A guide to Petaluma crab feeds

The Sonoma County crab feed season is upon us. And although the news is filled with headline-grabbing warnings about crab season delays, do not despair. Our coast is split up into several different crab fishing areas and so although there have been delays farther north, due to under-developed crabs, there are still plenty of fresh crustaceans bellying up to the docks in Bodega Bay.

Thankfully, Petaluma is never short of Crab Feed Fundraisers and although the first couple already occurred in December, the majority are set for January and February.

For those attending their first crab feed, here are a few simple rules. First, unlike other parts of the Bay Area, our feeds are always “all-you-can-eat.” No one or two crab limits here, so bring your appetite.

As far as I’m concerned, “all-you-can-eat” is a challenge, which means proper preparation is in order. To best prepare, have a hearty breakfast, followed by a light lunch, all the while drinking plenty of water. This will not only offer you greater capacity to consume crab, but the water will help offset the salt you will be consuming. Also, be wary of the pre-crab appetizers, or risk finding yourself full of salad, bread, and pasta, before the crab has even reached the table.

Depending on the crab feed, they may or may not supply accoutrements, so we always bring our own, including crackers, butter-melters, and crab bibs. We also bring our own lemons and Petaluma Creamery Butter. Although many feeds welcome guests to bring their own booze, check first.

Additionally, keep in mind that these feeds are fundraisers. So buy a few extra raffles tickets, and maybe a drink or two for your tablemates. It all goes to a good local cause. And as fundraisers, these events are run by volunteers, so be patient.

Finally, take a special look at the sponsor list for any of the feeds you attend. Those businesses deserve our daily support, especially with the ill effect that the fires have had on our local economy. Support those that support our community. These crab feeds are one of the many things that make Petaluma such a wonderfully unique place to live and without the support of local sponsors, many of these events would not happen and many of the nonprofit organizations that run them would not be able to do what they do for our community.

If you cannot find the feed you are looking for, simply ask around. Post your request to the Petaluma Foodies page on Facebook, and you are sure to get the info you are looking for. Also, pick up your tickets early because it is not unusual for these feeds to sell out.

Chronologically, Petaluma’s 2018 Dungeness Crab Feeds are as follows:

Senhor Santo Cristo Society’s Portuguese Crab Feed

Unique to this Petaluma crab feed is a choice of two preparations, the standard chilled crab, as well as warm seasoned crab, which is a crowd favorite and should be experienced at least once. The ticket price also includes wine and punch on the tables and after-dinner dancing. Petaluma Holy Ghost/Portuguese Hall, Saturday, Jan. 13, 707-304-2819 or 510-604-7746.

Petaluma 7-11 Lion’s Club

This feed is one of Petaluma’s oldest and best attended, with all proceeds go to various local charities, and along with great food, this particular feed has an enormous amount of raffle items. No host bar begins at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. No carry-in alcohol or coolers. Petaluma Vets Hall, Saturday, Jan. 20, $50, 711lions@gmail.com.

Pacific Empire Chorus

In just their 6th year, the PEC has built quite a reputation for their crab feed because along with great food, it also included a live a cappella show. For a real treat, purchase a Captain’s Table for eight ($560), and you and your crew will be placed front and center of the stage, plus will receive full-service linens, china and glasses. Everyone will enjoy fresh pasta from the Pasta King, salad, French bread and gourmet home-made desserts. As always, there will be a vast array of silent auction items to bid on. Petaluma Vets Hall, Saturday, Jan. 27, $50 advance $60 at the door $20 for children 10 and under with an adult, www.pacificempire.org.

Boys & Girls Club

This one, for guests 21 and over and with great auction items, desserts, and after-dinner dancing, usually sells out in advance. Although listed as a no-host bar, I believe in the past that drinks were included. Lucchesi Park Clubhouse, Saturday, Jan. 27, $95, 528-7977, www.bgccsc.org/petaluma-crab.

Duhnam School

The ticket price includes plentiful side dishes, dessert and adult beverages. There will also be ample silent and live auction items. All proceeds directly benefit all of the students at Dunham School and Dunham Charter School. The Dunham School PTO provides enrichment programs, including drama, gardening, music and art to all of their students. Hermann Sons Hall, Saturday, Jan. 27, $55, www.dunhamsd.org.

Rancho Adobe Firefighters’ Association

Tickets have been on sale since Dec. 6, so grab yours soon if you want to attend this one. Penngrove Community Club House, Saturday, Jan. 27, $60, Rancho Adobe Fire District on Facebook.

Petaluma Woman’s Club

This is still my favorite crab feed of them all, not only because it was my first, but also because it helps support a wonderful local club. Their crab is always tasty, and beer, wine, and soda are always included with dinner, as is their infamous “Better Than Sex” cake. In fact, I like the club so much, that whenever they ask, I am more than happy to cry the auctions and raffles at their various fundraisers. Hopefully, I will be back at it again this year. Friday, Feb. 9, $50, www.petalumawomansclub.com.

Petaluma Holy Ghost Society

PHGS always leads off the crab feed season with an early December feed, but always follows that up with another feed mid-February for those that were too distracted by the holidays to start thinking about attending crab feeds that early. This is a different group than the Senhor Santo Cristo Society, but is held in the same location and also includes wine and punch on the tables, and has dancing after dinner.

This year’s event will have two seatings, one at 4 p.m. and one at 7 p.m. The no-host bar opens at 3:30 p.m. Dinners include salad, garlic bread, pasta and crab. Music and dancing starts at 8:30 p.m. and runs through midnight.

The PSGC’s feeds are their main fundraisers of the year with proceeds going to help maintain and restore their historic hall. Many of the club’s current members can trace their heritage back to Petaluma’s founding families, making this a very special venue and a great fundraiser to attend. Petaluma Holy Ghost/Portuguese Hall, Saturday, Feb. 17, $50, 762-4995.

Rotary Club of Petaluma

This is the oldest of the bunch, having been held for more than 40 years now, and aptly finishes out the crab feed season each year. I also like this one because they finish out the meal with ice cream, which is a nice way to end the evening.

This feed always has very popular auctions items, with this year’s proceeds going to the Miracle League Baseball Field, which is the specially designed and built baseball field at Lucchesi Park for children with physical and mental disabilities. This year’s items include a private horse show and dinner for eight at a local ranch, conducted by local trainer and Canadian National Western riding champion Jessie Saldana.

McEvoy Ranch’s chef will prepare the dinner. Another auction item is a pair of tickets to a San Francisco Giants game, complete with a pass to go on the field during practice. Two more big-ticket auction items are currently in the works. Petaluma Vets Hall, Friday, Feb. 23, $65, www.petalumarotary.org.

Unconfirmed crab feeds that appeared on last year’s calendar will likely be held on the same weekend this year. From last year’s list:

PHS Athletic Boosters Club, Herzog Hall, Saturday, Feb. 4.

Penngrove Social Firemen, Saturday, Feb. 11, www.penngrovesocialfiremen.org.

Sons of Italy, Lucchesi Park Clubhouse, Saturday, Feb. 11.