And the Winners Are...

Photo of Bluewater Bistro.

We have a winner! Many thanks to everyone who voted in our "Favorite Bodega Bay Restaurant" contest. It was fun to read about your favorites and why you loved them so. We were surprised by how much we learned from your experiences and look forward to revisiting each of our outstanding eateries again. Here are the results:

First Place: Bluewater Bistro
Second Place: Lucas Wharf
Tied for Third:Terrapin Creek Café and The Inn at the Tides

All of these restaurants are special in their own way and I encourage you to check them out for yourself. I've included links so you can read menus in advance.

Lucas Wharf doesn't have a menu on their site, but I photographed it for a previous post and you can view it by clicking here. This place is very popular, has great food and views (Jaya loves their Bloody Marys!), and is right on the water. You can usually spot a sea lion or two while enjoying your meal.

The Bluewater Bistro is currently undergoing a remodel but is still open for business during construction. In fact, they're featuring a few construction themed drink specials, a SCREWDRIVER, BLUEPRINT Martini or a JIGSAW! Each will only be $5 and will start this weekend. This a real happening place, especially on Thursday and Friday nights when they have live music.

And of course, we have a winner in our drawing as well. Congratulations to "Andrew," who wins a $50 gift certificate to the Bodega Bay restaurant of his choice! Andrew, please send your contact information to me via email so we can work out the details.

Bon Appetit!

Still Time to Vote for Your Favorite Restaurant!

Image from Bluewater Bistro
There's still time to vote for your favorite Bodega Bay restaurant and enter to win a $50 gift certificate. So far Lucas Wharf is in the lead, following closely by Bluewater Bistro. Hurry, our contest ends this Wednesday, June 9! Vote by clicking HERE.

Contest: What's Your Favorite Bodega Bay Restaurant?

Image from Terrapin Creek Cafe website.

What's your favorite restaurant in Bodega Bay, CA? Let me know and you might win a $50.00 gift certificate to your chosen eatery!

We have a wide variety of dining options here on the coast, from the informal Dog House, Boat House and Spud Point Crab Company, to our award-winning fine dining establishments like Terrapin Creek Cafe, Bluewater Bistro, Bay View and the Duck Club. I've listed them all below, along with links wherever possible. I've written about many of these before, you can type the restaurant name in the Search Box to read the posts.

Image from the Bay View Restaurant website.

To enter the contest, please do the following:

• Click the "Like" button in the BodegaBayLife.com Facebook Fan box in the right column on the blog page.
• Sign up to receive BodegaBayLife.com, if you're not already a subscriber. It's free!
• Leave a comment below voting for your favorite Bodega Bay restaurant, and tell us why.

Citrus and Goat Cheese Salad from Bluewater Bistro

You may enter in the comments section once per day. Each time you vote, it will count toward your favorite restaurant and your name will be put into the proverbial hat. Feel free to leave comments on the Facebook fan page as well, but only votes in the comments section on this site will be counted.

Image from the Sandpiper website.

On Wednesday, June 9, we'll announce the winning restaurant, and draw a voter's name to win the $50.00 gift certificate! I'll announce the winning voter's name here, and if you choose not to leave contact info on the blog, I'll ask you to email me to work out the details.

BODEGA BAY RESTAURANTS:
Bay View Restaurant
Bluewater Bistro
Brisas Del Mar
The Boat House
The Dog House
The Duck Club
The Inn at the Tides
Island Style Deli
Lucas Wharf Restaurant & Bar
The Sandpiper
Spud Point Crab Company
Terrapin Creek Cafe

Please note, when leaving a comment, if you get an error message, just click to submit again and it should go through. Weird quirk with Blogger templates. Thank you!

Mother's Day Brunch in Bodega Bay

Ah, the joys of brunch! Sunday brunch is my favorite meal of the week and there are several special menus to choose from in the Bodega Bay area this weekend. I was initially leaning toward our local favorite, the Bluewater Bistro. Their Mother's Day Brunch looks FABULOUS, but it's a fixed buffet and my kids don't eat much. Another of our family's favorites is Rocker Oysterfeller's in nearby Valley Ford. Their Mother's Day menu is a la carte so that might be a better fit this time.

