This new feature collects news about restaurants and eateries in Sonoma County every week.

Sonoma Media Investments, owner of The Press Democrat, Petaluma Argus-Courier, Sonoma Index-Tribune, Sonoma Magazine and more, introduces a new feature focused on restaurant and restaurant news in the county.

Restaurant parklets, sometimes charming, sometimes flimsy outdoor dining areas built on sidewalks, and parking spots for additional alfresco dining, are here to stay, at least for now. In early October, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed bills allowing restaurant parks and sidewalk dining to continue for up to a year after the end of the pandemic emergency, when it could be. The one-year extension of Senate Bill 314 from an as yet unknown date gives restaurateurs one year from that date to go through local clearance processes to keep their parklets permanently. For many restaurants, makeshift patios have dramatically expanded seating as social distancing and indoor dining restrictions continue.

The popular take-out alcohol rules have also been extended. A recently ratified bill allows restaurants, bars, breweries and wineries that sell food to continue offering take-out alcoholic beverages, as well as food orders, until December 31, 2026 – for pickup only, and not for delivery.

Holy rose

Since the announcement of the Fourth Street Social Club’s closure this month, former owner Melissa Matteson and chef Jeremy Cabrera have been teasing a new project called “Smoke and Mirrors.” No more details just yet, but Cabrera has done magic in downtown Santa Rosa’s kitchen, the size of a postage stamp, with no stove or gas hood. The team won a Snail of Approval award for their dedication to using local ingredients and had a small but loyal following.

Petaluma

Argus-Courier food writer Houston Porter loves OSHA Thai BBQ, a newly opened quick and laid-back spot in North Petaluma.

“Hats off to all of the restaurants that opened during the pandemic,” Porter wrote. “In the case of the recently opened Osha Thai BBQ, this experienced San Francisco-based group of restaurants are well-versed in take-out and delivery. It has become a staple during those sporadic indoor meal times, and they make great food too.

Her favorite dishes included vegetarian crispy buns and samosas, chicken satay, barbecue platters, and mango sticky rice for dessert. 1390 N. McDowell Blvd., in the old “OSH” shopping center at the corner of North McDowell Boulevard and Old Redwood Highway.

Around the county

This year marks the 16th season of the Heritage Turkey Project, jointly run by the Thode family, Slow Food Russian River and youth farm organizations. Raised by 4-H and FFA youths in Sonoma County, traditional turkeys are an alternative to the industrially raised large-breasted white turkey.

Raised with organic food, the Shiny Feathered Turkeys are harvested locally and never frozen, with the sales proceeds going directly to the youngsters who raise the birds. The topic “where to find Thanksgiving turkeys” has already started to take over social media, so before you miss your chance, go to heritageturkeyproject.com and grab one.

Index-Tribune columnist Kathleen Hill and Argus-Courier columnist Houston Porter contributed to this report.