Business Beat for August 15, 2009

Magical Massage open in Glen Ellen

It’s not often you can get a massage in an old wine barrel, but now you can at Magical Massage and Inspirational Gallery in Glen Ellen.

Proprietors Carolyn Manzi and Martha Paul will be hosting a grand opening event on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2-6 p.m. at 14300 Arnold Drive, right across the street from Jack London Village. There will be wine, food, and a free raffle every hour for massages, facials and jewelry. Artist Erika Michelis will be leading guests in collage making, musician Michel Saga will be performing the French barrel organ, and Carmela Carlyle will offer “laughter yoga” from 5 to 6 p.m.

Magical Massage and Inspiration Gallery opened in late June, and Carolyn and Martha have been busy ever since offering a variety of massage, facial and wellness services. Special massage prices are going on through September, and those over 65 enjoy a permanent special massage price of $50 for an hour. Gift certificates are available.

A gallery is also part of Carolyn and Martha’s operation, which includes work from many local artists – jewelry, ceramic sculptures, bee products, collages, wine label art, pottery, photography, and more. There is also a bead shop where you can make your own bead art.

Magical Massage and Inspiration Gallery is open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call 225-2671.

Bee workshop at Kenwood Farmhouse

In honor of National Honeybee Awareness Day, Kenwood beekeeper Randy Sue Collins will lead a question and answer session on Aug. 22, 9 a.m. to noon. She will take you inside the beehive to meet our busy friends in order to better understand why the planet depends on their survival.

This event takes place at the Kenwood Farmhouse on Sonoma Highway, and will include a short walking tour to uncover several hidden beehives in the neighborhood – some wild, some not. Wear comfortable shoes.

Cost is $20 per person, and pre-registration is preferred. Register at Swede’s Feeds, 833-5050, or the Kenwood Farmhouse, 833-1212.

Aspen and Mike at the Kenwood Farmhouse want folks to know that there is space available in its co-op building. Come join a great group of local businesses at the Kenwood Farmhouse’s fantastic location on Sonoma Highway in the middle of Kenwood. Give a call to Aspen or Mike at 833-5050, or 833-1212.

Kudos for Bluegrass barbecue

The Bluegrass Bar and Grill was recently named the best place in the wine country for outstanding barbecue by the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. The restaurant is located in the Old Grist Mill at Jack London Village off of Arnold Drive in Glen Ellen. It opened in February, 2008, and has continued to garner fans and loyal patrons.

“When we opened the restaurant we wanted to offer our guests a menu that featured great barbecue, traditional comfort foods and some vegetarian entrees at affordable prices,” states Chris Kennedy, owner. “We keep things new and exciting by adding different daily comfort foods, a steak of the day, and special sandwiches and soup. Recently we started offering our guests options on portion sizes and several themed promotional meals. The “2 for $22” dinner, which is featured Tuesday through Thursday, has been a hit, especially with the local clientele. It includes a starter and an entrée. The “Fried Chicken Sunday” is a great family choice.”

For a complete view of the menu check the website, www.bluegrassbarandgrill.com.

Bluegrass Bar and Grill has the largest selection of bourbons and rye in the wine country. Renowned for its creative bar offerings, 40 bourbons and 10 rye whiskeys provide the base for a simple shot or the main ingredient to the many bourbon-based specialty cocktails with which the bartender can work his mixology magic.

Only the freshest of squeezed juices, berry purees and ingredients are used in drink recipes. Bluegrass Bar and Grill also offers several beers on tap, and has a versatile and creative wine list.

Last summer major repairs were done to the large grist mill water wheel. It took some creative Internet searching to find a replacement part for the ancient water wheel. Perseverance paid off and the wheel is now in full operation. Lucky patrons in the Bluegrass bar area can view the majestic wheel in operation as they sip their libation of choice.

Bluegrass Bar and Grill is open Tuesday through Fridays: Lunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner 5-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday open 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Closed Monday. For reservations call 707-935-4488.” Visit www.bluegrassbarandgrill.com for more information.

Annual Dinner Under the Stars at St. Francis

On Saturday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m., come to St. Francis Winery and enjoy a special food and wine dinner under the stars. This event is a perennial favorite with locals and visitors alike. Enjoy one of the year’s final, warm summer evenings under a magnificent Sonoma sky as you dine al fresco on the Syrah Patio.

St. Francis Winery Executive Chef David Bush’s superb wine and food tasting menu will only add to the evening’s sparkle. St. Francis Winery President Christopher Silva will be your host for the evening.

Reservations are required. Cost is $125 for the public, $99 for Wine Club members. Call 888-675-WINE, ext. 255, or email events@stfranciswinery.com. St. Francis Winery is located on Pythian Rd. at Sonoma Hwy. StFrancisWinery.com.

Do you have a new business? Is your current business embarking upon a new venture? We’d like to know! Send your business news to the Kenwood Press at info@kenwoodpress.com, or call 833-5155.