Page 949 – Bohemian | Sonoma & Napa Counties

Très Cinema

Movies

Richard von Busack

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Mar 20, 2013

The person next to you on the bus can tell you that German films are depressing, British films are unintelligible and French films are, on some level, trifling, nonsensical or too sexy. Am I oversimplifying? I recently saw a would-be sophisticated website going on about Jean Vigo’s sublime L’Atalante (predating Beasts of the Southern Wild by some 80 years). Baffled by incidents of magical realism, the two master debaters came back to a mantra: “You know, it’s French.”

And that settled that. Yet the series “Rendez-vous with French Cinema,” continuing this week at Summerfield Cinemas, offers a glimmer of what Petaluma’s own Pauline Kael meant when she said that even the best American movies aren’t good enough.

Patrice LeConte, whose light attitude toward mortality goes at least as far back as The Hairdresser’s Husband (1990), takes that attitude all the way to The Suicide Shop (March 21, 7pm), a lovable, witty and macabre animated musical. On a gray Parisian side street, Maison Tuvache (established 1854) has been selling potential suicides ropes, poisons, razors and even samurai swords. (They’re not cheap, “but there are no pockets in a shroud . . . or a kimono.”) Their motto: “Life a failure? Make death a success!”

The lady of the place (voiced by Isabelle Spade) is one of those chirpy Parisienne shopkeepers Karin Viard does so well. Her husband, Mishima, is a debonair Gomez Addams look-alike, but tragedy strikes when they have a child whose disgusting zest for life interferes with the family business. Highly recommended to goths, fans of Sweeney Todd and Tim Burton fanciers. Alas, this movie in need of a cult does end on a positive note. What can you do? Dead people don’t buy movie tickets.

The series also includes Alice Winocour’s Augustine (March 20, 7pm), which comes from the casebook of Sigmund Freud’s most important predecessor, Professor Jean-Martin Charcot (Vincent Lindon). And the experimental Rich Is the Wolf (March 24, 1pm) traces the disappearance of a husband and the clues left behind via VHS tapes. A woman watching hours of videotape, struggling to understand what it all means? Sounds like French cinema in a nutshell.

‘Rendez-vous with French Cinemas’ runs through March 24 at Summerfield Cinemas, 551 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa. 707.522.0719. www.summerfieldcinemas.com.

Letters to the Editor: March 20, 2013

Letters to the Editor

Bohemian.com

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Mar 20, 2013

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This Modern Defense

Thank you for defending Tom Tomorrow from the likes of Jonathan Zwart and, especially, Drew Lewis (Letters to the Editor, March 13). Personally, I don’t often read This Modern World, but I respect the right of readers who do. I just don’t respect the cranky, censorious ones who don’t and who wish that Tomorrow’s strip had no tomorrow. Besides being truly annoying, selfish and unpleasant people, the Looney Tunes–ish ones who seem to think the Second Amendment was written by God Himself are truly scary. It was a pleasure to read Mr. Lewis being put in his place so powerfully.

Fitting, wasn’t it, that his little hissy kvetch ran on the very day the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to ban 150 different kinds of assault weapons? Sen. Dianne Feinstein also had to put up with shit from Sen. Ted Cruz, a GOP freshman, but she too masterfully put the little pischer in his place. Thankfully, not a gun was fired in either case.

—Chris Lucas

Cotati

I love Tom Tomorrow. The strip is one of the reasons I pick up the Bohemian. Can the county add a sense of irony with the fluoride?

—Dwight Cary

Guerneville

Down the Pipe

I am writing to urge readers to take action against the Keystone Pipeline. If this pipeline is installed, the environment will be seriously harmed. The pipeline would disrupt habits throughout America and Canada, as well as transporting the dirtiest fossil fuel on the planet, tar sands.

Our president needs to know that we oppose this pipeline. Add your voice to hundreds of others at action.sierraclub.org/LastBestChance. Thank you, and let’s make our voices heard.

—Sophia Leveque-Eichhorn

Healdsburg

No-Star Review

Regarding the article about Mackenzie Bezos, the wife of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, appearing at Copperfield’s Books (“Goliath Meets David,” March 13): the name Amazon was stolen from Amazon Bookstore, a feminist bookstore founded in 1970 in Minneapolis, Minn. In 1999, the Amazon Bookstore for-profit collective sued Jeff Bezos for trademark infringement, plus staff time and money lost due to customers and suppliers mistaking their store for the web retailer.

Jeff Bezos stole the Amazon name and encouraged his lawyers to interrogate a store co-owner, while she was under oath, about her sexual orientation and that of her staff! Mackenzie Bezos typed a trite book about four women. I want to know how she feels about the women whose lives and livelihood she helped trample. I also want to know how Paul Jaffe and Barney Brown would feel about a corporation selling books using Copperfield’s. I think these are important musings for small independent bookstore owners and their customers, wouldn’t you agree?

—Larysa Tanya Shmorhay

Sebastopol

Margaret’s Morality

I am thankful for Richard von Busack’s review of Margaret, which turned me on to this thought-provoking film. However, I disagree with the writer’s interpretation of the story. This film is not about the protagonist’s moral awakening. Rather, it is about her discovery of the lack of morality all around her. From the bus driver who doesn’t take responsibility for running over a pedestrian; to the distant relative of the deceased who eagerly profits from the death; to the protagonist’s young lover who doesn’t use a condom when she asks him to; to her teacher who fails to resist her advances, and then doesn’t bat an eyelash when she says she has had an abortion; to her father who lacks any backbone and fails to take a part in the lives of his children . . .

All around her, the teenage protoganist discovers a vacuum where morality should be. Her mother knew about the reigning absence of morality all along and rarely dated, and, when someone expressed an interest in her, she was very slow to trust. Finally, the daughter finds herself at her mother’s side, ultimately realizing that there may only be one or two people in her world truly deserving of her faith.

—Sophia Leveque-Eichhorn

Healdsburg

Write to us at le*****@******an.com.

Best of 2013!

