After careful consideration, we have decided to CANCEL this year’s Fisherman’s Festival. Based on the current situation of COVID19 we are unable to move forward without the proper County permits. In addition to the permitting, we didn’t want to expose our volunteers and attendees to potential exposure to the current virus. With the threat of COVID19, we were also concerned about the financial impacts of people not attending our festival. We look forward to the Annual Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival returning next year on May 1 & 2, 2021. The 22 local non-profits that benefit from our event still need support so please donate here.
Visitors Are Asked To Stay Home
During the Covid-19 outbreak local Sonoma County residence are asked to stay in place. Visitors are asked to stay in place in their home towns. All the parks and beaches are closed in Sonoma County. Locals and people from out of town are not allowed to go to the beaches and parks. Vacation rentals are not essential businesses and are not allowed to rent their vacation homes to visitors.
Food To Go and Gift Certificates
Left Coast Latte To-Go Coffee, Beans and Pastries 707-494-0532 Call Ahead or Drive up to the window
The Dog House To-Go and Call Ahead Orders 707-875-2441
Ginochio’s Kitchen To-Go and delivery 707-377-4359
Fishermen’s Cove To-Go 707-377-4238
Roadhouse Coffee (limited hours)
Business Services Offering Curbside Service 707-875-2183
LaBodeguita To-go Orders 707-875-9190
Captain Davey’s Ice Cream and Coffee to-go 707-377-4039
Fishetarian is offering to-go and Quarts of Clam Chowder are a great take away and drive by service 707-875-9092
Spud Point is offering their regular menu to-go only
Estero Cafe is offering individual pot pies and quarts of bone broth. ( In Valley Ford) Pre-order at cateringnorthwest@gmail.com
Diekmans and Pelican Plaza are both still performing regular services with extra sanitary precautions. PLEASE be kind to our businesses and understand that they are doing the best they can to provide for your needs.
Bodega Bay Best Vacation Rental is offering gift certificates and online sales at bbbvr.com
Eclectic Amanda has an online presence at offers gift certificates at EclecticAmanda.com
Salmon Creek ArtWalk Cancelled
Check for event cancellations due to Covid-19.
Several events are cancelling due to for social distances related to the Covid-19 outbreak. Bodega Bay Hitchcock Film Festival is cancelled. Artisans' Co-op in Bodega has cancelled their Hitchcock's The Birds showcase. The gallery will be open for retail sales.
So check to make sure your event is still going to be on.
Art on the Coast & River
We are so fortunate to have a wealth of local artists, art events and galleries on the Sonoma Coast and Russian River. To help you find out more about these artists there is a dedicated website entitled Sonoma Coast Art. Throughout the years you can attend a host of events with a variety of artist work on display. This spring you have the Salmon Creek ArtWalk on Sat April 25th and Sunday April 26th - 10am to 4pm. The Artisans’ Co-op in the town of Bodega spring showcase is a Hitchcock Celebration on March 28th - 11am to 5pm. They will have artists demonstrations, a raffle and a 10% gallery wide sale. A the 47th Annual Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival on May 2nd & 3rd you will find artists booths in edition to food, entertainment and the Blessing of the Fleet.
Chowder Day in Bodega Bay
Chowder Day is a super fun event held every year in January. It sells out within weeks of the tickets going online. Many businesses participate and donate their time and food for the event. Some visitors have come to the event for many years. They create their own sweatshirts to commemorate every year they have come. Each participants gets to taste each restaurants clam chowder recipe. The benefit is used by the Chamber to promote businesses, support the community through local charities and schools.
It is All About The Seafood. Tis the season for Oyster and Crab
OYSTERS
Tomales Bay is a long, narrow inlet of the Pacific Ocean in Marin County has cool, clean water rich in plankton that oysters feed on. In addition to the various oyster farms there are local restaurants that celebrate this particular bivalve.
Rocker Oysterfeller's Kitchen + Saloon
Southern-flavored roadhouse takes the mash-up of its name from the cheesy hot oyster dish developed at Antoine's New Orleans kitchen in 1899. Rocker has them six ways: raw with a simple mignonette, fired up with Louisiana hot sauce, covered with local cheese, spiced with kimchee, floating in a traditional garlic butter, and a signature take on the original's green puree.
