Local Intel: Guerneville, Sonoma County, CA

David Blomster loves to feed Sonoma County. The Michigan native long dwelled in other cities, exploring other career paths, but in recent years he's devoted himself to a unique calling: Running a "dual restaurant" in Guerneville, a booming LGBT hub just 75 miles north of San Francisco. By day, locals head to Pat's Restaurant for eggs and bacon, and by night to Pat's Bar for draughts and drink specials. But at 5 p.m., they pile into Dick Blomster's Korean Diner for authentic cuisine that serves as a miniature Korea Town unto itself.

But his restaurant is only a part of Blomster's contribution to his adopted hometown. He's an active board member of the Russian River Chamber of Commerce, and in that role he helps support and promote the valley's thriving businesses and queer community. EDGE asked him to tell us about his one-of-a-kind double diner, and share some local intelligence about the many tastes and sights of Guerneville.

How did you join Sonoma's restaurant scene?
When I moved to Sonoma County I was an architectural and interior designer. I met Crista Luedtke, who was opening boon eat + drink, and approached her about coming to work for her. It changed my life. Prior to that I had only a distant relationship to town, but since Crista created such an incredible place and it was the "only" game in town, I met many, many people. After five years of managing boon's, it was time for me to open my own place.

What led you to open a Korean restaurant by night, inside the same establishment that serves as an American diner by day?
Growing up in the suburbs of Detroit, spaghetti was ethnic cuisine for us. I spent the 90s and early 2000s in Los Angeles, and became a fan of Korean food and Korea Town -- a decade later, I knew there was a need for it in west Sonoma County.

I had the name, logo and concept, and had my eye on Pat's Bar and Restaurant for years. My original chef Eugene Birdsall and a mutual friend had the idea of taking over Pat's at night since they only did breakfast and lunch. [Our Korean Diner was] first referred to as a "pop-up," which I didn't really like. I thought it lacked permanence. Over time, I grew to embrace the idea and referred to us as a "permanent pop-up." The success of the Korean/American diner allowed me to purchase all of Pat's, and while the Korean diner was my initial concept for the space, the history of the traditional American diner clearly deserved preservation -- hence the "dual establishment."

How do you balance the two very different menus?
Over time I've revamped Pat's breakfast and lunch menus with new ingredients and new dishes while keeping many of the local's favorites. I also continue to develop our playful yet deceptively sophisticated menu at Dick Blomster's. Korean Fried Crack -- appropriately named -- will remain our most popular go-to dish. As will our noodle bowls, bibimbap and mac-n-cheese with short ribs. A few recent additions have been our knock-off filet mignon; salmon with plum sauce over sushi rice and asian succotash; a Korean fried tofu sandwich with vanilla slaw and kimchi aioli; and a gochujang/bleu cheese iceberg wedge. We also have many more new dishes in the works for Pat's 75th anniversary in April 2015.

What are your favorite local dishes?
When I don't eat at my own place, I most frequently visit Big Bottom Market for the smashed chickpea-and-artichoke panini. I also very much enjoy the breakfast burrito from Don's Dogs Caf� located on the backside of The Rio Theatre (in nearby Monte Rio), and Garden Grill for their black bean burger. This year we have a new food establishment in Guerneville called 3 Alarm Grill, serving up super Chicago street food.

What's your favorite outdoor activity?
One of my new favorite things to do is to go fishing in a drift boat down the Russian River. Check in with King's Sport and Tackle for equipment needs and to hire a river guide -- it's well worth it. My top favorite outdoor activity is to hike Armstrong Woods. East Ridge to Pool Ridge will get your legs burning and your heart pumping as you hike steep, roller coaster hills through redwoods, oaks, madrones, bays, and eucalyptus. And in summer, poolside afternoons at R3 are always a blast.

What's a little-known secret in the area that you don't mind visitors knowing about?
There are many secret river spots and secret spots along the coast, including surfing spots, but you'll have to get in tight with a local to learn about them. At the top of Armstrong Woods is a great camping spot called Bull Frog Pond. Beyond that is Austin Creek State Park where you can hike-in camp, mountain bike or just explore.

For a quick dose of beauty, drive to the top of Armstrong Woods for the sunset. It faces west, has picnic tables and has incredible views. I usually bring a local bottle of wine. Some of my local favorite vineyards -- who all have nearby tasting rooms -- are Paul Mathew, Moshin, Porter Creek, VML Wines, and Woodenhead Vintners. Not so secret, but if you're new to the lower Russian River you may not know about, River's End Restaurant and Inn in Jenner. It's a great place for dinner that has stunning sunset views year round, with the mouth of the river meeting the Pacific in the foreground. It's also a great spot for a cocktail on their deck.