN26_722540-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CG0220_FARMHOUSEINN26_722540-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CG0220_FARMHOUSEINN26_722540-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CG0220_FARMHOUSEINN26_722540-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CG0220_FARMHOUSEINN26_722540-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CG0220_FARMHOUSEINN26_722540-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CG0220_FARMHOUSEINN26_722540-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CG0220_FARMHOUSEINN26_722540-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CG0220_FARMHOUSEINN26_722540-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Duck, Duck, Duck: Farmhouse Inn Restaurant, Forestville \u003ccite>(Charlie Gesell)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Duck, Duck, Duck: Farmhouse Inn Restaurant, Forestville: \u003c/strong>Duck is a Sonoma County staple — ubiquitous, actually — but we can never, ever get tired of how the local poultry is presented at this classy, Michelin-starred destination. That’s because chef Steve Litke changes his recipes often for his expertly toothtender, richly flavored bird. One evening, it may be smoked duck breast with silky foie gras on brioche sweetened with poached quince, while another evening may bring duck breast moistened in spicy red wine mole sauce atop polenta and collards. Recently, we were wooed by crispy-skin Peking-style duck, glazed in ginger plum sauce and perched on farro verde and spiced greens dotted with soy braised Alba mushrooms. As you may deduce, this is truly dynamite duck. \u003cem>7871 River Road, Forestville, 707-887-3300, \u003ca href=\"http://farmhouseinn.com/\">farmhouseinn.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128727\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128727\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/John-Ash-Co.s-Front-Room-Bar-and-Lounge-1024x650.jpg\" alt=\"Eating Out for the Holidays: John Ash & Co, Santa Rosa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"650\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/John-Ash-Co.s-Front-Room-Bar-and-Lounge-1024x650.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/John-Ash-Co.s-Front-Room-Bar-and-Lounge-1024x650-160x102.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/John-Ash-Co.s-Front-Room-Bar-and-Lounge-1024x650-800x508.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/John-Ash-Co.s-Front-Room-Bar-and-Lounge-1024x650-768x488.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/John-Ash-Co.s-Front-Room-Bar-and-Lounge-1024x650-1020x647.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/John-Ash-Co.s-Front-Room-Bar-and-Lounge-1024x650-960x609.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/John-Ash-Co.s-Front-Room-Bar-and-Lounge-1024x650-240x152.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/John-Ash-Co.s-Front-Room-Bar-and-Lounge-1024x650-375x238.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/John-Ash-Co.s-Front-Room-Bar-and-Lounge-1024x650-520x330.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Eating Out for the Holidays: John Ash & Co, Santa Rosa \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eating Out for the Holidays: John Ash & Co, Santa Rosa:\u003c/strong> Why bother fussing over a holiday meal when chef Tom Schmidt can do it so much better? Personally, we’d far rather be sipping a Negroni and eating pan-seared Liberty Duck confit hash with fresh duck eggs and pan-seared foie gras than wrestling to get an overly salted ham and boxed mashed potatoes on the table before the kids melt down. John Ash & Co., the birthplace of Wine Country dining, gets it so right with their inspired brunch, lunch, and dinner menus for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s, featuring seasonal produce and locally sourced meats in a calm, stress-free environment (we love the vineyard views). Holidays are stressful enough without figuring out how to make bananas Foster French toast on your own. So don’t. \u003cem>4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa, 707-527-7687, \u003ca href=\"http://vintnersinn.com/dining\">vintnersinn.com/dining\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128717\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128717\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0126_SINGLETHREAD_033_813535-1024x686.jpg\" alt=\"Fancy Pants: Single Thread, Healdsburg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"686\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0126_SINGLETHREAD_033_813535-1024x686.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0126_SINGLETHREAD_033_813535-1024x686-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0126_SINGLETHREAD_033_813535-1024x686-800x536.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0126_SINGLETHREAD_033_813535-1024x686-768x515.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0126_SINGLETHREAD_033_813535-1024x686-1020x683.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0126_SINGLETHREAD_033_813535-1024x686-960x643.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0126_SINGLETHREAD_033_813535-1024x686-240x161.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0126_SINGLETHREAD_033_813535-1024x686-375x251.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0126_SINGLETHREAD_033_813535-1024x686-520x348.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fancy Pants: Single Thread, Healdsburg \u003ccite>(John Burgess/The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Fancy Pants: Single Thread, Healdsburg: \u003c/strong>A restaurant experience that costs as much as a flat-screen television isn’t for everyone, but for those once-in-a-lifetime occasions, there’s pretty much no better pick in Sonoma County. Chef Kyle Connaughton spent years dreaming of a bespoke dining experience that embraces Japanese micro-seasonality, an artist’s attention to color and texture, and the unique terroir of the farm he runs with wife Katina. The quiet, minimalist interior lets the food do all the talking. Entering a world so perfectly ordered and eating food so perfectly executed is an experience that you won’t soon forget — if ever. \u003cem>131 North St., Healdsburg, 707-723-4646, \u003ca href=\"http://singlethreadfarms.com/\">singlethreadfarms.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128714\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128714\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/handline_fishtacos-1-1024x751.jpg\" alt=\"Fish Tacos: Handline, Sebastopol\" width=\"1024\" height=\"751\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/handline_fishtacos-1-1024x751.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/handline_fishtacos-1-1024x751-160x117.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/handline_fishtacos-1-1024x751-800x587.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/handline_fishtacos-1-1024x751-768x563.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/handline_fishtacos-1-1024x751-1020x748.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/handline_fishtacos-1-1024x751-960x704.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/handline_fishtacos-1-1024x751-240x176.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/handline_fishtacos-1-1024x751-375x275.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/handline_fishtacos-1-1024x751-520x381.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fish Tacos: Handline, Sebastopol \u003ccite>(Heather Irwin)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Fish Tacos: Handline, Sebastopol:\u003c/strong> This classic Baja dish is part of the fabric of California, and a bellwether for any restaurant that serves them. It’s a simple beach shack snack that can go so terribly wrong. Fortunately, Handline does everything right, from the locally sourced rockfish to a light beer battering, crispy shaved cabbage, chipotle aioli, lime, and avocado. What sets these tacos apart from most others are the corn tortillas made from scratch right at the restaurant, not from pre-made masa, but from stone-ground corn. \u003cem>935 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-827-3744, \u003ca href=\"http://handline.com/\">handline.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128716\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128716\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI16_PHARMACY_BEETBREAD_774048-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Fix You Right Up: Pharmacy, Santa Rosa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI16_PHARMACY_BEETBREAD_774048-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI16_PHARMACY_BEETBREAD_774048-1-1024x768-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI16_PHARMACY_BEETBREAD_774048-1-1024x768-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI16_PHARMACY_BEETBREAD_774048-1-1024x768-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI16_PHARMACY_BEETBREAD_774048-1-1024x768-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI16_PHARMACY_BEETBREAD_774048-1-1024x768-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI16_PHARMACY_BEETBREAD_774048-1-1024x768-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI16_PHARMACY_BEETBREAD_774048-1-1024x768-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI16_PHARMACY_BEETBREAD_774048-1-1024x768-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fix You Right Up: Pharmacy, Santa Rosa \u003ccite>(Heather Irwin)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Fix You Right Up: Pharmacy, Santa Rosa:\u003c/strong> Thoughtfully crafted foods that nourish and enrich, rather than deplete, is the mission of this former pharmacy-turned-cafe. Sunny egg salad sandwiches with artisan bread, luxurious chop salads with roasted chicken, and an insanely delicious almond milk lassi with turmeric and ginger are favorites. It’s a perfect quick pitstop that won’t leave you with an afternoon of regret. \u003cem>990 Sonoma Ave., #1, Santa Rosa, 707-978-2801, \u003ca href=\"http://thepharmacysonomacounty.com/\">thepharmacysonomacounty.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>(Photo by Heather Irwin)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128709\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128709\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CityGarden007-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Food with a Hole: City Garden Doughnuts, Santa Rosa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CityGarden007-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CityGarden007-1024x683-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CityGarden007-1024x683-800x534.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CityGarden007-1024x683-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CityGarden007-1024x683-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CityGarden007-1024x683-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CityGarden007-1024x683-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CityGarden007-1024x683-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CityGarden007-1024x683-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Food with a Hole: City Garden Doughnuts, Santa Rosa \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Food with a Hole: City Garden Doughnuts, Santa Rosa:\u003c/strong> These aren’t workaday donuts or wacky cereal-coated marshmallow-dipped curiosities that are more fun to look at than eat. Instead, City Garden takes a more subtle approach. Using intensely flavored glazes made with fresh fruit (pucker-worthy lemons, huckleberries, and strawberries top the list), dark chocolate, sprinkles, and even a bit of bacon atop pillowy brioche, “donut” hardly seems a worthy enough moniker. Regardless, there’s always a new flavor for the season, and cake donuts are new to the lineup. Just make sure to get in line early, or you’ll go home empty handed. And no one wants that. \u003cem>1200 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-595-1932, \u003ca href=\"http://facebook.com/CityGardenDoughnuts\">facebook.com/CityGardenDoughnuts\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128728\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128728\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/LIFE_778714-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"For a Crowd: Franchetti's Wood Fire Kitchen, Santa Rosa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/LIFE_778714-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/LIFE_778714-1024x683-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/LIFE_778714-1024x683-800x534.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/LIFE_778714-1024x683-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/LIFE_778714-1024x683-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/LIFE_778714-1024x683-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/LIFE_778714-1024x683-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/LIFE_778714-1024x683-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/LIFE_778714-1024x683-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">For a Crowd: Franchetti's Wood Fire Kitchen, Santa Rosa \u003ccite>(Erik Castro/for The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>For a Crowd: Franchetti's Wood Fire Kitchen, Santa Rosa: \u003c/strong>As a combo fast-casual restaurant and catering kitchen, this industrial-chic spot is perfect for impromptu groups or planned private events. Just push together some tables, order a slew of spectacular thin crust wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas, then amuse your crew playing Ping-Pong, watching a game, or conquering the little putting green. The Cal-cuisine is superb, as shareable plates like succulent slow-braised roasted pork shoulder, juicy fried chicken, and pasta pomodoro with organic quinoa spaghetti in chunky, garlicky tomato sauce. There’s a pizza and pasta kids’ menu, too, and extra fun for adults: the topnotch wine list and vermouth cocktails. \u003cem>1229 N. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-526-1229, \u003ca href=\"http://franchettis.com/\">franchettis.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128737\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128737\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WISHBONE093_712915-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"For the Brunch Bunch: Wishbone, Petaluma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WISHBONE093_712915-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WISHBONE093_712915-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WISHBONE093_712915-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WISHBONE093_712915-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WISHBONE093_712915-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WISHBONE093_712915-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WISHBONE093_712915-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WISHBONE093_712915-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WISHBONE093_712915-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">For the Brunch Bunch: Wishbone, Petaluma \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>For the Brunch Bunch: Wishbone, Petaluma:\u003c/strong> Everyday is brunch day at this soulful Petaluma eatery run by husband and wife ranchers Miriam Donaldson and Josh Norwitt. Sublime farm-to-table eggs Benny, biscuits, and gravy are all served daily from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A full bar includes generous mimosas, Bloody Marys with house pickles, and a whiskeyspiked coffee makes the morning all the more enjoyable. \u003cem>841 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-763-2663, \u003ca href=\"http://wishbonepetaluma.com/\">wishbonepetaluma.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128722\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128722\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0929_REEL_004_842962-1024x650.jpg\" alt=\"Fresh Catch: Reel Fish Shop & Grill, Sonoma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"650\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0929_REEL_004_842962-1024x650.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0929_REEL_004_842962-1024x650-160x102.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0929_REEL_004_842962-1024x650-800x508.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0929_REEL_004_842962-1024x650-768x488.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0929_REEL_004_842962-1024x650-1020x647.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0929_REEL_004_842962-1024x650-960x609.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0929_REEL_004_842962-1024x650-240x152.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0929_REEL_004_842962-1024x650-375x238.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0929_REEL_004_842962-1024x650-520x330.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fresh Catch: Reel Fish Shop & Grill, Sonoma \u003ccite>(John Burgess/The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Fresh Catch: Reel Fish Shop & Grill, Sonoma: \u003c/strong>You wouldn’t expect such premium food — especially fresh fish — in this rather beat-up- looking stone, corrugated metal, and clapboard building dating back to 1906. Yet chef Aiki Terashima trained at Morimoto, so amid the live music that blasts through the joint most nights, you can nibble excellent ahi poke, macadamia-crusted halibut slathered in creamy kung pao sauce, and a Japanese salmon curry that takes two days to come together. And though you dine at plank wood tables on metal chairs inside, and on picnic tables outside, the kitchen lovingly prepares luxuries like excellent seared scallop risotto in spicy poblano sauce. \u003cem>401 Grove St., Sonoma, 707-343-0044, \u003ca href=\"http://thereelfishshop.com/\">thereelfishshop.com\u003c/a> (Photo by John Burgess)\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128726\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128726\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0811_ELMOLINOCENTRAL_523141-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Kitchen Cachet: El Molino Central, Sonoma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0811_ELMOLINOCENTRAL_523141-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0811_ELMOLINOCENTRAL_523141-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0811_ELMOLINOCENTRAL_523141-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0811_ELMOLINOCENTRAL_523141-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0811_ELMOLINOCENTRAL_523141-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0811_ELMOLINOCENTRAL_523141-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0811_ELMOLINOCENTRAL_523141-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0811_ELMOLINOCENTRAL_523141-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0811_ELMOLINOCENTRAL_523141-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kitchen Cachet: El Molino Central, Sonoma \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Kitchen Cachet: El Molino Central, Sonoma: \u003c/strong>Everything is handcrafted at this teeny Mexican café, from homemade masa for tortillas, to the beef, pork, and apple picadillo stuffed in a chile relleno slathered in walnut sour cream sauce and pomegranate. We mean teeny, too — you watch the cooks at work just steps away as you order at the counter, and then stroll through the kitchen itself to get to the only seating, on a parking lot patio. \u003cem>11 Central Ave., Sonoma, 707-939-1010, \u003ca href=\"http://elmolinocentral.com/\">elmolinocentral.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128705\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128705\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/BS_062916_AMYS4_787038-1024x721.jpg\" alt=\"Mindful Fast Food: Amy's Drive Thru, Rohnert Park\" width=\"1024\" height=\"721\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/BS_062916_AMYS4_787038-1024x721.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/BS_062916_AMYS4_787038-1024x721-160x113.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/BS_062916_AMYS4_787038-1024x721-800x563.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/BS_062916_AMYS4_787038-1024x721-768x541.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/BS_062916_AMYS4_787038-1024x721-1020x718.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/BS_062916_AMYS4_787038-1024x721-960x676.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/BS_062916_AMYS4_787038-1024x721-240x169.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/BS_062916_AMYS4_787038-1024x721-375x264.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/BS_062916_AMYS4_787038-1024x721-520x366.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mindful Fast Food: Amy's Drive Thru, Rohnert Park \u003ccite>(BETH SCHLANKER/ The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Mindful Fast Food: Amy's Drive Thru, Rohnert Park: \u003c/strong>Drive-thru doesn’t have to be a dirty word. Amy’s meatless burgers, crispy fries, and burritos are kid-friendly and the vegan milkshakes (made with coconut milk) are addictive. If you’re looking for something a little less carb-loaded, seasonal salads with beets, quinoa, and baked tofu are fresh as a daisy. Organic breakfast yogurt parfaits, cinnamon rolls, and veggie sausage sandwiches are a go-to. \u003cem>58 Golf Course Dr., Rohnert Park, 707-755-3629, \u003ca href=\"http://amysdrivethru.com/\">amysdrivethru.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128701\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128701\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0601_MEDITERRANEANJEWISHTABLE_10_781819-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Neighborhood Joint: Spinster Sisters, Santa Rosa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0601_MEDITERRANEANJEWISHTABLE_10_781819-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0601_MEDITERRANEANJEWISHTABLE_10_781819-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0601_MEDITERRANEANJEWISHTABLE_10_781819-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0601_MEDITERRANEANJEWISHTABLE_10_781819-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0601_MEDITERRANEANJEWISHTABLE_10_781819-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0601_MEDITERRANEANJEWISHTABLE_10_781819-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0601_MEDITERRANEANJEWISHTABLE_10_781819-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0601_MEDITERRANEANJEWISHTABLE_10_781819-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0601_MEDITERRANEANJEWISHTABLE_10_781819-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Neighborhood Joint: Spinster Sisters, Santa Rosa \u003ccite>(Alvin Jornada)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Neighborhood Joint: Spinster Sisters, Santa Rosa: \u003c/strong>The cornerstone of the SOFA restaurant scene, chef Liza Hinman’s modern comfort food showcases the best of Sonoma County, inspired by world cuisine. Here, Hinman is able to gently tie flavors together with spice, texture, or theme in a loose bow, rather than an unmanageable knot of confused ideas. \u003cem>401 South A St., Santa Rosa, 707-528-7100, \u003ca href=\"http://thespinstersisters.com/\">thespinstersisters.com\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128720\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128720\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0607_LASALLELE_002_830434-1024x754.jpg\" alt=\"Old-World Elegance: La Salette, Sonoma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"754\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0607_LASALLELE_002_830434-1024x754.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0607_LASALLELE_002_830434-1024x754-160x118.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0607_LASALLELE_002_830434-1024x754-800x589.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0607_LASALLELE_002_830434-1024x754-768x566.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0607_LASALLELE_002_830434-1024x754-1020x751.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0607_LASALLELE_002_830434-1024x754-960x707.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0607_LASALLELE_002_830434-1024x754-240x177.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0607_LASALLELE_002_830434-1024x754-375x276.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0607_LASALLELE_002_830434-1024x754-520x383.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Old-World Elegance: La Salette, Sonoma \u003ccite>(John Burgess)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Old-World Elegance: La Salette, Sonoma: \u003c/strong>Chef-owner Manuel Azevedo has been crafting his sophisticated Portuguese cuisine here for 20 years, and it just keeps getting better, with signatures like succulent wood oven-seared day boat scallops in a dark gold crust of crumbled chouriço (chorizo) alongside sweet potato puree, leek confit, and molho cru (chimichurri). \u003cem>452 First St. E., Suite H, Sonoma, 707-938-1927, \u003ca href=\"http://lasaletterestaurant.com/\">lasaletterestaurant.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128735\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128735\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WalterHansel034-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"Ooh-la-la: Walter Hansel Wine & Bistro, Santa Rosa\" width=\"800\" height=\"645\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WalterHansel034-1-1.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WalterHansel034-1-1-160x129.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WalterHansel034-1-1-768x619.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WalterHansel034-1-1-240x194.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WalterHansel034-1-1-375x302.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/WalterHansel034-1-1-520x419.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ooh-la-la: Walter Hansel Wine & Bistro, Santa Rosa \u003ccite>(Chris Hardy)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ooh-la-la: Walter Hansel Wine & Bistro, Santa Rosa: \u003c/strong>Chef Saul Barragan is traditionally trained, and it shows in his masterful touch with classics like Pernod-kissed escargot à la Bourguignonne, brandyrich lobster bisque en croute, and sumptuous Coquilles St. Jacques, the scallops bathed in white wine truffle cream sauce and topped in Gruyère, poached baby leeks, and shiitakes. The signature salad is particularly magnifique, in a tumble of confit duck gizzards with frisée, lardons, sautéed wild mushrooms, bacon vinaigrette, and a coddled organic egg. Still, Barragan adds contemporary flair. Oyster ceviche arrives dressed in Peruvian aji amarillo cream, lime, chive, and Japanese tobiko, while pan-seared foie gras is decorated in African grains of paradise, compressed Fuyu persimmon, and pomegranate gastrique. \u003cem>3535 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa, 707-5466462, \u003ca href=\"http://walterhanselbistro.com/\">walterhanselbistro.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128738\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128738\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/ZAZU074_866430-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Pig Out: Zazu, Sebastopol\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/ZAZU074_866430-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/ZAZU074_866430-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/ZAZU074_866430-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/ZAZU074_866430-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/ZAZU074_866430-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/ZAZU074_866430-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/ZAZU074_866430-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/ZAZU074_866430-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/ZAZU074_866430-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pig Out: Zazu, Sebastopol \u003ccite>(Chris Hardy)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pig Out: Zazu, Sebastopol:\u003c/strong> You don’t get to be the King and Queen of Pork by serving fish. Sebastopol restaurateurs John Stewart and Duskie Estes have devoted their lives and their restaurant to all things porka- licious, from their coveted Black Pig Bacon, featured a la carte or in the Black Pig Sour (bacon bourbon) cocktail to house-made salumi, Rodeo Jax (caramel popcorn with bacon), pig sugo and roasted bone marrow with hog-jaw bacon jam. The couple also raise their own pigs and were named the 2011 winners of the Cochon 555 pig-centric culinary competition, gaining them a lifetime reign over the pork kingdom. \u003cem>6770 McKinley St., #150, Sebastopol, 707-523-4814, \u003ca href=\"http://zazukitchen.com/\">zazukitchen.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128734\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128734\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/VALETTE342_723952-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Place to Take Your Parents (So They Can Pay): Valette, Healdsburg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/VALETTE342_723952-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/VALETTE342_723952-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/VALETTE342_723952-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/VALETTE342_723952-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/VALETTE342_723952-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/VALETTE342_723952-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/VALETTE342_723952-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/VALETTE342_723952-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/VALETTE342_723952-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Place to Take Your Parents (So They Can Pay): Valette, Healdsburg \u003ccite>(Chris Hardy)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Place to Take Your Parents (So They Can Pay): Valette, Healdsburg:\u003c/strong> Even though we all pretend to reach for our wallets when the bill comes, Dad will always be the fastest draw in the Visa showdown. Valette is our “impress the parents” destination — it’s all about the swanky but not stuffy vibe. Foie gras and kaffir lime snow? Check. A medium-rare Wagyu steak? Of course. Scallops en croute served with beurre blanc caviar sauce? Why, yes. Coat and tie required? Not a chance. We recommend the chef’s tasting menu to really show your newfound sophistication, but you can also go à la carte, or sit at the bar and nibble on mushroom fondue while pondering the epic wine list. \u003cem>344 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-473-0946, \u003ca href=\"http://valettehealdsburg.com/\">valettehealdsburg.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128718\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128718\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0215_CHICKENPHARM_004_861445-1024x673.jpg\" alt=\"Private Dining Room: Chicken Pharm, Petaluma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"673\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0215_CHICKENPHARM_004_861445-1024x673.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0215_CHICKENPHARM_004_861445-1024x673-160x105.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0215_CHICKENPHARM_004_861445-1024x673-800x526.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0215_CHICKENPHARM_004_861445-1024x673-768x505.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0215_CHICKENPHARM_004_861445-1024x673-1020x670.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0215_CHICKENPHARM_004_861445-1024x673-960x631.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0215_CHICKENPHARM_004_861445-1024x673-240x158.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0215_CHICKENPHARM_004_861445-1024x673-375x246.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0215_CHICKENPHARM_004_861445-1024x673-520x342.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Private Dining Room: Chicken Pharm, Petaluma \u003ccite>(John Burgess)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Private Dining Room: Chicken Pharm, Petaluma: \u003c/strong>Cutely called The Coop, the PDR at this chicken-centric eatery sits behind sliding wood barn doors next to the main dining room, and welcomes in a farmhouse chic vibe with wood tables, lounge seating, plush couches, three big-screen TVs, and hanging barn lamps. May we suggest ordering party platters of juicy fried buttermilk chicken for your group of up to 45 guests? \u003cem>132 Keller St., Petaluma, 707-543-1278, \u003ca href=\"http://chickenpharm.com/\">chickenpharm.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128706\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128706\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0430_DIAVOLA_SALSICCIAPIZZA_689921-1024x679.jpg\" alt=\"Radical Rustic: Diavola Pizzeria, Geyserville\" width=\"1024\" height=\"679\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0430_DIAVOLA_SALSICCIAPIZZA_689921-1024x679.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0430_DIAVOLA_SALSICCIAPIZZA_689921-1024x679-160x106.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0430_DIAVOLA_SALSICCIAPIZZA_689921-1024x679-800x530.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0430_DIAVOLA_SALSICCIAPIZZA_689921-1024x679-768x509.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0430_DIAVOLA_SALSICCIAPIZZA_689921-1024x679-1020x676.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0430_DIAVOLA_SALSICCIAPIZZA_689921-1024x679-960x637.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0430_DIAVOLA_SALSICCIAPIZZA_689921-1024x679-240x159.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0430_DIAVOLA_SALSICCIAPIZZA_689921-1024x679-375x249.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0430_DIAVOLA_SALSICCIAPIZZA_689921-1024x679-520x345.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Radical Rustic: Diavola Pizzeria, Geyserville \u003ccite>(Christopher Chung)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Radical Rustic: Diavola Pizzeria, Geyserville:\u003c/strong> At first glance, this Italian jewel housed in an historic 1900s brick building offers a traditional farmstyle Italian menu. Chef-owner Dino Bugica spent more than 10 years in Italy, after all, learning the art of butchery and cucina povera (comfort food). Yet study his ingredients, and you’ll discover some wow, in surprising recipes such as potato gnocchi with fennel, peas, green garlic, asparagus, fava tips, ricotta di bufala, and — wait for it — smoked salmon and kumquat. Neapolitan-style pizzas are a specialty, pulled out of a wood-fire oven, but how’s this for oomph: the Dictator pie is topped in marinated rib-eye, garlic, mozzarella, scallions, Serrano chiles, kimchi, Kewpie mayo, and shichimi pepper. \u003cem>21021 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-814-0111, \u003ca href=\"http://diavolapizzeria.com/\">diavolapizzeria.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128721\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128721\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb0611_ramen_001-1024x693.jpg\" alt=\"Ramen Addicted: Ramen Gaijin, Sebastopol\" width=\"1024\" height=\"693\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb0611_ramen_001-1024x693.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb0611_ramen_001-1024x693-160x108.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb0611_ramen_001-1024x693-800x541.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb0611_ramen_001-1024x693-768x520.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb0611_ramen_001-1024x693-1020x690.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb0611_ramen_001-1024x693-960x650.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb0611_ramen_001-1024x693-240x162.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb0611_ramen_001-1024x693-375x254.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb0611_ramen_001-1024x693-520x352.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ramen Addicted: Ramen Gaijin, Sebastopol \u003ccite>(John Burgess)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ramen Addicted: Ramen Gaijin, Sebastopol: \u003c/strong>With dashi in their veins and ramen on their minds, chefs Matthew Williams and Moishe Hahn-Schuman bring together authentic Japanese ramen recipes and techniques with of-the-moment produce for a distinctly Sonoma County izakaya experience. Gaijin’s ramen bowls are filled with homemade miso, chicken and pork broth, house-made noodles, crispy pork belly, perfectly cooked hardboiled and pickled eggs, exotic mushrooms, and bits of pickled kimchi. This seemingly simple concoction is anything but, with days dedicated to preparing its labor-intensive ingredients. Slurp all you want as a sign of appreciation, just this once. The fragrant smell of meat grilling on charcoal is almost hypnotizing, so we suggest sitting at the kitchen bar if possible to enjoy some yakitori, or grilled skewers of meat and veggies.\u003cem> 6948 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, 707-827-3609, \u003ca href=\"http://ramengaijin.com/\">ramengaijin.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>(Photo by John Burgess)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128730\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 937px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128730\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PASCALINE-937x800.jpg\" alt=\"Reason to Get Up in the Morning: Pascaline, Sebastopol\" width=\"937\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PASCALINE-937x800.jpg 937w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PASCALINE-937x800-160x137.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PASCALINE-937x800-800x683.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PASCALINE-937x800-768x656.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PASCALINE-937x800-240x205.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PASCALINE-937x800-375x320.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/PASCALINE-937x800-520x444.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 937px) 100vw, 937px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Reason to Get Up in the Morning: Pascaline, Sebastopol \u003ccite>(Reason to Get Up in the Morning: Pascaline, Sebastopol)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Reason to Get Up in the Morning: Pascaline, Sebastopol: \u003c/strong>Real-deal French pastries by French patissieres who aren’t afraid of butter. The croissants are a must-order, but don’t stop there. Faves include Kouign-Amann so flakey you’ll be wearing as much as you’ve eaten, breakfast brioche, and canneles. Lunch salads, sandwiches, and bowls are heartier fare. \u003cem>4552 Gravenstein Highway N., Sebastopol, 707-823-3122, \u003ca href=\"http://pascalinepatisserieandcafe.com/\">pascalinepatisserieandcafe.com\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128703\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128703\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1008_STORMYSSPIRITSSUPPER_10_800304-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Retro Roadhouse: Stormy's Spirits & Supper, Petaluma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1008_STORMYSSPIRITSSUPPER_10_800304-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1008_STORMYSSPIRITSSUPPER_10_800304-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1008_STORMYSSPIRITSSUPPER_10_800304-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1008_STORMYSSPIRITSSUPPER_10_800304-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1008_STORMYSSPIRITSSUPPER_10_800304-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1008_STORMYSSPIRITSSUPPER_10_800304-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1008_STORMYSSPIRITSSUPPER_10_800304-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1008_STORMYSSPIRITSSUPPER_10_800304-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1008_STORMYSSPIRITSSUPPER_10_800304-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Retro Roadhouse: Stormy's Spirits & Supper, Petaluma \u003ccite>(Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Retro Roadhouse: Stormy's Spirits & Supper, Petaluma: \u003c/strong>This former hotel turned laid-back restaurant and lounge has been around since 1854, smack in the middle of nowhere dairy country. Owned by the Cramer family, the weathered redwood and stone-clad oasis attracts savvy diners who know they can get a mouthwatering meal for a nearly ridiculous bargain, featuring local produce and premium beef. Imagine a beautiful, 22-ounce slab of prime rib for $38, complete with salad, potato, vegetables, French bread, and homemade clam chowder stocked with lots of seafood, and vegetables in tomato-kissed broth. Weary travelers, be thee well fed, indeed. \u003cem>6650 Bloomfield Road, Petaluma, 707-7950127, \u003ca href=\"http://stormysrestaurant.com/\">stormysrestaurant.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128731\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128731\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perchplow_dando_chix_best-1024x751-1024x751.jpg\" alt=\"Scene to be Seen: Perch and Plow, Santa Rosa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"751\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perchplow_dando_chix_best-1024x751-1024x751.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perchplow_dando_chix_best-1024x751-1024x751-160x117.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perchplow_dando_chix_best-1024x751-1024x751-800x587.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perchplow_dando_chix_best-1024x751-1024x751-768x563.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perchplow_dando_chix_best-1024x751-1024x751-1020x748.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perchplow_dando_chix_best-1024x751-1024x751-960x704.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perchplow_dando_chix_best-1024x751-1024x751-240x176.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perchplow_dando_chix_best-1024x751-1024x751-375x275.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perchplow_dando_chix_best-1024x751-1024x751-520x381.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Scene to be Seen: Perch and Plow, Santa Rosa \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Scene to be Seen: Perch and Plow, Santa Rosa: \u003c/strong>Downtown Santa Rosa’s newest restaurant is also one of the most Instagram-worthy. Soft, natural light makes selfies glow; sleek, modern design creates a stunning backdrop; and Bud Snow murals are on trend — as are whimsical cocktails featuring the likes of dill foam and strawberry balsamic shrub. And then there’s the food. Chef Mike Mullins creates small-bite plates with big flavors and a kaleidoscope of colors, despite a postage-stamp-sized kitchen. Cozy tables in the side dining rooms make for quiet canoodling. \u003cem>900 Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, 707-541-6896, \u003ca href=\"http://perchandplow.com/\">perchandplow.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128704\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128704\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bs_032614_CafeLaHaye8-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Small But Mighty: Café la Haye, Sonoma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bs_032614_CafeLaHaye8-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bs_032614_CafeLaHaye8-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bs_032614_CafeLaHaye8-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bs_032614_CafeLaHaye8-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bs_032614_CafeLaHaye8-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bs_032614_CafeLaHaye8-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bs_032614_CafeLaHaye8-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bs_032614_CafeLaHaye8-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/bs_032614_CafeLaHaye8-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Small But Mighty: Café la Haye, Sonoma \u003ccite>(Beth Schlanker)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Small But Mighty: Café la Haye, Sonoma: \u003c/strong>With just 30 seats and a tiny bar, this iconic Sonoma Plaza bistro also operates out of a closet-size kitchen. But oh, what wonders emerge under owner Saul Gropman’s watch. Chef Jeffrey Lloyd previously worked at Michael Mina, and his deft touch results in divine Cal-Med bites like filet mignon dolloped in roasted shallot-balsamic jus and anchovy butter, or crusted pork chop finished in mustard cream and chorizo butter alongside ricotta dumplings. Brilliant classic cooking at affordable prices in a contemporary, art gallery-style setting — that earns this gem a big place in our hearts. \u003cem>140 E. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-935-5994, \u003ca href=\"http://cafelahaye.com/\">cafelahaye.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em> (Photo by Beth Schlanker)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128707\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128707\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0814_BESTTACOTRUCK_CROWD_743916-1024x675.jpg\" alt=\"Taco Tuesday: El Roy's, Petaluma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"675\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0814_BESTTACOTRUCK_CROWD_743916-1024x675.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0814_BESTTACOTRUCK_CROWD_743916-1024x675-160x105.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0814_BESTTACOTRUCK_CROWD_743916-1024x675-800x527.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0814_BESTTACOTRUCK_CROWD_743916-1024x675-768x506.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0814_BESTTACOTRUCK_CROWD_743916-1024x675-1020x672.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0814_BESTTACOTRUCK_CROWD_743916-1024x675-960x633.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0814_BESTTACOTRUCK_CROWD_743916-1024x675-240x158.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0814_BESTTACOTRUCK_CROWD_743916-1024x675-375x247.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/CC0814_BESTTACOTRUCK_CROWD_743916-1024x675-520x343.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Taco Tuesday: El Roy's, Petaluma \u003ccite>(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Taco Tuesday: El Roy's, Petaluma:\u003c/strong> More than a simple taqueria or a food truck, this family’s Mexican cooking is from the heart. Carnitas burritos are a must-try, but tasty sopes, tortas, and tacos are equally impressive. \u003cem>210 Edith St., Petaluma, 707-774-3738, \u003ca href=\"http://www.facebook.com/pg/elroysmexicangrillofficialpage\">visit on Facebook\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128710\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128710\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/cj0409_GlenEllenStar03-1024x673.jpg\" alt=\"To See Stars: Glen Ellen Star\" width=\"1024\" height=\"673\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/cj0409_GlenEllenStar03-1024x673.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/cj0409_GlenEllenStar03-1024x673-160x105.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/cj0409_GlenEllenStar03-1024x673-800x526.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/cj0409_GlenEllenStar03-1024x673-768x505.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/cj0409_GlenEllenStar03-1024x673-1020x670.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/cj0409_GlenEllenStar03-1024x673-960x631.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/cj0409_GlenEllenStar03-1024x673-240x158.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/cj0409_GlenEllenStar03-1024x673-375x246.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/cj0409_GlenEllenStar03-1024x673-520x342.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Woodoven Baby Carrots served at Glen Ellen Star in To See Stars: Glen Ellen Star \u003ccite>(CRISTA JEREMIASON / The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>To See Stars: Glen Ellen Star: \u003c/strong>Hollywood types love Sonoma County for its natural beauty, world-class wine, and incredible food. That, and the fact that they mostly get left alone. Mostly. A favorite retreat seems to be Ari Weisswasser’s Glen Ellen Star, where the recognizable can sit and sup without a parade of paparazzi. Not to say that the food isn’t red carpet-worthy. Weisswasser’s wood-fired oven takes center stage, with freshfrom- the-garden roasted vegetable (we especially love the Brussels sprouts with brown sugar bacon marmalade), pizza, Tunisian brick chicken, and their own house-baked bread. \u003cem>13648 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen, 707-3431384, \u003ca href=\"http://glenellenstar.com/\">glenellenstar.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128702\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128702\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0610_NORTHCOASTFOODWINEFESTIVAL_15_829975-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Way Better than the Colonel: Backyard, Forestville\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0610_NORTHCOASTFOODWINEFESTIVAL_15_829975-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0610_NORTHCOASTFOODWINEFESTIVAL_15_829975-1024x683-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0610_NORTHCOASTFOODWINEFESTIVAL_15_829975-1024x683-800x534.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0610_NORTHCOASTFOODWINEFESTIVAL_15_829975-1024x683-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0610_NORTHCOASTFOODWINEFESTIVAL_15_829975-1024x683-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0610_NORTHCOASTFOODWINEFESTIVAL_15_829975-1024x683-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0610_NORTHCOASTFOODWINEFESTIVAL_15_829975-1024x683-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0610_NORTHCOASTFOODWINEFESTIVAL_15_829975-1024x683-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0610_NORTHCOASTFOODWINEFESTIVAL_15_829975-1024x683-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Way Better than the Colonel: Backyard, Forestville \u003ccite>(Alvin Jornada)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Way Better than the Colonel: Backyard, Forestville: \u003c/strong>Everyone does fried chicken these days. Not everyone does it well. The secret to this Forestville outpost’s bird is a special brine, buttermilk, and secretly seasoned flour. There may also be unicorn dust involved. We love the moist inside and crispy exterior, and the fact that you can get some sort of fried chicken for brunch, lunch, and dinner — from a chop salad or sandwich to fried chicken and waffles with all the fixings. There are even to-go boxes with five or nine pieces, a seasonal side, biscuits, and honey butter. \u003cem>6566 Front St., Forestville, 707-8208445, \u003ca href=\"http://backyardforestville.com/\">backyardforestville.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128697\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128697\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0113_SEASIDEMETALCHOWDER_01_763928-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Who’d Have Thought: Seaside Metal, Guerneville\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0113_SEASIDEMETALCHOWDER_01_763928-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0113_SEASIDEMETALCHOWDER_01_763928-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0113_SEASIDEMETALCHOWDER_01_763928-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0113_SEASIDEMETALCHOWDER_01_763928-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0113_SEASIDEMETALCHOWDER_01_763928-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0113_SEASIDEMETALCHOWDER_01_763928-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0113_SEASIDEMETALCHOWDER_01_763928-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0113_SEASIDEMETALCHOWDER_01_763928-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ0113_SEASIDEMETALCHOWDER_01_763928-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Who’d Have Thought: Seaside Metal, Guerneville \u003ccite>(Alvin Jornada)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Who’d Have Thought: Seaside Metal, Guerneville: \u003c/strong>You could schlep all the way to San Francisco, and stand in line hoping to get a seat at the very popular Bar Crudo. Or, you could scamper to our very own river town, and luxuriate in an easy feast at this ultra-stylish satellite salon from Crudo owners Mike Selvera and his partner/ twin brother Tim Selvera. Really. It’s right there amid the souvenir shops and friendly dive bars of Main Street. The SF-Guerneville menus are very similar, too, showcasing briny fresh oysters of all kinds, elegant chowder brimming with fish, shrimp, mussels, squid, bacon, and potato, and fancy plates like Arctic char glittering with wasabi tobiko and horseradish crème fraîche. \u003cem>16222 Main St., Guerneville, 707-604-7250, \u003ca href=\"http://seasidemetal.com/\">seasidemetal.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>(Photo by Alvin Jornada)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128724\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128724\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb1122_rrvineyards_003-1024x637.jpg\" alt=\"Wine Country Terroir: Russian River Vineyards, Forestville\" width=\"1024\" height=\"637\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb1122_rrvineyards_003-1024x637.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb1122_rrvineyards_003-1024x637-160x100.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb1122_rrvineyards_003-1024x637-800x498.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb1122_rrvineyards_003-1024x637-768x478.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb1122_rrvineyards_003-1024x637-1020x635.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb1122_rrvineyards_003-1024x637-960x597.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb1122_rrvineyards_003-1024x637-240x149.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb1122_rrvineyards_003-1024x637-375x233.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/jb1122_rrvineyards_003-1024x637-520x323.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Wine Country Terroir: Russian River Vineyards, Forestville \u003ccite>(John Burgess)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Wine Country Terroir: Russian River Vineyards, Forestville:\u003c/strong> At the crossroads between sea and pasture, river and hillsides, farm and forest, the two-light burg of Forestville has a unique Sonoma County terroir, and Russian River Vineyards’ recently revamped restaurant luxuriously showcases that special sense of place. Chef Ben Davies’ on-site farm is a staple for seasonal produce, but the menu pulls from throughout the region for fresh seafood, meat, and of-the-moment ingredients. His Friday and Saturday menus are four courses of surprises, or you can do a chef’s tasting of eight. The daily “estate” menu is simplified, with more casual but equally impressive warm or chilled items. \u003cem>5700 Highway 116 N., Forestville, 707-887-3344, \u003ca href=\"http://russianrivervineyards.com/\">russianrivervineyards.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>(Photo by John Burgess)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128712\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128712\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/dry-creek-kitchen-bar-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Wine List: Dry Creek Kitchen, Healdsburg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/dry-creek-kitchen-bar-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/dry-creek-kitchen-bar-1024x683-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/dry-creek-kitchen-bar-1024x683-800x534.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/dry-creek-kitchen-bar-1024x683-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/dry-creek-kitchen-bar-1024x683-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/dry-creek-kitchen-bar-1024x683-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/dry-creek-kitchen-bar-1024x683-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/dry-creek-kitchen-bar-1024x683-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/dry-creek-kitchen-bar-1024x683-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Wine List: Dry Creek Kitchen, Healdsburg \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Wine List: Dry Creek Kitchen, Healdsburg:\u003c/strong> More than 500 selections, including bottles from the private libraries and cellars of local winemakers, help earn this spot a perennial place on the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. An insider secret: The Sonoma Neighbor menu is served Monday through Thursday, a $36, three-course prix fixe with wine pairing for an additional $18 – a steal in tony Healdsburg. \u003cem>317 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-431-0330, \u003ca href=\"http://drycreekkitchen.com/\">drycreekkitchen.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128715\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128715\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HBGMIMOSA-1024x779.jpg\" alt=\"With Kids: HBG, Healdsburg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"779\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HBGMIMOSA-1024x779.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HBGMIMOSA-1024x779-160x122.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HBGMIMOSA-1024x779-800x609.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HBGMIMOSA-1024x779-768x584.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HBGMIMOSA-1024x779-1020x776.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HBGMIMOSA-1024x779-960x730.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HBGMIMOSA-1024x779-240x183.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HBGMIMOSA-1024x779-375x285.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HBGMIMOSA-1024x779-520x396.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">With Kids: HBG, Healdsburg \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>With Kids: HBG, Healdsburg: \u003c/strong>Great burgers and fries, a large fenced-in patio, top-notch Bloody Marys. Need we say more? Owned by one of Wine Country’s top chefs, Douglas Keane, this is everyday fare with a toque’s special touch. Grown up mac and cheese is worth the cost of admission alone. \u003cem>245 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-3333, \u003ca href=\"http://healdsburgbarandgrill.com/\">healdsburgbarandgrill.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128719\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128719\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0421_FREMONT_CHAD_557814-1024x705.jpg\" alt=\"Worth a U-Turn: Fremont Diner, Sonoma\" width=\"1024\" height=\"705\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0421_FREMONT_CHAD_557814-1024x705.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0421_FREMONT_CHAD_557814-1024x705-160x110.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0421_FREMONT_CHAD_557814-1024x705-800x551.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0421_FREMONT_CHAD_557814-1024x705-768x529.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0421_FREMONT_CHAD_557814-1024x705-1020x702.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0421_FREMONT_CHAD_557814-1024x705-960x661.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0421_FREMONT_CHAD_557814-1024x705-240x165.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0421_FREMONT_CHAD_557814-1024x705-375x258.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JB0421_FREMONT_CHAD_557814-1024x705-520x358.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Worth a U-Turn: Fremont Diner, Sonoma \u003ccite>(John Burgess)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Worth a U-Turn: Fremont Diner, Sonoma: \u003c/strong>If you didn’t realize this tiny shack was there, on the edge of Hwy 12/121 vineyards and dairy fields, you’d zoom right by. But since you know this is where you get owner Chad Harris’ magical ranch cuisine, you hit the brakes, and zoom in for Nashville-style spicy fried chicken atop white bread, buttermilk biscuits ‘n’ gravy, or house smoked brisket. \u003cem>2698 Fremont Drive, Sonoma, 707-938-7370, \u003ca href=\"http://thefremontdiner.com/\">thefremontdiner.com\u003c/a> \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128732\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128732\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/terrapincreek233-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Worth the Drive: Terrapin Creek, Bodega Bay\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/terrapincreek233-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/terrapincreek233-1024x682-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/terrapincreek233-1024x682-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/terrapincreek233-1024x682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/terrapincreek233-1024x682-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/terrapincreek233-1024x682-960x639.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/terrapincreek233-1024x682-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/terrapincreek233-1024x682-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/terrapincreek233-1024x682-520x346.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Worth the Drive: Terrapin Creek, Bodega Bay \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Worth the Drive: Terrapin Creek, Bodega Bay: \u003c/strong>As if we needed any excuse to visit the beautiful waterfront burg that is Bodega Bay, this Michelin Star jewel beckons with extraordinary Cal-Asian cuisine that would wow even in a big city. To enjoy it in a serene, artsy hideaway makes it even more special. Chef-owners and husband-wife team Andrew Truong and Liya Lin impress with innovative fare like a salad of charred octopus, roasted cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, arugula, and toasted almonds zinged with fiery chili pepper aioli. Seafood is a signature, in fact, such as meaty sea bass paired with savoy cabbage, mushrooms, Delicata squash, and red rice in a splash of delicate fish fumet. \u003cem>1580 Eastshore Road, Bodega Bay, 707-875-2700, \u003ca href=\"http://terrapincreekcafe.com/\">terrapincreekcafe.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128725\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 780px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128725\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0111_SWEETTS_SIGNAGE_589936-780x800.jpg\" alt=\"Making a return after the fire: Sweet T's, Windsor\" width=\"780\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0111_SWEETTS_SIGNAGE_589936-780x800.jpg 780w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0111_SWEETTS_SIGNAGE_589936-780x800-160x164.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0111_SWEETTS_SIGNAGE_589936-780x800-768x788.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0111_SWEETTS_SIGNAGE_589936-780x800-240x246.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0111_SWEETTS_SIGNAGE_589936-780x800-375x385.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0111_SWEETTS_SIGNAGE_589936-780x800-520x533.jpg 520w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0111_SWEETTS_SIGNAGE_589936-780x800-32x32.jpg 32w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JL0111_SWEETTS_SIGNAGE_589936-780x800-50x50.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Making a return after the fire: Sweet T's, Windsor \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sonoma Magazine)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Making a return after the fire: Sweet T's, Windsor:\u003c/strong> Six months ago, Dennis Tussey was sifting through the ashes of his Fountaingrove restaurant Sweet T’s’ in search of whatever he and his wife Anne could salvage — a few dishes, some patio furniture, and a $25,000 barbecue smoker they recently purchased. Down but not out, the couple immediately began looking for a new space to call home. Now they’ve found it — in Windsor, where they will open the new Sweet T's in May. Their beloved pitmaster, George Ah Chin, will continue to work alongside them in the new location. The Tusseys have worked with the kitchen staff to rewrite the many recipes for Sweet T’s signature Southern dishes — from grits to ribs — and have had a staff of 12 working on the reopening. “We have such a faithful following,” says Tussey, misting up a bit, “We didn’t realize until after the fire, but we can go anywhere and people want to talk to us about the restaurant.” It never entered their minds, he adds, that Sweet T’s was done. “Our only thought was that we needed to come back. We want to put our employees back to work.” \u003cem>9098 Brooks Road S., Windsor\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Crowd Pleasers\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128749\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1280px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128749\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1.jpg\" alt=\"The New Yorker Pizza at Tony’s of North Beach at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park.