07/06/2017
Insider
On the day he left San Francisco for Sonoma County two decades ago, chef Douglas Keane, proprietor of the Healdsburg Bar and Grill, and Two Birds, One Stone in St. Helena, remembers sitting down at the picnic table outside his house with his dog and a bot
San Francisco Chronicle25 Jun 2017
Douglas Keane’s to-do list
Spring Lake Regional Park: The 320acre park sports plenty of trails, as well as a 3-acre lagoon for swimming and a 72-acre lake for boating and fishing. “I like to take my kayak out by myself in the middle of the week. It’s one of the most mindful exercises I get to do.” 393 Violetti Road, Santa Rosa. Diavola Pizzeria: Serving handmade pasta, house-cured salumi and smokelicked Neapolitan pizza from a woodfired oven, this place is a frequent haunt for Keane. His must-order is the Sonja pizza crowned with tomato, mascarpone, prosciutto and arugula. 21021 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville. (707) 814-0111. www.diavolapizzeria.com
Glen Ellen Star: Chef Ari Weiswasser, who has cooked at the French Laundry, left fine dining to create this cozy, rustic restaurant with his wife, Erinn BenzigerWeiswasser of the Benziger Family Winery. “I could eat only his vegetables out of the wood-fired oven and be happy.” 13648 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen. (707) 343-1384. www.glenellenstar.com
Alexander Valley Bar: This is Keane’s favorite place to grab a cocktail or beer. The dimly lit bar adorned with a retro tin ceiling can be found behind the Medlock Ames Tasting Room. “It’s easily the most beautiful bar in the world. You can play co****le and bring the pups while you enjoy your drink.” 3487 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg. (707) 431-1904. www.medlock ames.com/alexander-valley-bar
Jimtown Store: Nothing beats coffee and a snack in the morning or lunch at this country store’s down-home cafe that’s a true community gathering spot. 6706 Hwy. 128, Healdsburg. (707) 4331212. www.jimtown.com Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate and
Gardens: One of Keane’s biggest inspirations is the opportunity to use culinary gardener Tucker Taylor’s produce that is grown here. See for yourself by taking a garden tour, then have executive chef Justin Wangler pluck something fresh to prepare a food and wine pairing that Keane deems the ultimate farm-to-table experience. 5007 Fulton Road, Fulton. (707) 5717500. www.kj.com/the-wine-estategardens
