MENDOCINO CO., 10/7/24 — I, like many of you, have been keeping tabs on the tragedy known as Hurricane Helene, which pounded through Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas late last month with such force that the recovery will take years.
We’ve experienced our fair share of natural and man-made disasters here in Mendocino County, from floods to fires, heat waves and snowstorms. We know how to rally around our neighbors when times are tough and ensure everyone is well fed so we can all rebuild and recover as a community.
If you’re able, consider donating to one of the many causes operating on the ground in these regions. One is World Central Kitchen (WCK), the nonprofit founded by celebrity chef José Andrés. WCK arrives at disasters around the world and serves healthy, culturally appropriate meals prepared by professional chefs for hungry survivors. WCK is currently serving meals to folks in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. You can donate here.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee is donating non-perishables and meals to areas throughout Eastern Tennessee impacted by the storm. Learn more and donate here.
The Food Bank of Central and Eastern Northern Carolina, which serves the area hardest hit by Hurricane Helene, including Asheville and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is providing meals and supplying hyper-local food banks with food and emergency supplies for distribution. Learn more and donate here.
In Georgia, Second Harvest of South Georgia is distributing meals and non-perishables to those impacted by the storm, including in Valdosta, which experienced a direct hit from the hurricane. Learn more and donate here.
Florida experienced severe flooding and wind as Helene made landfall at 140 mph. Second Harvest of the Big Bend is distributing food, water and essential supplies to survivors. Learn more and donate here.
GoodLife Cafe launches new Mexican “cantina” menu
The Goodlife Cafe in Mendocino is one of the coast’s most popular spots for breakfast and lunch, but it may soon become a favorite for dinner, too. In September, the GoodLife launched the GoodLife Cantina, a dinner menu featuring “food rooted in authentic Mexican cuisine with a Northern Cali flair.”
Starters and shareables include house-made organic chips and salsa (first basket is free!), shrimp ceviche ($16), corn fritters ($12) and chicharrones ($8). Soups and salads comprise a soup of the day ($7/$12), pozole ($15), taco salad ($16), Caesar ($16) and house ($12).
Entree offerings are a trio of street tacos ($15), Baja fish tacos ($18), tostadas ($10), quesadilla ($19), all which can be upgraded to include rice and beans for $6. Other menu items include loaded nachos ($18), burrito ($18) and daily specials. There is also a kid’s menu, desserts, beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks. The restaurant uses organic ingredients whenever possible.
The GoodLife Cantina is open for happy hour from 4-5 p.m. and dinner 5-8 p.m. Thurs-Sat at 10483 Lansing St., Mendocino, (707) 937-0836, goodlifecafemendo.com.
Goldeneye Winery acquired by Los Angeles-based equity firm
Goldeneye Winery, the pinot noir producer located in Anderson Valley, and its 10 sibling wineries have been acquired by a Los Angeles-based equity firm, Butterfly Equity. Goldeneye is owned by the Duckhorn Portfolio, which is based in St. Helena.
Goldeneye was founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, the founders of the namesake Duckhorn Vineyards wine label, in 1996. Founded in 1976, Duckhorn Vineyards had made a name for itself for producing award-winning cabernet sauvignon and merlots. The Duckhorns wanted to explore another passion of theirs: pinot noir. Since then, the winery has won international accolades and is credited with helping to put Anderson Valley on the map for pinot production. The current winemaker is Kristen McMahan, who joined the winery in 2021.
The portfolio was acquired for $1.95 billion by Butterfly Equity, which focuses on food and beverage ventures and also owns MaryRuth Organics, Orgain, Bolthouse, Chosen Foods, among other organic-centric food brands. For now, it’s business as usual at Goldeneye.
New happy launches at Oco Time in Ukiah
Ukiah foodies now have a new happy hour in town after Japanese restaurant Oco Time announced the fafternoon spread last week. The happy hour menu offers discounted small bites, including edamame ($3-$5), takoyaki ($8), spicy tuna poppers ($1.50 each), karaage chicken bites ($5) and BBQ tofu tempura ($5). Drinks include a lavender lemon drop ($10), lime chūhai ($6), sakes ($6) and sake flights ($10) and 20% off wine, beer and ciders. The happy hour menu is available Tue-Thur 3-5 p.m., 111 W. Church St., Ukiah, (707) 462-2422, ocotime.com.
October register roundup at Ukiah co-op supports KZYX
Shoppers at Ukiah Natural Foods can round up their purchases to support KZYX. The nonprofit’s mission is “promote community through increased communication, cultural offerings, diverse voices, and access to important information among all groups in our large and varied listening area.” Mon.-Sun., 7 a.m.-8 p.m., 721 S. State St., Ukiah, (707) 462-4778, ukiahcoop.com.
October register roundup in Willits supports cancer support programming
In Willits, customers at Mariposa Market can round up their grocery purchases to support the Cancer Resource Centers of Mendocino County. The nonprofit’s mission is “to improve the quality of life for anyone facing cancer in Mendocino County.” Mariposa Market, Mon-Sat, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 500 S. Main St., Willits, (707) 459-9630.
Join Mendocino County Foodies on Facebook!
My friend Serena Alexi and I started Mendocino County Foodies on Facebook to provide a place to share and learn about food and beverage culture in Mendocino County, including home cooking and recipes, wineries and breweries, favorite restaurants and farmers’ markets, and more. Join the conversation here.
Small but equally important updates
In Fort Bragg – Princess Seafood’s Boathouse (formerly the restaurant) is now open 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Thur and 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri-Sun.
In Point Arena – Izakaya Gama is now operating on fall hours. The restaurant is open 5-9 p.m. Wed-Sat.
In Ukiah – In case you missed it, Slam Dunk Pizza will be appearing on a future episode of America’s Best Restaurants. Read more here.