Sonoma
World class wines, five star restaurants, draw-dropping views, world-renowned spas…. Does this sound appealing to you? Well, welcome to Sonoma. Our little Envolve family has been EXTREMELY fortunate to be born and raised in this small (but famous) part of the world. We have grown from wrecking havoc in the vineyards to working hard in the vineyards… and we can surely tell you that there is no other place like Sonoma (or as we like to call it… Home).
So, as local veterans, we wanted to share with you some of our favorite spots.
Breakfast
For breakfast, we recommend a Sonoma favorite: Homegrown Bagels… or as the locals like to call it, ‘The Bagel Shop.’ This place is a standard first spot after a long night in the taverns, because this place will surely hit the spot. The Bagel Shop is cash only, but we promise that it’s worth the pain of making the detour to the ATM. But no need to withdrawal the big bucks because you can buy a bagel with multiple toppings and goodness for just under five dollars. Open Mon – Fri: 6:30 – 2:00pm and Sat & Sun 7:30 – 2:00pm.
Lunch
A favorite lunch spot, hands down, is the Sunflower Café. You’ve probably heard us recommend this place before, but that’s just because we can’t get enough of it (it was also featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dive’s… so you get the picture). Randomly, this spot was also the first place of employment for Danny. He was a busser at 15 years old, way back when it used to be called the Coffee Garden. Slave drivers owned it in the 90’s, and he vows that he swept the huge back patio over a hundred times…. Yikes. But, once there was an owner switch and the Sunflower Café opened, the place really turned around. Their sandwiches are out of this world (especially the roasted duck), the tea and coffee selection is amazing, the salads are delicious, and you really can’t beat their back patio wine bar… in short, this place is the perfect spot to pair a glass of wine with an amazing lunch. Open Daily 7am – 4pm.
Red Grape is everything expect out of your mother’s kitchen. Fresh ingredients, hand made pizzas and appetizers. Everything is seasoned to perfection, and they have a great patio area to enjoy a lunch or a warm evening. Directly off the plaza, Red Grape is the pizza joint in town, family owned, delicious wines and most of the staff are local friends from high school.
For lunch, we propose heading back towards the Sonoma Plaza and picnicking in the park. 
Sonoma Market is one of the best markets in the valley and offers a variety of different foods. From sandwiches and salads to burritos and a hot food section. You name it, they got it. But if your looking for something you can’t go wrong with, we suggest building your own sandwich. And let us just tell you, we’re not talking about any old deli sandwich from Safeway, we’re talking the freshest, most amazing sandwiches in town.
For lunch, we suggest heading to the Garden Court Café. Famously known for its entire breakfast menu, it would be wise to order a late breakfast (because breakfast is good all throughout the day… everybody knows this). Their most famous for their eggs benedict and their pancakes – and these both go well with their very tasty mimosas. But regardless of what you may order, this place will truly impress you!
If you want to grab some excellent Italian food Café Citti is a solid play. It’s pretty safe to say that every time you drive by, your mouth begins to water (Sad…. But true!). Café Citti was another restaurant from the Sonoma Valley featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives with Guy Fieri, which justifies how amazing it really is. Honoring the late Mike Lee, former Kenwood Winery owner, and Café Citti regular, check out the Mike Special (It’s not on the menu, but it’s amazing!)
Dinner
Shiso Sushi
If you’re a sushi fan, the perfect dinner spot for you would be Shiso Sushi. Sushi places are very rare in this small town… so this could be considered one of Sonoma’s hidden gems. Not only will you enjoy their super fresh seafood, you can also enjoy their great atmosphere, fun sushi bar, and the beautiful sight of Ed or Agie going to town on some rice and fish. We would recommend their spicy ahi tuna, Mendocino rolls, and their short ribs…. They truly are a-ma-zing.
Murphy’s Irish Pub
Typically, after a full day of wine tasting, it’s smart to end the day with a big, hearty meal. And believe us… there’s no place better than Murphy’s Irish Pub. After a day of multiple glasses of wine, it’s probably expected that you’re looking to keep the up the fun. Well, Murphy’s is the perfect place to enjoy good pub food, good beer and wine, and awesome nightly live music (in fact, it’s Sonoma’s #1 spot for live music). And if you haven’t tried frickles (fried pickles), then you’re in for a treat… trust us. In the end, this place is perfect to soak up all that booze!
