Category Archives: Food

Event, Food, Judging, Tasting, Wine

Harvest Fair: The Judgement in Santa Rosa!

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Fresh off the Harvest Fair judging this week, an amazing day of twenty different varieties in multiple forms that showcase the diversity of what Sonoma County has to offer; White wines from Albariño, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Muscat; Red wines from Old Vine Zinfandel, Tannat, Syrah, Grenache and individual bottles of Alicante Bousche. An amazing experience and team effort by the 21 judges present!

Check for our results in today’s Press Democrat (September 24th) and get your Harvest Fair tickets to try all the winning wine and food on October 6-8 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.

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Beer, Food, Travels, Wine

Barbera and the Sierras: Mountain Merriment next weekend!

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Work and school are keeping us close to home next weekend, but if you have the itch to explore, head to the mountains! Two events on Saturday September 16th to whet your wine and culinary palates.

The 7th Annual Barbera Festival will be at Terra d’Oro/Montevina Winery in Amador County, hosting nearly 80 wineries from all over California (to celebrate CA Wine Month simultaneously)!

Or travel a little further east to scenic South Lake Tahoe for Sample The Sierra, a farm-to-fork festival celebrating the bounty & heritage of the Sierra Nevada with wine, beer and other culinary endeavors!

Enjoy the mountains! ~CS

 

Beer, Event, Food, Wine

Feast Portland! September 14-17

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Despite the smoke, gormandizing continues in the Pacific Northwest! Next week is Feast Portland that showcases the energy, creativity
and enthusiasm that’s driving America’s food revolution.  Choose activities from a slew of entertaining options!

Sandwich Invitational at RoseQuarter Commons
Grand Tasting at Pioneer Courthouse Square
Night Market at Zidell Yards
Smoked! at The Fields
Brunch Village at Pioneer Courthouse Square
Dinner Series
Hands-On Classes
Drink Tank
plus Fun-Size Events!

Event, Food, Wine

Russian River Valley Paulée on Sept 1st at Landmark Vineyards

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Start Sonoma County Wine Weekend in style by joining us at the annual Russian River Valley Paulée Dinner at the Landmark Vineyards Hop Kiln Estate on Friday, September 1st, 5 to 8:30 pm. I’ll be there with a rocking group of talented winemakers, winery proprietors, star chefs, and some of the top offerings of Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc in the United States.
Only a few TICKETS left, get yours before they are gone!

Farm, Food, Wine

Bounty of Yamhill County: August 25-27

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And now for another extraordinary event originating in Oregon this week!  Bounty of Yamhill County (BOYC) in the Willamette Valley is a three-day annual event that celebrates the vibrant community of famous wineries, celebrated chefs, and sustainable family farms. No other locally sourced food and wine event can boast such nationally-recognized participants.

Check the schedule of events and get tickets HERE!

Food, Sommelier, Wine

The Menu! Zin Zin Din Din on August 10th

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Join us for this spectacular Zinfandel paired meal by myself and Executive Chef Bob Simontacchi at Gravenstein Grill in Sebastopol,  Thursday, August 10th, at 6:30!  To make reservations phone: (707) 634-6142 or email: brandon@gravensteingrill.com

Bing Cherry Salad
Local Pepper Cress, Fresh Shaved Corn, Torpedo Onion, Rice Wine Vinaigrette
ACORN 2012 Medley, Alegria Vineyard, Russian River Valley

Walnut Keep Pork Sugo
Local Pork Shoulder Slowly Braised with Tomatoes, Onions, Peppers, & Fennel over Crisped Yukon Gold Potato & Chive Gnocchi
Hartford Family 2015 Zinfandel, Russian River Valley

“BBQ” Duck Confit
Cured Duck Legs Pulled & Tossed in Honey-Bourbon BBQ Sauce over
Creamy White Cheddar & Scallion Polenta
Gordian Knot 2014 Old Vine Zinfandel, Winberrie Vineyard, Russian River Valley

Applewood Smoked Short Rib
Sugar & Salt Crusted Short Rib slow smoked, served with Heirloom Peppers in Creamed Corn with Crispy Shallots
Gamba 2014 Zinfandel, Family Ranches, Russian River Valley

Stone Fruit Galette
Organic Local Stone Fruit, Sweetened Whipped Mascarpone with Vanilla Bean

Gravenstein Grill, 8050 Bodega Avenue, Sebastopol, California 95472
(707) 634-6142

Food, History, Wine

Great Grub To Grill For Summer!

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But first, a little background. . . Chouriço is Portugal’s answer to the Spanish Chorizo. Typically cooked over a clay assador, a mini, portable indoor grill, chouriço is one of Portugal’s prized culinary specialties. It is often enjoyed sliced as an appetizer alongside bread, cheese and olives.  Pair this delicacy with Dow’s 2015 Vale do Bomfim ($13 SRP), a product of the Symington Family Estate.  The compelling aromas showcase rich black fruit, lending to flavors of blackberries and plums on the palate. Lively acidity and freshness help cut through the fat of the chouriço, making it a perfect pairing.

Don’t forget the veggies! Our family favorite of the past few years is grilled Caesar Salad.  Yes, even the young lad goes for this one.  A great way to round out the heartier sausage and cheeses, plus add a bowl of freshly picked blackberries to finish things off (found along innumerable rural roads in Sonoma & Napa Counties).

Happy grilling!  The Sawyer Family

Food, Travels, Wine

Theory Kitchen Founder Visits Robert Mondavi Winery, July 26th

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Robert Mondavi Winery is planning a very special dinner on Wednesday, July 26th: Their illustrious winery Chef Jeff Mosher will be collaborating with rising star culinarian, 23-year-old Chef Theo Friedman, to prepare a fabulous, one of a kind, wine pairing dinner.

Spotlight on Emerging Chef Series –
Dinner with Chef Theo Friedman
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
6:30 pm to 10:00 pm

 

Theo has taken the NY culinary scene by storm with his inventive cuisine since recently graduating from Tufts University.  Theory Kitchen, featuring his recurring pop up dinners have been dubbed among “The 5 Most Amazing Underground Dining Experiences in America” by Vogue Magazine and his talents have been chronicled in publications such as the Village Voice, The Boston Globe and TimeOut, among others.

Purchase your tickets online or call (888) 766-6328, ext. 2

Food, Sommelier, Wine

Update! Zin-Zin Din-Din at Gravenstein Grill set for August 10th

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Sorry about the scheduling confusion!  We have set the new date for this dinner as Thursday August 10th.  It will feature fabulous zinfandels from ACORN Winery, Hartford Court Family Winery, Gamba Vineyards & Winery and more! I will be there again as your happy Sommelier Chris Sawyer. Stay tuned for the menu details at the Gravenstein Grill Facebook page and call 707-634-6142 to make your reservations!  See you there! ~Christopher

Gravenstein Grill is located at
8050 Bodega Ave, Sebastopol, CA 95472