Deliciousness in the Russian River Wine Country

I just returned from our last trip to Sonoma County before our big move there. Like all of the others, it was filled with memorable food, wine and laughter. People often ask me for advice on where to go when they travel out to Sonoma, so I wanted to share some of the more tasty bits from this last trip with you.

Boon: this diminutive and stylish restaurant is truly a culinary boon to Guerneville, an up and coming town in the Russian River. We make a point to eat here at least once during each trip. They make Grilled Octopus Salad with Arugula, Olives and Oranges that I couldn’t get enough of. The brussel sprouts are fantastic, when in season, as is the burger and the pulled pork sandwhich. I especially appreciate that their wines and beers are all from Northern California and the menu is both really tasty and very seasonal. The owner has a clean-lined, modern hotel and spa just down the street too, and is about to open up a gourmet market and wine bar a couple doors down:
Boon Hotel and Spa


Underwood Bar and Bistro: After hearing raves about this place, from many reputable sources, I finally ate there this last trip. The quality of the food confirmed what all the fuss is about. Everything was thoughful and delicious, from the tuna tartar, to the duck confit and homemade pasta. Its located in the precious and tiny town of Graton, conveniently just down the road from some of my favorite wineries: Dutton-Goldfield, Merry Edwards, and a newer winery called Red Car.

Diavola: I can’t even describe how much I love this place. Its tucked in a really cool brick walled building in the tiny town of Geyerville, and they whip out some of the most fantastic pizza I have ever eaten. Coming from Brooklyn, I don’t use those words lightly. I have also occasionally ventured beyond the pizza to try the Oyster Po Boy (knee weakening) as well as the Octopus Salad (to-die-for). Its very well worth the stop.

As far as Vino goes, here area few of my old and new favorites:
Thomas George
Rochioli
Sunce
Porter Creek
Dutton-Goldfield
Freestone
Hawkes

A walk through the Armstrong Woods Redwoods

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