We’ve all read about the downturn in the wine economy, with its dread forecasts and images of ripped-up vines. But people keep coming to Healdsburg on holidays and weekends, or whenever the latest “cool small town” poll comes out. In between times, though, people still live here, and they like to go out to eat every now and then.
But it’s hard enough to find a weekend reservation in town, let alone parking. Some friends of ours wanted to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary at a downtown restaurant, an establishment they had often frequented. The only time slot available on a Sunday was at 5:30pm, in the Parklet outside. Not ideal for long-time and loyal locals. (They later found a table inside, but still …)
Many swear they have better luck at one of the several restaurants that recognize residents with a locals menu, or offer deals on those off-nights when readers of Bay Area Foodie blog don’t fill the tables.
Technically, Monday night is not the weekend. Up at Folia Bar & Kitchen they’ve cooked up a month of Mondays to showcase the Greek cooking of chef Dino Moniodis. The $85 prix fixe doesn’t include the Greek wines available from the cellar, but it does offer time-honored favorites—like tirokafteri, spanakopita, lamb chops and rizogalo. Mondays through Oct. 12.
Let’s move on to Tuesday. The Farmers Market can’t supply all needs, so check out the Tuesday Special at the Harmon House Rooftop (227 Healdsburg Ave., upstairs). Enjoy a fantastic 2-for-1 taco deal, perfect for sharing or satisfying a hearty appetite, especially with a sunset light show over town this time of year.
Also Tuesday, Nov. 22, Little Saint will hold a special Cosmic Campari Party featuring Negroni tastings, bites and a DJ spinning all night. It may not be a regular weekly event, but at $20 a ticket it’s worth checking out. It’s also a benefit for Slow Food Sonoma County North, an inspiration to Little Saint and vice versa. Keep an eye on littlesainthealdsburg.com for other midweek specials.
Wednesday has long been a reliable date for locals. After all it’s not really the weekend, right? Which makes Fried Chicken night at Spoonbar—not known for its bar-food favorites—such a find. The $38 meal includes white-corn soup, a tomato-and-peach panzanella, buttermilk-brined fried chicken, mac and cheese, and blistered Shishito peppers. As a weekly Wednesday, it’s a popular choice.
More recently, Wednesday became the evening for a happy hour at Arandas, a restaurant that has since closed and morphed into Maréla. The new house isn’t throwing away a good thing, and now holds a patio party every Wednesday from 5-8pm with live music. It also launched a prix fixe menu for locals for $65, offered Wednesday through Sunday, which includes a glass of sparkling wine.
Charlie Palmer took his preference for a locals night up to Appellation Healdsburg’s new Folia Bar & Kitchen, which opened late last year. Its special night is Wednesday, when the Sonoma County local community and visiting guests are invited for a rotating seasonal menu at Folia for just $55 for three courses.
Thursday things begin to get crowded. Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen started a locals menu on Thursday many years ago, and it continues under chef Shane McAnelly. It’s called the Sonoma Neighbors Menu and includes a pretty robust three-course meal for only $55. There are several canapés to choose from, a main of porcini or rockfish (seasonally dependent), and a dessert. Needless to add, wines to accompany are available.
Also Thursday: Dustin Valette’s downtown restaurant at The Matheson still hungers for local business. It submits its Local’s Menu as evidence: $58 for three courses, served beginning at 5pm from Sunday to Thursday (i.e., off-season in Healdsburg). The menu changes every two weeks, based on the in-season produce. Locals are also coaxed with happy hour drink specials at Roof 106 and the main restaurant downstairs almost every day.
But happy hour is rightfully the subject of another column. If readers have a favorite happy hour, tell us in the Comments for this story online at healdsburgtribune.com.