Girl and the Fig
For dinner, we urge you to visit the Girl and the Fig. Located right on the Sonoma Plaza, this restaurant serves absolute amazing French food. We recommend the Mussels & Frites because they seem to be the household favorite! In the end, this place embodies the perfect ambiance to end your loop around the Sonoma Valley.
Kenwood Restaurant
For your last stop of the day, you’re probably ready to take a load off your feet and relax. This is why we advise you to end your day at the Kenwood restaurant. You can reminisce about the day over a romantic dinner with a date, or, enjoy good food with good friends. Either way, this place is the perfect way to top off your day.
A Pint
Open Sunday-Thursday: 11am – Midnight & Friday-Saturday: 11am-1:00am
A glass of Vino
If you’re not sick of wine yet… then you have to visit the Valley Wine Shack on Wednesday nights. Why, you may ask? Well, because it’s $1 to enjoy wine and cheese at ‘Winemaker Wednesdays.’ If a $1 dollar glass of wine doesn’t entice you, then we don’t know what will.
If you’re more in the mood to sit down and enjoy some vino, then we would recommend having a glass at the Carneros Inn on Broadway. If you happen to run into 
someone by the name of Chris Sawyer (who is super funny and always up for a good conversation) tell him that Danny Fay sent you… and he’ll either kick you out of give you a glass of great wine (don’t worry… odds are he’ll be gentle with you). For more information on the Valley Wine Shack please call: 707.938.7218.
Day time vino sipping is certainly encouraged around the plaza. It’s the only state park in California you can legally drink alcohol in. FACT. Convieniently, there are some great spots to by a bottle for a plaza picnic or relax and enjoy a glass. We recommend Sonoma Wine Shop, not just because Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream is next door for when it gets too hot, but because the staff is awesome, the vibe is relaxing and there are some great wines to choose from.
Another solid spot is Enoteca Della Santina. Ron or Glenda don’t give weak pours, and they’ve always got a solid story.
We may enjoy a drink in Sonoma, but we’re not idiots and neither are the cops. There a lot of Sheriffs, CHPs, and Sonoma Police that roam the plaza and back roads of Sonoma looking for intoxicated drivers. Please, please, please be smart. Don’t drink and drive.
Ask any local restaurant for cab numbers. Also you can hire pedi cabs (bicycle cabs) that you can around in within a several mile radius of the plaza. Our buddy, Adrian owns and operates Plaza Pedicab, he’s an awesome dude, look out for him!
Where to Stay
For a wine country resort close to town, definitely check out The Marriott Renaissance Lodge At Sonoma, Beautiful rooms, amazing spa rooms, and it’s only a mile from the plaza.
Hike
If you’ve had too much wine and cheese, then it’s very possible you’re craving some exercise. Not only does the Sonoma Plaza’s backdrop offer great scenery, it also provides amazing hiking trails. You can find the start of this hike at the Veteran’s building (located across from the police station) on 1st st. West and up Norbom Rd. Although it may be tiring, keep on truckin’ up that mountain until you reach a Plateau. We liked to call this place “The Plat” during our rebellious high school drinking years… and yes, we hiked up steep mountains in order to have our ‘fun.’ Although, we spent many disobedient years here, this place truly does have one of the best views of Sonoma. And for the kicker, not only can you see our small little town; you can also look down into Carneros, the San Pablo Bay, and even see San Francisco on a clear day!
Massage/Relaxation
Rose Creek Massage
Obviously a little relaxation is always needed; luckily, Sonoma boosts a wonderful setting for the massage of your life. Our favorite masseuse is P.J. Savastano, who has over 15 years of experience and specializes in Deep Tissue, Swedish, Watzu, Lomi Lomi, Reflexology and Stretching. Wait, it gets better! She’s totally mobile and can visit your hotel room or home with no problems. Honestly, one of the warmest, nicest people we’ve ever met, give her a ring at 707-292-3203 or email her at PSavastano01@gmail.com for more info on bookings and times.