14415 Hwy 1, Valley Ford, CA 94972 (707) 876-1983
If you are heading down the Marin coast you have several restaurants that celebrate Seafood.
Nick’s Cove Restaurant and Oyster Bar
their menu is sourced from local dairy and produce farms, and the fresh seafood of Tomales Bay and nearby waters. Try their crab macaroni and cheese, or oysters locally harvested from Tomales Bay and nearby Drake’s Bay,
23240 Highway 1, Marshall, CA 94940 · 866-63-NICKS · 415-663-1033
Hog Island Oyster Company - “The Hog Shack”
They have freshly harvested oysters and shellfish, along with seasonal varieties of oysters and shellfish purchased directly from growers they know and trust. All oysters and shellfish are sold live and unshucked.
Hog Island's picnic area and oyster bar will be closed April thru May for construction.
20215 Shoreline Highway, Marshall, CA 94940
DUNGENESS CRAB
Crab season traditionally begins in late November, with harvest running through June, though prime season is in the winter months, when the cold waters flourish with the light reddish brown crustaceans.
Spud Point Crab Company
Owned by Tony and Carol Anello, the tiny café is more like a bait shop than a restaurant, and that makes sense, because Tony and son Mark catch the seafood themselves on sturdy boats named the "Annabelle" and the "Cape Ommaney."
1910 Westshore Road, Bodega Bay CA, 94923 - 707-875-9472
The Boat House
Captain Rick Powers' own schooner hauls in the crustaceans, and then he has his cooks craft them into buttery dishes, to eat at a table overlooking the Bay.
1445 Coast Highway 1, Bodega Bay CA, 94923 - 707-875-3495
The Tides Wharf & Restaurant
Their Crab Feeds are legendary. They specializes in local seafood, such as breakfast crab omelets, and lunch/dinner crab cocktail, cracked crab, crab cakes, crab Louie salad, hot crab sandwiches, and crab cioppino.
835 Highway 1, Bodega Bay CA, 94923 - 707-875-3652
River's End Restaurant & Inn
Celebrate the crab in their seasonal menu. Land and Sea Raviolis, Crab Tom Kha, Asian Crab Salad, Herb Rubbed Filet Mignon with butter poached crab and Lobster & Dungeness Crab Cake.
11048 Highwy 1 Jenner, CA 95450 | Tel: (707) 865-2484 ext. 111
This Holiday Season Make A Difference for a Local Person or Business
This holiday shop local, support our restaurants and if you can tip generous if the service was good. The gift of local art will encourage and help the artists continue creating something they love. Most servers in our local restaurants need tips to supplement their wages.
Our local gift and vintage shops rely on holiday shopping to help them through the upcoming slow winter season. Isn't better that the place you are spending your holiday funds are your neighbors. I know sometimes the economics make a purchase at Walmart sound. But your buying power spent locally at a small business has a larger impact on locals lives.
Instead of chain restaurants with food from unknown sources most local owner operated businesses hand select the ingredients. They support local farmers and ranchers.
Do you or a friend like to knit? At the Artisan's Co-op in Bodega you can buy yarn direct from the shepherds. Wool from locally raised sheep from Bodega. Pressed flower vases with flowers grown in a local garden. One of a kind hand woven and felted scarfs. Stop by during the Artisan's Co-op Before and After Holiday sale and get 10% off.
Buy local cheeses and meet the cheese maker Karen Bianchi-Moreda at Valley Ford Cheese & Creamery n Valley Ford.
Vintage and handmade goods at Eclectic Amanda' at 1580 Eastshore Roadin Bodega Bay. Then stop by Sharon Corbett’s gift shop “Coastal Treasures at 1580 Eastshore Road Lower Parking Lot.
Mark Malicki is creating culinary delights all sourced locally at the Casino in the town of Bodega.
Make a difference in a local person life this holiday.
