Best Mexican Food in Healdsburg

I met Nista at the music in the plaza series that plays after the Farmer’s Market on Tuesday evenings. I’m just wandering around looking for a good picture and I stumble (almost literally) over Ronald (a friend I know from snowboarding). I laugh and ask if I can crash his blanket.

He introduces me to his colleagues. He’s a winemaker at Jordan Winery and everybody on the blanket was somehow connected to Jordan. I felt a bit out of place. One girl asks where did I work? And I answer that I am an independent. I don’t work at any winery–nor in the wine business in general. She grabs my shoulders with both hands and exclaims: “Wow. I’ve heard about people like you, but I didn’t really believe you existed.”

We both laugh.

Ronald eventually introduces me to Nitsa. She’s bubbly and smiley and I like her immediately. When she asks what I am doing, I tell her about this website and what I’m trying to do here. She thrilled and her reaction gives me some confidence. She starts talking: “If you want to know anything about the restaurants here, talk to me.” She uses her thumbs and points at herself. “I’ve been out and about with my husband for two or three years. WE KNOW what’s what on the menus.”

I ask her to clarify.

“Mexican, for examle,” she says. “Mexican. If you want a good taco, you have to try the Al Pastor taco at El Sombrero. If you want the best enchilada, Taqueria Santa Rosa for sure. The cheese enchilada. And they have THE BEST salsa. THE BEST salsa in town.

She’s animated and continues: “And El Taco Grande (and motions in the direction of the Longs Plaza), you have to try the Wet Willi at El Taco Grande.

I raise an eyebrow and question: “Uh…what is a Wet Willi?” I’m not sure if I actually want to hear the answer.

“Oh.” she laughs. “It’s a burrito. Actually, it’s a chili relleno, fried and rolled into a burrito. And it’s big enough for two people. For the entire day! That’s all you need to eat,” she emphasizes. “ALL DAY!”

Alex over at the Costeaux Bakery Cafe

I was over at the Costeux Bakery Cafe on Monday afternoon just to get out of the house and have a bite to eat. I’d taken my laptop because I knew Costeaux has an open WiFi connection. I thought I could get caught up on some emails and maybe make a post.

I’d also talked to Abby (the marketing and PR person) last week about their menu and found out that Costeaux offers a full breakfast all day long. And what is the most important meal of the day? I figured if I were only going to eat one meal, it might as well be breakfast. I indulged in their quiche.

Deep-dish quiche designed with Black Forest ham, bacon, mushrooms, onions, zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, Jarlsberg and cheddar cheeses with a side of seasonal fresh fruit.

As I was finishing up my meal, the staff was tidying up their shift. Alex asked if I would like anything else. A coffee? A treat? He was incredibly courteous. He even just said: “I’d recommend the chocolate chip or chocolate crinkle.” (I’m pretty sure he was talking about a sweet treat to go with the coffee).

And because he offered that recommendation, I asked him what else he’d recommend on the menu. He smiled and immediately replied: “Oh. The chibatta. It’s on the special menu sometimes.” Then he said: “The chicken sandwich.” I’m sure if I’d let him, he would have just rattled off the complete menu.

I’ve been over to Costeaux a number of times lately–because I like their breakfast menu. I’ve been trying something different every time.

It’s all good. And, to top it off, they have baked goods, breads, wedding cakes, catering services, and boxed lunches. Pick up and delivery.

How can you go wrong with any of that?

Five Ways to Stay Cool in Healdsburg

It was roasting yesterday. Absolutely roasting. I thought it would be fun to think of a few ways to stay cool in Healdsburg.

The fountain in the Healdsburg Plaza is the first cool thought that comes to mind. You can always take a minute and join the children. Just jump right in. That’ll certainly cool you off.

You can also buy an inner tube from Big O Tires and take it on up to Del Rio Beach and float down the river to Memorial Beach. Last time I checked, Big O was selling tubes for $15.

Rent a canoe or kayak from River’s Edge and spend some time on the Russian River north of Healdsburg. You can rent for a few hours, a day, or even two.

Rent an inflatable kayak from Soar’s and spend some time on the Russian River south of Healdsburg. I did this last year and had a pretty good time.

Finally, when it’s simply too hot in Healdsburg, you can always just putter on out to the Sonoma Coast and enjoy that huge air conditioner called the Pacific Ocean.

Where is the WiFi?

