Taking my in-laws to Sonoma next week. Going on the hotel concierge's recommendations I've made reservation at the following...

1st night - wanted casual
Latitude (Rohnert Park)

2nd night - wanted casual italian
Nicolino's (Cotati)

final night - wanted something a little special
John Ash & Co (Sant Rosa - I think)


Any comments/experiences?

Taking my in-laws to Sonoma next week. Going on the hotel concierge's recommendations I've made reservation at the following...

1st night - wanted casual
Latitude (Rohnert Park)

2nd night - wanted casual italian
Nicolino's (Cotati)

final night - wanted something a little special
John Ash & Co (Sant Rosa - I think)


Any comments/experiences?

Yes, I'm in Sonoma County about once per month
1) I would avoid lattitude. It is a fine place for a happy hour type of setting, but the food is really not all that terrific and the scene can be a bit annoying. Hanna, just next door, however, is quite good; if you really have to be in Rohnert Parl
2) Casual Ital: Robertos on hwy 12 in Santa Rosa is probably the best place for casual ital in the county. Locals love it cheap corkage
3) John Ash is a beautiful place. The food is not as good since its gone corporate, but it is still quite good.

In place of 1, I would consider the following:
1) Santi in Geyserville. Excellent norther ital/wine country food. Right next to Locals and the Meeker tasting room
2) Willi's Wine Bar, Santa Rosa
3) Lalo, Santa Rosa
4)Langly's on the Green, Windsor

If you like great beer as well as wine, DO NOT MISS
1) Russian River Brewing Company. Vinny Cilurzo is turning out some of the best beer in the country, if not the world, right now
2) Bear Republic Brewing Company; Outstanding brewer is Healdsburg
3) Flavor. Flavor is a restaurant in downtown Santa Rosa, who pours Moonlight Beers exclusively. Moonlight is an amazing operation run by a guy called Brian Hunt. Brian is one of the greatest Lager brewers period. His death and taxes (black lager) is UNREAL as is his Pils. In a land of hop monsters, Brian has made the bold (and very sucessful) decision of going for session beers

rapopoda-

Thanks so much for your suggestions. Question, given the choice, would you take John Ash or Santi?

rapopoda-

Thanks so much for your suggestions. Question, given the choice, would you take John Ash or Santi?

For food, I think Santi edges it out. For atmosphere, definitely John Ash. If this is your inlaws first time in Sonoma County, John Ash is probably the better bet as it will offer up a more complete experience and is in such a beautiful setting.
Have a great time. Sonoma County is one of the most wonderful places on earth