\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1.jpg 1280w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1-960x641.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/AJ1209_TONYSOFNORTHBEACH_02_672989-1-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The New Yorker Pizza at Tony’s of North Beach at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park. \u003ccite>(Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Best burgers, best pizza…\u003c/strong>them’s fighting words, considering how many top-notch restaurants we have in Sonoma County, and how fiercely loyal food fans are to their regular hangouts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, there are spots where the staples truly shine, and if you haven’t yet tried these mouthwatering marvels, you owe it to yourself to skedaddle in right away. See if you don’t find some new favorites, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Burgers: Mike’s at the Crossroads, Cotati:\u003c/strong> Boasting 17 kinds of burgers, these big, beautiful, near half-pound monsters promise bliss for any appetite. Maybe you crave a Krush, topped in sautéed mushrooms, Swiss, onion, garlic, and Zinfandel glaze. Or you might want to fire up with the 987, sizzling with diced green chiles, jalapenos, black olives, onions, roasted red peppers, and pepper jack. Or you may dig in a bit daintier, with the Belle, topped in sautéed red onions, fresh basil, rosemary, and crumbled Nauvoo blue cheese. Whatever you choose, plan for crowds in the 10-table eatery with a dozen bar stools beneath an enormous mural of a bull’s head snorting, “One Mean Burger.” \u003cem>7665 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati, 707-665-9999, \u003ca href=\"http://mikesatthecrossroads.com/\">mikesatthecrossroads.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pizza: Tony’s of North Beach, Rohnert Park: \u003c/strong>Tony Gemignani became an international star for his San Francisco restaurants, and five years ago, he shared his magic with a new Tony’s at the Graton Resort & Casino. Featuring eight styles of pizzas made in four different ovens (wood-fired brick, gas brick, electric brick, and electric stone), the lengthy menu tempts with delicate, charred Napoletana, classic Italian/Americana, thin-chewy New York, thick and rectangular Sicilian, California thin-crust-style, and glutenfree pies. Portions are huge, flavors are rich and bold, and ingredients are premium, such as handcrafted mozzarella and burrata, San Marzano DOP tomatoes, and housemade sausage. A bonus: while you have to wait in line at the SF locations, the casino spot is still somewhat of a locals’ secret, with tables at the ready. \u003cem>630 Park Court, Rohnert Park, 707-588-7741, \u003ca href=\"http://gratonresortcasino.com/\">gratonresortcasino.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Japanese: Hana, Rohnert Park:\u003c/strong> It’s set in an unassuming strip mall, but open the heavy wood front door and you’ll discover chef-owner Ken Tominaga’s spectacular sushi, traditional wafu (pure, clean) cooking, and a truly impressive sake selection. Authentic cuisine shines in seasonal specialty fish like house-cured saba mackerel and kamatoro (succulent, fatty tuna), chawanmushi custard with shrimp and scallops, and prime steak sent out sizzling on a Mount Fuji stone. The raw wood décor and sommelier service adds to the elegance. \u003cem>101 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park, 707-586-0270,\u003ca href=\"http://hanajapanese.com/\">hanajapanese.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Mexican: Barrio Fresca Cocina Mexican, Sebastopol: \u003c/strong>This new spot in the Barlow blends casual, order-at-the-counter service with high-end regional dishes crafted from organic seasonal ingredients. That means owner Carlos Rosas features homemade GMO-free California corn tortillas and produce from local farms, resulting in captivating bites like red corn tortillas topped in potatoes, handmade chorizo, scrambled eggs, pumpkin seed, melted cheese curds, arugula, and salsa de chile Morita; or a pork belly torta smothered in chipotle aioli, pico de gallo, and peppery arugula. What’s not to love about such fancy food in such friendly surroundings, and extra warm touches like free homemade chips, salsa, and fiery hot sauce? \u003cem>6760 McKinley St., #120, Sebastopol, 707-329-6538, \u003ca href=\"http://barriobayarea.com/\">barriobayarea.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Wine Country Cuisine: Barndiva, Healdsburg:\u003c/strong> The sophisticated spot looks Sonoma Wine Country with its luxurious mahogany barn setting and lush garden patio. Chef Ryan Fancher sources Sonoma, too, with partner farms like Bellwether Farms, Early Bird’s Place, Mix Garden, and Preston Farm & Winery. California cuisine is creative and clean, shimmering in bites like crispy duck leg confit with marble potatoes, poached quail egg, olive tapenade, fennel, and haricots verts. \u003cem>231 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-431-0100, \u003ca class=\"vglnk\" href=\"http://barndiva.com/\" rel=\"nofollow\">barndiva.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Deli: Mac’s Deli & Cafe, Santa Rosa:\u003c/strong> There’s good reason this 1952 institution is the oldest continuing breakfast and sandwich café in Sonoma County. The mere thought of the sumptuous overstuff ed omelets and sandwiches get folks salivating, and anyone who can polish off an entire plate well deserves the happy food coma they’re guaranteed. Start the day with a lox, cream cheese, and onion omelet with crispy hash browns and pumpernickel toast, then segue into a hearty lunch of pastrami and egg salad on rye. It’s hard to beat the cheerful combo of a hot corned beef Sammy including a choice of salad and glass of tap beer, either. \u003cem>630 4th St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-3785, \u003ca href=\"http://macsdeliandcafe.com/\">macsdeliandcafe.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pub Fare: Woodfour Brewery, Sebastopol: \u003c/strong>Yes, beer is a food group in Sonoma County, with its proliferation of craft breweries, many of which offer good eats, too. At this hip, lively place, brewmaster Seth Wood rotates beer styles and provide guest taps for other local producers. The kitchen takes the same jaunt, hosting pop-ups that lately have featured Mexican food. Really delicious Mexican food, like pork al pastor laced with chiles, sea bass tacos, bass ceviche, gooey cheese enchiladas, and fluffy chicken-green salsa tamales handmade by chef Maria. Just the thing to go with the brewery’s saison, farmhouse, and sour beers. \u003cem>6780 Depot St., Sebastopol, 707-823-3144, \u003ca href=\"http://woodfourbrewing.com/\">woodfourbrewing.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Vegetarian/Vegan: The Drawing Board, Petaluma:\u003c/strong> Eating plant-based foods is such a “thing” these days that chefs treat meatless cuisine as an art. Even kids and hardcore carnivores love it, when it’s done as masterfully as it is at this chic Petaluma bistro. Owner Rosie Wiggins artfully mixes in vegetarian/ vegan among other animal- protein dishes, sometimes crossing into hybrids like the signature carrot lox. The result is wow, bringing carrots smoked, rolled in nori and smoked sea salt (like salmon, see?), then baked and sliced atop veggie cashew cream cheese on toast with baby greens. \u003cem>190 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707-774-6689, \u003ca href=\"http://tdbpetaluma.com/\">tdbpetaluma.com\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Best Butcher – It’s a Tie!\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128750\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1280px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034.jpg\" alt=\"Charcuterie platter at Thistle Meats in Petaluma.\" width=\"1280\" height=\"904\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128750\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034.jpg 1280w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034-160x113.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034-800x565.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034-768x542.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034-1020x720.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034-1200x848.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034-1180x833.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034-960x678.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034-240x170.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034-375x265.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/HI0717_THISTLEMEATS_38_840034-520x367.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Charcuterie platter at Thistle Meats in Petaluma. \u003ccite>(Heather Irwin)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Thistle Meats, Petaluma:\u003c/strong> With years of study as a salumist and butcher, chef Travis Day of Thistle Meats is a chef’s chef — working his way up the kitchen ladder with the kind of intense focus and passion that results in 25 journals filled with business plans and recipes, traveling to 20 countries with his chef’s knives and developing a resume that includes some of the best restaurants in the world. To say he’s obsessive about meat is an understatement. “I used to cure duck prosciutto in the rafters and stay up until 3 a.m. translating old French cookbooks,” Day says. With whole animal butchery, salumi, and the county’s best ham and roast beef sandwiches (which we don’t say lightly), Thistle is my choice for top butchery. \u003cem>160 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, 707-772-5442, \u003ca href=\"http://thistlemeats.com/\">thistlemeats.com \u003c/a>\u003c/em> —Heather Irwin\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Journeyman Meat Co., Healdsburg:\u003c/strong> Peter Seghesio of Journeyman Meat Co. looked to his Italian heritage, and studied whole-animal butchery and salumi-making in Italy before opening this gorgeous shrine to meat last summer. And certainly prime meats star at the combination butcher shop, salumi counter, and wine bar just off the Healdsburg Plaza. Still, I adore the fresh sausages the most, crafted from Seghesio’s family recipes and sizzled in the wood-fired oven behind the display counter. The pork beauties include lavish flavors like Sicilian-style Terrona imbued with Parmesan or Il Bustino, studded with bacon, all offered as sandwiches — or my favorite, in a trio selection on a wood board laden with mustards, arugula, and pickles. Hog heaven. \u003cem>404 Center St, Healdsburg, 707-395-6328, \u003ca href=\"http://journeymanmeat.com/\">journeymanmeat.com \u003c/a>\u003c/em>— Carey Sweet\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128751\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1280px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407.jpg\" alt=\"Journeyman Meat Co. owner Peter Seghesio chats with a customer.\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128751\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407.jpg 1280w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407-1180x786.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/JOURNEYMAN013_866407-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Journeyman Meat Co. owner Peter Seghesio chats with a customer. \u003ccite>(Chris Hardy)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>Metholodogy\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Sonoma Magazine dining editor Heather Irwin, restaurant reviewer Carey Sweet, and senior food writer Diane Peterson – in collaboration with our team of editors – selected the 50 best restaurants in Sonoma County based on a year’s worth of restaurant visits, reviews, and chef interviews. We also sought opinions from some of the county’s notables to get a sense for their go-to local haunts. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This guide originally was published on \u003ca href=\"http://www.sonomamag.com/50-best-restaurants-in-sonoma-county-2018/\">Sonoma Magazine\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"disqusTitle": "Table Talk: Meet the Rebranded Ritu, Get Ready for The Feast, Father’s Day Deals",
"title": "Table Talk: Meet the Rebranded Ritu, Get Ready for The Feast, Father’s Day Deals",
"headTitle": "KQED’s Table Talk | Bay Area Bites | KQED Food",
"content": "\u003cp>This week’s Table Talk takes a look at the rebranded Ritu Indian Soul Food (formerly Dum), Alexander’s Steakhouse launches The Feast, check out these fun (and tasty) Father’s Day deals, don’t miss a screening of The Food Cure, and Mixt opens on Valencia.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128662\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1.jpg\" alt=\"There’s no shortage of dishes to enjoy at the rebranded Ritu.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128662\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1-960x641.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">There’s no shortage of dishes to enjoy at the rebranded Ritu. \u003ccite>(Kristen Loken)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>Dum Indian Soul Food Rebrands to Ritu\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ritu Indian Soul Food\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/U6YqrMffE6q\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">3111 24th St., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nDinner served Tue–Thu, Sat–Sun 5–10pm, Fri 11am–10pm\u003cbr>\nBrunch Sat–Sun 11am–3pm\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine (and just awesome flavor in general), you should know the Mission’s \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://www.dumsf.com/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dum Indian Soul Food\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> on 24th Street in the Mission is celebrating its second anniversary and rebranding itself as \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.ritusf.com/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ritu Indian Soul Food\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> on June 7, which means “seasons” in Hindi. Mumbai native chef Rupam Bhagat’s menu is full of inspired interpretations of his favorite family recipes. He started as a food truck, and at his first brick-and-mortar location you’ll find some extraordinary deals on some really delicious dishes (like his excellent lamb kebabs for just $12)—and unlike at the truck, you can enjoy some wine or beer with your meal. The menu features many vegetarian dishes, like kale chaat, tandoori whole cauliflower, and artichoke pakoras—and in honor of the rebranding, he will be adding even more dishes to the menu. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128659\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-FriedChicken-e1527986825742.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-FriedChicken-e1527986825742.jpg\" alt=\"Fried chicken is on the menu at the newly rebranded Ritu.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128659\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fried chicken is on the menu at the newly rebranded Ritu. \u003ccite>(Kristen Loken)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The space is getting a refresh too, with a new and vibrant color palette of orange, red, and yellow, and the bar area is being expanded (a perfect spot to unwind with some chaat and a glass of wine during happy hour Wed-Sun 3–6pm).\u003cbr>\n \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128661\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1599px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse.jpg\" alt=\"Alexander’s Steakhouse in SoMa is launching The Feast.\" width=\"1599\" height=\"1200\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128661\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse.jpg 1599w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse-1200x901.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse-1180x886.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1599px) 100vw, 1599px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Alexander’s Steakhouse in SoMa is launching The Feast. \u003ccite>(Alexander’s Steakhouse)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>Alexander’s Steakhouse Launches a New Dinner Event, The Feast\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Alexander’s Steakhouse\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/tKvwDwUgypQ2\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">448 Brannan St., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nThursday June 7, 6pm\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.exploretock.com/alexanderssanfran/experience/25884/the-feast\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tickets\u003c/a>: $120 for food and $80 for drinks per person. Tickets required and are limited.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You ready to feast? \u003ca href=\"https://www.alexanderssteakhouse.com/sanfrancisco/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Alexander’s Steakhouse San Francisco\u003c/a> in SoMa just announced The Feast, a ticketed ongoing event featuring a fire-roasted whole meat and fish menu that will be served family-style in a lively communal setting in the restaurant’s Wine Library. The culinary team will be sharing details about ingredients and cooking techniques to create an extra-special experience. The evening includes fine wines and spirits, including bourbon and Scotch served in large format (and free-poured for an additional cost). The first Feast event is Thursday, June 7, with the second on Thursday, July 5.\u003cbr>\n \u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Three Tasty and Affordable Options for Father’s Day\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>China Live\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/jVBv1Dtq3Lv\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">644 Broadway, San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Presidio Social Club \u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/BkvAMFHQbML2\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">563 Ruger St, San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Perle\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/79WHmLaBUb32\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2058 Mountain Blvd., Oakland\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday, June 18, and here are three options to consider that look really tasty (and affordable too!). \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://chinalivesf.com/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">China Live\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> in Chinatown is offering a traditional Chinese prime rib beef roast with a housemade hot mustard sauce for lunch and dinner, just $35 per person. Afterward, you can take Dad upstairs to Cold Drinks, the swanky and hidden-away, Scotch-centric bar for an after-lunch or pre- (or post-!) dinner cocktail.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128660\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1280px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub.jpg\" alt=\"The classic look of Presidio Social Club will be the perfect Father’s Day setting.\" width=\"1280\" height=\"803\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128660\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub.jpg 1280w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub-160x100.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub-800x502.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub-768x482.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub-1020x640.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub-1200x753.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub-1180x740.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub-960x602.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub-240x151.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub-375x235.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub-520x326.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The classic look of Presidio Social Club will be the perfect Father’s Day setting. \u003ccite>(Presidio Social Club)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://www.presidiosocialclub.com/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Presidio Social Club\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> is kicking off its Pig Roast series with an extended Pig Roast event, serving specialty menu items all day from the roasted pig, like Cubanos, pork sliders, and pupu platters (from noon through 9pm, or until it runs out). There’s also a three-course, traditional pig roast dinner for $48. Guests will enjoy some aloha vibes, with ukulele music and Mai Tais available too. (Would be a good time for dad to bust out his Hawaiian shirt.) After Father’s Day, the Pig Roast series will continue on every Sunday for dinner service through Aug. 19.\u003cbr>\n \u003cbr>\n\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.perlewinebar.com/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Perle\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> in Montclair is offering a special barbecue, beer, bourbon, and Bordeaux prix-fixe menu for brunch for $44 (\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perle-FathersDayMenu.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">click here to take a look\u003c/a>). Appetizers include grilled bacon and Roquefort dates and French onion dip sliders, while the main event is a Comte cheese and beer sausage cassoulet (tell Pop to bring his Lipitor). Pairings are $36, and include a Manhattan, wine, and beer. It’s going to be a boozy day! Served 10am–3pm.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1.jpg\" alt=\"The Food Cure\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2714\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-128757\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1-160x226.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1-800x1131.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1-768x1086.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1-1020x1442.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1-849x1200.jpg 849w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1-1180x1668.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1-960x1357.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1-240x339.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1-375x530.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1-520x735.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Don’t Miss This Screening for The Food Cure\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>The Clay Theatre\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/yCf8rTHepPU2\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2221, 2261 Fillmore St., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nThursday, June 7\u003cbr>\nDoors at 6:30pm, screening at 7pm sharp (no trailers!)\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://fan-force.com/screenings/the-food-cure-clay-theatre-san-francisco-ca-us/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tickets\u003c/a>: $22.50 (includes booking fee)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There’s a compelling \u003ca href=\"https://fan-force.com/screenings/the-food-cure-clay-theatre-san-francisco-ca-us/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">film screening\u003c/a> coming up on Thursday, June 7 at The Clay Theatre in San Francisco for \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://fan-force.com/films/the-food-cure/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Food Cure\u003c/a>\u003c/em>. It’s about six cancer patients who “make an unusual choice when faced with little chance of recovery: they decide to face the disease with a radical plant-based diet. The patients embark on an arduous but hopeful five-year journey through unchartered territory as they attempt to eat and juice their way back to health, against all odds.” The filmmaker and producer from Australia will both be at the screening and sparking thought and discussion about human health as it relates to the environment in a Q&A after the film. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128657\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Summer-Menu-Toscana-Launching-6.13.18-e1527986866727.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Summer-Menu-Toscana-Launching-6.13.18-e1527986866727.jpg\" alt=\"The Toscana salad, launching on the summer menu at the new Mixt on June 13.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128657\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Toscana salad, launching on the summer menu at the new Mixt on June 13. \u003ccite>(Nader Khouri)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>Mixt Opens a Location on Valencia\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp> \u003cbr>\n\u003cstrong>Mixt\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/7GCLSFZwFsE2\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">901 Valencia St., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nOpen daily 11am–9pm for lunch and dinner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re trying to eat a little healthier and lighter (warmer weather tends to spark that feeling), there’s a new \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://www.mixt.com/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mixt\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> location that just opened in the Mission in the former La Rondalla (they’re referring to it as a “salad lounge,” but you can do what you want with that). Mixt is a fast-casual restaurant known for their creative salads, and at this location you can also order grain bowls and Mixt Market Plates for dinner, made with herb-roasted and grilled sustainable meats with sauces and side dishes. And then there are the “Beerbuchas” and “kale mimosas,” so you can really up your San Francisco hipster cred with one of those. If you’re heading to Dolores Park with your salad, Mixt is offering park-goers a free, reusable tote with the purchase of four or more salads.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>This week’s Table Talk takes a look at the rebranded Ritu Indian Soul Food (formerly Dum), Alexander’s Steakhouse launches The Feast, check out these fun (and tasty) Father’s Day deals, don’t miss a screening of The Food Cure, and Mixt opens on Valencia.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128662\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1.jpg\" alt=\"There’s no shortage of dishes to enjoy at the rebranded Ritu.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128662\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1-960x641.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-mainspread-1-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">There’s no shortage of dishes to enjoy at the rebranded Ritu. \u003ccite>(Kristen Loken)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>Dum Indian Soul Food Rebrands to Ritu\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ritu Indian Soul Food\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/U6YqrMffE6q\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">3111 24th St., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nDinner served Tue–Thu, Sat–Sun 5–10pm, Fri 11am–10pm\u003cbr>\nBrunch Sat–Sun 11am–3pm\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine (and just awesome flavor in general), you should know the Mission’s \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://www.dumsf.com/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dum Indian Soul Food\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> on 24th Street in the Mission is celebrating its second anniversary and rebranding itself as \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.ritusf.com/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ritu Indian Soul Food\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> on June 7, which means “seasons” in Hindi. Mumbai native chef Rupam Bhagat’s menu is full of inspired interpretations of his favorite family recipes. He started as a food truck, and at his first brick-and-mortar location you’ll find some extraordinary deals on some really delicious dishes (like his excellent lamb kebabs for just $12)—and unlike at the truck, you can enjoy some wine or beer with your meal. The menu features many vegetarian dishes, like kale chaat, tandoori whole cauliflower, and artichoke pakoras—and in honor of the rebranding, he will be adding even more dishes to the menu. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128659\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-FriedChicken-e1527986825742.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Ritu-FriedChicken-e1527986825742.jpg\" alt=\"Fried chicken is on the menu at the newly rebranded Ritu.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128659\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fried chicken is on the menu at the newly rebranded Ritu. \u003ccite>(Kristen Loken)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The space is getting a refresh too, with a new and vibrant color palette of orange, red, and yellow, and the bar area is being expanded (a perfect spot to unwind with some chaat and a glass of wine during happy hour Wed-Sun 3–6pm).\u003cbr>\n \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128661\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1599px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse.jpg\" alt=\"Alexander’s Steakhouse in SoMa is launching The Feast.\" width=\"1599\" height=\"1200\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128661\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse.jpg 1599w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse-1200x901.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse-1180x886.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/alexanders-steakhouse-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1599px) 100vw, 1599px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Alexander’s Steakhouse in SoMa is launching The Feast. \u003ccite>(Alexander’s Steakhouse)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>Alexander’s Steakhouse Launches a New Dinner Event, The Feast\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Alexander’s Steakhouse\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/tKvwDwUgypQ2\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">448 Brannan St., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nThursday June 7, 6pm\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.exploretock.com/alexanderssanfran/experience/25884/the-feast\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tickets\u003c/a>: $120 for food and $80 for drinks per person. Tickets required and are limited.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You ready to feast? \u003ca href=\"https://www.alexanderssteakhouse.com/sanfrancisco/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Alexander’s Steakhouse San Francisco\u003c/a> in SoMa just announced The Feast, a ticketed ongoing event featuring a fire-roasted whole meat and fish menu that will be served family-style in a lively communal setting in the restaurant’s Wine Library. The culinary team will be sharing details about ingredients and cooking techniques to create an extra-special experience. The evening includes fine wines and spirits, including bourbon and Scotch served in large format (and free-poured for an additional cost). The first Feast event is Thursday, June 7, with the second on Thursday, July 5.\u003cbr>\n \u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Three Tasty and Affordable Options for Father’s Day\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>China Live\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/jVBv1Dtq3Lv\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">644 Broadway, San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Presidio Social Club \u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/BkvAMFHQbML2\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">563 Ruger St, San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Perle\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/79WHmLaBUb32\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2058 Mountain Blvd., Oakland\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday, June 18, and here are three options to consider that look really tasty (and affordable too!). \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://chinalivesf.com/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">China Live\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> in Chinatown is offering a traditional Chinese prime rib beef roast with a housemade hot mustard sauce for lunch and dinner, just $35 per person. Afterward, you can take Dad upstairs to Cold Drinks, the swanky and hidden-away, Scotch-centric bar for an after-lunch or pre- (or post-!) dinner cocktail.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128660\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1280px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub.jpg\" alt=\"The classic look of Presidio Social Club will be the perfect Father’s Day setting.\" width=\"1280\" height=\"803\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128660\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub.jpg 1280w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub-160x100.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub-800x502.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub-768x482.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub-1020x640.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub-1200x753.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub-1180x740.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub-960x602.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub-240x151.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub-375x235.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/presidiosocialclub-520x326.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The classic look of Presidio Social Club will be the perfect Father’s Day setting. \u003ccite>(Presidio Social Club)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://www.presidiosocialclub.com/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Presidio Social Club\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> is kicking off its Pig Roast series with an extended Pig Roast event, serving specialty menu items all day from the roasted pig, like Cubanos, pork sliders, and pupu platters (from noon through 9pm, or until it runs out). There’s also a three-course, traditional pig roast dinner for $48. Guests will enjoy some aloha vibes, with ukulele music and Mai Tais available too. (Would be a good time for dad to bust out his Hawaiian shirt.) After Father’s Day, the Pig Roast series will continue on every Sunday for dinner service through Aug. 19.\u003cbr>\n \u003cbr>\n\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.perlewinebar.com/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Perle\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> in Montclair is offering a special barbecue, beer, bourbon, and Bordeaux prix-fixe menu for brunch for $44 (\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/perle-FathersDayMenu.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">click here to take a look\u003c/a>). Appetizers include grilled bacon and Roquefort dates and French onion dip sliders, while the main event is a Comte cheese and beer sausage cassoulet (tell Pop to bring his Lipitor). Pairings are $36, and include a Manhattan, wine, and beer. It’s going to be a boozy day! Served 10am–3pm.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1.jpg\" alt=\"The Food Cure\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2714\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-128757\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1-160x226.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1-800x1131.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1-768x1086.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1-1020x1442.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1-849x1200.jpg 849w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1-1180x1668.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1-960x1357.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1-240x339.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1-375x530.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/TheFoodCure_Final_Poster1-520x735.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Don’t Miss This Screening for The Food Cure\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>The Clay Theatre\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/yCf8rTHepPU2\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2221, 2261 Fillmore St., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nThursday, June 7\u003cbr>\nDoors at 6:30pm, screening at 7pm sharp (no trailers!)\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://fan-force.com/screenings/the-food-cure-clay-theatre-san-francisco-ca-us/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tickets\u003c/a>: $22.50 (includes booking fee)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There’s a compelling \u003ca href=\"https://fan-force.com/screenings/the-food-cure-clay-theatre-san-francisco-ca-us/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">film screening\u003c/a> coming up on Thursday, June 7 at The Clay Theatre in San Francisco for \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://fan-force.com/films/the-food-cure/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Food Cure\u003c/a>\u003c/em>. It’s about six cancer patients who “make an unusual choice when faced with little chance of recovery: they decide to face the disease with a radical plant-based diet. The patients embark on an arduous but hopeful five-year journey through unchartered territory as they attempt to eat and juice their way back to health, against all odds.” The filmmaker and producer from Australia will both be at the screening and sparking thought and discussion about human health as it relates to the environment in a Q&A after the film. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128657\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Summer-Menu-Toscana-Launching-6.13.18-e1527986866727.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/06/Summer-Menu-Toscana-Launching-6.13.18-e1527986866727.jpg\" alt=\"The Toscana salad, launching on the summer menu at the new Mixt on June 13.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128657\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Toscana salad, launching on the summer menu at the new Mixt on June 13. \u003ccite>(Nader Khouri)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>Mixt Opens a Location on Valencia\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp> \u003cbr>\n\u003cstrong>Mixt\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/7GCLSFZwFsE2\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">901 Valencia St., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nOpen daily 11am–9pm for lunch and dinner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re trying to eat a little healthier and lighter (warmer weather tends to spark that feeling), there’s a new \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://www.mixt.com/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mixt\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> location that just opened in the Mission in the former La Rondalla (they’re referring to it as a “salad lounge,” but you can do what you want with that). Mixt is a fast-casual restaurant known for their creative salads, and at this location you can also order grain bowls and Mixt Market Plates for dinner, made with herb-roasted and grilled sustainable meats with sauces and side dishes. And then there are the “Beerbuchas” and “kale mimosas,” so you can really up your San Francisco hipster cred with one of those. If you’re heading to Dolores Park with your salad, Mixt is offering park-goers a free, reusable tote with the purchase of four or more salads.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"disqusTitle": "Guide: Five Frozen Meals That Are Better Than You Think",
"title": "Guide: Five Frozen Meals That Are Better Than You Think",
"headTitle": "Bay Area Bites | KQED Food",
"content": "\u003cp>Over the years, frozen meals have gotten a bad rap. We all remember the TV dinners of our youth — sad little plastic trays with their slab of meat-like loaf and that weirdly addicting cinnamon apple goo. But if you haven't perused the frozen aisle at the grocery store in the last ten years, let me tell you: frozen meals have come a long way.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In fact, there's a reason sales of frozen foods have started to rise recently. It's because there's a growing recognition that freezing food can preserve many of the nutrients in our fresh produce and meat — and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/128261/frozen-food-fan-as-sales-rise-studies-show-frozen-produce-is-as-healthy-as-fresh\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">can often be as healthy\u003c/a>. The desire for healthy, sustainable, easy, and tasty meals has been reshaping the entire dinner market, from ready-to-cook meal boxes to frozen entrees. And the business is only going to get bigger, with more and more organic, vegetarian, and delicious options. That's probably why large companies are getting into the high-end healthy frozen meal market. (You'll notice, below, many of our favorite frozen meals have recently been bought or acquired by bigger corporations.) Even big brands, like Lean Cuisine and Healthy Choice have rebranded recently and upped the ante in terms of what they offer. And I can attest, \u003ca href=\"https://www.healthychoice.com/power-bowls\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Healthy Choice's power bowls\u003c/a> are tasty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128603\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753.jpg\" alt=\"Some of our favorite frozen meals.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128603\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Some of our favorite frozen meals. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>That brings us to the point: I eat \u003cem>a lot\u003c/em> of frozen meals. Primarily, I started relying on frozen foods — meals, bags of pasta, frozen vegetables, veggie burgers and nuggets — for convenience. But it quickly became clear in the last few years that the frozen meal options have exponentially improved. Frequently, what I can make from things in my freezer is now better than anything I can make fresh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here are a few of my favorites, with some local classics. And you'll notice that often I use the frozen meal as a base upon which to build — adding salad, avocado, hummus or even other frozen vegetables and proteins. Yes, I add avocado to almost everything. Sorry, not sorry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128617\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255.jpg\" alt=\"Amy's veggie lasagna on a bed of lettuce with avocado.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128617\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Amy's veggie lasagna on a bed of lettuce with avocado. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://amys.com/faqs/do-you-offer-vegan-options\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Amy's Kitchen\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Based in Petaluma, Amy's is a local favorite. It was started by Andy and Rachel Berliner back in 1987 when they wanted to make organic, natural, vegetarian food for their new baby — whom the company is named after. They started with just a pot pie and soon were making pizzas and burritos out of their Sonoma County kitchen.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Today, the company makes hundreds of products, from canned soups to veggie burgers to even candy. They now have plants in Santa Rosa, Oregon, and Idaho. And they opened \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/100525/eating-vegan-and-gluten-free-fast-food-at-amys-drive-thru-in-rohnert-park\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">a drive-thru restaurant in Rohnert Park in 2015\u003c/a>, with a second planned for Corte Madera.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They're probably best known, though, for their frozen meals and prepared foods.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Why buy them \u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Amy's is one of the few frozen food purveyors fully committed to organic and vegetarian meals, without sacrificing any taste. All the tofu is made in-house, for example, and much of the produce is sourced locally — though they'll admit that can be difficult with their standards. Despite growing to sales of over $500 million annually, they continue to be owned privately by the family — which has said it won't sell. Along with pioneering organic labeling and non-GMO labeling, they also were one of the first to push for non-BPA cans. \u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>What they make and what they taste like\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Though they started with just a vegetable pot pie back in 1987, today Amy's makes lots and lots of stuff — and all of it is GMO-free, organic, and vegetarian. (There are also a number of vegan and gluten-free meals.) I can personally recommend the pad thai, the Indian meals, and most of the bowls. But for our taste test project, I picked two things: a staple of my frozen meal repertoire, \u003ca href=\"https://amys.com/our-foods/vegetable-lasagna\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the vegetable lasagna\u003c/a>; and one of my favorite snacks, \u003ca href=\"https://amys.com/our-foods/pesto-swirls\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Amy's pesto swirls\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128618\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122.jpg\" alt=\"Amy's Kitchen vegetable lasagna in the microwave.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128618\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Amy's Kitchen vegetable lasagna in the microwave. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The veggie lasagna doesn't look like much when you pull it out of the microwave, but it's actually delicious. That is, however, why I like to put it on a bed of lettuce and cut some avocado over the top to make a nice little healthy meal. To cook, just pop open one side of the plastic wrap and stick it in the microwave, but don't overcook it. The lasagna isn't as heavy as you expect a frozen lasagna to be, primarily since it's not meat-based, and it has an interesting flavor tinged with a mix of spices.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128616\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558.jpg\" alt=\"Amy's pesto swirls.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128616\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Amy's pesto swirls. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>For a hearty snack or even just an appetizer with guests, Amy's pesto swirls are tasty and filling. As with many of these kinds of snack, you can cook them in the microwave or toaster oven. The oven gives them more of a crisp, but the microwave works just fine because they're so thick and dough-y. A little bit salty and a little bit sweet, with a pesto flavor that's not overpowering, the swirls are heftier than bagel bites, but still fluffy and light. You could easily eat the whole box of six, but you probably shouldn't.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Where to get Amy's\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Amy's is available at virtually all Bay Area grocery stories, from Whole Foods to Safeway to smaller local markets. Use \u003ca href=\"https://amys.com/where-to-buy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the location search function\u003c/a> on their site to find nearby stores.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128612\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658.jpg\" alt=\"Evol's ravioli and steak bowl.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128612\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Evol's ravioli and steak bowl. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"http://www.evolfoods.com/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Evol\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Yes, that's \"love\" spelled backwards. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Evol started as a University of Denver graduate hand-making burritos and delivering them. Once he realized the business was getting bigger than he could handle, he decided it was time to move into the frozen food realm. That's when one of the founders of Bear Naked Granola got involved — seeing an opportunity in frozen foods.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2013 Boulder Brands bought Evol for $48 million, and last year Pinnacle Foods bought Boulder Brands (which also makes Udi's gluten-free frozen foods) for $975 million, including quite a bit of debt. Since then, Evol has predictably been expanding its product line. But, the Boulder-based company has managed to maintain most of its quality and sourcing standards.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Why buy them\u003c/h3>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128609\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540.jpg\" alt=\"Evol's steak and rice bowl with lettuce and avocado.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128609\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Evol's steak and rice bowl with lettuce and avocado. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Evol is one of the biggest \"natural\" frozen meal producers — with the understanding that the word \"natural\" doesn't have a firm definition. But even as they've massively expanded, they've continued to source all their ingredients from U.S. farmers. While most of it is not organic, the bacon does come from Certified Humane-raised pigs, the beef and chicken are raised without antibiotics or hormones, and the eggs come from cage-free hens. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The primary goal that Evol has been focused on, since that realization there was a space to fill in the frozen food market, is changing how we view frozen foods. Freezing was originally a way to preserve the highest quality foods, and microwaves were an innovation to make dinner easier. Making high-quality food easy and available via freezing is Evol's main mission.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>What they make and what they taste like\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>I'll admit Evol is my go-to for meals, especially when I'm traveling and want something I can throw in the microwave that I know will be reliable and tasty. While their burritos are what they were originally known for, the single-serve frozen meals and bowls are their most popular items. They also make a line of gluten-free meals, and have recently been expanding into breakfast burritos, bowls, and sandwiches. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"http://www.evolfoods.com/our-food/single-serve-meals/classics-single-serve/fire-grilled-steak\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The fire-grilled steak bowl\u003c/a> is my favorite frozen meal, hands-down. It comes with black beans, rice, some bell peppers and corn, and then a smattering of cheese. If you're just looking for a smaller meal (400 calories), it'll get the job done. But I also like to throw the whole thing in a bigger salad bowl, with some lettuce, and then top with avocado or hummus or whatever I'm feeling like on the day. Cooking is straight-forward: Pop open one side of the plastic, microwave just three to four minutes. I err on the shorter side to keep the meat juicy and fresh. Then stir it well to mix the cilantro, lime, light pesto, and cheese. It works out to a fresh, tasty bowl that's as good as anything you could get at a restaurant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128611\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858.jpg\" alt=\"The butternut squash & sage ravioli.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128611\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The butternut squash & sage ravioli. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The other popular staple we tried was \u003ca href=\"http://www.evolfoods.com/our-food/multi-serve-meals/butternut-squash-sage-ravioli-2\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the butternut squash and sage ravioli\u003c/a>, which used to only come in a single-serve frozen meal, but now comes in a multi-person bag for the stovetop. While the ravioli itself would make a filling meal, it's a little light on protein for me, so I added a frozen veggie patty (Dr. Praeger's, in case you were wondering) and a few more frozen vegetables. And, of course avocado. It was easy to dump in a pan on the stove and cook, and the end result was a sweet ravioli which balanced nicely with the extra heft I'd throw in to the pan.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128610\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118.jpg\" alt=\"Ravioli with added vegetables and veggie burger, and avocado on top.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128610\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ravioli with added vegetables and veggie burger, and avocado on top. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>Where to get Evol\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Evol is available at a wide range of places, from the high-end grocery stores to Target. Use \u003ca href=\"http://www.evolfoods.com/where-to-buy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">their online tool to find locations\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128605\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927.jpg\" alt=\"Saffron Road's beef bulgogi.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128605\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Saffron Road's beef bulgogi. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://saffronroad.com/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Saffron Road\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Started as the American Halal Company in 2009, the Saffron Road brand sells halal-certified, non-GMO frozen meals. Founder and CEO Adnan Durrani also founded Vermont Pure bottled water and is a partner in Stonyfield Farms. Saffron Road was started as a way to bring halal foods, and international flavors, to a larger market. In 2010, it debuted nationally at all Whole Foods stores and has expanded since then.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Today, the company makes single-serve frozen meals and bowls, as well as chicken nuggets, naan, and appetizers, like samosas. There are also non-frozen foods, like lentil chips and crackers, chickpeas, and broths. In 2015, American Halal bought Mediterranean Snack Foods, which makes lentil snack foods and was added to the Saffron Road line.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Why buy them\u003c/h3>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128604\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854.jpg\" alt=\"Saffron Road's beef bulgogi on lettuce with hummus.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128604\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Saffron Road's beef bulgogi on lettuce with hummus. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Saffron Road was the first Halal-certified, antibiotic-free frozen food line. Much of the food now is also humanely raised and sustainable, with no hormones or GMOs. According to the company, the beef is grass-fed and the fish is all caught wild. \u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>What they make and what they taste like\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Most of the meals Saffron Road makes have an Indian or Asian flavor to them — like the chicken tikka masala and the palak paneer (both of which I can also attest are delicious). There are over 50 products now, but I went with a classic: \u003ca href=\"https://saffronroad.com/our-products/beef-bulgogi/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">beef bulgogi\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It's a simple four-minute microwave, stir, and then another short additional microwave. Don't let the beef dry out. I mixed it with some lettuce and hummus to add some balance to the slight spicy flavor. While it wasn't the fanciest bulgogi I've ever had, and was a bit on the small side, the spice and flavor gave it something extra beyond your standard frozen meal.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Where to get Saffron Road\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Although it launched at Whole Foods, Saffron Road is now available in thousands of stores, like Safeway and Sprouts. Use \u003ca href=\"https://saffronroad.com/store-locator/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">their store locator\u003c/a> to find a location nearby.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128622\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241.jpg\" alt=\"Sweet Earth's Kyoto burrito.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128622\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sweet Earth's Kyoto burrito. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"http://www.sweetearthfoods.com/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Earth\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>I'll admit Sweet Earth is a recent addition to my frozen meal line-up, but the vegetarian and vegan Moss Landing-based company caught my attention with their interesting burritos — which they call \"worldly.\" And they kept my attention with their bowls and plant-based protein patties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The story is that Sweet Earth was founded by power couple Kelly and Brian Swette, who used to work in corporate brands, like Pepsi and Burger King. But when their daughter became a vegetarian in high school, they started looking into the benefits of a vegetarian diet. And, in 2012, they decided to buy a small Sweet Earth natural foods store in Pacific Grove and from it launch their own line of vegetarian and vegan frozen meals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After a large expansion and making $25 million in revenue in 2016, the company was bought by Nestle at the end of 2017. It continues to be run by the Swettes.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Why buy them\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Sweet Earth calls itself a plant-based food company. They make vegan and vegetarian meals, using plant-based proteins, with the goal of decreasing the environmental footprint of our food. Much of the food is also organic and non-GMO, but not all of it, and the company says it tries to sustainably source its ingredients. They also partner with small local companies down near Moss Landing for their tortillas and mushrooms.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128621\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928.jpg\" alt=\"The Kyoto burrito.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128621\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Kyoto burrito. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>What they make and what they taste like\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Sweet Earth is best known for its worldy burritos, with interesting and unique flavor combinations. \u003ca href=\"http://www.sweetearthfoods.com/our-products/#globally-inspired-exotic-burritos\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Kyoto burrito\u003c/a> is one of their classic burritos: adzuki beans, edamame, baby bok choy, spinach and ginger. I microwaved mine, which made it slightly soggy and required a knife and fork to eat. But the flavor brings it together, with a crunch and quite a bit of spice. It's just 280 calories, so more of a snack than a meal, but an interesting snack at that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128619\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935.jpg\" alt=\"Sweet Earth's pad thai.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128619\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sweet Earth's pad thai. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128620\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554.jpg\" alt=\"Pad thai in a lettuce bowl with avocado.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128620\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pad thai in a lettuce bowl with avocado. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>They've also added breakfast meals, veggie burgers, mini-meals like empanadas, and frozen bowl entrees, like Moroccan tangine and basil pesto lasagna and pad thai. These are not your standard frozen meals; they all come with a little extra pizzazz and spice. I tend to go with \u003ca href=\"http://www.sweetearthfoods.com/our-products/#artisan-entree-bowls\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the pad thai bowl\u003c/a>, which, yes, I put in a bowl with some lettuce and avocado. The pad thai is a little juicier than most and the lettuce helps to mop up some of the extra sauce. It doesn't taste like your traditional pad thai, but has a unique flavor with the seasoned tofu, beansprouts, radishes, tamarind, and garlic.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Where to get Sweet Earth\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>It may have started as a small Bay Area company, but Sweet Earth can be bought now in large stores like Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods. Use \u003ca href=\"http://www.sweetearthfoods.com/find-us-and-offers/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">their location finder\u003c/a> to find stores near you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128613\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies.jpg\" alt=\"Annie's pizza bagels.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2040\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128613\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies-160x170.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies-800x850.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies-768x816.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies-1020x1084.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies-1129x1200.jpg 1129w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies-1180x1254.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies-960x1020.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies-240x255.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies-375x398.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies-520x553.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Annie's pizza bagels. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.annies.com/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Annie's\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Although it was founded on the East Coast, Annie's Homegrown is based in Berkeley and their famous bunny-shaped mac n' cheese is widespread around the Bay Area. Well, I'm here to tell you: the company also does frozen snacks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Initially founded as a natural mac n' cheese company in 1989, Annie's eventually did an IPO and was later bought out by the owner of Homegrown Natural Foods. It then went public in 2012. Over the years, the company has since expanded its organic products. In 2014, General Mills bought Annie's Homegrown for $820 million.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Why buy them\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>After its acquisition by General Mills, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/147250/annies-ceo-defends-general-mills-buyout-of-organic-food-company\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Annie's promised their organic and sustainability standards wouldn't be compromised\u003c/a>. While there is hot debate on the topic among the sustainable agriculture community, Annie's has expanded the number of organic products it sells. Its headquarters building is also LEED-certified and the company supports a handful of philanthropic projects, like sustainable agriculture scholarships and a grants for gardens program for kids. