Nobody Should Go Hungry Thanksgiving in the United States is certainly different this year. Many Sonoma Valley restaurants are offering special dinners for dining in or to take out, and others are just staying closed to be with families and friends and avoid paying holiday... Continue

We never thought Sam Sebastiani would leave us – and Sonoma. But he has, and not exactly by choice, at age 85. His fine reputation and accomplishments will last forever. I will leave to others the facts of Sam’s education, military service, many experiences, and... Continue

Vintage Festival sneaking up on us Yes, our annual Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival, now organized by the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance, is next weekend, September 25 through 27.  No parade around the plaza. No water fight on Spain Street. But still... Continue

Sondra Bernstein and John Toulze recently signed a lease for the longtime Maya restaurant space at First Street East and East Napa Street in Sonoma after being officially notified that the lease was available. Last week an ABC “suspension” notice appeared in the front window... Continue

Spread Kitchen Featured in Full-page Chronicle Story Cristina Topham actually started her Sonoma culinary career by cooking at The General’s Daughter back in the days when Sarah and Darius Anderson still owned it and Ramekins. When Ken Mattson bought both buildings, he assembled the Ramekins... Continue

HOT SONOMA FOOD NEWS: CAFE LA HAYE OPENS FOR LUNCH. New owner Jose Lopeznunez offers a lunch menu with everything a la carte including Full Circle bread, soup, a mixed green salad of pickled beets and onions, oranges, watermelon radish, and blue cheese ($16) or... Continue

Poppy open in Glen Ellen   After months of remodeling, repainting, restyling and recreating their finest memories of France and its food, Sondra Bernstein and John Toulze hosted four “friends and family” practice dinners last week. Their actual opening date of Poppy was Wednesday, May 21.... Continue

Pemba Sherpa has proudly opened Farmhouse Sonoma where Palms Grille, and a previous Denny’s, used to be at the corner of Highway 12 and Verano Ave.  We have all watched the transformation of the exterior from decaying to sparkling white with total remodel and hip... Continue

Caution: Several Sonoma residents have had mail, including check payments of bills, not arrive at their proper destinations. Some of these were apparently taken from the blue drive-by boxes in front of the Sonoma Post Office, and one person reported having this happen to checks... Continue