California’s 6th Annual Artisan Cheese Festival

Posted on February 18, 2012 by marthaoh

Petaluma, CA is home to the 6th Annual Artisan Cheese Festival coming up on March 23-25, 2012. The promise of learning, tasting, meeting and enjoying all things cheese is right around the corner.

A list of this year’s participants shows some newcomers and even a new Tour called “Artisan Cheese Loves Craft Beer – Brewery Tour and Cheese Inspired Dinner with Beers to Complement.” And not just any beer, Petaluma’s own, Lagunitas Brewery is partnering with Chef Danny Mai of Petaluma Sheraton’s Tolay Restaurant. At this writing, tickets are still available for the Lagunitas tour and pairing but other seminars and tours appear to be sold out. Look for the full list of seminars and tours available so you don’t miss out.
Cheeselovers are sure to find something amazing at Sunday’s Artisan Cheese Tasting and Marketplace. Tickets are $45 and include admission, access to chef demos and author book signings, the coveted ACF insulated cheese tote bag and a festival wine glass. If you haven’t attended, you should. Where can you find so many artisan cheeses, breweries and handcrafted delights all in one place, all in one fun filled weekend? Petaluma, CA, March 22-25. Dont’ miss it. I know I won’t!

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Petaluma Proud! Petaluma Lovers, Gifts for Everyone on Your List

Posted on December 21, 2011 by marthaoh

Tuscan Garden Tee Shirt Petaluma CaliforniaHere it comes, that crushing week when Christmas and Hannukah are upon us. The Holidays are a great time to visit with friends and family but they sometimes pose the problem of gift giving. Are you still wondering what to get your mother, cousin, kids, hostess, or that tough-to-please friend on your list? Join the rest of the Petalumans that are scratching their heads with that dilemma right now. There’s always someone that is tough to buy for and sometimes all they need is a little hometown pride in their life. We all love where we live– Petaluma, CA and the holidays are a great time to show our friends and families who love it here too.
I volunteer at the Petaluma Visitor’s Center and one of the most frequently asked questions by locals and visitors alike is, “Where can I find Petaluma branded items?” I wanted to dig a bit deeper than your standard logo tee shirts so I went looking and discovered there are lots possibilities for the Petaluma Lover on your list. Everything from sterling and gold pendants, travel coffee mugs, tea towels, vintage note cards, letterpress cards and even hot sauces made right here in Petaluma. There are vintage Butter and Egg Day Parade posters and a coffee table book about the history of Petaluma. And of course, tee shirts, sweatshirts/hoodies and hats. Below is a list of places I’ve found with Petaluma items. So head out and get something that makes you Petaluma Proud.

Did I miss some? Let me know!
Tuscan Gardens A Wide Assortment of Tee Shirt Styles and Hoodies.
J. Solar Fine Jewelry Sterling and Gold Petaluma Pendants
Petaluma Visitor’s Center Vintage Butter and Egg Days Posters and Note Cards
Haus Fortuna Petaluma Coffee Table Book, Vintage Note Cards
Sonoma Coast Surf Shop Very Cool Tees and Sweatshirts Complete with Chicken Logo!
Paperwhite Letterpress Commemorative Posters for Butter and Egg Days, Petaluma Note Cards and Buttons
Petaluma Market Carrying Lots of Petaluma Based Brands including Cowgirl Creamery Cheeses and Lagunitas Beer
Rex Ace Hardware, 313 B Street, Petaluma Carries a Variety of Tea Towels, Hats and Travel Coffee Mugs.

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Lucky to Live in Sonoma County, California

Posted on October 26, 2011 by marthaoh

Armstrong Woods, Guerneville California, Sonoma County

As if we didn’t know it already, we live in one of the most incredible places on earth. This week alone, both National Geographic and the New York Times confirmed it…again.
From the Redwoods at Armstrong Woods in Guerneville, to the hundreds of wineries, to the superior antiquing in Historic Downtown Petaluma, your visit here will delight everyone. Foodies and oenophiles alike will find a wide variety of farm fresh fare, artisan producers of cheese, wine, and Michelin rated restaurants. All in the Sonoma County laid back atmosphere. Leave your neckties at home and come join us in paradise.

