Chill out Sonoma
I don’t know if it’s the Southern gal in me, but I seriously adore this extraordinarily warm weather we’ve been experiencing in Sonoma this week. I cannot imagine something more luxurious than tossing on my flip flops, packing something cold – really cold and preferably bubbly – and flopping down on a blanket in the Plaza, under a tree. Back home, in this sort of heat, which is practically all the time, we’d limit meals to the sort that merely require some slicing and possibly even a bit of cracking; tomatoes or ceviche or stone crabs were the ideal. When the heat begins to climb in Sonoma, if I’m not under that tree, I’m more than likely at one of these, my favorite, local spots for chillin’ out.
If there is anything more wonderful than a mimosa it’s a “Monster Mimosa” from our very own Sunflower Caffé. The old adage of “too much of a good thing” in this particular situation simply does not apply. I’m talking about icy cold sparkling wine with just the perfect splash of fresh orange juice and served in a really pretty, super thin, ginormous red wine glass. While sipping on one of these beauties in the heat of a Sonoma Sunday afternoon, there is no more lovely spot than the Sunflower’s back garden patio. Time seems to stand still there, the light maybe a wee bit more golden. You’re guaranteed shade under the cheery yellow awning or a low hanging palm, while the mist from the trickling fountain is heavenly and cool. Chef Curtis has created a menu of the yummiest warm weather nibbles, too. Little smoked salmon and English cucumber tea sandwiches are on soft white bread, plenty of fresh dill and cooling cremé fraiche. Oh and the creamiest, cold Burrata, fresh mozzarella exaggerated, is accompanied by a delightful salad of tomato, fresh mint and preserved lemons. The perfect warm weather snack to pair with my Monster Mimosa? A slightly spicy combination of duck confit – yum! – ginger, lime and sesame all piled into little spears of crunchy romaine lettuce. Don’t forget the Sunflower’s awesome daily Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m. and imbibe the $2 beers and $4 wines by the glass, all served up in the most enchanting setting, in the fanciest of glassware and always with a smile.
Supposedly, when your inner mercury begins to climb, you can cool it down by eating something spicy. I don’t usually require an excuse for doing so, but what better time to visit the teeny, but charming dining room of the Taste of the Himalayas? Sinking into their corner banquette on a hot summer evening, with a cold glass of Dry Gewurztraminer, all the while absorbing their heavenly air conditioning and tucking into a platter of peppery Tikka Masala is pure bliss. Even on the hottest of days, anything from the sizzling Tandoor is delectable especially alongside a refreshing dish of cucumber-yogurt raita, not to mention a freezing cold beer.
Absolutely nothing says summer more than a good old-fashioned milk shake. It was a special treat when we were little when mom would drive through Wendy’s and order us kids a mini Frosty. I cannot say anything would have made me happier back then, except possibly a bigger one. I am thrilled to say that my tastes have matured and nowadays when I crave a milk shake, I want an adult one. On a super hot summer afternoon, or anytime for that matter, head on out to my go-to spot for deliciousness – and now: cold, frosty treats – the Fremont Diner. Their über thick milkshakes are out of control good. Flavors range from classic, such as strawberry – with fresh, local berries – or creamy vanilla, to inspired, like the chocolate peanut butter or malted milk. Although, the most outrageously decadent of the bunch come in flavors that are downright sexy: the salted caramel, Mexican chocolate or even the Nutella seriously leave me swooning and not from the heat!
On The Menu
Landmark Vineyard’s “Summer Concert Series” continues this Saturday, July 9, with special guest, Chi McClean. The beloved young, San Francisco-based artist plays acoustic guitar with a haunting, Southern rock style. From 1 until 4 p.m. take in the lovely views, sip Landmark’s delicious wines, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, bring a picnic or play a game of bocce and listen to the fabulous music, of course. The concert is complimentary. Call 833.0053 or visit landmarkwine.com for more information.
• Wild Thyme’s July 13 edition of the Dining Club Rive Gauche is an “Almost Bastille Day Celebration,” with French cuisine and music with Sheri Mignano on the accordion and Michael Van Why. Le menu Francais consists of a French onion tart, Provencal tomato salad, chicken with olives, salad verte and a tarte au citron. Oo la la, all for the bargain price of $35 per person. Call 996.9453 to make your necessary reservations.
• From noon to 2 p.m. next Saturday, July 16, visit Robledo Family Winery for their afternoon of “Oysters and Wine Pairings.” Chef Maria Robledo will prepare her delectable salsas for topping fresh Hog Island oysters, which will pair perfectly with their Gold Medal winning Sauvignon Blanc. Tickets are $35 for “La Familia” club members and $45 for non-club members. Reservations are required and be made by contacting Nadine at 939.6903 or by emailing [email protected].
• Find more great, live Wine Country music at Ramekins on Thursday, July 21. The very talented, female jazz singer, Jackie Ryan, will be performing live while guests enjoy a menu of delectable sounding dishes from the Ramekins kitchen such as crispy truffle fries, duck confit gougère and pulled pork toasts. Tickets for this fabulous evening of food and music are $45, with a cash bar. For more information on Jackie, visit jackieryan.com and to make reservations visit, ramekins.com or call 933.0450.
The best thing I ate this week…
I, like many of you I am sure, have been counting the days since November when I last sank my teeth into a gorgeous, perfectly ripe, right off the vine tomato. Well, thank the Lord, tomatoes are back! This week, I happily sliced into my first one of the year. This can be a risky thing. It can be a heartbreaking experience or a time of great joy and celebration. The first tomato of the year, gosh, it can be a downright stressful situation. You’re desperate for it to be delicious, but there is always that chance of it being a mealy disappointment. Well, this rather ugly, misshapen heirloom tomato was, thankfully, everything that a tomato should be! I simply sliced it, sprinkled it generously with coarse salt and served it cuddled up next to a dish of baked fresh ricotta and Della Fattoria bread. Summer summed up in one dish.
Baked Ricotta with Herbs
Serves 6
This is the perfect summer appetizer!
3 cups fresh whole milk ricotta cheese
6 T. extra-virgin olive oil
1 ½ tsp. fresh thyme leaves
1 T. chopped fresh parsley
Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper
For serving:
One large, sliced tomato
Best quality rustic bread
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta, the herbs, 5 tablespoons of the oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a gratin or baking dish. Drizzle the remaining oil over the top and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until golden brown on top. Serve immediately on a platter with tomato, bread and extra salt.
