home | north bay bohemian index | news | north bay | Best of the North Bay 2011
Food & Drink
Reader's Picks
Best Beans for Peace of Mind
Fair trade. Single origin. Green-certified. Organic. Artisan-roasted. These are just a few of the reasons why you voted Yo el Rey Roasting as Napa County's best coffeehouse.
J. Kirk Feiereisen opened the roastery and cafe in 2008, after learning about fair trade while at a protest. "I had to find out what it was," Feiereisen says. His research exposed him to a new world of coffee sourcing—in particular, how fair trade helps out the farmer. "He's growing it from the soil and putting his sweat, blood and tears into it. The coffee itself is a little more expensive and the extra money goes to the farmer," he explains. "It helps support the infrastructure of the villages and gives them a place to stand as businessmen and women, to better their lives."
Feiereisen likens the complexities of flavors and dependence on terroir of his medium-roasted coffee beans to wine, an apt comparison considering the cafe's location in the heart of wine country. "Most of the people here are tourists that come for wine," he says. "I connected the coffee to wine, used that analogy and they perked up and said, 'Oh, I know exactly what you mean.'"—L.C.
Best Farmers Market
Marin
Marin Civic Center Farmers Market
10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 415.421.8497.
Napa
First Place Tie
Calistoga Farmers Market
1546 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga. 707.942.8892.
St. Helena Farmers Market
Crane Park, St. Helena. 707.486.2662.
Sonoma
Santa Rosa Farmers Market
Veterans Building, Santa Rosa. 707.522.8629.
Honorable Mention
Sebastopol Farmers Market
Downtown Plaza, Sebastopol. 707.522.9305.
Best Organic Farm
Marin
Marin Sun Farms
10905 Hwy 1, Pt. Reyes Station. 415.663.8997.
Napa
Forni Brown Gardens
1214 Pine St., Calistoga. 707.942.6123.
Sonoma
Tara Firma Farms
3796 I St., Petaluma. 707.765.1202.
Honorable Mention
Laguna Farm
1764 Cooper Road, Sebastopol. 707.823.0823.
Best Bagel
Marin
Barton's Bagels
645 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo. 415.458.8818.
Napa
Golden Bagel
3240 Jefferson St., Napa. 707.258.1413.
Sonoma
Grateful Bagel
300 S. Main St., Sebastopol. 707.829.5220.
Honorable Mention
Sonoma Valley Bagel
2194 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.579.5484.
Best Bakery
Marin
Emporio Rulli
464 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur. 415.924.7478.
Napa
Model Bakery
644 First St. #B, Napa. 707.259.1128.
Sonoma
Village Bakery
7225 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol. 707.829.8101.
1445 Town and Country Drive, Santa Rosa. 707.527.7654.
Honorable Mention
Wild Flour Bread
140 Bohemian Hwy., Freestone. 707.874.2938.
Best Barbecue
Marin
Roadside BBQ
5000 Northgate Mall #135, San Rafael. 415.479.7200.
Napa
Buster's BBQ
1207 Foothill Blvd., Calistoga. 707.942.5605.
Sonoma
Lombardi's BBQ & Catering
3413 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. 707.773.1271.
Honorable Mention
BBQ Smokehouse Restaurant
6811 Laguna Park Way, Sebastopol. 707.575.3277.
Best Burger
Marin
Phyllis' Giant Burgers
2202 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.456.0866.
Napa
Gott's Roadside
933 Main St., St. Helena. 707.963.3486.
644 First St., Napa. 707.224.6900.
Sonoma
Mike's at the Crossroads
7665 Old Redwood Hwy., Cotati. 707.665.9999.
Honorable Mention
The Original Superburger
1501 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.546.4016.
Best Pizza
Marin
Lo Coco's
638 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo. 415.453.1238.
Napa
Azzurro Pizzeria
1260 Main St., Napa. 707.255.5552.
Sonoma
Mombo's Pizza
1886 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.528.3278.
Honorable Mention
Old Chicago Pizza
41 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. 707.763.3897.
Best Ice Cream
Marin
Fairfax Scoop
63 Broadway Blvd., Fairfax. 415.453.3130.
Napa
Three Twins Ice Cream
610 First St., Napa. 707.257.8946.
Sonoma
Screamin' Mimi's
6902 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. 707.823.5902.
Honorable Mention
Lala's Creamery
134 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. 707.763.5252.
Best Frozen Yogurt
Marin
Berry Bliss Yogurt
2247 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur. 415.925.1955.