Best Of

Bohemian.com

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Mar 20, 2013

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Best Of Winners! Claim your awards by clicking here!

Order high-quality plaques of your awards by clicking here!

Best Of 2013: Magic & Illusion

From Harry Houdini to David Blaine, the enduring appeal of magic subsides on disbelief, innocence and wonder. It doesn’t take any sleight of hand to realize that here in the North Bay, we’ve got those qualities in spades. We’d estimate that even among those of us born and raised here, it’s a weekly experience to find ourselves in awe.

For this year’s Best Of issue, we extend the theme of magic beyond the upturned top hat and deck of cards. Contained herein are people, places and things in the North Bay that pique our sense of astonishment, and, in some cases, tweak our sense of reality. Be they sites of natural beauty, captivating individuals, puzzling places of mystery or incubators of energy, they all conjure an effect so strong, we wonder, “What’s the secret?”

In the print edition of this issue, we also toy with the idea of illusion, and you’re in on the act, too. Found at the entrance to each section are pages that you, the reader, will have to manipulate in order to read. Sometimes you’ll hold the paper up to a mirror. Other times you’ll flip it upside down or spin it in a circle or fold it over upon itself. When the text isn’t flying at you like a fireball, you might even discover hidden messages and reappearing in-jokes.

The prestidigitators and sorcerers contributing to this grand illusion include Rachel Dovey, Jessica Dur Taylor, Estefany Maria Gonzalez, Nicolas Grizzle, Elise Guillot, Christina Julian, James Knight, Gabe Meline, Jonah Raskin, Bruce Robinson and David Templeton.

As is our policy, the businesses represented throughout are all locally owned. In fact, it was a small, local downtown Santa Rosa business that instilled a love of magic in many of us: the Mostly Magic Shop. Hence, this issue is dedicated to the memory of Jon E. King—magician, proprietor, friend.

—Gabe Meline, Editor

Reader’s Poll Results

Writers’ Picks: Legends

Mangum Opus

Music

Gabe Meline

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Mar 20, 2013

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The April 9 show at the Phoenix Theater with Jeff Mangum from Neutral Milk Hotel is nearly sold-out, but we here at the Bohemian have two spare tickets—and they can be yours for a song.

No, literally. A song.

All you have to do is record your version of a song by Neutral Milk Hotel (or Jeff Mangum solo), and send it to us in mp3 form at ed****@******an.com. We’ll sort through the entries, listening intently to each one, and our panel of Neutral Milk Hotel experts (i.e., almost everyone who works here) will choose the winning cover song.

As with past cover-song contests with Built to Spill and Animal Collective, entries will be judged not on technical merit but on enthusiasm, creativity and uniqueness. If you can’t play an instrument but can bang on a vacuum cleaner with a wisk while yodeling “Two-Headed Boy,” we want to hear from you.

Entries must be received by Monday, April 1, at ed****@******an.com. We’ll announce the winners in the April 3 issue of the Bohemian, and will post the top three entries online at www.bohemian.com. Now get recording, and good luck!

Best Of 2013: Family

Best of Family and Pets

Rachel Dovey

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Mar 20, 2013

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Best Baby Gift Store

Marin

A Child’s Delight

105 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera.415.945.9221.

190 Northgate One Shopping Center, San Rafael.415.499.0736.

3320 Northgate Mall, San Rafael.415.499.0739

Napa

Freckles Children’s Boutique

1309 Main St., St. Helena.707.963.1201.

Sonoma

My Baby News

3011-A Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa.707.546.2229.

921 Lakeville St., Petaluma.707.773.2229.

Honorable Mention

Cupcake

641 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.707.579.2165.

Best Toy Store

Marin

Five Little Monkeys

852 Grant Ave., Novato.415.898.4411.

Napa

Toy B Ville

1343 Main St., Napa.707.253.1024.

Sonoma

The Toyworks

531 College Ave., Santa Rosa.707.526.2099.

6940 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol.707.829.2003.

Honorable Mention

Kaleidoscope Toys

2421 Magowan Drive, Santa Rosa.707.545.8697.

9078 Windsor Road, Windsor.707.836.8697.

Best Kids Clothing Store

Marin

Poppy Store

2413 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur.415.464.0222.

Napa

Freckles Children’s Boutique

1309 Main St., St. Helena.707.963.1201.

Sonoma

Cupcake

641 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.707.579.2165.

107 Plaza St., Healdsburg.707.433.3800.

Honorable Mention

Wee Three Children’s Store

1007 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa.707.525.9333.

Best Kids Consignment Store

Marin

Outgrown

1417 Fourth St., San Rafael.415.457.2219.

Napa

Anew Beginning

4086 Byway E., Napa.707.226.3979.

Sonoma

Wee Three Children’s Store

1007 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa.707.525.9333.

Honorable Mention

Pixie Stix

200 S. Main St., Ste. 120, Sebastopol.707.824.1048.

Best Birthday Party Place

Marin

Bay Area Discovery Museum

557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito.415.339.3900.

Napa

Scientopia Discovery Center

1785 Tanen St., Ste. B, Napa.707.259.1559.

Sonoma

Pump It Up

3360 Coffey Lane, Santa Rosa.707.545.3140.

Honorable Mention

Redwood Empire Ice Arena

1667 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa.707.546.7147.

Best Imagination Center

Marin

Discovery Museum

557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito.415.339.3900.

Napa

Scientopia Discovery Center

1785 Tanen St., Ste. B, Napa.707.259.1559.

Sonoma

Children’s Museum of Sonoma County

www.cmosc.org

Honorable Mention

Environmental Discovery Center

5930 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa.707.539.2865.

Best Summer Day Camp

Marin

Steve & Kate’s Camp

28 Liberty Ship Way, Ste. 2815, Sausalito.415.389.5437.

Napa

Connolly Ranch

3141 Browns Valley Road, Napa.707.224.1894.

Sonoma

Camp Wa-Tam

630 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa.707.888.5267.

