Sonoma County’s Economic Development Board thinks people should eat out more often—not just visitors, but residents as well. So for the 15th year, they are promoting Restaurant Week to encourage dining at participating local restaurants.
With the closures and limitations of the pandemic fading into memory, restaurant dining has regained its position as one of Sonoma County’s most popular, close-to-home recreations. By setting Restaurant Week to run from Monday through Sunday, Feb. 19-25 this year, the EDB has chosen to emphasize that it’s not just an activity for tourists but a way to engage positively in the local economy any day of the week.
Other “dine-around” events may support a specific organization, but the county’s Restaurant Week takes the position that dining is a way to support small business—especially during what is often a slow time of the year for them—which uses local goods and hires local people at many economic levels.
“Last year during Restaurant Week, we measured a $4.9 million impact on our local economy,” said Aleena Decker, conference and communications coordinator for the EDB. “In addition to supporting small businesses, diners will have an opportunity to donate online to the Redwood Empire Food Bank to help hunger relief. Those that donate will be automatically placed in a drawing to win a gift card or wine experience.”
In Healdsburg, there are 14 restaurants participating, and five in Windsor. The total number has risen in recent days to 100 listings in 106 locations, making this a prime opportunity to explore new restaurants outside the local neighborhood and beyond current family favorites.
No special tickets, passes or ID are required. The only criteria for a participating restaurant is that they offer at least one “prix fixe” (fixed price) menu to choose from, for either lunch ($10, $15 or $25), dinner ($25, $35 or $55) or what they call a “sweet perk” or dessert ($5).
“Restaurants are putting their best foot forward to showcase a fixed menu, making the dining process even easier,” said Decker. “Most restaurants only offer this prix fixe meal once a year during Restaurant Week.” Other menu items from participating restaurants are, of course, available as well.
Many familiar restaurants are taking part, from Agave in Vineyard Plaza to Valette on Center Street, both perennial participants. New this year are Fogbelt Brewing on Hudson Street, Hazel Hill at Montage and Angela’s Organic Ice Cream on the Plaza.
Also in Healdsburg are Costeaux French Bakery, Dry Creek Kitchen, Pizzando, The Rooftop and Spoonbar, all on Healdsburg Avenue. And around the Plaza will be Kinsmoke BBQ and The Matheson. The Parish Café on Mill Street and Taste of Tea on North round out the local diners.
In Windsor, the possibilities include Charlie’s at the golf course, Grata Italian, the Himalayan, the new Maison Porcella and Umé Japanese Bistro.
The best way to locate a restaurant by location, cuisine, prices or other amenities is to use the search tool at socorestaurantweek.org/restaurant-week-search.