Napa
Yo'Belle
3900 Bel Aire Plaza, Napa. 707.226.1899.
Sonoma
Berry Chill Frozen Yogurt
708 E. Washington St., Petaluma. 707.778.8878.
Honorable Mention
Honey Moon Frozen Yogurt
7108 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. 707.829.9866.
Best Candy / Chocolate Shop
Marin
Gandolf's Fine Chocolate, Marin Farmers Market
10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 707.861.0489.
Napa
Anette's Chocolate Factory
1321 First St., Napa. 707.252.4228.
Sonoma
Viva Cocolat
110 Petaluma Blvd., Petaluma. 707.778.9888.
Honorable Mention
Sonoma Chocolatiers
6899 McKinley St., Sebastopol. 707.829.1181.
Best Chocolatier
Napa
Woodhouse Chocolate
1367 Main St., St. Helena.
707.963.8413.
Sonoma
Sonoma Chocolatiers
6899 McKinley St., Sebastopol. 707.829.1181.
Honorable Mention
Viva Cocolat
110 Petaluma Blvd., Petaluma. 707.778.9888.
Best Juice Bar
Marin
Jamba Juice
266 Northgate One, San Rafael. 415.491.7700.
Bon Air Shopping Center, Ross Valley. 415.925.8470.
45 Camino Alto #111, Mill Valley. 415.380.0773.
5720 Nave Drive, Novato. 415.881.9256.
Sonoma
Juice Shack
2154 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.522.6289.
1810 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.528.6131.
901 Village Court, Santa Rosa. 707.522.6822.
1708 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 707.664.1787.
Honorable Mention
Fruit in Motion
3 Fourth St., Petaluma. 707.776.4559.
Best Cafe / Coffeehouse
Marin
Marin Coffee Roasters
546 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo. 415.258.9549.
1551 S. Novato Blvd., Novato. 415.892.8373.
Napa
First Place Tie
Yo el Rey Roasting
1217 Washington St., Calistoga. 707.942.1180.
Napa Valley Roasting Company
948 Main St., Napa. 707.224.2233.
Sonoma
Flying Goat Coffee
324 Center St., Healdsburg. 707.433.3599.
419 Center St., Healdsburg. 707.433.8003.
10 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.575.1202.
Honorable Mention
A'Roma Roasters Coffee & Tea
95 Fifth St., Santa Rosa. 707.576.7765.
Best Breakfast
Marin
First Place Tie
Crepevine
908 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.257.8822.
Half Day Cafe
848 College Ave., Kentfield. 415.459.0291.
Napa
Gilwoods Cafe
1320 Town Center, Napa. 707.253.0409.
Sonoma
Howard's Station Cafe
3611 Bohemian Hwy., Occidental. 707.874.2838.
Honorable Mention
Dierk's Parkside Cafe
404 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.573.5955.
Best Brunch
Marin
Buckeye Roadhouse
15 Shoreline Hwy., Mill Valley. 415.331.2600.
Napa Market
1347 Main St., St. Helena. 707.963.3799.
Sonoma
Willow Wood Market & Cafe
9020 Graton Road, Graton. 707.823.0233.
Honorable Mention
Flamingo Resort Hotel
2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.545.8530.
Best Diner
Marin
Bubba's Fine Diner
566 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo. 415.459.6862.
Napa
Soscol Cafe
632 Soscol Ave., Napa. 707.252.0651.
Sonoma
D's Diner
7260 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol. 707.829.8080.
Honorable Mention
Hallie's Diner
125 Keller St., Petaluma. 707.773.1143.
Best Deli
Marin
Michael's Sourdough
3095 Kerner Blvd., Ste. L, San Rafael. 415.485.0964.
Napa
Genova Deli
1550 Trancas St., Napa. 707.253.8686.
Sonoma
Traverso's Gourmet Foods
2097 Stagecoach Road, Santa Rosa. 707.542.2530.
Honorable Mention
Mac's Deli
640 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.545.3785.
Best Outdoor Dining
Marin
Sam's Anchor Cafe
27 Main St., Tiburon. 415.435.4527.
Napa
Solbar at Solage Calistoga
755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga. 866.942.7442.
Sonoma
Corks at Russian River Vineyards
5700 Gravenstein Hwy. N., Forestville. 707.887.3344.
Honorable Mention
Rendez Vous Bistro
614 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.526.7700.