Artisans’ Co-op in the town of Bodega
The Coastal Clam Chowder Trail
If you are fond of clam chowder well the Marin and Sonoma Coast now has a chowder trail to help you select the chowder you want to eat.. We have added a Coastal Clam Chowder Trail page to help you find your way to these tasty chowders. In Bodega Bay you have 7 restaurants that have award wining chowders on their menu. Since the popularity of New England clam chowder spread throughout the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries, many other regions have introduced their own, local twists on the traditional recipe. Even though the dish originated in the Eastern United States chefs on the coast are marking their own mark.
Want to sample a lot of chowder in one day? Come to Bodega Bay’s Chowder Day on Saturday January 25th. Tickets sell out fast so click here to get them before they are sold out! They have two tasting time 10am and Noon.
Sonoma County Celebrating the Harvest and the Holidays!
We have so many great events that are happening in Sonoma County that you do not want to miss.
Santa's Boat Parade
Santa docks at 6pm at The Tides with a small armada of boats. Bring your camera as Santa will be available for photos until 8pm. Hot chocolate, cider and holiday sweets will be served. Admission is free.
December 6th, 2019, 6pm to 8pm The Tides Wharf & Restaurant, 835 Bay Highway, Bodega Bay
Comedy for a Cause. December 14th,
Help us to honor our first responders. A night of great entertainment with Vicki Barbolak from America's Got Talent all for a GREAT CAUSE! All funds raised go to Bodega Bay Fire Protection District.
Tickets: https://vickibarbolak2019.bpt.me/
Gualala Arts Festival of Trees Nov. 29-30
Artists and food artisans offer handcrafted goods, homemade jams, mustards, olive oils, and more. Visit with Santa and enjoy this old fashioned, Winter Wonderland event! Gualala Arts Center, Gualala | gualalaarts.org
Santa's Riverboat Arrival Nov. 30
Santa and Mrs. Claus make a unique arrival in Petaluma, as they sail up the Petaluma River on a Lind Marine tugboat and disembark to the cheers of hundreds of excited children.
River Plaza Shopping Center, Petaluma | visitpetaluma.com
Korbel Holiday Shopping Spree Dec. 6-8
Get your holiday shopping done early with great discounts throughout the Korbel wine shop. Holiday cheer will be in full swing with carolers singing and complimentary cider and cookies.
Korbel Winery, Guerneville | korbel.com
Occidental Holiday Crafts Faire Dec. 7-8
Featuring more than 35 local and regional artists, plus foods and baked goods to enjoy. Santa Claus will be paying a visit and carols will be sung!
Occidental Community Center, Occidental | occidental-ca.org
Fire Update Links
Latest Official Notifications:
CalFire - Information and regular updates click here.
CalFire Map of the fire Click Here
Information Sources:Sonoma Valley Visitor Center is open. For more information Click Here
Petaluma Visitors Center is open. For more information Click Here
The Sonoma County Airport (STS) is currently closed and all flights are cancelled. Please check with your air carrier on changing flights.
The Airport Express from San Francisco (SFO) and Oakland (OAK) is still operating to schedule with the exception of the Santa Rosa Airport stop.
Additional Resources:
Weather radar, wind and waves forecast website/app Click Here
CalFire - Information and regular updates click here.
CalFire Map of the fire Click Here
Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information Click Here
PG&E Public Safety Power Shutdown information Click Here
KSRO Radio – Live Streaming
KZST Radio – Live Streaming
TV stations in San Francisco including KRON4 and ABC7 News offer live streaming
FINDING LOCAL ART IN THE SMALL COASTAL TOWN OF BODEGA
The town remains a collection of residential and commercial buildings dating from the mid-to-late 19th century that retain a good and sometimes outstanding level of architectural integrity.
The town is home to many art galleries that support local artists. I am a member of the Artisans’ Gallery who have been supporting local artists for over 23 years. Each year the town hosts the Bodega Seafood, Art & Wine Festival on Watts ranch. It is home to many landmarks in the Hitchcock’s movie The Birds.
ARTISANS’ CO-OP
Over 50 Local Artisans
Near hiking trails, pastures and camping on the beaches of the Northern California Coast you will find us in Bodega, California.
come to the Artisans’ co-op art gallery and explore each room filled with surprises, from hand-tooled leather bags and sand dollar earrings to sheepskin slippers.
