
We first fell in love with Suisun Valley on a weekend day trip from our previous home in Berkeley. We followed signs to Winterhawk Winery that was serving local wine, a funky blues band, and pizzas made fresh by Tony, Jr. of Napoli’s Pizza Vallejo in an oven fired with discarded barrel staves. Sadly, that winery was sold to E&J Gallo in 2014 and closed (see news article at https://www.dailyrepublic.com/all-dr-news/solano-news/solano-business/gallo-subsidiary-wins-bid-for-winterhawk-winery/ ) but after we moved to Hiddenbrooke we began enjoying Mankas Grill for chimichurri steak with salad and fries on the patio with Vezer wine that we purchased next door while listening to Rob and Chris from Rhythm Method Trio. Good times. We love what the new Mankas Grill owners, Kyle and Jason Barraza, are doing with the place, elevating it to be a steakhouse as good as any in Napa while still showcasing Suisun wines. Also shining a spotlight on all that is local is the Suisun Valley Filling Station. Station Owner Wendy de Coito has carved a magically casual space out of what was a gas station she shares with an antique store and John’s Hauling service. Everything Wendy pours has a local connection that she is passionate about as a fifth generation native of the Fairfield/Suisun area. We thought we knew Suisun wines, but the wines she served us on a recent visit were delightful surprises.

But don’t just take our word for it. Come join us and several of your other Hiddenbrooke neighbors, for a Mankas Corner Crawl on Thursday, April 6 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. We will piggyback on the regularly-scheduled Happy Hour specials at Mankas Grill and explore across the street at Suisun Valley Filling Station. You will be on your own to order anything from either menu with no minimum purchase requirements. If these times are too early for you, please know the Grill is open until 8pm and the Filling Station closes at 7pm that night and every Thursday. No reservations are necessary for our Meet-up, but Mankas Grill takes OpenTable reservations if you want to stay later for dinner. Pets are welcome at both spots, but no children are allowed at the Station. If you can’t make it on April 6, then by all means get there another day on your own.
Learn more about Mankas Grill at www.mankasgrill.com/ and the Suisun Valley Filling Station at www.suisunvalleyfillingstation.com/

UPDATE, April 7, 2023: Thanks to all who joined us yesterday. We were having so much fun we almost forgot to take photos. If you missed it, please get there on your own and tell them your Hiddenbrooke neighbors sent you!


Wow Ed, That was a wonderful and very informative article you wrote. Thank You!!
I have lived in HB since 2002
. Just retired in 2020. You may have seen me walking my little dog, Charlie. Im getting to know people and going to events👍 Im single but don’t mind doing things by myself so this sounded great. Hope there is a “next” time. I would love to attend🎉
Thanks again!
Mary Ann. Perelli
Olivewood Lane resident 🐣🐣🐣
Interested in any upcoming event. Thank you!