Cafe Newsstand. Just found out today that this corner cafe has WiFi. Haven’t experienced it yet. But will try tomorrow. Also noticed last Friday that this corner cafe now has wine and beer in the evenings. They turn out the linen table cloths and turn on some charm and it turns out to be a nice spot to stop for a drink and watch people. (map)

Costeaux French Bakery. A Healdsburg tradition since 1923 for baked goods and breakfasts, now offers a fast WiFi connection. It’s good to keep up with the times. To quote one of their customers: “A very casual atmosphere but they serve high quality, tasty entrées.” I will attest to that. Last Sunday, I met with some friends for brunch and to plan a bathroom remodel. We had the Eggs Benedict served up with a side of WiFi. Couldn’t have been a better planning experience. (map)

Snowbunny. An interesting new addition to Healdsburg. The frozen yogurt is made with organic Strauss yogurt and organic Clover milk, and does not contain high fructose corn syrup. Also has an espresso bar that serves up Flying Goat coffee. A little sparse, but knowing there is a fast WiFi connection is important. One of the two window seats has a plug in. Can it get any better than that? (map)

Palette-Art Cafe. In addition to some great food, wine, and original art–if you turn up here anytime between 10AM an 3PM, you’re likely to arrive to a bevy of laptops. It’s quite a nice atmosphere, the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. And you can actually get quite a lot of work done–if you don’t start chatting to the others (which is always a nice change of pace). Additionally, there is a Mac at the counter if you don’t have your own. (map)

Wolf Coffee over at the north end of town. Haven’t experienced the WiFi, the coffee, nor the crepes yet. But I’m sure I will. I will be attending the local knitting circle who meets on Saturdays from 10AM to 1PM. I’ve always wanted to learn to knit and cellardiva and her mother-in-law have agreed to help me learn. (map)

Sonoma County Library. Like most public libraries, the Sonoma County Public Library offers computers (for a duration of an hour) and if you have your own laptop, as long as you need it. The Healdsburg Public Library has the additional benefit of housing the Sonoma County Wine Library with our very own wine librarian–Bo SImons. He’s wealth of knowledge about the area and about wineries. However, much to my chagrin, the library is NOT open on Sundays. (map)

Healdsburg Park Plaza. A few years ago, the City of Healdsburg set up a WiFi network to work primarily in the plaza itself. I was there myself on Friday evening. It was such a lovely night and I was able to catch up on some emails right in the middle of the plaza. The connection is a bit dodgy though and tends to fade in an out frequently. I found it good for text, (chat IMs and emails)–not for larger files or pictures or anything. But, it’s a bit of a novelty setting. (map)

Which Wine Changed the Way you think about Wine?

I was talking to my friend Carol (a longtime friend and neighbor) at a mutual friend’s 4th of July party. She tells me that she liked this website (which is very encouraging). However, one thing about I know about Carol is that she’s been living in this area since 1978. She has quite an interesting perspective. I love talking with her.

Anyway, going to parties around here exposes me to a selection of wine that you’d never see on the store shelves or even in high-end, exclusive wine shops. More often than not, the wine I see is the wine from people’s private cellars. What can I say? Healdsburg has a population density of wine makers.

I think we were talking about 1984 (the year Carol and her husband started their own personal harvest). But as we were talking, she said something about the 1978 Clos du Bois Merlot. And just the way she said it made me wonder what she was talking about. So I asked.

“It’s the wine that changed my life. It changed the way I thought about wine.”

Now, I’m a wine enthusiast-not an aficionado. I mean. I enjoy good food, good wine, and good company. (Can I be any more lucky living in Sonoma County?) I know if I like a wine, and living here in Healdsburg has exposed me to some really awesome wine, but, for the life of me, I can’t remember which wine was the one that changed the way I think about wine.

Can you?

Some Things We Like About the Palette Art Cafe

Just a bit of a shout out here to the Palette Art Cafe. We have started to meet there for coffee a few mornings a week just to get things done for this magazine. So today, we thought we’d make a quick list to say what we like about it.

The atmosphere in general. It’s light, bright, and open and often playing jazz. Not to mention the live music events, art displays, and art openings. Soon, too, there will be Open Mic night on Wednesday nights.

The friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Fast, public WiFi.

According to my friend Julie–great chicken soup.

According to Shana, the fact they have fondue on the menu. Cheese fondue. Dessert fondue.

According to the three people at the counter the other day the chicken, pesto sandwich.

Find out yourself. Check it out.

Palette Art on foot: 235Healdsburg Avenue, suite 105 (behind the LaCrema tasting room).
Palette Art online: www.palette-art.com.

Best Saturday Morning Breakfast in Healdsburg

I’m researching an article on Mateo Granados for this magazine. Last Saturday, I walk around the Healdburg Farmer’s Market to find his stand and to see if he’s there. He is. He’s sweet. He greets me with bisoux. He says, “Come in…stay awhile. Meet my customers.”

I wander back meet the people who are eating at his stand. There’s two women already sitting down. I introduce myself and ask them what they’ve ordered: Huevos Rancheros and a Squash Blossom Omelette.

I ask them if they are local residents or if they are just visiting. One lady is visiting–the other has just relocated here from Florida.