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128615\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647.jpg\" alt=\"Annie's pepperoni pizza poppers.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128615\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Annie's pepperoni pizza poppers. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>What they make and what they taste like\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Annie's frozen foods are fairly limited: \u003ca href=\"https://www.annies.com/products/pizza-snacks\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">pizza bagels and pizza poppers\u003c/a> (cheese and pepperoni). It's not a full meal, but it's a worthwhile snack.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can cook both in either the microwave or the toaster oven. I recommend the toaster oven, if possible. Certainly, there's a microwave gooey-ness to classic pizza bagels, but in the toaster oven they get an extra crispness. Just don't overcook them. Annie's pizza bagels were better than your average pizza bagel. You don't feel as gross after accidentally eating a whole box. There's more bagel, with better dough and more filling than a typical pizza bagel, but the melted cheese still makes it a tasty snack. My favorite, however, are the pizza poppers. I ate the pepperoni version and, again, cooked them in the toaster oven. They're a little saltier than the bagels, but easier to pop into your mouth — just as long as you don't burn your tongue.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128614\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546.jpg\" alt=\"Pizza bagels.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128614\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pizza bagels. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>Where to find Annie's\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Annie's products can be bought online and at many local stores. Use \u003ca href=\"https://www.annies.com/store-locator\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">their store locator\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"excerpt": "Frozen meals have come a long way. Here are some of our favorites—including local classics.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Over the years, frozen meals have gotten a bad rap. We all remember the TV dinners of our youth — sad little plastic trays with their slab of meat-like loaf and that weirdly addicting cinnamon apple goo. But if you haven't perused the frozen aisle at the grocery store in the last ten years, let me tell you: frozen meals have come a long way.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In fact, there's a reason sales of frozen foods have started to rise recently. It's because there's a growing recognition that freezing food can preserve many of the nutrients in our fresh produce and meat — and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/128261/frozen-food-fan-as-sales-rise-studies-show-frozen-produce-is-as-healthy-as-fresh\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">can often be as healthy\u003c/a>. The desire for healthy, sustainable, easy, and tasty meals has been reshaping the entire dinner market, from ready-to-cook meal boxes to frozen entrees. And the business is only going to get bigger, with more and more organic, vegetarian, and delicious options. That's probably why large companies are getting into the high-end healthy frozen meal market. (You'll notice, below, many of our favorite frozen meals have recently been bought or acquired by bigger corporations.) Even big brands, like Lean Cuisine and Healthy Choice have rebranded recently and upped the ante in terms of what they offer. And I can attest, \u003ca href=\"https://www.healthychoice.com/power-bowls\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Healthy Choice's power bowls\u003c/a> are tasty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128603\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753.jpg\" alt=\"Some of our favorite frozen meals.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128603\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181753-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Some of our favorite frozen meals. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>That brings us to the point: I eat \u003cem>a lot\u003c/em> of frozen meals. Primarily, I started relying on frozen foods — meals, bags of pasta, frozen vegetables, veggie burgers and nuggets — for convenience. But it quickly became clear in the last few years that the frozen meal options have exponentially improved. Frequently, what I can make from things in my freezer is now better than anything I can make fresh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here are a few of my favorites, with some local classics. And you'll notice that often I use the frozen meal as a base upon which to build — adding salad, avocado, hummus or even other frozen vegetables and proteins. Yes, I add avocado to almost everything. Sorry, not sorry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128617\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255.jpg\" alt=\"Amy's veggie lasagna on a bed of lettuce with avocado.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128617\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145255-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Amy's veggie lasagna on a bed of lettuce with avocado. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://amys.com/faqs/do-you-offer-vegan-options\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Amy's Kitchen\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Based in Petaluma, Amy's is a local favorite. It was started by Andy and Rachel Berliner back in 1987 when they wanted to make organic, natural, vegetarian food for their new baby — whom the company is named after. They started with just a pot pie and soon were making pizzas and burritos out of their Sonoma County kitchen.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Today, the company makes hundreds of products, from canned soups to veggie burgers to even candy. They now have plants in Santa Rosa, Oregon, and Idaho. And they opened \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/100525/eating-vegan-and-gluten-free-fast-food-at-amys-drive-thru-in-rohnert-park\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">a drive-thru restaurant in Rohnert Park in 2015\u003c/a>, with a second planned for Corte Madera.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They're probably best known, though, for their frozen meals and prepared foods.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Why buy them \u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Amy's is one of the few frozen food purveyors fully committed to organic and vegetarian meals, without sacrificing any taste. All the tofu is made in-house, for example, and much of the produce is sourced locally — though they'll admit that can be difficult with their standards. Despite growing to sales of over $500 million annually, they continue to be owned privately by the family — which has said it won't sell. Along with pioneering organic labeling and non-GMO labeling, they also were one of the first to push for non-BPA cans. \u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>What they make and what they taste like\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Though they started with just a vegetable pot pie back in 1987, today Amy's makes lots and lots of stuff — and all of it is GMO-free, organic, and vegetarian. (There are also a number of vegan and gluten-free meals.) I can personally recommend the pad thai, the Indian meals, and most of the bowls. But for our taste test project, I picked two things: a staple of my frozen meal repertoire, \u003ca href=\"https://amys.com/our-foods/vegetable-lasagna\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the vegetable lasagna\u003c/a>; and one of my favorite snacks, \u003ca href=\"https://amys.com/our-foods/pesto-swirls\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Amy's pesto swirls\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128618\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122.jpg\" alt=\"Amy's Kitchen vegetable lasagna in the microwave.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128618\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180524_145122-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Amy's Kitchen vegetable lasagna in the microwave. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The veggie lasagna doesn't look like much when you pull it out of the microwave, but it's actually delicious. That is, however, why I like to put it on a bed of lettuce and cut some avocado over the top to make a nice little healthy meal. To cook, just pop open one side of the plastic wrap and stick it in the microwave, but don't overcook it. The lasagna isn't as heavy as you expect a frozen lasagna to be, primarily since it's not meat-based, and it has an interesting flavor tinged with a mix of spices.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128616\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558.jpg\" alt=\"Amy's pesto swirls.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128616\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_124558-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Amy's pesto swirls. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>For a hearty snack or even just an appetizer with guests, Amy's pesto swirls are tasty and filling. As with many of these kinds of snack, you can cook them in the microwave or toaster oven. The oven gives them more of a crisp, but the microwave works just fine because they're so thick and dough-y. A little bit salty and a little bit sweet, with a pesto flavor that's not overpowering, the swirls are heftier than bagel bites, but still fluffy and light. You could easily eat the whole box of six, but you probably shouldn't.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Where to get Amy's\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Amy's is available at virtually all Bay Area grocery stories, from Whole Foods to Safeway to smaller local markets. Use \u003ca href=\"https://amys.com/where-to-buy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the location search function\u003c/a> on their site to find nearby stores.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128612\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658.jpg\" alt=\"Evol's ravioli and steak bowl.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128612\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_194658-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Evol's ravioli and steak bowl. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"http://www.evolfoods.com/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Evol\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Yes, that's \"love\" spelled backwards. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Evol started as a University of Denver graduate hand-making burritos and delivering them. Once he realized the business was getting bigger than he could handle, he decided it was time to move into the frozen food realm. That's when one of the founders of Bear Naked Granola got involved — seeing an opportunity in frozen foods.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2013 Boulder Brands bought Evol for $48 million, and last year Pinnacle Foods bought Boulder Brands (which also makes Udi's gluten-free frozen foods) for $975 million, including quite a bit of debt. Since then, Evol has predictably been expanding its product line. But, the Boulder-based company has managed to maintain most of its quality and sourcing standards.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Why buy them\u003c/h3>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128609\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540.jpg\" alt=\"Evol's steak and rice bowl with lettuce and avocado.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128609\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_195540-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Evol's steak and rice bowl with lettuce and avocado. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Evol is one of the biggest \"natural\" frozen meal producers — with the understanding that the word \"natural\" doesn't have a firm definition. But even as they've massively expanded, they've continued to source all their ingredients from U.S. farmers. While most of it is not organic, the bacon does come from Certified Humane-raised pigs, the beef and chicken are raised without antibiotics or hormones, and the eggs come from cage-free hens. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The primary goal that Evol has been focused on, since that realization there was a space to fill in the frozen food market, is changing how we view frozen foods. Freezing was originally a way to preserve the highest quality foods, and microwaves were an innovation to make dinner easier. Making high-quality food easy and available via freezing is Evol's main mission.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>What they make and what they taste like\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>I'll admit Evol is my go-to for meals, especially when I'm traveling and want something I can throw in the microwave that I know will be reliable and tasty. While their burritos are what they were originally known for, the single-serve frozen meals and bowls are their most popular items. They also make a line of gluten-free meals, and have recently been expanding into breakfast burritos, bowls, and sandwiches. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"http://www.evolfoods.com/our-food/single-serve-meals/classics-single-serve/fire-grilled-steak\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The fire-grilled steak bowl\u003c/a> is my favorite frozen meal, hands-down. It comes with black beans, rice, some bell peppers and corn, and then a smattering of cheese. If you're just looking for a smaller meal (400 calories), it'll get the job done. But I also like to throw the whole thing in a bigger salad bowl, with some lettuce, and then top with avocado or hummus or whatever I'm feeling like on the day. Cooking is straight-forward: Pop open one side of the plastic, microwave just three to four minutes. I err on the shorter side to keep the meat juicy and fresh. Then stir it well to mix the cilantro, lime, light pesto, and cheese. It works out to a fresh, tasty bowl that's as good as anything you could get at a restaurant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128611\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858.jpg\" alt=\"The butternut squash & sage ravioli.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128611\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_203858-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The butternut squash & sage ravioli. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The other popular staple we tried was \u003ca href=\"http://www.evolfoods.com/our-food/multi-serve-meals/butternut-squash-sage-ravioli-2\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the butternut squash and sage ravioli\u003c/a>, which used to only come in a single-serve frozen meal, but now comes in a multi-person bag for the stovetop. While the ravioli itself would make a filling meal, it's a little light on protein for me, so I added a frozen veggie patty (Dr. Praeger's, in case you were wondering) and a few more frozen vegetables. And, of course avocado. It was easy to dump in a pan on the stove and cook, and the end result was a sweet ravioli which balanced nicely with the extra heft I'd throw in to the pan.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128610\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118.jpg\" alt=\"Ravioli with added vegetables and veggie burger, and avocado on top.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128610\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180523_205118-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ravioli with added vegetables and veggie burger, and avocado on top. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>Where to get Evol\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Evol is available at a wide range of places, from the high-end grocery stores to Target. Use \u003ca href=\"http://www.evolfoods.com/where-to-buy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">their online tool to find locations\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128605\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927.jpg\" alt=\"Saffron Road's beef bulgogi.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128605\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_181927-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Saffron Road's beef bulgogi. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://saffronroad.com/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Saffron Road\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Started as the American Halal Company in 2009, the Saffron Road brand sells halal-certified, non-GMO frozen meals. Founder and CEO Adnan Durrani also founded Vermont Pure bottled water and is a partner in Stonyfield Farms. Saffron Road was started as a way to bring halal foods, and international flavors, to a larger market. In 2010, it debuted nationally at all Whole Foods stores and has expanded since then.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Today, the company makes single-serve frozen meals and bowls, as well as chicken nuggets, naan, and appetizers, like samosas. There are also non-frozen foods, like lentil chips and crackers, chickpeas, and broths. In 2015, American Halal bought Mediterranean Snack Foods, which makes lentil snack foods and was added to the Saffron Road line.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Why buy them\u003c/h3>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128604\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854.jpg\" alt=\"Saffron Road's beef bulgogi on lettuce with hummus.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128604\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180521_182854-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Saffron Road's beef bulgogi on lettuce with hummus. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Saffron Road was the first Halal-certified, antibiotic-free frozen food line. Much of the food now is also humanely raised and sustainable, with no hormones or GMOs. According to the company, the beef is grass-fed and the fish is all caught wild. \u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>What they make and what they taste like\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Most of the meals Saffron Road makes have an Indian or Asian flavor to them — like the chicken tikka masala and the palak paneer (both of which I can also attest are delicious). There are over 50 products now, but I went with a classic: \u003ca href=\"https://saffronroad.com/our-products/beef-bulgogi/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">beef bulgogi\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It's a simple four-minute microwave, stir, and then another short additional microwave. Don't let the beef dry out. I mixed it with some lettuce and hummus to add some balance to the slight spicy flavor. While it wasn't the fanciest bulgogi I've ever had, and was a bit on the small side, the spice and flavor gave it something extra beyond your standard frozen meal.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Where to get Saffron Road\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Although it launched at Whole Foods, Saffron Road is now available in thousands of stores, like Safeway and Sprouts. Use \u003ca href=\"https://saffronroad.com/store-locator/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">their store locator\u003c/a> to find a location nearby.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128622\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241.jpg\" alt=\"Sweet Earth's Kyoto burrito.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128622\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191241-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sweet Earth's Kyoto burrito. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"http://www.sweetearthfoods.com/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sweet Earth\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>I'll admit Sweet Earth is a recent addition to my frozen meal line-up, but the vegetarian and vegan Moss Landing-based company caught my attention with their interesting burritos — which they call \"worldly.\" And they kept my attention with their bowls and plant-based protein patties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The story is that Sweet Earth was founded by power couple Kelly and Brian Swette, who used to work in corporate brands, like Pepsi and Burger King. But when their daughter became a vegetarian in high school, they started looking into the benefits of a vegetarian diet. And, in 2012, they decided to buy a small Sweet Earth natural foods store in Pacific Grove and from it launch their own line of vegetarian and vegan frozen meals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After a large expansion and making $25 million in revenue in 2016, the company was bought by Nestle at the end of 2017. It continues to be run by the Swettes.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Why buy them\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Sweet Earth calls itself a plant-based food company. They make vegan and vegetarian meals, using plant-based proteins, with the goal of decreasing the environmental footprint of our food. Much of the food is also organic and non-GMO, but not all of it, and the company says it tries to sustainably source its ingredients. They also partner with small local companies down near Moss Landing for their tortillas and mushrooms.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128621\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928.jpg\" alt=\"The Kyoto burrito.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128621\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180525_191928-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Kyoto burrito. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>What they make and what they taste like\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Sweet Earth is best known for its worldy burritos, with interesting and unique flavor combinations. \u003ca href=\"http://www.sweetearthfoods.com/our-products/#globally-inspired-exotic-burritos\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Kyoto burrito\u003c/a> is one of their classic burritos: adzuki beans, edamame, baby bok choy, spinach and ginger. I microwaved mine, which made it slightly soggy and required a knife and fork to eat. But the flavor brings it together, with a crunch and quite a bit of spice. It's just 280 calories, so more of a snack than a meal, but an interesting snack at that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128619\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935.jpg\" alt=\"Sweet Earth's pad thai.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128619\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_153935-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sweet Earth's pad thai. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128620\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554.jpg\" alt=\"Pad thai in a lettuce bowl with avocado.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128620\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180528_154554-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pad thai in a lettuce bowl with avocado. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>They've also added breakfast meals, veggie burgers, mini-meals like empanadas, and frozen bowl entrees, like Moroccan tangine and basil pesto lasagna and pad thai. These are not your standard frozen meals; they all come with a little extra pizzazz and spice. I tend to go with \u003ca href=\"http://www.sweetearthfoods.com/our-products/#artisan-entree-bowls\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the pad thai bowl\u003c/a>, which, yes, I put in a bowl with some lettuce and avocado. The pad thai is a little juicier than most and the lettuce helps to mop up some of the extra sauce. It doesn't taste like your traditional pad thai, but has a unique flavor with the seasoned tofu, beansprouts, radishes, tamarind, and garlic.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Where to get Sweet Earth\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>It may have started as a small Bay Area company, but Sweet Earth can be bought now in large stores like Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods. Use \u003ca href=\"http://www.sweetearthfoods.com/find-us-and-offers/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">their location finder\u003c/a> to find stores near you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128613\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies.jpg\" alt=\"Annie's pizza bagels.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2040\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128613\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies-160x170.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies-800x850.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies-768x816.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies-1020x1084.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies-1129x1200.jpg 1129w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies-1180x1254.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies-960x1020.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies-240x255.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies-375x398.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/annies-520x553.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Annie's pizza bagels. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.annies.com/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Annie's\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Although it was founded on the East Coast, Annie's Homegrown is based in Berkeley and their famous bunny-shaped mac n' cheese is widespread around the Bay Area. Well, I'm here to tell you: the company also does frozen snacks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Initially founded as a natural mac n' cheese company in 1989, Annie's eventually did an IPO and was later bought out by the owner of Homegrown Natural Foods. It then went public in 2012. Over the years, the company has since expanded its organic products. In 2014, General Mills bought Annie's Homegrown for $820 million.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Why buy them\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>After its acquisition by General Mills, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/147250/annies-ceo-defends-general-mills-buyout-of-organic-food-company\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Annie's promised their organic and sustainability standards wouldn't be compromised\u003c/a>. While there is hot debate on the topic among the sustainable agriculture community, Annie's has expanded the number of organic products it sells. Its headquarters building is also LEED-certified and the company supports a handful of philanthropic projects, like sustainable agriculture scholarships and a grants for gardens program for kids. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128615\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647.jpg\" alt=\"Annie's pepperoni pizza poppers.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128615\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180529_165647-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Annie's pepperoni pizza poppers. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>What they make and what they taste like\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Annie's frozen foods are fairly limited: \u003ca href=\"https://www.annies.com/products/pizza-snacks\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">pizza bagels and pizza poppers\u003c/a> (cheese and pepperoni). It's not a full meal, but it's a worthwhile snack.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can cook both in either the microwave or the toaster oven. I recommend the toaster oven, if possible. Certainly, there's a microwave gooey-ness to classic pizza bagels, but in the toaster oven they get an extra crispness. Just don't overcook them. Annie's pizza bagels were better than your average pizza bagel. You don't feel as gross after accidentally eating a whole box. There's more bagel, with better dough and more filling than a typical pizza bagel, but the melted cheese still makes it a tasty snack. My favorite, however, are the pizza poppers. I ate the pepperoni version and, again, cooked them in the toaster oven. They're a little saltier than the bagels, but easier to pop into your mouth — just as long as you don't burn your tongue.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128614\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546.jpg\" alt=\"Pizza bagels.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128614\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/20180522_200546-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pizza bagels. \u003ccite>(Kelly O'Mara)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>Where to find Annie's\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Annie's products can be bought online and at many local stores. Use \u003ca href=\"https://www.annies.com/store-locator\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">their store locator\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"disqusTitle": "Merchant Roots’ Daytime Grocer and Imaginative Nighttime Tasting Menu Table Arrives on Fillmore",
"title": "Merchant Roots’ Daytime Grocer and Imaginative Nighttime Tasting Menu Table Arrives on Fillmore",
"headTitle": "New Restaurants 2018 | Bay Area Bites | KQED Food",
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>With all kinds of homemade foods from preserves to pastas to focaccia offered in the daytime and a Table full of constantly changing creative themes in the evening, Merchant Roots is a tiny space with grand ideas, now open in the Fillmore.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Think of that outrageously talented friend or colleague or family member in your life who is truly a Renaissance man or woman…you know, the one who is just so great at so many things from tennis to yoga to coding to playing the cello, and is a complete fountain of knowledge for everything from fixing dishwashers to knowing which Goethe poem is the best? Well, as far as restaurant-market-café-larders go in San Francisco, the closest equivalent is Merchant Roots, an eminently charming addition to the \u003ca href=\"http://statebirdsf.com/home/\">State Bird Provisions\u003c/a> side of Fillmore on the thoroughfare’s rapidly growing dining stretch south of Geary.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128480\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128480\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new.jpg\" alt=\"Entrance to Merchant Roots with Business Hours signage.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Entrance to Merchant Roots with Business Hours signage. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>It’s impossible to give a blanket label for this concept, long in the making by business and life partners Ryan Shelton and Madison Michael. There really is nothing quite like it in the Bay Area. You can come for a homemade scone and a cup of coffee at 9am. You can feel free to drop by for a plate of pasta (yes, homemade) and a glass of Prosecco to treat yourself to a late afternoon lunch feast. You can pick up a kale and chicken salad or a sandwich (on homemade focaccia, obviously) to-go en route to catching the 38R on Geary. You can buy dry or wet pasta for dinner at home and pair it with a bottle from the under-the-radar wine boutique that is tucked in the far corner of the tiny Merchant Roots space. Then there are homemade soaps, sipping chocolate mixes, homemade jams, freshly baked quiche slices…we could go on. Then the next stage of the project, \u003cstrong>The Table at Merchant Roots\u003c/strong>, comes in a few weeks as the next marquee tasting menu for a rapidly growing category in San Francisco, except this one might be considered the most whimsical — and intimate — of the elite bunch.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128492\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128492\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new.jpg\" alt=\"Executive Chef Ryan Shelton and Sous Chef Adriana Fleming behind the front counter and display case at Merchant Roots.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Executive Chef Ryan Shelton and Sous Chef Adriana Fleming behind the front counter and display case at Merchant Roots. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>All of this resides in a 1000–square foot space that somehow manages to feel spacious and not seem cluttered whatsoever. Yes, it’s all pretty overwhelming but also so relaxed and calm when you step inside.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The closest comparison for Merchant Roots is \u003ca href=\"https://www.brooklynfare.com/pages/chefs-table\">Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare\u003c/a> in New York, a casual shop in the daytime and ambitious tasting menu in the nighttime hybrid that has received global accolades for its inventiveness. Healdsburg has \u003ca href=\"https://healdsburgshed.com/\">SHED\u003c/a> but that so-called “grange” is about 10 times bigger than Merchant Roots and has a twee-bucolic lifestyle theme that strikes many as precious with its fermentation lab, quinoa salads and rather pricey kitchen tools. In the end, they’re vaguely related but really hard to directly compare.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The first thing every guest notices while walking by Merchant Roots is the window’s eye-catching hand-painted sign by Bay Area artist \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/coolhandken/\">Ken Davis\u003c/a> that sets the tone for the shop’s contemporary interpretation of retro design inside. It could easily be a sign for a blacksmith shop in the Wild West, but also seems hip. It’s timeless and elegant cursive with artistic flair.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128461\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128461\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new.jpg\" alt=\"Sous Chef David Hamilton-Kidd making fresh pasta at Merchant Roots\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2880\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new-160x240.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new-1020x1530.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new-1180x1770.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new-960x1440.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new-240x360.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new-375x563.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new-520x780.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sous Chef David Hamilton-Kidd making fresh pasta at Merchant Roots \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Then your eyes wander past the sign into the actual window where sous chef David Hamilton-Kidd will surely be rolling out pasta dough or cranking dough through the Torchio hand-press pasta maker. Fillmore pedestrians stop by, planned or unplanned nowadays, to watch the pasta making process like how people go window browsing around Union Square come Christmas time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://youtu.be/Izd0upkwbYY\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After stepping inside, chances are high that your attention will immediately drift towards the gorgeous pastry case, where immaculate chocolate-drizzled cannolis with Luxardo cherries dramatically peeking out of both ends and chocolate-dipped almond and anise biscotti ($3) beckon. You might be tempted by a muffin version of carrot cake with a ricotta cream cheese stuffing ($4) on one day and then a perfect slice of springtime via a strawberry and almond cream tart ($6) on the next visit. There usually will be doughnuts, perhaps a simple old-fashioned on one pedestal and a coconut-lime one made of mochi and milk dough, dusted with coconut flakes and lime zest ($3) on another.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128472\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128472\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new.jpg\" alt=\"Chocolate-drizzled cannolis with Luxardo cherries dramatically peeking out of both ends.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chocolate-drizzled cannolis with Luxardo cherries dramatically peeking out of both ends. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128460\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128460\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new.jpg\" alt=\"Strawberry and Almond Cream Tart.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Strawberry and Almond Cream Tart. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Upon press time, the bakers were still perfecting a gluten-free brownie recipe but you can count on that being a major hit when it premiers soon because this town sure loves it’s gluten-free treats that actually taste as good as their flour-filled equivalents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128458\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128458\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new.jpg\" alt=\"Showstopper chocolate chip cookies.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Showstopper chocolate chip cookies. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>However, the showstopper of the crew is the chocolate chip cookie ($3) that takes the chocolate part very seriously. It’s Michael’s recipe and she is adamant about making sure that the cookie is thick and soft, but not overly doughy or cumbersome, with a just a smidge of crunch at the outer edges. You’ll certainly taste the butter in the cookie — there’s a lot of it. But, what you probably didn’t guess is that it’s actually brown cultured butter mixed with equal parts muscovado sugar and regular sugar that give it a certain alluringly sharp sweetness.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The other major catch with the recipe is that Michael insists on the composition being more chocolate than cookie. That means there should be about 1.5 \u003ca href=\"https://www.guittard.com/\">Guittard\u003c/a> dark chocolate wafers per cookie but you’ll see some cookies where that figure looks more like 3. Nobody will complain, though. A finish of fleur de sel tops what is no doubt going to be a contender in the competitive “Best Chocolate Chip Cookie” debates of San Francisco. Cookie Monster strongly approves of this new entry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128441\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128441\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new.jpg\" alt=\"Madison Michael's hands showcase the lunch menu at Merchant Roots\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Madison Michael's hands showcase the lunch menu at Merchant Roots \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>There is nothing wrong with having muffins and cookies for lunch but you’ll need real lunch food at some point. The aforementioned housemade focaccia serves as a base for a pair of sandwiches (termed sando) ($9). One is a fascinating shaved pastrami-spiced smoked carrot number where the shaved vegetable looks like slices of lox and comes with \u003ca href=\"https://www.pointreyescheese.com/point-reyes-toma\">Pt. Reyes Toma cheese\u003c/a> and raisin jam. That same semi-hard cow’s milk cheese from Marin joins tangy \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortadella\">mortadella\u003c/a> slices with arugula and Bavarian mustard in the other sandwich. Both are simple, precise and filling without being heavy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128454\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128454\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new.jpg\" alt=\"Shaved pastrami-spiced smoked carrot sando that comes with Pt. Reyes Toma cheese and raisin jam.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shaved pastrami-spiced smoked carrot sando that comes with Pt. Reyes Toma cheese and raisin jam. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Salads include ever-trendy kale leaves lightly coated with preserved lemon vinaigrette. Shelton finishes it with chicken and Parmigiano Reggiano for a satisfying but virtuous midday meal ($13; $10 without chicken). Moroccan chicken salad is a completely different styled offering ($14) and brings together cashews, crispy chickpeas, yogurt and citrus-mint vinaigrette. Venturing beyond salads and sandwiches, Shelton has a little fun with an “everything” spiced, cream cheese and smoked salmon-topped quiche with a potato crust ($12). It’s a bagel and latke-minded quiche. Somebody is having fun.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128452\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128452\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new.jpg\" alt=\"Kale Salad with Parmigiano-Reggiano, Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette with Chicken\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kale Salad with Parmigiano-Reggiano, Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette with Chicken \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128512\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128512\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new.jpg\" alt=\"Smoked Salmon Quiche with Potato Crust, Spinach, Cream Cheese, 'Everything'\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Smoked Salmon Quiche with Potato Crust, Spinach, Cream Cheese, 'Everything' \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Salads are packaged to-go and all of them and the quiche are also available for enjoying plated in the café. Sandwiches, meanwhile, are all packaged to-go but can be consumed in Merchant Roots’ environs, along with being toasted on the spot. It’s a smart idea to have flexibility between takeout and eating-in because the lunch crowd can vary in a more residential-centered strip like this one. Future plans also call for a breakfast sandwich and a fried mortadella sando meant for dining in.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128509\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128509\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new.jpg\" alt=\"Food To-Go includes salads, sandos, fresh pasta and sauce.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Food To-Go includes salads, sandos, fresh pasta and sauce. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you’re lingering for lunch, though, the must-try house meal really is the pasta, as the pasta making in the window might suggest. It’s Shelton’s specialty and one he has been fanatical about for life since being a boy growing up in San Jose as part of an Italian-American family. The enterprise could simply be Pasta Roots (or Semolina + Water?) for how important pasta is to the operation and how skilled Shelton is at it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>San Francisco is a pasta-crazed town as is proven by the dozens of Cal-Ital restaurants and even more informal red sauce and pizza joints. But, who makes their own dry and fresh pasta, pairs it with homemade sauces for enjoying in-house, and also sells both the sauces and pastas retail for you to make your own version at home? It’s definitely a tiny niche and this is a welcome addition to the diminutive club.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128468\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128468\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new.jpg\" alt=\"Housemade tomato chele pasta.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Housemade tomato chele pasta. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>You’ll find a handful of pastas each day on the “daily pastas” menu for freshly prepared lunch dishes. The early must-order is tomato chele ($24), shaped similarly to an unstuffed small tortellini, with just the right amount of indentations and curves to hold its sauce teammate, a lobster reduction made from the juice of lobster heads where their tails have been used as meat. Shelton finishes the dish lobster roll-style with curls of celery and buttered brioche “croutons” evoking the roll’s usual hot dog bun. Of course, the brioche is homemade, being surplus brioche from doughnut dough.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128485\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128485\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new.jpg\" alt=\"Tomato Chele pasta with lobster sauce, buttered brioche croutons, celery.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tomato Chele pasta with lobster sauce, buttered brioche croutons, celery. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Elsewhere in the pasta neighborhood, spaghettine made on the chitarra (like a small string harp) is joined by hen ragu ($11), while ricotta cavatelli are snap pea-glazed and accompanied by lemon mascarpone and smoked prosciutto ($13). Gargatti (think short caterpillars) comes with spring vegetables and a confit tomato crema “parma rossa” sauce ($13). Sometimes there is even chilled pasta like gnochetti with pesto, roasted peppers and red onion ($9).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Eventually, Shelton will be serving his own charcuterie made at his commissary in the Mission (seriously, how do they make pasta, charcuterie AND pastries with with just Shelton, Michael, Hamilton-Kidd and sous chef Adriana Fleming handling almost of the day-to-day duties for the whole operation?). For now, he’s offering a charcuterie platter sourced from elsewhere ($16) and a cheese plate ($17) with good friend Eric Miller of Mission Cheese helping as a fromage whisperer/advisor. A combination of the two ($20) is also offered. On the cheese side for the combo, Pt. Reyes Toma comes with the ever popular \u003ca href=\"https://www.cowgirlcreamery.com/library-of-cheese/mt-tam\">Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam\u003c/a> and gooey, funky \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comt%C3%A9_cheese\">Comté\u003c/a> from France. The cured meats include pâté de campagne, speck from \u003ca href=\"http://www.redtablemeatco.com/\">Red Table\u003c/a> in Minneapolis and \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soppressata\">sopressata\u003c/a> from \u003ca href=\"http://www.framani.com/\">Fra’Mani\u003c/a> in Berkeley.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128464\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128464\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new.jpg\" alt=\"Cheese and Charcuterie Plate\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cheese and Charcuterie Plate \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>All of this is very daytime-oriented food that is friendly on the wallet and has a universal appeal for all ages. Who doesn’t love a good cookie or plate of pasta? We’re all getting tired of restaurants and food makers calling themselves “craft” and “artisanal” but that is what sets Merchant Roots’ grocer component apart. There is that special homemade touch that makes nothing taste watered down. These are indeed artisan products and dishes by experts who know their way around a great doughnut and kale salad…and also know how to put on a lavish, avant-garde tasting menu feast.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yes, that’s where \u003cstrong>The Table at Merchant Roots\u003c/strong> comes into the picture, arriving in the next few weeks (probably in June). The Table is literally a monkeypod table that is used for casual communal dining during the day and will be an intimate eight-seat, one sitting dinner setting three nights a week.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128671\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new.jpg\" alt=\"The Table at Merchant Roots\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128671\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Table at Merchant Roots \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>There really is nothing like the daytime grocer part but there isn’t anything quite like the atypical, constantly evolving and bizarre nature of what Shelton and Michael are pursuing with The Table. The experience will be centered on various themes that go well beyond a time and place like the tableaus for \u003ca href=\"https://www.nextrestaurant.com/\">Next\u003c/a> in Chicago. The opening theme for The Table is “Elements” and runs nine courses from a yuzu sorbet rock for “moon” to an outrageously creative cotton candy and mint chocolate ganache “comet.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To give you an idea of how advanced these dishes are, one “Elements” course called “Fire” centers on charcoal-grilled dry-aged New York steak, offset by charred pearl onions, crispy maitake mushrooms, leek ash and sunchoke “coal.” That’s not all. The classic steak or prime rib sauces of horseradish cream and red wine demi-glace find their way onto the log. Yes, the log. The serving platter is probably even more noteworthy than anything for this one dish. Shelton made 10 of the log platters by heavily charring the gnarly wood over several weeks to the point that they were fully pitch black and then stained them to keep the striking, even haunting appearance in place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128471\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128471\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new.jpg\" alt=\"One “Elements” course called “Fire” centers on charcoal-grilled dry-aged New York steak, offset by charred pearl onions, crispy maitake mushrooms, leek ash and sunchoke “coal.”\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">One “Elements” course called “Fire” centers on charcoal-grilled dry-aged New York steak, offset by charred pearl onions, crispy maitake mushrooms, leek ash and sunchoke “coal.” \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>That is just one course on one short-lived menu, but is a great reflection of the ambition on display and the ample creativity. The other bonus worth pointing out is that the opening $110 price tag per diner, while not at all cheap, is far below the total for its peers. The size and price of the menu will slightly fluctuate but several will stay in this format. Future menu themes include “Vanity Fair,” featuring everything ornate and gold-plated, and “Mermaids” with each dish literally made from sea ingredients all the way down to a bread that seems like a sourdough-fish sticks crossover. It’s made of kelp paste, haddock pureé and coconut flour (no yeast, just coconut flour paste that is inoculated over time with indigenous yeast!).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Clever? Mad scientist? Artist? Genius? Restless chef who is happy to be independent? Renaissance man?\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128442\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128442\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new.jpg\" alt=\"Executive Chef/Proprietor Ryan Shelton shows his recently acquired tattoo that is the address of Merchant Roots in Roman numerals.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Executive Chef/Proprietor Ryan Shelton shows his recently acquired tattoo that is the address of Merchant Roots in Roman numerals. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Shelton pretty much wears all those hats as Executive Chef/Proprietor and with Michael as Proprietress/co-pilot for the adventurous business plan. That’s the best way to understand how the grocer and The Table concepts both came about and why they can work in this particular situation. Look at their resumes and you’ll see how all of this can fit under one compact roof.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Shelton is a trained pastry chef and was the lead Pastry Chef for Mountain View’s esteemed \u003ca href=\"http://cheztj.com/\">chez TJ\u003c/a>. His original South Bay home region then continued as the base for his culinary experience with time on the savory side as Chef de Cuisine at the molecular gastronomy-centric \u003ca href=\"http://www.maisonbaume.com/\">Baumé\u003c/a> in Palo Alto, followed by a short period as Executive Chef at (the now closed) Le Cigare Volant restaurant at Boony Doon Winery’s tasting room in Santa Cruz. His permanent career and residential move to San Francisco led him to Polk Street where he was Executive Chef for the highly rated but short-lived Verbena and its short-lived tenure as Reverb Kitchen & Bar (it’s now \u003ca href=\"http://www.mezcalitosf.com/\">Mezcalito\u003c/a>).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Michael’s background is more in beverages as a certified sommelier and includes time working at bars like The Thomas in Napa (since closed) and the sensational Kauai tiki bar, \u003ca href=\"http://tikiiniki.com/\">Tiki Iniki\u003c/a>, in addition to restaurants with strong wine and bar programs like \u003ca href=\"http://mouradsf.com/\">Mourad\u003c/a> and Verbena/Reverb. But, she’s also gifted at a whole array of other food-oriented crafts and actually a certified cheese expert.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The idea for Merchant Roots’ grocer side has been in Shelton’s mind for many years but the wheels were truly set in motion after he and Michael worked 100 days straight at \u003ca href=\"https://sf.eater.com/2015/3/24/8283513/verbena-quietly-shifts-concept-will-re-open-this-week-as-reverb\">Reverb\u003c/a> — only to see the restaurant then close. Both knew that a sustainable quality of life had to be part of the equation for their personal project, an idea that sadly isn’t seen much in the restaurant and bar industry. So, Michael thought about the three-night-a-week Table to go with the five-day-a-week grocer as a balanced solution with their personal lives (Michael has a nine-year old son) and diverse talents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Indeed, Michael’s chocolate chip cookie contribution may one day lead to a Cookie Roots spin-off but many of her contributions to Merchant Roots could honestly have their own spin-off. The most obvious, of course, would be the wine shop component. It will grow to have 84 labels of engaging wines from notable (mostly younger and less “famous”) producers in California, France, Spain, Italy and some of the lesser-known regions at home and abroad. Think of it as a wine-choosing app but…with the human concierge already making tough decisions for you. San Francisco isn’t lacking in great wine boutiques but several of the celebrated ones (K&L, Flatiron) can be daunting to navigate with too many choices and not enough help. Labels at Merchant Roots have standouts from the new California Wine front (Broc, Matthiasson) but also the equivalent upstart game-changers in Europe like Le Macchiole and Peter Later. Michael doesn’t delve into the pricey trophy wines of Napa and Bordeaux, and does keep value-minded options kindly in mind with a surprising number of enjoyable $10-$15 wines on hand. If you’re staying at the shop for lunch, a half-dozen of the wines are poured by-the-glass.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128491\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128491\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new.jpg\" alt=\"The Larder\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Larder \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The larder on the wall opposite is also largely Michael’s domain. She makes preserves (all $7) in all sorts of tempting bright colors and flavors that are already at the top of the very small list of San Francisco-made jams, marmalades and jellies. A jar of mandarin jelly combines satsumas and clementines, while the yuzu marmalade features citrus rind and Navel orange. Right now in the heart of spring, there’s a rhubarb-pear jam and a Meyer lemon jam featuring whole pulp in the mix for an extra sweet and sour punch. Hopefully those jams will be served on toast one day (this is San Francisco, after all) but for now you can at least find the rhubarb jam dotting the cheese plate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128488\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128488\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new.jpg\" alt=\"Merchant Roots jam\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Merchant Roots jam \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Salts in the larder are mixed in-house and will tempt home cooks just as much as the preserves. The roster of salts goes well beyond the ubiquitous sea salt with Elemental salt (eucalyptus, Szechuan peppercorn, volcanic salt, lemon) and Sicilian salt (Calabrian chile, oregano, rosemary.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128496\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128496\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new.jpg\" alt=\"Salts in the larder are mixed in-house.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Salts in the larder are mixed in-house. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Then, there are the soaps. Yes, soaps. Michael cleverly uses all cooking quality ingredients (coconut oil, avocado oil for example) to make the intensely fragrant soaps that make up their own line called “Milk & Raven.” Dare we say that we almost want to eat them?\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128487\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128487\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new.jpg\" alt=\"Lavender soap from their own line called “Milk & Raven.”\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lavender soap from their own line called “Milk & Raven.” \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>You’ll also find drinking chocolate at the larder, hailing from Santa Cruz. It’s one of the few things not made at Merchant Roots but don’t start calling out Shelton and Michael for this. The high caffeine, intensely concentrated flavors of the mixes are from \u003ca href=\"http://www.mutarichocolate.com/\">Mutari Chocolate\u003c/a>, a true master of the art and his products are hard to find in SF. The larder’s teas come from Berkeley’s \u003ca href=\"http://leavesandflowers.com/\">Leaves and Flowers\u003c/a> and are available to be enjoyed in-house brews. It’s worth noting that coffee for enjoying only in-house comes from \u003ca href=\"https://www.redbaycoffee.com/\">Red Bay Coffee\u003c/a> of Oakland and there actually is a hidden espresso maker if you ask for a cappuccino. Yes, this might be San Francisco’s first espresso speakeasy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Merchant Roots’ home is as adorable as the concept itself, thanks mostly to a large woven fiber art piece (Instagram alert!) by local weaver \u003ca href=\"https://www.meghanshimek.com/\">Meghan Bogden Shimek\u003c/a>. Foldable café tables are attached to the fiber piece’s wall (those tables will be collapsed for dinner service) and have extremely comfortable copper wire chairs draped with faux furs for sitting in. The Table itself resides between the art piece wall and the wine wall. Do note that The Table’s utensils won’t skimp on the luxurious quality with pottery by Berkeley’s \u003ca href=\"http://koidestudio.com/index.html\">Kiyomi Kiode\u003c/a> and ferociously delicate and refined wine glasses by \u003ca href=\"http://www.sophienwald.com/en/\">Sophienwald\u003c/a> of Austria. And, yes this doesn’t seem like a WiFi kind of place and you’re right about that. Leave the laptop at home or bring the hot spot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128476\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128476\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new.jpg\" alt=\"Large woven fiber art piece by local weaver Meghan Bogden Shimek.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Large woven fiber art piece by local weaver Meghan Bogden Shimek. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Unfairly, Merchant Roots has become the answer to an inside joke within the restaurant industry for substantial opening delays. Restaurants and bars in San Francisco are routinely delayed for the city’s notorious permitting challenges and out of control expensive prices for virtually everything. Folks in the industry sometimes say, “Yes, that restaurant is taking forever to open but it’s not Merchant Roots-level delayed.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s definitely not Shelton and Michael’s fault. The over yearlong delay from the original ETA is a smorgasbord of San Francisco restaurateur challenges. One that diners don’t often think about played a key part in adding the delay — construction crews favoring the thicker wallets of wealthier investment-backed restaurants (we won’t name names). Is this where San Francisco dining is going? Can independent restaurants be helped?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This part of Fillmore Street was historically filled with black-owned shops and restaurants, along with the jazz clubs that made this the Fillmore Jazz District. Except, there are basically no jazz clubs or black-owned businesses here anymore. One of the last ones of the corridor, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/article/Fillmore-singing-blues-over-jazz-district-6747312.php?utm_campaign=sfgate&utm_source=article&utm_medium=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.sfgate.com%252Finsidescoop%252Farticle%252FThe-Fillmore-s-Black-Bark-has-closed-as-it-12486002.php%253Ft%253D157de05c32\">Black Bark BBQ\u003c/a>, had to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/insidescoop/article/The-Fillmore-s-Black-Bark-has-closed-as-it-12486002.php?t=157de05c32\">relocate\u003c/a>. The San Francisco Chronicle’s Jonathan Kauffman just wrote an \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/restaurants/article/Fernay-McPherson-and-the-movement-that-found-12907544.php\">excellent profile about this neighborhood\u003c/a> and this sad realization for the Fillmore’s demographics.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s an unfortunate change for the neighborhood, albeit one that is very reflective of Divisadero just up the hill. Both are getting increasingly gentrified like their glossy nearby peers of Hayes Valley and Fillmore in Lower Pacific Heights. Yes, this is San Francisco 2018 and we could talk all day about gentrification.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the same time, this is a story about how the newer food businesses on Fillmore all started as small business concepts and have grown into thriving projects that should be celebrated. Wise Sons, Boba Guys and State Bird Provisions all weren’t glitzy or deep money-backed when they first opened. \u003ca href=\"http://www.fatangelsf.com/\">Fat Angel\u003c/a> was the very first of Hi Neighbor’s restaurants and still isn’t very well-known beyond its regulars. Avery’s chef-partner Rodney Wages went through the ringer at many top kitchens in order to start a pop-up that morphed into \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/126767/avery-opens-on-fillmore-as-sfs-next-elaborate-tasting-menu-destination\">Avery\u003c/a>. These restaurateurs worked hard to become names known citywide.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Shelton and Michael are no different — remember that 100 days we mentioned? They sure know this industry all too well. On the side, the two have even been offering doughnut and pasta making classes with \u003ca href=\"https://www.cozymeal.com/chefs/788/chef-ryan\">Cozymeal\u003c/a> not just because it’s fun but also to make money. (Full disclosure: this writer took a pasta making class from Shelton and is now at least not awful at the difficult art). They also do high-volume catering and various other projects because, hey, when your business isn’t making money in this pricey city, how do you make money?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Luckily, both have no shortage of talent, imagination or desire to fulfill their hopes. Shelton even has a tattoo of Merchant Roots’ 1365 address in roman numerals (MCCCLXV) and a tattoo of a quail, the California state bird. The chef certainly really cares about this project and where this project calls home.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128489\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128489\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new.jpg\" alt=\"Executive Chef Ryan Shelton displays his quail tattoo.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2880\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new-160x240.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new-1020x1530.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new-1180x1770.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new-960x1440.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new-240x360.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new-375x563.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new-520x780.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Executive Chef Ryan Shelton displays his quail tattoo. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Restaurateurs and entrepreneurs like Shelton and Michael champion two universally beloved things in this city, whether you’re a techie millennial or lived here 55 years: bighearted small businesses that really focus on doing a few things and doing them extremely well; and clean, high quality food. A few modern tastes find their way into Merchant Roots (kale!) but there’s also a circa 1900 era vintage sausage stuffer and a small town, everybody is welcome vibe. It’s delicious, upbeat and family-friendly — heck, even dogs will appreciate the upcoming unveiling of peanut butter raviolis for them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Finally, Shelton and Michael are doing what they want to do and luckily for diners, they do it really, really well. You can’t help but root for them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128534\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128534\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1.jpg\" alt=\"Executive Chef Ryan Shelton and Sous Chef David Hamilton-Kidd making pasta.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Executive Chef Ryan Shelton and Sous Chef David Hamilton-Kidd making pasta. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"http://www.merchantroots.com/\">\u003cstrong>Merchant Roots\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Merchant+Roots/@37.7821316,-122.4348981,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x808580bbd4c63a77:0xf77eb4da52eaec2!8m2!3d37.7821274!4d-122.4327041\">1365 Fillmore St.\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSan Francisco, CA 94115\u003cbr>\nInstagram: \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/merchantroots/?hl=en\">@merchantroots\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nFacebook:\u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/merchantroots/\"> Merchant Roots\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nTwitter: \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/MerchantRoots\">@MerchantRoots\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nHours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-5pm; The Table will serve dinner Thursday-Saturday\u003cbr>\nPrice: The Shop: $-$$; The Table: $$$$\u003c/p>\n\n",
