Speaking of Stella's...I went there when it was Topols, and one of the best things about it were the bats that would come out at dusk. They lived in the rafters of the winery right by the restaurant. Actually, it doesn't sound so cool now that I'm writing it, but it's not like they swooped down on your meal or anything. You'd barely even notice them if you didn't know to look. But if you did look--it was very cool. Plus, you could dine out on the patio without ever worrying about mosquitoes and other bugs. But, I haven't been there since the place reopened as Stella's . Does anyone know if the bats are still there?

Glendi sounds great! So, which day should we go? I'm open to either.

I called Aram's and the waitress said that the lamb shawarma is served with a sauce very similar to tzatziki--that was my biggest concern. You can get it all day Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Yeah!!! Thanks for your help everyone. I sense my gyro quest will be a success.

Oh, too bad about Papa's. But, good for Arams!
How similar is the Lebanese version to the Greek gyro?

Duh...I completely forgot. There's Papa's Taverna in Petaluma. Not Santa Rosa, but close enough at this point. I haven't been there for a long time, but 5 years ago I enjoyed it. Plus, they had live music and folk dancing and belly dancers on the weekends. Has anyone been there recently??
5688 Lakeville Hwy., Petaluma.
707.769.8545.

I agree with the serious lack... And the great gyro quest continues...I heard that the owner of the late Anatolia restaurant in Santa Rosa also owns the Redwood Cafe in Cotati and there was some hope that he might have started serving his gyros in Cotati. But, I called and no luck. I also heard that Sonoma Coffee Co. on 4th St. in Santa Rosa is now serving gyros. But, I called and they use the pre-made strips and I don't like those as much. (But, the supervisor there said that they make them very well and if someone doesn't like them, they don't pay.)

So, it seems like I'll have to hold out for a month to get a gyro fix at the Glendi Festival, Sept. 15 and 16 (I' think they use the rotisserie and not the strips). I checked the website and there's going to be an Eritrean booth at the festival as well. I wonder if they're the same folks who opened up the restaurant next to Pho Vietnam.

http://www.glendi.net/main.html

I've gotta agree. There's so much awful hippie food around, it's really hard to pick the worst. But no, I haven't had much luck with East West Cafe. On the other hand, I've had good luck with Eat_Nopal's reporting, so, I'll probably give the falafel a try. Plus, I've been craving falafels and gyros. Any suggestions for good gyros in Santa Rosa?

I've only been to one of the three: Sakura. Hmm...do I like it or hate it? First of all, I don't think you can really, with a straight face, call it Japanese cuisine. Perhaps it's "sushi-inspired" dining? Think, big portions with lots of mayo. With that said, there is something appealing about the place. (Well, it's probably the big portions and lots of mayo that I find appealing.) Sometimes I'm just not in the mood for subtle, delicate, delicious meals. Sometimes I want a McDonalds supersized version of Japanese food. And at times like that, Sakura hits the spot. Plus, it has got to be the kitschiest restaurant in town with lots of pinks and lights and Pokemon. Yet, it's rather endearing.

Thanks for the info on Fresh China. China Room is my favorite in Santa Rosa, but now I'm looking forward to trying this one. How long have they been around?

No way! All this time I've been wondering where to get good calamari and it's down the street from me. Thanks!
Also, kare_raisu, I tried to send you an email at the address you have up on your profile. Did you get it? If not, email me at InatGirl(at)yahoo(dot)com. Thanks.

I have a confession: I'm more of a fruitie than I am a foodie. And as great as the meal was at La Texanita, the one item I can't get out of my mind are the plums that Stephanie brought to share. She had picked them from the tree earlier in the day and they were AMAZING. She said they smelled like perfume when you bite into them, and, sure enough, that is the best way to describe them: like this amazing, sweet yet fresh and bright perfume. Stephanie, could you please, please, please find out what variety those are? I must find more!!!

I remember reading quite a while back (a month?) about a possible Santa Rosa get together. (I've been reading the board for a while, but I just started posting.) I think Eat Nopal started the discussion. Did anything ever happen with that? I also remember that the Chowhound team wrote something about not using the boards to discuss the details of such plans. So if anyone has any info., I'd appreciate it if someone could contact me at inatgirl@yahoo.com Thank you!

Tierra Vegetables has a farm stand off Airport Blvd. between 101 and Fulton. It's owned by a very cool brother and sister team who are "true believers," if you know what I mean. They just seem really honest and to truly believe in organic and sustainable farming. They're famous for their chipotle but they grow all kinds of great fruit and veggies as well.

I haven't had good luck with Flavor. The last time I went, I received incredibly awful service and never went back. Also, it's very loud--not in a fun way, just a stressful way.
Right next door to Flavor is Cafe Japan which is wonderful, but it's quite small. As mentioned, Tex Wasabi's, across 4th Street, is a lot of fun. It's loud too but in an endearingly obnoxious way. Not great food, but fine.. I've also heard good things about Bruno's.

You could try Cafe Citti on Hwy. 12 in Kenwood. Great Italian food, fun atmosphere, patio seating.