Monte Rio: Valentine's Celebrations

Boy was that some incredible storms we had! I don’t think we will hear the “draught” word any more! This month brings us Groundhog Day on the 2nd, Valentine’s day on the 14th, Presidents Day is on Monday the 15th which celebrates Lincoln’s birthday which occurs on the 12th and Washington’s birthday which occurs on the 22nd, because that is way more convenient---didn’t you know. Ash Wednesday is on the 17th and then onto Lent!

The Village Inn has all kinds of things happening this month! First of all they will be celebrating Valentines Day for 3 days! Starting on Friday, Feb. 12 until Sunday, Feb. 14, when you make your reservations for dinner just mention that you are celebrating Valentines Day. Not only will you receive a complimentary glass of champagne but also your table will be decorated for Valentines Day! Also don’t forget that all lodging is 50% off for your guests, just mention that you are a local! They are also making Pizzas to go! It is a nice 15” pizza with 1 to 4 toppings---just call, order, and pick it up! They will also be doing smaller pizzas for the restaurant appetizer list! The Winemaker Dinners will begin again starting on Sunday Feb 28, with Wild Hog Vineyards. The next will be March 14 with Quivira, March 28 will feature J. Rickards Winery. These dinners get sold out very quickly so make your reservations by calling the Village Inn (865-2304). The cost of $48 includes your meal, wine, tax and tip---what a fun way to spend an evening!

The Rio Villa is also offering a February special that is really fun! If you are looking for someplace to relax for several days, this is the spot because the longer you stay the more money you save! They are celebrating February has $28 days! Just stay 2 or more nights, the first night is at full price and the remainder of your weekday nights (Monday–Thursday) are just $28 per night! Offer is good all of February; just mention “28 days”! Now that’s a great deal! Check out their website for more spectacular specials---riovilla.com.

Don’t forget to stop by Don’s Dogs Café for a fabulous breakfast burrito, buckwheat pancakes with sausage, pulled pork sandwich, or his amazing Cuban sandwich---and of course all the different and delicious Don’s Dogs! We have just printed up a great menu, so stop by and grab one---I guarantee you will be amazed!

Also, I am sure that you have noticed that Les Jummels has moved to Guerneville leaving the restaurant empty---but not for long! I spoke with the new ladies that will be re-opening the restaurant very soon. They have been in there cleaning, fixing and cleaning some more and plan to open hopefully sometime in February. They want to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner and do plan to have things like a pot roast special for just $9.95. They are working on a new name for the restaurant---one idea is the Drunken Robin---after the robins that come and eat the piracantha berries and get drunk. One of the new owners, Felice Angel, tells me that it was her mother’s dream to run this particular restaurant, so she has decided to do it in her honor. Felice says she is a published author and comes from Occidental. We wish them the best of everything in their new venture and welcome them to our little town.

Finally, just a mention---the Monte Rio Watch Group will be hosting a very important community meeting on March 29, call Dawn Bell at 865-9956 for information and times.