Rise and Dine. So, let’s talk breakfast. I think you are either a “going out for breakfast person” or you’re not. Even though I love the idea of going out to breakfast – lingering over coffee, reading the paper, postponing the day’s chores – I have typically not been that person. Because, is it just me or do most breakfasts out – that greasy pile of potatoes or gargantuan stack of pancakes – leave you felling pretty cruddy the rest of the day? Although I do love a fresh, unique breakfast out and lately there are more places enticing me to eat the most important meal of the day. You might not think breakfast when you first visit El Molino Central in Boyes Hot Springs, but you should! Get there early for the spectacular Blue Bottle Coffee – I’m obsessed with the café au lait – and to snag one of the precious few seats. The menu changes often, but my recent favorite was the Chalupas. Two thick, masa cakes generously topped with creamy black beans, pulled chicken, crema, crumbled queso and slivers of avocado and radish. Enough to share and a serious bargain at $9, but don’t. Be sure to get your own! The traditional Mexican breakfast of Chilaquiles, crispy tortillas softened in a red chile sauce, are also an ideal option. You may say, “Mexican for breakfast?!” but why not, Mexicans do it everyday. Open daily from 7 a.m., 11 Central Avenue in Boyes Hot Springs.
For many Saturdays I have been jumping out of bed thinking, BISCUIT! The Fremont Diner’s fluffy, buttery biscuit topped with thinly sliced salty southern ham, grainy mustard and a spicy-sweet homemade ginger jam might just make a morning person of you, too. Nirvana, paired with a never-ending cup of Taylor Maid Farms dark roasted brew. I’ve also had naughty thoughts recently of the little skillet full of creamy, cheesy grits and the perfect little, light-as-air ricotta pancakes. If you have not yet dined at the charming roadside eatery, you are missing out on food sourced and prepared with a great deal of love and served with a sparkling, genuine smile. Breakfast daily from 7 a.m., 2660 Sonoma Highway, 938.7370.
The Boon Fly Café is another one of those outside the box breakfast spots. The cute little Carneros eatery offers plenty of traditional morning fare, but done with extra care and a bit of extra thought. My favorite is the adorably named, Green Eggs and Ham. Two perfectly poached eggs are wrapped in honey-cured ham and doused in a velvety leek cream brightened with lemon. While Poppa Joe’s Eggs in a Hole are a throwback to the breakfasts of childhood, the Morning Flatbread is all adult, with crunchy bacon, caramelized onions, mozzarella and runny fried eggs. Whatever you do, do not get me started on the homemade doughnuts, which are seriously habit-forming. The made to order, little delicate fritters are flawless: yeasty and gently dusted with cinnamon. A happy pit spot on the way to do dreary errands in Napa? Breakfast daily from 7 a.m., 4048 Sonoma Highway, 299.4870. The Epicurean Connection’s bacon-maple waffles, Estate’s Sunday Bubbles & Brunch and Harvest Moon’s Sunday brunch are three more reasons not to sleep in on the weekend!
Father Knows Best. Don’t forget dad this weekend! Father’s Day is Sunday and there are plenty of unique options for celebrating. Larson Family Winery’s BBQ is from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and boasts fun for the whole family. Rocket Catering will be there serving their killer beef brisket, baked beans, apple-cabbage slaw and cornbread with honey butter. All of which pairs perfectly with Larson’s liter jugs of Sonoma Red. Kids can snack on hot dogs and mac and cheese in between playing in the jumpy saloon. Grown-ups, be sure to check out Tom Larson’s prized Shelby cars during a break from listening to EZ Kewl or playing bocce. For more information or to make reservations call 800.938.9463 extension 18. www.larsonfamilywinery.com Shiso Wine Country Sushi is offering a festive alternative to steak and potatoes for good old dad. This weekend, special order – with 24 hours notice – platters of sushi, rolls and Asian salads. How good does that sound with the heat we’ve been experiencing? www.winecountrysushi.com Dads are encouraged to bring their classic cars to B.R. Cohn on Sunday to celebrate their big day with Bruce Cohn, his car collection, barbecue and picnic fare from Wine Country Expressions BBQ, and the River Radio’s beloved personality Paul “the Lobster” Wells who will be spinning classic rock tunes live on the radio. The festivities are from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. www.brcohn.com
Down on the Ranch. Last week, I spent a truly amazing afternoon at the breathtaking McEvoy Ranch. The olive farm, located just west of Petaluma, is 550 acres of heaven. Although not generally open to the public, we were there to attend one of their first tours of the season, the Garden Tour, one of several offered a few times during the summer and early fall. Most people are familiar with the amazing olive oil produced from the ranch’s 80,000 Tuscan trees, but are unaware of their extensive gardens. Originally used to provide newspaper magnate Nan McEvoy with fresh produce and cut flowers, the organic gardens now boast a large full-time staff of gardeners and supply the company with ample bounty to produce a small line of produce-driven jarred food products, to sell at several farmer’s markets and at their Ferry Building shop in the City. Lead by head gardener, Margaret Koski-Kent, the two-hour tour offered a behind the scenes peek into the magical property which resembles a billion dollar movie set: spectacular, handmade trellises, 20-foot tall sweet peas, 3 miles of volcanic stone walls and a 42-foot high perfectly replicated Chinese pagoda. Caterer, Pamela Ferrari prepared a spectacular buffet lunch made almost exclusively from products from the ranch. Super sweet strawberries with rose petal sugar were delightful, but what I loved was the salad of colorful vegetables with a garlic aioli so pungent it hurt. McEvoy’s small handful of tours sell out quickly, so don’t hesitate if you’re interested in attending any this season. It will surely be an experience you will not soon forget! Find the offerings and make your reservations on line at www.mcevoyranch.com or by calling 769.4138.
Small Bites: On Saturdays during the season, be sure to check out the Sonoma Garden Park’s Saturday Harvest Market. From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. you’ll find Nick Rupier’s famous Nix Chix eggs, a wide variety of produce, cut flowers, plants and new this year, Mike the baker’s beautiful artisan bread! The six-acre working farm on Seventh Street East is also a gorgeous spot to stroll through. Whenever I have guests visiting from out of town, I take them here to see the funny chickens, sit in the shade of the huge fig tree and pick up the best eggs in town. Speaking of farms, the Sonoma County Farm Bureau’s annual benefit dinner, Love of the Land, to support local farmland and clean water is scheduled for July 15 at Richard’s Grove and Saralee’s Vineyard near Windsor. Not only does this evening benefit a truly important cause but, it sounds like such fun. The popular event includes hors d’ oeuvres from many great local restaurants, including our own Girl and the Fig, local wines, live music, art show, live auction and a gourmet barbecue dinner in a beautiful setting. Be sure to R.S.V.P. before July 6. For more information see their website at www.sonomacountyfarmbureau.com