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Prepare for Earthquakes and Other Disasters– Now is the Time

Posted on October 11, 2011 by marthaoh

I’ve been thinking about earthquake preparedness. How long do we have to live in earthquake country until we finally get it together? Have you made a plan, prepped your kits, gathered your supplies? Just when will you have the discussion with your spouse, kids, neighbors about your plan? Do you care for an elderly parent or someone with special needs? Do you have pets? Have you planned for their exit strategy? Do you know how to turn off your gas? Do you have the tool handy to do so? I know I’m guilty of having little or none of those things prepared.
I’ve been looking for a comprehensive to do list and a place to go that has all the information. The following is a great site and addresses all types of disasters. It’s clean and simple to use. It’s specific to San Francisco but has all the information here and more. It’s called 72 hours.org, referring to the amount of time one should expect to have no services at all. Just think 72 hours. We’re pretty spoiled so I know that’s tough to imagine, but I for one intend to get prepared now.
Whew, it’s tiring just thinking about it, but let’s not wait until April, Earthquake preparedness month. The time to do it is now.
Really, it’s not quite Halloween, and the holidays haven’t come crashing down upon us yet. So let’s agree to make get this off the list by the end of the month. I know I’ll feel better– how about you? Let me know when you’ve made some progress on your kits, plans, strategy and I’ll do the same.

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It’s Not Too Late, Taste of Petaluma Tix Still Available

Posted on August 27, 2011 by marthaoh

The Sixth Annual Taste of Petaluma is happening right now! Choose the galleries, retailers and restaurants on the downtown circuit and enjoy the culinary wonders of Petaluma. Retailers have partnered with food, wine and beer purveyors to strut their stuff. I had a chance to sample some of what we’re about to experience today recently and the pastrami sandwich at Riverside Bistro (pictured) was by far the best pastrami sandwich I’ve had in my 30 years in California. I’m definitely going to head there this afternoon.
My first stop will be Pelican Art Gallery to sample award winners Della Fattoria Breads, Cowgirl Creamery Cheese and Petaluma newcomers Lydia’s Lovin’ Foods and Katarina Wines. All that yumminess in one spot. See you there!

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Your Lucky Day! August 27th, 2011 6th Annual Taste of Petaluma

Posted on August 20, 2011 by marthaoh

If you love food, wine, music and our local Petaluma culture, then the 6th Annual ‘Taste of Petaluma’ is right up your alley. This event showcases local restaurants’ signature dishes prepared at their venue, or paired with retailers, art galleries and antique dealers at their locations.
If you’re a creature of habit like I am, you tend to gravitate toward familiar restaurants. There’s only so much time and money one can devote to ‘eating out’ and you end up at the same few spots. Here’s your chance to branch out and try multiple hot spots in one fell swoop against the backdrop of Petaluma’s Historic Downtown.
Pulled Pork Slider Participating restaurants will be serving menu favorites and treating guests to everything from Pulled Pork to Pizza, High Tea to Hot Dogs. I recently had the opportunity to sample some of the delicious tastes of Petaluma and not only did it make me realize that I’ve been in a restaurant rut, but it reinforced what I already knew– we have GREAT places to eat in our little town.
We started at Cordoza’s Deli-Cafe where I enjoyed a pulled pork slider with homemade slaw and bbq sauce. At Wild Goat Bistro we were presented with a trio of gorgeous pizzas. My favorite was “That’s a Meatball Pizza”.
Sugo strutted their stuff with an amazing Espresso Chocolate Mousse in a handmade cone topped with hazelnut whipped cream. Uh, yeah… hard to hate that….! We wandered to Jaqueline’s High Tea on Western Ave and sipped a select few of their 70+ tea varieties.
The complete list of participants and pairings can be found at “Taste of Petaluma” All proceeds benefit Cinnabar Theater So get your tickets in advance and start planning your culinary route. Not sure how you will decide what to eat and drink at the 6th Annual Taste of Petauma but maybe you can think about that while you are at the gym this week. See you there!
Next up– Food and Wine Pairings at Art Galleries and Retailers. What’s on your list for this year’s Taste of Petaluma?