Best Dining After 10pm
Marin
Marin Joe's
1585 Casa Buena Drive, Corte Madera. 415.924.2081.
Napa
Norman Rose Tavern
1401 First St., Napa. 707.258.1516.
Sonoma
Underwood Bar & Bistro
9113 Graton Road, Graton. 707.823.7023.
Honorable Mention
Rendez Vous Bistro
614 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.526.7700.
Best Spot to Dine Solo
Marin
Sol Food
901 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael. 415.451.5765.
Napa
Carpe Diem Wine Bar
1001 Second St., Napa. 707.224.0800.
Sonoma
Willow Wood Market & Cafe
9020 Graton Road, Graton. 707.823.0233.
Honorable Mention
Peter Lowell's
7385 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol. 707.829.1077.
Best Caterer
Marin
Insalata's
120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo. 415.457.7700.
Napa
Elaine Bell Catering
776 Technology Way, Napa. 707.603.1400.
Sonoma
A La Heart Catering
600 Wilson St., Santa Rosa. 707.527.7555.
Honorable Mention
Aioli Deli
6536 Front St., Forestville. 707.887.2476.
Best Chef
Marin
Adam Mali, Nick's Cove
23240 Hwy. 1, Marshall. 415.663.1033.
Napa
First Place Tie
Ken Frank, La Toque Restaurant
1314 McKinstry St., Napa. 707.257.5157.
Matt Spector, JoLe
1457 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga. 707.942.5938.
Sonoma
Tony Najiola, Central Market
42 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. 707.778.9900.
Honorable Mention Tie
Josh Silvers, Jackson's Bar & Oven
135 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.545.6900.
Brian Anderson, Bistro 29
620 Fifth St., Santa Rosa. 707.546.2929.
Best Restaurant
Marin
Le Garage Bistro
85 Liberty Ship Way, Sausalito. 415.332.5625.
Napa
JoLe
1457 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga. 707.942.5938.
Sonoma
ZaZu Restaurant & Farm
3535 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa. 707.523.4814.
Honorable Mention
El Coqui
400 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.542.8868.
Best New Restaurant
Marin
Osteria Stellina
11285 Hwy. 1, Pt. Reyes Station.
415.663.9988.
Napa
Norman Rose Tavern
1401 First St., Napa. 707.258.1516.
Sonoma
Rustic, Francis's Favorites
300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville. 707.857.1485.
Honorable Mention
Sarah's Forestville Kitchen
6566 Front St., Forestville. 707.887.1055.
Best Chinese
Marin
Jennie Low's
38 Miller Ave., Mill Creek Plaza, Mill Valley. 415.388.8868.
Vintage Oaks Mall, Novato. 415.892.8838.
Napa
Soo Yuan
1354 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga. 707.942.9404.
Sonoma
Gary Chu's
611 Fifth St., Santa Rosa. 707.526.5840.
Honorable Mention
China Room
500 Mission Blvd., Santa Rosa. 707.539.5570.
Best French
Marin
Le Garage Bistro
85 Liberty Ship Way, Sausalito. 415.332.5625.
Napa
Angele
540 Main St., Napa. 707.252.8115.
Sonoma
La Gare
208 Wilson St., Santa Rosa. 707.528.4355.
Honorable Mention
Bistro 29
620 Fifth St., Santa Rosa. 707.546.2929.
Best Indian
Marin
Avatars Punjabi Burritos
15 Madrona St., Mill Valley. 415.381.8293.
131 Kentucky St., Petaluma. 707.765.9775.
Napa
Neela's
975 Clinton St., Napa. 707.226.9988.
Sonoma
Sizzling Tandoor
409 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.579.5999.
Honorable Mention Tie
Himalayan Kabob & Curry House
220 Western Ave., Petaluma. 707.775.4453.
Pamposh Fine Indian Cuisine
52 Mission Circle, Santa Rosa. 707.538.3367.
Best Italian
Marin
Fradelizio's Ristorante
35 Broadway, Fairfax. 415.459.1618.
Napa
Ristorante Allegria
1026 First St., Napa. 707.254.8397.
Sonoma
Cucina Paradiso
114 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. 707.782.1130.
Honorable Mention
LoCoco's
117 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.523.2227.
Best Japanese / Sushi
Marin
First Place Tie
Sushi Ran
107 Caledonia St., Sausalito. 415.332.3620.
Kamikaze Sushi Bar
223 Third St., San Rafael. 415.457.6776.
Napa
Sushi Mambo
1202 First St., Napa. 707.257.6604.
Sonoma
Sushi Tozai
7531 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol. 707.824.9886.
