I am definitely the outdoorsy type. As in, I enjoy eating outdoors. More often, if I am being completely honest, drinking outdoors.
A quiet lounge chair by the pool, or a charming sidewalk cafe for people-watching are both favorite opportunities to while away an afternoon with a festive (not always, but commonly alcoholic) drink in-hand. Often times, if the weather is warm, the day calls for one of my preferred go-to summer drinks, a Campari and soda.
A 14-year-old Italian “master drink maker” at the famous Bass Bar in Turin first concocted this dazzling, bright red apéritif in 1860. His original recipe, which continues to be kept under lock and key, contained more than sixty natural ingredients including herbs, spices, barks and fruit peels, not to mention the cochineal insect that gave it it’s color.
Everything about sipping an apéritif is right up my alley. They’re meant to stimulate the appetite, which when you tend to eat as often as I do, can be greatly appreciated and because it’s low in alcohol, a gal can enjoy several without the guilt of, say, downing three margaritas. Campari has an elusive, sort of exotic bitter, herbal flavor which is slightly tamed, and completely refreshing, when served over tons of ice, crushed if you’re lucky, sparkling soda water and a generous slice of orange. Be sure to use a slice of orange.
If you haven’t ever ordered one, don’t waste another minute! Pop into your favorite outdoor café (I adore the sidewalk seats at the Swiss Hotel or Murphy’s patio) and order a Campari and soda before summer slips away. ‘Cause then, it’s Sherry-drinking time! More on that this fall. Find Campari locally at Sonoma Market, Whole Foods and at most area restaurants and bars.
The Best
I am fairly confident that we Sonomans know that almost everything that comes from here is the best. Sonoma County’s hand-crafted cheeses, small batch seasonal jams and jellies, world-class olive oils, artisan breads, micro-brew beers and the wines, of course, are as amazing, if not more so, than anywhere in the world.
Now, thanks to Sonoma’s Best, the charming little market on East Napa Street, our lucky visitors can be educated as well. I am certainly not saying that the wonderful little market should be enjoyed only by picnicking tourists. It’s just the opposite! This is such a fun spot for locals to find all of our favorite foodstuffs produced here in Valley and from all over the Bay Area. Products from the girl and the fig sit happily alongside vinegars from BR Cohn, a reach-in cooler is stocked with favorite cheeses from just about every cheesemaker in the county, while baguettes from my favorite bakery, Della Fattoria, are lovingly stacked in a wicker basket. Taste local olive oils, including the markets own label, at the oil tasting bar, but not before getting a gargantuan scoop of Fiorello’s yummy gelato.
I was particularly thrilled on a recent visit to see that a great selection of my favorite dried heirloom beans from Napa’s Rancho Gordo! I cannot imagine a spot more convenient to grab a tasty Blue Bottle coffee and a house-made breakfast “egger” or to pick up prettier or more affordable salads or panini, to be enjoyed on the quiet back patio or the lively front porch Another great time to pop into Sonoma’s Best is during one of their interesting and educational wine and beer tastings that highlight producers from near and far. Isn’t Sonoma the best? Open Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit sonomas-best.com for more information.
On The Menu
This weekend is the fabulous “Sonoma Wine Country Weekend.” The annual three-day event is filled with epicurean winery events, plenty of wine and tons of festivity. The weekend’s finale not to be missed is Sunday’s over the top auction that raises funds for local charities. Visit sonomawinecountryweekend.com for all the details and to purchase tickets.
• Alsina Station Grill’s second “Tango and Milonga Night” is Sunday, September 11. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., the festive Argentinian restaurant at Cornerstone is hosting Tango band, Trio Garufa. The evening sounds like a fabulous opportunity to sit beneath the olive trees, dig into a beautiful, wood-grilled, all-natural steak, while sipping some wonderful Argentinian wines and either watching – or taking part – in the open Tango! Call Alsina at 933.4422 to make reservations. Visit alsinagrill.com or triogarufa.com for more information.
• 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 p.m. 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.
Campari and Grapefruit Granita
Makes 7 cups
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 cup water
3 cups fresh pink grapefruit juice (from about 4 pink grapefruits) with some pulp
1/4 cup Campari
Garnish: 3-inch-long pieces fresh grapefruit zest, removed with a vegetable peeler
In a saucepan bring sugar and water to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Let syrup cool. Stir in grapefruit juice and Campari and freeze in a shallow metal pan, stirring and crushing lumps with a fork every 30 minutes, 3 to 4 hours, or until mixture is firm but not frozen. Scrape granita with a fork to lighten texture. Serve granita in chilled goblets and garnish with zest.
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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