Valentines ideas for the Petaluma foodie

Local food purveyors have some great Valentine’s Day ideas that will let your significant other know that you really care.|

In honor of Scottish poet Robert Burns’ 259th birthday, Taps will hold a “Burns Supper” on Thursday, Jan. 25. Burns Suppers usually start with haggis, that is, once the bagpipers have welcomed the guests in.

Although I’m sure Chef Abe could do something to make haggis tolerable, trust this Scotsman when I tell you that haggis is one of the few things that is in fact as bad as people say it is. And yes, I’ve had the “real stuff,” and quite frankly I am still mad at myself for even trying it, especially after I knew how bad it smelled.

Starting at 6 p.m., Chef Abe will offer a dinner special of Lamb Birdie (a meat pie), Scotch broth with beer, and a chocolate Traquair House ale pudding. The first 12 guests to order the special, along with a pull of Tranquair House Ale, will receive an exclusive Tranquair House Brew glass. Although, you can count one of those dinners and glasses already accounted for because this Scotsman will be first to place that order.

Slow season

The winter months are usually the slowest for Sonoma County restaurants. But this year, there is the added damage that the fires have caused to the economy, which is putting all businesses under a heavier than normal strain.

Because a huge part of Petaluma’s personality revolves around its restaurant scene, I implore you to dine out a bit more over the next few months to make sure our favorite restaurants will be around once the weather turns nice again. A recent post by the owners of Crocodile took this idea one step further by encouraging restaurant owners to use this opportunity to get out and taste a few of the restaurants around town that they’ve been hearing and reading about. Parking downtown isn’t quite as challenging in the winter, and many restaurants use the slow season in order to take some liberties with their menu and try a few new things.

Crocodile tastes like chicken

We were drawn back into Crocodile last weekend and had another great meal. The sweet and sour cabbage and celery soup with bacon may sound odd, but it is phenomenal. Chef Michael is constantly updating his octopus dish with whatever he finds fresh at our local farmers markets, and this one, with cauliflower and citrus wedges, is my favorite version so far.

For the skeptics, this is European octopus, which is in a whole other league than the chewy Asian stuff West Coasters learn to avoid. However, the coup de grâce was the fried chicken Paillard, which was so moist and so flavorful, and is accompanied by a perfectly bright, crisp and tangy celery root and cabbage slaw. This stands up against the best fried chicken I’ve ever had.

Luma closing

It is with much sadness that I learned that Luma will close its doors after their brunch service Jan. 28. Owner Kate, she expressed her excitement for the new owners. I know it might seem silly to try a place for the first time right as they are closing, but this is where I send people when they ask me for the best burger in town. Luma’s also has a great brunch menu and amazing Benedicts.

Valentine ideas

Doing something truly special for that special someone means getting creative. I prefer experiences, and several local food purveyors have some great Valentine’s Day ideas that will surely let your significant other know that you really care.

LALA’s Jam Bar and Urban Farmstand just announced a couple of great upcoming classes, perfectly timed for Valentine’s Day. The first is the Heart Shaped Succulent Wreath Making Class on Feb. 3, with classes in both the morning and in the afternoon. Next up is Truffle Making 101 on Feb. 10, again with a morning or afternoon session. www.lalasjams.com.

Wind & Rye Kitchen of Penngrove offers “Date Night! A Cooking Class for Two” in the evening on Feb. 10, where you and your sweetheart will not only learn to cook a three-course meal but will get to enjoy the meal with cocktails at the end of class. www.windandrye.com.

Keller Estate hosts a Valentine’s Day Jazz concert on Feb. 17, from 3 to 6 p.m. Dorian Mode will perform, led by Dorian Bartley, also known for her work with local sensation Foxes in the Henhouse. www.kellerestate.com.

Sweet Zone, in the Theater Square, now offers an incredible chocolate club, which will help keep the Valentine’s sweets coming in year round. Four times a year, expect unique hand-crafted, high-quality chocolates from around the world, as well as free admission to the annual chocolate and wine pairing, and discounts on other events and on all their regular purchases. www.thesweetzone.com.

Yanni’s

It’s that time of the month, when Yanni’s announces their upcoming Sausage Sandwich Special. There are still a few days left to try January’s incredible “Athenian,” made with Yanni’s Loukaniko sausage, served on Sweet Italian bread, topped with grilled onions, Roasted Red Pepper Feta Cream Cheese Spread and Lemon Oregano Drizzle before they introduce February’s sandwich special.

There has been a change to February’s “Jalapeño Popper.” Yanni’s tops their Beer Brat with grilled onions, pickled jalapeños and a bacon cheddar spread. Theirs is my favorite beer brat so I am looking forward to trying this one. Yanni’s is introducing packages of their Chicken Lemoni Sausage to stores this February, so make sure to ask your local grocer for Yanni’s by name.

Mariposa ice creamery sale

Mariposa Ice Creamery will return with their first sale of the new year on Feb. 9 and 10. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates and a list of flavors.

Road Butler

Road Butler, the Petaluma-based restaurant delivery service, is expanding and looking for a part-time delivery driver. With a flexible schedule, you can choose when and how often you work. Check Road Butler’s Facebook page for more info.

Super Bowl Chicken

If chicken is still on your mind, Chicken Pharm is offering Super Bowl specials. On Super Bowl Sunday, this will be a great place to watch the game. You can start off with brunch and bottomless mimosas from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Then, from 2 to 9 p.m. enjoy game-day specials, including the First and Hen ($35), Unnecessary Ruffledness ($45), and Personal Fowl ($55.)

All specials include chicken wings, along with a pitcher of beer or bottle of wine, plus various additions, depending on which one you choose. Additionally, happy hour drink special will run as normal, from 3 to 5 p.m., plus during half time.

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

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