Who’s Who in Sonoma: Darius Anderson

Darius Anderson loves the simple pleasures in life. In this case, simple should be equated with luxury—fine food, elegant accommodations, great wine and fine hospitality.  Not to mention the general relaxation factor.

Darius and his wife Sara took over , after being long-time fans of Suzanne Brangham, who originally built Ramekins as a cooking school. Darius’ venture was inspired by their many travels to France.

“Our intention was to create an outdoor environment wherein our guests can truly unwind and enjoy life,” said Anderson. It was crucial to us that our courtyard provide our guests with various amenities — a wood-burning pizza oven, an outdoor fireplace, a fully stocked bar, an overhead canopy, lush wisteria vines and flower beds, intimate seating areas — all of the amenities necessary for a singular experience.”

There is also an inn with six uniquely appointed rooms, a culinary school with two state-of-the-art cooking classrooms, an expansive ballroom, and a gift shop.

Sonoma Patch: How long have you lived in Sonoma?

Darius:  I have lived in Sonoma for 10 years, prior to that I lived in Kenwood for four years.

SP: Where did you grow up?

Darius: Novato.

SP: What inspired you to take over Ramekins?

Darius: I admired the work that Suzanne Brangham had done in building the cooking school.  It was a great opportunity to bring new ideas and new design aspects to increase the overall success of the company.

SP: What part of your job do you like the most?

Darius: I like the creative aspects of trying to deliver the best customer service to our patrons while at the same time trying to bring new and innovative food and wine ideas.

SP: What part of your job do you like the least?

Darius: The late nights.

SP: What was your favorite food as a kid?

Darius: Angel food cake and green apples.

SP: What is your “guilty” food now?

Darius: Chocolate.

SP: What do you do in your spare time?

Darius: Spending time with my lovely wife Sarah and son Tyge. I am also an avid art collector and own collections of both baseball and Jack London memorabilia.

SP:  What is it about Sonoma that most attracts you?

Darius: I love the history and heritage of the region, the natural topography and the longtime residents of the city.  I love Sonoma because it has a quaint charm, friendly, laidback atmosphere and of course the undeniably beautiful scenery. Being passionate about food and wine, Sonoma is great because of the abundance of fresh ingredients that are grown here and the world class wineries.

SP: What is the best thing about your cooking classes?

Darius: For someone who wants to emphasize locally grown foods in their cooking, Sonoma is an ideal place to be.

SP:  Who do you most admire? And why?

Darius: The people I most admire are the men and women serving in the military who protect all the freedoms that we enjoy in this country.

SP: Who do you least admire? And why?

Darius: Those individuals who are not tolerant of all people and all ideas. 

SP: What is on your “bucket list”?

Darius: I want to go to base camp on Mt. Everest.  I would like to see my son, Tyge, pitch for the New York Yankees.