Here are three menus to whet your appetite, you can click to enlarge them.

The Bluewater Bistro's brunch buffet looks amazing. Chef Patrick uses the freshest, local ingredients and always does an outstanding job. I know everything will be delicious. The Bluewater Bistro has gorgeous views of Doran Beach, Bodega Head and the ocean. They're offering complimentary sparkling wine with each meal.



Quoting from Rocker Oysterfeller's website: Rocker's will be offering an a la carte menu to entice mom’s palate this Mother’s Day. The local bounty of spring ingredients in Sonoma County as well as some of Mom’s favorite dishes inspire the menu. Live flamenco guitar will be played by musician Alfreo Caceres on the rear patio.

The bar will offer specialty cocktails infused with seasonal ingredients as well as Rocker’s Bloody Marys, Mimosas, Ramos Gin Fizzes and Champagne Cocktails. All will be available on the sunny back patio and a pack of seeds for Mom’s spring flower garden will accompany the check.



The Bay View Restaurant is part of The Inn at the Tides complex, but on the upper side of Hwy. 1. It's a lovely place with a piano, fireplace, and beautiful views of the harbor. They're offering complimentary mimosas with each meal.



Additional options: Terrapin Creek Cafe does not serve brunch but they are open for lunch on Sundays 11:00 am-2:30 pm and the Sandpiper Restaurant serves breakfast daily starting at 8:00 a.m.

Also Gourmet Au Bay wine bar in Bodega Bay will be offering half-price mimosas, and classical guitarist Dan Dewitt will perform on the wine deck from 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Happy Mother's Day and bon appetit!

Dinner at Rocker Oysterfeller's

As part of Sonoma County Restaurant Week, last night a group of us went to dinner at Rocker Oysterfellers. We love this restaurant, it's located in the historic Valley Ford Hotel in the tiny town of Valley Ford, 10 minutes east of Bodega Bay. They serve updated southern-style comfort food made from local, farm fresh produce, seafood and meats. I love the old-west ambience of the saloon up front and the casual dining room in the back. Sometimes they have live music and the service is always warm and friendly.

For starters, they serve a plate of these incredible warm, corn-jalapeño biscuits. I'm not much of a food critic so I'll let the following menu descriptions and a few photos speak for themselves. We traded bites and everything was exquisite!

Click to enlarge menu


Crispy Romaine Hearts, Creole Caesar Dressing, Fried Oysters, Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano


They also have a nice wine list of Sonoma County offerings (although a little pricey) and we enjoyed a fabulous bottle of Amphora Chardonnay.


Half of a Local Flash Fried Dungeness Crab in Cajun Spices, Grilled Ciabatta, Little Farms Fingerling Potatoes, Balsamic Onions, Saffron Rouille


Ravioli with County Line Greens, Bellwether Farms Carmody, Truffled Mushroom Broth, Maitake Mushrooms, Crispy Matchstick Sweet Potatoes


Gleason Ranch Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Crushed Little Farms Potatoes, Fried Sage, Lagunitas Ale & Caraway Gravy. The mashed potatoes are hidden behind the chicken in this photo.


Powdered Sugar Beignets, Wild Blackberry Jam


Bourbon Vanilla Milkshake, Pecan Tassie


Scharffernberger Double Chocolate Cake, Bing Cherries in Pinot Noir Syrup, Whipped Cream


Rocker Oysterfeller's also serves lunch on Saturdays and brunch on Sundays, and they have a cute patio area that would be lovely during the day. I highly recommend you check out this fun restaurant on your next trip to the Sonoma Coast!

Rocker Oysterfeller's, Valley Ford Hotel, 14415 Coast Hwy 1, Valley Ford, CA · 707.876.1983

Bodega Bay Participates in Sonoma County Restaurant Week!

Three Bodega Bay restaurants are participating in the first-ever Sonoma County Restaurant Week, February 22-28! During this seven day celebration of our county's farm fresh food and premier wine, enjoy three-course dinner menus at $19, $29, or $39, depending on the restaurant.

