As a child in the Midwest, Easter generally meant two things: chocolate and éclairs. Buffets were big business, something most families participated in regardless of religious affiliation. Families of all backgrounds would dress up and make reservations months in advance to visit a fancy hotel or restaurant for a special afternoon brunch. It was an excuse for straight-laced Midwestern adults to day drink mimosas and for kids to overdose on junk food in a classy setting. For me, chocolate and éclairs were the ultimate highlights: egg shaped chocolate was readily distributed (prior to “nut allergy scares”) in school and I knew the torture of putting on a fancy dress and tights would be rewarded with the ultimate buffet award, the French éclair with its light flakey dough, chocolate top, and custard or whipped cream filling. It still remains my favorite dessert to this day. Here are my top picks for you to get your éclair on this Easter, April 5, in Sonoma Valley.
Stock up on sweet treats
- Crisp Bake Shop is the ultimate spot for Easter baked goods in Sonoma: house-made marshmallow Peeps, a beautiful Easter Egg Hunt Surprise Cake (almond cake filled with colorful Jordan almonds and topped with strawberry buttercream frosting), carrot cupcakes, and macarons. 720 W. Napa St, Sonoma; 933-9999, crispbakeshop.com.
- Tiddle E. Winks offers up the coolest retro gifts in Sonoma Valley. Pick up sugary treats such as swirly Hammond’s lollipops, handmade in Denver since 1920, pixie sticks for an instant old school sugar rush, candy buttons and Pez. 115 E. Napa St, Sonoma; 939-6933, tiddleewinks.com
- Sonoma Market has sweet treats, including in-house made carrot cake, Peeps, jelly beans, cookies and Easter gifts. All sales from their See’s Candies selection benefit the Sonoma Community Center. 500 W. Napa St, Sonoma; 996-3411, sonoma-glenellenmkt.com
Easter out
- Depot Hotel will welcome guests with a glass of champagne or a mimosa upon arrival to the historic restaurant just off the square. Make a reservation and request to sit outside, overlooking the pool and enjoying the sunshine. Their brunch menu is prix fixe, with your selection of a starter, featuring salads using local greens and a fruit cup for kids, an entree, which includes the Depot’s famous dungeness crab cannoli, and dessert, featuring my favorite, their light and airy limoncello cake which uses house-made limoncello. The selections are varied and hearty. $44/adults, $22/children; 10:30am-2:00pm, 241 1st St. W., Sonoma; 938-2980, depotsonoma.com
- Santé at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn offers their annual decadent Easter brunch. This is an Easter buffet in the classic tradition, complete with carving and omelet stations. Indulge in Sonoma Liberty Duck pâté made in house, shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs, local and international cheeses, and dungeness crab cole slaw. If that isn’t enough for you, stop by the Petrossian caviar bar or smoked fish bar and enjoy desserts with glamorous names like “Honey Saffron Panna Cotta Golden Eggs” and “Chocolate Almond Fraises Des Bois Gâteau”. Santé will not disappoint. $99 adults/$49 children/free for children under 4; 10:00AM-2:00PM, 100 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma; 939-2415, fairmont.com/sonoma/dining/
- Sugarloaf Ridge State Park will keep it casual and fun with a Easter egg hunt and BBQ lunch. The event will take place in the beautiful Lower Meadow and kids will hunt for eggs at selected times based on their age ranges. The park will have hands on activities and hikes. Bring a picnic, or, if you’re feeling hungry grab a veggie burger, chicken, hamburger, or tri-tip sandwich. 10AM-4:ooPM, $10 adult/$5 children, $8 parking fee, 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood; 833-6083, sugarloafpark.org
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