Open to all people and dogs, there will be fun events such as Wine and Wag, painting for dogs, dog agility and nose work demos, and contests for Best Dressed, Most Talented, Frisbee, and the owner who most looks like their dog. Other highlights include a raffle, a photo booth, food for people and pups, sessions with a pet communicator, Ask a Vet, and lots of swag and prizes. Making a special appearance is Bodhi, a 120-pound Giant Alaskan Malamute and current “Bodhi for Mayor” candidate of Mendocino, who will be stopping by Pup Palooza for his first official campaign event. A Little River resident already garnering regional media buzz, Bodhi will be available for meet-and-greets, photos, and paw shakes, along with a sneak peek at plans for a July 5 election. The event benefits Mendocino Coast Humane Society (MCHS).

The following day, on Sunday, April 26, the Inn hosts the Mendocino Coast Humane Society’s Pink Party, a festive, 21+ fundraiser celebrating the organization’s animals, volunteers, and staff. Held in Little River Inn’s Abalone Room, the afternoon invites guests to don their best blush, fuchsia, and magenta attire for a lively program that includes a Wine & Wag opening reception with complimentary rosé tasting, mocktails, and passed bites, followed by a seated luncheon, live auction, raffles, and the event’s inaugural shelter dog fashion show. The celebration continues with music, social time, and bidding opportunities, with all proceeds supporting the Humane Society’s mission to provide essential care for Mendocino Coast animals and their owners. Admission includes appetizers, lunch, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages, with ticket tiers ranging from general admission to VIP seating. And with Little River Inn’s Pink Party Package, guests can stay on site and get two tickets to the event for the price of one.

Little River Inn is a family-owned favorite. Guests enjoy four-paw amenities like access to on-leash trails with bins and bags. Many pet-friendly rooms and cottages offer fetching Pacific views, fireplaces, hot tubs, stargazing kits, and other thoughtful touches that make any stay extra special.

Pup Palooza!

Little River Inn, 7901 CA-1, Little River, CA 95456

Saturday, April 25, 2026

11 am – 4 pm

Book here: https://www.littleriverinn.com/pup-palooza/

Call 888-INN-LOVE for more information

Mendocino Coast Humane Society’s Pink Party

Little River Inn, Abalone Room, 7901 CA-1, Little River, CA 95456

Sunday, April 26, 2026

11:30 am – 3:30 pm

Nestled in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, The Scott Resort & Spa is a vibrant desert retreat where historic charm meets modern design. Inspired by Mission Revival architecture, the colors and comforts of 1930s Havana, the elegant geometry of the Bauhaus, and the natural beauty of the Arizona desert, the resort offers a casual yet sophisticated escape. It’s become one of Scottsdale’s most photographed destinations, perfect for lifestyle, travel, and design storytelling. 

Guests can enjoy: 
Two sparkling pools—one with luxurious cabanas, the other with a soft sandy beach 
La Vidorra Spa—six private treatment rooms offering massages, facials, and body rituals 
The Canal Club—Latin- and Caribbean-inspired cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and curated live music 
Thoughtfully designed rooms and suites blending comfort, elegance, and Instagram-worthy details 
14,500 sq. ft. of indoor and 8,500 sq. ft. of outdoor event space 
Exclusive retail offerings, including The Scott custom scent and Salt River Shellac Society custom album. 

The Scott Resort & Spa is part of Marc & Rose Hospitality (https://marcandrosehospitality.com/), a collection of bespoke, locally rooted properties that celebrate design, culture, and curated experiences.

Marc & Rose properties include: 

The Scott Resort & Spa (https://www.thescottresort.com/) – Scottsdale, AZ: A chic escape in Scottsdale, Arizona — with Old Havana flair, lagoon-style pools, and The Canal Club — moments from Old Town Scottsdale. 
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa (https://www.arizonagrandresort.com/) – Phoenix, AZ: The ultimate playcation in Phoenix, Arizona — with all-suite stays, a 7-acre water park, championship golf, dining, and spa. 
High Country Motor Lodge (https://highcountrymotorlodge.com/) – Flagstaff, AZ: An alpine retreat in the heart of Flagstaff, Arizona — with mountain views, a Nordic Spa Experience, and après-adventure amenities.  
Casa Loma Beach Hotel (https://casalomalagunabeach.com/) – Laguna Beach, CA: Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, this Laguna Beach hideaway blends Mallorcan sophistication with panoramic Pacific views. 
Laguna Beach House (https://www.thelagunabeachhouse.com/) – Laguna Beach, CA: A relaxed surfer’s retreat with chic coastal décor and vintage touches – all just steps from the shoreline. 
La Playa Hotel (https://www.laplayahotel.com/) – Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA: A historic landmark featuring turn-of-the-century charm, premium Pacific views, and award-winning gardens. 
Hotel Carmel (https://thehotelcarmel.com/) – Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA: A quaint seaside cottage featuring a charming courtyard and delicious fare from local favorite, Brophy’s Tavern. 

