Sunflower Cafe - Sonoma

Our very first fan post! Thanks J&J for your review, can't wait to try out the sandwich, and the latte! OK, everything!

Monster Mimosa

The Sunflower Café is not a secret anymore – on the weekends you can find the tables filled with locals, regulars and the occasional tourist – yet most of my friends in San Francisco had never heard of it.

We discovered this lovely garden café quite accidentally on one of my trips to the Sonoma wine country. After just another tasting too much I felt the urgent need for caffeine and stopped at the Sonoma square in search for a cup. I saw the pretty yellow Sunflower sign and walked right in: A few bistro tables on the sidewalk, a big counter inside – and a line. Patiently, I cued up and got a number for my latte. While waiting I walked around the café and took the little hallway leading back instead of waiting by the counter – and I’m glad I did! Because there is a hidden and beautiful patio at the back of the café. Lots of tables of all sizes, set among lush vegetation, overgrown trellises and even a sparkling fountain. The quick coffee-to-go became a sit-down affair and after a quick glimpse at the menu we decided that we just had to have some food with the coffee. By the way, the latte was – and is – divine, lots of smooth foam and delicious coffee.

Smoked Duck Sandwich

A couple of years later ownership changed, and after getting used to the new menu and slightly higher prices I have to say the Sunflower Café has gotten even better! They also added a wine club and frequent art shows by local artists. From basic café food it now offers a wide range of breakfast and lunch items. Apart from fresh baked goodies, you can choose from a variety of omelets, egg sandwiches and waffles – the peppered bacon waffles being one of them. My breakfast favorite is the bagel with lox and cream cheese. It goes extremely well with the famous ‘Monster Mimosa’ (or so I heard). But what we usually come here for is lunch. Not really any lunch but specifically the Smoked Duck Sandwich. “No variations, don’t ask”, it says on the menu, and why would anyone want to break up this divine combo? Tender pieces of duck with caramelized onions melts together with Gruyere, fresh greens and dressings – amazing! There’s no way around this sandwich, we always order it and try other things around it.

Spanish Platter

The Chicken Salad Sandwich is fantastic, and all the appetizers are always extremely good. The Burrata melts in your mouth, the Spanish Board boasts a variety of cold cuts and delicious sides, and the Goat Cheese Filled Piquillo Peppers are a surprisingly refreshing mix of sweet and savory. All in all, you can’t really go wrong at the Sunflower Café. If you’re looking for a day filled with reading, relaxing and enjoying the sunshine you’ll feel right at home.

 

Bottom Line:Price - $$
Ambience - Casual
Vegetarian Friendly - Yes
Other - Dog-friendly

 

The Village Bistro - San Jose

Santana Row is different things to different people. Some people go there for the high end shopping, some for the fantastic spa, and yet others for the fantastic food, drink and people watching opportunities.

Village Bistro is a popular destination most days, they seem to be especially busy on weekends when people sit outdoors and celebrate the good weather with good food, and good wine. Their wine list deserves a special mention, they have a really diverse selection to pick from, and source lesser known wines from all over the world!

One of my favorite things is that their menu changes with every season, so theres always something new to look forward to. They also offer small plates, so you can get a few different things and share it with your group. 

Lunch, below, consisted of  Summer Mix Grill with Lemon Garlic Prawns, a well conceived dish, with great falvors, Turkey Ruben (yep! Turkey) great, but on the sweet side, and the Vegetarian Cobb which was a hit. The Caipirinha Cooler was refreshing, and complemented the meal well.

Village Bistro
(Clockwise from Top Right: Summer Mix Grill with Lemon
Garlic Prawns, Turkey Ruben, Vegetarian Cobb, and
the Caipirinha Cooler) 

Go for brunch, go for dinner, just go! Most importantly, save room for dessert, especially their seasonal creme brulee. It is a must do.

Bottom Line:
Price - $$
Ambience - Trendy

Vegetarian Friendly - Yes