Celeste Winder's favorite coffee - Barking Dog Roasters (939-1905 | 18133 CA-12, Sonoma) "Barking Dog has the best coffee slinging service in town and they use coffee cubes in the iced coffee drinks so not only do they not get watered down they get extra... Continue

The Fruit Basket (996-7433 | 18474 Hwy 12, Sonoma) is an icon of the Springs. Fresh produce is brought in daily from around California. And it isn't just about the produce - at the Fruit Basket you will find the best selection of dried pasta,... Continue

[caption id="attachment_63968" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Fresh cut cactus at La Favorita (Photo: Sarah Stierch)[/caption] The Springs has a handful of local grocery stores that tailor to Sonoma Valley's vibrant Latino community. If you aren't stopping by these locally owned shops, you're missing out on some local... Continue

The most happening joint in the Springs has to be La Hacienda Taqueria (939-8226 | 17960 Sonoma Hwy, Sonoma). The brightly decorated Mexican restaurant has been serving up affordable, large portions of family friendly Mexican food for years and has won many a "best Margarita"... Continue

[caption id="attachment_63948" align="aligncenter" width="314"] Huevos Rancheros at Creekside Cafe are a feat to be reckoned with (Photo: Sarah Stierch)[/caption] When I asked on Facebook where I should have breakfast in the Springs the winner was unanimous: Creekside Cafe (996-8062, 239 Boyes Blvd, Sonoma). Owner Michael... Continue

[caption id="attachment_63941" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Lovin' Oven's Lemon Crunchie Cookies (Photo: Teen Services Sonoma)[/caption] Meyer lemons are still in season and who doesn't love a tangy, sweet lemon cookie?! This issue's recipe is compliments of Springs-based non-profit Teen Services Sonoma's Lovin' Oven. The Lovin' Oven is... Continue

[caption id="attachment_63506" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Half a chicken and AOP pasta at Cafe Citti. Pure comfort food. (Photo: rockandroller76)[/caption] Growing up in an Italian-American household led to me finding comfort in hearty pasta dishes, served at home or in casual restaurants with white and red checkered... Continue

[caption id="attachment_63503" align="aligncenter" width="420"] The winner of best couch goes to Aventine (Photo: Sarah Stierch)[/caption] The best couch in Sonoma Valley goes to Aventine (14301 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen | 934-8911 | aventinehospitality.com) Yes, couch. Aventine's couch is a beautiful leather number, on their outdoor... Continue

[caption id="attachment_63498" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Spicy, comforting and warm - chicken curry soup at Divewalk Cafe (Photo: Sarah Stierch)[/caption] One of the best surprises of 2015 was the introduction of Vietnamese and Thai-inspired cuisine at the Divewalk Cafe (19449 Riverside Dr., Sonoma | divewalkcafe.com) Owners Lorene... Continue