"disqusIdentifier": "128414 https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/?p=128414",
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"excerpt": "With all kinds of homemade foods from preserves to pastas to focaccia offered in the daytime and a Table full of constantly changing creative themes in the evening, Merchant Roots is a tiny space with grand ideas, now open in the Fillmore.",
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"description": "With all kinds of homemade foods from preserves to pastas to focaccia offered in the daytime and a Table full of constantly changing creative themes in the evening, Merchant Roots is a tiny space with grand ideas, now open in the Fillmore.",
"title": "Merchant Roots’ Daytime Grocer and Imaginative Nighttime Tasting Menu Table Arrives on Fillmore | KQED",
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"headline": "Merchant Roots’ Daytime Grocer and Imaginative Nighttime Tasting Menu Table Arrives on Fillmore",
"datePublished": "2018-05-24T09:04:41-07:00",
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"nprByline": "\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/trevorfelch\">Trevor Felch\u003c/a> (writer), \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/wendy-goodfriend\">Wendy Goodfriend\u003c/a> (photos/video)",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>With all kinds of homemade foods from preserves to pastas to focaccia offered in the daytime and a Table full of constantly changing creative themes in the evening, Merchant Roots is a tiny space with grand ideas, now open in the Fillmore.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Think of that outrageously talented friend or colleague or family member in your life who is truly a Renaissance man or woman…you know, the one who is just so great at so many things from tennis to yoga to coding to playing the cello, and is a complete fountain of knowledge for everything from fixing dishwashers to knowing which Goethe poem is the best? Well, as far as restaurant-market-café-larders go in San Francisco, the closest equivalent is Merchant Roots, an eminently charming addition to the \u003ca href=\"http://statebirdsf.com/home/\">State Bird Provisions\u003c/a> side of Fillmore on the thoroughfare’s rapidly growing dining stretch south of Geary.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128480\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128480\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new.jpg\" alt=\"Entrance to Merchant Roots with Business Hours signage.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6259-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Entrance to Merchant Roots with Business Hours signage. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>It’s impossible to give a blanket label for this concept, long in the making by business and life partners Ryan Shelton and Madison Michael. There really is nothing quite like it in the Bay Area. You can come for a homemade scone and a cup of coffee at 9am. You can feel free to drop by for a plate of pasta (yes, homemade) and a glass of Prosecco to treat yourself to a late afternoon lunch feast. You can pick up a kale and chicken salad or a sandwich (on homemade focaccia, obviously) to-go en route to catching the 38R on Geary. You can buy dry or wet pasta for dinner at home and pair it with a bottle from the under-the-radar wine boutique that is tucked in the far corner of the tiny Merchant Roots space. Then there are homemade soaps, sipping chocolate mixes, homemade jams, freshly baked quiche slices…we could go on. Then the next stage of the project, \u003cstrong>The Table at Merchant Roots\u003c/strong>, comes in a few weeks as the next marquee tasting menu for a rapidly growing category in San Francisco, except this one might be considered the most whimsical — and intimate — of the elite bunch.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128492\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128492\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new.jpg\" alt=\"Executive Chef Ryan Shelton and Sous Chef Adriana Fleming behind the front counter and display case at Merchant Roots.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6624-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Executive Chef Ryan Shelton and Sous Chef Adriana Fleming behind the front counter and display case at Merchant Roots. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>All of this resides in a 1000–square foot space that somehow manages to feel spacious and not seem cluttered whatsoever. Yes, it’s all pretty overwhelming but also so relaxed and calm when you step inside.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The closest comparison for Merchant Roots is \u003ca href=\"https://www.brooklynfare.com/pages/chefs-table\">Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare\u003c/a> in New York, a casual shop in the daytime and ambitious tasting menu in the nighttime hybrid that has received global accolades for its inventiveness. Healdsburg has \u003ca href=\"https://healdsburgshed.com/\">SHED\u003c/a> but that so-called “grange” is about 10 times bigger than Merchant Roots and has a twee-bucolic lifestyle theme that strikes many as precious with its fermentation lab, quinoa salads and rather pricey kitchen tools. In the end, they’re vaguely related but really hard to directly compare.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The first thing every guest notices while walking by Merchant Roots is the window’s eye-catching hand-painted sign by Bay Area artist \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/coolhandken/\">Ken Davis\u003c/a> that sets the tone for the shop’s contemporary interpretation of retro design inside. It could easily be a sign for a blacksmith shop in the Wild West, but also seems hip. It’s timeless and elegant cursive with artistic flair.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128461\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128461\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new.jpg\" alt=\"Sous Chef David Hamilton-Kidd making fresh pasta at Merchant Roots\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2880\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new-160x240.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new-1020x1530.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new-1180x1770.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new-960x1440.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new-240x360.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new-375x563.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6475-new-520x780.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sous Chef David Hamilton-Kidd making fresh pasta at Merchant Roots \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Then your eyes wander past the sign into the actual window where sous chef David Hamilton-Kidd will surely be rolling out pasta dough or cranking dough through the Torchio hand-press pasta maker. Fillmore pedestrians stop by, planned or unplanned nowadays, to watch the pasta making process like how people go window browsing around Union Square come Christmas time.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/Izd0upkwbYY'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/Izd0upkwbYY'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>After stepping inside, chances are high that your attention will immediately drift towards the gorgeous pastry case, where immaculate chocolate-drizzled cannolis with Luxardo cherries dramatically peeking out of both ends and chocolate-dipped almond and anise biscotti ($3) beckon. You might be tempted by a muffin version of carrot cake with a ricotta cream cheese stuffing ($4) on one day and then a perfect slice of springtime via a strawberry and almond cream tart ($6) on the next visit. There usually will be doughnuts, perhaps a simple old-fashioned on one pedestal and a coconut-lime one made of mochi and milk dough, dusted with coconut flakes and lime zest ($3) on another.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128472\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128472\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new.jpg\" alt=\"Chocolate-drizzled cannolis with Luxardo cherries dramatically peeking out of both ends.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6277-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chocolate-drizzled cannolis with Luxardo cherries dramatically peeking out of both ends. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128460\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128460\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new.jpg\" alt=\"Strawberry and Almond Cream Tart.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6354-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Strawberry and Almond Cream Tart. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Upon press time, the bakers were still perfecting a gluten-free brownie recipe but you can count on that being a major hit when it premiers soon because this town sure loves it’s gluten-free treats that actually taste as good as their flour-filled equivalents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128458\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128458\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new.jpg\" alt=\"Showstopper chocolate chip cookies.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6358-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Showstopper chocolate chip cookies. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>However, the showstopper of the crew is the chocolate chip cookie ($3) that takes the chocolate part very seriously. It’s Michael’s recipe and she is adamant about making sure that the cookie is thick and soft, but not overly doughy or cumbersome, with a just a smidge of crunch at the outer edges. You’ll certainly taste the butter in the cookie — there’s a lot of it. But, what you probably didn’t guess is that it’s actually brown cultured butter mixed with equal parts muscovado sugar and regular sugar that give it a certain alluringly sharp sweetness.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The other major catch with the recipe is that Michael insists on the composition being more chocolate than cookie. That means there should be about 1.5 \u003ca href=\"https://www.guittard.com/\">Guittard\u003c/a> dark chocolate wafers per cookie but you’ll see some cookies where that figure looks more like 3. Nobody will complain, though. A finish of fleur de sel tops what is no doubt going to be a contender in the competitive “Best Chocolate Chip Cookie” debates of San Francisco. Cookie Monster strongly approves of this new entry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128441\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128441\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new.jpg\" alt=\"Madison Michael's hands showcase the lunch menu at Merchant Roots\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1056-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Madison Michael's hands showcase the lunch menu at Merchant Roots \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>There is nothing wrong with having muffins and cookies for lunch but you’ll need real lunch food at some point. The aforementioned housemade focaccia serves as a base for a pair of sandwiches (termed sando) ($9). One is a fascinating shaved pastrami-spiced smoked carrot number where the shaved vegetable looks like slices of lox and comes with \u003ca href=\"https://www.pointreyescheese.com/point-reyes-toma\">Pt. Reyes Toma cheese\u003c/a> and raisin jam. That same semi-hard cow’s milk cheese from Marin joins tangy \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortadella\">mortadella\u003c/a> slices with arugula and Bavarian mustard in the other sandwich. Both are simple, precise and filling without being heavy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128454\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128454\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new.jpg\" alt=\"Shaved pastrami-spiced smoked carrot sando that comes with Pt. Reyes Toma cheese and raisin jam.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6676-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shaved pastrami-spiced smoked carrot sando that comes with Pt. Reyes Toma cheese and raisin jam. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Salads include ever-trendy kale leaves lightly coated with preserved lemon vinaigrette. Shelton finishes it with chicken and Parmigiano Reggiano for a satisfying but virtuous midday meal ($13; $10 without chicken). Moroccan chicken salad is a completely different styled offering ($14) and brings together cashews, crispy chickpeas, yogurt and citrus-mint vinaigrette. Venturing beyond salads and sandwiches, Shelton has a little fun with an “everything” spiced, cream cheese and smoked salmon-topped quiche with a potato crust ($12). It’s a bagel and latke-minded quiche. Somebody is having fun.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128452\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128452\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new.jpg\" alt=\"Kale Salad with Parmigiano-Reggiano, Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette with Chicken\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6787-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kale Salad with Parmigiano-Reggiano, Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette with Chicken \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128512\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128512\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new.jpg\" alt=\"Smoked Salmon Quiche with Potato Crust, Spinach, Cream Cheese, 'Everything'\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6409-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Smoked Salmon Quiche with Potato Crust, Spinach, Cream Cheese, 'Everything' \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Salads are packaged to-go and all of them and the quiche are also available for enjoying plated in the café. Sandwiches, meanwhile, are all packaged to-go but can be consumed in Merchant Roots’ environs, along with being toasted on the spot. It’s a smart idea to have flexibility between takeout and eating-in because the lunch crowd can vary in a more residential-centered strip like this one. Future plans also call for a breakfast sandwich and a fried mortadella sando meant for dining in.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128509\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128509\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new.jpg\" alt=\"Food To-Go includes salads, sandos, fresh pasta and sauce.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6297-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Food To-Go includes salads, sandos, fresh pasta and sauce. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you’re lingering for lunch, though, the must-try house meal really is the pasta, as the pasta making in the window might suggest. It’s Shelton’s specialty and one he has been fanatical about for life since being a boy growing up in San Jose as part of an Italian-American family. The enterprise could simply be Pasta Roots (or Semolina + Water?) for how important pasta is to the operation and how skilled Shelton is at it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>San Francisco is a pasta-crazed town as is proven by the dozens of Cal-Ital restaurants and even more informal red sauce and pizza joints. But, who makes their own dry and fresh pasta, pairs it with homemade sauces for enjoying in-house, and also sells both the sauces and pastas retail for you to make your own version at home? It’s definitely a tiny niche and this is a welcome addition to the diminutive club.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128468\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128468\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new.jpg\" alt=\"Housemade tomato chele pasta.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6621-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Housemade tomato chele pasta. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>You’ll find a handful of pastas each day on the “daily pastas” menu for freshly prepared lunch dishes. The early must-order is tomato chele ($24), shaped similarly to an unstuffed small tortellini, with just the right amount of indentations and curves to hold its sauce teammate, a lobster reduction made from the juice of lobster heads where their tails have been used as meat. Shelton finishes the dish lobster roll-style with curls of celery and buttered brioche “croutons” evoking the roll’s usual hot dog bun. Of course, the brioche is homemade, being surplus brioche from doughnut dough.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128485\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128485\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new.jpg\" alt=\"Tomato Chele pasta with lobster sauce, buttered brioche croutons, celery.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6484-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tomato Chele pasta with lobster sauce, buttered brioche croutons, celery. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Elsewhere in the pasta neighborhood, spaghettine made on the chitarra (like a small string harp) is joined by hen ragu ($11), while ricotta cavatelli are snap pea-glazed and accompanied by lemon mascarpone and smoked prosciutto ($13). Gargatti (think short caterpillars) comes with spring vegetables and a confit tomato crema “parma rossa” sauce ($13). Sometimes there is even chilled pasta like gnochetti with pesto, roasted peppers and red onion ($9).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Eventually, Shelton will be serving his own charcuterie made at his commissary in the Mission (seriously, how do they make pasta, charcuterie AND pastries with with just Shelton, Michael, Hamilton-Kidd and sous chef Adriana Fleming handling almost of the day-to-day duties for the whole operation?). For now, he’s offering a charcuterie platter sourced from elsewhere ($16) and a cheese plate ($17) with good friend Eric Miller of Mission Cheese helping as a fromage whisperer/advisor. A combination of the two ($20) is also offered. On the cheese side for the combo, Pt. Reyes Toma comes with the ever popular \u003ca href=\"https://www.cowgirlcreamery.com/library-of-cheese/mt-tam\">Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam\u003c/a> and gooey, funky \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comt%C3%A9_cheese\">Comté\u003c/a> from France. The cured meats include pâté de campagne, speck from \u003ca href=\"http://www.redtablemeatco.com/\">Red Table\u003c/a> in Minneapolis and \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soppressata\">sopressata\u003c/a> from \u003ca href=\"http://www.framani.com/\">Fra’Mani\u003c/a> in Berkeley.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128464\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128464\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new.jpg\" alt=\"Cheese and Charcuterie Plate\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6581-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cheese and Charcuterie Plate \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>All of this is very daytime-oriented food that is friendly on the wallet and has a universal appeal for all ages. Who doesn’t love a good cookie or plate of pasta? We’re all getting tired of restaurants and food makers calling themselves “craft” and “artisanal” but that is what sets Merchant Roots’ grocer component apart. There is that special homemade touch that makes nothing taste watered down. These are indeed artisan products and dishes by experts who know their way around a great doughnut and kale salad…and also know how to put on a lavish, avant-garde tasting menu feast.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yes, that’s where \u003cstrong>The Table at Merchant Roots\u003c/strong> comes into the picture, arriving in the next few weeks (probably in June). The Table is literally a monkeypod table that is used for casual communal dining during the day and will be an intimate eight-seat, one sitting dinner setting three nights a week.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128671\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new.jpg\" alt=\"The Table at Merchant Roots\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128671\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6237-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Table at Merchant Roots \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>There really is nothing like the daytime grocer part but there isn’t anything quite like the atypical, constantly evolving and bizarre nature of what Shelton and Michael are pursuing with The Table. The experience will be centered on various themes that go well beyond a time and place like the tableaus for \u003ca href=\"https://www.nextrestaurant.com/\">Next\u003c/a> in Chicago. The opening theme for The Table is “Elements” and runs nine courses from a yuzu sorbet rock for “moon” to an outrageously creative cotton candy and mint chocolate ganache “comet.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To give you an idea of how advanced these dishes are, one “Elements” course called “Fire” centers on charcoal-grilled dry-aged New York steak, offset by charred pearl onions, crispy maitake mushrooms, leek ash and sunchoke “coal.” That’s not all. The classic steak or prime rib sauces of horseradish cream and red wine demi-glace find their way onto the log. Yes, the log. The serving platter is probably even more noteworthy than anything for this one dish. Shelton made 10 of the log platters by heavily charring the gnarly wood over several weeks to the point that they were fully pitch black and then stained them to keep the striking, even haunting appearance in place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128471\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128471\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new.jpg\" alt=\"One “Elements” course called “Fire” centers on charcoal-grilled dry-aged New York steak, offset by charred pearl onions, crispy maitake mushrooms, leek ash and sunchoke “coal.”\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6707-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">One “Elements” course called “Fire” centers on charcoal-grilled dry-aged New York steak, offset by charred pearl onions, crispy maitake mushrooms, leek ash and sunchoke “coal.” \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>That is just one course on one short-lived menu, but is a great reflection of the ambition on display and the ample creativity. The other bonus worth pointing out is that the opening $110 price tag per diner, while not at all cheap, is far below the total for its peers. The size and price of the menu will slightly fluctuate but several will stay in this format. Future menu themes include “Vanity Fair,” featuring everything ornate and gold-plated, and “Mermaids” with each dish literally made from sea ingredients all the way down to a bread that seems like a sourdough-fish sticks crossover. It’s made of kelp paste, haddock pureé and coconut flour (no yeast, just coconut flour paste that is inoculated over time with indigenous yeast!).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Clever? Mad scientist? Artist? Genius? Restless chef who is happy to be independent? Renaissance man?\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128442\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128442\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new.jpg\" alt=\"Executive Chef/Proprietor Ryan Shelton shows his recently acquired tattoo that is the address of Merchant Roots in Roman numerals.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1063-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Executive Chef/Proprietor Ryan Shelton shows his recently acquired tattoo that is the address of Merchant Roots in Roman numerals. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Shelton pretty much wears all those hats as Executive Chef/Proprietor and with Michael as Proprietress/co-pilot for the adventurous business plan. That’s the best way to understand how the grocer and The Table concepts both came about and why they can work in this particular situation. Look at their resumes and you’ll see how all of this can fit under one compact roof.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Shelton is a trained pastry chef and was the lead Pastry Chef for Mountain View’s esteemed \u003ca href=\"http://cheztj.com/\">chez TJ\u003c/a>. His original South Bay home region then continued as the base for his culinary experience with time on the savory side as Chef de Cuisine at the molecular gastronomy-centric \u003ca href=\"http://www.maisonbaume.com/\">Baumé\u003c/a> in Palo Alto, followed by a short period as Executive Chef at (the now closed) Le Cigare Volant restaurant at Boony Doon Winery’s tasting room in Santa Cruz. His permanent career and residential move to San Francisco led him to Polk Street where he was Executive Chef for the highly rated but short-lived Verbena and its short-lived tenure as Reverb Kitchen & Bar (it’s now \u003ca href=\"http://www.mezcalitosf.com/\">Mezcalito\u003c/a>).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Michael’s background is more in beverages as a certified sommelier and includes time working at bars like The Thomas in Napa (since closed) and the sensational Kauai tiki bar, \u003ca href=\"http://tikiiniki.com/\">Tiki Iniki\u003c/a>, in addition to restaurants with strong wine and bar programs like \u003ca href=\"http://mouradsf.com/\">Mourad\u003c/a> and Verbena/Reverb. But, she’s also gifted at a whole array of other food-oriented crafts and actually a certified cheese expert.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The idea for Merchant Roots’ grocer side has been in Shelton’s mind for many years but the wheels were truly set in motion after he and Michael worked 100 days straight at \u003ca href=\"https://sf.eater.com/2015/3/24/8283513/verbena-quietly-shifts-concept-will-re-open-this-week-as-reverb\">Reverb\u003c/a> — only to see the restaurant then close. Both knew that a sustainable quality of life had to be part of the equation for their personal project, an idea that sadly isn’t seen much in the restaurant and bar industry. So, Michael thought about the three-night-a-week Table to go with the five-day-a-week grocer as a balanced solution with their personal lives (Michael has a nine-year old son) and diverse talents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Indeed, Michael’s chocolate chip cookie contribution may one day lead to a Cookie Roots spin-off but many of her contributions to Merchant Roots could honestly have their own spin-off. The most obvious, of course, would be the wine shop component. It will grow to have 84 labels of engaging wines from notable (mostly younger and less “famous”) producers in California, France, Spain, Italy and some of the lesser-known regions at home and abroad. Think of it as a wine-choosing app but…with the human concierge already making tough decisions for you. San Francisco isn’t lacking in great wine boutiques but several of the celebrated ones (K&L, Flatiron) can be daunting to navigate with too many choices and not enough help. Labels at Merchant Roots have standouts from the new California Wine front (Broc, Matthiasson) but also the equivalent upstart game-changers in Europe like Le Macchiole and Peter Later. Michael doesn’t delve into the pricey trophy wines of Napa and Bordeaux, and does keep value-minded options kindly in mind with a surprising number of enjoyable $10-$15 wines on hand. If you’re staying at the shop for lunch, a half-dozen of the wines are poured by-the-glass.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128491\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128491\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new.jpg\" alt=\"The Larder\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6535-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Larder \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The larder on the wall opposite is also largely Michael’s domain. She makes preserves (all $7) in all sorts of tempting bright colors and flavors that are already at the top of the very small list of San Francisco-made jams, marmalades and jellies. A jar of mandarin jelly combines satsumas and clementines, while the yuzu marmalade features citrus rind and Navel orange. Right now in the heart of spring, there’s a rhubarb-pear jam and a Meyer lemon jam featuring whole pulp in the mix for an extra sweet and sour punch. Hopefully those jams will be served on toast one day (this is San Francisco, after all) but for now you can at least find the rhubarb jam dotting the cheese plate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128488\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128488\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new.jpg\" alt=\"Merchant Roots jam\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6393-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Merchant Roots jam \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Salts in the larder are mixed in-house and will tempt home cooks just as much as the preserves. The roster of salts goes well beyond the ubiquitous sea salt with Elemental salt (eucalyptus, Szechuan peppercorn, volcanic salt, lemon) and Sicilian salt (Calabrian chile, oregano, rosemary.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128496\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128496\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new.jpg\" alt=\"Salts in the larder are mixed in-house.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6394-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Salts in the larder are mixed in-house. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Then, there are the soaps. Yes, soaps. Michael cleverly uses all cooking quality ingredients (coconut oil, avocado oil for example) to make the intensely fragrant soaps that make up their own line called “Milk & Raven.” Dare we say that we almost want to eat them?\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128487\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128487\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new.jpg\" alt=\"Lavender soap from their own line called “Milk & Raven.”\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6402-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lavender soap from their own line called “Milk & Raven.” \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>You’ll also find drinking chocolate at the larder, hailing from Santa Cruz. It’s one of the few things not made at Merchant Roots but don’t start calling out Shelton and Michael for this. The high caffeine, intensely concentrated flavors of the mixes are from \u003ca href=\"http://www.mutarichocolate.com/\">Mutari Chocolate\u003c/a>, a true master of the art and his products are hard to find in SF. The larder’s teas come from Berkeley’s \u003ca href=\"http://leavesandflowers.com/\">Leaves and Flowers\u003c/a> and are available to be enjoyed in-house brews. It’s worth noting that coffee for enjoying only in-house comes from \u003ca href=\"https://www.redbaycoffee.com/\">Red Bay Coffee\u003c/a> of Oakland and there actually is a hidden espresso maker if you ask for a cappuccino. Yes, this might be San Francisco’s first espresso speakeasy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Merchant Roots’ home is as adorable as the concept itself, thanks mostly to a large woven fiber art piece (Instagram alert!) by local weaver \u003ca href=\"https://www.meghanshimek.com/\">Meghan Bogden Shimek\u003c/a>. Foldable café tables are attached to the fiber piece’s wall (those tables will be collapsed for dinner service) and have extremely comfortable copper wire chairs draped with faux furs for sitting in. The Table itself resides between the art piece wall and the wine wall. Do note that The Table’s utensils won’t skimp on the luxurious quality with pottery by Berkeley’s \u003ca href=\"http://koidestudio.com/index.html\">Kiyomi Kiode\u003c/a> and ferociously delicate and refined wine glasses by \u003ca href=\"http://www.sophienwald.com/en/\">Sophienwald\u003c/a> of Austria. And, yes this doesn’t seem like a WiFi kind of place and you’re right about that. Leave the laptop at home or bring the hot spot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128476\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128476\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new.jpg\" alt=\"Large woven fiber art piece by local weaver Meghan Bogden Shimek.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6323-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Large woven fiber art piece by local weaver Meghan Bogden Shimek. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Unfairly, Merchant Roots has become the answer to an inside joke within the restaurant industry for substantial opening delays. Restaurants and bars in San Francisco are routinely delayed for the city’s notorious permitting challenges and out of control expensive prices for virtually everything. Folks in the industry sometimes say, “Yes, that restaurant is taking forever to open but it’s not Merchant Roots-level delayed.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s definitely not Shelton and Michael’s fault. The over yearlong delay from the original ETA is a smorgasbord of San Francisco restaurateur challenges. One that diners don’t often think about played a key part in adding the delay — construction crews favoring the thicker wallets of wealthier investment-backed restaurants (we won’t name names). Is this where San Francisco dining is going? Can independent restaurants be helped?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This part of Fillmore Street was historically filled with black-owned shops and restaurants, along with the jazz clubs that made this the Fillmore Jazz District. Except, there are basically no jazz clubs or black-owned businesses here anymore. One of the last ones of the corridor, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/article/Fillmore-singing-blues-over-jazz-district-6747312.php?utm_campaign=sfgate&utm_source=article&utm_medium=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.sfgate.com%252Finsidescoop%252Farticle%252FThe-Fillmore-s-Black-Bark-has-closed-as-it-12486002.php%253Ft%253D157de05c32\">Black Bark BBQ\u003c/a>, had to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/insidescoop/article/The-Fillmore-s-Black-Bark-has-closed-as-it-12486002.php?t=157de05c32\">relocate\u003c/a>. The San Francisco Chronicle’s Jonathan Kauffman just wrote an \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/restaurants/article/Fernay-McPherson-and-the-movement-that-found-12907544.php\">excellent profile about this neighborhood\u003c/a> and this sad realization for the Fillmore’s demographics.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s an unfortunate change for the neighborhood, albeit one that is very reflective of Divisadero just up the hill. Both are getting increasingly gentrified like their glossy nearby peers of Hayes Valley and Fillmore in Lower Pacific Heights. Yes, this is San Francisco 2018 and we could talk all day about gentrification.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the same time, this is a story about how the newer food businesses on Fillmore all started as small business concepts and have grown into thriving projects that should be celebrated. Wise Sons, Boba Guys and State Bird Provisions all weren’t glitzy or deep money-backed when they first opened. \u003ca href=\"http://www.fatangelsf.com/\">Fat Angel\u003c/a> was the very first of Hi Neighbor’s restaurants and still isn’t very well-known beyond its regulars. Avery’s chef-partner Rodney Wages went through the ringer at many top kitchens in order to start a pop-up that morphed into \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/126767/avery-opens-on-fillmore-as-sfs-next-elaborate-tasting-menu-destination\">Avery\u003c/a>. These restaurateurs worked hard to become names known citywide.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Shelton and Michael are no different — remember that 100 days we mentioned? They sure know this industry all too well. On the side, the two have even been offering doughnut and pasta making classes with \u003ca href=\"https://www.cozymeal.com/chefs/788/chef-ryan\">Cozymeal\u003c/a> not just because it’s fun but also to make money. (Full disclosure: this writer took a pasta making class from Shelton and is now at least not awful at the difficult art). They also do high-volume catering and various other projects because, hey, when your business isn’t making money in this pricey city, how do you make money?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Luckily, both have no shortage of talent, imagination or desire to fulfill their hopes. Shelton even has a tattoo of Merchant Roots’ 1365 address in roman numerals (MCCCLXV) and a tattoo of a quail, the California state bird. The chef certainly really cares about this project and where this project calls home.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128489\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128489\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new.jpg\" alt=\"Executive Chef Ryan Shelton displays his quail tattoo.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2880\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new-160x240.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new-1020x1530.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new-1180x1770.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new-960x1440.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new-240x360.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new-375x563.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6416-new-520x780.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Executive Chef Ryan Shelton displays his quail tattoo. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Restaurateurs and entrepreneurs like Shelton and Michael champion two universally beloved things in this city, whether you’re a techie millennial or lived here 55 years: bighearted small businesses that really focus on doing a few things and doing them extremely well; and clean, high quality food. A few modern tastes find their way into Merchant Roots (kale!) but there’s also a circa 1900 era vintage sausage stuffer and a small town, everybody is welcome vibe. It’s delicious, upbeat and family-friendly — heck, even dogs will appreciate the upcoming unveiling of peanut butter raviolis for them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Finally, Shelton and Michael are doing what they want to do and luckily for diners, they do it really, really well. You can’t help but root for them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128534\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-128534\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1.jpg\" alt=\"Executive Chef Ryan Shelton and Sous Chef David Hamilton-Kidd making pasta.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1091-new1-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Executive Chef Ryan Shelton and Sous Chef David Hamilton-Kidd making pasta. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"http://www.merchantroots.com/\">\u003cstrong>Merchant Roots\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Merchant+Roots/@37.7821316,-122.4348981,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x808580bbd4c63a77:0xf77eb4da52eaec2!8m2!3d37.7821274!4d-122.4327041\">1365 Fillmore St.\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSan Francisco, CA 94115\u003cbr>\nInstagram: \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/merchantroots/?hl=en\">@merchantroots\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nFacebook:\u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/merchantroots/\"> Merchant Roots\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nTwitter: \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/MerchantRoots\">@MerchantRoots\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nHours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-5pm; The Table will serve dinner Thursday-Saturday\u003cbr>\nPrice: The Shop: $-$$; The Table: $$$$\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"disqusTitle": "Birdsong Provides a Fine Dining High Note for SoMa",
"title": "Birdsong Provides a Fine Dining High Note for SoMa",
"headTitle": "New Restaurants 2018 | Bay Area Bites | KQED Food",
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>Husband-and-wife couple Chris Bleidorn and Aarti Shetty make their ambitious debut as restaurant owners — with hints of the serene Pacific Northwest — in a stunning SoMa dining room at Birdsong\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Like the structure of a great song, there are all sorts of compelling supporting components that let the journey ebb and flow then crescendo towards the all-important main chorus at SoMa’s high-end seasonal California meets Pacific Northwest newcomer, Birdsong.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The menu (the lyrics) is somewhat inspired by our neighbors to the north along the Pacific Coast, somewhat inspired by our local terroir, and heavily inspired by the chef’s highly impressive World’s 50 Best and Michelin star-filled fine dining background.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128339\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new.jpg\" alt=\"The menu\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128339\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The menu \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The restaurant is springing for a duel tasting menu and à la carte format (the rhythm) that can be pulled off, but sure is daunting for the kitchen to do.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The breathtakingly gorgeous space (the background harmonies) could be a living room set-up for a cover spread in a chic magazine like Monocle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128359\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new.jpg\" alt=\"The entryway to Birdsong\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128359\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The entryway to Birdsong \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128326\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new.jpg\" alt=\"Birdsong interior space with open kitchen and counter areas\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128326\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Birdsong interior space with open kitchen and counter areas \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The Mid-Market/SoMa border location at this particular place and time (the tempo) in San Francisco is pretty much front and center for everything that is being debated by this year’s mayoral candidates, and has a history of being unfriendly to friendly restaurants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And all of these storylines build towards the chorus — the heart of why Birdsong has been one of the most anticipated restaurant openings in the city for months and is here for diners to venture to Mission Street to experience firsthand. No, Birdsong isn’t about tail-to-beak whole poultry cooking, a Grateful Dead song, a mid-20th century British novel, or somebody’s deep involvement with the Audubon Society. Birdsong is a pleasant reference to the beauty of nature and how birds help ecosystems grow and stay healthy, setting a mentality for diners as they step into a restaurant that wants to slow down cooking and bring it back to its roaring fire and pristine ingredients past. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That background sets the stage for the true reason (the chorus) of why Birdsong is a pivotal restaurant for the Bay Area and national restaurant watchers to know about: it’s the solo debut of one of the (or possibly THE) most under-the-radar, ready for the bright lights chefs in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128338\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new.jpg\" alt=\"Chef Chris Bleidorn in the downstairs meat locker.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128338\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chef Chris Bleidorn in the downstairs meat locker. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Chances are you don’t know Chris Bleidorn. But it’s very likely you know a lot of the stops on his resume. Alinea. Benu. Saison. Atelier Crenn. Johnson and Wales. This isn’t meant to be a LinkedIn entry for the chef but it’s vital to mention this because Bleidorn clearly has the background to make an impact straight out of the gates with Birdsong. It’s the culinary equivalent of a B.A. at Stanford, a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford and a Ph.D from Harvard. He’s ready for prime time and the Bay Area’s dining scene is ready for him.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bleidorn is opening with a preview eight-course, $135 tasting menu. Soon, that will expand to 12-13 courses for $168 plus à la carte options. The à la carte dishes will be configured differently and there will be little to no overlap (unlike at another newcomer trying the same thing, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/127083/pop-up-to-permanent-sorrel-hits-prime-time-with-a-full-time-presidio-heights-home\">Sorrel\u003c/a>). As Bleidorn told us, tasting menu dishes are smaller and need to be “impactful” and “the first sip [or] the first bite needs to resonate.” À la carte dishes have to be stretched out more and not go for an immediate “punch.” \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So, we’ll have to wait a little longer to find out what those à la carte dishes look like. For now, though, we definitely have a good sense of his cooking style that shows subtle influences from his prior stints at those aforementioned influential kitchens but really has its own distinct, gentle voice. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bleidorn currently leads off with a series of snacks that definitely give that impactful punch in one-to-two bites. First comes a ceviche-like edible still-life of tiny Pacific scallop from Washington state with its own salted liver, nestled into a glass dish with apricot vinegar, Douglas fir oil and ice plant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://youtu.be/1GnkB7ecwS4\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128352\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new.jpg\" alt=\"Pacific scallops, salted liver, apricot vinegar, ice plant\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128352\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pacific scallops, salted liver, apricot vinegar, ice plant \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Then diners move onto what is sure to be a menu staple for it elegantly abstract take on a pub grub classic: fish and chips. There are no mushy peas here nor is there greasy batter-fried fish. Instead, imagine if Jiro the celebrated Tokyo sushi chef did a pop-up in Dublin. A glistening slab of halibut is served atop a puffy pomme soufflé (similar to the gol guppa street snacks of India) with tartar sauce. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128350\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new.jpg\" alt=\"Fish & chips\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128350\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fish & chips \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>More and more tasting menu destinations are becoming fans of taking a common central ingredient and presenting several diminutive bites that show that ingredient in completely different versions. Matthew Kammerer, another former Saison chef and now Executive Chef at the spectacular Harbor House Inn in Elk (Mendocino County) takes this to another level by providing preview canapés made of the meal’s featured produce before diners even officially start the meal. Bleidorn doesn’t quite go that far but he does serve a trio of creek-raised trout tastes served simultaneously.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128347\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new.jpg\" alt=\"A trio of creek-raised trout tastes served simultaneously.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128347\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A trio of creek-raised trout tastes served simultaneously. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Cured trout is warmed and smoked in cedar, and hidden in a cedar package for serving at the table with a Douglas fir branch flourish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128349\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new.jpg\" alt=\"Creek raised trout - cured, smoked, and warmed in cedar\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128349\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Creek raised trout - cured, smoked, and warmed in cedar \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Trout roe comes as a sandwich with a mayonnaise-like creation accented by sour grasses and horseradish. What’s the bread for this two-bite spicy-briny flavor rush? You got it — crispy trout skin.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://youtu.be/TGEwhg1I6-c\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128332\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new.jpg\" alt=\"Creek raised trout - sandwich\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128332\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Creek raised trout - sandwich \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The trout treats trio concludes with an ensemble of belly meat scraped off the bones, a custard then made from the dried trout bones, and salted mustard leaves and stems. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128334\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new.jpg\" alt=\"Creek raised trout - custard\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128334\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Creek raised trout - custard \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Is that enough trout for you? We haven’t seen the eyes, tail or cheeks used yet, but we’re not doubting that those are on the horizon to fully utilize the fish as is so central to Birdsong’s mission. Chef de cuisine Brian Limoges (previously at Quince and Atelier Crenn) showed us how to cut into one of the large trout they had just received and admitted that they’re still figuring out a way to use the fish’s guts. Hey, maybe it will turn out to be a delicacy and be an aquatic version of sweetbreads?\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128342\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new.jpg\" alt=\"Chef de cuisine Brian Limoges prepping a large trout\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128342\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chef de cuisine Brian Limoges prepping a large trout \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The water motif continues in the next course with Washington state geoduck clams joined by lardo, celery and smoked potatoes in a bowl, then tied together by a complex clam and buttermilk whey broth poured tableside. If this sounds like an abstract San Juan Islands clam chowder, you’re not imagining things. Bleidorn is from Hingham, Massachusetts (along the Atlantic between Boston and Plymouth) and this dish is obviously a nod to his home state. And, if you’re wondering, yes he is still a passionate fan of the Red Sox and Patriots — Boston teams and a love of chowdah never leave New England natives even when they’re on the West Coast. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128310\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new.jpg\" alt=\"Giant clam, buttermilk whey, pork fat\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128310\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Giant clam, buttermilk whey, pork fat \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Cedar, halibut, geoduck clams...are you sensing a theme? It probably doesn’t occur to you at first because Bleidorn doesn’t hit diners over the head with a relentless focus on the Alaska-Oregon-Washington-British Columbia theme. Much of the pre-opening press has centered on Birdsong being a “Pacific Northwest” restaurant, which is semi-correct and semi-incorrect. The Bay Area has only seen one Pacific Northwest cuisine in recent memory, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/food/eatup/article/Cafe-Eugene-puts-Pacific-Northwest-on-the-menu-7257818.php\">Café Eugene\u003c/a> in Albany. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It lasted two years and never really found its stride being “Pacific Northwest” focused. Though we see New England, Southern, Texan and New York-inspired restaurants open all the time, Bay Area diners seemed puzzled by a Pacific Northwest concept in the East Bay — despite the fact that some of the best restaurants and raw ingredients in the country can be found in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and across that rain and forest-filled region.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bleidorn didn’t choose the Pacific Northwest for the sake of being different or because he absolutely loves watching “Portlandia” or climbing Mount Rainier. He didn’t do a lot of on-the-ground research other than a few days of tasting around Alaska. To him, the region is “The New England of the West Coast” in terms of an unwavering respect for seasonal ingredients (we’re pretty sure that’s the definition of Californian cuisine, right?) and a magnificent terrain composed of breathtaking mountains, streams, oceans and forests. After all, both regions have a Portland. We could go on all day about geoduck clams and Ipswich clams; Bend and Sugarloaf; Seahawks and Patriots; Mount Rainier and Mount Washington; Alaskan halibut and Maine lobster; and whether these comparisons are truly similar or different. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What Bleindorn really means by their similarity, beyond being northern corners of the country, is that both have a strong sense of place and they do indeed have a lot of shared natural traits. Both areas can be considered the New World equivalent of Scandinavia — austere in winter, magnificent in summer, but always home to a dramatic natural ecosystem that leans heavily towards the sea and mist-filled forests. So, Wisconsin doesn’t fit here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We shouldn’t feel compelled to put strict labels on any talented chef’s cuisine but the best way to think of what Bleidorn is doing is “West Coast” because we are in California, after all, and something like “rustic, nature-minded and advanced technique” because you can see the high-level methods that Alinea and Benu might incorporate into plates but there’s also a low and slow, whole animal and produce mindset that is a trend stemming from a range of concepts from Chez Panisse to Texas BBQ to New England clambakes. Outside of Saison and now, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/126767/avery-opens-on-fillmore-as-sfs-next-elaborate-tasting-menu-destination\">Avery\u003c/a>, we haven’t seen much of that rugged “rustic and nature-minded” mentality creep into the intricate tasting menu sphere. Add Birdsong to that burgeoning group.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Birdsong uses big “once upon a time” buzzwords like “ancient cooking” and “heritage cooking” to describe this not very describable cuisine. Those terms make Birdsong sound like the restaurant is cooking wooly mammoth over driftwood with a backdrop of enormous glaciers. The most apt description comes from a quote by nature writer Michael Frome that Bleidorn likes to refer to: “Each succeeding generation accepts less and less of the real thing because it has no way of understanding what has been lost.” This is true in the history of food and across the board for society whether you want to rail about dating apps, smart phones, Teslas, chain stores, and pretty much everything Silicon Valley is trying to disrupt in every cultural space. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For Bleidorn, the key is “to slow down the watered down approach” that has crept into the kitchen and much of life. But, he’ll also point out that it’s not the fault of chefs — this is how society evolves. It’s just that evolution can strip away the in-depth flavor of fantastic ingredients provided without touch by nature centuries ago. He’s correct about that. It’s virtually impossible to recapture that but it’s possible to take away some of that evolution and gimmicky technology.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://youtu.be/wtyul09ulfw\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Look at the vast, shimmering open kitchen (too open in Bleidorn’s opinion but that can’t be changed with the space’s design) of Birdsong and diners will see that this dining experience really is all about a pristine, transparent style of cooking that keeps modernism outside on Mission Street. The Chef-Partner and his determined crew of chefs strive for a powerful tasting menu without relying on the tech-enhanced wow factor of foams, gels and basically anything that El Bulli or Nathan Myhrvold’s Modernist Cuisine would preach. There is the same punch after punch across the tasting menu but in a more soft-spoken, birds chirping manner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128308\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new.jpg\" alt=\"Stuffing morel mushrooms\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2880\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128308\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new-160x240.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new-1020x1530.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new-1180x1770.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new-960x1440.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new-240x360.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new-375x563.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new-520x780.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Stuffing morel mushrooms \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The next dish incorporates a Pacific Northwest staple, morel mushrooms, and stuffs them with spring lamb, then teams the morels with a sauce made of alliums and charcoal that is partially “ancient” campfire and partially Soul Cycle. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128344\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new.jpg\" alt=\"Morel mushroom, Sonoma lamb, green almonds, allium charcoal sauce\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128344\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Morel mushroom, Sonoma lamb, green almonds, allium charcoal sauce \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Bleidorn’s final savory course in the preview menu centers on wild boar two-ways. One comes with grilled brassicas, grains, dried fruit and cultured broth. The other is BBQ-inspired with elderberries (another very Pacific Northwest ingredient), ramps and pine needle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As much as we’ve harped on the streams and oceans influencing Birdsong — if you just looked at the downstairs meat locker next to the restaurant’s two below ground private dining rooms, you would think that this is a carnivore’s paradise à la Alfred’s or House of Prime Rib. Bleidorn is fanatical about sourcing whole, grass-fed animals and actually prefers older, leaner ones — the opposite of most chefs. He could talk all day about the buffalo, lamb, mutton and duck hanging in the chilly room. It’s a fascinating philosophy for a meat program and equally interesting to look at. Let’s just say you know a restaurant cares about its glassed-in meat room when there are custom teal tiles in it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128398\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new.jpg\" alt=\"Chef Chris Bleidorn talks about the various cuts of meat in the glassed-in meat cooler.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128398\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chef Chris Bleidorn talks about the various cuts of meat in the glassed-in meat cooler. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Dessert presently is caramelized bread custard with jasmine and toasted milk. Make sure to keep an eye on this finale and the desserts in the future at Birdsong because Bleidorn wasn’t just a sous chef star on the savory side. Indeed, after graduating from Johnson and Whales, the esteemed culinary institution in Rhode Island, he spent five years as a sous chef at Nine-Ten in La Jolla (a rare example of a great restaurant in a seaside resort in a touristy town) and served as a chef de partie for the vaunted Alinea in Chicago. But then from 2010-2013, Bleidorn was the pastry chef for Corey Lee at Benu. Afterwards, he swapped pastries for savory again as Atelier Crenn’s Chef de Cuisine and then as a chef at Saison.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It was at Benu where Bleidorn met Aarti Shetty, a UC Berkeley Haas School of Business graduate and former healthcare industry analyst who pulled a career 180 and shifted gears to become Director of Operations for Corey Lee’s restaurants (Benu, In Situ, Monsieur Benjamin). She is a Partner for Birdsong...and also Bleidorn’s life partner. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The management team also includes Bianca Ishikawa (Gary Danko) as Service Manager and Freddy Foot (also from Gary Danko) as Head Sommelier. While the food definitely has a little-to-medium amount of the Pacific Northwest theme going on, the region’s voice is really emphasized by Foot’s beverage list. Oregon’s highly regarded Crux and Pelican breweries are part of the beers on tap. Several Willamette Valley, Oregon wineries (Stoller, J Christopher, etc…) and Columbia Valley, Washington labels (Januik, Gramercy) appear on the by-the-glass and bottle lists. Without question, this is the most Oregon-Washington wine friendly program in the city, but that’s also not saying much because there really isn’t any competition. Take this as a great opportunity to study a completely different terroir and style of wine than you’ll find in California. Oregon Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and Washington Cabernet Sauvignon, for example, are nothing like their counterparts in Sonoma and Napa respectively. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Birdsong’s design by the Los Angeles and Washington D.C.-based SAINT firm is meant to feel homey and does indeed have the sought-after “hygge” (a snug, comforting feeling) feel of Scandinavia. However, it also is one heck of an elaborate, fairy tale living room and kitchen, just like how Bar Crenn is supposedly “a living room” but not like any real living room you’ve been to in San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128325\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new.jpg\" alt=\"Birdsong upstairs interior\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128325\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Birdsong upstairs interior \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>With tall ceilings and lots of windows, the space has a free, airy feel and no shortage of sunlight. A stack of wood by the front window allows additional natural light in but blocks out the “scenery” of Mission Street outside. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128362\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new.jpg\" alt=\"The front area of Birdsong with display of glassware\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128362\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The front area of Birdsong with display of glassware \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>As you’d expect in a restaurant that looks towards the forest, wood plays a huge part everywhere. Table tops are made of ash and floors come courtesy of Douglas firs. A 10-seat chef’s counter has jagged ends to its expansive wooden block and exposed bark that make the table look as if wind and rain shaped it. Not only is it the most visually intriguing table in the house, it’s also the best seat in the house, looking straight into the kitchen like you might at a sushi bar. That open kitchen and its hearth are indeed the room’s focal point, designed by industry rock star Alec Bauer, who is also responsible for many of San Francisco’s most gorgeous kitchens like State Bird Provisions and Quince. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128316\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new.jpg\" alt=\"The open kitchen \" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128316\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The open kitchen \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The other seating is along a brick-exposed wall with tables placed between two long, tufted turquoise couches and stylish leather seats. All in all, the dining room can seat 34 guests. The street level space is book-ended by a pair of gorgeous design components — a salon-like sitting area by the telephone booth-evoking glass-enclosed entrance and a windy staircase to the private dining areas (and the meat) in the rear.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128305\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new.jpg\" alt=\"Staircase to downstairs dining area, exposed meat cooler and kitchen\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128305\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Staircase to downstairs dining area, exposed meat cooler and kitchen \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128301\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new.jpg\" alt=\"Downstairs dining area\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128301\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Downstairs dining area \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128365\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1.jpg\" alt=\"The downstairs kitchen\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128365\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The downstairs kitchen \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Let’s also give a big shout out to the details in the design, like the handsome plateware that is the result of a collaboration between Bleidorn and a Korean ceramics maker who specializes in ancient pottery. The plates and glassware are seriously beautiful creations. Also, don’t miss the bubble lamps dangling from the ceiling that provide diners with limited lighting and elevate the romance factor significantly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128409\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new.jpg\" alt=\"Glassware on display at Birdsong.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128409\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Glassware on display at Birdsong. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Finally, let’s talk about “the tempo” in this song. Things are indeed fast and furious in this neighborhood and the whole topic of SoMa/Mid-Market restaurants is definitely the elephant in the room. Birdsong’s predecessor in the space was AQ, a universally applauded casual yet high-end restaurant that closed unexpectedly at the beginning of 2017. AQ was a pretty profound concept, changing its menu and décor in tune with the changing seasons quarterly. It really took “seasonal cooking” more seriously than practically any other restaurant in the country. Seasons were a literal theme. It worked in the early years and was a sign that things were changing in a neighborhood better known for homeless and drugs. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you spend much time in San Francisco, you’re aware how clearly that latter duo hasn’t changed much, even if politicians want you to think they have. Less than two years ago, AQ’s owners had three restaurants in this area (Fenix was two doors away from AQ and Bon Marché was in the Twitter Building). All three closed despite positive critical responses and general public reviews. Other promising restaurants like Oro, Volta and Cadence (this writer liked it, at least) closed shortly after opening during the same 2015-2016 time frame. AQ pointed to rising costs and customers unwilling to pay them as the reason the restaurant closed. It’s hard to imagine the neighborhood didn’t play a part in at least some, if not all of these closures. Even former Mayor Willie Brown wrote about how a homeless person harassed him outside AQ prior to a dinner there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But, alas, times change. The building boom in this area is hard not to notice. Birdsong has some great daytime next door neighbors with The Board (sandwiches/breakfast) and Saint Frank Coffee. Things are looking up in the neighborhood and Birdsong’s arrival will hopefully continue this new trend of optimism. You can hear the birds chirping on Mission Street.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128330\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new.jpg\" alt=\"Birdsong exterior\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128330\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Birdsong exterior \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.birdsongsf.com/\">\u003cstrong>Birdsong\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Birdsong/@37.7793932,-122.4125847,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x808580837c6f0b4f:0x8b8b97cdd11ec11c!8m2!3d37.779389!4d-122.410396\">1085 Mission Street\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSan Francisco, CA 94103\u003cbr>\nPh: (415) 369-9161\u003cbr>\nHours: Dinner Tuesday-Thursday, 5pm-8:30pm; Friday-Saturday, 5pm-9:30pm\u003cbr>\nFacebook: \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/Birdsong-SF-367695363752308/\">Birdsong\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nInstagram: \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/birdsong_sf/?hl=en\">@Birdsong_sf\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nPrice Range: $$$$\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"excerpt": "Husband-and-wife couple Chris Bleidorn and Aarti Shetty make their ambitious debut as restaurant owners — with hints of the serene Pacific Northwest — in a stunning SoMa dining room at Birdsong.",
