Looking Back: Remembering long-gone restaurants, some beloved, some not

Mention of Johnny Garlic’s gives way to onlaught of culinary memories|

During a quick scan through an old Argus-Courier, from March of 2003, a couple of words leaped out from the past. In a notice regarding a (then) upcoming Wake Up Petaluma meeting, the location was given as Johnny Garlic’s, on Petaluma Blvd. Woah. Been a long while since owner Guy Fieri shut that place down. Some remember it for its stylish interior, and the menu that included routine garlic-themed items like pasta and meatballs, and eye-raising stuff like, um, zebra. Yeah, the place had an alternating monthly menu of exotic offerings, like venison, alligator, and, yeah, zebra. Anyway, the place had its regulars, and when it went away, they missed it.

These days, the building is home to Mike’s at the Crossroads. The first Mike’s was at the auction yard (it was called Mike’s at the Yard then), and after moving to Cotati to open Mike’s at the Crossroads, a second one was added a few years ago in Petaluma, a couple of miles from where it all started.

This serves as a nostalgic reminder that times change, and restaurants change with them.

Such ponderings got us to wondering what other long-gone Petaluma eateries are missed by local diners. So we posted the question on a few local Facebook sites, and watched as the replies – and a whole lot of memories – came flooding in.

Among the many long-gone institutions mentioned were Markey’s, Ground Up Café, DeSchmire, Buona Sera, Zebulon’s, New Marvin’s, “Old” Marvin’s, Papa’s Taverna, China Public, Cotija, the River House, Velasco’s, that old Russian truck stop at the Petaluma Blvd. South onramp, and Mi Famiglia Delicatessen.

“Mi Famiglia had the best chicken meatballs ever,” recalls Jaimey Walking Bear.

Among the more frequent mentions was Aram’s Café, which used to be downtown where Topsy’s Café is now. Before that, it was in a smaller space across the street, right next to The Hideaway.

“Aram’s! Great food at great prices,” writes Rachel Haverlah. “Something for everyone, and a great environment.”

“I really miss Aram’s,” adds Susie Barnes McGavin. “They had a great eggplant/pepper/cheese sandwich. And the family who owned-operated it were lovely.”

“Loved their Dutch Baby for breakfast,” chimes in Nickola Frye.

“Aram’s … sigh!” writes Eve Williams. “I try to recreate the same dishes, but it’s never quite as good.”

Another frequent mention is Deaf Dog Coffee, which once had sites in the Washington Square shopping center, and then downtown, right across the street from Starbucks. In fact, many locals remember that the Petaluma Blvd. location was deliberately opened up to compete with the Seattle-based chain, and that at one point, Deaf Dog distributed a very popular bumper sticker that said, “Friends don’t let friends go to Starbucks.” Their baristas were known far and wide for resembling the road crew of a punk rock band, often surly, but always efficient. And the coffee was great.

“I miss them!” says Sue Lassen. “They were ahead of their time, coffee-wise. Lassen’s praise was joined by Susan Starbird and Nancy Learn Chapin, who writes, “Deaf Dog was the first thing I thought of, too. Miss them so much!” And Jared Herman reveals, “I met my wife because of Deaf Dog. I even got a job there to spend more time with her.”

Another popular coffee spot was the old Copperfield’s Café, in the part of the bookstore now occupied by the children’s books section.

Susie Barnes McGavin says, “It was a nice to buy a book and then go read it with my coffee or tea.” And Andy Templeton (yes, we’re related) says, “I really miss Copperfield’s Café. I remember getting really good PB&J sandwiches, sitting by the fire and doing homework, or reading a book I just bought. And the poetry nights!”

But perhaps the most deeply missed establishment in town is Steamer Gold, now occupied by 24 Hour Fitness.

Of Steamer Gold, Sandra Ish writes “That was the place we always celebrated birthdays, good news, brunch with the girls, etcetera. Such a great place, and such a big part of Petaluma history. Thank God Old Chicago is still up and running!”

Rachel Haverlah recalls a time when Steamer Gold offered limousine service, and Lucy Irving says, “Steamer Gold was a great restaurant, fun bar, and dance place.”

Finally, coming back full circle, sort of, Rick Myer fondly recalls the “original” Mike’s at the Yard, the one that moved away, then came back in the original location, fifteen whole years ago, of Johnny Garlic’s.

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