Gerard's Paella - A Sonoma County Food Legend
I just got home from the pre-grand opening celebration of the new Gerard's Paella restaurant opening in downtown Santa Rosa in late June. And I am stuffed!
Anyone working in the Sonoma wine industry KNOWS Gerard... Or food industry, or event planning, or weddings... Anything that requires feeding a lot of people. They are known for having the giant paella pans that are great for large events like Santa Rosa's Wednesday Night Market, or the Railroad Square Music Fest or (the first time I tried their veggie paella, at the Handcar Regatta that isn't around anymore).
"A Valencian rice dish that has ancient roots but its modern form originated in the mid-19th century in the area around Albufera lagoon on the east coast of Spain adjacent to the city of Valencia.[4] Many non-Spaniards view paella as Spain's national dish, but most Spaniards consider it to be a regional Valencian dish." via Wikapedia on Paella.
The former Arrigoni’s Deli space on Fourth Street has been transformed into the perfect central meeting location. For anyone who works in downtown Santa Rosa they can quickly grab some lunch (thankfully they have perfected the method of getting their paella out quickly for the lunch crowd).
Dinner service is expected to be a bit slower so people can take their time, enjoy some tapas and grab a glass of sangria. I cannot wait to bring my husband back for a glass of sangria!
On a side note.. I could EASILY get into some trouble here. The food is all TOO GOOD. I definetly recommend sharing.