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"description": "Husband-and-wife couple Chris Bleidorn and Aarti Shetty make their ambitious debut as restaurant owners — with hints of the serene Pacific Northwest — in a stunning SoMa dining room at Birdsong.",
"title": "Birdsong Provides a Fine Dining High Note for SoMa | KQED",
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"headline": "Birdsong Provides a Fine Dining High Note for SoMa",
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"nprByline": "\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/trevorfelch\">Trevor Felch\u003c/a> (writer), \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/wendy-goodfriend\">Wendy Goodfriend\u003c/a> (photos/video)",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Husband-and-wife couple Chris Bleidorn and Aarti Shetty make their ambitious debut as restaurant owners — with hints of the serene Pacific Northwest — in a stunning SoMa dining room at Birdsong\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Like the structure of a great song, there are all sorts of compelling supporting components that let the journey ebb and flow then crescendo towards the all-important main chorus at SoMa’s high-end seasonal California meets Pacific Northwest newcomer, Birdsong.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The menu (the lyrics) is somewhat inspired by our neighbors to the north along the Pacific Coast, somewhat inspired by our local terroir, and heavily inspired by the chef’s highly impressive World’s 50 Best and Michelin star-filled fine dining background.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128339\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new.jpg\" alt=\"The menu\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128339\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_1025-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The menu \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The restaurant is springing for a duel tasting menu and à la carte format (the rhythm) that can be pulled off, but sure is daunting for the kitchen to do.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The breathtakingly gorgeous space (the background harmonies) could be a living room set-up for a cover spread in a chic magazine like Monocle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128359\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new.jpg\" alt=\"The entryway to Birdsong\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128359\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6144-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The entryway to Birdsong \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128326\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new.jpg\" alt=\"Birdsong interior space with open kitchen and counter areas\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128326\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6197-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Birdsong interior space with open kitchen and counter areas \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The Mid-Market/SoMa border location at this particular place and time (the tempo) in San Francisco is pretty much front and center for everything that is being debated by this year’s mayoral candidates, and has a history of being unfriendly to friendly restaurants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And all of these storylines build towards the chorus — the heart of why Birdsong has been one of the most anticipated restaurant openings in the city for months and is here for diners to venture to Mission Street to experience firsthand. No, Birdsong isn’t about tail-to-beak whole poultry cooking, a Grateful Dead song, a mid-20th century British novel, or somebody’s deep involvement with the Audubon Society. Birdsong is a pleasant reference to the beauty of nature and how birds help ecosystems grow and stay healthy, setting a mentality for diners as they step into a restaurant that wants to slow down cooking and bring it back to its roaring fire and pristine ingredients past. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That background sets the stage for the true reason (the chorus) of why Birdsong is a pivotal restaurant for the Bay Area and national restaurant watchers to know about: it’s the solo debut of one of the (or possibly THE) most under-the-radar, ready for the bright lights chefs in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128338\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new.jpg\" alt=\"Chef Chris Bleidorn in the downstairs meat locker.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128338\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0979-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chef Chris Bleidorn in the downstairs meat locker. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Chances are you don’t know Chris Bleidorn. But it’s very likely you know a lot of the stops on his resume. Alinea. Benu. Saison. Atelier Crenn. Johnson and Wales. This isn’t meant to be a LinkedIn entry for the chef but it’s vital to mention this because Bleidorn clearly has the background to make an impact straight out of the gates with Birdsong. It’s the culinary equivalent of a B.A. at Stanford, a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford and a Ph.D from Harvard. He’s ready for prime time and the Bay Area’s dining scene is ready for him.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bleidorn is opening with a preview eight-course, $135 tasting menu. Soon, that will expand to 12-13 courses for $168 plus à la carte options. The à la carte dishes will be configured differently and there will be little to no overlap (unlike at another newcomer trying the same thing, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/127083/pop-up-to-permanent-sorrel-hits-prime-time-with-a-full-time-presidio-heights-home\">Sorrel\u003c/a>). As Bleidorn told us, tasting menu dishes are smaller and need to be “impactful” and “the first sip [or] the first bite needs to resonate.” À la carte dishes have to be stretched out more and not go for an immediate “punch.” \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So, we’ll have to wait a little longer to find out what those à la carte dishes look like. For now, though, we definitely have a good sense of his cooking style that shows subtle influences from his prior stints at those aforementioned influential kitchens but really has its own distinct, gentle voice. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bleidorn currently leads off with a series of snacks that definitely give that impactful punch in one-to-two bites. First comes a ceviche-like edible still-life of tiny Pacific scallop from Washington state with its own salted liver, nestled into a glass dish with apricot vinegar, Douglas fir oil and ice plant.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/1GnkB7ecwS4'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/1GnkB7ecwS4'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128352\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new.jpg\" alt=\"Pacific scallops, salted liver, apricot vinegar, ice plant\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128352\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0779-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pacific scallops, salted liver, apricot vinegar, ice plant \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Then diners move onto what is sure to be a menu staple for it elegantly abstract take on a pub grub classic: fish and chips. There are no mushy peas here nor is there greasy batter-fried fish. Instead, imagine if Jiro the celebrated Tokyo sushi chef did a pop-up in Dublin. A glistening slab of halibut is served atop a puffy pomme soufflé (similar to the gol guppa street snacks of India) with tartar sauce. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128350\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new.jpg\" alt=\"Fish & chips\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128350\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0801-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fish & chips \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>More and more tasting menu destinations are becoming fans of taking a common central ingredient and presenting several diminutive bites that show that ingredient in completely different versions. Matthew Kammerer, another former Saison chef and now Executive Chef at the spectacular Harbor House Inn in Elk (Mendocino County) takes this to another level by providing preview canapés made of the meal’s featured produce before diners even officially start the meal. Bleidorn doesn’t quite go that far but he does serve a trio of creek-raised trout tastes served simultaneously.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128347\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new.jpg\" alt=\"A trio of creek-raised trout tastes served simultaneously.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128347\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0861-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A trio of creek-raised trout tastes served simultaneously. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Cured trout is warmed and smoked in cedar, and hidden in a cedar package for serving at the table with a Douglas fir branch flourish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128349\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new.jpg\" alt=\"Creek raised trout - cured, smoked, and warmed in cedar\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128349\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0817-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Creek raised trout - cured, smoked, and warmed in cedar \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Trout roe comes as a sandwich with a mayonnaise-like creation accented by sour grasses and horseradish. What’s the bread for this two-bite spicy-briny flavor rush? You got it — crispy trout skin.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/TGEwhg1I6-c'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/TGEwhg1I6-c'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128332\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new.jpg\" alt=\"Creek raised trout - sandwich\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128332\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0807-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Creek raised trout - sandwich \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The trout treats trio concludes with an ensemble of belly meat scraped off the bones, a custard then made from the dried trout bones, and salted mustard leaves and stems. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128334\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new.jpg\" alt=\"Creek raised trout - custard\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128334\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0843-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Creek raised trout - custard \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Is that enough trout for you? We haven’t seen the eyes, tail or cheeks used yet, but we’re not doubting that those are on the horizon to fully utilize the fish as is so central to Birdsong’s mission. Chef de cuisine Brian Limoges (previously at Quince and Atelier Crenn) showed us how to cut into one of the large trout they had just received and admitted that they’re still figuring out a way to use the fish’s guts. Hey, maybe it will turn out to be a delicacy and be an aquatic version of sweetbreads?\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128342\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new.jpg\" alt=\"Chef de cuisine Brian Limoges prepping a large trout\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128342\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0988-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chef de cuisine Brian Limoges prepping a large trout \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The water motif continues in the next course with Washington state geoduck clams joined by lardo, celery and smoked potatoes in a bowl, then tied together by a complex clam and buttermilk whey broth poured tableside. If this sounds like an abstract San Juan Islands clam chowder, you’re not imagining things. Bleidorn is from Hingham, Massachusetts (along the Atlantic between Boston and Plymouth) and this dish is obviously a nod to his home state. And, if you’re wondering, yes he is still a passionate fan of the Red Sox and Patriots — Boston teams and a love of chowdah never leave New England natives even when they’re on the West Coast. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128310\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new.jpg\" alt=\"Giant clam, buttermilk whey, pork fat\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128310\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6028-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Giant clam, buttermilk whey, pork fat \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Cedar, halibut, geoduck clams...are you sensing a theme? It probably doesn’t occur to you at first because Bleidorn doesn’t hit diners over the head with a relentless focus on the Alaska-Oregon-Washington-British Columbia theme. Much of the pre-opening press has centered on Birdsong being a “Pacific Northwest” restaurant, which is semi-correct and semi-incorrect. The Bay Area has only seen one Pacific Northwest cuisine in recent memory, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/food/eatup/article/Cafe-Eugene-puts-Pacific-Northwest-on-the-menu-7257818.php\">Café Eugene\u003c/a> in Albany. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It lasted two years and never really found its stride being “Pacific Northwest” focused. Though we see New England, Southern, Texan and New York-inspired restaurants open all the time, Bay Area diners seemed puzzled by a Pacific Northwest concept in the East Bay — despite the fact that some of the best restaurants and raw ingredients in the country can be found in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and across that rain and forest-filled region.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bleidorn didn’t choose the Pacific Northwest for the sake of being different or because he absolutely loves watching “Portlandia” or climbing Mount Rainier. He didn’t do a lot of on-the-ground research other than a few days of tasting around Alaska. To him, the region is “The New England of the West Coast” in terms of an unwavering respect for seasonal ingredients (we’re pretty sure that’s the definition of Californian cuisine, right?) and a magnificent terrain composed of breathtaking mountains, streams, oceans and forests. After all, both regions have a Portland. We could go on all day about geoduck clams and Ipswich clams; Bend and Sugarloaf; Seahawks and Patriots; Mount Rainier and Mount Washington; Alaskan halibut and Maine lobster; and whether these comparisons are truly similar or different. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What Bleindorn really means by their similarity, beyond being northern corners of the country, is that both have a strong sense of place and they do indeed have a lot of shared natural traits. Both areas can be considered the New World equivalent of Scandinavia — austere in winter, magnificent in summer, but always home to a dramatic natural ecosystem that leans heavily towards the sea and mist-filled forests. So, Wisconsin doesn’t fit here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We shouldn’t feel compelled to put strict labels on any talented chef’s cuisine but the best way to think of what Bleidorn is doing is “West Coast” because we are in California, after all, and something like “rustic, nature-minded and advanced technique” because you can see the high-level methods that Alinea and Benu might incorporate into plates but there’s also a low and slow, whole animal and produce mindset that is a trend stemming from a range of concepts from Chez Panisse to Texas BBQ to New England clambakes. Outside of Saison and now, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/126767/avery-opens-on-fillmore-as-sfs-next-elaborate-tasting-menu-destination\">Avery\u003c/a>, we haven’t seen much of that rugged “rustic and nature-minded” mentality creep into the intricate tasting menu sphere. Add Birdsong to that burgeoning group.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Birdsong uses big “once upon a time” buzzwords like “ancient cooking” and “heritage cooking” to describe this not very describable cuisine. Those terms make Birdsong sound like the restaurant is cooking wooly mammoth over driftwood with a backdrop of enormous glaciers. The most apt description comes from a quote by nature writer Michael Frome that Bleidorn likes to refer to: “Each succeeding generation accepts less and less of the real thing because it has no way of understanding what has been lost.” This is true in the history of food and across the board for society whether you want to rail about dating apps, smart phones, Teslas, chain stores, and pretty much everything Silicon Valley is trying to disrupt in every cultural space. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For Bleidorn, the key is “to slow down the watered down approach” that has crept into the kitchen and much of life. But, he’ll also point out that it’s not the fault of chefs — this is how society evolves. It’s just that evolution can strip away the in-depth flavor of fantastic ingredients provided without touch by nature centuries ago. He’s correct about that. It’s virtually impossible to recapture that but it’s possible to take away some of that evolution and gimmicky technology.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/wtyul09ulfw'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/wtyul09ulfw'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>Look at the vast, shimmering open kitchen (too open in Bleidorn’s opinion but that can’t be changed with the space’s design) of Birdsong and diners will see that this dining experience really is all about a pristine, transparent style of cooking that keeps modernism outside on Mission Street. The Chef-Partner and his determined crew of chefs strive for a powerful tasting menu without relying on the tech-enhanced wow factor of foams, gels and basically anything that El Bulli or Nathan Myhrvold’s Modernist Cuisine would preach. There is the same punch after punch across the tasting menu but in a more soft-spoken, birds chirping manner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128308\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new.jpg\" alt=\"Stuffing morel mushrooms\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2880\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128308\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new-160x240.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new-1020x1530.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new-1180x1770.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new-960x1440.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new-240x360.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new-375x563.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6002-new-520x780.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Stuffing morel mushrooms \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The next dish incorporates a Pacific Northwest staple, morel mushrooms, and stuffs them with spring lamb, then teams the morels with a sauce made of alliums and charcoal that is partially “ancient” campfire and partially Soul Cycle. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128344\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new.jpg\" alt=\"Morel mushroom, Sonoma lamb, green almonds, allium charcoal sauce\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128344\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0933-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Morel mushroom, Sonoma lamb, green almonds, allium charcoal sauce \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Bleidorn’s final savory course in the preview menu centers on wild boar two-ways. One comes with grilled brassicas, grains, dried fruit and cultured broth. The other is BBQ-inspired with elderberries (another very Pacific Northwest ingredient), ramps and pine needle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As much as we’ve harped on the streams and oceans influencing Birdsong — if you just looked at the downstairs meat locker next to the restaurant’s two below ground private dining rooms, you would think that this is a carnivore’s paradise à la Alfred’s or House of Prime Rib. Bleidorn is fanatical about sourcing whole, grass-fed animals and actually prefers older, leaner ones — the opposite of most chefs. He could talk all day about the buffalo, lamb, mutton and duck hanging in the chilly room. It’s a fascinating philosophy for a meat program and equally interesting to look at. Let’s just say you know a restaurant cares about its glassed-in meat room when there are custom teal tiles in it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128398\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new.jpg\" alt=\"Chef Chris Bleidorn talks about the various cuts of meat in the glassed-in meat cooler.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128398\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0766-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chef Chris Bleidorn talks about the various cuts of meat in the glassed-in meat cooler. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Dessert presently is caramelized bread custard with jasmine and toasted milk. Make sure to keep an eye on this finale and the desserts in the future at Birdsong because Bleidorn wasn’t just a sous chef star on the savory side. Indeed, after graduating from Johnson and Whales, the esteemed culinary institution in Rhode Island, he spent five years as a sous chef at Nine-Ten in La Jolla (a rare example of a great restaurant in a seaside resort in a touristy town) and served as a chef de partie for the vaunted Alinea in Chicago. But then from 2010-2013, Bleidorn was the pastry chef for Corey Lee at Benu. Afterwards, he swapped pastries for savory again as Atelier Crenn’s Chef de Cuisine and then as a chef at Saison.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It was at Benu where Bleidorn met Aarti Shetty, a UC Berkeley Haas School of Business graduate and former healthcare industry analyst who pulled a career 180 and shifted gears to become Director of Operations for Corey Lee’s restaurants (Benu, In Situ, Monsieur Benjamin). She is a Partner for Birdsong...and also Bleidorn’s life partner. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The management team also includes Bianca Ishikawa (Gary Danko) as Service Manager and Freddy Foot (also from Gary Danko) as Head Sommelier. While the food definitely has a little-to-medium amount of the Pacific Northwest theme going on, the region’s voice is really emphasized by Foot’s beverage list. Oregon’s highly regarded Crux and Pelican breweries are part of the beers on tap. Several Willamette Valley, Oregon wineries (Stoller, J Christopher, etc…) and Columbia Valley, Washington labels (Januik, Gramercy) appear on the by-the-glass and bottle lists. Without question, this is the most Oregon-Washington wine friendly program in the city, but that’s also not saying much because there really isn’t any competition. Take this as a great opportunity to study a completely different terroir and style of wine than you’ll find in California. Oregon Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and Washington Cabernet Sauvignon, for example, are nothing like their counterparts in Sonoma and Napa respectively. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Birdsong’s design by the Los Angeles and Washington D.C.-based SAINT firm is meant to feel homey and does indeed have the sought-after “hygge” (a snug, comforting feeling) feel of Scandinavia. However, it also is one heck of an elaborate, fairy tale living room and kitchen, just like how Bar Crenn is supposedly “a living room” but not like any real living room you’ve been to in San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128325\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new.jpg\" alt=\"Birdsong upstairs interior\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128325\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6196-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Birdsong upstairs interior \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>With tall ceilings and lots of windows, the space has a free, airy feel and no shortage of sunlight. A stack of wood by the front window allows additional natural light in but blocks out the “scenery” of Mission Street outside. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128362\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new.jpg\" alt=\"The front area of Birdsong with display of glassware\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128362\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5717-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The front area of Birdsong with display of glassware \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>As you’d expect in a restaurant that looks towards the forest, wood plays a huge part everywhere. Table tops are made of ash and floors come courtesy of Douglas firs. A 10-seat chef’s counter has jagged ends to its expansive wooden block and exposed bark that make the table look as if wind and rain shaped it. Not only is it the most visually intriguing table in the house, it’s also the best seat in the house, looking straight into the kitchen like you might at a sushi bar. That open kitchen and its hearth are indeed the room’s focal point, designed by industry rock star Alec Bauer, who is also responsible for many of San Francisco’s most gorgeous kitchens like State Bird Provisions and Quince. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128316\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new.jpg\" alt=\"The open kitchen \" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128316\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6106-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The open kitchen \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The other seating is along a brick-exposed wall with tables placed between two long, tufted turquoise couches and stylish leather seats. All in all, the dining room can seat 34 guests. The street level space is book-ended by a pair of gorgeous design components — a salon-like sitting area by the telephone booth-evoking glass-enclosed entrance and a windy staircase to the private dining areas (and the meat) in the rear.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128305\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new.jpg\" alt=\"Staircase to downstairs dining area, exposed meat cooler and kitchen\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128305\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5954-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Staircase to downstairs dining area, exposed meat cooler and kitchen \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128301\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new.jpg\" alt=\"Downstairs dining area\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128301\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5906-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Downstairs dining area \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128365\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1.jpg\" alt=\"The downstairs kitchen\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128365\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_5919-new-1-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The downstairs kitchen \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Let’s also give a big shout out to the details in the design, like the handsome plateware that is the result of a collaboration between Bleidorn and a Korean ceramics maker who specializes in ancient pottery. The plates and glassware are seriously beautiful creations. Also, don’t miss the bubble lamps dangling from the ceiling that provide diners with limited lighting and elevate the romance factor significantly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128409\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new.jpg\" alt=\"Glassware on display at Birdsong.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128409\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_6093-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Glassware on display at Birdsong. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Finally, let’s talk about “the tempo” in this song. Things are indeed fast and furious in this neighborhood and the whole topic of SoMa/Mid-Market restaurants is definitely the elephant in the room. Birdsong’s predecessor in the space was AQ, a universally applauded casual yet high-end restaurant that closed unexpectedly at the beginning of 2017. AQ was a pretty profound concept, changing its menu and décor in tune with the changing seasons quarterly. It really took “seasonal cooking” more seriously than practically any other restaurant in the country. Seasons were a literal theme. It worked in the early years and was a sign that things were changing in a neighborhood better known for homeless and drugs. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you spend much time in San Francisco, you’re aware how clearly that latter duo hasn’t changed much, even if politicians want you to think they have. Less than two years ago, AQ’s owners had three restaurants in this area (Fenix was two doors away from AQ and Bon Marché was in the Twitter Building). All three closed despite positive critical responses and general public reviews. Other promising restaurants like Oro, Volta and Cadence (this writer liked it, at least) closed shortly after opening during the same 2015-2016 time frame. AQ pointed to rising costs and customers unwilling to pay them as the reason the restaurant closed. It’s hard to imagine the neighborhood didn’t play a part in at least some, if not all of these closures. Even former Mayor Willie Brown wrote about how a homeless person harassed him outside AQ prior to a dinner there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But, alas, times change. The building boom in this area is hard not to notice. Birdsong has some great daytime next door neighbors with The Board (sandwiches/breakfast) and Saint Frank Coffee. Things are looking up in the neighborhood and Birdsong’s arrival will hopefully continue this new trend of optimism. You can hear the birds chirping on Mission Street.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128330\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new.jpg\" alt=\"Birdsong exterior\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128330\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0728-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Birdsong exterior \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.birdsongsf.com/\">\u003cstrong>Birdsong\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Birdsong/@37.7793932,-122.4125847,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x808580837c6f0b4f:0x8b8b97cdd11ec11c!8m2!3d37.779389!4d-122.410396\">1085 Mission Street\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSan Francisco, CA 94103\u003cbr>\nPh: (415) 369-9161\u003cbr>\nHours: Dinner Tuesday-Thursday, 5pm-8:30pm; Friday-Saturday, 5pm-9:30pm\u003cbr>\nFacebook: \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/Birdsong-SF-367695363752308/\">Birdsong\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nInstagram: \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/birdsong_sf/?hl=en\">@Birdsong_sf\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nPrice Range: $$$$\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"disqusTitle": "Table Talk: SF Summer Means BBQ and the Borsch Mobile",
"title": "Table Talk: SF Summer Means BBQ and the Borsch Mobile",
"headTitle": "KQED’s Table Talk | Bay Area Bites | KQED Food",
"content": "\u003cp>This week, let’s visit the Borsch Mobile (beef tongue sandwich lovers, take note!), and you’ll want to mark your calendar for CUESA’s 25th Birthday Bash, plus a dumpling party at Dumpling Time, summer BBQs at the Four Seasons, and there’s a new North Beach farmers’ market on Saturdays.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128279\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new.jpg\" alt=\"The beef tongue sandwich from the Borsch Mobile is a tasty one (and rather tidy too—look at that construction!).\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128279\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The beef tongue sandwich from the Borsch Mobile is a tasty one (and rather tidy too—look at that construction!). \u003ccite>(tablehopper.com)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>There’s Much More Than Borsch on the Borsch Mobile\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Rotating locations, \u003ca href=\"http://borschmobile.com/locations/\">schedule\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are all kinds of creative food trucks out there, but one that is definitely sporting a unique concept is the \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://borschmobile.com/\">Borsch Mobile\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>, a food truck that serves Russian, pan-Soviet, and Ukrainian dishes that are so homey and delicious, and made with a deft hand. Actually, make that plural, deft hands: Kirill Deninzon and Igor Teplitsky are behind dishes like a namesake vegetarian borsch (loaded with flavor and spices), and you’ll want to order a side of their salo with it, which is like Ukrainian lardo, a thin slice of salted pork fatback (they use Iberico pig) on rye with a little swipe of mustard. It’s the perfect dinner on a foggy SF summer night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128278\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new.jpg\" alt=\"Meet the cooks behind the Borsch Mobile: Kirill Deninzon and Igor Teplitsky.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128278\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Meet the cooks behind the Borsch Mobile: Kirill Deninzon and Igor Teplitsky. \u003ccite>(tablehopper.com)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Their beef stroganoff, with tender pieces of beef, is unlike the heavy versions you may have stuck in your memory, and the base of kasha (buckwheat) adds a pleasing note of earthy sweetness. You’ll also find tender chicken blinchiki (blintzes with delicate ground chicken inside), creamy Siberian pelmeni, and their popular beef tongue sandwich, which comes thinly sliced and served with balsamic-reduced onions, Campari tomatoes, arugula, and a garlic and sriracha aioli they make, all on a torta roll. (You can see they’re not bound by tradition and are having fun making dishes that have traditional roots, but also offer their own local spin too.) Everything has a nice note of freshness, hominess, and I’m looking forward to trying their hearty solyanka soup next. You’ll also get pickles and a light slaw on the side with many dishes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128280\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new.jpg\" alt=\"The eye-catching vintage design of the Borsch Mobile. \" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The eye-catching vintage design of the Borsch Mobile. \u003ccite>(tablehopper.com)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Fortunately, you can find the Borsch Mobile all over the Bay Area, from San Carlos to Serramonte to Off the Grid locations in SF—check the weekly changing \u003ca href=\"http://borschmobile.com/locations/\">schedule\u003c/a>. Partner Anna Flider runs a tight ship, and keeps all their social accounts (\u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/borschmobile/\">Facebook\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/borschmobile/\">Instagram\u003c/a>) updated with the truck appearances, so you can plan ahead. You also can’t miss it: a Russian artist known for his pin-ups, \u003ca href=\"https://barykin-pin-up.ru/\">Valerii Barykin\u003c/a>, designed the truck’s vintage artwork, which has Soviet propaganda and advertising woven into its eye-catching look. Smačnoho! (Ukrainian for “bon appétit!”)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128282\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new.jpg\" alt=\"The new Wagyu gyoza to celebrate Dumpling Time’s first birthday.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1043\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128282\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new-160x87.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new-800x435.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new-768x417.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new-1020x554.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new-1200x652.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new-1180x641.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new-960x522.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new-240x130.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new-375x204.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new-520x282.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The new Wagyu gyoza to celebrate Dumpling Time’s first birthday. \u003ccite>(Michael Ogata)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Dumpling Time Turns One=Dumpling Party!\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Dumpling Time\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/8fGtQXmcTLy\">11 Division St., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nWednesday, May 30, 4pm–6pm\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dumpling-time-is-turning-one-tickets-45657520874\">Tickets\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dumpling fanatics won’t want to miss this one-year anniversary party and fundraiser at \u003ca href=\"http://www.dumplingtimesf.com/\">\u003cstrong>Dumpling Time\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> in SoMa/Showplace Square. The party will feature multiple dumpling stations with many of their favorites (shrimp toast, char-siu bao, and xiao long bao), and chef Edgar Agbayani is unveiling two new creations: Wagyu gyoza and lamb Xi'an dumplings, with a touch of five spice and cumin, inspired by co-founder Kash Feng’s mom. Best of all, a percentage of proceeds will go to \u003ca href=\"https://ellipsespr.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e3407bbc4fa31c5026345b059&id=29f89cade2&e=0f4285d369\">On Lok\u003c/a>, a family of community-based, non-profit organizations whose mission is to enable seniors to maintain quality of life. Ticket price ($35) includes dumpling stations, dessert baos, and a beverage. Additional beverages can be purchased onsite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128281\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1500px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts.jpg\" alt=\"Get ready to celebrate CUESA’s 25th birthday!\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128281\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts.jpg 1500w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Get ready to celebrate CUESA’s 25th birthday! \u003ccite>(Amanda Lynn Photography)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>CUESA’s 25th Birthday Bash\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/WoZnw9TDY4F2\">Ferry Building Marketplace, San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSunday, June 10, 6pm–9pm\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"http://www.cuesa25birthdaybash.eventbrite.com/\">Tickets\u003c/a>: General admission (6:30pm): $140; VIP early access (6pm): $165. Use code “cuesa25tablehopper\" for 15% off.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Can you believe that \u003cstrong>CUESA\u003c/strong> (Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture) is turning 25? As a reminder, CUESA manages the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market and now the Mission Community Market in San Francisco, as well as the Jack London Square Farmers Market in Oakland, and runs many educational programs too. What a milestone!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://cuesa.org/event/2018/cuesas-25th-birthday-bash\">CUESA’s 25th Birthday Bash\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> is going to feature an incredible gathering of 40 top restaurants, who of course will be using the best seasonal produce in their dishes, with over 20 bars and wineries. It’s going to be a walk-around tasting, with bites from hot restaurants like Che Fico, Bellota, and The Morris, and favorites like Nopa, A16, and Cosecha. There will also be live music, a silent auction, and more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128283\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new.jpg\" alt=\"The new North Beach farmers’ market on Saturdays. \" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128283\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The new North Beach farmers’ market on Saturdays. \u003ccite>(Chelsey Frank)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>New Farmers Market in North Beach\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Piazza Pellegrini\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/PGBrW9EECXq\">699 Columbus Ave., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSaturdays, 9am–1pm (through December 1)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>North Beach residents will be happy to learn they have a new weekly farmers’ market on Saturdays in the parking lot of Piazza Pellegrini, thanks to \u003ca href=\"http://northbeachneighbors.org/\">North Beach Neighbors\u003c/a> (a neighborhood association) and Piazza Pellegrini. It’s no replacement for the big one at the Ferry Building (nothing is), but you can expect to find vendors like \u003ca href=\"http://www.swantonberryfarm.com/\">Swanton Berry Farm\u003c/a> (perfect for strawberry season, happening right now!) \u003ca href=\"https://uppercrustbaking.com/\">Upper Crust Baking Company\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"http://www.tolumafarms.com/creamery.html\">Tomales Farmstead Creamery\u003c/a>, and pasture-raised eggs and meats from \u003ca href=\"http://pasture42.com/\">Pasture 42\u003c/a>. Best of all, you can swing by for an espresso at Piazza Pellegrini before the market, or an Aperol Spritz after!\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128284\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1313px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302.jpg\" alt=\"Tuesday evenings will be all about BBQ this summer at the Four Seasons\" width=\"1313\" height=\"1050\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128284\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302.jpg 1313w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302-160x128.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302-800x640.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302-768x614.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302-1020x816.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302-1200x960.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302-1180x944.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302-960x768.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302-240x192.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302-375x300.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302-520x416.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1313px) 100vw, 1313px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tuesday evenings will be all about BBQ this summer at the Four Seasons \u003ccite>(courtesy Four Seasons)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Grill & Chill: Summer SoMa BBQ\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/X15h2Ai6vYH2\">757 Market St., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nJune 5, July 17, and August 14; 5pm–8pm\u003cbr>\nTickets are $90 per person, plus tax and Eventbrite fees\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grill-chill-summer-soma-bbq-tickets-45034009936\">June 5\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grill-chill-summer-soma-bbq-tickets-46179035739\">July 17\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grill-chill-summer-soma-bbq-tickets-46179054796\">August 14\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Tuesday evenings just got a little smokier in SoMa. On Tuesday June 5, July 17, and August 14, the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco is hosting three \u003cstrong>summer outdoor BBQs\u003c/strong> on its Veranda Terrace, overlooking Yerba Buena Gardens and SoMa. It’s going to be quite the spread, with a buffet of meats (beer-steamed bratwurst, Flannery beef burgers, whole split chicken with lemon and thyme), plus grilled oysters, corn on the cob, summer salads (like tomato and assorted melon panzanella salad, Greek salad, and compressed watermelon with mint and feta cheese), and then there’s an open beer, bubbles, and rosé bar, and an ice cream bar. That’s what you call a spread! You can also add on cocktails at the cash bar. Sounds like the perfect after-work feast.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>This week, let’s visit the Borsch Mobile (beef tongue sandwich lovers, take note!), and you’ll want to mark your calendar for CUESA’s 25th Birthday Bash, plus a dumpling party at Dumpling Time, summer BBQs at the Four Seasons, and there’s a new North Beach farmers’ market on Saturdays.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128279\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new.jpg\" alt=\"The beef tongue sandwich from the Borsch Mobile is a tasty one (and rather tidy too—look at that construction!).\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128279\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-tongue-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The beef tongue sandwich from the Borsch Mobile is a tasty one (and rather tidy too—look at that construction!). \u003ccite>(tablehopper.com)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>There’s Much More Than Borsch on the Borsch Mobile\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Rotating locations, \u003ca href=\"http://borschmobile.com/locations/\">schedule\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are all kinds of creative food trucks out there, but one that is definitely sporting a unique concept is the \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://borschmobile.com/\">Borsch Mobile\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>, a food truck that serves Russian, pan-Soviet, and Ukrainian dishes that are so homey and delicious, and made with a deft hand. Actually, make that plural, deft hands: Kirill Deninzon and Igor Teplitsky are behind dishes like a namesake vegetarian borsch (loaded with flavor and spices), and you’ll want to order a side of their salo with it, which is like Ukrainian lardo, a thin slice of salted pork fatback (they use Iberico pig) on rye with a little swipe of mustard. It’s the perfect dinner on a foggy SF summer night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128278\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new.jpg\" alt=\"Meet the cooks behind the Borsch Mobile: Kirill Deninzon and Igor Teplitsky.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128278\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-cooks-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Meet the cooks behind the Borsch Mobile: Kirill Deninzon and Igor Teplitsky. \u003ccite>(tablehopper.com)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Their beef stroganoff, with tender pieces of beef, is unlike the heavy versions you may have stuck in your memory, and the base of kasha (buckwheat) adds a pleasing note of earthy sweetness. You’ll also find tender chicken blinchiki (blintzes with delicate ground chicken inside), creamy Siberian pelmeni, and their popular beef tongue sandwich, which comes thinly sliced and served with balsamic-reduced onions, Campari tomatoes, arugula, and a garlic and sriracha aioli they make, all on a torta roll. (You can see they’re not bound by tradition and are having fun making dishes that have traditional roots, but also offer their own local spin too.) Everything has a nice note of freshness, hominess, and I’m looking forward to trying their hearty solyanka soup next. You’ll also get pickles and a light slaw on the side with many dishes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128280\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new.jpg\" alt=\"The eye-catching vintage design of the Borsch Mobile. \" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/borsch-truck-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The eye-catching vintage design of the Borsch Mobile. \u003ccite>(tablehopper.com)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Fortunately, you can find the Borsch Mobile all over the Bay Area, from San Carlos to Serramonte to Off the Grid locations in SF—check the weekly changing \u003ca href=\"http://borschmobile.com/locations/\">schedule\u003c/a>. Partner Anna Flider runs a tight ship, and keeps all their social accounts (\u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/borschmobile/\">Facebook\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/borschmobile/\">Instagram\u003c/a>) updated with the truck appearances, so you can plan ahead. You also can’t miss it: a Russian artist known for his pin-ups, \u003ca href=\"https://barykin-pin-up.ru/\">Valerii Barykin\u003c/a>, designed the truck’s vintage artwork, which has Soviet propaganda and advertising woven into its eye-catching look. Smačnoho! (Ukrainian for “bon appétit!”)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128282\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new.jpg\" alt=\"The new Wagyu gyoza to celebrate Dumpling Time’s first birthday.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1043\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128282\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new-160x87.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new-800x435.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new-768x417.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new-1020x554.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new-1200x652.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new-1180x641.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new-960x522.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new-240x130.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new-375x204.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/DumplingTime_Gyozawithgarnish_creditMichaelOgata-new-520x282.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The new Wagyu gyoza to celebrate Dumpling Time’s first birthday. \u003ccite>(Michael Ogata)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Dumpling Time Turns One=Dumpling Party!\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Dumpling Time\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/8fGtQXmcTLy\">11 Division St., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nWednesday, May 30, 4pm–6pm\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dumpling-time-is-turning-one-tickets-45657520874\">Tickets\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dumpling fanatics won’t want to miss this one-year anniversary party and fundraiser at \u003ca href=\"http://www.dumplingtimesf.com/\">\u003cstrong>Dumpling Time\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> in SoMa/Showplace Square. The party will feature multiple dumpling stations with many of their favorites (shrimp toast, char-siu bao, and xiao long bao), and chef Edgar Agbayani is unveiling two new creations: Wagyu gyoza and lamb Xi'an dumplings, with a touch of five spice and cumin, inspired by co-founder Kash Feng’s mom. Best of all, a percentage of proceeds will go to \u003ca href=\"https://ellipsespr.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e3407bbc4fa31c5026345b059&id=29f89cade2&e=0f4285d369\">On Lok\u003c/a>, a family of community-based, non-profit organizations whose mission is to enable seniors to maintain quality of life. Ticket price ($35) includes dumpling stations, dessert baos, and a beverage. Additional beverages can be purchased onsite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128281\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1500px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts.jpg\" alt=\"Get ready to celebrate CUESA’s 25th birthday!\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128281\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts.jpg 1500w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/cuesa25_birthday_bash_sprouts-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Get ready to celebrate CUESA’s 25th birthday! \u003ccite>(Amanda Lynn Photography)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>CUESA’s 25th Birthday Bash\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/WoZnw9TDY4F2\">Ferry Building Marketplace, San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSunday, June 10, 6pm–9pm\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"http://www.cuesa25birthdaybash.eventbrite.com/\">Tickets\u003c/a>: General admission (6:30pm): $140; VIP early access (6pm): $165. Use code “cuesa25tablehopper\" for 15% off.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Can you believe that \u003cstrong>CUESA\u003c/strong> (Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture) is turning 25? As a reminder, CUESA manages the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market and now the Mission Community Market in San Francisco, as well as the Jack London Square Farmers Market in Oakland, and runs many educational programs too. What a milestone!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://cuesa.org/event/2018/cuesas-25th-birthday-bash\">CUESA’s 25th Birthday Bash\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> is going to feature an incredible gathering of 40 top restaurants, who of course will be using the best seasonal produce in their dishes, with over 20 bars and wineries. It’s going to be a walk-around tasting, with bites from hot restaurants like Che Fico, Bellota, and The Morris, and favorites like Nopa, A16, and Cosecha. There will also be live music, a silent auction, and more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128283\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new.jpg\" alt=\"The new North Beach farmers’ market on Saturdays. \" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128283\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/northbeach-farmers-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The new North Beach farmers’ market on Saturdays. \u003ccite>(Chelsey Frank)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>New Farmers Market in North Beach\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Piazza Pellegrini\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/PGBrW9EECXq\">699 Columbus Ave., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSaturdays, 9am–1pm (through December 1)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>North Beach residents will be happy to learn they have a new weekly farmers’ market on Saturdays in the parking lot of Piazza Pellegrini, thanks to \u003ca href=\"http://northbeachneighbors.org/\">North Beach Neighbors\u003c/a> (a neighborhood association) and Piazza Pellegrini. It’s no replacement for the big one at the Ferry Building (nothing is), but you can expect to find vendors like \u003ca href=\"http://www.swantonberryfarm.com/\">Swanton Berry Farm\u003c/a> (perfect for strawberry season, happening right now!) \u003ca href=\"https://uppercrustbaking.com/\">Upper Crust Baking Company\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"http://www.tolumafarms.com/creamery.html\">Tomales Farmstead Creamery\u003c/a>, and pasture-raised eggs and meats from \u003ca href=\"http://pasture42.com/\">Pasture 42\u003c/a>. Best of all, you can swing by for an espresso at Piazza Pellegrini before the market, or an Aperol Spritz after!\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_128284\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1313px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302.jpg\" alt=\"Tuesday evenings will be all about BBQ this summer at the Four Seasons\" width=\"1313\" height=\"1050\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128284\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302.jpg 1313w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302-160x128.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302-800x640.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302-768x614.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302-1020x816.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302-1200x960.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302-1180x944.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302-960x768.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302-240x192.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302-375x300.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Summer-SoMA-BBQ-WES_302-520x416.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1313px) 100vw, 1313px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tuesday evenings will be all about BBQ this summer at the Four Seasons \u003ccite>(courtesy Four Seasons)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Grill & Chill: Summer SoMa BBQ\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://goo.gl/maps/X15h2Ai6vYH2\">757 Market St., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nJune 5, July 17, and August 14; 5pm–8pm\u003cbr>\nTickets are $90 per person, plus tax and Eventbrite fees\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grill-chill-summer-soma-bbq-tickets-45034009936\">June 5\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grill-chill-summer-soma-bbq-tickets-46179035739\">July 17\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grill-chill-summer-soma-bbq-tickets-46179054796\">August 14\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Tuesday evenings just got a little smokier in SoMa. On Tuesday June 5, July 17, and August 14, the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco is hosting three \u003cstrong>summer outdoor BBQs\u003c/strong> on its Veranda Terrace, overlooking Yerba Buena Gardens and SoMa. It’s going to be quite the spread, with a buffet of meats (beer-steamed bratwurst, Flannery beef burgers, whole split chicken with lemon and thyme), plus grilled oysters, corn on the cob, summer salads (like tomato and assorted melon panzanella salad, Greek salad, and compressed watermelon with mint and feta cheese), and then there’s an open beer, bubbles, and rosé bar, and an ice cream bar. That’s what you call a spread! You can also add on cocktails at the cash bar. Sounds like the perfect after-work feast.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"disqusTitle": "Guide: Take a Deep Dive into 6 New Bay Area Restaurants",
