Bird’s Eye View (April 25, 2018)

‘Dining in the Valley’ News: The word is officially out, the new restaurant being opened by Farmer John Bermesderfer and wife Regine where Libby’s used to be will be called “The Poleeko Roadhouse.” A decent name, playing on the Boontling word for Philo, but ‘John’s Grill’ would have been even better. Not that restaurant name has ever stopped me from eating good food, apart from a fish and chip shop called ‘Smellie’s’ way back in the day. The news was all over Facebook last week, beating me in this space! You’re a bastard, Zuckerberg! So it’s steak and egg breakfasts, real corned beef hash for brunch, pork chops for dinner, not to mention bbq and smoked meats on the new backyard patio. The restaurant has been completely redone by the landlords, the Lemons Family,  and as a former restauranteur myself I can see it has been done right. Farmer John craftily remarked last month, “No way am I going to open a restaurant, Vulture.” But now he has a great place to pursue his dream and I’m sure many Valley folks wish the new venture every success. 

Meanwhile, some management changes at The Buckhorn with their second year of business, all for the best, I’m sure. For the latest information on our local eateries, please refer to the new (pink-colored) May issue of the AV Community Bulletin available at 21 locations throughout the Valley from Yorkville to Navarro.

I attended a fundraiser for Chris Skyhawk last Saturday evening at Lauren’s Restaurant. He is running for our 5th District Supervisor spot soon to be vacated by Dan ‘MIA’ Hamburg. Local bands Real Sarah’s, Ukeholics, and BoonFire performed sets, Angela DeWitt admirably hosted, and Mr. Skyhawk himself could not resist singing in-between the acts. As I perhaps unkindly pointed out to the retired singer-songwriter later, him entering politics and having fundraisers was perhaps his only way of getting on a stage to sing these days. He smiled uneasily. Seems like he’s a smart, well-meaning, and decent Hawk.

The beer garden at the AV Brewery Tap Room (Visitors’ Center?) was next on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, although the marijuana infused ale (terpenes only —- won’t get you stoned) that the Brewery is making and offering this coming weekend at the 22nd Annual Beer Fest was not available. Just as well I thought as I staggered out two hours later with my equally unstable friends and our designated driver. Then off to the Buckhorn, in transition as mentioned above. Business was brisk and the Guinness pouring well. Many locals and a good number of tourists came and went over a three-hour period, most of them appeared to enjoy their food and I myself had a very good plate of spicy wings - once my portion had been corrected after my reaction to its initial shortcomings. The staff were helpful and courteous, the ‘vibe’ was good, and you’ll be fascinated to know that my Monday is going well because I chose to avoid the Jameson’s Irish Whiskey. I ate, I drank, I was merry, and I was driven home. I suggest we do more of this.

Public Service Announcements:

#540 Important! The Care-a-Van, sponsored by AV Animal Rescue, will be at The AV Grange this Sunday, April 29, 10am-2pm to help with care for your dogs and cats. They provide vaccinations ($10-$13 each), heart-worm tests, micro-chipping, etc. Spay and neuter operations by appointment only: 513-7604. A wonderful service.

#541. The Vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital will be here Thursdays, May 17 and 31, at the AV Farm Supply from 2-4pm.

#542. This Friday, April 27, live music returns to Lauren’s Restaurant. BoonFire returns to the stage as part of a fundraiser for KZYX.

#543.  The County Dump is open from 9am-4pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.

#544. The Boonville Farmers’ Market has reopened under the management of Steve and Nikki of Petit Teton Farm. Open through the summer every Saturday from 9:30am to noon at the Boonville Hotel parking lot. For further details or to sign up as a vendor, call 684-4146 or contact farmer@petitteton.com.

#545. The Mendocino Bookmobile returns to the Valley next Tuesday, May 1. (Alternate Tuesdays for 45 minutes): Navarro Store 9am (for just 30 minutes; the Floodgate 12.30pm; Philo 1.30pm; Boonville (Apple Hall) 2.30pm.

#546. The 22nd Boonville Beer Festival is Saturday, April 28 at The Fairgrounds in Boonville from 1-5pm. Try to stay out of the ditches.

Here is the menu for the Community lunches next week in the Senior Center at the Veterans’ Building in Boonville. $6 donation requested from seniors and $7 charge for Non-seniors. Tomorrow, Thursday, April 26, the lunch, served by Marti Titus and her crew at Noon, will be Beef and Broccoli followed by Lemon Bar Cake. Next Tuesday, May 1, Meat Loaf and Mashed Potatoes and Gravy for lunch with Raspberry Whip dessert. Includes vegetables, salad bar, and fruit, plus milk, coffee, tea, and lemonade. All ages are welcome!

I’m outta here. So of course Let us prey. Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture. Contact me through the Letters Page or at turkeyvulture9@gmail.com.

PS. Skylark: read any good books lately? Hi, Silver Swan, behaving yourself? Hopefully not! Everything cool with you, O.J.? Of course it is.