Find unique pieces for your home, gifts, or a remembrance of your visit to where Hitchcock's film "The Birds" was made.
Our fifty local artists will delight you with their inventive handmade art.
Textiles: Felt, Leather, Wool, handwoven and hand knit and crocheted wearables and pieces for your home.
Ceramics: Dishes, Wall Hangings, Sculpture
Glass: Functional & Decorative
Wood: Bowls, Unique Boxes, Garden signs
Jewelry: Gems, Rocks, Glass, Sterling Silver
Photography: Landscape, Wildlife, Black & White
Painting: Oils, Acrylic, Watercolor, Collage
Upcoming Showcase Event, Artisans’ Day August 31st. The showcases are a gallery wide sale, artist demonstrations and raffle. Artisans Day on Labor Day weekend has over 15 artists demonstrating their craft in celebration.
BODEGA LANDMARK STUDIO
The Bodega Landmark Studio has fine art and craft from local artisans. The Gallery features hundreds of one-of-a-kind pieces, including regional seascape and landscape painting (in both grand scale and miniature), fine art photography, blown glass, etching, sculpture, ceramics, stained glass, woodwork, and jewelry by local artists. Bodega Landmark Studios is also the local agent for all Christo Running Fence Project art.
CYPRESS GALLERY AND BAZAAR
We are a locally owned and operated arts and crafts co-op. We make and carry a wide array of unique, one of a kind gifts for you and everyone on your shopping list. We currently have 4 members. April Gibson (artist, owner, co-founder) Tali Aiona (artist, co-op member) Yareen Avni (artist, co-op member) Angie Brown (artist, co-op member)....Shop small. SONOMA STRONG.
Small Town Along The Coast "Valley Ford"
What makes the Sonoma Coasts charming? It is all of our small towns.
Coming in from Petaluma the first small coastal town is Valley Ford just 6 miles from the Pacific Coast. The main town has Valley Ford Market, Valley Ford Hotel, Dinucci's Italian restaurant, Estero Cafe and the new Valley Ford Creamery. One of the few remaining buildings dating from the 19th century, now houses Rocker Oysterfeller's Kitchen & Saloon and seven guest rooms.
You can stay at the Historic Valley Ford Hotel built by the Rein family in 1864. Owners Brandon Guenther, the chef, and Shona Campbell are down to earth folks who I have shared many a libation with over the years. Their restaurant & bar Rocker Oysterfeller is where you may find dishes like Molasses-Bourbon Braised Pork Shoulder, Petaluma Fried Chicken and Hamhock Soup. People rave about their fish tacos and of course Tomales Bay Oysters of course, either raw with Lemon-Honey-Jalapeno Mignonette or cooked up on the grill. "Southern Comfort" food is what is all about. Their craft cocktails are addictive, local beers and a great wine selection. I personally love hanging out in the bar with locals and visitors.
Karen Bianchi-Moreda of Valley Ford Creamery just opened a store in Valley Ford. It is now my regular stop on my way to Petaluma. Valley Ford Cheese & Creamery was founded in 2008 and is located on Mountain View Jersey Dairy, off the rural coast of Sonoma County, California. The Bianchi family has owned and operated the 640 acre ranch since 1918 is now occupied by the third, fourth, and fifth generations. When Karen Bianchi-Moreda decided to start making artisan cheese, it was only natural to produce that same cheese which was a staple in her family for years.
For more than 60 years, the family-owned Valley Ford Market has been catering to its residents and also the many tourists passing through town. This is a farmers and ranchers grocery, so you’ll find pretty much everything you could need It is my go to stop and have their butcher freshly ground meat for my meat sauce. They also make German bratwurst, Italian sausage and beer and garlic sausage.
Want a hardy farm to table breakfast or lunch? Go to Estero Cafe. Owners Samantha and Ryan Ramey use only locally sourced and organic ingredients, including a commitment to pasture raised eggs, local grass fed beef, sustainable seafood, local dairy and vegetables. You will see local art on the wall and their big custom grill cooking outside.
