Marvelous Sausalito, an Excellent Italian Trattoria and Good Friends

This is going to be a short and sweet blog today about a recent trip to Sausalito with friends. It’s nice to take day trips and see the magic that the Bay Area brings us if we go looking. You will want to make a special trip out especially after you hear about our incredible meal at Poggio Trattoria.

My favorite guy in the world eating carbonara at Poggio in Sausalito California

I had promised our friends Lise and Carl Danner a lunch date since Lise had a birthday a few months back. Carl and Lise’s  lovely daughter Stephanie had the most beautiful outdoor birthday party. Stephanie had Gather Kitchen cater the event and they did a beautiful job. I’ve never seen a spread of food so beautiful. They had fresh edible flowers adorning each platter, lots of fresh fruit, a cheese and charcuterie platter, a roasted vegetable and fresh veggie platter with dips and much more. It was almost too pretty to eat. I took a video of it, but all I can find on my phone are videos of my chickens.

Ken and I got to their home early and helped set up. We went back to our place for fresh ground coffee. The tables had pressed tablecloths with gorgeous flower arrangements from The Flower Theory  Florist in Danville. I’ve never seen such stunning displays of affection ever before. This party was “out of this world.” I felt special being invited to this special birthday occasion. 

This family has had their share of heartache and struggle, but they have come out of it with a great attitude and are happier than ever before. What an inspiration they are and a good example of how all of us should appreciate our life every day and be grateful for the people in it.

There were cupcakes and a cake of course and Lise was in her glory enjoying the day. There was a champagne bar with fresh orange juice, mango juice and grapefruit juice to choose from and fresh fruit to make each glass a little more special. They rented plates, napkins, silverware and glasses as well as tables and chairs. Ken and I helped stay after to take everything down.

I will never forget how lovely Lise’s birthday was and that’s why a day in Sausalito was called for.

Lise and Carl decided to drive themselves to the restaurant. We met in the parking lot across from Poggio Trattoria. They had free parking for wheelchair access which Lise and Carl took advantage of. I was happy to try out this restaurant since my previous boss Leonard Hunter had recommended it. He is a foodie like me and knows all the great places to eat.

Antipasto dishes at Poggio Trattoria in Sausalito

The service at Poggio was outstanding. We were treated with the utmost care and the best food. We started with antipasto of burrata, pear,  delicata squash and grilled bread appetizer. Next we tried the prosciutto , melon and pecan with balsamic dish and it didn’t disappoint. We love sharing plates so we can taste everything. The grilled wood fired flatbread with the parsley olive oil topping was outstanding. My mouth is watering right now for more.

For our main dishes, I had crab fettuccine, Lise tried the pappardelle with a chicken ragu, Carl had the grilled pork chop and Ken ordered the carbonara, his favorite.  Everything that went into our mouths was outstanding. They offered Lise a free birthday tiramisu and we each had an affogato, my signature favorite dessert.

Lunch at Poggio Trattoria in Sausalito

Carl loving his pork chop at Poggio Trattoria

The weather was perfect and we had a clear extraordinary view of San Francisco which doesn’t always happen on a regular basis.

We walked through the town and enjoyed the interesting people, the shops like the Sausalito Bakery, and the special time we had with our friends.

Ken and I stopped at Equator Coffee for a hot chocolate for the long ride home. I don’t mind car rides, especially when I’m with my main man. Ken has an open mind and doesn’t mind my shenanigans when it comes to our day trips. He enjoys seeing what the Bay Area has to offer and we love spending time together.

Here’s a Blackberry Pie recipe.

Thanks for joining me today. I’m grateful for time like these when I can share our outings. I hope you take time to get out and see something new. Tell me about it in the comments below.

Teri

 

Sonoma Grown Fork To Table Food at Folktable with Good Friends

I’m here at my gym since my power is out at my house. We are experiencing another Atmospheric River in Northern California with high winds and torrential rains. I’ve been sick for a week with who knows what? Headache, ridiculous sore throat, constant wet cough and achy body are just a few of the symptoms. As you might remember, I had covid in January. This last test was negative, but I sure feel like crap.

I’d love to run away and escape to the wine country, but I don’t drink while I’m sick. I guess I will write about our special day in Sonoma last February with our friends Elaine and Craig Cowie. The weekend began with me cooking a feast on Saturday evening when the Cowies were about to arrive for their first overnight at Smyth Family Farm. They moved to Eldorado Hills three years ago, and now we have to plan outings and sleepovers to make sure we stay in touch. 

Ray, Linda, Craig, Elaine, Ken and me posing for a rare photo many years ago.

Our friendship began 30 years ago, after we moved to our second house on Rosewood Dr in Concord. The Cowies lived across the street and we would frequently have dinner together. Our children Curtis and their son Andon would play basketball and baseball in front of our houses. Eventually, their daughter Leslie and our son Andrew would play at the park or in our backyard. She was a little older and was very sweet with Andrew. Mutual friends Ray and Kinds Faulkenberry would join us for weekend meals. Ray and Linda had two kids named Wes and Meg. We even attended weddings with these families over the years. Ray was our son Curtis’ Taekwondo teacher, and Linda and Elaine met in College at Chico many years before. We were excited to have new friends and we raised our kids together. 