Marc & Rose crafts spaces that feel both familiar and extraordinary, where thoughtful design, personalized hospitality, and a sense of community create lasting memories for every guest.

Anyone who has met me knows I love Montana. And I was an early adopter, buying a ski place there long before the pandemic and the series “Yellowstone” made Montana the “it” state. In fact, I have a dog named Montana, and my Airstream is permanently registered there….they do that kind of stuff.

I shot film in Montana and would have turned out a huckleberry-filled Christmas movie if Covid didn’t shut everything down….time to head back now that the food scene is more interesting than ever.

Bozeman

1. Blackbird Kitchen: Nominated for Outstanding Restaurant
2. Wild Crumb: Nominated for Outstanding Bakery
3. Shan (Jarrett Wrisley): Nominated for Best Chef – Mountain
4. Brett Evje and Michael Ochser: Outstanding Restaurateur J. W. Heist Steakhouse and Plonk.

While in Bozeman, try the new bathhouse and sauna experience at Umvelt or soak in the renovated Bozeman Hot Springs.

Missoula

1. Pangea (Brandon Cunningham): Nominated for Best Chef – Mountain. While you’re there, celebrate the 50^th anniversary of A River Runs Through It by exploring Missoula-based fly fishing shops like Blackfoot River Outfitters, or check out the new Missoula Art Museum exhibit highlighting Indigenous land stewardship and storytelling by Salish and Kootenai journalist and photographer Tailyr Irvine

Hamilton

1. Ember (Brandon Dearden): Nominated for Best Chef – Mountain. While you’re there, head south to ski powder at Lost Trail, which now offers RFID scanners.

Whitefish

1. Herb and Omni (Earl James Reynolds): Nominated for Best Chef – Mountain. While you’re there, head down the road to Blacktail Mountain Ski Area for small-town skiing.

Red Lodge

1. One Legged Magpie: Nominated for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program. While you’re there, stop by the Greycliff Mill for the iconic cheese cave.

Chotto Matte
50 O’Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94108

On Sunday, April 5, Chotto Matte will be offering their Terraza Brunch, featuring stand out menu items such as their Cornbread Madeleines, Aji Panca Shakshuka Tobanyaki, Karashi Su Miso Steak & Egg, and Wagyu Sliders. Their team will also be offering a complimentary Easter-themed ice cream sundae for children celebrating the holiday with their families. 

Reservations HERE 

Canela

2272 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114

Canela Bistro Bar is offering something truly special this Passover. From April 1 to April 9, Chef Mat Schuster draws from his Jewish heritage and Spanish culinary perspective to create a thoughtful four course menu at $69 per person, with the option to add an Argentinean grass fed bavette steak supplement. Highlights include a Passover plate, a symbolic dish central to the holiday, alongside matzo ball soup with Spanish paprika and grilled marinated chicken kebab, plus a specialty cocktail, The Burning Bush made with mezcal, Pedro Ximénez sherry, cinnamon, and chocolate bitters. Available to dine in and to go. 

RESERVATIONS | ORDER TO-GO 

The Vault Garden

Hop into Easter Sunday on April 5, 2026 with a festive three-course prix-fixe brunch at The Vault Garden. For $65 per person, plus a two-course Kids Menu for $25, enjoy brunch classics like Deviled Eggs with Bacon Crumble, Leek & Spinach Ricotta with Whipped Feta, Spring Vegetables, and Focaccia Croutons, and Carrot Cake with Candied Walnuts and Gingerbread Ice Cream. Celebrate spring with seasonal flavors, a beautiful garden setting, and a joyful atmosphere perfect for gathering with family and friends. Menu HERE; Reservations HERE

North Bay 

Silverado Resort

Make Easter Brunch an unforgettable part of your spring celebration, where delicious dishes and delightful moments await. Executive Chef Patrick Prager will prepare a mouth-watering menu featuring both sweet and savory items the entire family will enjoy. Live entertainment, Easter egg hunts, photos with the Easter Bunny, and kids’ activities make for a memorable celebration.

