Sonoma Birthday Recommendations

[Axelman 17]

I am currently in the process of planning my dad's 60th birthday in Sonoma and was hoping to get some food and wine recommendations. The trip will be for approximately 15 people over a weekend in October. We are planning to arrive Friday afternoon and are staying at the Hotel Healdsburg.

The plan is to have a more casual group dinner on Friday and a more fancy/upscale dinner on Saturday. We will spend the day on Saturday doing wine tasting and potentially biking. I was hoping to get recommendations for the two dinners as well as any wineries that we shouldnt miss.

As far as the dinner goes, we had originally wanted to do Cyrus on Saturday but they cant accommodate a party of our size. We also looked into Farmhouse Inn at Kyle's suggestion but they didnt seem to have a set-up that worked. As far as the budget goes, we are thinking entrees in the $20 - $25 range for Friday and in the $30 - $45 range on Saturday. Maybe $100 - $125 p.p on Friday and $150 - $200 p.p on Saturday including reasonable but not $$$$ amounts of wine. My dad tends to like places that are more modern/progressive food-wise and have a good scene than stuffy and old school, for example he likes ABC Kitchen, Aldea, the Modern, Maialino etc in NYC.

So far, through the hotel and word of mouth, we are looking into these places. Would be great to get some input on these or any other ideas, we are not wed to any of these.

Dry Creek Kitchen - in the hotel, might be an easy option for Friday
Barndiva - casual, seems like it might work for Friday
Lynmar Vineyards
Lambert Bridge
Madrona Manor - have heard great things about the food but my dad didnt like the frilly / Victorian decor when he saw pictures online. They do apparently have porch seating

On the vineyard front, we are pretty open. My dad is a huge Merry Edwards fan so that is likely on the agenda. Thanks guys.

 

[kwilkinson]

Dry Creek food sucks. The desserts are the best in Healdsburg, though. But it's basically 50% of Cyrus for 75% of the price.

You should check out Diavola in Geyserville. Not sure if you mind doing something more casual for the Saturday thing, but their food is really really good and they are set up for larger parties.

 

[Axelman 17]

Originally Posted by kwilkinson

Dry Creek food sucks. The desserts are the best in Healdsburg, though. But it's basically 50% of Cyrus for 75% of the price.

You should check out Diavola in Geyserville. Not sure if you mind doing something more casual for the Saturday thing, but their food is really really good and they are set up for larger parties.

Thanks Kyle, Diavola looks pretty good, it could work for Friday. Does anyone have any experience doing dinners at wineries out in Sonoma? I am suspicious about how the food at places like Lambert Bridge and Lynmar Estate might be.......

 

[Esa]

You might want to look at Healsburg Bar and Grill for Friday. They have great outdoor seating and awesome food. You can walk to many tasting rooms before or after eating.

Also, John Ash may be an option for Saturday. I've been there many times and have always greatly enjoyed it.