Happy New Year!
I’ve been taking a bit of a writer’s holiday, but I’m back and delivering your weekly dose of Weekend Warrior picks for this weekend! I’m already getting asked about my “favorites” of 2015 as we enter the new year. Here’s a few weekend picks that include my favorites…
Friday, January 1
Recover from your hangover with a burger at the Annex
I was recently asked where my favorite burgers are in town by a friend – girl & the fig, Picazo Cafe and my favorite of all – the Annex Wine Bar. While I can get a burger everyday at the fig and Picazo, the Annex is like a special treat – once a week Annex owner Margie Brooke serves up thick, juicy burgers to a hungry crowd for a mere $10.
While the beef burger is my favorite, Brooke offers up turkey burgers, fried avocado burgers, chorizo burgers, and portabello mushroom burgers, including toppings. For $10 you can pick your type of burger and a side – fries, onion rings, sweet potato fries, or a salad. A drink purchase is required for the $10 deal. Plenty of local wine, beer and non-alcoholic bevvys are available.
While usually on Thursdays, due to the holiday this week’s burger night is Friday. 21+ only. Dinner starts at 6 PM, live music at 7:30. 865 W. Napa St., Sonoma. annexwinebar.com
Saturday, January 2
Bless the olives at Sonoma Mission
The annual celebration of Sonoma’s olive harvest starts Saturday with the blessing of the olives. I love the Olive Festival, it’s one of my favorite events in Wine Country – it’s affordable and often includes free events like the blessing of the olives!
Harvested olives are blessed in the historic Sonoma Mission chapel. We’re not sure who will be blessing the grapes this year with the recent death of Father Mike Kelly, but, it is a really lovely experience regardless of your spiritual beliefs.
Live music, refreshments, and olives will be enjoyed, too. 11 AM, free. Sonoma Mission, 1st St E. & Spain, Sonoma. 996-1090. olivefestival.com
Cozy up by the fireplace at the Fairmont bar for dinner
One of my favorite places to get out of the cold and cozy up near a public fireplace is at the Fairmont lobby. Their beautifully decorated lobby – whether it is decorated for the holidays or not – is a warm, welcoming space with a touch of class.
Take a seat at one of the comfortable couches, chairs or lounge areas in the lobby or in the 38º North Lounge (their lobby bar) and servers will take great care of you. Browse the wine list on an iPad or order a specialty hot cocktail to warm your soul.
The menu was designed by Executive Chef Bruno Tison of Sante, and includes two of my favorite Wine Country dishes: Lobster & black truffle mac and cheese ($22) and Cabernet braised beef Poutine with house-made fries and Bellwether Farms cheese ($18). The ultimate comfort dishes.
The lobby bar at the Fairmont is open Saturday from 3:30PM until 12AM. 100 Boyes Blvd, Sonoma. 938-9000. fairmont.com
Sunday, January 3
Grab brunch at the fig cafe
My favorite brunch is hands-down at the fig cafe & wine bar. Last year’s renovations brightened up the small space, updating it with funky lighting, better seating, and still keeping the cozy vibe at Sondra Bernstein’s Glen Ellen outpost.
Recover from an exhaustive holiday with a balsamic Bloody Mary (a BM with a float of balsamic on it) or a classic champagne cocktail, a Kir Royale. Devour a brunch pizza topped with an a runny egg, bacon, cheese and scallions. Classics like steak and eggs and gluten-free pancakes dot the menu.
They also offer lunch standards, making this a great brunch – you’re not stuck just eating eggs and pancakes – so grab a burger ( as great as the one at the girl & the fig) or some steamed mussels. Fresh pastries are also available for a quick bite.
Brunch is served from 10AM-2:30PM, 13690 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen. 938-2130. thefigcafe.com
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