Elaine Cowie, Linda Faulkenberry and me pausing for a quick photo

Elaine is quite the planner, so we had scheduled this overnight date months before. It was nice to have the six of us together again for a roasted chicken dinner. We had many courses including a minestrone soup, green salad with beets, pistachios and goat cheese, and of course a decadent carrot cake with cream cheese frosting for dessert. It was a lovely evening and we are grateful for long lasting friendships.

Elaine and Craig had graciously hosted us at their home in Eldorado Hills in July of 2020, and took us wine tasting at Amador County’s Shenandoah Valley the next day. We tasted at Iron Hub Winery and Vineyard. The tastings are only $10.00 each and are free if you buy a bottle of wine. It was a beautiful day. 

The Pink Tejana Cocktail served at Stanly Ranch Napa Valley.

This time, it was our turn. We began at the bar at Stanly Ranch in Napa for a cocktail and tasted their sourdough bread. We had a huge quiche and sausage and fruit breakfast before we left our home, but you have to try their bread with nasturtium butter. This place is not to be missed and is right off highway 29. Elaine imbibed in their fancy Pink Tejana Cocktail made with lavender, infused gin, rosemary and pomegranate, lillet rose and lemon garnish. It was very pretty, almost too pretty to drink.

Next we stopped at Hansons of Sonoma Distillery which makes flavored vodkas out of grapes.Our friends tried the sampler to make sure they didn’t miss out on the vodka tasting experience. I had the espresso martini. Of course I had to buy a couple of bottles to take home- the seasonal pink grapefruit vodka for me and the habanero vodka for Elaine and Craig. There isn’t food offered here unless the pizza oven is in service on the patio. The weather wasn’t great that day, so we stayed inside and practically had the place to ourselves. Too bad more people don’t know about this precious gem of Sonoma. It’s good stuff.

My husband Ken, me, Elaine and Craig Cowie celebrating our friendship at Folktable restaurant Sonoma

My husband and our designated driver Ken, drove us to Cornerstone, a wine country marketplace. This place has changed over the years, but we were pleasantly surprised with what we stumbled upon. Folktable Restaurant looked casual and inviting. It was busy, and there was a line, but we ventured in. To my surprise, I was greeted by Chef Casey Thompson from Top Chef! I was in awe, since I have loved watching her for many years. She was running the place like a pro and graciously made a table available for the four of us. She was also meeting with someone who is interested in making that area the new “OxBow of Sonoma.” Wouldn’t that be awesome?

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We ordered the Avocado Hummus with Pumpkin Seed Pesto, the Wild Rice Salad with Quinoa, Lentils,Roasted Squash, Candied Pecans, and a Citrus-Feta Vinaigrette, and the Dungeness Crab Roll with Drawn Butter, Spicy Giardiniera, Cabbage, Trout Roe and House Chips. The waiter agreed to let us bring in our own wine and glasses (which I always have a few of in my trunk just in case). We shared the fresh farm to fork seasonally inspired cuisine and thoroughly enjoyed it. They gave us the best food and the price was right. The hospitality was top notch and I can’t wait to go back.

Next, with our tummies all full and our bodies nourished we walked into Ram’s Gate Winery. They were closing for a private event unfortunately, but we were able to walk around and see the beautiful grounds and property. Here is the blog I wrote when I first discovered Ram’s Gate Winery in July of 2017 when taking our Spanish Exchange Family to the wine country.

Our last stop and quite possibly the best glass of the day was spent at Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma. Founded in 1857,  California’s first premium winery had been reinvented by Jean Charles Boisset and the Boisset Family Estates.The place is breathtaking and the wine is superb. Our friend Craig purchased a special bottle of zinfandel, and the three of us polished it off while visiting with the locals at the bar. 

We drove our friends to Costco in Fairfield where we dropped their car off. It made their commute back to Eldorado Hills a little easier. It was a great day exploring Sonoma and experiencing the good food and wine of the region. We are so lucky to live in the Bay Area where we can skip over to the wine country at the last minute. We love it there. Life there seems a little quieter and slower, which we can all use these days.

Here is the last photo taken in February when we all had dinner together.

Elaine, Craig, Ray and Linda getting a quick pic after dinner at Smyth Family Farm.

Many thanks for reading along and finding a little joy in my blog. I sure love sharing my recipes and stories with you.

Have you been anywhere special lately? Be sure to leave a comment below and tell us.