"title": "Guide: Take a Deep Dive into 6 New Bay Area Restaurants",
"headTitle": "New Restaurants 2018 | Bay Area Bites | KQED Food",
"content": "\u003cp>Recently, there's been an amazing number of new restaurants springing up in the Bay Area. To celebrate the season we visited five spots in San Francisco and one in Berkeley to explore the food, drink, and story behind these culinary destinations. The intention of these deep dives is to give you a visual and informational taste of what these restaurants have to offer. Enjoy!\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_126231\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/126313/che-fico-opens-on-divisadero-cool-figs-wood-fired-chicken-and-hot-pizza\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new.jpg\" alt=\"Chef/Co-Owner David Nayfeld holding Marinara, Anchovy, Arugula Pizze at Che Fico\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-126231\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chef/Co-Owner David Nayfeld holding Marinara, Anchovy, Arugula Pizze at Che Fico \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/126313/che-fico-opens-on-divisadero-cool-figs-wood-fired-chicken-and-hot-pizza\">Che Fico Opens on Divisadero — Cool Figs, Wood-Fired Chicken and Hot Pizza\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nFour years in the making, a trio of alums from some of Chicago and New York’s most important restaurants arrive on Divisadero with a chic, lofty Italian spot serving rustic pastas, San Francisco-style pizza, and can’t miss cocktails and desserts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127503\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/127454/buzzy-valencia-street-gets-a-swinging-60s-addition-with-the-beehives-debut\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new.jpg\" alt=\"Lead Bartender Emilio Salehi showcases The Beehive cocktails (L to R): Thunderbird, Ipanema Gold, Bikini Drifter, Rising Sun\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127503\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lead Bartender Emilio Salehi showcases The Beehive cocktails (L to R): Thunderbird, Ipanema Gold, Bikini Drifter, Rising Sun \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/127454/buzzy-valencia-street-gets-a-swinging-60s-addition-with-the-beehives-debut\">Buzzy Valencia Street Gets a Swinging 60s Addition With The Beehive’s Debut\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nThe Beehive is a groovy trip back to the 60s in the Mission’s former Range location.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127147\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/127083/pop-up-to-permanent-sorrel-hits-prime-time-with-a-full-time-presidio-heights-home\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new.jpg\" alt=\"Striped Bass with artichoke, cauliflower, sultana, wild ramps, saffron at Sorrel\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127147\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sorrel's Striped Bass with artichoke, cauliflower, sultana, wild ramps, saffron \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/127083/pop-up-to-permanent-sorrel-hits-prime-time-with-a-full-time-presidio-heights-home\">Pop-up to Permanent — Sorrel Hits Prime Time With a Full-Time Presidio Heights Home\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nAfter four years of temporary homes, one of SF’s most beloved pop-ups has found a permanent home for its distinct seasonal California cooking with Italian influences.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_126992\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/126982/berkeley-classic-henrys-scores-a-touchdown-with-new-teams-menu-and-design-changes\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new.jpg\" alt=\"Henry's CheeseBoy on a Tartine sweet potato bun with herbed fries\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-126992\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Henry's CheeseBoy on a Tartine sweet potato bun with herbed fries \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/126982/berkeley-classic-henrys-scores-a-touchdown-with-new-teams-menu-and-design-changes\">Berkeley Classic Henry’s Scores a Touchdown with New Team’s Menu and Design Changes\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nWith Chris Kronner’s exciting small plates and irresistible burgers, plus Tartine bread and cocktails from an industry star, Berkeley’s venerable pub is now a major destination beyond tailgates and happy hour.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_126786\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/126767/avery-opens-on-fillmore-as-sfs-next-elaborate-tasting-menu-destination\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new.jpg\" alt=\"Avery exterior\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-126786\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Avery exterior \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/126767/avery-opens-on-fillmore-as-sfs-next-elaborate-tasting-menu-destination\">Avery Opens on Fillmore as SF’s Next Elaborate Tasting Menu Destination\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSan Francisco’s latest tasting menu experience opens on Fillmore from a talented and artistic alum of Saison, Atelier Crenn and Benu.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127803\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/127643/homework-means-celebrating-on-school-nights-with-the-dogpatchs-new-weeknights-only-bar\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new.jpg\" alt=\"School Night bar\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127803\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">School Night bar \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/127643/homework-means-celebrating-on-school-nights-with-the-dogpatchs-new-weeknights-only-bar\">Homework Means Celebrating on School Nights With the Dogpatch’s New Weeknights-Only Bar\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nWith a menu designed by Traci Des Jardins and cocktails from Enrique Sanchez, School Night is an intriguing private event space and weeknights-only bar hybrid experiment in the Dogpatch.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Recently, there's been an amazing number of new restaurants springing up in the Bay Area. To celebrate the season we visited five spots in San Francisco and one in Berkeley to explore the food, drink, and story behind these culinary destinations. ",
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"description": "Recently, there's been an amazing number of new restaurants springing up in the Bay Area. To celebrate the season we visited five spots in San Francisco and one in Berkeley to explore the food, drink, and story behind these culinary destinations. ",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Recently, there's been an amazing number of new restaurants springing up in the Bay Area. To celebrate the season we visited five spots in San Francisco and one in Berkeley to explore the food, drink, and story behind these culinary destinations. The intention of these deep dives is to give you a visual and informational taste of what these restaurants have to offer. Enjoy!\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_126231\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/126313/che-fico-opens-on-divisadero-cool-figs-wood-fired-chicken-and-hot-pizza\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new.jpg\" alt=\"Chef/Co-Owner David Nayfeld holding Marinara, Anchovy, Arugula Pizze at Che Fico\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-126231\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/03/IMG_1998-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chef/Co-Owner David Nayfeld holding Marinara, Anchovy, Arugula Pizze at Che Fico \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/126313/che-fico-opens-on-divisadero-cool-figs-wood-fired-chicken-and-hot-pizza\">Che Fico Opens on Divisadero — Cool Figs, Wood-Fired Chicken and Hot Pizza\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nFour years in the making, a trio of alums from some of Chicago and New York’s most important restaurants arrive on Divisadero with a chic, lofty Italian spot serving rustic pastas, San Francisco-style pizza, and can’t miss cocktails and desserts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127503\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/127454/buzzy-valencia-street-gets-a-swinging-60s-addition-with-the-beehives-debut\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new.jpg\" alt=\"Lead Bartender Emilio Salehi showcases The Beehive cocktails (L to R): Thunderbird, Ipanema Gold, Bikini Drifter, Rising Sun\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127503\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_3885-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lead Bartender Emilio Salehi showcases The Beehive cocktails (L to R): Thunderbird, Ipanema Gold, Bikini Drifter, Rising Sun \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/127454/buzzy-valencia-street-gets-a-swinging-60s-addition-with-the-beehives-debut\">Buzzy Valencia Street Gets a Swinging 60s Addition With The Beehive’s Debut\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nThe Beehive is a groovy trip back to the 60s in the Mission’s former Range location.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127147\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/127083/pop-up-to-permanent-sorrel-hits-prime-time-with-a-full-time-presidio-heights-home\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new.jpg\" alt=\"Striped Bass with artichoke, cauliflower, sultana, wild ramps, saffron at Sorrel\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127147\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_8117-2-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sorrel's Striped Bass with artichoke, cauliflower, sultana, wild ramps, saffron \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/127083/pop-up-to-permanent-sorrel-hits-prime-time-with-a-full-time-presidio-heights-home\">Pop-up to Permanent — Sorrel Hits Prime Time With a Full-Time Presidio Heights Home\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nAfter four years of temporary homes, one of SF’s most beloved pop-ups has found a permanent home for its distinct seasonal California cooking with Italian influences.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_126992\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/126982/berkeley-classic-henrys-scores-a-touchdown-with-new-teams-menu-and-design-changes\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new.jpg\" alt=\"Henry's CheeseBoy on a Tartine sweet potato bun with herbed fries\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-126992\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_2661-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Henry's CheeseBoy on a Tartine sweet potato bun with herbed fries \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/126982/berkeley-classic-henrys-scores-a-touchdown-with-new-teams-menu-and-design-changes\">Berkeley Classic Henry’s Scores a Touchdown with New Team’s Menu and Design Changes\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nWith Chris Kronner’s exciting small plates and irresistible burgers, plus Tartine bread and cocktails from an industry star, Berkeley’s venerable pub is now a major destination beyond tailgates and happy hour.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_126786\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/126767/avery-opens-on-fillmore-as-sfs-next-elaborate-tasting-menu-destination\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new.jpg\" alt=\"Avery exterior\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-126786\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/IMG_7732-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Avery exterior \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/126767/avery-opens-on-fillmore-as-sfs-next-elaborate-tasting-menu-destination\">Avery Opens on Fillmore as SF’s Next Elaborate Tasting Menu Destination\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSan Francisco’s latest tasting menu experience opens on Fillmore from a talented and artistic alum of Saison, Atelier Crenn and Benu.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127803\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/127643/homework-means-celebrating-on-school-nights-with-the-dogpatchs-new-weeknights-only-bar\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new.jpg\" alt=\"School Night bar\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127803\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0104-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">School Night bar \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/127643/homework-means-celebrating-on-school-nights-with-the-dogpatchs-new-weeknights-only-bar\">Homework Means Celebrating on School Nights With the Dogpatch’s New Weeknights-Only Bar\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nWith a menu designed by Traci Des Jardins and cocktails from Enrique Sanchez, School Night is an intriguing private event space and weeknights-only bar hybrid experiment in the Dogpatch.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"disqusTitle": "Homework Means Celebrating on School Nights With the Dogpatch’s New Weeknights-Only Bar",
"title": "Homework Means Celebrating on School Nights With the Dogpatch’s New Weeknights-Only Bar",
"headTitle": "New Restaurants 2018 | Bay Area Bites | KQED Food",
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>With a menu designed by Traci Des Jardins and cocktails from Enrique Sanchez, School Night is an Intriguing Private Event Space and Weeknights-Only Bar Hybrid Experiment in the Dogpatch\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At first glance, a bar being closed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights is like a Financial District coffee shop only being open on weekend evenings or a sports bar strictly serving weekday lunch. It makes you raise your eyebrows as if you’re a judge on “Shark Tank” and begs you to ask the contestant, “Are you trying to lose money with this business plan?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dig a little deeper, however, and you’ll realize that this structure for the Dogpatch Sunday to Wednesday nights-only newcomer, School Night, is actually pretty smart, if unconventional. It may even be brilliant. In present day, start-up-centric San Francisco terms, it’s a “disruptor.” Some “disruptors” truly do disrupt normal life in a negative way and are annoying pests like all of those electric scooters on the sidewalks. Other disruptors like how the Los Angeles chef Dave Beran serves dessert bites throughout the tasting menu at his new restaurant, \u003ca href=\"https://www.dialoguerestaurant.com/\">Dialogue\u003c/a>, are initially met with heavy skepticism for being different but then win approval because they end up being a clever change-up from the status quo that nobody knew they wanted or needed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127810\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new.jpg\" alt=\"Inside School Night\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127810\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Inside School Night \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>School Night is definitely the latter type of disruptor. Let’s get one thing straight about how it manages to be a restaurant and bar industry disruptor — it isn’t just a restaurant and bar. \u003ca href=\"https://www.thepearlsf.com/school-night-bar\">School Night\u003c/a> is an open to the public part of a spectacular two-year old event spaced called \u003ca href=\"https://www.thepearlsf.com/\">“The Pearl.”\u003c/a> The venue’s Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Adam Mendelson, knew that he couldn’t just open another restaurant in the traditional format when he decided to go into the hospitality business with a background in renewable energy finance (talk about an unlikely path!). Hopefully this isn’t breaking news to the dining public but it’s no secret in the restaurant industry — owning a restaurant or bar or winery or pretty much any food and beverage concept — is not going to make sustainable money. It’s even more daunting in a competitive and outrageously expensive market like this one. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127825\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1.jpg\" alt=\"Inside The Pearl\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127825\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Inside The Pearl \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127802\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new.jpg\" alt=\"The Pearl Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Adam Mendelson\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127802\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Pearl Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Adam Mendelson \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The Brooklyn Winery in New York’s flexible business model served as one inspiration for The Pearl, as did multi-purpose art galleries and newer hotels. That aforementioned urban winery, for example, is really a winery, event space, casual place for a few bites, and weddings destination. These are venues that serve multiple functions and attract different crowds for different time periods. They are dynamic concepts. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127880\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new.jpg\" alt=\"The Pearl signage\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127880\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Pearl signage \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>School Night is enormously helped by The Pearl and The Pearl is greatly enhanced by School Night. Mendelson described the relationship to us as a “virtuous cycle” where The Pearl wouldn’t be on the radar for many Bay Area residents because private event spaces are a small and not very talked-about niche. Everyone pays attention to restaurants and bars. So, much of the public is now aware of The Pearl because of School Night. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the same time, School Night gives The Pearl another prime event space on the big nights for those (Thursday-Saturday), which makes a much more substantial amount of money than a restaurant or bar. On those four traditionally slow nights for private events, School Night is its own destination for eating and drinking the creations of one of San Francisco’s most celebrated chefs and one of San Francisco’s most talented bartenders. Besides, who goes out on weekends anymore? Isn’t Monday night the new Saturday night?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s hard to tell if this is a positive or negative result of #adulting. On one hand, you still have to wake up to work on a Tuesday morning and an 11pm third round of pisco sours might make that less fun. On the other hand, adults (non-parents, that is) don’t have to worry about calculus homework or going to soccer practice because we don’t have the dreaded “school nights” anymore.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127855\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new.jpg\" alt=\"Books and signage on display at School Night\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127855\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Books and signage on display at School Night \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>For many people, this writer included, “school night” still sends shivers down our spines like how “flight delay” or “jury duty” makes you freeze and clam up. The term has negative connotations of writing essays about Faulkner at the dinner table and your parents telling you to go to sleep by 10pm even if the Giants game is only in the eighth inning. In other words, school night meant “no fun.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Luckily, we have School Night the bar to bring back the “cool” in school night. We’re so over weekends.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127818\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new.jpg\" alt=\"The bar at School Night\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127818\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The bar at School Night \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>School Night is an 87-seat bar, open kitchen and dining area located next to The Pearl’s spectacular three-level space, entered from a separate door on 19th Street. The bar’s design is compelling everywhere your eye wanders. It’s worth a trip to the Dogpatch just to see the plant-themed faded prints on the three-dimensional wall fixture near the entrance. But, it’s the Latin-inspired food from Traci Des Jardins and chef de cuisine Audie Golder and the cocktails by Enrique Sanchez that really are the reason to skip the Netflix watching and yoga classes after work in favor of going out on the sleepy town.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127854\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new.jpg\" alt=\"School Night's food menu\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127854\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">School Night's food menu \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127815\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new.jpg\" alt=\"Traci Des Jardins\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2880\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127815\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new-160x240.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new-1020x1530.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new-1180x1770.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new-960x1440.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new-240x360.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new-375x563.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new-520x780.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Traci Des Jardins \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The food menu is split between composed kitchen dishes and items from the kitchen’s retro red, wood-burning oven named Bertha, brought in from Portland, Oregon. Acquring Bertha from our neighbor to the north isn’t as random as it sounds. One of The Pearl’s main investors is Kurt Huffman, a powerful Portland restaurateur with his ChefStable group. Yes, that’s the connection of why Portland’s beloved pig-centric sandwich shop, \u003ca href=\"http://lardosandwiches.com/\">Lardo\u003c/a>, popped up at The Pearl at the end of April. Keep an eye on a closer Portland-San Francisco dining relationship that has, for the most part, been a distant rivalry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>From Bertha, guests can enjoy surf, turf or vegetables with baby back ribs “costillas” slathered with tomatillo barbecue sauce ($16); clams and mussels cooked by the flames and paired with angel hair pasta and aji amarillo aioli for “fideos” ($17); or blistered vegetables ($14) from Mariquita Farms, the Watsonville farm that Des Jardins works closely with. Queso fundido ($16) is a gooey mix of Oaxacan, Provola and Fontal cheeses melted by Bertha and teamed with chorizo and poblano peppers, then ready to be formed into a kind of DIY quesadilla with flour tortillas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://youtu.be/_XIHOb7OfoY\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Des Jardins nods to her mother’s and grandparents’ Mexican heritage throughout the menu at her Presidio restaurant, Arguello, and serves a classic plate of tacos al pastor ($15 for three) at School Night. Bay Area diners often cringe at the thought of eating something like duck hearts and gizzards grilled on anticucho skewers ($13), but hopefully can get past that offal mental block because they be some of the most tender and flavorful cuts of duck, beef and chicken. Another unexpected bird preparation emerging from Bertha partners fried quail leg with a moist achiote-marinated quail breast ($23), accompanied by fried plantains and a zesty onion escabeche.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127836\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new.jpg\" alt=\"Wolfe Ranch quail\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127836\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Wolfe Ranch quail \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Both Bertha and kitchen dishes aren’t necessarily small plates or large plates. Think of the non-snack dishes as larger tapas that are great for sharing with a friend or enjoying on your own as a two-to-three dish dinner. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Those snacks for setting the stage of a full meal or just filling an empty belly while drinking include lime, jalapeño and coriander-dusted pepitas ($4) and housemade tortilla chips with tomatillo-chipotle and guajillo-arbol chile salsas ($6).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>From the kitchen, diners can order meat-free Impossible meatball “albondigas” one at a time ($3) and learn that the Impossible burger meat might actually excel more in meatball form with tomatillo salsa than as a patty on a bun with ketchup and mustard. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127834\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new.jpg\" alt=\"Meat-free Impossible meatball\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127834\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Meat-free Impossible meatball \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>It’s not as surprising to find \u003ca href=\"https://www.impossiblefoods.com/\">Impossible\u003c/a> meatballs on this bar food menu as it might seem. Des Jardins’ Hayes Valley high-end flagship, Jardinière, was one of the first restaurants in the country to serve it as a burger (and as Impossible beef tartare!). She started her role as a culinary advisor for the Silicon Valley start-up long before it launched in restaurants a year ago. For a little perspective on the company’s growth and Des Jardins’ importance in it, Jardinière and Cockscomb (Chris Cosentino’s meat-centric, opposite of vegetarian SoMa restaurant) were two of the first three restaurants to serve the Impossible burger and now 1,000 restaurants do just over 365 days later. It’s a borderline phenomenon. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Elsewhere on the menu, instead of serving fries, the duck fat-confited fried potatoes ($12) are smashed, crisped and served with guajillo mojo and crema.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cebiche ($13) at School Night comes Peruvian-style. That means raw local halibut comes in small cubes, not heavily diced, is only briefly marinated in the lime-based leche de tigre and comes with hominy and corn nuts, instead of tortilla chips as would be done in Mexico. It’s also given the Peruvian spelling of a “b,” not “ceviche.” Sanchez learned this in high school and insists on it, just like one of his mentors (and Peru’s most influential chef), Gastón Acurio. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127838\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new.jpg\" alt=\"Cebiche\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127838\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cebiche \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Salads are generally the last thing on most bar-goers minds but like with the little gem spears at True Laurel and the kale salad at Trick Dog, are given real respect at School Night. The Mexican chopped salad actually is a plate of little gem lettuce cups filled with jicama, cucumber, avocado and pepitas ($13). Meanwhile, the straightforward Tijuana Caesar ($13) is the answer to one of food’s great trivia questions: “Where was the Caesar invented?” Yes, Caesar’s restaurant in Tijuana’s Zona Centro.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sanchez, a native of Lima, Peru, is one of the city’s great ambassadors for that country’s spectacular cuisine and, of course, pisco. The Peruvian brandy gets its own section on the cocktail menu (all cocktails are $12), as do agave spirits and whiskey. If you’re after a daiquiri or a Negroni, don’t worry, it’s a full bar and you’ll be perfectly happy. But for Sanchez’s menu of a dozen drinks, split four per spirit category, trust the master and enjoy his witty and delicious creations. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Without question, the bar’s most Instagram-friendly drink is the Maracuyá Sour, essentially a passion fruit and cacao-pisco sour with a “school crossing” symbol stenciled onto the foamy egg white top from a Peychaud’s bitters spray. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127890\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new.jpg\" alt=\"Enrique Sanchez displays the “school crossing” symbol stencil used to make the Maracuyá Sour cocktail\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127890\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Enrique Sanchez displays the “school crossing” symbol stencil used to make the Maracuyá Sour cocktail\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>https://youtu.be/NlUovpPHHMg\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Principal’s Punch is a play on the San Francisco-invented pisco punch, adding falernum and the herbal French liqueur, Génépy, to the tried-and-true trio of pisco, pineapple and lemon. There’s one catch to that trio. Instead of the usual pineapple gum syrup most recipes for the drink call for, Sanchez makes a pineapple agua fresca-like mix of pineapple juice from the fruit and pineapple water from the skin. Agua fresca and fresh fruit have been a pivotal part of Sanchez’s life since his boyhood when his grandmother had a roadside kiosk selling both.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127883\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new.jpg\" alt=\"The Principal’s Punch\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127883\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Principal’s Punch \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In addition, Sanchez makes his own labor-intensive version of the purple maize-based agua fresca staple in Peru, chicha morada, from pineapple skins, apples, cloves and cinnamon, all stained a deep, dark purple hue from the maize’s cob. It’s served in the, you guessed it, Purple Maize cocktail with pisco, amaro, lime, and orange liqueur. The chicha morada and the pineapple agua fresca are also served on their own as non-alcoholic options ($5). And if you’re wondering, Sanchez, doesn’t make his own version of Peru’s beloved sugary soda, Inka Kola, nor does he actually enjoy drinking it these days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For a spirit-forward pisco option, spring for the Pura Uvas with Madeira and vermouth. Note how it is garnished with a frozen grape because the drink has only three ingredients and each one is made from grapes, as Sanchez playfully mentions in its menu listing. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In fact, many of the drinks have fascinating histories or sarcastically comedic stories behind their names. Sanchez does a great job of offering insights into his drink creations, both with drink description paragraphs on the menu and recipes on the back of bar coasters. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127840\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new.jpg\" alt=\"Coasters with cocktail recipes\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127840\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Coasters with cocktail recipes \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Under the “whiskey” section, the bourbon fizz Teacher’s Pet cocktail doesn’t refer to a nickname for Sanchez in school. It’s actually a tongue-in-cheek reference to a whoopie cushion-like trick he and a friend played on a teacher they didn’t like as mischievous 14-year olds. Cochineals are tiny insects found in cactus around Latin America and South America. They have a vivid red color that, well, gave the teacher a colorful bottom when he sat on the cochineals that had been discreetly placed on his chair in a matchbook by the two young students. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127853\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new.jpg\" alt=\"Teacher's Pet from the School Night menu\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127853\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Teacher's Pet from the School Night menu \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Along with making teachers angry, the bugs are often used to naturally color alcohol and cosmetics. Campari discontinued using cochineal for price reasons a few years ago but Cappelletti, one of the key ingredients in the Teacher’s Pet, still adds it. Don’t be grossed out. Cochineal eventually has no taste in the final products.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Elsewhere on the whiskey side, Hierba Buena is a rye mint julep-like ode to San Francisco’s history as “Yerba Buena” and also the name of the mint leaf used in the drink, providing a minty doubleheader with a San Francisco favorite, fernet. The menu’s Manhattan-style offering is The Queen of Lima, stirring together bourbon; Negra Ciolla (a pisco made of the Negra Criolla grape); mistela (a fortified wine blending pisco and regular grape wine); and Peruvian-made Chuncho bitters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At this point, you might be wondering why was whiskey singled out as a specialty on School Night’s menu? An old-fashioned is Sanchez’s drink of choice when going out and the way for him to quickly judge a bar’s potential. On cue, his old-fashioned, Bertha & The Smoke, includes his own blend of bitters (Angostura, orange and Dale DeGroff’s pimento) smoked in Bertha, then stirred with high-proof rye, and poured over a large rock snugly nestled in a previously smoked tumbler.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://youtu.be/3ZNbFhR_MhI\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127889\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new.jpg\" alt=\"Bertha & The Smoke\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127889\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bertha & The Smoke \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>As these approachable but elaborate drinks suggest, Sanchez is one of the under-the-radar stars of San Francisco’s bar community. He’s not a celebrity bartender because he doesn’t seek the spotlight or have his own bar, but he is an icon to his fellow city bar managers and one of the most entertaining bartenders in the city to chat with. If you want to learn every minute detail about smoking bitters or a particular pisco grape, then get ready for a lesson at School Night. There may be homework afterwards. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He arrived in San Francisco from Peru as a 21-year old and grew to become the lead bartender for Acurio’s first restaurant outside of Peru, La Mar Cebicheria Peruana, when it opened on the Embarcadero a decade ago. Sanchez is a big reason why pisco sours are now one of the most ordered drinks across the Bay Area. But, his career has also taken him to a few Mexican concepts, like Tres Agaves and Arguello, that have opened his eyes to agave spirits right at the same time that mezcal started having its “revolution” moment. As a Peruvian, pisco will always “be in his blood” but Sanchez acknowledges he’s really excited by mezcal and tequila nowadays. That’s why agave is the third part of his menu.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>His version of a margarita is Mr. Kotter, splitting the difference of a classic recipe’s use of orange liqueur and the Tommy’s way with agave nectar, and serving the drink on a hibiscus-infused rock for a color flourish. Tequila isn’t an expected base for a martini but it is in Pancho’s Martini, smoothed out with the salty embrace of manzanilla sherry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The menu’s best match for a poolside cocktail is, appropriately, Spring Break, a smoky mezcal drink on ice pebbles with pineapple gum syrup and hibiscus. Finally, if the lecture at School Night is making your eyes feel a little heavy, it’s time for the Recess Reboot. The mezcal drink is an interpretation of how Mexican coffee often has cinnamon, cloves and piloncillo. Sanchez makes the spiced coffee as a cold brew to mix with amaro and whipped cream for a richer body when poured over crushed ice. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Outside of cocktails, four local beers are served on draft ($7), Peru’s national Cusqueña lager is available by the bottle ($5) a few tempting sherries are offered ($6-$8) and three wines are poured by-the-glass on draft ($12). \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Obviously, in order to make this weeknight-only concept really work, Mendelson knew all along that his grand plan could thrive only if he has an all-star team. He certainly found that with Des Jardins and Sanchez. Des Jardins might not be the national icon of a Thomas Keller or Alice Waters, but the two-time James Beard winner and Central Valley native deserves a place on the local chefs’ Mount Rushmore for her influential work at restaurants and in the community. She sits on the board of La Cocina, is active in all sorts of charity and education activities, and helped launch the Giants’ centerfield garden with the Bon Appétit Management Company a few years ago at AT&T Park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127935\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1.jpg\" alt=\"Traci Des Jardins at School Night\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127935\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Traci Des Jardins at School Night \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>On the restaurant side, she started with no culinary training (no school nights!) but landed apprenticeships with many legendary French kitchens including La Maison Troisgros, Alain Passard’s L’Arpège and Alain Ducasse’s Le Louis XV. After learning classical French techniques from the best mentors possible, Des Jardins’ career brought her back to her home state and the wonderful ingredients of California. She was an opening chef in various capacities at some of the most important restaurants of the 1990s including Patina in Los Angeles (the only one still open); Aqua; Japantown’s fascinating Japanese-French fusion restaurant, Elka (here’s an \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/13/garden/from-hill-to-hill-san-francisco-s-top-restaurants.html\">interesting throwback article\u003c/a> about that important but oft-forgotten place); and Rubicon. That last one is where Des Jardins finally could run her own kitchen as Executive Chef and where she won the 1995 James Beard Foundation Rising Star Chef of the Year award. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Her solo debut, Jardinière, opened in 1997 and still is as strong as ever, balancing a nightly crowd of theatergoers, older regulars and eager, young food-obsessed diners. Des Jardins also owns or co-owns Mijita, a taqueria in the Ferry Building and attached to AT&T Park; Arguello, TRANSIT and The Commissary in the Presidio; and Public House at AT&T Park. Her restaurant concepts are eclectic in style and location to say the least. After helping to put the Presidio on the San Francisco dining map, it’s exciting to see her help elevate the Dogpatch dining scene in the complete opposite corner of the city. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Along with Mendelson, Des Jardins and Sanchez have a strong team of industry personnel and non-traditional hospitality personnel to make sure this concept isn’t just an experiment. The Pearl’s General Manager is Jon Larner, a Founding Partner of The Independent concert venue on Divisadero. School Night’s General Manager is Riley Bartlett (Pizzeria Delfina, Spruce) and Amy Reynolds is the Director of Operations for Des Jardins’ medium-sized stable of restaurants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127824\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new.jpg\" alt=\"Pearl’s General Manager is Jon Larner\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1370\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127824\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new-160x114.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new-800x571.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new-768x548.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new-1020x728.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new-1200x856.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new-1180x842.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new-960x685.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new-240x171.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new-375x268.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new-520x371.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pearl’s General Manager is Jon Larner \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>So, The Pearl is its own operation and School Night is an overlapping one between the chef and The Pearl. As far as event spaces go, you’d be hard pressed to find a more impressive venue than The Pearl. It’s a three-level loft-chic space with a gorgeous rooftop patio. The main floor boasts several intriguing maps as pieces of art by Alexis Laurent and a ceiling-high living indoor garden on built-in giant cranes à la New York’s High Line. For a bar next door to not seem like a low-key supporting act to such a stunner...good luck! With Laurent’s help, School Night has managed to be architecturally notable on its own.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127827\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new.jpg\" alt=\"Inside The Pearl looking down on the first level\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127827\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Inside The Pearl looking down on the first level \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127887\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new.jpg\" alt=\"The Pearl second level space\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127887\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Pearl second level space \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127888\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new.jpg\" alt=\"The Pearl rooftop patio\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127888\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Pearl rooftop patio \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Seating is split between the bar, central high-tops and wooden booths on the non-bar side wall. The latter two areas have full service. A partition made of glazed glass cubes and a stack of firewood greets diners at the door and then a chic-industrial theme dominates everywhere you look when walking to a seat. Exposed pipes run overhead with oversized lamp bulbs dangling down from the ceiling. They immediately draw your attention to the skylight (trend alert!) that gives the airy space an even grander aura. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127884\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new.jpg\" alt=\"Inside School Night\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127884\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Inside School Night \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>There are four main design features that the Instagram and gallery-frequenting crowds will appreciate. We mentioned the three-dimensional plant print wall fixture by the entrance, made by Laurent. The bathrooms are right next to it and each stall has an eye-catching tile wall. The bar’s background is a giant menu board that seems partially inspired by the one at Toronado and partially like a chalkboard in a classroom. The far end of the room features a wheel-like light creation by Laurent that has a steampunk vibe to it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127837\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new.jpg\" alt=\"Three-dimensional plant print wall relief by San Francisco artist Alexis Laurent\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127837\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Three-dimensional plant print wall relief by San Francisco artist Alexis Laurent \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127823\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new.jpg\" alt=\"The festive bathroom \" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127823\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The festive bathroom \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Clearly, School Night has the talent and the design to make it a hit on what are usually the most sluggish evenings of the week for bars and restaurants. Plus, the $12 cocktails are “a deal” by San Francisco’s inflated standards and the venue is in a neighborhood going through a huge building and housing boom. There is a lot working in School Night’s favor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>School Night is an intriguing industry strategy and one that will be closely watched. We’ve seen other restaurants in the city make daring changes, whether it’s having ticketed reservations or serving high-end cuisine in no-frills spaces. It’s up to San Francisco diners and drinkers to fill our the report card for this concept. However, one thing is for certain — when our adult homework involves tasting cebiche and pisco cocktails, we look forward to school nights. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127850\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new.jpg\" alt=\"School Night signage\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127850\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">School Night signage \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.schoolnightsf.com/\">\u003cstrong>School Night\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n601 19th St. \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/School+Night/@37.7615343,-122.3911776,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x808f7fb811772cff:0x73e436e233e70b52!8m2!3d37.7615343!4d-122.3889836\">MAP\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSan Francisco, CA 94107\u003cbr>\nPh: (415) 903-5427\u003cbr>\nHours: Sunday-Wednesday, 5pm-Midnight\u003cbr>\nFacebook: \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/pg/ThePearlSF/about/?ref=page_internal\">The Pearl\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nInstagram: \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/schoolnightsf/?hl=en\">@SchoolNightSF\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nTwitter: \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/SchoolNightSF\">@SchoolNightSF\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nPrice Range: $$\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"excerpt": "With a menu designed by Traci Des Jardins and cocktails from Enrique Sanchez, School Night is an Intriguing Private Event Space and Weeknights-Only Bar Hybrid Experiment in the Dogpatch",
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"description": "With a menu designed by Traci Des Jardins and cocktails from Enrique Sanchez, School Night is an Intriguing Private Event Space and Weeknights-Only Bar Hybrid Experiment in the Dogpatch",
"title": "Homework Means Celebrating on School Nights With the Dogpatch’s New Weeknights-Only Bar | KQED",
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"headline": "Homework Means Celebrating on School Nights With the Dogpatch’s New Weeknights-Only Bar",
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"nprByline": "\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/trevorfelch\">Trevor Felch\u003c/a> (writer), \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/wendy-goodfriend\">Wendy Goodfriend\u003c/a> (photos/video)",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>With a menu designed by Traci Des Jardins and cocktails from Enrique Sanchez, School Night is an Intriguing Private Event Space and Weeknights-Only Bar Hybrid Experiment in the Dogpatch\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At first glance, a bar being closed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights is like a Financial District coffee shop only being open on weekend evenings or a sports bar strictly serving weekday lunch. It makes you raise your eyebrows as if you’re a judge on “Shark Tank” and begs you to ask the contestant, “Are you trying to lose money with this business plan?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dig a little deeper, however, and you’ll realize that this structure for the Dogpatch Sunday to Wednesday nights-only newcomer, School Night, is actually pretty smart, if unconventional. It may even be brilliant. In present day, start-up-centric San Francisco terms, it’s a “disruptor.” Some “disruptors” truly do disrupt normal life in a negative way and are annoying pests like all of those electric scooters on the sidewalks. Other disruptors like how the Los Angeles chef Dave Beran serves dessert bites throughout the tasting menu at his new restaurant, \u003ca href=\"https://www.dialoguerestaurant.com/\">Dialogue\u003c/a>, are initially met with heavy skepticism for being different but then win approval because they end up being a clever change-up from the status quo that nobody knew they wanted or needed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127810\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new.jpg\" alt=\"Inside School Night\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127810\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4434-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Inside School Night \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>School Night is definitely the latter type of disruptor. Let’s get one thing straight about how it manages to be a restaurant and bar industry disruptor — it isn’t just a restaurant and bar. \u003ca href=\"https://www.thepearlsf.com/school-night-bar\">School Night\u003c/a> is an open to the public part of a spectacular two-year old event spaced called \u003ca href=\"https://www.thepearlsf.com/\">“The Pearl.”\u003c/a> The venue’s Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Adam Mendelson, knew that he couldn’t just open another restaurant in the traditional format when he decided to go into the hospitality business with a background in renewable energy finance (talk about an unlikely path!). Hopefully this isn’t breaking news to the dining public but it’s no secret in the restaurant industry — owning a restaurant or bar or winery or pretty much any food and beverage concept — is not going to make sustainable money. It’s even more daunting in a competitive and outrageously expensive market like this one. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127825\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1.jpg\" alt=\"Inside The Pearl\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127825\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4679-new-1-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Inside The Pearl \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127802\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new.jpg\" alt=\"The Pearl Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Adam Mendelson\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127802\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0169-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Pearl Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Adam Mendelson \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The Brooklyn Winery in New York’s flexible business model served as one inspiration for The Pearl, as did multi-purpose art galleries and newer hotels. That aforementioned urban winery, for example, is really a winery, event space, casual place for a few bites, and weddings destination. These are venues that serve multiple functions and attract different crowds for different time periods. They are dynamic concepts. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127880\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new.jpg\" alt=\"The Pearl signage\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127880\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0077-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Pearl signage \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>School Night is enormously helped by The Pearl and The Pearl is greatly enhanced by School Night. Mendelson described the relationship to us as a “virtuous cycle” where The Pearl wouldn’t be on the radar for many Bay Area residents because private event spaces are a small and not very talked-about niche. Everyone pays attention to restaurants and bars. So, much of the public is now aware of The Pearl because of School Night. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the same time, School Night gives The Pearl another prime event space on the big nights for those (Thursday-Saturday), which makes a much more substantial amount of money than a restaurant or bar. On those four traditionally slow nights for private events, School Night is its own destination for eating and drinking the creations of one of San Francisco’s most celebrated chefs and one of San Francisco’s most talented bartenders. Besides, who goes out on weekends anymore? Isn’t Monday night the new Saturday night?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s hard to tell if this is a positive or negative result of #adulting. On one hand, you still have to wake up to work on a Tuesday morning and an 11pm third round of pisco sours might make that less fun. On the other hand, adults (non-parents, that is) don’t have to worry about calculus homework or going to soccer practice because we don’t have the dreaded “school nights” anymore.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127855\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new.jpg\" alt=\"Books and signage on display at School Night\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127855\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0096-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Books and signage on display at School Night \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>For many people, this writer included, “school night” still sends shivers down our spines like how “flight delay” or “jury duty” makes you freeze and clam up. The term has negative connotations of writing essays about Faulkner at the dinner table and your parents telling you to go to sleep by 10pm even if the Giants game is only in the eighth inning. In other words, school night meant “no fun.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Luckily, we have School Night the bar to bring back the “cool” in school night. We’re so over weekends.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127818\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new.jpg\" alt=\"The bar at School Night\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127818\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4612-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The bar at School Night \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>School Night is an 87-seat bar, open kitchen and dining area located next to The Pearl’s spectacular three-level space, entered from a separate door on 19th Street. The bar’s design is compelling everywhere your eye wanders. It’s worth a trip to the Dogpatch just to see the plant-themed faded prints on the three-dimensional wall fixture near the entrance. But, it’s the Latin-inspired food from Traci Des Jardins and chef de cuisine Audie Golder and the cocktails by Enrique Sanchez that really are the reason to skip the Netflix watching and yoga classes after work in favor of going out on the sleepy town.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127854\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new.jpg\" alt=\"School Night's food menu\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127854\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0094-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">School Night's food menu \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127815\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new.jpg\" alt=\"Traci Des Jardins\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2880\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127815\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new-160x240.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new-1020x1530.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new-1180x1770.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new-960x1440.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new-240x360.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new-375x563.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4556-new-520x780.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Traci Des Jardins \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The food menu is split between composed kitchen dishes and items from the kitchen’s retro red, wood-burning oven named Bertha, brought in from Portland, Oregon. Acquring Bertha from our neighbor to the north isn’t as random as it sounds. One of The Pearl’s main investors is Kurt Huffman, a powerful Portland restaurateur with his ChefStable group. Yes, that’s the connection of why Portland’s beloved pig-centric sandwich shop, \u003ca href=\"http://lardosandwiches.com/\">Lardo\u003c/a>, popped up at The Pearl at the end of April. Keep an eye on a closer Portland-San Francisco dining relationship that has, for the most part, been a distant rivalry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>From Bertha, guests can enjoy surf, turf or vegetables with baby back ribs “costillas” slathered with tomatillo barbecue sauce ($16); clams and mussels cooked by the flames and paired with angel hair pasta and aji amarillo aioli for “fideos” ($17); or blistered vegetables ($14) from Mariquita Farms, the Watsonville farm that Des Jardins works closely with. Queso fundido ($16) is a gooey mix of Oaxacan, Provola and Fontal cheeses melted by Bertha and teamed with chorizo and poblano peppers, then ready to be formed into a kind of DIY quesadilla with flour tortillas.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/_XIHOb7OfoY'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/_XIHOb7OfoY'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>Des Jardins nods to her mother’s and grandparents’ Mexican heritage throughout the menu at her Presidio restaurant, Arguello, and serves a classic plate of tacos al pastor ($15 for three) at School Night. Bay Area diners often cringe at the thought of eating something like duck hearts and gizzards grilled on anticucho skewers ($13), but hopefully can get past that offal mental block because they be some of the most tender and flavorful cuts of duck, beef and chicken. Another unexpected bird preparation emerging from Bertha partners fried quail leg with a moist achiote-marinated quail breast ($23), accompanied by fried plantains and a zesty onion escabeche.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127836\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new.jpg\" alt=\"Wolfe Ranch quail\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127836\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0243-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Wolfe Ranch quail \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Both Bertha and kitchen dishes aren’t necessarily small plates or large plates. Think of the non-snack dishes as larger tapas that are great for sharing with a friend or enjoying on your own as a two-to-three dish dinner. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Those snacks for setting the stage of a full meal or just filling an empty belly while drinking include lime, jalapeño and coriander-dusted pepitas ($4) and housemade tortilla chips with tomatillo-chipotle and guajillo-arbol chile salsas ($6).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>From the kitchen, diners can order meat-free Impossible meatball “albondigas” one at a time ($3) and learn that the Impossible burger meat might actually excel more in meatball form with tomatillo salsa than as a patty on a bun with ketchup and mustard. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127834\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new.jpg\" alt=\"Meat-free Impossible meatball\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127834\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0228-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Meat-free Impossible meatball \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>It’s not as surprising to find \u003ca href=\"https://www.impossiblefoods.com/\">Impossible\u003c/a> meatballs on this bar food menu as it might seem. Des Jardins’ Hayes Valley high-end flagship, Jardinière, was one of the first restaurants in the country to serve it as a burger (and as Impossible beef tartare!). She started her role as a culinary advisor for the Silicon Valley start-up long before it launched in restaurants a year ago. For a little perspective on the company’s growth and Des Jardins’ importance in it, Jardinière and Cockscomb (Chris Cosentino’s meat-centric, opposite of vegetarian SoMa restaurant) were two of the first three restaurants to serve the Impossible burger and now 1,000 restaurants do just over 365 days later. It’s a borderline phenomenon. