Business Beat for December 15, 2009

Get a “Big Deal” at Glen Ellen Inn

You deserve it; you deserve “The Big Deal” at the Glen Ellen Inn Oyster Grill & Martini Bar in Glen Ellen.

In addition to the regular a la carte menu, the restaurant will offer “The Big Deal,” a four-course menu for just $26.95, and $29.95 on Friday and Saturday nights.

The “Big Deal” menu will be offered nightly, and will change weekly. A sample menu is French onion soup, warm spinach salad with pancetta vinaigrette, egg, pickled onions, and garlic croutons, petite New York steak with caramelized shallot brandy sauce, cambozola mashed potatoes, and cinnamon crme brulee infused with orange cognac.

“The Big Deal” is available Dec. 7 through Feb. 28 only (but it is not available Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, or Valentine’s Day).

Make your reservations now to take advantage of this great deal known as “The Big Deal.” The Glen Ellen Inn is located at 13670 Arnold Drive in Glen Ellen. Email geichef@aol.com to reserve a space, call 996-6409, or just stop in.

VOM Villages Association holiday events

Everyone is welcome to come to Jack London Village for a special Valley of the Moon Villages Association holiday celebration on Saturday, Dec. 19, 12-5 p.m.

There will be music, artisan food tasting, wine tasting, holiday shopping, kid’s crafts and activities, and a food drive for Food For Thought. Santa will be on hand from 2:30-4:30 p.m., and there will be tree lighting and caroling at 4:30 p.m.

For more information go to www.valleyofthemoonvillages.com, or call Kristi at 322-6920.

The Association is also offering local residents a special opportunity. Go to www.valleyofthemoonvillages.com and download your Valley of the Moon Villages Passport. You will receive one free gift from businesses like Olive & Vine, Raymond & Company Cheesemongers, Vita Bella and more.

Then go shopping in Glen Ellen and Kenwood. You can avoid the crush of the malls while finding that one-of-a-kind gift for that one-of-a-kind person. Finding gifts, wine, or just enjoying a bite to eat at one of the many fine local restaurants – you can’t go wrong by staying in Glen Ellen or Kenwood.

Quarryhill wreath-making workshop

Quarryhill Botanical Garden in Glen Ellen will hold a holiday herbal gift-making class on Dec. 16, 4:30-7 p.m. This workshop will be taught by Liz Landreth. The class size is small so you will have plenty of time to complete your gifts. This hands-on workshop will have you whipping up fragrant bath and savory kitchen concoctions in no time. Participants in the last workshop were impressed that they were able to make practical gifts that everyone on their gift list would appreciate. The fee includes take-home gifts, recipes and instructions. Space is limited and your reservation must be confirmed to attend. The cost is $35 for non-members and $30 for members. There will be light refreshments served.

Items you will make include moisturizing lip balm, invigorating bath salts, rosemary and garlic infused oil and vinegar, and bouquet de garni.

To sign up, call 996-3166, or email info@quarryhillbg.org.

Gingerbread winery contest

Visit local Sonoma Valley wineries participating in the third annual Gingerbread Winery Contest.

Professionals and amateurs are producing great likenesses of their wineries which will be on display in the tasting rooms. While you’re there, try some local wines and pick up some gifts for the holidays. And don’t forget to vote for your favorite gingerbread winery.

There are many participating wineries in Sonoma Valley, but the ones in Glen Ellen and Kenwood are Arrowood Vineyards & Winery, Chateau St. Jean, Kenwood Vineyards, Landmark Vineyards, and Little Vineyards Family Winery.

For the full list, go to www.sonomavalleywine.com.

Great gift ideas at Magical Massage

Looking for something special for the holidays? Magical Massage & Inspiration Gallery in Glen Ellen has some great ideas. How about a gift certificate for a massage and/or facial? There’s also an introductory couples massage special of a one-hour massage for two people for $100. Also a half-hour organic facial and full body massage for only $100.

Magical Massage & Inspiration Gallery also offers a wide variety of art, jewelry and furniture. Until Dec. 24, you can get 20 percent off all gallery items, including the popular Sonoma Lavender products.

Magical Massage & Inspiration Gallery is located at 14300 Arnold Dr. in Glen Ellen. For more information, go to www.magicalmassagesonoma.com, or call 225-2671.

Kenwood artist shows in Sonoma

Kenwood artist and resident Randy Sue Collins will be showing her artwork at Raindance Spa in The Lodge at Sonoma for the rest of December and January. The Lodge is located at 1325 Broadway in Sonoma. Locals will get 20 percent off spa services during the week.

She is also currently part of a group exhibit at the Sunflower Café in Sonoma, 421 First St. West.

For more information about Randy Sue and her art, go to thanknature.com/Artwork.html.

Chamber’s State of the Valley Forum

Each year, the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce holds a State of the Valley Forum, where business leaders and public officials lay out a business and political forecast for the upcoming year.

This event is slated for Jan. 22, 7:30-9 a.m., at the Sonoma Golf Club.

Reservations are required, and can be made by calling 996-1033, or emailing Kathy Perry at Kathy@sonomachamber.com. Cost of the event is $35 for Chamber members, and $50 for the general public.