Honorable Mention

YMCA of Sonoma County

1111 College Ave., Santa Rosa.707.962.9622.

Best Dog Obedience School

Marin

Marin Humane Society

171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato.415.883.4621.

Sonoma

Olivet Kennel & Dog Training Resort

2404 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa.707.542.2066.

Honorable Mention

Sonoma Humane Society

5345 Hwy. 12, Santa Rosa.707.542.0880.

Best Doggie Day Care

Marin

Fit ‘N’ Furry

www.fitnfurry.com

Napa

Ruff Dog Daycare & Hotel

49 Enterprise Court, Napa.707.258.2020.

Sonoma

Four Paws Pet Ranch

3410 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa.707.542.3766.

Honorable Mention

Paradise Pet Resort

2120 Bluebell Drive, Santa Rosa.707.595.3834.

5800 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park.707.206.9000.

Best Pet Groomer

Marin

Fit ‘N’ Furry

www.fitnfurry.com

Napa

Scoobi-Doo’s Pet Wash

2742 Jefferson St., Napa.707.226.2727.

Sonoma

Soggy Doggy

452 10th St., Santa Rosa.707.542.0244.

Honorable Mention

Four Paws Pet Ranch

3410 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa.707.542.3766.

Best Pet Boutique

Marin

For Paws

69 Bolinas Road, Fairfax.415.456.4685.

Napa

Fideaux

1312 Main St., St. Helena.707.967.9935.

Sonoma

Fideaux

43 North St., Healdsburg.707.433.9935.

Honorable Mention

Pawsarotti’s

4040 Hwy. 12, Santa Rosa.707.539.7297.

Best Animal Shelter

Marin

Marin Humane Society

171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato.415.883.4621.

Napa

Napa County Animal Shelter

942 Hartle Court, Napa.707.253.4382.

Sonoma

Sonoma Humane Society

5345 Hwy. 12, Santa Rosa.707.542.0882.

Honorable Mention

Sonoma County Animal Shelter

1247 Century Court, Santa Rosa.707.565.7100.

Best Kennel

Marin

Postmore Kennels

753 McClay Road, Novato.415.897.5892.

Napa

Ruff Dog Daycare & Hotel

49 Enterprise Court, Napa.707.258.2020.

Sonoma

Four Paws Pet Ranch

3410 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa.707.542.3766.

Honorable Mention

Olivet Kennel & Dog Training Resort

2404 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa.707.542.2066.

Best Veterinarian

Marin

George Walters, DVM

4140 Redwood Hwy., San Rafael.415.499.8387.

Napa

Silverado Veterinary Hospital

2035 Silverado Trail, Napa.707.224.7953.

Sonoma

Animal Hospital of Sebastopol

1010 Gravenstein Hwy. S., Sebastopol.707.542.3250.

Honorable Mention

Brandner Veterinary Hospital

347 Lakeville St., Petaluma. 707.762.3549.

Best Dog Park

Sonoma

Ragle Ranch Dog Park

500 Ragle Road, Sebastopol.707.823.7262.

Honorable Mention

Rincon Valley Community Dog Park

5108 Badger Road, Santa Rosa.707.543.3292.

Best Dog Beach

Marin

Stinson Beach

Highway 1, Stinson Beach. 415.868.0734.

Sonoma

Doran Beach

201 Doran Beach Road, Bodega Bay.702.875.3540.

Best Feed Store

Marin

Toby’s Feed Barn

11250 Hwy. 1, Pt. Reyes Station. 415.663.1223.

Napa

Wilson’s Feed & Supply

1700 Yajome St., Napa. 707.252.0316.

Sonoma

Western Farm Center

21 W. Seventh St., Santa Rosa.707.545.0721.

Honorable Mention

Frizelle Enos Feeds

265 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol.707.823.6404.

10035 Main St., Penngrove. 707.992.0144.

Best of 2013: Food & Drink

Best of Restaurants

Jonah Raskin

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Mar 20, 2013

0

Best Farmers Market

Marin

Farmers Market at Marin Civic Center

Civic Center Drive, San Rafael. 415.472.6100.

Napa

Oxbow Public Market

644 First St., Napa. 707.226.6529.

Sonoma

Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market

50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa.707.522.8629.

Honorable Mention

Sebastopol Farm Market

132 Weeks Way., Sebastopol.707.522.9305.

Best Organic Farm

Marin

Marin Roots Farm

marinrootsfarm.wordpress.com

Napa

BOCA Farm

www.bocafarm.org

Sonoma

Laguna Farms

1764 Cooper Road, Sebastopol. 707.823.0823.

Honorable Mention

Tierra Vegetables

651 Airport Blvd., Santa Rosa 707.544.6141.

Best Bakery

Marin

Ponsford’s Place

www.ponsfordsplace.com

Napa

Model Bakery

644 First St., Napa. 707.259.1128.

Sonoma

Village Bakery

1445 Town and Country Drive, Santa Rosa.707.527.7654.

Honorable Mention

Wild Flour Bread

140 Bohemian Hwy., Freestone.707.874.2938.

Best Barbecue

Marin

Roadside BBQ

5000 Northgate Mall #135, San Rafael.415.479.7200.

Napa

Buster’s Southern BBQ

1207 Foothill Blvd., Calistoga.707.942.5605.

Sonoma

BBQ Smokehouse

6811 Laguna Park Way, Sebastopol.707.575.3277.

Honorable Mention

The BBQ Spot

3448 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa.707.585.2616.

Best Burger

Marin

Phyllis’ Giant Burgers

924 Diablo Ave., Novato. 415.898.8294.

Napa

Carpe Diem Wine Bar

1001 Second St., Napa. 707.224.0800.

Sonoma

Superburger

1501 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.546.4016.

10070 Main St., Penngrove. 707.665.9790.

Honorable Mention

Carmen’s Burger Bar

1612 Terrace Way, Santa Rosa.707.579.3663.

90 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa.707.526.1575.

Best Pizza

Marin

Mulberry Street Pizzeria

101 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael.415.472.7272.