Live Entertainment 10:30 am – 3:30 pm

Two Easter Egg Hunts beginning at 11:00 am and again at 2:00 pm with an MC and Easter Bunny

Easter Bunny Photos 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Apr 5, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Silverado Ballroom & the Royal Oak Room in the Mansion

$105.00 Adults | $55.00 Kids Ages 5 – 12 | Plus tax and 18% gratuity

Little Saint

25 North St. Healdsburg, CA 95448

Celebrate Easter with Little Saint’s fully plant-based menu. Enjoy vegan riffs on brunch classics like the Lox Florentine with Spinach and Avocado Hollandaise or the Seasonal Quiche with Koginut Squash, Tofu, Feta, Spinach, and Salsa Verde, alongside a selection of cocktails, beer and wine, and non-alcoholic elixirs. Reservations HERE

Clementine

6526 Washington St. Yountville, CA 94599

Ring in the holiday with brunch on Clementine’s quaint outdoor patio. Executive Chef Rebecca Weitzman works closely with local farmers to spotlight the best seasonal produce available. Pulling from Mediterranean influences, the current brunch menu features dishes like the Arugula & Fennel Salad with Pecorino, Preserved Citrus, and Clementine Dressing, Shaved Brussel Sprouts & Smoky Prosciutto Flatbread with Pink Lady Apples, Rosemary, and Pt. Reyes Blue Cheese, and the Pear & Parsnip Pancakes with Toasted Pink Peppercorns and Thyme-Maple Syrup. Reservations HERE

Eight North

1374 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA

Eight North celebrates Easter Sunday with two classic holiday features from Chef Abby Burk, offered during brunch and dinner service alongside the full menu. Brunch will be served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with grilled asparagus and potato gratin, followed by dinner beginning at 5 p.m. with an Oak Grilled California Lamb Ribeye served with herbed farro, spring vegetable ragout, and rosemary jus. Available Sunday, April 5. Reservations HERE.

South Bay 

Eos & Nyx 

201 S. Second St. San Jose, CA 95113

Celebrate Easter brunch at Eos & Nyx with a lineup of nostalgic brunch items created to feel celebratory without being pretentious, offering something for everyone. Located in the heart of downtown San Jose, Eos & Nyx recently launched new brunch items for the spring season, including the Filipino Grand Slam (garlic rice, seared longanisa, fried eggs, spiced vinegar) and the Pipikaula Ribs (smoked pipikaula ribs, kimchi fried rice, sunny eggs, scallion). Reservations HERE

Adrestia 

TETRA Hotel 

400 West Java Drive, Sunnyvale 

Elevate your Easter Sunday at Adrestia! Gather your favorite people for a seasonal brunch experience featuring bottomless mimosas and a customizable Bloody Mary cart designed for the ultimate holiday toast. The celebration offers a springtime curated menu and a spirited Easter egg hunt for the little ones starting at 1:00 PM. From the first pour to the final find, it is the premier Silicon Valley destination for families and friends! Reservations available from 7:30am – 2pm under OpenTable Experiences 

Wild Onion Bistro & Bar

Hotel Citrine

750 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto

Celebrate the spring holiday at Wild Onion with a seasonal spread of brunch favorites, sweet treats, and spring-inspired cocktails. Under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Julie Cablay, the brunch menu at Wild Onion Bistro presents a sophisticated blend of California cuisine and modern comfort foods, featuring hyper-local ingredients sourced directly from the Bay Area’s premier farms and purveyors.

Reservations available from 11am – 2pm via OpenTable. 

Meyhouse 

Palo Alto and Sunnyvale, CA 

11:45 – 2:30pm 

Easter is a time for connection, and there is no better way to celebrate than by gathering around a table filled with the vibrant, sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean. This year, trade the traditional brunch for a feast at Meyhouse, where the spirit of the Turkish meyhane—a house of gathering and conversation—comes to life in the heart of Silicon Valley. Enjoy a menu of hot and cold meze, flatbreads, kebabs and other flavors from the grill alongside an extensive wine list, craft cocktails and Raki – a Turkish distilled spirit. Visit the website for reservations. 

