#7 branches

Sonoma was blessed to have mostly sunny weather for the Easter Sunday Brunch on March 31 at 7 Branches. The beautiful weather was definitely part of the success of the family-friendly holiday event.

Farm-to-to-table gourmet cuisine was most certainly appreciated and enjoyed by more than 200 attendees that morning at 11:00 AM. Some of them came as far as Oakland and the East Bay Area to celebrate Easter with family. Guests were served peach Bellini and fresh-squeezed orange Mimosa cocktails as they entered.

The entire venue space was decorated with soft pastel tablecloths, napkins and all the amenities befitting an elegant spring celebration. “It’s like we are guests at a wedding,” said longtime Sonoma resident Mary Oswald. “It’s first class all the way,” she added, I’m very impressed.”

Oswald had been invited by friend Mandy Cohen of Cohen Consulting Group to enjoy this unique holiday celebration opportunity provided by 7 Branches.

In addition to the plentiful amount of just about anything one might imagine for a holiday brunch buffet, Sonoma Best Hospitality Group the owner-proprietor of 7 Branches also offered fresh-baked ham and an excellent, ‘melt-in-your-mouth’ prime rib. It was tender and flavorful; with both an aujus and a horseradish sauce on the side.

Pastries of many kinds were abundant as was a selection of fresh-squeezed juice that could rival any spa or resort. Health-conscious mixtures like wheatgrass, ginger and carrot were available. And while non-alcoholic beverages were served there also was a full bar for those that wanted something with liquor in the libations.

“We aim to create memorable experiences and activities,” said Vanessa Arriola, speaking on behalf of SBHG. As Director of Operations, Arriola knows how important a holiday event can be, especially for families and visitors from out of town. “Experiences that we foster can be focused around culinary, agriculture, wine, spirits-mixology, food pairings, cheese classes, educational, wellness, games, and more,” she added.

Live music was also provided by Chance McCauley and his band, much to the delight of the guests, who applauded after each set of songs.

While the brunch was definitely family-friendly and community focused, with a visit from the Easter Bunny, it was also an ideal place for entertaining clients, as Cohen Consulting Group owner Mandy Cohen noted. “With tax season my office is always busy, even on weekends. Yet, I’m very glad I took the time to get away and enjoy this place. I haven’t been here since it was Ramekins.”

Nestled along Spain Street, West adjacent to The General’s Daughter, SBHG took over the venue in 2019, when it also acquired the General’s Daughter. “As a collective of one-of-a-kind brands, (which includes several other venue locations) “we are committed to honoring the culture and history of Sonoma and elevating the hospitality experience for our guests,” said Arriola.

According to USA Today the percentage of people working during a holiday is as much as almost 24 percent. “Who has the time to do something like this?” Exclaimed Oswald, “The time and effort it takes to prepare and cook all the food, it can be exhausting,” she added.

Both Oswald and Cohen were pleased and relished the chance to meet people and make the acquaintance of Beth Rivelli, a coaching and mentoring consultant and her husband John. Originally from Chicago, they now live in Sonoma. Oswald was surprised and pleased that Beth and John were from Chicago because, “I am from a small town near Peoria, Illinois.”

The Rivelli’s are familiar with the rural areas of Illinois, which like Oswald was another reason why they chose to live in Sonoma.

“We love it here,” said Beth. “And, attending this brunch is a highlight of living in Wine Country,” she said. As an owner of a coaching and consulting business, Rivelli was delighted with all that SBHG had to offer for the Easter holiday. “As people who have traveled so many places especially to Europe, Sonoma is the closest to what one would experience in Italy or the Mediterranean,” said John.

“I would like to do something like this again,” said Oswald as she walked up to the buffet to get a second helping of Eggs Benedict and was pleased with the copious amounts of beacon, scalloped potatoes and sausage.”

With the Easter Brunch a delightful and happy success, Oswald as well as Cohen are considering attending the upcoming Pinot & Pizza events this summer hosted and catered by SBHG.

For more information about that and other events visit the Sonoma Best Hospitality Group website.