There’s just something about the first signs of autumn, something in those first sounds of the rustling of leaves that makes me feel nostalgic. Maybe it’s the looming winter, or it could simply be saying goodbye to our glorious Sonoma summer. With that in mind, I am frantically trying to be outside as often as possible, checking out every festive food-filled event I can, all the while eating every speck of summer produce humanly possible – I definitely did not eat enough peas this spring! While reminiscing about these summer days past, I thought it would be fun to do a little round-up of my favorite Sonoma summer experiences. And here they are, in my humble opinion:
Best thing I ate this summer – Quail at Coturri Winery’s anniversary party
Local – and über talented chef – Charlene Nicholson sourced these gorgeous quail from Wolfe Ranch near Vacaville where the genius behind these monstrous beauties raises them to be more than twice as large as your typical quail. Everything Charlene prepared that evening was beyond stellar. From the delicate fresh corn and chanterelle ravioli to the pristine Albacore tuna tartar and the gorgeous plum tart with mulberry ice cream, but oh boy, those quail! Stuffed with herbs and simply grilled to a state of absolute bliss. The pink, juicy, herby interior with slightly charred crispy skin left me swooning. And yes, I asked for seconds! www.wolfequail.com
My favorite summer food event – Small Plate Tomato Dinner at Estate
Everything restaurateur Sondra Bernstein does is done with an amazing amount of effort and thought, each detail lovingly looked into and generously executed. The Small Plate Tomato Dinner at Estate was no exception. In celebration of their flourishing gardens at Imagery Winery, the delightful tour of the gardens and enchanting dinner that followed was an evening that will linger in my memory for years to come: stunning, candlelit setting, course after irresistible course of simple, tomato-inspired dishes paired with hilarious banter and superb wines from Chris Benziger. All shared with an intimate group of charming locals. Estate’s next Farm to Table Dinner is their “Ode to the Gravenstein” on Thursday, October 7. Call Estate for reservations at 933.3663.
Most delicious thing to happen to Sonoma this summer – El Molino Central
Organic corn from Nebraska, hand-ground every morning and painstakingly made into fresh tortillas and tamales. Flawless café au lait. Breakfast of chilaquiles made with the aforementioned tortillas, perfect, super soft scrambled local eggs, avocado. Enough said. Highway 12, Boyes Hot Springs, 939.1010.
Best way to spend a summer morning in Sonoma – gleaning
I cannot think of a more peaceful, heavenly way to spend a cool summer morning than elbow deep in a blackberry thicket or clambering to the top of a fig tree. Email me at kristinviguerie@mac.com for more information regarding the Sonoma Fallen Fruit Project.
My most amazing summer picnic – Kunde Hike & Taste in the Vineyards
It had absolutely nothing to do with the food. My simple curried chicken salad and olives just tasted that much better after a three hour vineyard hike through 100 year olive trees and winery ruins and, at 1,400 feet with phenomenal views of the Valley, a glass of Kunde Sauvignon Blanc in-hand. Kunde’s next Hike & Taste is scheduled for November 6. See www.kunde.com for details and reservations.
My favorite live music of the summer – Little Vineyard’s Summer Paella Party
Over colossal pans of paella and yummy buttery barbecued shrimp, Little Vineyard’s pretty vineyard views in the distance, Josh Little and his jazz band performed some seriously swinging tunes. Josh is a quintessential crooner – the new Buble, but cuter – with the talent of Sinatra and moves to match. See Josh this weekend at the Vintage Festival on Saturday, the 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Barracks.
My favorite spot to watch a movie while dining under the stars – Harvest Moon’s Wednesday Night Summer Movie Series
Have you seen Harvest Moon’s patio? Well, it is simply the most divine spot to be on a summer evening. Throw in their $29 three course, market-inspired dinner and a great old movie and there isn’t a place I’d prefer to be on a Wednesday evening. Movies continue through October 13 and you can see the schedule on Harvest Moon’s website at www.harvestmooncafesonoma.com.
Most delicious little bit of winter in the summer – Hello Cello Limoncello
Lemons, they’re a winter fruit here in Sonoma right? Either way, Hello Cello screams summer! It was my favorite at a Depot Park potluck barbecue in a potent combination of fresh watermelon puree and ice, served à la Martha Stewart, in hollowed out watermelon. Find it locally at Sonoma Market.
Best thing about Sonoma summers – A tie: the Plaza and The Patch
Picnics, the Tuesday night market, movies in the amphitheater, visitors laid out on the grass, events galore and did I say picnics? There’s nothing like summertime in the Plaza. The Patch tomatoes are life changing. Oh and their onions. And the zucchini, have you tried their zucchini? What about the red onions? Have you seen the onions? They’re downright beautiful, a still life in real life. What ever you do, don’t forget about the eggplant…because it changed my life.
On the Menu: It’s hard to believe, but Ocktoberfest is here! From now through October 24, celebrate in true German fashion at Lokal with nightly dinner specials, live music and a festive happy hour that includes a $5 beer and German hot dog, $8 bratwurst with sides, $4 for an order of their to-die-for fries and drink specials galore! Oh, and by the way, corkage at Lokal is always complimentary…how cool is that? Call 938.7373 for details and to find out about their great live music offerings. Lokal is located at 522 Broadway and is open for dinner daily, lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and is closed on Tuesdays. • One of the most sought after caterers in the country, Lulu Powers – chef to the stars – will be at St. Francis Winery this Saturday signing her new book, Food to Flowers. The event is from noon until 4 p.m. and is complimentary. You can call St. Francis for details at 888.675.9463 or go to their website at www.stfranciswinery.com. • In the Plaza this weekend is the 113th Annual Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival celebrating Sonoma’s grape harvest and crush. California’s oldest festival, held since 1897, benefits many local community projects and non-profits. The three days of festivities include the Patron’s Night Gala on Friday, grape stomp competition, 5K Run-Walk, the Vallejo Wedding, tons of great live music and much more! The event’s website has all the details at www.sonomavinfest.org or you can call 996.2109. • This past Monday saw the opening of yet another fabulous new restaurant in Napa’s fabulous, new Riverfront complex. Fish Story, is part of the Lark Creek Restaurant Group’s – think One Market in the City and Yankee Pier in Larkspur – 100 percent sustainable, ocean-fresh seafood spot overseen by Chef Stephen Barber of Napa’s BarbersQ fame. The food is simple and delicious, served in a beautiful setting overlooking the Napa River. Fish Story is now open daily for dinner and will begin daily lunch and weekend brunch in the next week or two. Call 251.5600 to make your reservation or visit www.fishstorynapa.com.
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