Dungeness delay a threat to Petaluma crab feeds

The events are popular fundraisers for local organizations.|

As you have no doubt heard, potential neurotoxins in the warmer than average ocean off our coast have delayed the opening of the commercial crab season. Organizations hosting Dungeness crab feeds is a long-standing Petaluma tradition, reaching back many generations, so this news is disappointing to say the least. But there may be relief on the horizon. The seas are cooling quickly and the season is likely to open at the beginning of the year, just in time for our crab feed season.

That being said, if for some reason the season is delayed further, we may see alternative “feeds” in the place of the normal bevy of January to March crab feed fundraisers. These events are often the main source of fundraising for these charities, so although most of us would rather gorge on crab, please enjoy whatever else is offered at these alternate feeds in order to show continuing support for our community.

Seared port wine

Seared, on Petaluma Boulevard North, offers half-priced bottles of wine on Wednesday evenings, which is an excellent reason to duck out of work early mid-week. But, while my friends enjoy a couple bottles of excellent and affordable wine, I cannot pass up yet another glass of Taylor Fladgate’s 20-Year tawny port wine. When it comes to indicated age tawnies, the 20 year is the quintessential tawny port, as these have the best balance of color, flavor, texture and affordability.

Uncorking a new bottle every couple of days means Seared’s 20-year tawny is not only fresh and vibrant, but at $12.50 per glass, it is a real bargain.

Thanksgiving in a link

Francesca and Johnny have been delighting loyal fans from their kiosk-sized Yanni’s Sausage Grill location in the heart of Penngrove for five years now, creating delicious handcrafted sausages and sausage sandwiches. Along with their regular sausage sandwiches, each month they create an exotic sandwich special.

But one sausage sando that returns every year is their Thanksgiving sandwich. Nestled in a Full Circle Bakery (Penngrove) bun, their “Thanksgiving in a Link” (turkey, celery, onions and dried cranberries) is topped with Yanni’s fresh cranberry sauce and grilled onions. You don’t have to be a sausage fan to love this sandwich, but you do have to hurry, because Yanni’s is closed for the week of Thanksgiving.

This is your last chance to try this incredible sandwich until next November. (My family has actually contemplated buying, freezing and thawing a bunch of these sandwiches for our Thanksgiving lunch/dinner.) Yanni’s also offers this specialty sausage in bulk for making paddies or adding to your holiday stuffing. Seems like an excellent use of freezer space to me. Do yourself a favor and grab some of their delicious Greek salad, too.

Bellyfull Thanksgiving dinner

Another way to guarantee that Thanksgiving dinner is both simple and delicious is to order pre-made meals from local businesses, such as Bellyfull Dinners. They are still accepting orders, and if their Thanksgiving dinner is anything like their other meals, this is a great alternative to cooking for hours when your time is better spent visiting with family.

Pre-ordered pie

Even those of us that like cooking Thanksgiving dinner are not always adept at the baking portion. A great Thanksgiving option for the dessert course comes by way of a pre-ordered pie from either Petaluma Pie or Bovine Bakery. Whether hosting, or bringing a dish as a guest, a professionally handcrafted pie is always a great option.

The last day to order is Sunday, Nov. 22 and pick-up is Wednesday, Nov. 25 for both. Petaluma Pie accepts online orders.

Holiday banquet halls

There is still plenty of time to put together a holiday party for your family or business. Petaluma is full of great locations, and if you think beyond the normal caterers, you can find some great last minute options.

Petaluma Market can put together a great menu, and local restaurants like Pongo’s and Velasco’s are great for affordable, last-minute catering. Some lesser-known rental venues that I particularly like include, The Big Easy with food by Speakeasy Bistro, Seared’s upstairs banquet room, The Roaring Donkey’s back room, Petaluma Hills Brewing Company, and the Petaluma Museum.

Then there are the old standbys, like the Petaluma Woman’s Club, the Masonic Lodge, Hermann Sons Hall, Holy Ghost Hall, the Elks Club, and the Petaluma Vets Hall.

(Contact Houston Porter at houston@avant-larde.com.)

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