Macarena

420 Ramona Street, Palo Alto, CA

Celebrate the flavors of Spain this Easter season at Macarena. In honor of International Paella Day (March 27), the restaurant will feature a lineup of special paellas all week leading up to Easter, highlighting traditional flavors with a creative touch like their indulgent Bone Marrow & Steak Tartare Paella. As part of Semana Santa (March 29 – April 5), guests can also enjoy a classic Spanish Easter dessert with a twist: Torrija en Cocotte. This comforting treat features toasted bread soaked in milk and cinnamon, caramelized to golden perfection and topped with vanilla ice cream, all served warm in a cocotte. $16. It will be a traditional and festive week of paella, tradition, and sweet celebration at Macarena.

RESERVATIONS

East Bay 

Public Market Emeryville

5959 Shellmound St, Emeryville CA 94608

Public Market Emeryville is celebrating Easter with a family friendly gathering designed for all ages. Guests can expect a visit from the Easter Bunny with photo opportunities, along with a lineup of festive, kid friendly activities. With its lively atmosphere and variety of vendors to explore, it’s an easy and fun destination for families looking to celebrate the holiday in the East Bay. Vendor offerings include everything from global bites and sweet treats to casual and shareable options, making it easy to find something for every taste. 

Though I’ve visited a number of Georgian wineries in the past, I’m grateful to the Khareba winery for including a pronunciation guide on the label for this white grape called krakhuna:“cra-who-nah.”

When first poured into a glass, you can see by its clear, medium-golden color that this is a white wine with some age on it. In fact, the winery advises ageing the wine for some time after it is released.

Over the eight years since this wine was made, it has developed in several ways. In addition to its color deepening, the wine has a hint of oxidation on the palate—which is not a terrible thing in my world. After it opens a bit in the glass, we get glimmers of dried stone fruit in the flavor.

Even today, the wine retains a hint of honey in its aroma which lifts the character of the wine, making it seem lighter and easier on the palate. It pairs well with fish, seafood and vegetable dishes.

WHO: Khareba Winery

WHAT: 100% krakhuna

WHERE: Imerti, Georgia

HOW MUCH: n/a

ABV: 12.5%

PAIRING: seafood, fish, vegetable dishes

We usually don’t profile events here on Palate Press, but when three events over three months in Sonoma County keep getting bigger and better, we owe it to our readers to let them know. These events are tried and true and not going anywhere. Your investment of time, money, and travel will be worth it. I guarantee you will taste and experience foods, wines, spirits, music and downright fun like you never imagined. We all hate the expression, but these events are “elevated” and they are proven winners.

Pigs and Pinot March 20-21, 2026

As the name implies, there will be pork, and there will be Pinot Noir. The weekend of incredible wine and creative nibbles, started by Healdsburg’s own celebrity chef, Charlie Palmer (Aureole, Charlie Palmer Steak, Dry Creek Kitchen, and more) is in its 19th year and just keeps getting more-faceted and creative.

Having been hosted at Dry Creek Kitchen until now, 2026 marks the first year of Pigs and Pinot at Charlie’s new resort in Healdsburg, Appellation. It also has a father-son chef twist with Charlie and his son, Reed Palmer, being joined by Wolfgang and Byron Puck, and Emeril and EJ Lagasse. This is chef succession planning at the highest level.

March 20-21 is a weekend of stunning Pinot Noirs that visitors, locals, and professionals alike await every year with anticipation. It’s a local wine festival where we locals party with our friends and meet other guests from around the world. My partner, a hospital pediatrician, loved his first year at Pigs and Pinot. He is working the day in San Francisco, driving to Healdsburg, and will be back at the hospital by 8 am the next day. It is that much fun. There are still tickets so act quickly, You will not regret it.

Dry Creek Valley Passport – April 24-26, 2026

I have been going to Passport for many years but kind of forgot about it the past few years. I live in Dry Creek Valley, known for fantastic Zinfandels, Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rhone varietals, so I kinda put the event on the back burner. Not anymore! New energy in the Dry Creek Valley Association means an exciting approach to a weekend event long-beloved for its access to vintners and winemakers, as well as the incredible food paired with the wines of Dry Creek Valley that just seem to get better and express more finesse each year.

I guarantee you will be impressed by the camaraderie among wineries, their approach to local produce and farm-to-table chefs, as well as the opportunity to experience an April weekend in this beautiful valley. Two days of exploring new wineries as well as the old favorites, which continue to reinvent the Dry Creek Valley experience.

Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience – May 14 – 17, 2026

This multi-day event is in its fifth year and is only growing in popularity. Star chefs, renowned winemakers and foodies from around the world come together in the charming village of Healdsburg to celebrate the year in culinary and beverage success – yes, there is beer and spirits!

Saturday’s Grand Tasting (12:00–4:00 p.m., with VIP early entry from 11:00
a.m.–12:00 p.m.) is the centerpiece. Featuring bites from nationally recognized chefs including Joe
Sasto, Nadia Caterina Munno “The Pasta Queen”, Viet Pham, Lee Anne Wong, and
Britt Rescigno, while more than 150 local and international wine producers pour
throughout the afternoon.

The Vintners Plaza Grand Tasting will showcase Willer Larreal of Sushi by Scratch
Restaurants; Jeffrey Lunak of Sumo Dog; Mark Stark and Chef David Zimmerman of
Stark Reality Restaurants featuring Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar; Todd Kneiss of Acme
Burger; Kris Austin of A&M BBQ; Dino Moniodis of Dino’s Greek; Carlos J. Mojica of
Guiso Latin Fusion; Jake Rand of Sushi Koko; Ari Weiswasser of Glen Ellen Star, Stella,
and Park Avenue Catering; and Sheana Davis of The Epicurean Connection.

Sonoma Sips: $15 Wine Tasting Specials

Your favorite Sonoma wine month is back: Sonoma Sips!

More than 50 Sonoma Valley wineries, restaurants, and hotels are offering special tastes for $15,

from February 15 to March 15, 2026.

How it works: choose a winery or tasting room below to visit. Most of them don’t require a reservation, but for best experience, feel free to make one or call ahead so they can be ready for you.

Make sure you tell them you are there for the Sonoma Sips campaign! The wine host will tell you about the offerings, and you can try some of the world-class Sonoma Valley wines.

The best part – if you like a taste, you have the opportunity to buy a few bottles, or even join their wine club to get access to special offers year-round.

Wineries are being added daily- check back often. But don’t wait too long – this is over on March 15!

View:

$15 Sips at Buena Vista Winery

• Buena Vista Winery

A flight of three wines and chocolate pairing: Sonoma Sips

• Imagery Estate Winery

Artisan wine tasting flight at St. Francis Winery

• St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

b wise and spend wisely with Sonoma Sips

• b. wise Vineyards

Bring the dog and sip 3 Lab Cab – Larson Winery’s Sonoma Sips

• Larson Family Winery

Bubbles and Fun at SIGH Sparkling Bar

• SIGH,
  SIGH

Capo Isetta Presents Three Wines for Sonoma Sips

• Capo Isetta

Chardonnay, Pinot or Cabernet: You Choose Your Sip at Sojourn

• Sojourn Cellars

Classic Sonoma Bar Tasting: Sonoma Sips of Four Varietals

• Cline Family Cellars

Cozy Up with Eric Ross

• Eric Ross Winery

Downtown Sonoma Flight: Sauv Blanc, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sips

• Enoteca Della Santina

Five wines at Corner 103 – Sonoma Sips

• Corner 103

Four Sonoma Sips at Vaughn Duffy in Kenwood

• Vaughn Duffy Wines

Free Tasting During Sonoma Sips – Meadowcroft Wines

• Meadowcroft Wines

Fulcrum’s Best Sips!

• Fulcrum Wines

Introductory Tasting at Bartholomew Estate with Sonoma Sips

• Bartholomew Estate Winery

Introductory Tasting at Laurel Glen with Sonoma Sips

• Laurel Glen Vineyard

La Dolce Vita! Sonoma Sips at Muscardini Cellars in Kenwood

• Muscardini Cellars

Mini Flight at Caddis Wines: Sonoma Sips

• Caddis Wines

Music, views and Sonoma Sips at B.R Cohn Winery

• B.R. Cohn Winery

Roche Tasting Room: Sonoma Sips

• Roche Winery Downtown

Scheme for some $15 Sonoma Sips at Grand Scheme Wines

• Grand Scheme Wines

Serene Sips at Annadel Estate

• Annadel Estate Winery

Sip & Bike with Sonoma Adventures – 20% off

• Sonoma Adventures – Bike Tours & Rentals