“La dolce vita.” In Italian, it literally means the “the sweet life,” but in Italy it is simply a way of living, of slowing down and literally enjoying the small, beautiful, everyday stuff that makes up life. Very much like in Italy, here in Sonoma, we have the amazing good fortune to have unlimited opportunities to experience “la dolce vita.” Simply while lazing on a blanket under the trees in the Plaza on a languid summer afternoon, or while playing a spirited game of bocce with the gang on a cool Friday morning, or even while pedaling to the farmer’s market purely to gaze at the gorgeous flowers from Oak Hill Farm and maybe treat yourself to one of the addictive, just-out-of-the-oven soft pretzels from Mike the [bejkr]. Even little, everyday things on a gorgeous Sonoma day, like walking to the grocery store for a gallon of milk, can totally be considered living “la dolce vita.” Although, in my opinion, if you’d like to experience the true Italian ideal than you should be sure to dine frequently at ESTATE.
Über fabulous local restaurateur, Sondra Bernstein and chef-partner John Toulze’s Italian restaurant is housed in the lovely, historic home that was gifted by General Vallejo to his daughter. The setting could not be more atmospheric; with fragrant herb gardens, olive and fruit trees, and colorful flowers spilling from oversized ceramic pots. An old stone fireplace encircled with comfy seating flanks what is easily one of the prettiest patios in all of Sonoma. Brunch here, under a trellis of cascading, gnarly roses is my ideal way to spend a Sunday…particularly while sipping on the restaurant’s special $3 mimosas! The creative menu features a large selection of Italian inspired breakfast dishes, such as fried local eggs perched a top polenta and doused with a fresh salsa verde, or a generous slice of wood-fired bruschetta with poached eggs, Brussels sprouts and house-made ricotta, in addition to Chef Toulze’s fabulous salads, panini, salumi, and other snacks. And did I mention the $3 mimosas?!
Sondra did wonders transforming the atmosphere into a comfortable, but modern space with glowing, golden lighting, with intimate dining areas, and a staff that is utterly the definition of charming hospitality. Tuesday’s Italian happy hour, aptly coined “Negroni and Nibbles,” is a festive time to chill out in ESTATE’s ultra cozy bar. A selection of delicious Negroni cocktails – a traditional Italian apéritif, made of one part gin, one part sweet vermouth, and one part bitters, traditionally Campari – which are reasonably priced at $6 and are accompanied by a lovely little selection of complimentary snacks. My girlfriends and I love to unwind here on Tuesday evenings or any night of the week with a thin crust pizza, fresh from the blistering-hot wood-burning oven, a fun, casual dinner when paired with a pretty salad and a glass of wine.
Diners will best feel ESTATE’s Italian sensibilities when ordering the “Cena di Famiglia” meal. The traditional, multi-course, supper is offered for $26 per person, with a new menu offered each week. The family style meal consists of a gorgeous heap of Italian dishes that begins with a pristine platter of Chef Toulze’s hand-crafted salumi and other antipasti. The pre-dinner nibbles are then followed by a primi course, often a salad from the restaurant’s gardens, a main course which is often a freshly prepared pasta or a slow-cooked meat, all accompanied by a dish of beautiful vegetables. Last, but certainly not least, along comes an utterly decadent homemade dessert. No matter when you choose to visit ESTATE, just like visiting your Italian Nonna’s house, you’ll certainly be well fed, well cared for, and left with a happy sense of the sweet life. Call ESTATE at 933.3663 or visit estate-sonoma.com for more information or to make a reservation.
On The Menu
This Saturday, March 3, is the work-in-progress screening of the documentary film, “The Organic Life” and Farm to Table Dinner at Jack London State Park. Produced by local filmmaker Casey Beck, this beautifully produced film is a yearlong chronicling of life on a small Sonoma farm. After the film, guests will enjoy a farm-inspired dinner featuring produce from Paul’s Produce, prepared by the girl and the fig, served with wines from Coturri. Live music from Rhys Wade and several other local musicians will entertain guests. This one time screening is a fundraiser to help complete this timely documentary as well as a forum for community discussions on food, agriculture, sustainability, and the arts. The evening will benefit both the film, as well as the park, and is the first of many such events to be held there. Tickets are $150 each and can be obtained by calling 939.5735.
• This March, The HKG Tasting Room in Glen Ellen, is participating in the Sonoma Valley Visitor Bureau’s “Girlfriend’s Getaway Month.” Their “Sweet Spa” package is $58 and includes two food & wine flights and two dessert & wine flights at the HKG Tasting Room and two $25 vouchers good toward a spa body treatment at the Kenwood Inn and Spa. Please reserve in advance by calling 938.7622. The HKG Tasting Room is located at 13647 Arnold Drive in downtown Glen Ellen.
• Visit the Community Cafe before 8 a.m. seven days a week and get any single shot espresso drink for only $2. While you’re there be sure to order some killer Benton’s bacon! The Community Cafe is located at 875 West Napa Street.
The perfect Negroni
Makes one cocktail
The Negroni is one of the world’s indispensable cocktails: a traditional Italian apéritif, made of one part gin, one part sweet vermouth, and one part bitters, traditionally Campari.
1 1/2 ounces London dry gin
3/4 ounce Campari
3/4 ounce Italian vermouth
Put all ingredients in a shaker with cracked ice. Shake well and then strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a twist of orange peel.
Kristin Jorgensen is one of Sonoma’s most passionate, food obsessed residents. In this weekly column, she covers all the delicious happenings, foodie events and restaurants in Sonoma, the rest of Wine Country and beyond. Find her blogging daily as the Cook (thecardiganandcook.com) or via email at foodandwine@sonomasun.com.
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