I guess it’s goodbye summer. Sniff, sniff. They’re officially here, the first signs of autumn. The sound of rustling leaves, something changing ever so slightly in the breeze. This time of year I can’t help but feel a certain nostalgia. Maybe it’s the looming winter or it could simply be saying farewell to our glorious Sonoma summer. With that in mind, I am frantically trying to be outside as often as I am able, checking out every festive food-filled event I can and eating every spec of summer produce humanly possible. That being said, it’s time to reminisce on this past summer and share with you the annual round up of my favorite Sonoma summer experiences. Here they are, in my humble opinion:
Best food at a summer winery event: Scribe Winery’s Pig and Pinot Party
From the instant I turn onto the long, palm tree-lined drive leading to the crumbling one hundred year old hacienda and vineyards at Scribe Winery I feel something completely magical. On a regular day, the outdoor “tasting room” here is easily the most groovy, atmospheric setting in all of Wine Country. For their quarterly wine club parties, the group absolutely outdoes themselves, without fail creating a vibe that utterly encourages lounging about the property, with mass quantities of stellar wine and outstanding food. Their Pig and Pinot party this month was no exception; an over-the-top picnic complete with two massive, wood-roasted, whole pigs and gorgeous side dishes straight from the winery’s own lovingly tended, abundant vegetable gardens. Each heritage beast was prepared to a state of absolute perfection, with the most glorious, glistening, crackling skin and tender, succulent, outrageously juicy meat. A salad of raw kale was dressed in a delightful garlic-laced dressing, which demanded seconds, well…and then thirds. Beans from Napa’s Rancho Gordo were cooked slowly over the coals until they reached a state of pure bean-y, creamy bliss. The entire meal was paired perfectly and was easily washed down with plenty of the winery’s heavenly pinot noir. Pig and pinot perfection.
Best place to while away a summer day: Sunflower Caffé’s back patio
Beneath the cheery yellow awnings of the Sunflower Caffé’s enchanting back patio, the breeze always seems to blow soft and cool no matter how high the mercury rises. Time tends to slow here as happy visitors come and go, chatting easily over heavenly smelling lamb burgers, monstrous pieces of bread pudding and frosty root beer floats. No matter the time, whether you’re sipping a perfectly made latte or a lovely, local glass of wine, there is no more enjoyable spot to linger on a warm summer day.
Best place to while away a summer evening: Harvest Moon Café’s back patio
You would never guess what true beauty lies behind the simple storefront of the Plaza’s Harvest Moon Café. When stepping out the back door, lucky patrons are immediately engulfed in the golden glow of a million twinkly lights which cast a soft shimmering hue to everything from the food to your date, helping them appear, well…just prettier. A small, daily menu of farmer’s market-inspired choices are exactly the sort of fare that simply scream to be nibbled on a lovely outdoor patio. The best part? Several renditions of the Café’s homemade, herb-inflected mayonnaise makes frequent appearances on the summer menu. When plopped generously alongside a plate of perfectly ripe tomatoes, it’s always a favorite of mine. A great deal tastier al fresco.
Best place to cool off on a hot summer day: The pool at Frances Ford Coppola Winery
There is nothing more depressing than desperately wishing to go for a swim on a hot summer Sonoma day and not having access to a pool. Well, a big thanks to the director, genius and all-around awesome guy, Frances Ford Coppola, for having the inspired vision to not only create a destination-worthy winery, but to throw in a spectacular pool, open it to the public, and complete it with European dressing cabines, festive live music and buff lifeguards. Roving, white-clad servers answer to your every whim, whether it’s bringing you another icy cold can of Sofia sparkling wine or fluffing the stack of thick white pool towels propped under your head.
Favorite summer event: HWY 12 and Bi-Rite Market’s Full Moon Barn Dance
An unfussy feast consisting of locally grown produce, accompanied by square dancing, all in a rustic country barn under an enormous full moon is seriously the epitome of Wine Country’s good life. This summer’s Full Moon Barn Dance was truly about as enchanting an evening as it gets. Thoughtful, fun activities like horseshoes and a lasso contest kept the kids occupied while adults indulged in moon-gazing and devouring the honest to goodness, country fare – the grilled zucchini skewers were a revelation – paired with plenty of local wine. Here’s to hoping it becomes an annual event!
Most delicious Sonoma summer sipper (besides wine, of course): The “Glariffee” coffee at the Swiss Hotel
I have no idea what’s in them, for the exception of coffee, cream and copious amounts of booze. This chilled concoction is altogether delicious and more than likely thoroughly dangerous. For a little drink, these guys pack a potent punch! They’re said to “knock you down and then pick you up!” Or, is it the other way around? I cannot imagine a more festive libation to treat oneself to after dinner on a warm summer evening while people watching from one of the Swiss’ front porch tables.
