August 2008 Archives

Couple opens homestyle eatery in Penngrove attached to the popular Black Cat Bar

Just a quick heads up today on a fab find that came in from a BiteClubber about Alcatraz Seafoods. The fish market on Sebastopol Road is now offering made-to-order seafood sandwiches, fish 'n chips and chowder as well as BBQ oysters, bacon-wrapped tuna skewers, shrimp and salmon kabobs on Friday and Saturday afternoons.

It's hardly news to the carnivorous-set that Mike's at the Crossroads is probably the best place to dive into a nice half-pounder in the North Bay. Count me among the converted, having recently refreshed my tastebuds with a classic...

When someone says cheap and Indian food in the same breath, it's usually a recipe for indigestion, if not worse. You just don't want to play roulette with bargain-basement goat meat and lamb slathered with curry sauce. Hence my slight trepidation when BiteClubbers turned me onto Masala Jack's which recently opened in Cotati, featuring a menu full of curries under $7--many under $5

A little bit country. A little bit rock and roll. Barndiva is the hipster hangout in Wine Country, with its organic sensibilities, minimalist barn decor and swanky cocktails.

Your favorite Chinese Restaurants

Shout out: Fave cheap eats? Despite some tough economic times, there's no reason to go hungry. BiteClub's putting together a big fat list of cheap eats for Wine Country. Here's your chance to add your .02 for the best, yummiest...

Located well off the main square, Juanita, Juanita is everything a divey little spot should be: Ramshackle, weird, a little dusty around the edges, un-air conditioned and with politely detached wait staff. The Modern Tijanuana decor equals vibrant paint, faded pinatas, neon beer signs and hand-drawn pictures covering the walls. It's charming to the extreme--the kind of place visitors are thrilled to stumble upon for the "real" Sonoma experience. Whether locals appreciate that discovery is a whole other thing.

Showing their passion for oft-overlooked cuts (as well as more everyday eats) into their French-Mediterranean menu, young husband-and-wife chefs Eric Korsh and Ginevra Iverson have created a comforting mix of old-meets-new school dishes at the recently opened Restaurant Eloise in Sebastopol.

Just a quick hit on the new Saigon Bistro in downtown Santa Rosa. BiteClub and Co. hit the revamped spot on Mendocino Ave. which previously housed the ill-fated Vivere, which was previously Nirvana, which was previously Tahini Grill. The interior hasn't undergone much change, aside from repainting and the upstairs balcony is slated to be open for dinner.