The All-New Healdsburg Bar & Grill
Heyyyyy, Sonoma County—It’s me, Foxy.
Yes, that fox. The unofficial-official mascot, keeper of culinary secrets, and resident watchfox of Healdsburg Bar & Grill. I’ve never sent one of these thingies before so forgive me if I get any of that AP style stuff wrong. I’m a freaking fox and sending you an email so that’s what matters.
But anyway, I know what you’ve all been wondering lately:
“Is Charlie Palmer involved at Healdsburg Bar & Grill… or not?”
Well… lean in. I’m about to let you in on a little secret.
He is.
But we’ll get there.
First, let me tell you what I have been watching unfold inside the old hunt—err, haunt—because this place is about to get quite the glow-up. Think of it as a seasonal molt… but make it nice.
A Fresh Look for an Old Friend
In the coming weeks, you’ll see the HBG team putting the finishing touches on a top-to-bottom refresh. And trust me, no detail will escape these highly astute fox eyes:
Brand-new red oak tabletops
A fully re-envisioned outdoor garden and dining area with new seating and lighting
Olive trees, fully refreshed landscaping, and lush greenery weaving inside and out
A polished marble bar top
A rich olive-green-gray wall tone and a slate wine credenza
Ceiling beams outfitted with abundant hanging botanical planter boxes
Soft, moody Zafferano lamps glowing on every table
Also, I tried using AI to create some renderings to show you all. But I don’t have opposable thumbs and I got so damn mad at the bot for not getting my vision right so forgive me if these aren’t perfectly to scale. You get the darn idea, right? #itsahardfoxlife
From what I’ve heard, everything is scheduled to be complete by December 10. We’ll see… you know how things go around this town these days.
But yes.
I will inspect it all and make sure it passes the sniff test.
The Art: A Fox-Approved Gallery Wall
Once those walls are ready, you’ll soon see a brand-new gallery installation by world-renowned photographer Emma Kruch go up—featuring original photography, including several never-before-seen works.
I will, of course, be claiming credit for “curation support.”
The Menu: Comfort, Craft & A Few Surprises
The menu is also getting a refresh, and I will be closely monitoring every plate that comes out of the kitchen.
What you can expect soon:
A new Beef Bourguignon inspired by Julia Child’s treasured recipe—one that Charlie keeps boasting about personally cooking with her years ago.
A classic duck confit served over seasonal greens, apples, and winter fruits
A revamped cocktail program led by the new guy, general manager Steve Alkire
Seasonal sips including winter cocktails and hot mulled cider
Don’t worry—your HBG heroes: the burger and the Fox in the Henhouse fried chicken (the ones I am always looking for scraps of) will stay right where they belong.
Here’s what Charlie told me to tell everyone about the Beef Bourguignon: “This Beef Bourguignon is classic at its core, but with a few seasonal tweaks that make it perfect for winter in Sonoma County. It’s a dish that means a lot to me — I cooked a version of it alongside Julia Child years ago and it fits exactly what we’re building here: a quintessential, approachable Healdsburg tavern where families can gather, locals can drop in any night of the week, and great cooking is always front and center.”
And Now… That Partnership You Keep Asking About
Since I’m a fox with integrity, here’s the real scoop you’ve been waiting for:
Chef Charlie Palmer and Danya Richter are in fact teaming up to help guide Healdsburg Bar & Grill forward. I can tell you that he’s here a lot. Maybe too much in fact. He told me to tell you he said this: “Danya and I have been friends for a long time, and we’ve both been part of this downtown Healdsburg community for years. I’m excited to share that my team and I will be working alongside her to help guide Healdsburg Bar & Grill as we re-envision it as Healdsburg’s new tavern — a refreshed space with new seasonal dishes and cocktails, while keeping the classics everyone loves. We’re looking forward to welcoming the community into the new HBG this holiday season and for many years to come.”
Translation:
Yes, Charlie’s involved.
Yes, you heard it from me first.
And Danya (she’s the nice one by the way), had this little ditty to say, too: “Healdsburg Bar & Grill has been part of my family’s story for decades, and bringing Charlie and the CPC team into this next phase feels both full-circle and forward-thinking. Their passion for hospitality aligns perfectly with my family’s and the heart of this place. I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to share the refreshed HBG with our community.”
Holiday Party: The Big Reveal
Everything I’m hinting at—the refresh, the menu, the art, the vibes—will be unveiled at our festive, foxy debut. I’m not supposed to invite everyone, but what the hell, I am. Come on, come all.
Healdsburg Bar & Grill Holiday Party
Wednesday, December 17th
5:00–7:30 PM
Hosted by:
Charlie Palmer, Danya Richter, and me—the Fox.
We will be offering:
Complimentary light bites
Wine & beer
Seasonal ambiance
Music, holiday cheer, and a freshly decorated Christmas tree
We’re inviting the full Sonoma County community to stop in, share holiday greetings, and experience the new chapter of Healdsburg Bar & Grill. And hopefully give me a snack or two.
Come say hello. Come see what’s new.
And come confirm that yes—Foxy told you first.
I’ll be at the door. Tail poised. Ears perked. Ready to welcome you in. Here’s to a new era at Healdsburg Bar & Grill.