Weekend warrior picks for 11/5
It’s going to be a chilly weekend. Highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s! While it’s chilly outside, it’s warm inside – it’s three nights of BBQ, some punk rock, oh and don’t forget to eat your greens (you’ll buy those on Friday).
Here are my picks for those of you leaving the fireplace behind and getting out and about this weekend.
Friday, November 5
Visit the Friday farmers’ market during lunch which, unlike the Tuesday night market, runs year round and is serious about farm to table – local farmers, local food and local artisans selling their wares and no booze or music to distract you from the quality produce and products.
You can pick up fresh flowers, some parsnips and carrots, a beautiful fall wreath to decorate your door, or grab a sandwich to go. Every Friday, 9AM-1PM, 280 1st St (Arnold Field Parking Lot), Sonoma; svcfm.org
Go have a drink and some BBQ at Ernie’s Tin Bar since Q Craft is now serving up BBQ at the legendary dive bar on Fridays. Both, Ernie’s and Q Craft have a cult following and it’s for good reason. Q Craft’s food is served at many of the major Gundlach Bundschu concerts and exclusive member’s only winery events throughout the region. You can grab oysters, smoked duck, wings, ribs, and pork sliders.
Ernie’s is a quirky, cash only dive bar located just outside of Sonoma Valley and Petaluma. They’ve got a porta-potty bathroom, are connected to a working car mechanic’s shop, and have farmers who know their way with Liar’s Dice you’ll be glad you’re only betting beers. It’s like something out of a movie.
Q Craft is serving up from 4 PM until close, menu prices range from $10-15. Ernie’s is located at 5100 Lakeville Hwy, Petaluma; 762-2075. Check out my write up about Q Craft at Ernie’s here.
Saturday, November 7
Eat more BBQ and hear a Ramones cover band at Rossi’s 1906. The dance hall has been struggling to attract diners, despite filling the bar and dance floor nightly with music lovers. They recently Ari Weiswasser from Glen Ellen Star to lend a hand – he worked with Rossi’s current chef to revamp the menu. They even traveled to Texas to do their research (rough life!).
I tried the food this week and it has vastly improved – the fried pig ears with cheese powder topping for an appetizer are addictive, the brisket is melt in your mouth fabulous, the oysters are perfectly barbecued, and the mini-pecan pies are tasty, especially when topped with some of Glen Ellen Star’s famous ice cream.
To top the night, the Remones will rock the house, playing pop punk classics made famous by the legendary band, the Ramones. Three delightfully named bands, Self Inflicted Wounds, TV Static, and Cheap Squeeze, will rock the house before the Remones. Get out your leather jacket baby, it’s time to practice your pogo. Rossi’s 1906 is located at 401 Grove St., Sonoma; 343-0044; rossis1906.com.
Sunday, November 8
Get your hair of the dog on at Cochon Volant (AND MORE BBQ!) as they have opened their new BBQ restaurant, the Smoke House, in the old Hot Box spot on Hwy 21 in Boyes Hot Springs. Cochon Volant has been serving up their tangy BBQ sauce, ribs, brisket and slaw at special events around Wine Country and at Sonoma’s Best. We also know fried and sauce drenched food, and a local beer, is the best way to recover from a punk rock night out.
They’ve got all the classics (ribs, brisket, pork shoulder, chicken), including “Killer” fries and “Big Ass” salads. Beer, wine and house-made lemonade is offered, too. Sweet Scoops ice cream is served for dessert. 11AM-9PM Sundays; 18350 Sonoma Highway, Boyes Hot Springs; 590.5480; cochonvolantbbq.com.
