For those looking for a special taste of Sonoma County, next week will offer a chance to dine at some of the best restaurants around for a low price, as the fourth annual Sonoma County Restaurant Week once again offers a seven-day culinary tour of the wine country.
From Healdsburg to Valley Ford, the best local cuisine will be on display, offering diners a chance to experience something new or enjoy an old favorite at bargain prices.
The emphasis on farm-fresh food and local wineries means dining out during Restaurant Week is not only beneficial to the restaurant industry, but also for local food suppliers, farmers, wineries, and the economic vitality of Sonoma County.
Restaurant Week also presents the perfect opportunity for locals to rediscover great Sonoma County restaurants, and for visitors to come and get a taste of California’s finest food and wine without breaking the bank.
“Last year’s Sonoma County Restaurant Week brought in over $1.5 million for Sonoma County, and participating restaurants and diners were thrilled with their experience,” said Ben Stone, director of the Sonoma County Economic Development Board and organizer of the event.
Aside from the economic benefits, Restaurant Week will showcase locally grown ingredients and local wine, as participating restaurants will offer three-course special dinner menus priced at $19, $29, or $39 from March 18 to 24.
“What’s great about this event is that it gives good exposure to the restaurant and brings people in from outside the area,” said Bill Carson, Director of Operations at Charlie’s Grill and Windsor Golf Club in Windsor.
Charlie’s has participated in Restaurant Week since it began four years ago.
The restaurant that attracts a healthy crop of “regulars,” sees a lot of new faces during Restaurant Week some of whom are from other parts of Sonoma County and others from further distances in the Bay Area.
“Sometimes people will combine Restaurant Week with a weekend getaway that includes wine tasting,” Carson said.
Charlie’s Grill features patio dining and indoor seating with large windows that overlook the picturesque golf course and lake, sometimes calling newcomers to take advantage, throwing a little golf into the weekend mix as well.
Restaurant Week has become a highly anticipated event, so reservations are recommended, especially at GTO’s in Sebastopol, where it has become one of the restaurant’s busier weeks of the year.
Co-owners Tess and Gene Ostopowicz have also participated every year since Restaurant Week’s inception.
“It’s a good way to introduce new people to the restaurant,” Tess Ostopowicz said. “We will be showcasing a collection of our most popular menu items, sourced locally.”
Tomales Bay Oysters, served with GTO’s signature sauces, Laguna Farms Organic salad greens, and ingredients like the famed Valley Ford Estero Gold cheese, are a few highlights of the more extensive menu that can be viewed online through the Restaurant Week website.
“Restaurant Week offers a great opportunity for participants to look at the website and study what each restaurant is offering. It’s possible to look at all the menus ahead of time and decide what appeals to you or your group,” Ostopowicz said.
Not only does Restaurant Week offer a chance to visit a favorite place to eat, but there are other opportunities beyond the dining experience.
Relish Culinary Adventures, in Healdsburg, does not normally operate as a restaurant.
The hands-on culinary program features demonstration cooking experiences, culinary tours and catering services, so participating in Restaurant Week is a one-of-a-kind and very unique experience.
“It’s an opportunity for us to get a little creative and adventurous around food,” said Relish owner Donna del Rey, who is already booked for three nights during Restaurant Week. “We can take a few walk-ins but not many.”
A Puerto Rican style pig roast is what’s drawing the crowd, and chef Christopher Greenwald, of Bay Laurel Culinary will be taking charge in cooperation with the Relish team. A whole pig will be roasted, and the dinner served “family-style.”
“People will be meeting one another and it will also be possible to talk with Greenwald as he finishes the pig,” said del Rey.
del Rey also plans to accompany the pork with a chili sauce, mustard sauce and possibly others for guests to choose and taste. A side salad and a light dessert is also in the plan.
“The meal is rich and filling, so we’ll have a light finish, (dessert),” said del Rey.
Restaurant Week is a dinner-only promotion, although some restaurants may offer their menu during the lunch hours as well. Restaurants will offer their Restaurant Week menu only during the days they are open. Check with each restaurant for exact days and hours the Restaurant Week menu will be served.
Some restaurants may feature a wine of their choice to accompany the meal. If a wine is served, it is most likely not included in the price. Tips, beverages, gratuity, or tax are also not included in the price.
So don’t miss out on Sonoma County’s most delicious week of the year. Look for more information about participating and eating out at sonomacountyrestaurantweek.org.
