Renner Winery has figured out how to tame the beast in Syrah. Not too much tart cranberry yet plenty of crisp acidity and body backed by that great berry fruit flavor. ‘Twas the perfect accompaniment to my delicious bacon wrapped meatloaf in a BBQ demiglaze sauce for...
Food
Best Restaurants in Murphys
El Jardin - best Mexican food in town with unique salsas Cactus Jacks - best place to watch the Niners win the playoffs. I know, the food might be better at Firewood across the street; but they didn't have the sound on. Murphys Hotel may have a full bar but it's too...
Opolo Spiced Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients 3 ½ cups Opolo Mountain Zinfandel 2 cups sugar 2 cups (packed) golden brown sugar 12 whole cloves 12 whole allspice 4 cinnamon sticks 2- 3x1 inch strips orange peel 2 -12 ounce bags fresh cranberries Preparation Combine all ingredients - except cranberries...
Epicurean Connection
Those of you in search of deliciously flavorful food lovingly prepared by a chef that cares and uses all fresh ingredients should walk past Sunflower Caffe and turn the corner. The Epicurean Connection is gonna give you that fix and more. They not only make their own...
Acorn
The warm and attentive husband and wife operation at Acorn is behind what I think is the best wine for any Thanksgiving table. Its strong fruit flavors of dark plum and cherry give it enough jam without being jammy. Merlot’s influence adds the tough acidity to pair...
Zin Party
Another great meeting with Kathleen Kelley Young today! She made my mouth water with tales of her recent zin party. Tell me if this makes you wish you were there: Braised beef short ribs (in zin reduction of course) Polenta with butternut squash, fontina, and asiago...
Honor System in Sonoma
How often do you see something like this on a morning run? More from my appellation adventures in this region.
Villa Creek
Villa Creek has ruined me for chicken. Everywhere else I go, I think it sounds delicious and assume it has their trademark wonderfully tender juicy texture with fresh flavors but it’s often dry, tough, and bland. What is in that rich sauce?! I can only tell it is...
Yoakim Bridge
Yoakim Bridge Winery is owned by Virginia and David Cooper. Virginia and her husband tell a meet cute story that beats all Hollywood. They were both the oldest students in culinary school at 48, so they just had to fall in love because everyone else in class was too...
Sunflower Caffe
Why would café need a second f? Why would everyone recommend this place? Everyone loves the location and great patio space in the back it’s clear. But do they really like the food? A friend and I went to Sunflower Caffe after hearing several great reviews from locals....