Napa

Ca’ Momi Enoteca

610 First St., Napa. 707.257.4992.

Sonoma

Mombo’s Pizza

1880 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.707.528.3278.

560 Gravenstein Hwy., Sebastopol.707.823.7492.

Honorable Mention

Rosso Pizzeria

53 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa.707.544.3221.

151 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma.707.772.5177.

Best Frozen Desert Shop

Marin

Double Rainbow

860 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.457.0803.

Napa

Yo’Belle

3900 Bel Aire Plaza, Napa. 707.189.1899.

Sonoma

Screamin’ Mimi’s

6902 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol.707.823.5902.

Honorable Mention

Yogurt Time

755 Farmers Lane, Santa Rosa.707.542.7876.

531 Summerfield Road #100, Santa Rosa.707.539.7876.

90 Mark West Springs Road , Santa Rosa.707.544.7876.

1099 Vine St., Healdsburg. 707.431.2777.

Best Cupcakes

Marin

SusieCakes

310 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae. 415.461.2253.

Sonoma

Sift

404-A Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.707.703.4228.

7582 Commerce Blvd., Cotati. 707.792.1681.

Honorable Mention

Moustache Baked Goods

381 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg.707.395.4111.

Best Candy / Chocolate Shop

Marin

Powell’s Sweet Shoppe

879 Grant Ave., Novato. 415.898.6160.

Napa

Anette’s Chocolate Factory

1321 First St., Napa. 707.252.4228.

Sonoma

Viva Cocolat

110 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma.707.778.9888.

Honorable Mention

Powell’s Sweet Shoppe

720 McClelland Drive, Windsor.707.836.0808.

Best Chocolatier

Marin

Sacred Chocolate

24 Digital Drive, Novato. 415.883.1311.

Napa

Kollar Chocolates

6525 Washington St., Yountville.707.738.6750.

Sonoma

Sonoma Chocolatiers

6988 McKinley St., Sebastopol.707.829.1181.

Honorable Mention

Recherche Du Plaisir

3401 Cleveland Ave., Ste. 9, Santa Rosa.707.843.3551.

Best Cafe / Coffeehouse

Marin

Aroma Cafe

1122 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.459.4340.

Napa

Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company

1400 Oak Ave., St. Helena. 707.963.4491.

948 Main St., Napa. 707.224.2233.

Sonoma

Flying Goat Coffee

324 Center St., Healdsburg. 707.433.8003.

10 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.575.1202.

Honorable Mention

A’Roma Roasters Coffee & Tea

95 Fifth St., Santa Rosa. 707.576.7765.

Best Breakfast

Marin

Toast

31 Sunnyside Ave., Mill Valley.415.388.2500.

Napa

Boon Fly Cafe

4048 Sonoma Hwy., Napa. 707.299.4870.

Sonoma

Howard Station Cafe

3611 Bohemian Hwy., Occidental.707.874.2838.

Honorable Mention

Dierk’s Parkside Cafe

404 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa.707.573.5955.

Best Brunch

Marin

Crepevine

908 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.257.8822.

Napa

JoLe

1457 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga. 707.942.5938.

Sonoma

Willowwood Market Cafe

9020 Graton Road, Graton.707.823.0233.

Honorable Mention

Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa

2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.545.8530.

Best Diner

Marin

Bubba’s Fine Diner

566 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo.415.459.6862.

Napa

Butter Cream Bakery & Diner

2297 Jefferson St., Napa. 707.255.6700.

Sonoma

D’s Diner

7260 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol.707.829.8080.

Honorable Mention

Mac’s Kosher Style Delicatessen

630 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.707.545.3785.

Best Sandwich Shop

Marin

Michael’s Sourdough

3095 Kerner Blvd., Ste. H, San Rafael.415.485.0964.

42 Digital Drive #8, Novato. 415.883.5110.

1320 Industrial Drive, Petaluma.707.789.9711.

5440 State Farm Drive, Rohnert Park.707.585.9711.

Napa

Giugni’s Deli

1227 Main St., St. Helena. 707.963.3421.

Sonoma

Ike’s Place

1780 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.707.293.9814.

Honorable Mention

Mac’s Kosher Style Delicatessen

640 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.707.545.3785.

Best Outdoor Dining

Marin

Sol Food

811 Fourth St., San Rafael.415.451.4765.

Napa

Angèle

540 Main St., Napa. 707.252.8115.

Sonoma

Hopmonk

230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol.707.829.7300.

691 Broadway, Sonoma. 707.935.9100.

224 Vintage Way, Novato. 415.892.6200.

Honorable Mention

Dempsey’s

50 E. Washington St., Petaluma.707.765.9694.

Best Dining After 10pm

Marin

Sol Food

901 & 903 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael.415.451.4765.

Napa

Bouchon Bistro

6534 Washington St., Yountville.707.944.8037.

Sonoma

Underwood Bar & Bistro

9113 Graton Road, Graton.707.823.7023.

Honorable Mention

Jackson’s Bar & Oven

135 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.707.545.6900.

Best Spot to Dine Solo

Marin

Sol Food

901 & 903 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael.415.451.4765.

Napa

Oxbow Public Market

644 First St. Ste. D, Napa.707.251.6529.

Sonoma

Peter Lowell’s

7385 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol.707.829.1077.

Honorable Mention

Willow Wood Market Cafe

9020 Graton Road, Graton. 707.823.0233.

Best Caterer

Marin

Alta Cuisine

1555 S. Novato Blvd., Novato. 415.898.3231.

Napa

Piper Johnson Catering

2450 Foot Hill Blvd., Ste. G, Calistoga.707.942.5432.

Sonoma

Park Avenue Catering

591 Mercantile Drive, Cotati. 707.793.9645.

Honorable Mention

Preferred Sonoma Caterers

416 East D St., Petaluma. 707.769.7208.

Best Server

Marin

Elizabeth Berkowitz, Sleeping Lady Cafe

23 Broadway, Fairfax. 415.485.1182.

Napa

Allison McDow, Carpe Diem Wine Bar

1001 Second St., Napa. 707.224.0800.

Sonoma

Alan Luzmoor, John Ash & Co.

