Eat, drink, shop
THE SPINSTER SISTERS
401 South A Street, Santa Rosa thespinstersisters.com
The brunch menu at this eclectic eatery is brimful of delicious options. Riffing on the classic eggs Benny, Joe’s Benedict teams poached eggs with prosciutto, red onion, arugula, avocado, herb hollandaise and challah, while the Rancho Gordo bean tostadas are a zesty Cali-Mex mix of black beans, cabbage, radish, queso fresco, avocado and salsa verde.
For lunch
THE GIRL & THE FIG
110 West Spain Street, Sonoma thegirlandthefig.com
At this restaurant where French-led fare both comforts and delights, it’s a tough choice between housemade charcuterie, pastis-scented mussels, duck confit and steak frites. Our pick? The rich yet impossibly delicate flounder meunière, which has been a mainstay here for 20 years. The wine list of Rhône varietals caps off the experience beautifully.
For dinner
SANTÉ RESTAURANT
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, 100 Boyes Boulevard, Sonoma santediningroom.com
Upscale cuisine, mood lighting, soft music, plush armchairs and a wine list more than 500-strong – Santé works hard at being far more than a hotel restaurant. The menu is all about classic dishes with a twist. Think tuna tartare with yuzu aïoli or filet mignon with herb-crusted bone marrow served in the bone.
For taking home DRY CREEK GENERAL STORE
3495 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg drycreekgeneralstore1881.com
Established in 1881, this authentic general store is stocked with covetable giftware, housemade pickles, locally produced olive oil, jams, preserves and cheeses. If you’re peckish, the onsite deli serves a lipsmacking menu of salads, sandwiches and more.