BiteClub: New barbecue spot, churro croissants and Bib Gourmands

Churro and pretzel croissants, what? Napa-based Sweet Pea Bakeshop is expanding to Sonoma, anticipating a Dec. 1 opening with mini churro croissants for the first 50 customers. Imagine the lush butteriness of a croissant crusted with cinnamon sugar and chocolate drizzle. And that’s just the start. They’ve also got plenty of other sweet goodies like seasonal scones, sticky buns, English muffins, blondies, cakes, French macarons, caneles, hand pies, fresh bread and cakes. New mamas take note: They’ve even got “lactation cookies” with nutrients like flax and brewer’s yeast. Look for them at 720 E. Napa St., Sonoma, sweetpeanapa.com.

Also in Sonoma, Frenchie has opened on the square, featuring pick-up and picnic provisions for the tasteful. Weekly dinner menus include dishes like carnitas tostadas, lemon-roasted salmon and beef curry with jasmine rice that are ready to heat and serve. They’ll also have soups, sandwiches, wine and beer to go, tasty condiments and local cheeses. We love the idea of stopping by for a quick hostess gift as well. ?521 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-343-7559, frenchiesonoma.com.

Petaluma’s newest restaurant, Butcher Crown Roadhouse, is already selling out its preview dinners, and after looking at the menu, we can see why. With a focus on barbecued meats, owner Pete Schell is working with chef Christopher Gutierrez on an opening menu that takes inspiration from Mexican street food, Cuban, Brazilian and Peruvian classics along with American barbecue standards. Take these tasty sample dishes for a spin: Papas Fritas (fried potatoes) with Thistle Meats chorizo, cilantro aioli, salsa and San Geronimo cheese; lemon-cured tuna with leche de tigre; hearts of palm salad with heirloom tomatoes, shallots, mint, fromage blanc and lime vinaigrette; conchinita pibil tacos on house-made tortillas; a brisket burger; Cuban mojo pork sandwich; Piri Piri chicken, braised short rips with red kuri pumpkin; grilled plantains, arroz con leche and ember roasted pumpkin pie. Oh my. They’ll host an official grand opening on Nov. 30. 1905 Bodega Ave., Petaluma, 707-559-3735, butchercrown.com.

Bib Gourmands announced: Wine Country got three new nods, as Michelin’s 2019 SF Bay Area Bib Gourmand winners were announced today, signaling the start of the awards season for restaurants.

Local newcomers this year are El Molino Central in Sonoma, along with Gran Electrica in Napa, and Ciccio in Yountville. In all, 68 restaurants were tapped by Michelin inspectors as high-quality food with good value. According to their rubric, the menu must allow for two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less. Excuse us while we snicker, because that’s a tall order pretty much anywhere in the Bay Area, and I’d say a few spots on the list were a stretch.

The list encompasses the North, South and East Bay as well as the Peninsula with ?68 total restaurants announced as SF Bay Area Bib Gourmands this year (up from 67).

Other Sonoma County restaurants on the list which all received Bib Gourmands last year are: Forestville’s Backyard Restaurant; Bravas Bar de Tapas, Shed Cafe and Chalkboard bistro in Healdsburg; Diavola in Geyserville; Glen Ellen Star in Glen Ellen; Ramen Gaijin in Sebastopol; and Risibisi in Petaluma. In Napa, Cook St. Helena, Grace’s Table, Farmstead, Oenotri, Redd Wood and Two Birds/One Stone once again noted.

Bib Gourmands are a precursor to the announcement of Michelin Star award winners in the Bay Area, which will take place on Nov. 29.

Longtime Bib Gourmand award winner Monti’s, in Santa Rosa, fell off this year’s list along with Aina, Brown Sugar Kitchen, Kappou Gomi, Michel Bistro, Sir & Star and Tacos Sinaloa. See all the winners at sonomamag.com/biteclub.