Feel like some great family style Italian food go to Dinucci's Italian Dinners. Dinucci's was built in 1908 by Mr. and Mrs. Barboni. Henry and Mabel Dinucci bought it in 1939. Some of Mabel's recipes are used to this day. The Wagners bought Dinucci's in 1968. Their menu has 9 steak and poultry dishes. Carved Prime Rib Friday & Saturday from 4pm until it's gone. Once I came later in the evening and missed out on the Prime Rib. I make sure to be there early from now on. Being near the ocean they have 6 seafood dishes. If you come for the Pasta you will have 7 dishes to make your decision even harder.
Being only 6 miles from the Pacific Coast stop in the Northern Light Surf Shop in the historic Dairymans Bank. Owners Ben and Sarah Dougherty strive to maintain a laid-back and relax feel. In addition to surf equipment they have a custom line of rad clothing. They even created a Valley Ford collection.
Interesting Fact: Northwestern Pacific Narrow Gauge Railroad that ran through Valley Ford. The railroad started at Sausalito, going to towns and resorts along the Russian River as well as to Cazadero. The trains hauled passengers, lumber and farming supplies. It was dismantled in 1929, however some of the old trestle and hillside grades remain today.
So when you see the 35 mile speed limit ahead before you enter town make a stop. You will be pleasantly surprised.
Sophie's Cellar Local Night (You Dont Have To Be A Local)
Tasting Room
In the Russian River Resort Area and along the Sonoma Coast is Sophie’s Cellars Wine Tasting Room. It is only 8 minutes from the ocean in the town of Duncans Mills. The small town has 24 merchants, antique stores, galleries gourmet foods and wines. Locals night is a locals favorite hang out on Friday. I love to sit on the deck eat some local cheeses, salmon, salamis, crackers and fruit. I am excited to see John’s picks on wines by the glass and Beer from Russian River Brewing Company. I personally am not an IPA drinker but fear not they have Pliny the Elder for those of you who love an IPA. It is a great wind down into the weekend.
Tasting Room: 25179 Hwy 116, Duncans Mills, CA 95430, USA | Current Hours: Wed, Thu, Sat & Sun: 11am-5pm, Fri: 11am-7pm. Locals’ Night (you don’t have to be a local) Fri: 4pm-7pm
Bodega Bay Independence Day Maritime Celebration.
Thursday July 4th, 2019
Bodega Bay is steep in Maritime history and traditions. Their Commercial Fishing industry provides fresh crabs, and fish including a prize King Salmon. The sport-fishing charters offer fishing, whales and bird watching, ash scatterings and custom charter cruises.
This July 4th the town will be celebrating this heritage, our Independence and the harbor and bay. There will be an entire day and evening of events for the family. The morning will start off with a Freedom Paddle, for art lovers you will be able to see local artists painting the harbor. Go to Campbell Cove and learn about tide pools and our local marine life with the Stewards of the Coasts and Redwoods Tide Pool Adventure. If you are camping at Doran Beach in the afternoon Second Wind will have monster kites blowing in the wind. In the later afternoon there will be a Maritime Celebration Boat Parade staring at 3:30pm. To cap off the day during the evening there will be live music and a dance at the Harbor Yacht Club. Show your Red, White and Blue. The Sonoma Coast Visitors Center will be given out American flags. Several local businesses will be hosting viewing parties and specials. Go here to see an entire day of events.
Salmon Is On!
Photo: F/V Reel Magic
Bodega Bay has a great fleet of Sport Fishing Boats. The Fish are biting and many charter boats are catching their limits for the day.
F/V REEL MAGIC
Epic Day Today in Bodega Bay!!! THEY ARE BITING!!
LIMITS today for clients and crew. 14 Kings to 15 lbs.!!! Fished West of the head from 33 to 50 fathoms OW. Fish came at 120' and 90' OTW on Flashers and my favorite hoochie!!
Fish were feeding on Anchovies with Krill below. Whales were there too!!
Catch up with you soon!!
Capt. Merlin Out!
