It’s relatively easy to be a locavore here with the huge seasonal produce and meat assortment we have been given by all the hard working farmers who give us such a bounty. I cant forget to mention the wild herb and mushroom foragers, the local fisherman, and all the artisans who care enough to make the delicious cheeses, breads, charcuterie, olive oil, ice cream, chocolate, teas…well the list can go on all day, but I think you get the point.
Along with all this food come fantastic restaurants and chefs that use the local harvest to create truly world class cuisine. I live about an hour north of San Francisco and only forty minutes from Yountville and Napa, in the town of Santa Rosa, located in the heart of the Sonoma County wine country.
Immersed here since I was born, food now consumes my mind, just as much as I consume food itself (which is a lot!). If I’m not eating or cooking, I’m often found nose deep in a cookbook or thinking of new and creative ways to use an ingredient. I’ve also unknowingly developed my palate since childhood, being blessed with a family of great cooks; I’ve always appreciated food and didn’t just eat it. I’ve been finding nuances in cheese, chocolate, olive oil, Heirloom tomatoes and mushrooms while other kids were unfortunately eating processed foods.
In my adult life I’ve been nearly swimming in award winning and “cult” wines and ales, being able to relax in my own “backyard” and hear stories, and learn from some of the top winemakers in the world is truly a magnificent and humbling experience.
p.s. to all my loyal readers...sorry I've been gone for so long, I've been on several small journeys and have been busy rediscovering and finding myself. I think I've finally figured it out.
Skol!