Teri

 

Bar Hopping in Calistoga Part II

 Thanks for being patient with me on completing my blog on Calistoga. If you haven’t seen Part I of Bar Hopping in Calistoga here it is. After the so, so brunch at Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery, we ventured over to Napa Valley’s oldest bar Susie’s on Lincoln Ave. This place was a little dark for my liking, but Curtis felt right at home here. They offered a full bar, cocktails, beer, and just about whatever wine varietal you might like. They had a pool table and large screen TV’s so we could watch football. We didn’t order any food, and I can’t even remember if they offered any. Andrew and Shannon shared an IPA beer, Curtis had a cocktail and I had red wine. My favorite is zinfandel or cabernet if I’m drinking red. I like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc if I’m drinking white. I try to stick with the same spirit or wine. When I begin mixing tequila, or vodka with wine, that’s when I don’t feel great the next day. Is that the same for you, or am I just getting older and less resilient?

After a while, we meandered over to Johnny’s Gastro Pub, just up the street from Susie’s on the same side of the street. 

We met the owner, and sat at the counter. It was still fairly early in the afternoon and it wasn’t very busy. Andrew ordered the spinach and artichoke dish appetizer, and we all shared. My Andrew has a tremendous appetite and will eat just about anything. My son Curtis, eats much slower and less often, saving his calories for the cocktails. We enjoyed meeting the locals who made sure to give us the scoop on the places to see in Calistoga. She knew the history of Indian Springs Resort and suggested we try the food at Sam’s Social Club. We never made it there, but will definitely remember it for next time we visit Calistoga. I regret not taking any photos while at Susie’s or Johnny’s, but you can check out their websites if you need to learn more about these bars.

I was very excited to take my family to Solage Auberge Resorts Collection. We got word that the outdoor Pico Bar adjacent to the pool had the best guacamole and chips and drinks, so we took a seat at their outdoor patio lounge. The guacamole is made with whipped avocado, pistachio and kale dip topped with goat cheese. It was yummy and I would go back for more. Curtis sampled their “Wandering Whale” cocktail which had gin, spicy sangrita, lime and grapefruit soda. He decided it was his favorite drink of the day.

I didn’t write down what everyone else ordered, but this place was hopping with lots of activity. It was dark by then and there were fire pits lit up in every corner, great music and it was a fun atmosphere to relax by. We were saving our appetite for the “Chef’s Table tasting menu” experience across the street at the new Four Seasons Auro Napa Valley Restaurant. But first, I need to expand on how special Solage Resort is. I’ve never stayed there, but have had lunch and drinks with girlfriends and it’s always a good time. It helps to call first and place a reservation, even if you decide to hang out by the pool. The seasonal food is farm to table special, with most items adorned by herbs or that exquisite edible flower. It is worth the drive and I love spoiling my friends and family here.

Chefs Table Tasting Menu at Auro Last Novemberhttps://letsmakemudpies.wordpress.com

I had passed the Four Seasons and watched it being built for a few years and never knew what it was. I drive my dad to Twin Pines Casino every so often, and we take the Silverado Trail to get there. I was thrilled when I was able to book a special dinner for the five of us to celebrate Andrew and Shannon’s November birthdays at Auro, their new upscale restaurant. In reality, the entire day in Calistoga was phenomenal so far. We could have gone home and been satisfied. But the Smyth’s go all out, especially since the pandemic. We live our lives more intently, taking every moment together that we can. Plus, we haven’t traveled for a few years, so these stay vacations are our new way of enjoying our time together.

Chef Rogelio Garcia in action at Auro Napa Valley

Ken, our designated driver, drove us to Auro and we were greeted by the hospitable staff who directed us to the table where we could watch Executive Chef Rogelio Garcia in action. I’m embarrassed to say, I didn’t know who he was at the time. I looked him up after the incredible dinner and was excited to learn he was a contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef Season 15! Who knew?

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We shared a bottle of 2018 Estate Grown Napa Valley Cami Red Wine which was lovely and the least expensive. We had tastings of honeynut squash veloute, milk rolls sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds hot out of the oven and cultured whipped butter, a white fish with foam and herbs, seared steak, spinach and ricotta ravioli with basil, maitake mushrooms and red and white cabbage and more. We were given a tour of the kitchen, had a photo taken with chef Garcia and had chocolate tastings at the pastry chef station. We enjoyed the poached pear and vanilla panna cotta with a painted gold leaf as well as the gianduja hazelnut chocolate mousse dipped in dark chocolate feuilletine flakes and topped with a twisted hard caramel lace tuile. Then they unexpectedly brought whipped cream profiteroles adorned with milk chocolate buttercream, candles and yellow pansy blossoms. Just incredible! White chocolate and strawberry bon bons, and chocolate macaroons soon followed. What a thrill it was to have the privilege of dining at Auro with Chef Rogelio Garcia. I can’t recommend this experience enough. I hope you take someone special to this extravagant place and enjoy being pampered.

Exquisite Chocolate dessert served at Auro Napa Valley

My family loved our day together. We need to be mindful of the cost of these experiences to keep Mr. Smyth happy, but every now and then indulging in the finer things in life keeps things exciting.

Thanks again for reading. Have you been anywhere special lately? Take a drive to Calistoga. You won’t regret it.