Sonoma’s Best expands, Ramekins renamed, restaurant bingo and more

Ramekins update: Ramekins has been renamed the Seven Branches Venue and Inn. Six private hotel rooms are available, when allowable under county health guidelines, as well as event space. All venue catering will be handled by Folktable, the new Cornerstone restaurant operated by chef Casey Thompson. The cooking school will continue to operate under the Ramekins name but the Ramekins sandwich bar pop-up is over now that Folktable is open for takeout at Cornerstone. sevenbranchesvenueandinn.com.

Banners: Did you see the fresh and new holiday banners around the Plaza? Three simple messages in various holiday colors: Hope, Peace, Joy. Hopefully it will lift some spirits, said Tim Zahner, director of the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau.

Sonoma’s Best expands: Sonoma’s Best now operates a kiosk at Cornerstone Sonoma from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily with freshly brewed coffee, pastries and egg bites.

Space available: State Farm Insurance has moved out of the space at 730 W. Napa St. in the same complex at Sweet Pea Bakery. The 1,100 square foot space is now empty and available for rent.

In lieu of a party: Bonneau’s (headed by Chris Bambury) posted #Localgiftcardchallenge on the company Facebook page. Bambury is challenging other local companies that can’t host their annual holiday appreciation party to instead give employees gift cards from local restaurants. Bambury posted that he is buying each of his 36 employees a $150 gift card as thanks to them and to support the local economy.

Restaurant bingo: Sonoma Valley restaurant bingo is a new contest with prizes to benefit local eateries. Diners comment and post photos as they get takeout. The first person to get bingo wins a prize. The first person to black out the entire card wins $100 gift certificate to any restaurant on the winning card. Email creator alyssa.conder@sonomavalleylocal.com with any questions. To donate a prize, email Conder. sonomavalleylocal.com.

Collaboration: Local artist Alex Cole will be at Flatbed Farm selling her hand-painted ornaments, prints and original art this weekend at the farm stand as part of an outdoor holiday marketplace. Their farm stand has produce, eggs, breads and pastries, flowers, pantry and more. 13450 Sonoma Highway. Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Holiday shopping: The Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce has created a website, SendSonoma.com, that provides any business located in Sonoma Valley with a free listing to promote COVID-safe holiday shopping.The site connects potential shoppers with the businesses via their own websites or through the contact information they provide. Reach out to the Chamber by calling 996-1033, or email info@sonomachamber.org.

Shopping: While the Jack London State Park’s indoor facilities – the museum and cottage – are currently closed, Jack’s Shop, the park’s gift store, is open outdoors adjacent to the Cottage on weekends from noon to 4 p.m. Park admission fees apply. The shop offers more than 50 of Jack London’s titles as well as writings about his life, and books by and about his wife, Charmian London. Curated gift sets for writers, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as apparel and collectibles, are also available. Online ordering is available at jacklondonpark.com.

Contact Lorna at lorna.sheridan@sonomanews.com.