This is a delicious opportunity to try out Bodega Bay's finest restaurants:

Bluewater Bistro, 21301 Heron Drive

Bay View Restaurant, 800 Highway One

Duck Club Restaurant, 103 Coast Hwy One

You can view their special Restaurant Week menus, websites and phone numbers here.

Tickets or passes are not needed for Sonoma County Restaurant Week. Just choose your restaurant and dine out. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Valentine’s Day in Bodega Bay!

Want to go somewhere romantic? Head to the ocean! Before we moved to Bodega Bay, our favorite getaways were always at the coast. My husband and I celebrated many Valentine’s Days in Mendocino, Monterey, and of course, here in Bodega Bay. We love the spectacular views, fresh salt air, the boom of crashing waves, abundant wildlife, walks on the beach, snuggling by a roaring fire, what more could you ask for?

Here are some of our favorite places to go and things to do in Bodega Bay. Whether you’re a big spender or on a budget, you can plan a wonderful Valentine’s Day for you and your sweetheart.

Pack a picnic and head for the beach! You can get great sandwiches at Valley Ford Market or here in Bodega Bay at Pelican Plaza Grocery & Deli. Or build a fire and barbeque hot dogs in designated fire rings right on Doran Beach!

Other favorite beaches include Bodega Head (it's whale watching season!), Salmon Creek Beach and Portuguese Beach further up the coast.

Come for lunch and fly kites in the afternoon breeze, or plan a dinner and watch the sunset, which is between 5:30-5:45 p.m. this time of year.

Want to take your picnic indoors? Gourmet Au Bay is a wonderful wine bar right on the water with spectacular views from their deck. They encourage visitors to bring their own picnics to enjoy along with one of their hundreds of wines for sale on the premises. Their deck is heated this time of year and they offer blankets for snuggling. I also LOVE their gift shop! You can read previous posts about them here.

Do you prefer a fine dining experience? Check out the Bluewater Bistro’s Valentine’s Day Dinner on February 14, 6:00-9:00 p.m. Fixed price three-course meal, $35 per person. The menu looks fabulous!


Foodies especially love Terrapin Creek Café. They’ve received numerous rave reviews and have been called one of the best restaurants in Sonoma County. They don't have anything special planned for Valentine's Day but everything on their menu is outstanding.



Want to make a weekend of it? The Inn at the Tides in Bodega Bay has packages that include dinner and breakfast in their restaurant. They also have "Stay & Play" golf packages for The Links at Bodega Harbour. We’ve had family members stay here and the rooms are lovely! My brother-in-law had a beautifully appointed room with a view and a fireplace. The Inn also has a pool, whirlpool and sauna.

For an even more luxurious experience, check out the Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa. We received a generous gift certificate to this Four-Diamond lodge from our daughter a few years ago and had a blast! Their guest rooms and suites feature ocean views and fireplaces. They have a pool, whirlpool, sauna, full service spa and comlimentary wine hour. We had relaxing massages down by the pool and a first class dinner in their Duck Club restaurant. The Press Democrat said, “The Duck Club Restaurant is one of the most romantic dining spots in Sonoma County....the atmosphere makes every visit special... it is the perfect venue for a romantic, ocean-view meal. Excellent ingredients, many from nearby farms and fisheries, enhance the experience.”

Less expensive but very nice accommodations are available at the Bodega Harbor Inn. We’ve had family members stay here too and they loved it. The rooms are all different, many in their own little cottage or cabin. The rooms were clean, freshly painted, and nicely decorated. And some of their rooms are pet-friendly, yay!

If you’d like to bring the entire family, consider renting a vacation home out here. There are several websites offering gorgeous homes including Bodega Bay & Beyond. Some houses are so large that two or three families often share one for the weekend. There’s plenty for everyone to do, like kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, beachcombing, shopping, dining, wine-tasting, golf, and whale-watching. You can find out more at the Bodega Bay Visitors Center website.

Come have a Happy Valentine’s Day here in Bodega Bay!

Photo: The Links Golf Course, Bodega Bay

Please note, when leaving a comment, if you get an error message, just click to submit again and it should go through. Weird quirk with Blogger templates. Thank you!