Most delicious thing to happen to Sonoma this summer: Table service at the Fremont Diner
I was thrilled the fateful summer morning when I visited my favorite roadside eatery – with my usual hankering for the diner’s to-die-for ham biscuit – and got to experience being waited on. I happily plonked myself down at a table and reveled in the fact that I could now indulge in multiple coffee refills…without getting up to get it myself.
On The Menu
An amazing sounding event anyone interested in sustainable food, gardening or good eating shouldn’t miss is the National Heirloom Exposition, being held at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds on September 13-15. Being dubbed the “World’s Fair” of the heirloom industry, this not-for-profit event will feature a massive display of heirloom produce, more than two hundred vendors, nationally recognized speakers, and will help fund local back to school gardens and food programs. Admission is $10. More information can be found at theheirloomexpo.com.
• Make your reservations for Robledo Family Winery’s popular “Lobster Feed” on Saturday, September 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. The bountiful feast includes Maine lobster, prawns, artichokes and the works on their outdoor patio. You’ll enjoy our beautiful vineyard views, live music, award winning wines and wine specials. Seats are $95 and $85 for “La Familia” wine club members and are available by contacting Nadine at 939.6903 or by email at nadine@robledofamilywinery.com. RSVP required.
• Joanne Weir, the James Beard Award-winning cookbook author, teacher, chef and television personality is leading a “Tequila and New Mexican Dinner” at Ramekins on Thursday, September 22. This intimate, hands-on experience begins at 5:30 p.m. with a vertical tasting of artisanal tequilas. Next, guests have a lesson in creating the very best margarita you have ever tasted, followed by a multi-course feast. The menu sounds divine and includes chorizo hand pies, shrimp ceviche, trout quesadillas, tortilla soup, grilled rib eye and finishes with a “tequilamisu.” This truly special, educational and delicious evening is limited to twelve students and costs $230 per person. Reservations can be made by calling Ramekins at 933.0450 or visiting ramekins.com.
• Paul’s Produce is offering space to sign up for their weekly CSA or Community Supported Agriculture. Each week, you’ll have a selection of vegetables and greens from the farm, seasonal fruit, free-range eggs and even bread. The cost is $25 per week, additional fee for eggs and bread. Subscribers will have the opportunity to pick up their box at the farm on Arnold Drive or at the Tuesday Farmer’s Market. For more information, email Candi at candied@vom.com or visit paulsproduce.wordpress.com for more information.
Farm Fun
Plenty of delicious, farm-inspired fun from the folks over at ESTATE and the girl and the fig
Beginning at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, September 20, ESTATE is hosting a “Farm Forum” conversation about the future of food and farming in Sonoma County. Speakers include Chef John Toulze, Kathleen Hill and a handful of interesting personalities from the Bay Area’s farming and food community. A donation at the door of $15 includes nibbles and sips as well. To reserve your space, email waverley@clarkwolfcompany.com. • I could not be more excited about the upcoming “Harvest Dinner” on the beautiful patio at ESTATE on Saturday, October 8. One of my all-time favorite winemakers, Randall Grahm from Bonny Doon Vineyards, will be on hand as their special guest. In celebration of the restaurant group’s farm project, the evening’s menu celebrates the bounty of their two acre garden which supplies vegetable and fruits to the three restaurants all year long. The entire amazing sounding feast, including wine, is a mere $65 (excluding tax and gratuity). To make your reservations call 933.3663.
Irish Coffee Sundae with Whiskey Caramel Sauce
Serves 8
For coffee nut crisp:
1 large egg white
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules, crushed
1 cup walnut pieces (3 1/2 ounces), coarsely chopped if desired
For sauce:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
6 Tablespoons Irish whiskey
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 pints good-quality coffee ice cream
Preheat oven to 325°F with rack in middle. Line a rimmed sheet pan with a nonstick baking liner, or line it with foil and lightly oil foil. Whisk egg white with sugar, coffee powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until blended. Stir in walnuts until coated. Spread mixture into a 10 by 8 inch rectangle in pan. Bake until crisp is dry to the touch, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer pan to a rack to cool completely. Loosen crisp with a metal spatula and break into small pieces.
Bring sugar and water to a boil in a 2–quart heavy saucepan over medium–high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Boil without stirring, but washing down any sugar crystals with a brush dipped in cold water, until syrup begins to turn golden, about 5 minutes. Continue to boil, swirling pan occasionally, until syrup is a deep golden caramel. Remove pan from heat and carefully add whiskey, cream, and salt (mixture will bubble up and steam and caramel will harden). Return pan to heat and simmer, stirring, until caramel is dissolved and sauce is smooth. Cool to warm. Serve sauce over scoops of coffee ice cream then sprinkle with walnut crisp.
Kristin Viguerie 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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