Vignette | Pizzeria

Vignette | Sebastopol

Local business is important in any community. It just so happens there's an abundance of local restaurants in my idyllic little town. Not too long ago The Barlow opened and with it came a crop of new boutiques, wine rooms and eateries. One of the small businesses that set up shop was Vignette. Wood fired Neapolitan pizza plays the lead role in a cast of fresh, local and organic ingredients. When in doubt, rock the Margherita. A classic pie that allows you to taste the interplay of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil; delicately partnered with the daily house made dough. If you're looking for a meat protein, I recommend the meatball parm pizza. Vignette does well crafting nostalgia into their taste. The decor and aesthetic match their willingness to create with care.

Other side dishes I'm extremely fond of are, the charred and lightly smashed potatoes with mint and time (they're my go-to). Presentation of this dish never disappoints—hearty enough to share. The fire-fried olives and spices are a nice place to start, pair with a local craft beer and enjoy.   

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PUBlication: Even Keel

Ever wonder why more grocers don't have a tap room? Thankfully my local store does—The Garden Taproom in Community Market.

Even Keel | Ballast Point

I know Ballast Point got bought out for a ton of money. Guess what? If their products continue to be as great while under corporate ownership, I'll still drink 'em. Politics aside, the nose on this session IPA is both ornate and one-of-a-kind. It possesses a cleanliness that is not present in other sessions. This little beast is a cornucopia of malt (10 types) and hops (6 varietals). Herbs and citrus meld within this ale to create one of the better session IPAs. 3.8% | 40 IBUs

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PUBlication: The Garden

The Garden Taproom in Community Market is quite the hideout. Situated in the Barlow of Sebastopol, this beer garden has an array of quality craft beer. On my most recent visit I was inundated with a slough of good choices, both on draught and in the bottle. Below is a brief recap of the brews I was able to enjoy with a couple of tasting notes.

Rogue Brewing | Good Chit (Farmed Pilsner) | 4.6% & 45 IBUs

Rogue, like Sierra Nevada, has been farming on a scale that allows them to craft some beers sourced entirely from their own agricultural doing—pretty cool. The first thing I noticed were notes of lemon zest and natural graininess. A nice foamy head blankets the top of this easy drinker. My only criticism would be that it was a little flat. I want more effervescence from a Pilsner.

The Bruery | Mischief (hoppy Belgian/golden strong ale) | 8.4%

This concoction possesses a soft cloudiness and pretty color. The slight sour taste is sedated by hops. Banana and culinary spice is prevalent in the nose. This is the second time I've tasted from The Bruery, and thus far, I'm a bit underwhelmed considering the praise they receive. 

Plow Brewing | OX DIPA | 8%

Plow is one of the recent breweries to open its doors in Santa Rosa, they're producing some tasty IPAs and Pilsners. This particular batch of the OX was better than earlier editions in my opinion. The nose was far more floral and less malty than in the past. It settled nicely on the palate, smoother than I had remembered, more balanced.

Alpine Brewing | Pure Hoppiness | 8%

Damn Good. This DIPA exemplifies the craft of creating a hop-bomb that is potent, palatable and carbonated. It's clarity cannot go unnoticed, think Russian River or Knee Deep. Carbonation floats upward while your snout celebrates the hops at every turn. Alpine usually knocks their beer out of the park, this was no exception. Pure Hoppiness is another great reminder that California IPA's and West Coast hopping is here to stay. Cheers.

eightychoices.