Lucas Wharf Restaurant & Bar, Bodega Bay

Click to enlarge the photos.

When we first moved to Bodega Bay, we were told "Tourists go to The Tides restaurant, locals go to Lucas Wharf Restaurant & Bar." Well the first part was true, I'd been coming to Bodega Bay as a tourist all my life and loved going to The Tides. I liked how it had evolved over the years to its current incarnation which includes a large restaurant, a snack bar with picnic tables out by the water, a cool gift shop, and a fresh fish market.

But Lucas Wharf is popular with locals and tourists alike. This seafood restaurant, perched over the harbor, has more of a rustic, seaside atmosphere, with lots of dark woods, a long, full bar, fireplace, and views of the dock, fishing boats, and adjacent fish company, The Seafood Guys.







Beyond, they also have gorgeous views of the Bodega Bay harbor and Bodega Head. From their many window tables, you can usually see harbor seals or sea lions swimming around and barking under the pier or in the harbor. This summer we often saw an adorable baby sea lion sitting up on the dock, apparently waiting while its mother fished below.





On windy days, wind surfers and kite boarders provide free entertainment as they sail along, performing amazing flips and spins above the choppy waves in the harbor.

Lucas Wharf's menu features freshly caught fish and other seafood entrees as well as a variety of steak, chicken and pasta dishes. Their website is pretty limited and the Menu button doesn't work, so I scanned it here for you instead.


We’ve had some nice meals there recently. I love their cheeseburgers, Caesar salad, and the shrimp louie salad. Our daughter loves the sauteed calamari and the clam linguini in garlic cream sauce, and my husband always orders the fresh fish of the day. Last time he had a deliciously prepared grilled salmon.

The Lucas family originally purchased this waterfront property in 1976 and opened a fish market and deli, where they sold their fresh catch of the day. Walter Lucas and his two sons had earlier leased the spot, the site of an old fish processing plant, to dock their commercial fishing trawler "Silver Seas." They caught and sold snapper, rock cod, ling cod, petrale, rex sole and other bottom fish. Their wives ran the businesses while the Lucas brothers did the fishing.

The family expanded and opened the restaurant and bar in 1984, and James and his wife, Peggy Lucas, became the sole owners in 1993.

They also have this somewhat dilapidated pier that people can walk out on. The views out there are lovely but the wood has rotted through in some areas. I'm surprised it's legal, watch your step.

Today, the complex includes Lucas Wharf Restaurant & Bar, The Seafood Guys fresh fish wholesale and retail market, and the Island Style Deli. Yes, island as in Hawaii, here in Bodega Bay, don't get me started...

Lucas Wharf Restaurant & Bar
595 Hwy. 1
Bodega Bay, CA 94923
(707) 875-3522
Open everyday for lunch and dinner
11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and to 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays

Sandpiper Will Move in November

Photo credit: Christopher Chung / Press Democrat

The Sandpiper restaurant owner's two-year battle with his landlord has come to an end and he has agreed to move. This November, Steve Weissman will move the Sandpiper from Porto Bodega to the Pelican Plaza shopping center here in Bodega Bay, where it will replace his other restaurant Cioppino’s (known as Claudio’s until just recently).

You can read the full story in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, and some background in my previous post. The Save the Sandpiper website has been taken down.

This settlement is quite a blow to the owners, staff and 6,000+ people who signed a petition asking developer Richard Battaglia to allow the Sandpiper to remain at its current historic location.

I’ll keep you posted on their move. I actually love the new Cioppino’s menu and décor and wonder if they will change it all again or perhaps integrate the two restaurants. I’ll also watch to see what becomes of their vacated building in Porto Bodega. The County is demanding the owners fix code violations and bring it up to current earthquake standards, but others speculate the developer plans to tear it down. In fact, in a joint press release, the two sides said “the cost could be prohibitive for the building to be improved to meet the earthquake codes.” Stay tuned.

The Sandpiper Restaurant in Bodega Bay

The Sandpiper is a popular Bodega Bay restaurant that's been serving locals and visitors for more than 50 years. It has been through several incarnations but through the decades many menu items have stayed the same, from the famous clam chowder (one of our favorites in the Clam Chowder Contest) to the open face crab and shrimp sandwich, or the beer battered fish and chips.

