Among the many delights of spring is the freshness of asparagus. We have just picked our first spears and look forward to many more in the weeks and months to come. The key to asparagus is simplicity, letting the springtime flavors speak for themselves. Here is a family favorite. INGREDIENTS: 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and […]
Although we are not out of a drought by a long shot, things have definitely improved over the past month. Up to 10 inches of rain fell last week in the hilly areas of Sonoma County, and more is on the way, with heavy rain predicted through this weekend. A “Miracle March,” like one we
Last month I started this newsletter with a description of the possible perils to the wine industry as a result of persistent dry weather conditions. The picture is no prettier today; in fact, a real threat to California agriculture in general exists today. Reservoir levels are perilously low, wells are drying up, and water rationing
The Drought Continues Read More »
Most of us have our go-to recipes for such classics as lasagna, curry and meatloaf. Here is a basic take on a dish found all over Asia and much of the world (chicken – noodle soup, anyone?). INGREDIENTS: 12 ounces Chinese wheat or egg noodles, or vermicelli ½ pound cooked, shredded chicken breast ¼ cup
The results are in from the 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and Taft Street was awarded seven medals and two golds! Gold – 2012 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc Gold – 2011 Alexander Valley Merlot Silver – 2012 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Silver – 2012 Russian River Valley Chardonnay Bronze – 2012 Russian River Valley Garagistes
2014 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Read More »
We served this to a crowd on Christmas Eve and had rave reviews. It’s a wonderful dish to serve over the winter months, crab season in Northern California. INGREDIENTS: 2 large crabs, cleaned and cracked 1 pound squid, cleaned and cut in 1/2 inch rounds 1 pound shrimp, shelled 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion,
Fish Stew ala Taft Street Read More »
Happy New Year! I am looking out a window in my home in Dry Creek Valley and it appears to be another beautiful day. The only problem is there have been far too many “beautiful” days in the past year. Just five inches of rain fell in this part of the county in 2013, where
It finally feels wintry, with the skies dark and a chill wind in the air. The only thing we are missing is rain, plenty of rain. The city of Santa Rosa has received only a bit over eight inches in 2013, compared to a normal year of over 24 inches. While we have enjoyed two
Season’s Greetings Read More »
I served these little goodies as part of an hors d’oeuvres plate on Thanksgiving. A big hit, especially among those who did not think they liked beets. I used a recipe I found years ago by the famed chef Michel Richard. Please note it works best on red beets, and not so well on other