4330 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa.707.527.7687.

Honorable Mention

Stephanie Monteleone, La Rosa Tequileria & Grille

500 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.707.523.3663.

Best Chef

Marin

David Haydon, Il Davide

901 A St., San Rafael. 415.454.8080.

Napa

Thomas Keller

6640 Washington St., Yountville.707.944.2380.

Sonoma

Duskie Estes & John Stewart, Zazu

3535 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa.707.523.4814.

Honorable mention

Josh Silvers, Jackson’s Bar, Three Squares Café

135 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.707.545.6900.

205 Fifth St., Santa Rosa. 707.545.4300.

Best Restaurant

Marin

Terrapin Crossroads

100 Yacht Club Drive, San Rafael.415.524.2773.

Napa

La Toque

1314 McKinstry St., Napa. 707.257.5157.

Sonoma

Stark’s Steakhouse

521 Adams St., Santa Rosa. 707.546.5100.

Honorable Mention

Underwood Bar & Grill

9113 Graton Road, Graton. 707.823.7023.

Best New Restaurant

Marin

Hopmonk

224 Vintage Way, Novato. 415.892.6200.

Napa

The Thomas

813 Main St., Napa. 707.226.7821.

Sonoma

The Spinster Sisters

401 South A St., Santa Rosa. 707.528.7100.

Honorable Mention

Backyard

6566 Front St., Forestville. 707.820.8445.

Best Chinese

Marin

Yet Wah Classic Chinese Cuisine

1238 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.460.9883.

Napa

China Light

1012 First St., Napa. 707.226.2809.

Sonoma

Gary Chu’s Gourmet Chinese Cuisine

611 Fifth St., Santa Rosa.707.526.5840.

Honorable Mention

Kirin Restaurant

2700 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa.707.525.1957.

Best French

Marin

La Garage

85 Liberty Ship Way, Sausalito.415.332.5625.

Napa

Bistro Jeanty

6510 Washington St., Yountville.707.944.0103.

Sonoma

La Gare

208 Wilson St., Santa Rosa.707.528.4355.

Honorable Mention

Chloe’s French Cafe

3883 Airway Drive, Ste. 145, Santa Rosa.707.528.3095.

Best Indian

Marin

Lotus Cuisine of India

704 Fourth St., San Rafael.415.456.5808.

Napa

Taste of the Himalayas

376 Soscol Ave., Napa. 707.251.3840.

Sonoma

Sizzling Tandoor

409 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.707.579.5999.

Honorable Mention

Himalayan Tandoori & Curry House

969 Gravenstein Hwy. S., Sebastopol.707.824.1800.

Best Italian

Marin

La Toscana

3751 Redwood Hwy., San Rafael.415.492.9100.

Napa

Oenotri

1425 First St., Napa. 707.252.1022.

Sonoma

LoCoco’s Cucina Rustica

117 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.707.523.2227.

Honorable Mention

Cucina Paradiso

114 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma.707.782.1130.

Best Japanese / Sushi Restaurant

Marin

Sushi to Dai For

816 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.721.0392.

Napa

Morimoto Napa

610 Main St., Napa. 707.252.1600.

Sonoma

Hana Japanese Restaurant

101 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park.707.586.0270.

Honorable Mention

Sushi Tozai

7531 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol.707.824.9886.

Best Mediterranean

Marin

Insalata’s

120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo.415.457.7700.

Napa

Tarla Mediterranean Grill

1480 First St., Napa. 707.255.5599.

Sonoma

East West Cafe

128 N. Main St., Sebastopol. 707.829.2822.

Honorable Mention

East West Restaurant

557 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa.707.546.6142.

Best Mexican

Marin

Taqueria Mi Pueblo

905 Grant Ave., Novato. 415.878.0122.

208 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo.415.460.1027.

Napa

Villa Corona

3614 Bel Aire Place, Napa. 707.257.8685.

Sonoma

Mi Pueblo

108 Kentucky St., Petaluma.707.769.9066.

800 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma.707.762.8192.

7384 Commerce Blvd., Cotati. 707.792.4380.

Honorable Mention

Martha’s Old Mexico

305 N. Main St., Sebastopol. 707.823.4458.

Best Seafood

Marin

Fish

350 Harbor Drive, Sausalito.415.331.3474.

Napa

Fish Story

790 Main St., Napa. 707.251.5600.

Sonoma

Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar

403 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg.707.433.9191.

Honorable Mention

The Tides Wharf

800 Hwy. 1, Bodega Bay. 707.875.3652.

Best Thai

Marin

My Thai Restaurant

1230 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.456.4455.

Napa

Mini Mango Thai Bistro

1408 Clay St., Napa. 707.226.8884.

Sonoma

Sea Thai Bistro

2323 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.528.8333.

500 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma.707.766.6633.

Honorable Mention

Jhanthong Banbua

2400 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.707.528.8048.

Best Vietnamese

Marin

Pho Viet Harbor

555 Francisco Blvd. E., San Rafael.415.455.8063.

Napa

Bui Bistro

976 Pearl St., Napa. 707.255.5417.

Sonoma

Simply Vietnam

966 N. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa.707.566.8910.

Honorable Mention

Pho Vietnam

711 Stony Point Road, Santa Rosa.707.571.7687.

Best Vegetarian

Marin

Radiance Cuisine

923 C St., San Rafael. 415.686.3442.

Napa

Pica Pica Maize Kitchen

610 First St., Napa. 707.251.3757.

Sonoma

Gaia’s Garden

1899 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.707.544.2491.

Honorable Mention

Slice of Life

6970 McKinley St., Sebastopol.707.829.6627.

Best Bartender

Marin

Steven Schaefer, George’s Nightclub

842 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.226.0262.

