15 Tons: The amount of weight I gained after visiting wine country.

"I need to get out of here." Famous words that began a planning extravaganza for an 8 day adventure in northern California.The first couple days were to be spent in Napa, the middle 3 in Sonoma, and the remaining days in Point Reyes. This was not my first time out in the area, but I researched like crazy none the less.

Here is the problem: When you go to a culinary wonderland, like this particular area, there is no possible way to eat at every place you have wanted to experience. Let's just shove French Laundry aside for a moment, since I failed to successfully get a reservation, I was still left with a myriad of options, one more enticing than the next.

So here is what we finally ended up with with:

Ad Hoc: Our first dinner was a true success. As you may know, Ad Hoc only serves family style dinner, with the menu changing daily. On this particular day we were treated to a modern version of a wedge salad as our appetizer. As far as wedge salad go, it wasn't anything noteworthy, but very fresh, and the bacon on the salad was exceptional.
Our next course was a rabbit roulade with arugula and pancetta, served in a light cream sauce with fresh sliced radishes. This was my husband's personal favorite, he devoured every bite.

The main course was a roasted spring chicken with baby peas, young carrots, new potatoes, large gulf shrimp, and spinach in a light garlic au jus. The chicken was perfectly seasoned and cooked, the vegetables still had their bite, and the sauce was used as a sauce should be, an accompaniment, not overwhelming the dish.

The dessert was a perfect brownie with popcorn ice cream. I paired the meal with a glass of sparkling wine, and left full and happy.

1st night was a success, and we happened upon an authentic Mexican taco truck pulled up near our hotel. BEST TONGUE TACO EVER.

Zazu: Well.....they ended up having a kitchen fire moments before we were supposed to dine there. So that didn't happen.

Estate: We were able to get last minute reservations at Estate, the new endeavor of Sondra Bernstein, owner of Girl and the Fig. This was a pleasant surprise. We started with the Salumi plate, a lovely and generous assortment of house cured meats. A huge wood board arrived at our table with 6 different varieties of sliced charcuterie, served with flatbreads. Each had it's own unique flavor, spicy, gamey, smoky...but all were crafted with love.
We then moved on to a heart of romaine salad with the most delicious pickled beets and caper berries. The salad was crisp and slightly salty.
We both wanted to eat one more thing, but were not hungry enough for a full dinner plate. Our friendly server mentioned that one of the best things on the menu was there house made wild boar sausage. The thought of putting more meat in my mouth didn't sit that well with me, but after looking at the gleam in my husband's eye, I couldn't deny him his carnivorous way. I'm so happy I gave in, the sausage was moist, perfectly flavored with fennel, and rested on a bed of the most heavenly, soft polenta with fava beans. 2nd dinner, also a success.

Cyrus: My sincere apologies in advance....I did not take pictures of the 12 course extravaganza that was my meal at this lovely spot in Healdsburg, part of me felt embarrassed, looking back, who cares, I should have done it. The front is unassuming with a simple understated script monogram on the front window. We were greeted by the gracious hostess and were shown to our table. Cyrus has clean lines, plush seating, and warm romantic lighting. The servers, while not showing much personality (this may be a requirement), are spot on with service, and timing. I wish that I had the time and room to write about each course as each one deserved its own page. What stands out in my mind is the trout, wrapped up like a little gift within a soba noodle package, with the most velvety miso broth, the milk poached chicken in sous-vide style that fell apart like butter in my mouth, the beef cheek and foie gras in veal consommé, and the cheese, oh the cheese. At Cyrus, a cart is brought around the room before your dessert course, and youare asked to select 3 cheeses from a cart of approximately 10. The server was extremely knowledgeable about the regions and methods under which each cheese was made and helped with the final decision by asking what we look for in a cheese. I left this eating adventure full, happy, drunk, and with a complimentary brownie in my purse.

Marshall Store and Hog Island: On the way down to Point Reyes, the sun was beginning to win it's 3 day long battle with the clouds.We had breakfast in Santa Rosa at Dierk's Parkside Cafe, a cozy neighborhood joint with incredibly fresh and inventive breakfasts. I had the Chicken Benedict (deep fried chicken, bacon, tomato, eggs, hash & hollandaise on a baguette no less). Having had this, lunch time was skipped over, and we set out sights on oyster tasting. Driving along Highway 1, we encountered Hog Island Oysters, well known, as you may have had them flown in to your local restaurant. But...nothing compares to these babies fresh from   the bay, with a squeeze of lemon juice, and a cold glass of pinot grigio. I successfully ate 2 dozen.
Just down the road about 2 miles, is the Marshall Store, lesser known, but equally as good. At this location, we decided on trying some of the cooked varieties: Barbecued oysters and Bacon Oysters. Let me start by saying, I'm an oyster purist. I like 'em raw, a little lemon or mignonette, possibly tobasco...so this was quite a departure for me. I LOVED the barbecue oysters, they were not the least bit overcooked, tender, plump,  and flavorful. The bacon oysters...mmm...not so much. A little too overwhelming, the bacon and onion took over the flavor of the oyster. We sat on the side deck with 2 cold beers, had a great conversation with a long distance couple spending the weekend together, and left relaxed and prepared for 2 days of hiking.

Some other places to check out:
Fremont Diner
Dry Creek General 
Vladimir's Czech Restaurant - no website, old school, cash only
Bouchon

On the subject of food...

I've been cooking since I was able to reach the knobs on an oven. Food conveys memories for me that nothing else has ever been able to match. I associate my first real date with the plate of calamari that hit my table at Joey's in Chagrin Falls. My family conjures up memories of lamb fat, rice, and summer ripened tomatoes. The birth of my son brings tastes of cherry jello to my mouth (unfortunately).
I see dining out as a sport at which I excel and love. There is nothing more enjoyable to me than to see a plate of food arriving at my table, sharing it friends and family, and spreading the word of our amazing meal.
I am known for throwing dinner parties, creating new recipes, and having a son who will eat just about anything.

Though my social schedule has lessened considerably after becoming a mom, my passion for the local food scene, traveling in search of great eats, and sharing recipes has never wained. For this reason, I thought it high time I start a blog about my life in food. I present, the Brunette Gourmet.