Top North Bay Places To Celebrate National Pancake Week
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National Pancake Week has origins linking to Easter, as the actual celebration day is Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Tuesday, Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday, the day preceding Ash Wednesday. Mainly observed in English-speaking countries, the tradition is to eat pancakes, as they are made from foods traditionally restricted during fasting for Lent. Variations on the holiday exist elsewhere and the Orthodox celebration lasts a week. In the US, Pancake Week has no religious connotation, and simply celebrates this popular food.
Flavor Bistro
96 Old Courthouse Square
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
(707) 573-9600
www.flavorbistro.com
Flavor, a French-style bistro that says it is celebrating Sonoma County, has a loyal customer following due to its diverse menu, fresh food and consistently friendly and excellent service. The breakfast menu served Wednesday through Sunday includes specialty dishes such as Irish oatmeal and breakfast pizza. Among its toasty offerings are yummy organic pancakes in flavors of blueberry, banana walnut and strawberry, in addition to traditional buttermilk. All pancakes are available in a single, short stack or full order.
The Crepevine
908 4th St.
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 257-8822
www.crepevine.com
The Crepevine is a well-established Bay Area chain known for being an inviting spot for families and friends to gather and enjoy fresh local favorites for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and anything in between. Breakfast and brunch are especially popular times at The Crepevine with a wide selection of items, including pancake favorites with a few tasty twists on the stack: buttermilk (extra for blueberry, banana, coconut or apple pie fillings), pumpkin and spice or Swedish oatmeal. An additional North Bay location is in Santa Rosa.
Related: Best Kids Restaurants In North Bay
The Big 3
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
100 Boyes Blvd.
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 938-9000
www.fairmont.com
Located on the north corner of The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, The Big 3 is one of wine country's favorite spots for pancakes. But the stacks here are no ordinary pancakes, not at all. Swanky Fairmont guests, locals and everyday tourists come crowding in for Big 3's signature lemon pancakes, loaded with real lemon juice, zest, whole eggs and gobs of cottage cheese in the mix. Garnished with crème fraiche, a slice of lemon twist and powdered sugar, you may swear you have reached nirvana.
Tea Room Café
316 Western Ave.
Petaluma, CA 94952
(707) 765-0199
www.tearoomcafe.com
The Tea Room Café has been a favorite in Petaluma since it opened 10 years ago. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus a bountiful Sunday brunch. Breakfast is a big draw here with the Café's many choice favorites, including a range of pancake selections. Pancakes include buttermilk, buckwheat and cornmeal, all with varied fruits, nuts and spices, plus heavenly sour cream pancakes, whose name simply says it all.
Related: Tour Bay Area Food Factories
Melanie Graysmith is a freelance writer and artist based in San Francisco. She writes on adult education, art and lifestyle topics, and enjoys writing short stories and poetry. Melanie is a member of an independent filmmaking group and aims to spin her stories into film.
