Burning ring of fire

Spice-aholic. Hello, my name is Kristin and I am a spice-aholic. Admitting it is the first step, right? The desire for spice, the rush of heat and pain is, at times, all consuming. I constantly crave that tongue-tingling, tummy aching joy. A smart man once... Continue

Summer round-up: sublime quail, small plates, gleaning and more

There’s just something about the first signs of autumn, something in those first sounds of the rustling of leaves that makes me feel nostalgic. Maybe it’s the looming winter, or it could simply be saying goodbye to our glorious Sonoma summer. With that in mind,... Continue

The last gasp of summer

Farewell summer. I do believe that summer has left us. Despite this past weekend’s warmth, the sun is beginning to appear especially golden, a bit of change in the air and the slight sound of rustling leaves. Apples and pears are replacing stone fruit and... Continue

Heaven on earth at Hudson Ranch

Hudsonia. In my wildest dreams I might live at a place like the Hudson Ranch. This piece of heaven in Carneros is the bucolic ideal...rolling hills covered with grape vines, perfect picket fenced garden, little piggies playing under patches of oak forest. I recently had... Continue

Fragrant lavender, cheese for dinner and the beauty of whole fish

Stop and Smell the Lavender. Sometimes you have to just stop and smell the flowers and in June in Sonoma you have plenty of opportunity to do just that. The annual June lavender harvest is celebrated in small and big ways all over Wine Country:... Continue

Kristin invites herself to dinner at Sonoma Fire Station #1

Guess who’s coming to dinner? Don’t be too jealous, but I got to ride in a fire truck! I am getting ahead of myself, but who wouldn’t...I mean, a real, live fire truck! Sirens, hoses, cute firefighters and all. All right, I’ll back up a... Continue

Breakfast, BBQs, small bites and more

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... Continue

The benefits of eating

Eating for Good. One of the best things about Sonoma is that there are never-ending opportunities to eat out for a good cause. Not that I need a reason to eat, but somehow I love knowing that with each bite I am helping a worthy... Continue

Finally – new food offerings are open for business

File under FINALLY. The excruciating wait is over! Karen Waikiki’s El Molino Central in Boyes Hot Springs is open! The lovely little spot is serving up the most delicious coffee from Blue Bottle Coffee Company - my café au lait was spot on - seriously... Continue

Kristin asks – to grill or not to grill?

Where there’s smoke. This weekend’s Memorial Day holiday typically kicks off the summer barbecue and grilling season. The Southern gal in me looks forward to this time of year when we West Coasters get to enjoy the delicious joy a little wood, a bit of... Continue

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