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Elsewhere on the menu, instead of serving fries, the duck fat-confited fried potatoes ($12) are smashed, crisped and served with guajillo mojo and crema.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cebiche ($13) at School Night comes Peruvian-style. That means raw local halibut comes in small cubes, not heavily diced, is only briefly marinated in the lime-based leche de tigre and comes with hominy and corn nuts, instead of tortilla chips as would be done in Mexico. It’s also given the Peruvian spelling of a “b,” not “ceviche.” Sanchez learned this in high school and insists on it, just like one of his mentors (and Peru’s most influential chef), Gastón Acurio. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127838\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new.jpg\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new.jpg\" alt=\"Cebiche\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127838\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0208-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cebiche \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Salads are generally the last thing on most bar-goers minds but like with the little gem spears at True Laurel and the kale salad at Trick Dog, are given real respect at School Night. The Mexican chopped salad actually is a plate of little gem lettuce cups filled with jicama, cucumber, avocado and pepitas ($13). Meanwhile, the straightforward Tijuana Caesar ($13) is the answer to one of food’s great trivia questions: “Where was the Caesar invented?” Yes, Caesar’s restaurant in Tijuana’s Zona Centro.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sanchez, a native of Lima, Peru, is one of the city’s great ambassadors for that country’s spectacular cuisine and, of course, pisco. The Peruvian brandy gets its own section on the cocktail menu (all cocktails are $12), as do agave spirits and whiskey. If you’re after a daiquiri or a Negroni, don’t worry, it’s a full bar and you’ll be perfectly happy. But for Sanchez’s menu of a dozen drinks, split four per spirit category, trust the master and enjoy his witty and delicious creations. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Without question, the bar’s most Instagram-friendly drink is the Maracuyá Sour, essentially a passion fruit and cacao-pisco sour with a “school crossing” symbol stenciled onto the foamy egg white top from a Peychaud’s bitters spray. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127890\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new.jpg\" alt=\"Enrique Sanchez displays the “school crossing” symbol stencil used to make the Maracuyá Sour cocktail\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127890\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0178-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Enrique Sanchez displays the “school crossing” symbol stencil used to make the Maracuyá Sour cocktail\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/NlUovpPHHMg'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/NlUovpPHHMg'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>The Principal’s Punch is a play on the San Francisco-invented pisco punch, adding falernum and the herbal French liqueur, Génépy, to the tried-and-true trio of pisco, pineapple and lemon. There’s one catch to that trio. Instead of the usual pineapple gum syrup most recipes for the drink call for, Sanchez makes a pineapple agua fresca-like mix of pineapple juice from the fruit and pineapple water from the skin. Agua fresca and fresh fruit have been a pivotal part of Sanchez’s life since his boyhood when his grandmother had a roadside kiosk selling both.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127883\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new.jpg\" alt=\"The Principal’s Punch\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127883\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0092-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Principal’s Punch \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In addition, Sanchez makes his own labor-intensive version of the purple maize-based agua fresca staple in Peru, chicha morada, from pineapple skins, apples, cloves and cinnamon, all stained a deep, dark purple hue from the maize’s cob. It’s served in the, you guessed it, Purple Maize cocktail with pisco, amaro, lime, and orange liqueur. The chicha morada and the pineapple agua fresca are also served on their own as non-alcoholic options ($5). And if you’re wondering, Sanchez, doesn’t make his own version of Peru’s beloved sugary soda, Inka Kola, nor does he actually enjoy drinking it these days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For a spirit-forward pisco option, spring for the Pura Uvas with Madeira and vermouth. Note how it is garnished with a frozen grape because the drink has only three ingredients and each one is made from grapes, as Sanchez playfully mentions in its menu listing. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In fact, many of the drinks have fascinating histories or sarcastically comedic stories behind their names. Sanchez does a great job of offering insights into his drink creations, both with drink description paragraphs on the menu and recipes on the back of bar coasters. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127840\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new.jpg\" alt=\"Coasters with cocktail recipes\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127840\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new-160x120.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new-800x600.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new-768x576.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new-1180x885.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new-960x720.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new-240x180.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new-375x281.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0219-new-520x390.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Coasters with cocktail recipes \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Under the “whiskey” section, the bourbon fizz Teacher’s Pet cocktail doesn’t refer to a nickname for Sanchez in school. It’s actually a tongue-in-cheek reference to a whoopie cushion-like trick he and a friend played on a teacher they didn’t like as mischievous 14-year olds. Cochineals are tiny insects found in cactus around Latin America and South America. They have a vivid red color that, well, gave the teacher a colorful bottom when he sat on the cochineals that had been discreetly placed on his chair in a matchbook by the two young students. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127853\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new.jpg\" alt=\"Teacher's Pet from the School Night menu\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127853\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0091-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Teacher's Pet from the School Night menu \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Along with making teachers angry, the bugs are often used to naturally color alcohol and cosmetics. Campari discontinued using cochineal for price reasons a few years ago but Cappelletti, one of the key ingredients in the Teacher’s Pet, still adds it. Don’t be grossed out. Cochineal eventually has no taste in the final products.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Elsewhere on the whiskey side, Hierba Buena is a rye mint julep-like ode to San Francisco’s history as “Yerba Buena” and also the name of the mint leaf used in the drink, providing a minty doubleheader with a San Francisco favorite, fernet. The menu’s Manhattan-style offering is The Queen of Lima, stirring together bourbon; Negra Ciolla (a pisco made of the Negra Criolla grape); mistela (a fortified wine blending pisco and regular grape wine); and Peruvian-made Chuncho bitters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At this point, you might be wondering why was whiskey singled out as a specialty on School Night’s menu? An old-fashioned is Sanchez’s drink of choice when going out and the way for him to quickly judge a bar’s potential. On cue, his old-fashioned, Bertha & The Smoke, includes his own blend of bitters (Angostura, orange and Dale DeGroff’s pimento) smoked in Bertha, then stirred with high-proof rye, and poured over a large rock snugly nestled in a previously smoked tumbler.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/3ZNbFhR_MhI'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/3ZNbFhR_MhI'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127889\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new.jpg\" alt=\"Bertha & The Smoke\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127889\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0183-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bertha & The Smoke \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>As these approachable but elaborate drinks suggest, Sanchez is one of the under-the-radar stars of San Francisco’s bar community. He’s not a celebrity bartender because he doesn’t seek the spotlight or have his own bar, but he is an icon to his fellow city bar managers and one of the most entertaining bartenders in the city to chat with. If you want to learn every minute detail about smoking bitters or a particular pisco grape, then get ready for a lesson at School Night. There may be homework afterwards. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He arrived in San Francisco from Peru as a 21-year old and grew to become the lead bartender for Acurio’s first restaurant outside of Peru, La Mar Cebicheria Peruana, when it opened on the Embarcadero a decade ago. Sanchez is a big reason why pisco sours are now one of the most ordered drinks across the Bay Area. But, his career has also taken him to a few Mexican concepts, like Tres Agaves and Arguello, that have opened his eyes to agave spirits right at the same time that mezcal started having its “revolution” moment. As a Peruvian, pisco will always “be in his blood” but Sanchez acknowledges he’s really excited by mezcal and tequila nowadays. That’s why agave is the third part of his menu.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>His version of a margarita is Mr. Kotter, splitting the difference of a classic recipe’s use of orange liqueur and the Tommy’s way with agave nectar, and serving the drink on a hibiscus-infused rock for a color flourish. Tequila isn’t an expected base for a martini but it is in Pancho’s Martini, smoothed out with the salty embrace of manzanilla sherry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The menu’s best match for a poolside cocktail is, appropriately, Spring Break, a smoky mezcal drink on ice pebbles with pineapple gum syrup and hibiscus. Finally, if the lecture at School Night is making your eyes feel a little heavy, it’s time for the Recess Reboot. The mezcal drink is an interpretation of how Mexican coffee often has cinnamon, cloves and piloncillo. Sanchez makes the spiced coffee as a cold brew to mix with amaro and whipped cream for a richer body when poured over crushed ice. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Outside of cocktails, four local beers are served on draft ($7), Peru’s national Cusqueña lager is available by the bottle ($5) a few tempting sherries are offered ($6-$8) and three wines are poured by-the-glass on draft ($12). \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Obviously, in order to make this weeknight-only concept really work, Mendelson knew all along that his grand plan could thrive only if he has an all-star team. He certainly found that with Des Jardins and Sanchez. Des Jardins might not be the national icon of a Thomas Keller or Alice Waters, but the two-time James Beard winner and Central Valley native deserves a place on the local chefs’ Mount Rushmore for her influential work at restaurants and in the community. She sits on the board of La Cocina, is active in all sorts of charity and education activities, and helped launch the Giants’ centerfield garden with the Bon Appétit Management Company a few years ago at AT&T Park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127935\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1.jpg\" alt=\"Traci Des Jardins at School Night\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127935\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4548-new1-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Traci Des Jardins at School Night \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>On the restaurant side, she started with no culinary training (no school nights!) but landed apprenticeships with many legendary French kitchens including La Maison Troisgros, Alain Passard’s L’Arpège and Alain Ducasse’s Le Louis XV. After learning classical French techniques from the best mentors possible, Des Jardins’ career brought her back to her home state and the wonderful ingredients of California. She was an opening chef in various capacities at some of the most important restaurants of the 1990s including Patina in Los Angeles (the only one still open); Aqua; Japantown’s fascinating Japanese-French fusion restaurant, Elka (here’s an \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/13/garden/from-hill-to-hill-san-francisco-s-top-restaurants.html\">interesting throwback article\u003c/a> about that important but oft-forgotten place); and Rubicon. That last one is where Des Jardins finally could run her own kitchen as Executive Chef and where she won the 1995 James Beard Foundation Rising Star Chef of the Year award. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Her solo debut, Jardinière, opened in 1997 and still is as strong as ever, balancing a nightly crowd of theatergoers, older regulars and eager, young food-obsessed diners. Des Jardins also owns or co-owns Mijita, a taqueria in the Ferry Building and attached to AT&T Park; Arguello, TRANSIT and The Commissary in the Presidio; and Public House at AT&T Park. Her restaurant concepts are eclectic in style and location to say the least. After helping to put the Presidio on the San Francisco dining map, it’s exciting to see her help elevate the Dogpatch dining scene in the complete opposite corner of the city. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Along with Mendelson, Des Jardins and Sanchez have a strong team of industry personnel and non-traditional hospitality personnel to make sure this concept isn’t just an experiment. The Pearl’s General Manager is Jon Larner, a Founding Partner of The Independent concert venue on Divisadero. School Night’s General Manager is Riley Bartlett (Pizzeria Delfina, Spruce) and Amy Reynolds is the Director of Operations for Des Jardins’ medium-sized stable of restaurants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127824\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new.jpg\" alt=\"Pearl’s General Manager is Jon Larner\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1370\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127824\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new-160x114.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new-800x571.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new-768x548.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new-1020x728.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new-1200x856.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new-1180x842.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new-960x685.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new-240x171.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new-375x268.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4658-new-520x371.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pearl’s General Manager is Jon Larner \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>So, The Pearl is its own operation and School Night is an overlapping one between the chef and The Pearl. As far as event spaces go, you’d be hard pressed to find a more impressive venue than The Pearl. It’s a three-level loft-chic space with a gorgeous rooftop patio. The main floor boasts several intriguing maps as pieces of art by Alexis Laurent and a ceiling-high living indoor garden on built-in giant cranes à la New York’s High Line. For a bar next door to not seem like a low-key supporting act to such a stunner...good luck! With Laurent’s help, School Night has managed to be architecturally notable on its own.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127827\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new.jpg\" alt=\"Inside The Pearl looking down on the first level\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127827\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4700-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Inside The Pearl looking down on the first level \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127887\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new.jpg\" alt=\"The Pearl second level space\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127887\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4706-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Pearl second level space \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127888\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new.jpg\" alt=\"The Pearl rooftop patio\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127888\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4710-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Pearl rooftop patio \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Seating is split between the bar, central high-tops and wooden booths on the non-bar side wall. The latter two areas have full service. A partition made of glazed glass cubes and a stack of firewood greets diners at the door and then a chic-industrial theme dominates everywhere you look when walking to a seat. Exposed pipes run overhead with oversized lamp bulbs dangling down from the ceiling. They immediately draw your attention to the skylight (trend alert!) that gives the airy space an even grander aura. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127884\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new.jpg\" alt=\"Inside School Night\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127884\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4619-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Inside School Night \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>There are four main design features that the Instagram and gallery-frequenting crowds will appreciate. We mentioned the three-dimensional plant print wall fixture by the entrance, made by Laurent. The bathrooms are right next to it and each stall has an eye-catching tile wall. The bar’s background is a giant menu board that seems partially inspired by the one at Toronado and partially like a chalkboard in a classroom. The far end of the room features a wheel-like light creation by Laurent that has a steampunk vibe to it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127837\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new.jpg\" alt=\"Three-dimensional plant print wall relief by San Francisco artist Alexis Laurent\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127837\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4628-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Three-dimensional plant print wall relief by San Francisco artist Alexis Laurent \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127823\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new.jpg\" alt=\"The festive bathroom \" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127823\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_4636-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The festive bathroom \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Clearly, School Night has the talent and the design to make it a hit on what are usually the most sluggish evenings of the week for bars and restaurants. Plus, the $12 cocktails are “a deal” by San Francisco’s inflated standards and the venue is in a neighborhood going through a huge building and housing boom. There is a lot working in School Night’s favor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>School Night is an intriguing industry strategy and one that will be closely watched. We’ve seen other restaurants in the city make daring changes, whether it’s having ticketed reservations or serving high-end cuisine in no-frills spaces. It’s up to San Francisco diners and drinkers to fill our the report card for this concept. However, one thing is for certain — when our adult homework involves tasting cebiche and pisco cocktails, we look forward to school nights. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127850\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new.jpg\" alt=\"School Night signage\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127850\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_0084-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">School Night signage \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.schoolnightsf.com/\">\u003cstrong>School Night\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n601 19th St. \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/School+Night/@37.7615343,-122.3911776,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x808f7fb811772cff:0x73e436e233e70b52!8m2!3d37.7615343!4d-122.3889836\">MAP\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSan Francisco, CA 94107\u003cbr>\nPh: (415) 903-5427\u003cbr>\nHours: Sunday-Wednesday, 5pm-Midnight\u003cbr>\nFacebook: \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/pg/ThePearlSF/about/?ref=page_internal\">The Pearl\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nInstagram: \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/schoolnightsf/?hl=en\">@SchoolNightSF\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nTwitter: \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/SchoolNightSF\">@SchoolNightSF\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nPrice Range: $$\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"disqusTitle": "Table Talk: Enjoy Being Outside with Presidio Twilight, Mother’s Day Picks for Food-Loving Moms, Tune In to F&B Voices from the Kitchen",
"title": "Table Talk: Enjoy Being Outside with Presidio Twilight, Mother’s Day Picks for Food-Loving Moms, Tune In to F&B Voices from the Kitchen",
"headTitle": "KQED’s Table Talk | Bay Area Bites | KQED Food",
"content": "\u003cp>Rain is less and less in the forecast, so it’s a good time to eat alfresco at Presidio Twilight on Thursdays or Presidio Picnic on Sundays. There’s also the new rooftop bar from Twenty Five Lusk in case you don’t like nature. If you’re looking for some Mother’s Day options in San Francisco, check out these three ideas for moms who love to eat. Mark your calendar for the latest F&B Voices from the Kitchen from La Cocina, and Uptown Oakland gets an SF burger shop.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127751\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1201px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127751\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1.jpg\" alt=\"Presidio Twilight has returned on Thursdays—bring on the lobster rolls and fire pits.\" width=\"1201\" height=\"801\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1.jpg 1201w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1201px) 100vw, 1201px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Presidio Twilight has returned on Thursdays—bring on the lobster rolls and fire pits. \u003ccite>(Eric Bailey)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Presidio Twilight and Presidio Picnic\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Main+Parade+Ground,+Sheridan+Ave,+San+Francisco,+CA+94129/@37.8008499,-122.4622896,16.34z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x808586d82b468047:0x888879a31caf693!8m2!3d37.8005654!4d-122.458334\">Main Parade Ground, Sheridan Ave., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s that time of the year when San Franciscans go from a down jacket to sweater and hat (but always a scarf), and it’s also when \u003ca href=\"https://www.presidio.gov/events/presidio-twilight\">Presidio Twilight\u003c/a> returns, thanks to \u003ca href=\"https://www.presidio.gov/\">The Presidio Trust\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://offthegrid.com/\">Off the Grid\u003c/a>. Starting on May 17, every \u003cstrong>Thursday evening from 5pm–9pm\u003c/strong>, you can come down to the Main Parade Ground with your posse and gather around the fire pits and 30 cabanas (complete with lanterns), and take your pick of vittles from vendors like \u003cstrong>Mozzeria\u003c/strong> (Neapolitan pizza), lobster rolls from \u003cstrong>Cousins Maine Lobster\u003c/strong> (ask them to tell you about their \u003cem>Shark Tank\u003c/em> experience), and \u003cstrong>Johnny Doughnuts\u003c/strong> for dessert. New additions include \u003cstrong>I Love Cheesesteak\u003c/strong>, offering Asian-fusion cheesesteak like seasoned ribeye bao with onion, bell peppers, nacho cheese, and bacon. Don’t tell your cardiologist. There’s also live music and outdoor games (good idea to move around after the cheesesteak).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another option is the popular \u003ca href=\"https://www.presidio.gov/events/presidio-picnic\">Presidio Picnic\u003c/a>, which already returned on \u003cstrong>Sundays, 11am–4pm\u003c/strong> — grab your friends, a blanket, sunscreen, and enjoy up to 25 different food vendors, and a yoga class at 11am.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Kudos to the organizers for trying to make both zero-waste events! All containers provided by food vendors are compostable, and no plastic straws or water bottles are sold—please \"leave no trace\" and think about taking \u003ca href=\"http://presidio.gov/transportation\">public transpo\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127753\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127753\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1.jpg\" alt=\"The well-appointed rooftop space at Rooftop 25.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1.jpg 2000w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The well-appointed rooftop space at Rooftop 25. \u003ccite>(Anne-Claire Thieulon)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Twenty-Five Lusk's Rooftop 25\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/25+Lusk/@37.7785673,-122.3965769,17z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x808f7fd640283cc3:0x34e12525eccbd2b5!2s25+Lusk+St,+San+Francisco,+CA+94107!3b1!8m2!3d37.7785673!4d-122.3943829!3m4!1s0x808f7fd640263903:0xf813d8d02ecda3b3!8m2!3d37.7784685!4d-122.3943108\">25 Lusk St, San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Want more fresh air? You got it. Now open in SoMa is the new rooftop bar at \u003ca href=\"http://www.25lusk.com/\">Twenty-Five Lusk\u003c/a> called \u003cstrong>Rooftop 25\u003c/strong>. Not only is it spacious, with room for 100 guests, but it’s also tricked out with a windscreen, retractable canopy, heaters, and blankets, plus there’s a cabana lounge that fits 14 (snuggle up). Designer Cass Calder Smith from CCS Architecture + Design obviously understands San Francisco weather.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here’s the fun part: it’s open \u003cstrong>Sun–Wed 11:30am–8pm and Thu–Sat 11:30am–10pm\u003c/strong>, so you can come by for chef Matthew Dolan’s menu for lunch or happy hour or dinner. Or that magic window in SF weather when we have sun for an hour at 3pm, ha. Bites include roasted oysters with tequila-yuzu butter, wood-fired pizzas or prawns, flatiron steak salad, and a Dungeness crab roll. The cocktails are also meant to be fun, including a spicy blended passion fruit margarita and bottled cocktails.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127756\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127756\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new.jpg\" alt=\"La Cocina’s F&B Voices from the Kitchen brings speakers from all over the U.S.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">La Cocina’s F&B Voices from the Kitchen brings speakers from all over the U.S. \u003ccite>(tablehopper.com)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>La Cocina’s F&B Voices from the Kitchen\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Gray+Area+%2F+Grand+Theater/@37.7544054,-122.4205433,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8085808504553e4f:0x1a2a4247dede4756!8m2!3d37.7544054!4d-122.4183493\">The Gray Theater, 2665 Mission St., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nFriday, June 1, 6pm-8:30pm\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fb-voices-from-the-kitchen-service-tickets-45488665824\">Get Tickets\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Have you ever had the chance to attend La Cocina’s \u003ca href=\"http://voicesfromthekitchen.org/\">F&B: Voices from the Kitchen\u003c/a>? It’s a biannual series of storytelling events based around a theme, sharing stories, perspectives, and voices from and about the cooks and kitchens, and people that are heard from less often than others. It’s always a poignant and revealing evening, and proceeds from F&B support La Cocina’s business incubator program.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The next event is on Friday, June 1, and it’s based on the theme of \u003cstrong>service\u003c/strong>, sure to be a rich topic. The night of storytellers will include Chris Colin, journalist and author; Rachel Levin, writer and editor; Binita Pradhan, owner of Bini's Kitchen; Shanna Farrell, oral historian and author of \u003cem>Bay Area Cocktails\u003c/em>;\u003cem> \u003c/em>Randy Fertel, writer and philanthropist; and many more. \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fb-voices-from-the-kitchen-service-tickets-45488665824\">Tickets\u003c/a> are $65 (plus $4.24 service fee), and there’s always some tasty food and drink at the beginning too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127755\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1638px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127755\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs.jpg\" alt=\"Beef short rib curry at Rooh.\" width=\"1638\" height=\"2048\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs.jpg 1638w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs-160x200.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs-768x960.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs-1020x1275.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs-960x1200.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs-1180x1475.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs-240x300.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs-375x469.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs-520x650.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1638px) 100vw, 1638px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Beef short rib curry at Rooh. \u003ccite>(Kelly Puleio)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Mother's Day in San Francisco\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>54 Mint\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/54+Mint+SF/@37.7825768,-122.4101756,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x808580842deb933f:0xfee4397b25a1c505!8m2!3d37.7825768!4d-122.4079816\">16 Mint Plaza, San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nReservations: 415-543-5100; Hours: 12pm–8pm\u003cbr>\n$55 per person (tax, gratuity, and beverages not included)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Mother’s Day\u003c/strong> is fast approaching (\u003cstrong>Sunday, May 13\u003c/strong>, gang!), and it’s the one day you really need to make sure your mom is well-fed—after all the years of feeding you, it’s the least you can do. If your mama is more like a food-lovin’ \u003cem>mamma\u003c/em>, you’ll want to take her to \u003ca href=\"http://www.54mint.com/sanfrancisco\">54 Mint\u003c/a>, since the Italians know all about honoring their mothers! Their \u003ca href=\"http://www.54mint.com/upcoming-events\">three-course, family-style meal\u003c/a> is available from 12pm–8pm, and includes choices like fava bean and pea-shoot salad with pecorino (eat your greens!), porchetta, and tiramisu.\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tawla\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tawla/@37.7696322,-122.4245722,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x808f7e2046be4779:0xcebfb5042cfbd738!8m2!3d37.7696322!4d-122.4223782\">206 Valencia St., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nHours: 11am–2pm\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If mom’s palate leans more toward the adventurous, \u003ca href=\"http://www.tawlasf.com/\">Tawla\u003c/a> is hosting an Eastern Mediterranean feast, and good news, you can come by for a savory brunch on either \u003cstrong>Saturday, May 12 or Sunday, May 13\u003c/strong>. There’s their incredible housemade pide (cheese-stuffed flatbread, with fresh chile and herb salad, pickles), roast leg of lamb with three sauces, and their special batata harra (crispy potatoes, maras, sumac, and you can add an egg, which is a great idea), plus other sides and vegetable dishes.\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>ROOH\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rooh/@37.7812983,-122.3948759,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x808580787b995e7f:0x48f12b30cd7c8cdd!8m2!3d37.7812983!4d-122.3926819\">333 Brannan St., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nHours: 11am-2:30pm and 5pm-9pm\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another spot that should be mom-approved (mine loved it) is \u003ca href=\"http://roohsf.com/\">ROOH\u003c/a> in SoMa. This stylin’ progressive Indian restaurant is offering a three-course, prix fixe menu ($45) with flavorful dishes like tandoori monkfish, beef short rib curry, and coconut halwa bread pudding for dessert. Don’t miss their gorg brunch cocktails. ROOH will be open for both brunch (11am-2:30pm) and dinner (5-9pm) on \u003cstrong>Sunday, May 12 for Mother’s Day\u003c/strong>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127754\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127754\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new.jpg\" alt=\"Roam Artisan Burgers is opening a location in Uptown Oakland.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new-800x534.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new-960x641.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Roam Artisan Burgers is opening a location in Uptown Oakland. \u003ccite>(Kassie Borreson)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>Roam Artisan Burgers is opening a location in Uptown Oakland\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Roam+Artisan+Burgers/@37.8092961,-122.2721718,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x808f80adebff3a43:0xfd8a5498bdb96361!8m2!3d37.8092961!4d-122.2699778\">1951 Telegraph Ave., Oakland\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nHours: Daily 11:30am–10pm\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Burger fans in the East Bay are about to get a second location of \u003ca href=\"http://www.roamburgers.com/\">Roam Artisan Burgers\u003c/a>—this latest one (their fifth) is \u003cstrong>opening in Uptown Oakland on May 11\u003c/strong>, just conveniently a block away from the Fox and Paramount Theaters. Roam is known for their sustainable sourcing and approach (the build-out was highly eco-conscious as well). The burgers are made with sustainable meats, including 100-percent grass-fed beef, free-range turkey, and an organic veggie burger. I go back to the Tejano again and again (pepper jack, jalapeño relish, avocado, tomato, white corn strips, herb ranch). There’s the fry-fecta too (russet fries, sweet potato fries, and zucchini-onion). You want a shake with that? They’re Straus Family Creamery shakes, and there’s even kombucha on tap. \u003cstrong>Bonus:\u003c/strong> this location will feature a special Springtime Burger with chimichurri, fresh mozzarella, tomato, arugula, and herb mayo. There will also be indoor and outdoor dining.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"excerpt": "Mother’s Day options in San Francisco, get outside with the return of Presidio Twilight and Picnic, and don’t miss the latest F&B Voices from the Kitchen from La Cocina.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Rain is less and less in the forecast, so it’s a good time to eat alfresco at Presidio Twilight on Thursdays or Presidio Picnic on Sundays. There’s also the new rooftop bar from Twenty Five Lusk in case you don’t like nature. If you’re looking for some Mother’s Day options in San Francisco, check out these three ideas for moms who love to eat. Mark your calendar for the latest F&B Voices from the Kitchen from La Cocina, and Uptown Oakland gets an SF burger shop.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127751\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1201px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127751\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1.jpg\" alt=\"Presidio Twilight has returned on Thursdays—bring on the lobster rolls and fire pits.\" width=\"1201\" height=\"801\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1.jpg 1201w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Off-the-Grid-Twilight-1-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1201px) 100vw, 1201px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Presidio Twilight has returned on Thursdays—bring on the lobster rolls and fire pits. \u003ccite>(Eric Bailey)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Presidio Twilight and Presidio Picnic\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Main+Parade+Ground,+Sheridan+Ave,+San+Francisco,+CA+94129/@37.8008499,-122.4622896,16.34z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x808586d82b468047:0x888879a31caf693!8m2!3d37.8005654!4d-122.458334\">Main Parade Ground, Sheridan Ave., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s that time of the year when San Franciscans go from a down jacket to sweater and hat (but always a scarf), and it’s also when \u003ca href=\"https://www.presidio.gov/events/presidio-twilight\">Presidio Twilight\u003c/a> returns, thanks to \u003ca href=\"https://www.presidio.gov/\">The Presidio Trust\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://offthegrid.com/\">Off the Grid\u003c/a>. Starting on May 17, every \u003cstrong>Thursday evening from 5pm–9pm\u003c/strong>, you can come down to the Main Parade Ground with your posse and gather around the fire pits and 30 cabanas (complete with lanterns), and take your pick of vittles from vendors like \u003cstrong>Mozzeria\u003c/strong> (Neapolitan pizza), lobster rolls from \u003cstrong>Cousins Maine Lobster\u003c/strong> (ask them to tell you about their \u003cem>Shark Tank\u003c/em> experience), and \u003cstrong>Johnny Doughnuts\u003c/strong> for dessert. New additions include \u003cstrong>I Love Cheesesteak\u003c/strong>, offering Asian-fusion cheesesteak like seasoned ribeye bao with onion, bell peppers, nacho cheese, and bacon. Don’t tell your cardiologist. There’s also live music and outdoor games (good idea to move around after the cheesesteak).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another option is the popular \u003ca href=\"https://www.presidio.gov/events/presidio-picnic\">Presidio Picnic\u003c/a>, which already returned on \u003cstrong>Sundays, 11am–4pm\u003c/strong> — grab your friends, a blanket, sunscreen, and enjoy up to 25 different food vendors, and a yoga class at 11am.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Kudos to the organizers for trying to make both zero-waste events! All containers provided by food vendors are compostable, and no plastic straws or water bottles are sold—please \"leave no trace\" and think about taking \u003ca href=\"http://presidio.gov/transportation\">public transpo\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127753\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127753\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1.jpg\" alt=\"The well-appointed rooftop space at Rooftop 25.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1.jpg 2000w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Rooftop25-side_Anne-ClaireThieulon-1-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The well-appointed rooftop space at Rooftop 25. \u003ccite>(Anne-Claire Thieulon)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Twenty-Five Lusk's Rooftop 25\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/25+Lusk/@37.7785673,-122.3965769,17z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x808f7fd640283cc3:0x34e12525eccbd2b5!2s25+Lusk+St,+San+Francisco,+CA+94107!3b1!8m2!3d37.7785673!4d-122.3943829!3m4!1s0x808f7fd640263903:0xf813d8d02ecda3b3!8m2!3d37.7784685!4d-122.3943108\">25 Lusk St, San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Want more fresh air? You got it. Now open in SoMa is the new rooftop bar at \u003ca href=\"http://www.25lusk.com/\">Twenty-Five Lusk\u003c/a> called \u003cstrong>Rooftop 25\u003c/strong>. Not only is it spacious, with room for 100 guests, but it’s also tricked out with a windscreen, retractable canopy, heaters, and blankets, plus there’s a cabana lounge that fits 14 (snuggle up). Designer Cass Calder Smith from CCS Architecture + Design obviously understands San Francisco weather.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here’s the fun part: it’s open \u003cstrong>Sun–Wed 11:30am–8pm and Thu–Sat 11:30am–10pm\u003c/strong>, so you can come by for chef Matthew Dolan’s menu for lunch or happy hour or dinner. Or that magic window in SF weather when we have sun for an hour at 3pm, ha. Bites include roasted oysters with tequila-yuzu butter, wood-fired pizzas or prawns, flatiron steak salad, and a Dungeness crab roll. The cocktails are also meant to be fun, including a spicy blended passion fruit margarita and bottled cocktails.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127756\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127756\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new.jpg\" alt=\"La Cocina’s F&B Voices from the Kitchen brings speakers from all over the U.S.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new-160x213.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new-900x1200.jpg 900w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new-1180x1573.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new-240x320.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new-375x500.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/fandb-new-520x693.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">La Cocina’s F&B Voices from the Kitchen brings speakers from all over the U.S. \u003ccite>(tablehopper.com)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>La Cocina’s F&B Voices from the Kitchen\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Gray+Area+%2F+Grand+Theater/@37.7544054,-122.4205433,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8085808504553e4f:0x1a2a4247dede4756!8m2!3d37.7544054!4d-122.4183493\">The Gray Theater, 2665 Mission St., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nFriday, June 1, 6pm-8:30pm\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fb-voices-from-the-kitchen-service-tickets-45488665824\">Get Tickets\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Have you ever had the chance to attend La Cocina’s \u003ca href=\"http://voicesfromthekitchen.org/\">F&B: Voices from the Kitchen\u003c/a>? It’s a biannual series of storytelling events based around a theme, sharing stories, perspectives, and voices from and about the cooks and kitchens, and people that are heard from less often than others. It’s always a poignant and revealing evening, and proceeds from F&B support La Cocina’s business incubator program.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The next event is on Friday, June 1, and it’s based on the theme of \u003cstrong>service\u003c/strong>, sure to be a rich topic. The night of storytellers will include Chris Colin, journalist and author; Rachel Levin, writer and editor; Binita Pradhan, owner of Bini's Kitchen; Shanna Farrell, oral historian and author of \u003cem>Bay Area Cocktails\u003c/em>;\u003cem> \u003c/em>Randy Fertel, writer and philanthropist; and many more. \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fb-voices-from-the-kitchen-service-tickets-45488665824\">Tickets\u003c/a> are $65 (plus $4.24 service fee), and there’s always some tasty food and drink at the beginning too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127755\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1638px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127755\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs.jpg\" alt=\"Beef short rib curry at Rooh.\" width=\"1638\" height=\"2048\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs.jpg 1638w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs-160x200.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs-768x960.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs-1020x1275.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs-960x1200.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs-1180x1475.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs-240x300.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs-375x469.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/rooh-ribs-520x650.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1638px) 100vw, 1638px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Beef short rib curry at Rooh. \u003ccite>(Kelly Puleio)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Mother's Day in San Francisco\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>54 Mint\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/54+Mint+SF/@37.7825768,-122.4101756,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x808580842deb933f:0xfee4397b25a1c505!8m2!3d37.7825768!4d-122.4079816\">16 Mint Plaza, San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nReservations: 415-543-5100; Hours: 12pm–8pm\u003cbr>\n$55 per person (tax, gratuity, and beverages not included)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Mother’s Day\u003c/strong> is fast approaching (\u003cstrong>Sunday, May 13\u003c/strong>, gang!), and it’s the one day you really need to make sure your mom is well-fed—after all the years of feeding you, it’s the least you can do. If your mama is more like a food-lovin’ \u003cem>mamma\u003c/em>, you’ll want to take her to \u003ca href=\"http://www.54mint.com/sanfrancisco\">54 Mint\u003c/a>, since the Italians know all about honoring their mothers! Their \u003ca href=\"http://www.54mint.com/upcoming-events\">three-course, family-style meal\u003c/a> is available from 12pm–8pm, and includes choices like fava bean and pea-shoot salad with pecorino (eat your greens!), porchetta, and tiramisu.\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tawla\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tawla/@37.7696322,-122.4245722,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x808f7e2046be4779:0xcebfb5042cfbd738!8m2!3d37.7696322!4d-122.4223782\">206 Valencia St., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nHours: 11am–2pm\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If mom’s palate leans more toward the adventurous, \u003ca href=\"http://www.tawlasf.com/\">Tawla\u003c/a> is hosting an Eastern Mediterranean feast, and good news, you can come by for a savory brunch on either \u003cstrong>Saturday, May 12 or Sunday, May 13\u003c/strong>. There’s their incredible housemade pide (cheese-stuffed flatbread, with fresh chile and herb salad, pickles), roast leg of lamb with three sauces, and their special batata harra (crispy potatoes, maras, sumac, and you can add an egg, which is a great idea), plus other sides and vegetable dishes.\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>ROOH\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rooh/@37.7812983,-122.3948759,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x808580787b995e7f:0x48f12b30cd7c8cdd!8m2!3d37.7812983!4d-122.3926819\">333 Brannan St., San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nHours: 11am-2:30pm and 5pm-9pm\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another spot that should be mom-approved (mine loved it) is \u003ca href=\"http://roohsf.com/\">ROOH\u003c/a> in SoMa. This stylin’ progressive Indian restaurant is offering a three-course, prix fixe menu ($45) with flavorful dishes like tandoori monkfish, beef short rib curry, and coconut halwa bread pudding for dessert. Don’t miss their gorg brunch cocktails. ROOH will be open for both brunch (11am-2:30pm) and dinner (5-9pm) on \u003cstrong>Sunday, May 12 for Mother’s Day\u003c/strong>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127754\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127754\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new.jpg\" alt=\"Roam Artisan Burgers is opening a location in Uptown Oakland.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new-800x534.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new-960x641.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/Roam_burger-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Roam Artisan Burgers is opening a location in Uptown Oakland. \u003ccite>(Kassie Borreson)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>Roam Artisan Burgers is opening a location in Uptown Oakland\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Roam+Artisan+Burgers/@37.8092961,-122.2721718,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x808f80adebff3a43:0xfd8a5498bdb96361!8m2!3d37.8092961!4d-122.2699778\">1951 Telegraph Ave., Oakland\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nHours: Daily 11:30am–10pm\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Burger fans in the East Bay are about to get a second location of \u003ca href=\"http://www.roamburgers.com/\">Roam Artisan Burgers\u003c/a>—this latest one (their fifth) is \u003cstrong>opening in Uptown Oakland on May 11\u003c/strong>, just conveniently a block away from the Fox and Paramount Theaters. Roam is known for their sustainable sourcing and approach (the build-out was highly eco-conscious as well). The burgers are made with sustainable meats, including 100-percent grass-fed beef, free-range turkey, and an organic veggie burger. I go back to the Tejano again and again (pepper jack, jalapeño relish, avocado, tomato, white corn strips, herb ranch). There’s the fry-fecta too (russet fries, sweet potato fries, and zucchini-onion). You want a shake with that? They’re Straus Family Creamery shakes, and there’s even kombucha on tap. \u003cstrong>Bonus:\u003c/strong> this location will feature a special Springtime Burger with chimichurri, fresh mozzarella, tomato, arugula, and herb mayo. There will also be indoor and outdoor dining.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"disqusTitle": "Taste Test: Local, Sustainable Whole Milk From 6 Top California Dairies",
"title": "Taste Test: Local, Sustainable Whole Milk From 6 Top California Dairies",
"headTitle": "Bay Area Bites | KQED Food",
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>If your family drinks milk, you'll want to read this guide to the sustainable whole milk choices available in the Bay Area, including two raw milks. Read to the end for an extra tip on the best chocolate milk your kids will ever taste.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Humans have been consuming cow's milk since European dairy farmers developed a genetic adaptation that enabled them to digest lactase about 7,500 years ago. A high-protein, calorie-dense, versatile beverage, milk is a dietary staple for millions of Americans, and it's full of calcium and Vitamin D, to boot. Whether your kids drink it by the gallon or you just splash a bit on your oatmeal every morning, here's a handy guide to the best whole milk available in the Bay Area, with tasting notes for each.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While American milk consumption is down 37% since 1970, the USDA estimates that U.S. residents still consume an average of .8 cups per person each day. But despite recent medical research touting the nutritional benefits of full-fat dairy products, whole milk—the focus of this guide—is still out of favor, down to .24 cups per day, on average, for U.S. consumers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This may not be the case, however, in the Bay Area, where there's a tremendous amount of competition among producers of the highest quality sustainable whole milk. We identified six brands that are widely available throughout the Bay Area that meet the criteria for this guide (both sustainable and full-fat) and also taste great, albeit in vastly different ways: \u003ca href=\"https://www.strausfamilycreamery.com\">Straus Family Creamery\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://cloversonoma.com\">Clover Sonoma\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"http://www.stbenoit.com\">Saint Benoît Creamery\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.humboldtcreamery.com\">Humboldt Creamery\u003c/a>, and two less widely available raw milks worth seeking out, from \u003ca href=\"https://claravalefarm.com/\">Claravale\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.organicpastures.com/\">Organic Pastures\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What Is Sustainable Milk?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>I began my research on local whole milk with a focus on organic, and then it became clear that some dairies go well beyond organic certification requirements, making significant contributions to sustainability. \"Sustainability\" is a vague word. It has no legal definition and so it's important to make subjective parameters clear. Given what is happening in California’s dairy industry, contributions to sustainability might include something as deceptively simple as reusable bottles or as obviously complex as carbon farming.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most people think of organic certification as a baseline for sustainability, and all of the milks we've included in this guide are certified organic, except for one, the Claravale raw milk (whose rationale I'll discuss later). First, a brief primer on what organic means in the world of milk, and why it's important.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What Is Organic Milk?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>USDA organic certification for all food products is complex and multi-faceted. For consumers, the three most important rules to know about certified organic milk are:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>It must come from cows that...\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003col>\n\u003cli>graze on grass for a minimum of 120 days per year;\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>have never been treated with antibiotics; and\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>are fed 100% organic grains as supplements to their forage.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ol>\n\u003cp>More detailed information is available at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Dairy%20-%20Guidelines.pdf\">U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Other Contributions to Sustainability\u003c/h2>\n\u003cul>While organic farming practices are a big contribution to sustainability, as they safeguard the welfare of the animals as well as protect consumers from potentially harmful antibiotics, some dairy farmers in California are also upping the ante on sustainability in other ways:\n\u003cli>Paying farmers a premium\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Recycling water\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Carbon Farming/Regenerative Agriculture\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Transparency\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>See below for information on contributions to sustainability made by each of the dairies featured in this story.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Pasteurized, Homogenized, Both or Neither?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>When I was a kid, milk was \"pasteurized and homogenized,\" as if it were one word. But pasteurization and homogenization are two different processes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasteurization\">\u003cstrong>Pasteurization\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>, invented by Louis Pasteur in the 19th century, involves the heating of (in this case) milk to kill microbes that might be harmful. (Raw milk advocates argue that this process kills good bacteria, as well, but that's a debate for another time.) The legal minimum temperature for pasteurization is 145 degrees. \"Ultra-pasteurized\" milk is heated to at least 280 degrees, a category that applies to none of the milks featured in this story.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homogenization_(chemistry)\">\u003cstrong>Homogenization\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> is the process of dispersing milkfat throughout the milk, preventing the cream from rising to the surface. Homogenization is primarily about appearance and texture, rather than health.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And now a bit about each dairy whose milk we tasted.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Beyond Organic: Straus Family Creamery Is the Industry Leader in Sustainability\u003c/h3>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127718\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127718\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new.jpg\" alt=\"Straus organic whole milk\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Straus organic whole milk \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Albert Straus is a lifelong dairy farmer and an industry leader where sustainability is concerned. The milk, yogurt, butter, sour cream and ice cream produced by \u003ca href=\"https://www.strausfamilycreamery.com/\">Straus Family Creamery\u003c/a> are all certified-organic products. But Straus goes far beyond organic. The glass bottles that some of their milk line is packaged in are first rinsed with recycled water before being sterilized. And because they use the rinse water to irrigate their pastures afterward, they use potassium-based cleaners that are good for the soil.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Straus buys 100% renewable electricity from \u003ca href=\"https://www.green-e.org/\">Green-e Energy certified\u003c/a> wind and solar power sources in California, through their partnership with \u003ca href=\"https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/100-renewable/\">Marin Clean Energy’s Deep Green Renewable Program\u003c/a>. And Straus' commitment to being a carbon-free business includes the use of LED lighting throughout the creamery, as well as energy-efficient cooling equipment, motors and monitors. They even offer plug-in electric-vehicle charging stations to their employees.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127719\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127719\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1.jpg\" alt=\"Straus Go Electric!\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Straus Go Electric! \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Perhaps the most impressive feature of the Straus operation is its methane digester—a large pond (covered with a tarp) that converts organic waste from the cows into methane gas through the process of anaerobic digestion—that generates energy to power the farm. The digester has reduced methane emissions by more than 1,600 metric tons of greenhouse gases each year—the equivalent of eliminating the annual emissions from about 350 passenger cars. The ultimate aim of carbon farming is not just to reduce the pace of global warming, but to reverse it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Straus was the first non-GMO-verified dairy in North America, and they test every load of feed to ensure that it is GMO-free.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Straus was also, by far, the most transparent of the dairies featured in this story, in terms of answering questions and sharing information about products and processes. They even invited us up to the creamery for a tour of the bottling line.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://youtu.be/wnyhs4gb3pQ\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In a lengthy interview, Albert Straus emphasized his commitment to transforming the dairy industry by way of all the sustainable initiatives his company has undertaken, and he's a local activist for dairy farmers, as well. He says that his life's work is to \"revitalize rural communities,\" and the nine dairy farms he works with in Marina and Sonoma counties get their checks hand-delivered by a company executive every quarter. Straus is currently advocating for dairy farmers in a \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/Point-Reyes-lawsuit-settlement-harms-dairies-12760600.php\">dispute with Point Reyes National Seashore\u003c/a> over the presence of historic ranches and farms.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127633\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127633\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new.jpg\" alt=\"Albert Straus being interviewed for this guide.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Albert Straus being interviewed for this guide. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>Clover Sonoma: Family and Philanthropy\u003c/h3>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127716\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127716\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new.jpg\" alt=\"Clover Sonoma Organic Whole Milk\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Clover Sonoma Organic Whole Milk \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://cloversonoma.com/\">Clover Sonoma\u003c/a> works with 27 family dairy farms based in Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino counties, 19 of which are organic. My request for an interview with CEO Marcus Benedetti was ignored, but Kristel Corson, vice president of marketing, offered some information that isn't readily available on the Clover Sonoma website.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Regarding Clover Sonoma's commitment to organic farming (Clover Sonoma also sells conventional milk), Corson says, \"We are proud that we made early inroads into organic, and we are committed to growing our organic milk product line. We pay all our farmers a premium to meet our quality standards as set through our \u003ca href=\"https://cloversonoma.com/elevating-dairy/\">Clover Promise of Excellence\u003c/a>. Our organic dairy farms receive higher compensation due to the organic certification process. We see continued consumer demand for organic dairy products and Clover is committed to supporting organic farming and giving consumers what they want.\"\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Additional sustainability initiatives include certification by the American Humane Association in 2000, the first dairy to receive this distinction. Corson also says that the company was the first dairy to say no to the synthetic growth hormone rBST.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Clover Sonoma also donates 5% of its profits to food banks, education non-profits, and other community organizations.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Saint Benoît Offers Organic Milk From All-Jersey Cows\u003c/h3>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127715\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127715\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new.jpg\" alt=\"Saint Benoît Organic Jersey Cow Whole Milk\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Saint Benoît Organic Jersey Cow Whole Milk \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"http://www.stbenoit.com/\">Saint Benoît\u003c/a> organic whole milk is made from 100% Jersey cows. Jersey cows produce milk with the highest content of milk-fat, giving it a creamy yellow appearance (see tasting notes below). Elyzabeth Dehapiot, marketing director for Saint Benoît, didn't speak to any of my questions about production, but did underscore the company's commitment to full-fat organic milk: \"The company was way ahead of its time, as all-Jersey milk has been used since the company's founding in 2004. Back in the early 2000s it was probably ‘off-trend’ to produce a full-fat milk. But the founders (Benoît and David de Korsak) had one objective, to keep it pure and simple.