Napa

Nick Hammond, Carpe Diem Wine Bar

1001 Second St., Napa. 707.224.0800.

Sonoma

Frank Dice, Underwood Bar & Bistro

9113 Graton Road, Graton. 707.823.7023.

Honorable Mention

Armand Jabbar, Equus Restaurant & Loungebar

101 Fountaingrove Pkwy., Santa Rosa.707.566.3177.

Best Bar

Marin

George’s Nightclub

842 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.226.0262.

Napa

Redd Wood

6755 Washington St., Yountville.707.299.5030.

Sonoma

Underwood Bar & Bistro

9113 Graton Road, Graton.707.823.7023.

Honorable Mention

Stark’s Steakhouse

521 Adams St., Santa Rosa.707.546.5100.

Best Dive Bar

Marin

Silver Peso

450 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur. 415.924.3448.

Napa

Pancha’s of Yountville

6764 Washington St., Yountville.707.944.2125.

Sonoma

440 Club

434 College Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.542.2550.

Honorable Mention

Gary’s at the Belvedere

727 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.707.542.1890.

Best Happy Hour

Marin

Ricky’s

250 Entrada Drive, Novato. 415.883.9477.

Napa

Carpe Diem Wine Bar

1001 Second St., Napa. 707.224.0800.

Sonoma

Stark’s Steakhouse

521 Adams St., Santa Rosa. 707.546.5100.

Honorable Mention

Forchetta / Bastoni

6948 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol.707.829.9500.

Best Cocktails

Marin

Buckeye Roadhouse

15 Shoreline Hwy., Mill Valley.415.331.2600.

Napa

Goose & Gander

1245 Spring St., St. Helena. 707.967.8779.

Sonoma

Underwood Bar & Bistro

9113 Graton Road, Graton. 707.823.7023.

Honorable Mention

Spoonbar

219 Healdsburg. Ave., Healdsburg.707.433.7222.

Best Brewpub

Marin

Marin Brewing Co.

1809 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur.415.461.4677.

Napa

Downtown Joe’s Brewery & Restaurant

902 Main St., Napa. 707.258.2337.

Sonoma

Russian River Brewing Co.

725 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.545.2337.

Honorable Mention

Hopmonk

230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol.707.829.7300.

691 Broadway, Sonoma. 707.935.9100.

224 Vintage Way, Novato. 415.892.6200.

Best Microbrew

Napa

Napa Smith Brewery

1 Executive Way, Napa. 707.254.7167.

Sonoma

Russian River Brewing Co.

725 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.545.2337.

Honorable Mention

Lagunitas Brewing Co.

1280 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma.707.769.4495.

Best Microdistillery

Napa

Charbay Winery & Distillery

4001 Spring Mountain Road, St. Helena.707.963.9327.

Sonoma

Stillwater Spirits

611 Second St., Petaluma. 707.778.6041.

Best Wine List

Marin

123 Bolinas

123 Bolinas St., Fairfax. 415.488.5123.

Napa

1313 Main

1313 Main St., Napa. 707.258.1313.

Sonoma

Willi’s Wine Bar

4404 Old Redwood Hwy., Santa Rosa.707.526.3096.

Honorable Mention

John Ash & Co.

4330 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa.707.527.7687.

Best Winetasting Room

Marin

Rick’s Wine Cellar

207 Corte Madera Ave., Corte Madera.415.927.9466.

Napa

Regusci Winery

5584 Silverado Trail, Napa. 707.254.0403.

Sonoma

Korbel Champagne Cellars

13250 River Road, Guerneville.707.824.7000.

Honorable Mention

Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves

9711 W. Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg.707.473.9171.

Best Sauvignon Blanc

Napa

Honig

850 Rutherford Road, Rutherford.707.963.5618.

Sonoma

Hanna Winery

5353 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa.707.575.3371.

Honorable Mention

Merry Edwards Wines

2959 Gravenstein Hwy. N., Sebastopol.707.823.7466.

Best Chardonnay

Napa

Shafer Vineyards

6154 Silverado Trail, Napa.707.944.2877.

Sonoma

La Crema

235 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg.707.525.6244.

Honorable Mention

Balletto Vineyards

5700 Occidental Road, Sebastopol.707.568.2455.

Best Sparkling Wine

Marin

Point Reyes Vineyards

12700 Hwy. 1, Pt. Reyes Station.415.663.1011.

Napa

Schramsberg Vineyards

1400 Schramsberg Road, Calistoga.707.942.4558.

Sonoma

J Vineyards & Winery

11447 Old Redwood Hwy., Healdsburg.707.431.5410.

Honorable Mention

Korbel Champagne Cellars

13250 River Road, Guerneville.707.824.7316.

Best Cabernet

Marin

Point Reyes Vineyards

12700 Hwy. 1, Pt. Reyes Station.415.663.1552.

Napa

Del Dotto Vineyards

1055 Atlas Peak Road, Napa. 707.963.2134.

Sonoma

Silver Oak

24625 Chianti Road, Geyserville.707.857.3562.

Honorable Mention

A. Rafanelli Winery

4685 W. Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg.707.433.1385.

Best Syrah

Napa

Hess Collection

4411 Redwood Road, Napa. 707.255.1144.

Sonoma

Longboard Winery

5 Fitch St., Healdsburg. 707.433.3473.

Honorable Mention

Kobler Estate

1275 Fourth St., Ste. 732, Santa Rosa.707.595.5354.

Best Pinot Noir

Marin

Peay Vineyards

www.peayvineyards.com

Napa

Rosalynd Winery

901 Enterprise Way, Napa. 707.337.3348.

Sonoma

La Crema

235 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg.707.525.6244.

Honorable Mention

Kosta Browne Winery

www.kostabrowne.com

Best Zinfandel

Marin

Point Reyes Vineyards

12700 Hwy. 1, Pt. Reyes Station.415.663.1011.

Napa

Ca’ Momi

610 First St., Napa. 707.257.4992.

Sonoma

Seghesio Vineyards & Winery

14730 Grove St., Healdsburg.707.433.7764.

Honorable Mention

Wilson Winery

1960 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg.707.433.4355.