We stopped by for lunch recently. I ordered their clam chowder (delicious, creamy and herby) and my husband had the grilled chicken sandwich with sun-dried tomato pesto and roasted red peppers, which came with fries and cole slaw. The employees wear t-shirts that say "Please don't eat the chowder." Since we went there specifically for that dish, I asked about the warning. Our waitress replied that they want you to "savor it."



The service is very friendly and attentive (I was thrilled when they refilled my ice tea several times without having to ask) and the atmosphere is reminiscent of an old-fashioned, no-frills, comfortable family restaurant.



It's located down by the water, across a narrow wooden bridge, near the Porto Bodega Marina, with beautiful views over the water toward Spud Point Marina on the other side of the harbor.



The Sandpiper owners are in a battle with a developer who purchased the 15 acre, harbor-front strip known as Porto Bodega, including the restaurant, two years ago. The developer has been threatening to evict them and the community has rallied to their defense. They're getting amazing support and now have Save the Sandpiper t-shirts, pins, a petition, and a website. They ask supporters to help protect small business in Sonoma County and keep 25 local jobs. If not an official landmark, the Sandpiper is certainly a significant part of Bodega Bay's history and community.

Sandpiper Restaurant
1410 Bay Flat Rd.
Bodega Bay, CA 94923
(707) 875-2278
Open Daily
For breakfast, lunch and dinner

This google map isn't very accurate. Click "view larger map," zoom in, then scroll over to the intersection of Eastshore and Bay Flat roads for the Sandpiper's true location.


View Larger Map

Bodega Bay News

Castles & Kites Festival
We have a fantastic family event coming up next weekend! The annual Castles & Kites Festival will be held Sat. April 25, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Doran Beach Regional Park in Bodega Bay. Admission is free but there is a $6 day use permit to enter the park. They say park representatives will be on hand to provide tools and molds for the castles, and local kite shops will supply some incredible kites and offer kite-making workshops. You can fly your own kite, design a new one, or watch stunt kite demonstrations. I’m really excited. We’ve never been to this before, but we love the annual sand sculpture contest at Drake’s Beach. I hope this will draw similar entries. And of course, who doesn’t love colorful kites soaring in the air? I plan to take lots of photos to share.

Free Live Music in Bodega Bay
Each Thursday evening 5:00-8:00 p.m., Bluewater Bistro presents live music in their lounge with stunning views of Bodega Bay, Doran Beach, and sunsets behind Bodega Head. You can also hear the music in the dining room down below.

On most Sunday afternoons 3:00-5:00 p.m., Gourmet Au Bay offers live music on the deck of their wine bar overlooking the beautiful Bodega Harbor. Check their website for details.

Ren Brown Collection
On Saturday, we dropped by this local art gallery to check out an exhibit by Bruce Johnson--a fabulous sculptor who lives above Timber Cove. Ren Brown Collection is very well-known for their contemporary Japanese art, California artists & sculpture, and antique Japanese furniture, and clients travel from all over the country to visit. You can see continuing and upcoming exhibits at their website.

Earthquake Drill
Bodega Bay is located along the San Andreas fault so we know it’s not a matter of if, but when the next big quake is coming. Fortunately our community has a dedicated Emergency Preparedness Committee that meets year-round, planning and training for The Big One as well as other emergencies.

We’re planning a “mock disaster” drill for Wed., May 13, and encouraging the entire community to participate. The drill will help us become comfortable with what to do first, second, third, etc. and to effectively counter the emotional and situational turmoil of the moment.

Our family has also signed up for CERT training (Community Emergency Response Team). This is a free program through FEMA that trains you to help others in the event of a disaster. Not quite as much fun as castles & kites, but I'm looking forward to it too. :-)

Terrapin Creek Cafe

Terrapin Creek Café is a jewel tucked away at the north end of Bodega Bay. This lovely, intimate restaurant features creative, sophisticated cuisine prepared with local, responsibly raised produce, meats, and seafood. We’re always amazed by their exquisite presentations and delicious flavors.

