Once again, The Raven hosted one of the more outrageous (and disturbing) wine country events - The Mr. Healdsburg Pageant. Each year eight grown men compete in three categories: Beach Wear, Formal Wear and Talent. In years past, we’ve seen local artist Dave Dexter Anderson dressed in full latex fetish gear, paint himself blue, and throw himself against a canvass. And this year saw Roshambo’s computer geek, Lockie Gilles of Wine Country Computers, on stage with a troup of hot back-up dancers, complete with his wife Tracy and a bona fide Playboy model. He didn’t win, but I’m sure he’ll be psyched that I’ve posted this flattering photo of him.

Doesn’t it look like he’s trying to squeeze something out? I can’t imagine that he would have scored well with the judges once they caught wind of that talent.

If ever there was a (composited) picture that was “So Roshambo,” here it is. It’s from our Winter Wineland weekend, and that Van Gogh looking fellow decked out in his grandfather’s dapper blue suit is our very own (and very single) Isaac Smith. He wears many hats here at Roshambo, but this hat, the one which seemingly gets girls so hot and bothered that they MAKE OUT with one another, well that’s the hat I like best.

I’d like to thank Lukka Feldman of Barndiva for his eloquent support of our transition in our comments section. For those of you who don’t know the Barn, it’s like a little slice of city chic in our sleepy wine country town. It happens to be one of my favorite spots in all of Sonoma County. Not just because of the food and drinks and atmosphere but because Lukka is a terribly amusing character. When he’s not sneaking up behind me and whispering in my ear, “I’m watching you, McKinnely,” he can be seen darting around the restaurant, spreading joy with his arsenal of fake accents and antics. If you are coming to Healdsburg and are looking for an ambient place to eat, drink or chill, Barndiva is definitely the spot.

Also of interest is Lukka’s enlightening weekly webcast “What Lukka Likes” on Wine Country TV. I particularly love the “Bubbles Abound!” episode which features our incredibly effervescent friend Dawn Elise from Iron Horse Vineyards. Our people are currently in talks with his people to get Naomi on the show next year, so stay tuned!