Best Of 2013: Recreation

Best of Recreation

Rachel Dovey

-

Mar 20, 2013

0

Best Bike Shop

Marin

Mike’s Bikes

836 Fourth St., San Rafael.415.454.3747.

1 Gate 6 Road, Sausalito.415.332.3200.

Napa

Calistoga Bike Shop

1318 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga.707.942.9687.

Sonoma

The Bike Peddler

605 College Ave., Santa Rosa.707.571.2428.

Honorable Mention

Mike’s Bikes

264 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma.707.776.0606.

Best Independent Bike-Frame Builder

Marin

Black Mountain Cycles

11101 Shoreline Hwy. #B, Pt. Reyes Station.415.663.8125.

Napa

Curtis Inglis, Retrotec

www.ingliscycles.com

Sonoma

Sycip Bicycles

111 Fifth St., Santa Rosa.707.542.6359.

Honorable Mention

Soulcraft

www.soulcraftbikes.com

Best Gym

Marin

Marin YMCA

1500 Los Gamos Drive, San Rafael.415.492.9622.

Napa

Exertec Health & Fitness Center

1500 First St., Napa.707.226.1842.

Sonoma

Coaches Corner

420 Morris St., Sebastopol.707.518.5180.

Honorable Mention

Powerhouse Gym

515 Fifth St., Santa Rosa.707.284.4664.

Best Health Club

Marin

Rolling Hill Club

351 San Andreas Drive, Novato.415.897.2185.

Napa

Synergy Medical Fitness Center

3421 Villa Lane, Napa.707.251.1395.

Sonoma

Airport Health Club

432 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa.707.528.2582.

Honorable Mention

Parkpoint Health Club

1200 N. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa.707.578.1640.

19111 Sonoma Hwy., Sonoma.707.996.3111.

195 Foss Creek Circle, Healdsburg.707.385.2500.

Best Pilates Studio

Marin

Novato Pilates & Gyrotonic

1769-B Grant Ave., Novato.415.898.3499.

Napa

Downtown Pilates

1338 Pearl St., Napa.707.257.7382.

Sonoma

Tone

850 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.707.526.3100.

Honorable Mention

Pilates Collective

132 Weeks Way, Sebastopol.707.829.8746.

Best Yoga Studio

Marin

Red Dragon Yoga

438 Miller Ave., Mill Valley.415.381.3724.

1701 Fourth St., San Rafael.415.306.7904.

Napa

Ubuntu Yoga Studio

1140 Main St., Napa.707.251.5656.

Sonoma

Bikram Yoga of Santa Rosa

522 Wilson St., Santa Rosa.707.545.9642.

Honorable Mention

Three Dog Yoga

2097 Stagecoach Road, Ste. 110, Santa Rosa.707.528.1071.

Best Martial Arts School

Marin

Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studio

4460 Redwood Hwy., San Rafael.415.444.0872.

Napa

Napa Taekwondo

497 Walnut St., Ste. C, Napa.707.226.5869.

Sonoma

New School Aikido

880 Piner Road, Santa Rosa.707.571.2013.

Honorable Mention

PHAS3 Training Center

575 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa.707.538.2950.

Best Outdoor Gear Shop

Marin

Marin Running Company

722 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo.415.258.8190.

Napa

Sweeney’s Sports Store

1537 W. Imola Ave., Napa.707.255.5544.

Sonoma

Sonoma Outfitters

145 Third St., Santa Rosa.707.528.1920.

Honorable Mention

Clavey Paddlesports

409 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma.707.766.8070.

Best Park

Marin

McInnis Park

310 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael.415.473.6387.

Napa

Fuller Park

www.cityofnapa.org

Sonoma

Howarth Park

630 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa.707.543.3753.

Honorable Mention

Spring Lake Park

5585 Newanga Ave., Santa Rosa.707.539.8092.

Best Public Golf Course

Marin

McInnis Park Golf Center

310 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael.415.492.1800.

Napa

Napa Golf Course at Kennedy Park

2295 Streblow Drive, Napa.707.255.4333.

Sonoma

Bennett Valley Golf Course

3330 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa.707.528.3673.

Honorable Mention

Windsor Golf Club

1340 19th Hole Drive, Windsor.707.838.7888.

Best Snow / Skate / Board Shop

Marin

Demo Sport

1101 Francisco Blvd., San Rafael.415.454.3500.

Napa

Board Garden

2740 Jefferson St., Napa.707.253.7949.

Sonoma

Brotherhood

1240 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.707.546.0660.

Honorable Mention

Santa Rosa Ski & Sport

1125 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa.707.578.4754.

Best Surf Shop

Marin

Bolinas Surf Shop

52 Wharf Road, Bolinas.415.868.1935.

Napa

Snowdrift

3090 Jefferson St., Napa.707.255.3509.

Sonoma

Northern Light Surf Shop

17191 Bodega Hwy., Bodega.707.876.3032.

Honorable Mention

Brotherhood

1240 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.707.546.0660.

Slow Decay

Arts

Taylor May

-

Mar 20, 2013

0

Dilapidated houses, abandoned buildings and rubble aren’t exactly the first things one thinks of as subjects for “wine country” art—beautiful landscapes and vineyards seem to get all the attention. But this week, the people at ECHO Gallery in Calistoga open an exhibition, “Radiant Ruins,” dwelling on the bright side of decay.

The show features works by three artists, including Eric Shearer, who utilizes mixed media such as personal artifacts, drawings and 3-D elements to reference suburban themes and evoke a sense of impermanence. Mikey Kelley composes visual poems out of handcrafted wire drawings and their shadows, and Marie Shelley layers intricate pen-and-ink drawings over transfers of photographs, blending the drawing with the photograph and creating a striking effect. See the work of artists who show no fear at the sight of “condemned” signs at an opening reception with wine and live music on Saturday, March 23, at ECHO Gallery. 1348 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga. 7–9pm. Free. 707.812.2201.