They recently held a winemakers dinner, which we attended with some guests from out of town. Each course was paired with a selection from Moshin Vineyards of Healdsburg. (The event was sold out, the photo below was taken before everyone arrived.)



Winemaker Rick Moshin gave a presentation covering the history of his family winery, his philosophy, and how his wines are produced.


Our guests are major foodies and wine experts so it was fun and educational to hear their comments. They were very impressed and gave rave reviews of all the food, and enjoyed three of the four wines. Coincidentally, they were visiting while on their way to two wine festivals further down on the central California coast, so this winemakers dinner fit right in with the theme of their trip.

Here’s our menu and the accompanying wines from that evening:

Ceviche of Scallops, Shrimp & Calamari Salad
Citrus Segments, Creamy Avacado, Butter Lettuce, Cilantro
2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Larrick Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley

Pan Roasted Alaskan Halibut
Caramelized Fennel, Sun Dried Tomato & Herb Salad, Romesco Sauce
2006 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

Pork Tenderloin & Sweet Italian Sausage
French Navy Beans, Swiss Chard, Whole Grain Mustard Jus
2007 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

Créme Fraiche Cheesecake
Raspberry Sauce
Moshin Poshin No. 7, Late Harvest White

Obviously the lighting conditions were not condusive to appetizing food photography, but here are a couple of shots.





Terrapin Creek Café is owned by Andrew and Liya Truong, a delightful, hard-working, extremely talented young couple who met while going through culinary school.



The ambiance is very nice. They call it casual, I say it’s a step up from that. The dining area is comprised of two small rooms, yet it feels spacious and comfortable. They have an open kitchen where you can watch the food prep, and a small bar in the other room.

The tables are covered in white cloths, walls are painted in warm yellows and reds, the lighting is soft, and local artwork adorns the walls. The paintings are by Robert Devee of the Ren Brown Gallery here in Bodega Bay.



Terrapin Creek Café is located in the Blue Whaleship Shopping Center, 1580 East Shore Rd. right off Hwy. 1, in Bodega Bay. Phone 707.875.2700.

Hours
Lunch: Thursday thru Sunday, 11am to 2:30pm
Dinner: Thursday thru Sunday, 4:30pm to 9pm


View Larger Map

(Top food photo and photo of Andrew and Liya, courtesy of the Terrapin Creek Cafe website.)

Great Burgers at The Dog House!

The Dog House serves one of the best hamburgers in Bodega Bay. We love this place and have been eating here for years--long before we moved to town. It was the perfect destination after a long day at the beach, before heading back to Petaluma.

The Dog House has been voted “Best Burger in Sonoma County” numerous times and it’s no wonder. Their generous ½ lb. burgers are made from 100% fresh beef (no fillers), hand shaped, grilled to perfection, and served on a roll. The burgers come with delicious “all you can eat” fries with skins on. They slice the potatoes themselves throughout the day.


You have to apply your own fixin’s over at the condiment bar, which gets a little messy for me. But nobody said dining at The Dog House was a neat and tidy affair.

As their name implies, they also serve several versions of hot dogs and more. One of our daughters is a vegetarian and she LOVES their grilled cheese sandwiches and fries. Others might like the garden burgers. Beverages include soft drinks (they have Stewarts!), beer and milkshakes. And for dessert, we often opt for an ice cream from the little shop next door. Oh yes, this can be a very low-cal outing! (Click on any image to enlarge it, including the menu board.)


You can count on excellent, friendly service from Shannon, Harry, or the long-time Dog House owner, Van. No kidding, one day I saw Shannon single-handedly prepare orders for about 15 hungry people without breaking a sweat—or making a mistake. She’s amazing.


Although this is a casual, “fast food” establishment, it’s not McDonalds. Everything is fresh and made to order, so allow plenty of time. Relax and look out at the stunning view of Bodega Harbor across the street. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a free show from the windsurfers and kiteboarders!


The Dog House offers indoor and outdoor seating, and is located just off Hwy. 1 on Smith Brothers Rd., next to the post office, in Bodega Bay. 707-875-2441. Open 11 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.