Honorable Mention
Hana Japanese Restaurant
101 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park. 707.586.0270.
Best Mediterranean
Marin
Hanna's Italian Mediterranean Restaurant
1700 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.457.6252.
Napa
Small World Restaurant
928 Coombs St., Napa. 707.224.7743.
Sonoma
Afendi's Turkish Grill
299 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. 707.763.1998.
Honorable Mention
East West Cafe
557 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa. 707.546.6142.
Best Mexican
Marin
Puentez Taqueria
243 Third St., San Rafael. 415.721.7992.
Napa
First Place Tie
Compadres
505 Lincoln Ave., Napa. 707.253.1111.
Taqueria Rosita
1214 Main St., Napa. 707.253.9208.
Sonoma
Mi Pueblo Taqueria
800 Petaluma Blvd. N, Petaluma. 707.762.8192.
Honorable Mention
Martha's Old Mexico
305 N. Main St., Sebastopol. 707.823.4458.
Best Seafood
Marin
Seafood Peddler
100 Yacht Club Drive, San Rafael. 415.460.6669.
Napa
Go Fish
641 Main St., St. Helena. 707.963.0700.
Sonoma
Willi's Seafood & Raw Bar
403 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 707.433.9191.
Honorable Mention
The Tides Wharf
800 Hwy. 1, Bodega Bay. 707.875.3652.
Best Thai
Marin
Royal Thai Restaurant
610 Third St., San Rafael. 415.485.1074.
Napa
Mini Mango Thai Bistro
1408 Clay St., Napa. 707.226.8884.
Sonoma
Sea Thai Bistro
2323 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.528.8333.
Honorable Mention
Jhanthong Banbua
2400 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.528.8048.
Best Vietnamese
Marin
La Maison de la Reine
346 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera. 415.927.0288.
Napa
Bui Bistro
976 Pearl St., Napa. 707.255.5417.
Sonoma
Simply Vietnam
966 N. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.566.8910.
Honorable Mention
Pho Vietnam
711 Stony Point Road, Santa Rosa. 707.571.7687.
Best Vegetarian
Marin
Cafe Gratitude
2200 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.824.4652.
Napa
Ubuntu Restaurant
1140 Main St., Napa. 707.251.5656.
Sonoma
Gaia's Garden
1899 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.544.2491.
Honorable Mention
Cafe Gratitude
206 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 707.723.4461.
Best Bartender
Marin
Lila Mullins, George's Nightclub
842 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.226.0262.
Napa
First Place Tie
Danny Bazzoli, Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery
1250 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga. 707.942.4101.
John Shaver, Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery
1250 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga. 707.942.4101.
Sonoma
Frank Dice, Underwood Bar & Bistro
9113 Graton Road, Graton. 707.823.7023.
Honorable Mention Tie
Sean Dal Colletto, Santi
2097 Stagecoach Road, Santa Rosa. 707.528.1549.
Scott Beattie, Spoonbar
219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 707.433.7222.
Best Brewpub
Marin
Broken Drum Brewery
1132 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.456.4677.
Napa
First Place Tie
Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery
1250 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga. 707.942.4101.
Downtown Joe's Brewery & Restaurant
902 Main St., Napa. 707.258.2337.
Sonoma
Russian River Brewing Co.
725 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.545.2337.
Honorable Mention
Dempsey's Restaurant & Brewery
50 E. Washington St., Petaluma. 707.765.9694.
Best Microbrew
Marin
Moylan's Brewery
15 Rowland Way, Novato. 415.898.4677.
Napa
Napa Smith Brewery
1 Executive Way, Napa. 707.255.2912.
Sonoma
Russian River Brewing Co.
725 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.545.2337.
Honorable Mention
Lagunitas Brewing Co.
1280 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. 707.769.4495.
Best Cocktails
Marin
Buckeye Roadhouse
15 Shoreline Hwy., Mill Valley. 415.331.2600.
Napa
Cole's Chop House
1122 Main St., Napa. 707.224.6328.
Sonoma
Underwood Bar & Bistro
9113 Graton Road, Graton. 707.823.7023.
Honorable Mention
Stark's Steakhouse
521 Adams St., Santa Rosa. 707.546.5100.
Best Sports Bar
Marin
Flatiron Sports Bar & Late Night Grill
724 B St., San Rafael. 415.453.4318.
Napa
First Place Tie
Character's Bar & Grill
3425 Solano Ave., Napa. 707.254.3343.
Hydro Bar & Grill
1403 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga. 707.942.9777.