The Reel Magic is Bodega Bay’s only Catamaran available for charter fishing.
She is one of the fastest boats in the harbor and is an impressive fishing machine at 34 feet with a 12-foot beam. Twin 330 HP Cummings Turbo Diesels produce a respectable 21 Knot cruising speed. The Reel Magic has a full-sized stand-up head with an operational sink and a freshwater reserve tank. She is a very safe and stable vessel, especially while running and fishing. The Reel Magic is an awesome fishing platform!!
Call Now at 707-875-BOAT (2628) to make your reservation while there is still room available.
Photo F/V Reel Magic
Valley Ford Creamery Opens A Storefront in Valley Ford
Valley Ford Cheese & Creamery was founded in 2008 and is located on Mountain View Jersey Dairy, off the rural coast of Sonoma County, California.
When Karen Bianchi-Moreda decided to start making artisan cheese, it was only natural to produce that same cheese which was a staple in her family for years.
They now have a store front in Valley Ford located on Highway 1 near the beautiful California coast. They are serving fresh coffee and danish to start the day and a lunch menu that makes the flavors of their cheeses come to life.
Mothers Day Menu:
Live Oak Farm Asparagus Focaccia - farm egg, pea shoots,
Highway 1. Farmers cheese stuffed french toast - blueberry, walnut, reme fraiche.
Spring salad - Baby lettuce, fava beans, radish, herbs.
Valley Ford Grilled Cheese. Mimosas and Bloody Beer.
Memorial Day Weekend Menu:
Raclette over potatoes, pickled onions, bread and gerkin.
A Pulled pork slide with vinegar slaw.
A grilled cheese, smoked turkey with potato salad.
A House cheese tasting for $20.
Fathers Day Menu:
Valley Ford Creamery Cheese Flight
Focaccia, asparagas, prosciutto + egg
Strawberry walnut french toast
Estero Gold biscuits and gravey with egg
Grilled cheese with meat
House cheese & Charcuterie
They also have a variety of fresh baked goods. I had the coffee cake and it was so good. The moistness and flavor of it elevated it to the best I have ever had. I love baked goods. I bake them as well. So it is a high compliment when I say it was the best coffee cake I ever had or made. What type of baked goods may you find there? Baguettes, Zucchini bread, Lemon cake, Black Bottom cupcakes, Quiche, scones and triple chocolate cookies.
Tentative hours:
Monday & Tuesday- Closed
Wednesday & Thursday 7 am - 3 pm
Friday- 7 am - 6 pm
Saturday- 8 am - 6 pm
Sunday - 8 am - 3 pm
The Epicure Interviews
The art of the table is serious here in West County. Tasty food and beverage consumption is aligned to my personal and perhaps selfish interests! As I have jokingly noted to friends, I am slightly thirsty or slightly hungry or both at any given moment. I live in a small town and like many of my neighbors, I will often buy pre-made ingredients to consume with our meals. A small round of cheese, perfectly beautiful mushrooms or a nice bottle of pinot noir - local products made in the western edge of Sonoma County are different. There is something about the food here that tastes better, richer and more wholesome. Perhaps it's the coastal influence, the skill level or passion of the producer. Food makers here are producing interesting, artisanal foods that I have enjoyed or want to enjoy. And I want to know and understand more about what they do and why.
To highlight my culinary neighbors, I am introducing a new series - "The Epicure Interviews". Starting this month, I will post a new interview about a west county beverage or food producer.
For our inaugural interview, I recently spoke with Ross Halleck owner of of Halleck Wines. Please take a moment and enjoy. Preferably with a tasty morsel or drink.
I'll set the table,
Lotus
Rain, Rain Go Away
We are Sonoma Strong and we will rebuild in the areas affected by the flooding. Some areas along the coast were not affected. If you are planning a trip to the area here are some links to help plan your trip and avoid closed roads, areas under evacuation or that are experiencing power outages.
To check on road conditions to those towns go to this link.
http://roadconditions.sonoma-county.org
Another resource is the Sonoma County Emergency Website
For electric outages in the areas you may want to visit go to this link.
https://m.pge.com/#outages