I ask why they’ve decided to eat at Mateo’s Farmer’s Market stand. And the lady who’s relocated says, “Oh. I tasted his tamales at the Farmer’s Market on Tuesday. They’re just wonderful. I was just hoping he’d be here today.”

I tell them that Mateo is actually a pedigree chef with credentials from high-end restaurants such as Masa’s in San Francisco and Healdsburg’s Dry Creek Kitchen. And she nods her head and says: “I can tell.”

Later, after they leave, three more people sit down. I introduce myself again and I ask them if they are residents or visitors. The fellow tells me they’re from Hopland. His wife shops the farmer’s market’s for her catering business but this is the first time he’s come round. His wife arrives and tells me that Mateo’s stand is THE BEST PLACE for breakfast in Healdsburg on Saturdays.

I ask her to explain why. She says, “He doesn’t have a restaurant (yet) and he’s only at the Farmer’s Markets. He’s only HERE on Saturdays.” She also tells me that Mateo arrives at the markets, sets up his stand and shops the market for his menu.

Then he makes his menu from what’s available.

How can you get any fresher than that? Directly from the farmer to your plate. His food is alive in your mouth.

What do you bring to Tuesday Music in the Plaza?

I was meeting my friend Martin and his girlfriend Kelly from Petaluma for the music in the Plaza this week. But I was rushing to get this magazine online, and I worked until the last minute, then I ran out the door.

Before I ran out though, I remembered to pack a basket with a few things to share: a bottle of wine, a jar of Tierra Vegetables chili jam (mmmm), and some cheese I’d just picked up from the Cheese Shop.

I met my friends on the corner of Plaza and Center but I hadn’t told them to bring anything. I just said I’d meet them. I guess I just assumed that people knew what to bring to the plaza for the concerts. We walked around a tiny bit, but they needed to find something to eat. They set off to decide what they wanted.

I went to the corner of Plaza and Healdsburg Avenue to see if I recognized anybody and waited for Martin and Kelly. I just chatted randomly while I waited.

Martin and Kelly found me again and they had a pizza from the Oakville Grocery. We ended up sitting on the bench on the corner. They ate. I chatted. It wasn’t the most comfortable, but what could we do? I wasn’t prepared to entertain people on the Plaza. I didn’t think ahead.

I thought I could use this week’s entry to ask what you bring to the Tuesday music in the Plaza? Leave a comment. Tell us what you bring.

The first thing on my list: Friends.

Wine Glass Steady Sticks

I met Ondine and David (of Atelier Winery) last Tuesday evening at the Music-on-the-Square. I was planning to meet the Jordan Winery crowd on the northwest corner just a bit after the music started. I feel a bit awkward, but I find them. I’m glad I met everybody last week when Ronald was around. I settle in on the picnic blanket and look around. I’m interested if I see anybody I know. I notice that the couple behind me have their wine held by some wire things that are stuck in the ground.

I go over and ask: Can I take a picture of your wine glasses? They immediately know I’m talking about the metal sticks–and not necessarily about the wine.

“That’s such a great idea,” I say. “You get to picnic with wine in real glasses and your glass doesn’t tip over. Where did you get them?”

Ondine answers: “I saw them somewhere online and thought they were perfect for the picnics and nights like tonight.”

I stay and talk to them for awhile–because they want to know why I’m taking pictures and asking questions. I tell them about this Healdsburg Magazine site I’m starting and how everything I see right now is fodder for articles. EVERYTHING.

I ask them if they are local to Healdsburg. They laugh and say, “When we’re not working.” And I nod my head. I know how that feels. Then I ask them what they do.

Ondine is a winemaker. Ondine and David have their own label: Atelier Winery. I try not to look too interested but I’m already wondering if I can interview her for my series of articles on women winemakers.

They tell me a little bit about their winery: 500 cases. Zinfandel. Syrah. I shake my head and say, “No. No. Not right now. This article is about your little wine glass sticks.” I try to look hopeful, “Maybe I could interview you about your wines for a feature article?”

She agrees and we exchange contact information. I’ll have to call them next week and set up a real interview so we can learn more about their wines.

Tuesdays in the Plaza

During the summer, the City of Healdsburg organizes a public concert every Tuesday evening from 6h00 pm to 8h00 pm in the Healdsburg Park Plaza. Chuck Prophet played the first concert of the season last Tuesday. It may have been Chuck Prophet, or it may have been because it was the first concert of the season, but it looked like the whole town came out.

How could live music in the open air get better? Each Tuesday, the concert is deemed a special event and you can bring a wine country picnic to enjoy or share with your friends. Some local businesses like the Oakville Grocery or the Palette Art Cafe cater boxed picnics or you can just pack one yourself. Not to mention if you arrive earlier, you can shop the Farmer’s Market for some tasty delectables.

Regardless, whatever you decide to eat, stop by and say hello. I’ll be on the northwest corner of the square with the crowd from Jordan Winery.

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