Petaluma Perspective by Houston Porter - July 2019
July starts with a bang in Petaluma, literally, with the
War Wagon BBQ is one of the food vendors that will be at the July 4 celebration. They popped up a few months ago, offering BBQ on various weekend days in front of Maselli & Sons and Traxxx but are expanding to cover more special events, as well as offering catering. I have included a few of their announcements in my Tip of My Tongue column in the Petaluma Argus-Courier but had not been able to try them until last weekend. As a certified BBQ judge as well as all-around food and beer judge, I eat a lot of BBQ and can attest that War Wagon is the real deal. The plate was $15 and included ribs, chicken, mac n cheese, and cowboy beans. The ribs were perfectly seasoned, the chicken was tender and smoky and the sides were spot on. I may head over to the fairgrounds to pick up some War Wagon BBQ to go to take back with me to enjoy while watching the fireworks from our regular spot on the west side. It is that good. For the upcoming schedule, ‘Like” their Facebook page, subscribe to the Petaluma Foodies Facebook group, or keep an eye out in my bi-weeklyTip of My Tongue column. For catering contact them at warwagonbbq@gmail.com or (951) 271-2862.
A Petaluma tradition don’t miss out on ringing the historic bell at the Petaluma Historic Library and Museum at the corner of 4th & B Streets on July 4. Festivities start in front of the Museum at roughly 10:30 a.m. with a proclamation and readings, followed by everyone getting to walk by and ring the bell, which I can’t remember exactly, but I believe was donated by one of our many past civic leaders.
Wicked Slush Petaluma has opened in American Alley, just behind Petaluma Pie and Helen Putnam Plaza in downtown. I have not yet been in but hear great things and know that people have been driving from miles around to visit their original location in Healdsburg.
The Art and Garden Festival will have everything you love about Petaluma on Sun, July 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., all in one place along the closed streets of downtown Petaluma. “Fine local crafters, artisans, gardeners, live music on two stages and an array of local wineries, breweries, restaurants & fine food purveyors will offer tastings. This event is free to attend, with Tasting Packages available to partake in all the great wine, craft beer, cocktails and food tasting. Not the typical street fair, vendors are handpicked quality vendors with creative home and garden décor, jewelry, arts and more. With 145 booths of unusual, unique, handmade items, this event has something for everyone’s taste and budget. Experts will be on hand from The Petaluma Garden Club and Sonoma County Master Gardeners to answer gardening questions. Figure out how to grow vegetables in tricky Petaluma adobe soil and what makes a garden organic.” This is another opportunity to War Wagon BBQ, as well other Petaluma favorites like Rosen’s 256 North, Gators, Gerard’s Paella, Penngrove Market, Stockhome Restaurant, Wine by the Slice, Mariposa Ice Creamery and so much more. Visit www.petalumadowntown.com for more info on bands and which breweries, wineries and distilleries will be present.
Speaking of Stockhome Restaurant, the folks at Michelin recently recognized the quality and value of their food with the Bib Gourmand award. This is the first new Bib Gourmand in Petaluma in quite a while and could not have been more appropriately awarded. We have actually been dining at Stockhome since before they officially opened and their food is spectacular, both to behold and to devour. They also put on phenomenal paired and special event dinners, with the next being a paired dinner with none other than Keller Estates on Tuesday, July 16. Their recent HenHouse Brewing saison paired dinner was one of the most thoughtful and flavorful beer-paired dinners we have ever attended and sold us on never missing another one of their special dinners again.www.stockhomerestaurant.com
Rivertown Revival rolls out along the Petaluma River on Sat, July 20, from noon to 9 p.m. This has become an iconic Petaluma event, ranking up there with Butter and Egg Days and American Graffiti. From great food to a plethora of great bands to activities for the kids, this is a fun and relaxing event. And don’t forget to participate or check out the Nautical Mass, which brings in floating craft of all shapes, sizes and colors. Visit www.rivertownrevival.com for more info on how to attend and how to participate.
Also put on the Downtown Association, the Great Summer Sidewalk Sale runs from Thu,July 25 through Sat, July 27 with all sorts of great sidewalk sales all around downtown.
TraveLuma is a new Facebook group created for Petalumans to both give and receive travel advice from other Petalumans. If you have an upcoming trip and want to know some of the insider’s secrets or have some travel experiences you’d like to share, please feel free to join the group.