Best Of 2013: Romance

Best of Romance

Rachel Dovey

-

Mar 20, 2013

0

Best Place for Singles to Meet

Marin

Nickel Rose

848 B St., San Rafael.415.454.5551.

Napa

Bounty Hunter

975 First St., Napa. 707.226.3976.

Sonoma

Hopmonk

230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol.707.829.7300.

691 Broadway, Sonoma.707.935.9100.

Honorable Mention

Equus Restaurant & Loungebar

101 Fountaingrove Pkwy., Santa Rosa.707.566.3177.

Best Romantic Dinner

Marin

El Paseo

17 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley.415.388.0741.

Napa

Angèle

540 Main St., Napa. 707.252.8115.

Sonoma

John Ash & Co.

4330 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa.707.527.7687.

Honorable Mention

Madrona Manor

1001 Westside Road, Healdsburg.707.433.4231.

Best Staycation

Marin

Nick’s Cove

23240 Hwy. 1, Marshall. 415.663.1033.

Napa

Carneros Inn

4048 Sonoma Hwy., Napa.707.299.4900.

Sonoma

Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa

2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.707.545.8530.

Honorable Mention

Vintners Inn

4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa.707.575.7350.

Best Boutique Hotel

Marin

Acqua Hotel

555 Redwood Hwy., Mill Valley.415.380.0400.

Napa

Mount View Hotel & Spa

1457 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga.707.942.6877.

Sonoma

Hotel La Rose

308 Wilson St., Santa Rosa.707.579.3200.

Honorable Mention

Hotel Healdsburg

25 Matheson St., Healdsburg.707.431.2800.

Best Couples Spa

Marin

Evo Spa

800 Redwood Hwy., Ste. 216, Mill Valley.415.383.3223.

Napa

Lavender Hill Spa

1015 Foothill Blvd., Calistoga.707.942.4495.

Sonoma

Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary

209 Bohemian Hwy., Freestone.707.823.8231.

Honorable Mention

Mermaids Spa

115 S. Main St., Sebastopol.707.823.3535.

Best Lingerie Shop

Marin

Pleasures of the Heart

1310 Fourth St., San Rafael.415.482.9899.

Napa

Pleasures Unlimited

1424 Second St., Napa.707.226.2666.

Sonoma

Ma Cherie et Moi

2332 Magowan Drive, Santa Rosa.707.573.1103.

Honorable Mention

Spice

6597 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park.707.588.0525.

Best Erotica Store

Marin

Pleasures of the Heart

1310 Fourth St., San Rafael.415.482.9899.

Napa

Pleasures Unlimited

1424 Second St., Napa.707.226.2666.

Sonoma

Spice

6597 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park.707.588.0525.

Honorable Mention

Milk & Honey

123 N. Main St., Sebastopol.707.824.1155.

Best Event Planner

Marin

An Affair to Remember

196 Market St., San Rafael.415.459.6505.

Napa

Elizabeth Naylor, An Event to Remember

PO Box 90, Rutherford. 707.287.2216.

Sonoma

Clementine Eco-Events

101 Margo Lane, Petaluma.707.290.6723.

Honorable Mention

So Eventful

107 North St., Ste. E, Healdsburg.707.385.9632.

Best Bridal Shop

Marin

Shadows

429 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo.415.459.0574.

Napa

Vianett

www.vianettbridal.com

Sonoma

Starlet Bridal & Prom

730 Village Court, Santa Rosa.707.544.0334.

Honorable Mention Tie

Brides & Maids

621 College Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.545.2772.

Wine Country Bride

3201 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa.707.544.3695.

Best Bridal Beauty Salon

Napa

Flaunt Makeup Artistry

www.flauntmakeupartistry.com

Sonoma

The Powder Room

2560 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.707.537.7968.

Honorable Mention

Flaunt Makeup Artistry

www.flauntmakeupartistry.com

Best Wedding Reception Venue

Marin

Falkirk Cultural Center

1408 Mission Ave., San Rafael.415.485.3328.

Napa

Churchill Manor

485 Brown St., Napa. 707.253.7733.

Sonoma

Paradise Ridge Winery

4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, Santa Rosa.707.528.9463.

Honorable Mention

Trentadue Winery

19170 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville.707.433.3104.

The Beauty of Nature

Open Mic

Molly Zhou

-

Mar 20, 2013

0

Today, I shall walk to school, I think to myself, as I put my food onto our welcome mat. I slowly walk down the stone steps of my house, not really like beginning another day of school work. I look up, and the tree stands in front of me, the tree with its branches reaching toward the heavens while its limbs hold up the clouds. I turn and stride along the sidewalk. Light fog lingers around me, with its tiny droplets of moisture clinging to my hair. I can see through the fog, but thicker fog hides the end of the street, where I know the yellow tulips grow, vibrant and full of life, next to the pavement.

I keep walking, my footprints trailing behind me after a step in a shallow pool. The thick fog at the end of the street starts retreating, slowly revealing what it had hidden before. I now see the beautiful tulips and the meadow next to it, the meadow with its big trees holding up bunches of green leaves above the fresh, dew-covered grass. I continue walking, knowing that if I linger too long, I’ll be late for school.

After a while, the fog lifts, and suddenly the brilliant sun breaks out from behind a cloud, shining its rays on its beloved earth. I look around, and it seems as if a huge paintbrush had painted a layer of happiness over the gloomy landscape that was just before. The dew on the grass sparkles like a million small pieces of diamonds, and the frost on the rooftops looks like a glittering blanket of new fallen snow.

I see a small ladybug crawl out from under the dripping leaves of a scarlet rose, waving its antennae, ready to explore this new world. All of this nature brightens my spirits, and I find myself smiling, ready for a new day. How wonderful it is to walk to school and spend some time with nature—to notice it and to appreciate it.

Molly Zhou is a sixth-grade student at Meadow School in Petaluma. This is her winning entry in the Safe Routes to School essay contest.

Open Mic is a weekly op/ed feature in the Bohemian. We welcome your contribution. To have your topical essay of 350 words considered for publication, write op*****@******an.com.

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