\"\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The company used to sell this milk in returnable glass bottles, but no longer offers this option. However, the glass packaging remains reusable and recyclable.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Get Humboldt Creamery Organic Whole Milk at Costco\u003c/h3>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127714\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127714\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new.jpg\" alt=\"Humboldt Creamery Organic Whole Milk\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Humboldt Creamery Organic Whole Milk \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Though I was able to reach Humboldt Creamery's marketing director, John Harrington, after multiple attempts, he was unwilling to provide me any information about the processing of the creamery's milk, beyond that \"our pasteurization temperature meets the legal definition\" and that \"our cow breeds are mostly Holstein, Jersey and cross-breeds.\"\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Despite the company's lack of accessibility, \u003ca href=\"https://www.humboldtcreamery.com/\">Humboldt Creamery's\u003c/a> organic whole milk is a quality product that is available at Bay Area Costco stores.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Controversy Aside, Raw Milk Is Delicious\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Raw milk is distinguished by its being unpasteurized, a controversial subject, to say the least. Advocates argue that there are more nutrients in raw milk than in pasteurized, and that they're more bioavailable. There can also be risks to consuming raw milk because of potentially harmful bacteria, but advocates assert that they're no greater than that of any unprocessed food. I think of raw milk like I do sushi; I'll happily consume it if its lineage is traceable, as is the case with both raw milks featured here. I'll leave the debate over nutrition and safety to the experts, but it's important to note that both the USDA and the California Department of Food and Agriculture have bacteriological standards that must be met in order for raw milk to be legally sold, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Milk_and_Dairy_Food_Safety/Milk_Standards.html\">California's standards\u003c/a> are significantly higher than federal guidelines.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Claravale Raw Milk: Intentionally Not Organic-Certified, Decidedly Sustainable\u003c/h3>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127717\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127717\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new.jpg\" alt=\"Claravale Raw Pure Jersey Milk\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Claravale Raw Pure Jersey Milk \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://claravalefarm.com/\">Claravale Farm\u003c/a>, in Panoche (San Benito County), made the decision not to get organic certification because they feel that organic regulations are too strict in some ways and not strict enough in others. The company's website goes to great lengths to \u003ca href=\"https://claravalefarm.com/pages/about-us\">explain their philosophy\u003c/a>, but here's the gist: They do not use any pesticides in their feed or antibiotics for their cows, nor do they use any GMO feeds or bovine growth hormone. Further, they don't bottle milk from any dairy other than their own, which means their milk production is quite small, but they can oversee every aspect of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Claravale also sells its products directly to consumers, which eliminates extra handling by distributors. Their all-Jersey milk is packaged in returnable glass bottles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One of the most fascinating efforts around sustainability being promoted by Claravale is its offer of heifers for grazing in your own backyard, allowing you to produce your own raw milk, completely unimpeded by processing, or even handling. If you have the right conditions for grazing, you can \u003ca href=\"https://claravalefarm.com/pages/backyard-family-milk-cows-available\">purchase a cow from Claravale for $2,500\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Organic Pastures Offers Widely Available Organic-Certified Raw Milk\u003c/h3>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127713\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127713\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new.jpg\" alt=\"Organic Pastures Raw Milk\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Organic Pastures Raw Milk \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.organicpastures.com/\">Organic Pastures\u003c/a>, based in Fresno, is a fourth-generation, family-owned farm that is organic-certified and has also earned Certified Humane status. All of the farm's operations involve recycling the water back into the soil, and the farm is also solar-powered.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For further safety assurance, the company was the first to develop and implement a comprehensive Risk Analysis Management Program (RAMP). They collect 20 unique samples from each milk lot ID, then combine the separate samples into one composite to be sent to all three available testing labs. Each lot ID must be cleared of E. coli 0157:H7 and other bad bacteria by all three labs prior to distribution.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The Taste Test: Many Milks, Many Sensory Experiences\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127681\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127681\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new.jpg\" alt=\"The Taste Test\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Taste Test \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>As a sensory analyst in a coffee lab, a licensed \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/112633/what-is-the-q-grader-coffee-system-and-what-does-it-mean-for-your-morning-cup\">Q grader\u003c/a>, certified sommelier, and wine and coffee writer, I spend a lot of time coming up with language for how to describe beverages, though I'd never conducted a formal tasting of milks before this one. I designed a tasting of these six milks to include my two kids, as well as two adult tasters who could offer their perceptions to readers. I made the structure of the tasting as simple as possible in order to cover the range of aromas, flavors and textures the average milk-drinker will experience, without getting too technical. The categories we evaluated, in a blind tasting in which all the milks were room temperature, are: color, aroma, mouthfeel, flavor and aftertaste.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127683\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new.jpg\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127683\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new.jpg\" alt=\"The milk rating system for the taste test\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The milk rating system for the taste test \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Lastly, I asked our tasters to rate each \u003cstrong>milk's sweetness on a scale of 1-5\u003c/strong> (five being the sweetest). From what I was able to glean about pasteurization (for the four milks that were pasteurized), a higher level of perceived sweetness seems to correspond with higher degrees of pasteurization. You should read this according to your own palate's threshold for sugar. For example, I don't like super-sweet beverages, so Humboldt Creamery tastes like dessert to me; I prefer the 2-3 range of sweetness, which is more balanced (3) and even savory-leaning (2). So, these sweetness ratings (an average of all tasters) is not evaluative, but rather descriptive and, in comparison with other milks on the table, intended to help steer you toward a milk you'll enjoy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127684\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new.jpg\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127684\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new.jpg\" alt=\"Testing for aroma\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Testing for aroma \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Instead of a competition, I approached this as a sensory exploration, and here's what our tasters had to say.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Straus Organic Whole Milk (glass bottle, cream-top)\u003c/h3>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Pasteurized:\u003c/strong> Yes, heated to 170 degrees for 18 seconds\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Homogenized:\u003c/strong> No\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Color:\u003c/strong> golden white, off-white, creamy white\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aroma:\u003c/strong> clean, crisp, rich\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Mouthfeel:\u003c/strong> velvety, rich, viscous\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Flavor:\u003c/strong> balanced, sweetly earthy, floral\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aftertaste:\u003c/strong> clean, brisk, light, lingering\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sweetness:\u003c/strong> 3\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Where to Buy:\u003c/strong> Available at more than 25 retailers throughout the Bay Area (and many farmers' markets). The Straus website maintains a \u003ca href=\"https://www.strausfamilycreamery.com/find-our-products/\">searchable list of products by zip code\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Clover Sonoma Organic Whole Milk\u003c/h3>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Pasteurized:\u003c/strong> Yes, heated to 179 degrees\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Homogenized:\u003c/strong> Yes\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Color:\u003c/strong> very white\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aroma:\u003c/strong> sweet, uniform, bright\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Mouthfeel:\u003c/strong> medium-bodied, silky\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Flavor:\u003c/strong> unsalted butter, sweet, fruity\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aftertaste:\u003c/strong> clean, bright, crisp\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sweetness:\u003c/strong> 4\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Where to Buy:\u003c/strong> The Clover Sonoma website maintains a \u003ca href=\"https://cloversonoma.com/where-to-buy/\">searchable list of products by zip code\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Saint Benoît Creamery Organic Jersey Whole Milk (cream-top)\u003c/h3>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Pasteurized:\u003c/strong> Vat-pasteurized to 145 degrees\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Homogenized:\u003c/strong> No\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Color:\u003c/strong> golden, dark yellow, creamy\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aroma:\u003c/strong> floral, cheesy, pleasantly gamey, savory\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Mouthfeel:\u003c/strong> Full, rich, satiny\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Flavor:\u003c/strong> buttery, invitingly barnyardy, caramelized\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aftertaste:\u003c/strong> long, pleasantly gamey\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sweetness:\u003c/strong> 3\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Where to Buy:\u003c/strong> The Saint Benoît website maintains a \u003ca href=\"http://www.stbenoit.com/find-our-products/\">list of availability by state and region\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Humboldt Creamery Organic Whole Milk\u003c/h3>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Pasteurized:\u003c/strong> Yes (specific information unavailable)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Homogenized:\u003c/strong> Yes\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Color:\u003c/strong> white\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aroma:\u003c/strong> sweet, fruity, dessert-like\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Mouthfeel:\u003c/strong> light, silky, chalky\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Flavor:\u003c/strong> sweet, brown sugar\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aftertaste:\u003c/strong> dry, crisp, short\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sweetness:\u003c/strong> 5\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Where to Buy:\u003c/strong> Humboldt Creamery marketing director John Harrington reports that this milk is \"sold at Costco and independents throughout the Bay Area and Central Valley.\" (More specific information was not forthcoming.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Claravale Raw Whole Milk \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Pasteurized:\u003c/strong> No\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Homogenized:\u003c/strong> No\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Color:\u003c/strong> yellow, tan, golden\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aroma:\u003c/strong> fresh, bright, floral, sweetly earthy\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Mouthfeel:\u003c/strong> creamy, rich, plush\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Flavor:\u003c/strong> buttery, invitingly savory, umami\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aftertaste:\u003c/strong> brown sugar, floral\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sweetness:\u003c/strong> 2\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Where to Buy:\u003c/strong> Claravale milk is available at the farm (call ahead), for online order at \u003ca href=\"https://claravalefarm.com/\">claravalefarm.com\u003c/a>, and through Dairy Delivery (707-778-9970) and Real Food Bay Area (408-835-9353). I purchased the milk at \u003ca href=\"http://www.berkeleybowl.com/\">Berkeley Bowl West\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Organic Pastures Raw Organic Whole Milk\u003c/h3>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Pasteurized:\u003c/strong> No\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Homogenized:\u003c/strong> No\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Color:\u003c/strong> pale yellow, golden\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aroma:\u003c/strong> clean, bright, earthy\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Mouthfeel:\u003c/strong> crisp, chalky, delicate\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Flavor:\u003c/strong> tangy, pleasantly barnyardy\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aftertaste:\u003c/strong> clean, dry, umami\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sweetness:\u003c/strong> 2\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Where to Buy:\u003c/strong> The Organic Pastures website maintains a \u003ca href=\"https://www.organicpastures.com/find/\">searchable list of products by zip code.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127686\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127686\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new.jpg\" alt=\"Taste-testing the milk for flavor\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Taste-testing the milk for flavor \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Dessert: Straus Organic Chocolate Milk\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127720\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127720\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new.jpg\" alt=\"Straus Organic Chocolate Milk\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Straus Organic Chocolate Milk \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We threw in Straus' organic chocolate milk because we already knew we loved it. Head and shoulders above other brands on the market (yes, we've tried them all, unofficially), this relatively recent addition to the Straus lineup is made with cocoa powder from fair-trade organic cocoa beans grown in the Dominican Republic and homogenized whole milk. In the case of chocolate milk, homogenization helps to blend the cocoa powder into the cream and make the texture consistent throughout the bottle. Because there's no added emulsifiers or stabilizers, natural separation occurs. Just shake and serve, and don't let the kids drink it all! We've even heated it for easy hot chocolate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127689\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127689\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new.jpg\" alt=\"Straus chocolate milk ranked high for this taste-tester\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Straus chocolate milk ranked high for this taste-tester \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n",
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"excerpt": "If your family drinks milk, you'll want to read this guide to the sustainable whole milk choices available in the Bay Area, including two raw milks. Read to the end for an extra tip on the best chocolate milk your kids will ever taste.",
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"title": "Taste Test: Local, Sustainable Whole Milk From 6 Top California Dairies | KQED",
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"nprByline": "\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/kimwesterman\">Kim Westerman\u003c/a> (writer), \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/wendy-goodfriend\">Wendy Goodfriend\u003c/a> (photos/video)",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>If your family drinks milk, you'll want to read this guide to the sustainable whole milk choices available in the Bay Area, including two raw milks. Read to the end for an extra tip on the best chocolate milk your kids will ever taste.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Humans have been consuming cow's milk since European dairy farmers developed a genetic adaptation that enabled them to digest lactase about 7,500 years ago. A high-protein, calorie-dense, versatile beverage, milk is a dietary staple for millions of Americans, and it's full of calcium and Vitamin D, to boot. Whether your kids drink it by the gallon or you just splash a bit on your oatmeal every morning, here's a handy guide to the best whole milk available in the Bay Area, with tasting notes for each.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While American milk consumption is down 37% since 1970, the USDA estimates that U.S. residents still consume an average of .8 cups per person each day. But despite recent medical research touting the nutritional benefits of full-fat dairy products, whole milk—the focus of this guide—is still out of favor, down to .24 cups per day, on average, for U.S. consumers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This may not be the case, however, in the Bay Area, where there's a tremendous amount of competition among producers of the highest quality sustainable whole milk. We identified six brands that are widely available throughout the Bay Area that meet the criteria for this guide (both sustainable and full-fat) and also taste great, albeit in vastly different ways: \u003ca href=\"https://www.strausfamilycreamery.com\">Straus Family Creamery\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://cloversonoma.com\">Clover Sonoma\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"http://www.stbenoit.com\">Saint Benoît Creamery\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.humboldtcreamery.com\">Humboldt Creamery\u003c/a>, and two less widely available raw milks worth seeking out, from \u003ca href=\"https://claravalefarm.com/\">Claravale\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.organicpastures.com/\">Organic Pastures\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What Is Sustainable Milk?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>I began my research on local whole milk with a focus on organic, and then it became clear that some dairies go well beyond organic certification requirements, making significant contributions to sustainability. \"Sustainability\" is a vague word. It has no legal definition and so it's important to make subjective parameters clear. Given what is happening in California’s dairy industry, contributions to sustainability might include something as deceptively simple as reusable bottles or as obviously complex as carbon farming.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most people think of organic certification as a baseline for sustainability, and all of the milks we've included in this guide are certified organic, except for one, the Claravale raw milk (whose rationale I'll discuss later). First, a brief primer on what organic means in the world of milk, and why it's important.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What Is Organic Milk?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>USDA organic certification for all food products is complex and multi-faceted. For consumers, the three most important rules to know about certified organic milk are:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>It must come from cows that...\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003col>\n\u003cli>graze on grass for a minimum of 120 days per year;\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>have never been treated with antibiotics; and\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>are fed 100% organic grains as supplements to their forage.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ol>\n\u003cp>More detailed information is available at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Dairy%20-%20Guidelines.pdf\">U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Other Contributions to Sustainability\u003c/h2>\n\u003cul>While organic farming practices are a big contribution to sustainability, as they safeguard the welfare of the animals as well as protect consumers from potentially harmful antibiotics, some dairy farmers in California are also upping the ante on sustainability in other ways:\n\u003cli>Paying farmers a premium\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Recycling water\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Carbon Farming/Regenerative Agriculture\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Transparency\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>See below for information on contributions to sustainability made by each of the dairies featured in this story.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Pasteurized, Homogenized, Both or Neither?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>When I was a kid, milk was \"pasteurized and homogenized,\" as if it were one word. But pasteurization and homogenization are two different processes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasteurization\">\u003cstrong>Pasteurization\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>, invented by Louis Pasteur in the 19th century, involves the heating of (in this case) milk to kill microbes that might be harmful. (Raw milk advocates argue that this process kills good bacteria, as well, but that's a debate for another time.) The legal minimum temperature for pasteurization is 145 degrees. \"Ultra-pasteurized\" milk is heated to at least 280 degrees, a category that applies to none of the milks featured in this story.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homogenization_(chemistry)\">\u003cstrong>Homogenization\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> is the process of dispersing milkfat throughout the milk, preventing the cream from rising to the surface. Homogenization is primarily about appearance and texture, rather than health.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And now a bit about each dairy whose milk we tasted.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Beyond Organic: Straus Family Creamery Is the Industry Leader in Sustainability\u003c/h3>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127718\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127718\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new.jpg\" alt=\"Straus organic whole milk\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3415-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Straus organic whole milk \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Albert Straus is a lifelong dairy farmer and an industry leader where sustainability is concerned. The milk, yogurt, butter, sour cream and ice cream produced by \u003ca href=\"https://www.strausfamilycreamery.com/\">Straus Family Creamery\u003c/a> are all certified-organic products. But Straus goes far beyond organic. The glass bottles that some of their milk line is packaged in are first rinsed with recycled water before being sterilized. And because they use the rinse water to irrigate their pastures afterward, they use potassium-based cleaners that are good for the soil.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Straus buys 100% renewable electricity from \u003ca href=\"https://www.green-e.org/\">Green-e Energy certified\u003c/a> wind and solar power sources in California, through their partnership with \u003ca href=\"https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/100-renewable/\">Marin Clean Energy’s Deep Green Renewable Program\u003c/a>. And Straus' commitment to being a carbon-free business includes the use of LED lighting throughout the creamery, as well as energy-efficient cooling equipment, motors and monitors. They even offer plug-in electric-vehicle charging stations to their employees.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127719\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127719\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1.jpg\" alt=\"Straus Go Electric!\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2353-new-1-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Straus Go Electric! \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Perhaps the most impressive feature of the Straus operation is its methane digester—a large pond (covered with a tarp) that converts organic waste from the cows into methane gas through the process of anaerobic digestion—that generates energy to power the farm. The digester has reduced methane emissions by more than 1,600 metric tons of greenhouse gases each year—the equivalent of eliminating the annual emissions from about 350 passenger cars. The ultimate aim of carbon farming is not just to reduce the pace of global warming, but to reverse it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Straus was the first non-GMO-verified dairy in North America, and they test every load of feed to ensure that it is GMO-free.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Straus was also, by far, the most transparent of the dairies featured in this story, in terms of answering questions and sharing information about products and processes. They even invited us up to the creamery for a tour of the bottling line.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/wnyhs4gb3pQ'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/wnyhs4gb3pQ'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>In a lengthy interview, Albert Straus emphasized his commitment to transforming the dairy industry by way of all the sustainable initiatives his company has undertaken, and he's a local activist for dairy farmers, as well. He says that his life's work is to \"revitalize rural communities,\" and the nine dairy farms he works with in Marina and Sonoma counties get their checks hand-delivered by a company executive every quarter. Straus is currently advocating for dairy farmers in a \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/Point-Reyes-lawsuit-settlement-harms-dairies-12760600.php\">dispute with Point Reyes National Seashore\u003c/a> over the presence of historic ranches and farms.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127633\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127633\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new.jpg\" alt=\"Albert Straus being interviewed for this guide.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_2342-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Albert Straus being interviewed for this guide. \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>Clover Sonoma: Family and Philanthropy\u003c/h3>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127716\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127716\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new.jpg\" alt=\"Clover Sonoma Organic Whole Milk\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3390-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Clover Sonoma Organic Whole Milk \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://cloversonoma.com/\">Clover Sonoma\u003c/a> works with 27 family dairy farms based in Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino counties, 19 of which are organic. My request for an interview with CEO Marcus Benedetti was ignored, but Kristel Corson, vice president of marketing, offered some information that isn't readily available on the Clover Sonoma website.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Regarding Clover Sonoma's commitment to organic farming (Clover Sonoma also sells conventional milk), Corson says, \"We are proud that we made early inroads into organic, and we are committed to growing our organic milk product line. We pay all our farmers a premium to meet our quality standards as set through our \u003ca href=\"https://cloversonoma.com/elevating-dairy/\">Clover Promise of Excellence\u003c/a>. Our organic dairy farms receive higher compensation due to the organic certification process. We see continued consumer demand for organic dairy products and Clover is committed to supporting organic farming and giving consumers what they want.\"\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Additional sustainability initiatives include certification by the American Humane Association in 2000, the first dairy to receive this distinction. Corson also says that the company was the first dairy to say no to the synthetic growth hormone rBST.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Clover Sonoma also donates 5% of its profits to food banks, education non-profits, and other community organizations.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Saint Benoît Offers Organic Milk From All-Jersey Cows\u003c/h3>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127715\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127715\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new.jpg\" alt=\"Saint Benoît Organic Jersey Cow Whole Milk\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3377-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Saint Benoît Organic Jersey Cow Whole Milk \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"http://www.stbenoit.com/\">Saint Benoît\u003c/a> organic whole milk is made from 100% Jersey cows. Jersey cows produce milk with the highest content of milk-fat, giving it a creamy yellow appearance (see tasting notes below). Elyzabeth Dehapiot, marketing director for Saint Benoît, didn't speak to any of my questions about production, but did underscore the company's commitment to full-fat organic milk: \"The company was way ahead of its time, as all-Jersey milk has been used since the company's founding in 2004. Back in the early 2000s it was probably ‘off-trend’ to produce a full-fat milk. But the founders (Benoît and David de Korsak) had one objective, to keep it pure and simple.\"\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The company used to sell this milk in returnable glass bottles, but no longer offers this option. However, the glass packaging remains reusable and recyclable.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Get Humboldt Creamery Organic Whole Milk at Costco\u003c/h3>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127714\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127714\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new.jpg\" alt=\"Humboldt Creamery Organic Whole Milk\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3365-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Humboldt Creamery Organic Whole Milk \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Though I was able to reach Humboldt Creamery's marketing director, John Harrington, after multiple attempts, he was unwilling to provide me any information about the processing of the creamery's milk, beyond that \"our pasteurization temperature meets the legal definition\" and that \"our cow breeds are mostly Holstein, Jersey and cross-breeds.\"\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Despite the company's lack of accessibility, \u003ca href=\"https://www.humboldtcreamery.com/\">Humboldt Creamery's\u003c/a> organic whole milk is a quality product that is available at Bay Area Costco stores.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Controversy Aside, Raw Milk Is Delicious\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Raw milk is distinguished by its being unpasteurized, a controversial subject, to say the least. Advocates argue that there are more nutrients in raw milk than in pasteurized, and that they're more bioavailable. There can also be risks to consuming raw milk because of potentially harmful bacteria, but advocates assert that they're no greater than that of any unprocessed food. I think of raw milk like I do sushi; I'll happily consume it if its lineage is traceable, as is the case with both raw milks featured here. I'll leave the debate over nutrition and safety to the experts, but it's important to note that both the USDA and the California Department of Food and Agriculture have bacteriological standards that must be met in order for raw milk to be legally sold, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Milk_and_Dairy_Food_Safety/Milk_Standards.html\">California's standards\u003c/a> are significantly higher than federal guidelines.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Claravale Raw Milk: Intentionally Not Organic-Certified, Decidedly Sustainable\u003c/h3>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127717\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127717\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new.jpg\" alt=\"Claravale Raw Pure Jersey Milk\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3396-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Claravale Raw Pure Jersey Milk \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://claravalefarm.com/\">Claravale Farm\u003c/a>, in Panoche (San Benito County), made the decision not to get organic certification because they feel that organic regulations are too strict in some ways and not strict enough in others. The company's website goes to great lengths to \u003ca href=\"https://claravalefarm.com/pages/about-us\">explain their philosophy\u003c/a>, but here's the gist: They do not use any pesticides in their feed or antibiotics for their cows, nor do they use any GMO feeds or bovine growth hormone. Further, they don't bottle milk from any dairy other than their own, which means their milk production is quite small, but they can oversee every aspect of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Claravale also sells its products directly to consumers, which eliminates extra handling by distributors. Their all-Jersey milk is packaged in returnable glass bottles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One of the most fascinating efforts around sustainability being promoted by Claravale is its offer of heifers for grazing in your own backyard, allowing you to produce your own raw milk, completely unimpeded by processing, or even handling. If you have the right conditions for grazing, you can \u003ca href=\"https://claravalefarm.com/pages/backyard-family-milk-cows-available\">purchase a cow from Claravale for $2,500\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Organic Pastures Offers Widely Available Organic-Certified Raw Milk\u003c/h3>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127713\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127713\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new.jpg\" alt=\"Organic Pastures Raw Milk\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3361-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Organic Pastures Raw Milk \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.organicpastures.com/\">Organic Pastures\u003c/a>, based in Fresno, is a fourth-generation, family-owned farm that is organic-certified and has also earned Certified Humane status. All of the farm's operations involve recycling the water back into the soil, and the farm is also solar-powered.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For further safety assurance, the company was the first to develop and implement a comprehensive Risk Analysis Management Program (RAMP). They collect 20 unique samples from each milk lot ID, then combine the separate samples into one composite to be sent to all three available testing labs. Each lot ID must be cleared of E. coli 0157:H7 and other bad bacteria by all three labs prior to distribution.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The Taste Test: Many Milks, Many Sensory Experiences\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127681\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127681\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new.jpg\" alt=\"The Taste Test\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3462-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Taste Test \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>As a sensory analyst in a coffee lab, a licensed \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/112633/what-is-the-q-grader-coffee-system-and-what-does-it-mean-for-your-morning-cup\">Q grader\u003c/a>, certified sommelier, and wine and coffee writer, I spend a lot of time coming up with language for how to describe beverages, though I'd never conducted a formal tasting of milks before this one. I designed a tasting of these six milks to include my two kids, as well as two adult tasters who could offer their perceptions to readers. I made the structure of the tasting as simple as possible in order to cover the range of aromas, flavors and textures the average milk-drinker will experience, without getting too technical. The categories we evaluated, in a blind tasting in which all the milks were room temperature, are: color, aroma, mouthfeel, flavor and aftertaste.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127683\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new.jpg\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127683\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new.jpg\" alt=\"The milk rating system for the taste test\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3465-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The milk rating system for the taste test \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Lastly, I asked our tasters to rate each \u003cstrong>milk's sweetness on a scale of 1-5\u003c/strong> (five being the sweetest). From what I was able to glean about pasteurization (for the four milks that were pasteurized), a higher level of perceived sweetness seems to correspond with higher degrees of pasteurization. You should read this according to your own palate's threshold for sugar. For example, I don't like super-sweet beverages, so Humboldt Creamery tastes like dessert to me; I prefer the 2-3 range of sweetness, which is more balanced (3) and even savory-leaning (2). So, these sweetness ratings (an average of all tasters) is not evaluative, but rather descriptive and, in comparison with other milks on the table, intended to help steer you toward a milk you'll enjoy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127684\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new.jpg\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127684\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new.jpg\" alt=\"Testing for aroma\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3468-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Testing for aroma \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Instead of a competition, I approached this as a sensory exploration, and here's what our tasters had to say.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Straus Organic Whole Milk (glass bottle, cream-top)\u003c/h3>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Pasteurized:\u003c/strong> Yes, heated to 170 degrees for 18 seconds\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Homogenized:\u003c/strong> No\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Color:\u003c/strong> golden white, off-white, creamy white\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aroma:\u003c/strong> clean, crisp, rich\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Mouthfeel:\u003c/strong> velvety, rich, viscous\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Flavor:\u003c/strong> balanced, sweetly earthy, floral\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aftertaste:\u003c/strong> clean, brisk, light, lingering\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sweetness:\u003c/strong> 3\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Where to Buy:\u003c/strong> Available at more than 25 retailers throughout the Bay Area (and many farmers' markets). The Straus website maintains a \u003ca href=\"https://www.strausfamilycreamery.com/find-our-products/\">searchable list of products by zip code\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Clover Sonoma Organic Whole Milk\u003c/h3>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Pasteurized:\u003c/strong> Yes, heated to 179 degrees\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Homogenized:\u003c/strong> Yes\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Color:\u003c/strong> very white\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aroma:\u003c/strong> sweet, uniform, bright\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Mouthfeel:\u003c/strong> medium-bodied, silky\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Flavor:\u003c/strong> unsalted butter, sweet, fruity\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aftertaste:\u003c/strong> clean, bright, crisp\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sweetness:\u003c/strong> 4\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Where to Buy:\u003c/strong> The Clover Sonoma website maintains a \u003ca href=\"https://cloversonoma.com/where-to-buy/\">searchable list of products by zip code\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Saint Benoît Creamery Organic Jersey Whole Milk (cream-top)\u003c/h3>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Pasteurized:\u003c/strong> Vat-pasteurized to 145 degrees\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Homogenized:\u003c/strong> No\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Color:\u003c/strong> golden, dark yellow, creamy\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aroma:\u003c/strong> floral, cheesy, pleasantly gamey, savory\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Mouthfeel:\u003c/strong> Full, rich, satiny\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Flavor:\u003c/strong> buttery, invitingly barnyardy, caramelized\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aftertaste:\u003c/strong> long, pleasantly gamey\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sweetness:\u003c/strong> 3\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Where to Buy:\u003c/strong> The Saint Benoît website maintains a \u003ca href=\"http://www.stbenoit.com/find-our-products/\">list of availability by state and region\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Humboldt Creamery Organic Whole Milk\u003c/h3>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Pasteurized:\u003c/strong> Yes (specific information unavailable)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Homogenized:\u003c/strong> Yes\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Color:\u003c/strong> white\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aroma:\u003c/strong> sweet, fruity, dessert-like\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Mouthfeel:\u003c/strong> light, silky, chalky\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Flavor:\u003c/strong> sweet, brown sugar\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aftertaste:\u003c/strong> dry, crisp, short\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sweetness:\u003c/strong> 5\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Where to Buy:\u003c/strong> Humboldt Creamery marketing director John Harrington reports that this milk is \"sold at Costco and independents throughout the Bay Area and Central Valley.\" (More specific information was not forthcoming.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Claravale Raw Whole Milk \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Pasteurized:\u003c/strong> No\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Homogenized:\u003c/strong> No\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Color:\u003c/strong> yellow, tan, golden\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aroma:\u003c/strong> fresh, bright, floral, sweetly earthy\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Mouthfeel:\u003c/strong> creamy, rich, plush\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Flavor:\u003c/strong> buttery, invitingly savory, umami\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aftertaste:\u003c/strong> brown sugar, floral\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sweetness:\u003c/strong> 2\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Where to Buy:\u003c/strong> Claravale milk is available at the farm (call ahead), for online order at \u003ca href=\"https://claravalefarm.com/\">claravalefarm.com\u003c/a>, and through Dairy Delivery (707-778-9970) and Real Food Bay Area (408-835-9353). I purchased the milk at \u003ca href=\"http://www.berkeleybowl.com/\">Berkeley Bowl West\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Organic Pastures Raw Organic Whole Milk\u003c/h3>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Pasteurized:\u003c/strong> No\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Homogenized:\u003c/strong> No\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Color:\u003c/strong> pale yellow, golden\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aroma:\u003c/strong> clean, bright, earthy\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Mouthfeel:\u003c/strong> crisp, chalky, delicate\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Flavor:\u003c/strong> tangy, pleasantly barnyardy\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Aftertaste:\u003c/strong> clean, dry, umami\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sweetness:\u003c/strong> 2\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Where to Buy:\u003c/strong> The Organic Pastures website maintains a \u003ca href=\"https://www.organicpastures.com/find/\">searchable list of products by zip code.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127686\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127686\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new.jpg\" alt=\"Taste-testing the milk for flavor\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3477-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Taste-testing the milk for flavor \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Dessert: Straus Organic Chocolate Milk\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127720\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127720\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new.jpg\" alt=\"Straus Organic Chocolate Milk\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3353-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Straus Organic Chocolate Milk \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We threw in Straus' organic chocolate milk because we already knew we loved it. Head and shoulders above other brands on the market (yes, we've tried them all, unofficially), this relatively recent addition to the Straus lineup is made with cocoa powder from fair-trade organic cocoa beans grown in the Dominican Republic and homogenized whole milk. In the case of chocolate milk, homogenization helps to blend the cocoa powder into the cream and make the texture consistent throughout the bottle. Because there's no added emulsifiers or stabilizers, natural separation occurs. Just shake and serve, and don't let the kids drink it all! We've even heated it for easy hot chocolate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_127689\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-127689\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new.jpg\" alt=\"Straus chocolate milk ranked high for this taste-tester\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new-960x640.jpg 960w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new-240x160.jpg 240w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new-375x250.jpg 375w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/24/2018/05/IMG_3488-new-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Straus chocolate milk ranked high for this taste-tester \u003ccite>(Wendy Goodfriend)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "The California Report",
"tagline": "California, day by day",
"info": "KQED’s statewide radio news program providing daily coverage of issues, trends and public policy decisions.",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "/californiareport",
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"order": 8
},
"link": "/californiareport",
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}
},
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"id": "californiareportmagazine",
"title": "The California Report Magazine",
"tagline": "Your state, your stories",
"info": "Every week, The California Report Magazine takes you on a road trip for the ears: to visit the places and meet the people who make California unique. The in-depth storytelling podcast from the California Report.",
"airtime": "FRI 4:30pm-5pm, 6:30pm-7pm, 11pm-11:30pm",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "/californiareportmagazine",
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"order": 10
},
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM3NjkwNjk1OTAz",
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},
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"id": "city-arts",
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"info": "A one-hour radio program to hear celebrated writers, artists and thinkers address contemporary ideas and values, often discussing the creative process. Please note: tapes or transcripts are not available",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/05/cityartsandlecture-300x300.jpg",
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"airtime": "SUN 1pm-2pm, TUE 10pm, WED 1am",
"meta": {
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"source": "City Arts & Lectures"
},
"link": "https://www.cityarts.net",
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"rss": "https://www.cityarts.net/feed/"
}
},
"closealltabs": {
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"order": 1
},
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"title": "Code Switch / Life Kit",
"info": "\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em>, which listeners will hear in the first part of the hour, has fearless and much-needed conversations about race. Hosted by journalists of color, the show tackles the subject of race head-on, exploring how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, sports and more.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em>, which will be in the second part of the hour, guides you through spaces and feelings no one prepares you for — from finances to mental health, from workplace microaggressions to imposter syndrome, from relationships to parenting. The show features experts with real world experience and shares their knowledge. Because everyone needs a little help being human.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510312/codeswitch\">\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/lifekit\">\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />",
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"id": "commonwealth-club",
"title": "Commonwealth Club of California Podcast",
"info": "The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. As a non-partisan forum, The Club brings to the public airwaves diverse viewpoints on important topics. The Club's weekly radio broadcast - the oldest in the U.S., dating back to 1924 - is carried across the nation on public radio stations and is now podcasting. Our website archive features audio of our recent programs, as well as selected speeches from our long and distinguished history. This podcast feed is usually updated twice a week and is always un-edited.",
"airtime": "THU 10pm, FRI 1am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Commonwealth-Club-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
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"meta": {
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"source": "Commonwealth Club of California"
},
"link": "/radio/program/commonwealth-club",
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jb21tb253ZWFsdGhjbHViLm9yZy9hdWRpby9wb2RjYXN0L3dlZWtseS54bWw",
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"id": "forum",
"title": "Forum",
"tagline": "The conversation starts here",
"info": "KQED’s live call-in program discussing local, state, national and international issues, as well as in-depth interviews.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 9am-11am, 10pm-11pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Forum-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Forum with Mina Kim and Alexis Madrigal",
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 9
},
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM5NTU3MzgxNjMz",
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"id": "freakonomics-radio",
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"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/05/freakonomicsRadio.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://freakonomics.com/",
"airtime": "SUN 1am-2am, SAT 3pm-4pm",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/freakonomics-radio",
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/freakonomics-radio/id354668519",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/WNYC-Podcasts/Freakonomics-Radio-p272293/",
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},
"fresh-air": {
"id": "fresh-air",
"title": "Fresh Air",
"info": "Hosted by Terry Gross, \u003cem>Fresh Air from WHYY\u003c/em> is the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues. One of public radio's most popular programs, Fresh Air features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries.",
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=214089682&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
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"info": "A live production of NPR and WBUR Boston, in collaboration with stations across the country, Here & Now reflects the fluid world of news as it's happening in the middle of the day, with timely, in-depth news, interviews and conversation. Hosted by Robin Young, Jeremy Hobson and Tonya Mosley.",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510051/podcast.xml"
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},
"hidden-brain": {
"id": "hidden-brain",
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"info": "Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.",
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"airtime": "SUN 7pm-8pm",
"meta": {
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"source": "NPR"
},
"link": "/radio/program/hidden-brain",
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},
"how-i-built-this": {
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"title": "How I Built This with Guy Raz",
"info": "Guy Raz dives into the stories behind some of the world's best known companies. How I Built This weaves a narrative journey about innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/05/howIBuiltThis.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510313/how-i-built-this",
"airtime": "SUN 7:30pm-8pm",
"meta": {
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"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/how-i-built-this",
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"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/3zxy",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-built-this-with-guy-raz/id1150510297?mt=2",
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},
"hyphenacion": {
"id": "hyphenacion",
"title": "Hyphenación",
"tagline": "Where conversation and cultura meet",
"info": "What kind of no sabo word is Hyphenación? For us, it’s about living within a hyphenation. Like being a third-gen Mexican-American from the Texas border now living that Bay Area Chicano life. Like Xorje! Each week we bring together a couple of hyphenated Latinos to talk all about personal life choices: family, careers, relationships, belonging … everything is on the table. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hyphenacion_FinalAssets_PodcastTile.png",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/hyphenacion",
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"order": 15
},
"link": "/podcasts/hyphenacion",
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},
"jerrybrown": {
"id": "jerrybrown",
"title": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown",
"tagline": "Lessons from a lifetime in politics",
"info": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown brings listeners the wisdom of the former Governor, Mayor, and presidential candidate. Scott Shafer interviewed Brown for more than 40 hours, covering the former governor's life and half-century in the political game and Brown has some lessons he'd like to share. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Political-Mind-of-Jerry-Brown-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
"meta": {
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"order": 18
},
"link": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
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}
},
"latino-usa": {
"id": "latino-usa",
"title": "Latino USA",
"airtime": "MON 1am-2am, SUN 6pm-7pm",
"info": "Latino USA, the radio journal of news and culture, is the only national, English-language radio program produced from a Latino perspective.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/latinoUsa.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://latinousa.org/",
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"link": "/radio/program/latino-usa",
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=79681317&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510016/podcast.xml"
}
},
"marketplace": {
"id": "marketplace",
"title": "Marketplace",
"info": "Our flagship program, helmed by Kai Ryssdal, examines what the day in money delivered, through stories, conversations, newsworthy numbers and more. Updated Monday through Friday at about 3:30 p.m. PT.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 4pm-4:30pm, MON-WED 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marketplace-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.marketplace.org/",
"meta": {
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"source": "American Public Media"
},
"link": "/radio/program/marketplace",
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},
"masters-of-scale": {
"id": "masters-of-scale",
"title": "Masters of Scale",
"info": "Masters of Scale is an original podcast in which LinkedIn co-founder and Greylock Partner Reid Hoffman sets out to describe and prove theories that explain how great entrepreneurs take their companies from zero to a gazillion in ingenious fashion.",
"airtime": "Every other Wednesday June 12 through October 16 at 8pm (repeats Thursdays at 2am)",
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"source": "WaitWhat"
},
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"rss": "https://rss.art19.com/masters-of-scale"
}
},
"mindshift": {
"id": "mindshift",
"title": "MindShift",
"tagline": "A podcast about the future of learning and how we raise our kids",
"info": "The MindShift podcast explores the innovations in education that are shaping how kids learn. Hosts Ki Sung and Katrina Schwartz introduce listeners to educators, researchers, parents and students who are developing effective ways to improve how kids learn. We cover topics like how fed-up administrators are developing surprising tactics to deal with classroom disruptions; how listening to podcasts are helping kids develop reading skills; the consequences of overparenting; and why interdisciplinary learning can engage students on all ends of the traditional achievement spectrum. This podcast is part of the MindShift education site, a division of KQED News. KQED is an NPR/PBS member station based in San Francisco. You can also visit the MindShift website for episodes and supplemental blog posts or tweet us \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/MindShiftKQED\">@MindShiftKQED\u003c/a> or visit us at \u003ca href=\"/mindshift\">MindShift.KQED.org\u003c/a>",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mindshift-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED MindShift: How We Will Learn",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/mindshift/",
"meta": {
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 12
},
"link": "/podcasts/mindshift",
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM1NzY0NjAwNDI5",
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}
},
"morning-edition": {
"id": "morning-edition",
"title": "Morning Edition",
"info": "\u003cem>Morning Edition\u003c/em> takes listeners around the country and the world with multi-faceted stories and commentaries every weekday. Hosts Steve Inskeep, David Greene and Rachel Martin bring you the latest breaking news and features to prepare you for the day.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3am-9am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Morning-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/morning-edition/",
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"link": "/radio/program/morning-edition"
},
"onourwatch": {
"id": "onourwatch",
"title": "On Our Watch",
"tagline": "Deeply-reported investigative journalism",
"info": "For decades, the process for how police police themselves has been inconsistent – if not opaque. In some states, like California, these proceedings were completely hidden. After a new police transparency law unsealed scores of internal affairs files, our reporters set out to examine these cases and the shadow world of police discipline. On Our Watch brings listeners into the rooms where officers are questioned and witnesses are interrogated to find out who this system is really protecting. Is it the officers, or the public they've sworn to serve?",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/On-Our-Watch-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "On Our Watch from NPR and KQED",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"meta": {
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 11
},
"link": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1567098962",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5ucHIub3JnLzUxMDM2MC9wb2RjYXN0LnhtbD9zYz1nb29nbGVwb2RjYXN0cw",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510360/podcast.xml"
}
},
"on-the-media": {
"id": "on-the-media",
"title": "On The Media",
"info": "Our weekly podcast explores how the media 'sausage' is made, casts an incisive eye on fluctuations in the marketplace of ideas, and examines threats to the freedom of information and expression in America and abroad. For one hour a week, the show tries to lift the veil from the process of \"making media,\" especially news media, because it's through that lens that we see the world and the world sees us",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm-3pm, MON 12am-1am",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/onTheMedia.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/otm",
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},
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