Sonoma
Beyond the Glory
1371 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. 707.775.3775.
Honorable Mention
Ausiello's Fifth Street Grill
609 Fifth St., Santa Rosa. 707.579.9408.
Best Dive Bar
Marin
2AM Club
380 Miller Ave., Mill Valley. 415.388.6036.
Napa
Pancha's
6764 Washington St., Yountville. 707.944.2125.
Sonoma
Round Robin
616 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.575.1354.
Honorable Mention
Belvedere
727 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.542.1890.
Best Wine List
Marin
Rick's Wine Cellar
207 Corte Madera Ave., Corte Madera. 415.927.9466.
Napa
Bottega Napa Valley
6525 Washington St., Yountville. 707.945.1050.
Sonoma
Willi's Seafood & Raw Bar
403 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 707.433.9191.
Honorable Mention
Cyrus
29 North St., Healdsburg. 707.433.3311.
Best Winetasting Room
Marin
Rick's Wine Cellar
207 Corte Madera Ave., Corte Madera. 415.927.9466.
Napa
First Place Tie
Opus One
7900 St. Helena Hwy., Oakville. 707.944.9442.
Mumm Napa Valley
8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford. 707.967.7700.
Sonoma
Medlock Ames
3487 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg. 707.431.8845.
Honorable Mention
Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves
9711 W. Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg. 707.473.9171.
Best Sauvignon Blanc
Napa
Charles Krug
2800 Main St., St. Helena. 707.967.2200.
Sonoma
Medlock Ames
3487 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg. 707.431.8845.
Honorable Mention
Kenwood Vineyards
9592 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood. 707.833.5891.
Best Chardonnay
Napa
Rombauer Vineyards
3522 Silverado Trail, St. Helena. 707.963.5170.
Sonoma
La Crema Winery
3690 Laughlin Road, Windsor. 707.571.1504.
Honorable Mention Tie
Lynmar Estate
3909 Frei Road, Sebastopol. 707.829.3374.
Ferrari-Carano
8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg. 707.433.6700.
Best Sparkling Wine
Marin
Point Reyes Vineyards
12700 Hwy. 1, Pt. Reyes Station. 415.663.1011.
Napa
Schramsberg Vineyards
1400 Schramsberg Road, Calistoga. 707.942.4558.
Sonoma.
J Vineyards & Winery
11447 Old Redwood Hwy., Healdsburg. 707.431.3646.
Honorable Mention
Ironhorse Vineyard
9786 Ross Station Road, Sebastopol. 707.887.1507.
Best Cabernet
Marin
Point Reyes Vineyards
12700 Hwy. 1, Pt. Reyes Station. 415.663.1011.
Napa
Darioush
4240 Silverado Trail, Napa. 707.257.7056.
Sonoma
B.R. Cohn Olive Hill Cabernet
15000 Sonoma Hwy., Glen Ellen. 800.330.4064.
Honorable Mention
Medlock Ames
3487 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg. 707.431.8845.
Best Syrah
Marin
Pey Marin Syrah
www.marinwines.com
Napa
T-Vine Cellars
3130 Old Lawley Toll Road, Calistoga. 707.942.8685.
Sonoma
Longboard Vineyards
5 Fitch St., Healdsburg. 707.433.3473.
Honorable Mention
Balletto Vineyards
5700 Occidental Road, Sebastopol. 707.568.2455.
Best Pinot Noir
Marin
Pey Marin Pinot Noir
www.marinwines.com
Napa
Zacherle Wines
1501 Cedar St., Calistoga. 707.337.9072.
Sonoma
First Place Tie
Woodenhead Winery
5700 River Road, Forestville. 707.887.2703.
Balletto Vineyards
5700 Occidental Road, Sebastopol. 707.568.2455.
Honorable Mention Tie
La Crema Winery
3690 Laughlin Road, Windsor. 707.571.1504.
Kosta Browne
3044 Midway Drive, Santa Rosa. 707.823.7430.
Best Zinfandel
Napa
The Terraces at Quarry Vineyards
1450 Silverado Trail S., St. Helena. 707.963.1707.
Sonoma
Seghesio Vineyards & Winery
14730 Grove St., Healdsburg. 707.433.7764.
Honorable Mention
Woodenhead Winery
5700 River Road, Forestville. 707.887.2703.
Send a letter to the editor about this story.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
