Weekend warrior picks – 12/4

The holiday season is in full swing! There is so much happening in and around Sonoma Valley – from holiday parties to winery events, holiday tree lightings and open houses. Get merry, Sonoma Valley!

Friday, December 4

Have lunch at Delhi Belly Indian Bistro which opened at the end of November. It’s a new Indian restaurant in downtown Sonoma. I had take out last week and it was absolutely delicious. While we have two amazing Himalayan restaurants in Sonoma Valley, Delhi Belly is a welcome breath of fresh air, and it’s Indian (not Himalayan, and yes, there is a difference!).

The menu includes classics like chicken tikka and vegetable samosa, but also new twists on classics like sea bass tandoori and kale pakoda. Lots of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. The interior is cool, with original artwork and a story behind every piece, from the tables to their umbrellas (look up!). 343-1003; 522 Broadway, Sonoma.

Kick off the holiday season in style at the Fairmont’s tree lighting of their 100 year old sycamore, which resides in front of the entrance of the luxury hotel. Santa will be there as well as carolers, and holiday treats will be served. I’ll be there early to grab a seat by the bar for an early dinner (lobster mac and cheese anyone?) and a glass or two of bubbles.

They will also be selling ornaments for a $20 donation for Do It For the Love, a non-profit started by the talented musician and overall awesome guy Michael Franti, to grant live music wishes to people with life-threatening illnesses, children with severe challenges, and wounded veterans.

The event is free and starts at 5 PM. 938-9000, 100 Boyes Blvd, Sonoma; fairmont.com/sonoma.

Saturday, December 5

Valley Ford Cheese visits St. Francis Winery on the cusp of St. Francis being voted the #1 restaurant (!) in the United States in 2015 on Open Table. Valley Ford Cheese, the Sonoma County-based cheese producer, will share their products and educate guests about cheesemaking while pairing their cheeses with St. Francis Winery wines.

Since 1918 Valley Ford has been producing Italian cheeses on their 640-acre ranch. This is a special chance to taste cheeses like their famous Estero Gold with the award-winning wines of St. Francis.

The event is from 1-3PM and is FREE! 100 N. Pythian Rd., Santa Rosa; 833-0242; stfranciswinery.com

Sunday, December 6

Eat pancakes and support local food security and farming at the Sonoma Valley Grange’s annual pancake breakfast. Organic pancakes, frittata, breakfast sausage, local apple juice, coffee and espresso will be served. It’s a mere $12 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under.

All proceeds benefit the Grange, specifically to assist with their ongoing renovations of the 100+ year old building. 18627 CA-12, Sonoma. 935-1322; sonomavalleygrange.com.

McEvoy Ranch opens its doors for its annual holiday open house for a rare opportunity to experience their vast, 550-acre  farm and production facility just outside of Petaluma. Guests can tour their orchards and taste fresh milled olive oil, foods and apple cider from their property. They even have a winery, which will be offering food and wine pairings.

Music will be provided by bluegrass performers Mitch Polzak & the Royal Deuces and Sonoma’s own Drums & Crumbs will serve up Southern food. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food to donate to charity – every 3 items you bring gets you entered into a raffle.

Reservations are required to attend and there are three timeslots: 11AM, 12:30PM and 2:00PM. It’s $5 per person and kids 12 and under are free. Wine pairings are $15. A portion of all proceeds go to Redwood Empire Food Bank. Call 769-4138 or email [email protected]. mcevoyranch.com