Hours: Mon-Sat 7am to 6pm - Sun 8am to 5pm
1190 East Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95476
To begin with, I'd like to introduce myself as a proud resident and entrepreneur in Sonoma. I am passionate about the beauty of the area, the kindness of the people, and the exquisite elements produced in Sonoma that make the quality of life here so wonderful. I bring that passion into the businesses I have created: Sonoma's Best, and the adjoining cottages, Les Petites Maisons. Both of these ventures have been labors of love, and I emphasize both of those words!
When my husband and I purchased the properties, they were in a serious state of disrepair, but we saw huge potential. The store was a time-worn building built in 1913 that had operated for decades as the Von Sydow Deli. Both the store and the 4 cottages required extensive work, and we spent four years restoring them and creating a place of beauty, tranquility, and taste.
In February 2007, the cottages were selected by Sunset magazine as one of the top 10 most romantic getaways in the West, including Hawaii, and there's good reason why. Each cottage has a living room, bedroom and fully-equipped kitchen with every appliance necessary to enjoy creating delicacies with fresh local products -- your own gourmet experience at your fingertips. Each cottage sits behind its own Provence wall, has its own gas BBQ grill, 2 bicycles and shares the use of a lovely garden with a fountain and rose beds. And all of the cottages sit behind an electric gate, providing guests with total privacy and security.
The old-fashioned landmark store, Sonoma's Best, which sits in the front of the cottage retreat property, offers food products for which the County of Sonoma is famous - artisanal cheeses, salads and soups, tamales, charcuterie, pastries and ice cream - along with exquisite Blue Bottle Coffee.
Of all the places I have visited in the world, none has captured my heart like Sonoma...or, my husband, Tom.
Tom is fast becoming a well appreciated and fascinating character here in Sonoma. His charm, charisma, quick wit, and broad knowledge in a multitude of areas provide for endless and effortless entertainment. We've been married for 22 years, now, and he never ceases to amaze me.
As I write this, I am still amazed. Here are some of his accomplishments; they describe him; the passion for learning, for hard work, for travel, and an entrepreneurial drive with a humanistic base.
• Postal Carrier while attending college night classes.
• Enlisted in the U.S. Army - Attended Army Language School in Monterey, CA and learned Chinese Mandarin.
• Tom was stationed at Two Rock Ranch Station (Sonoma County) and drank every place Jack London drank. This is when he fell in love with The Valley of the Moon (Sonoma).
• Obtained a Teaching Credential
• Taught English and Journalism at Antelope Valley High School in Lancaster, CA - He was also the Tennis Coach.
• Taught English at Los Altos High School.
• Formed a student travel company named Geotrek.
• Ran an adult travel company for continuing education, principally to Europe while attending law school at Night School.
• Began practicing law in 1980 and was a principal partner of Jenkins & Mulligan in San Francisco.
That describes only part of who my husband is. Tom is also a gourmet cook. He taught himself to cook, as a way of wooing me! I will never forget this: when we had been dating for only a few weeks, he showed up at my doorstep with a bag of groceries, and made a delicious Fettuccine Alfredo to impress me. It worked!
He has an indomitable, adventurous spirit, and he still cooks amazing meals for me.
I'm proud of him. He's also a pretty good best friend. Come in and meet him over a beer or some wine tasting.You'll be glad you did. But be prepared for some "straight-faced" hysterically funny conversation!
Yep, we're here to stay. Please come visit us, and Indulge Yourself - Sonoma Style!