Hot Time in Bodega Bay this Saturday Night!

I'm really looking forward to this Saturday night! We're going to our first-ever chili cook-off and country western dance here in Bodega Bay, doesn't that sound like fun? It's a community fundraiser at the Bodega Bay Grange and open to everyone, locals and visitors alike.

The Firehouse Chili Cook-Off will feature mouthwatering recipes from firefighters in Bodega Bay, Bodega, Wilmar, and possibly Tomales. The public gets to taste and vote, and there will be prizes for the winning teams. I hear Bodega has several really good cooks and might bring two or three different chilis. They even had their own chili cook-off to see which one to enter, but then decided they would bring them all!

I dropped by the Bodega Bay Fire Department to see how they're coming along with their preparations for Saturday night's competition and was greeted warmly by the crew.

Bodega Bay Firefighters L to R: Justin Fox (Firefighter), Jason Downing (Fire Captain), Brian Means (Firefighter), and Sean Grinnell (Fire Chief).

Their head cook Justin Fox is still fine-tuning his winning recipe and wouldn't share any of his secrets. Bean or no beans? Hot and spicy, or mellow? I can't wait to find out!

Bodega Bay Firefighter and Head Chili Chef Justin Fox.

There's also a Country Western Dance featuring live music by The Lonestar Retrobates. Don't know how to country dance? They're offering lessons at 6:30 for the entire family! Come with your dancing shoes on, there's no excuse to be a wallflower. I can't wait!

The Lonestar Retrobates.

Tickets are $8 at the door, $2 for kids 12 and under. Proceeds benefit the Bodega Bay Elementary School, Bodega Bay Firefighters Association, Bodega Bay Grange, and Bodega Volunteer Fire Department.

This event is the latest in a series of fundraisers organized by coastal community volunteers including Bob Miller, owner of Bodega Bay Surf Shack and Bodega Bay Kayak, and Abby Myers Killey, owner of Organic Cotton Fabric Shop in the nearby town of Bodega.

Bob Miller and son.

"Surfer Bob" is quite an entertainer in his own right, as anyone who has ever taken his Kayak Clinic will tell you. He's a riot as well as an all-around good guy. His popular Surf Shack is located in the Pelican Plaza Shopping Center on Hwy. 1, across the road from the Grange.

Abby Myers Killey

Abby's lovely Organic Cotton Fabric Shop sells organic cotton linens, local wool, and Peruvian textiles, as well as yarn, roving, batting and felted toys. Her shop is located in downtown Bodega, on Bodega Highway, behind the dress shop.



Other local volunteers include Shona Weir, owner of Bodega Bay's Business Services Unlimited (and very nice lady), and artist Janet Moore. Janet designed the bright red flyers for this event and Shona provided the printing. Shona's shop is next door to the Surf Shack in Pelican Plaza and provides much appreciated services for our business community.

Come join the fun on Saturday night, it should be a blast! Oh I should mention, if the chili samples aren't enough for you, or you're not a chili fan, there will be additional food and drinks for sale.

LATE BREAKING UPDATE FROM ABBY:

Beer and wine will be sold for $3.00 a glass..Desserts for $1 furnished by the Sea Gals (Bodega Harbour)...We will be selling Chili dogs, Chili burgers and chili nachos for $3, $4, $3 respectively...Lemonade for $1.

We are getting room donations for the band and dance instructor from Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa and Bodega Coast Inn...And Joan Price, Sonoma County's most famous line dance instructor will be teaching line dancing from 6:30 to 7:15.

ALSO...Yodelers will get in free (they must sign up and yodel on stage for at least 30 seconds) and will be competing for the Golden Uvula Award at 9:15. Chili winners will be announced at 9:00. It is rumored (actually true) that a real cowgirl and horse will be there - for photos and fun!!!

Saturday, June 19, 2010, 6-11 p.m.
Bodega Bay Grange Hall
Hwy. 1 & Bodega Avenue
Bodega Bay, CA
Tickets $8, and $2 for kids 12 & under

Questions? Call Bob at (707) 875-3944, or Abby at (707) 876-3093.

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!

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.