Summer Al Fresco @ Wine Road
Just spied the first wild Sweet Peas of summer 2012; the name “sweet pea” always makes me think of something delicious to eat (oh, and of course, also, of Popeye and Olive Oyl’s baby- that, too.)
Wine Road eats & drinks & summertime…local eateries, Food & Wine Pairings, and yes, George, the living is easy….around Wine Road World HQ right now we are putting the final editing touches on TASTING ALONG THE WINE ROAD, Volume 14, for our fabulous fall extravaganza, A Wine & Food Affair.
Volume #13, 2011.
The weather is gorgeous and the flora is in full swing. Al fresco, or Alfresco dining spots are again popular, most sporting sun protection, and heaters for later in the evening when the fog might kitten-paw its way in:
Brava (coming Summer 2012) Former location on Center Street in Healdsburg of Ravenous-
Former Ravenous. Incipient Brava on Center Street in Healdsburg
Ravenous at The Raven Theatre has new digs- sweeping, open front windows- not al fresco, though:
Ravenous is now on North Street, in the Raven Theatre, Healdsburg
The Ravenous Burger is ALIVE and WELL!
Catelli’s (Remodeled Back Patio area open….)
Corks @ Russian River Vineyards Check out their pairing services! Each entree with an RRV Wine- like the Crunchy Fried Chicken, Creamy Mashed Potatoes paired up with 2011 RRV Chardonnay….
Corks Fried Chicken…ambrosia.
Alfresco supreme @ Corks @ Russian River Vineyards.
Korbel Delicatessen and Market
Mateo’s- one of the S.F. Chronicle 100 Best Restaurants 2012. Congrats!
Nectar Restaurant & Lounge @ The Sonoma Hilton
Scopa- one of the S.F. Chronicle 100 Best Restaurants 2012. Congrats!
And, speaking of Scopa, the skinny is that a sister restaurant, Campo Fina, will be opening around the corner from the original on Healdsburg Avenue….with wood-fired pizzas on the patio. The remodel continues:
Mysterious, paper-wrapped Scopa II- chandelier just visible….
The Wurst - NEW!
Casual dining just off the Healdsburg Plaza…this week, the featured wineries are Zichichi and Dry Creek Vineyards.
Right next-door to Murphy-Goode TR….
Lot’s of activity in the area with new spots opening- over in Forestville:
Canetti’s Roadhouse Italiana (Former Mosaic Restaurant location)
Twist (Former Aioli location)
Jeff Young and Toni Echols are back!
In Healdsburg, Shimo is still dark, but who knows what will come to this prime location?
Shimo still shuttered. Phoenix action at some point?
There is a softness in the air that speaks of summer being right around the corner. We have already had some very warms days along Wine Road and the sky is taking on that particular, summer-specific intense blue that contrasts so crisply against the still-newly greening trees. Perfect time for Wine Road Member Picnic Perfection Locations!
Red-leafed plum trees juxtaposed with palms…where else but Healdsburg? BLUE skies.
Gorgeous, yet deadly, white Oleander (sounds like a Swedish character in a Willa Cather novel.)
Wild white roses. I can kill even these….
Mad Men Orange.
My favorite. Hearty.
Here’s looking at you, kids.
TR
Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye sing Irving Berlin’s “Blue Skies”, in WHITE CHRISTMAS, prequel to HOLIDAY INN which was filmed at Wine Road member Village Inn…a closing Kevin Bacon Moment.
