I experienced a startling revelation this month. I like football. I really do. I can imagine my family and long time friends are open mouthed, shocked, in disbelief at this very moment. I never really thought too much about football. I didn’t “not like it,” I just didn’t care about it either way. I couldn’t imagine staying indoors, staring – often times yelling – at the television on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. I still have never been to an actual football game, which always sort of sounded like more fun. I mean, greasy stadium food and flat beers, tailgating in the parking lot; grilling burgers and other fun football food, too much beer and testosterone. Had I thought about how much watching football truly revolves around food, I may have given it a shot long before now.
The Bay Area is all a’flutter with the fact that the Forty Niners are one step closer to the Superbowl. This weekend’s big game will find most Sonomans hosting or attending playoff parties, stocking up on the prerequisite football provisions. Typically, the mandatory chicken wings, ribs, hot dogs and burgers. Those traditional offerings are all fun, but wouldn’t it be more festive to think outside of the box? Consider ditching the boring, mass produced chips and dips for more scrumptious offerings from one of these much-loved, local purveyors.
Get your goat
La Carniceria Chapala is a Boyes Hot Springs gem located in the Fiesta Plaza on Highway 12. Each weekend, this immaculate little Mexican meat market and bodega prepares uncommon selections of authentic and affordable, perfectly pre-roasted meats. An entire party can be deliciously and easily assembled here. Do what I love to do and start with a pound or two of carnitas – roast pork – and possibly a smaller portion of the slightly rustic, but completely tasty shredded and roasted goat. Grab a selection of the house-made salsas or the super fresh ceviche, and simply serve with fresh and crispy tortillas. If you’re feeling extremely festive, finish with the market’s individual, decadent little ramekins of flan. Just be sure not to forget the limes for your margaritas!
The thrill of the grill
The gracious – and cute – fellows over at Sonoma Market’s king-sized meat department are always immensely helpful when I show up at a loss for something meaty to throw on the grill. For this weekend’s game, I am following their wise advice and choosing a variety of their scrumptious homemade sausages. Simply toss them on the grill for a minute or two and serve with soft rolls and a few interesting mustards. I will make my mom’s famous sausage sandwiches with peppers, onions and chunky homemade blue cheese dressing. Local institution, Broadway Market, carries a small, but nice selection of Harris Ranch beef, among other grilling favorites. The market’s specialty, a smoky-salty Bloody Mary marinated tri-tip, when briefly grilled, sliced and piled on a roll, makes a truly killer steak sandwich.
On a roll
Not excited about slaving over the grill this weekend? A very cool idea…call Shiso Sushi and Grill and get your sushi roll on. You’ll certainly get credit for hosting the healthiest soiree! Pre-order a super fresh, icy cold sushi platter and pick it up just in time for your football gathering. Shiso’s football themed platters include the 80-piece “9erville Platter,” the 50-piece “Candlestick Platter.” Call 933.9331 for more information, additional menu items or to place an order as soon as possible.
Smoked goodness
Rob Larman’s lovingly prepared, high-quality Cochon Volant barbecue is always a real showstopper and would be the ideal accompaniment to a day of playoff football fun! His perfectly smoked pulled pork shoulder, beef brisket and ribs, which are always finished with his tasty homemade sauce, are available each weekend at Sonoma’s Best, the charming gourmet market located on East Napa near Eighth. Be sure to call Sonoma’s Best at 996.7600 and reserve your order, as quantities are limited.
On The Menu
On Thursday, January 19, Ramekin’s hosts a “Tour of Italy: Tuscany” cooking class with Lisa Lavagetto. This hands on class begins at 6:30 p.m. and students will experience the true characteristics of Italian food, prepared carefully and eaten slowly. The menu begins with Prosciutto stuffed focaccia, fresh pastas, braised meats with salsa verde and an almond torta for dessert. The cost is $95. Contact Ramekin’s for more details and to make your reservation at 933.0450.
• Be sure to make your reservations for Rob Larman’s “Annual Cioppino Dinner” at the Valley Wine Shack on Friday, January, 20 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Guests will enjoy Rob’s delicious, traditional Cioppino filled with fresh fish and shellfish and served with polenta, a Caesar salad, bread and warm fruit crisp. The cost is $35 per person. Beer and wine will be available to purchase. Call the Valley Wine Shack to make your reservations at 938.7218.
• Welcome the “Year of the Dragon” with the Sonoma Sister Cities Association as they celebrate the Chinese New Year on Saturday, January 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. Guests will enjoy a cooking demonstration by Celebrity Chef Martin Yan, traditional Chinese lion dancing and a delicious selection of authentic dim sum. An amazing array of items have been donated for the silent auction, including a tour of China, limited edition prints from Lisa Kristine and a trio of Harlan Estate wines. Tickets are $60 per person, which benefit the Sonoma Sister Cities Association’s cultural exchange program. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance by calling 938.4626 ext. 1 or online at sonomacommunitycenter.org.
• Next Saturday, January 28, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. eat, drink and celebrate Sonoma’s olive season at the annual “Feast of the Olive.” Held at Ramekins, this delicious event features the best local chefs, winemakers and olive oil producers who all pair up to prepare a unique seated dinner. Tickets are $150 per person and reservations are required. Call 996.1090, ext. 108 to purchase yours before they sell out!
A delicious deal
Take the night off from cooking and take your family and friends to Cafe’ 522 Tuesday evenings for home style fare at a fair price! Every Tuesday evening, Cafe’ 522 will prepare a three-course, home style meal served family style for just $35. This past Tuesday was Chef Alex’s version of Southern fried chicken, served with mashed potatoes, gravy and bacon-braised greens. It was out of this world! The price includes a special salad, corn bread and dessert! Call 938.7373 for more information or to make your reservation.
Mom’s Favorite Sausage Sandwich
Serves 6
6 links of Kielbasa,
sliced in half longwise
3 T. canola oil
2 fresh green peppers, sliced thinly
1 yellow onion, sliced thinly
1 cup homemade or best quality blue cheese dressing
6 soft rolls, sliced lengthwise
Preheat grill. In a sauté pan, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add the green peppers and continue to cook until soft and slightly caramelized. Set aside. Grill each sausage, turning occasionally until warmed through and nicely charred. If you wish, grill each bun until lightly toasted. Generously spoon blue cheese dressing onto each bun, top with sausage and finally the peppers and onions. Serve immediately.
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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