Chiarello Family 2006 Bambino Cabernet Sauvignon
We recently went to Bottega in Napa Valley (Michael Chiarello’s restaurant in Yountville). The polenta with balsamic-wild game sauce, the rabbit sugo, the gnocchi and the burrata were all...
View ArticleNed Ludd Restaurant in Portland
My friends and I were thrilled to discover Ned Ludd in Portland. We went there on a chilly, rainy Sunday evening after a day of exploring Portland’s cheese, chocolate and wine shops. What a delight...
View ArticleAskinosie Chocolate
Perhaps the BEST chocolate in the world is being made by Shawn Askinosie in Springfield, Missouri. Seriously. It has become my absolute favorite, and I taste a LOT of chocolate. When starting up...
View ArticleNo More Plastic Bags at SF Farmers Market
Starting on May 23rd, the SF Ferry Building Farmers Market has banned the use of plastic bags by the vendors at the market. This is a trend that may be picked up by other farmers markets in the area....
View ArticleReverie-Daydream Boutique
Melissa and Sean McArdle recently opened a new online shop, Reverie-Daydream Boutique . They feature unique and beautiful artisan products from around the world. Their goal is to bring to their...
View ArticleRoasted Asparagus Frittata with Bacon (optional)
Ingredients 14-15 medium stalks asparagus, washed 2 Tablespoons olive oil 3 strips bacon (such as Niman Ranch Applewood Smoked Bacon), optional 2 Tablespoons butter 1/4 cup chopped scallions 6 large...
View ArticleFresh Strawberry Margaritas
In making homemade cocktails, I start with great ingredients. That typically means a trip to my garden or else to the farmers market for seasonal fruits. In this recipe, I use strawberries but you...
View ArticleFish in Sausalito
My restaurant pick this time is Fish in Sausalito. Fish is located on Harbor Drive and is dedicated to serving sustainable seafood. The chef/owner, Kenny Belov, works with near-by farmers to serve...
View ArticleReconstituting Sundried Tomatoes
My favorite sun-dried tomatoes (hands-down!) come from Everything Under the Sun in Winters, California. They are intensely-flavored and packed with Vitamin A, minerals and fiber. I love to have them...
View ArticleFresh Green Garbanzo Beans
Fresh green garbanzo beans were onhand this morning at the San Francisco Ferry Plaza Farmers Market! I have eaten dried garbanzo beans and even canned ones, but never fresh ones. The fresh garbanzos...
View ArticleFresh Hazelnuts from Freddy Guys in Oregon
My fresh Oregon hazelnuts just arrived! Since discovering the fresh hazelnuts that are grown in Oregon, I have really come to appreciate the flavor and versatility of these aromatic nuts. I like to...
View ArticleSweet Corn Soup with Basil Oil and Creme Fraiche
Ingredients ½ cup sweet onions (I prefer the sweetness of Vidalia onions for this recipe, if you can find them.) 1 T olive oil 2 cups fresh corn, kernels cut from the cob and the cobs scraped 1 ½ cup...
View ArticleHeirloom Tomato, White Corn and Basil Salad
Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds heirloom tomatoes (assorted sizes and colors) 2-3 ears white corn kernels (cut off the cob) A handful of fresh basil leaves 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 Tablespoon...
View ArticleBaby Shitake Mushroom and Pesto Pizza
Ingredients For the pesto: 3 Tablespoons pine nuts 1 cup basil leaves 1 clove garlic, sliced 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup freshly grated parmigiano reggiano or grana padano cheese Sea salt For...
View ArticleRoasted Sweet Tomatoes with Basil
This dish works best with sweet, fresh tomatoes, such as sungolds or sweet 100’s. Ingredients 2 cups tiny sweet tomatoes, stems removed 1 small handful of fresh basil leaves (plus more for garnish) 2 T...
View ArticleSlow-Roasted Tomatoes
This is one of my favorite ways to bring out even more flavor in vine-ripened tomatoes. You can either peel the tomatoes first, or leave the skin on – it depends on how you would like to use them. We...
View ArticleSungold Tomato and Bread Salad
This dish features some of nature’s best produce – super sweet Sungold tomatoes, sweet red onions and arugula. These fresh ingredients, combined with your favorite toasted bread cubes and a sweet-tart...
View ArticleSpring Onion, Roasted Pepper, Mushroom and Corn Galette
A galette (rustic tart) is so easy to make and is sure to become one of your “go to” dishes. I make both sweet and savory galettes (such as this Nectarine Galette), depending upon the season and the...
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