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Are you thinking of living in Petaluma California? You should!

Posted on August 14, 2011 by marthaoh

Petaluma River, Petaluma CA

Some time ago I was asked to write about Petaluma, California, my home for the past eleven years, from a Realtor’s perspective. There were plenty of questions to guide the format; population statistics, school information, taxes, environmental awareness, etc. What I most wanted to get across was Petaluma is still a small town with a big heart and it’s close to a world class city– San Francisco.
Today I held an open house in one of the late 1800′s Victorian homes I describe in the blog. I had so many folks come through this amazing Victorian home and was repeatedly asked about our town. Here’s my best synopsis yet on Dale Siegel’s Blog Petaluma Life and Real Estate . Enjoy the read and come see for yourself. Petaluma is lovely.

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Up Next, Taste of Petaluma, August 27

Posted on August 14, 2011 by marthaoh

Not a week goes by in Petaluma, CA without a great event to celebrate. Mark your calendars for August 27th, when Petaluma celebrates the 6th Annual ‘Taste of Petaluma,’ benefiting Cinnabar Theater.  I’ve often talked about how great our town is from a food perspective and this event might just be the crown jewel, pairing Restaurants, Caterers, Art Galleries, Breweries, Retailers, and Wineries.

The organizers invite you to stroll around downtown Petaluma and embark on a culinary journey of Petaluma’s finest food and spirit purveyors while enjoying the unique galleries and shops. This year cross the footbridge to the Golden Eagle Center and be sure to include the Theatre District too. Tickets are on sale now for $35 at Haus Fortuna, Gallery One and Pelican Art, Cinnabar Theater and on the Taste of Petaluma website. Tickets will also be available on the 27th for $40 at the event.

Ticket Package Includes:
• Book of 10 dine-around tickets – One sampling item per ticket. You can purchase more tickets throughout the day for $4 each.
• Street Map of sampling locations
• Menu of food and special events offered by participants
• Taste of Petaluma tote bag to first 500 guests

Guests are welcome to bring their own wine glass or beer tasting glass and no alcohol is permitted in the streets.
Last week, I was invited to join some folks on a ‘Mini Taste’ to get an idea of what the event will offer. Stay tuned for my report on the delicious tastes of Petaluma you’ll find on August 27th. For now, get your tickets and tell your friends.

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Open Today 2-4PM, Petaluma’s Real Estate Grand Dame, 331 Sunnyslope

Posted on August 14, 2011 by marthaoh

331 Sunnyslope Ave, Petaluma CA Brochure

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Martha’s Social Media Synopsis

Posted on July 26, 2011 by marthaoh

I’m starting something new to help save time from scrolling through Facebook and Twitter. Grouped together for easy access, here’s a look at my Facebook & Twitter posts from last week.

Good info on #UniversalDesign – “Lighting” is an aspect often overlooked. http://bit.ly/rfL5ip

Petaluma Real Estate is “in the know”. The “Tiny House Movement” is BIG & you can get one in PTown. Little House on the Trailer located on Petaluma Blvd. has customized Home Care Cottages equipped with Univeral Design.

Home Care Cottages « Little House on the Trailer
littlehouseonthetrailer.com

Just saw this and thought it might be of interest to a few, well…MANY people. This weekend in Petaluma, learn all about post dinner “spirits”

Sonoma Valley Portworks
www.portworks.com

Yet another thing to save for, albeit a worthy cause. Taking care of our aging parents isn’t something to think about “later”. Here’s why.

Family Caregivng Costs Exceed Wal-Mart Revenues
blog.aarp.org

It’s one of the best tickets in PTown!! This year they’ve added an afterparty! Get tickets here: Party http://p0.vresp.com/t6VHb4 #vr4smallbiz

Petaluma Music Festival, Saturday, August 6, 2011
www.petalumamusicfestival.org

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