Nebbiolo with Duck Ragu

By Leah, February 24, 2010. Photos by Valerie

We enjoyed this ’07 Nebbiolo with Benedetta’s tagliatelle with duck ragu.

Wine with Chicken Liver Crostini

By Valerie, February 19, 2010. Photos by Valerie

Wine with chicken liver crostini: My go-to wine guy and good friend, Chris Robles, suggested we drink a white wine from Campagnia - Romano Clelia. It was light, fresh and well priced! Continue reading…

Fall Dinner Menu

By Valerie, November 24, 2009. Photos by Valerie

We always travel to my family’s house for Thanksgiving, so I’ve never had true ownership of the holiday. Knowing this, I often host a festive dinner right before the Thanksgiving holiday for close friends here in Santa Barbara. No turkey, but fall fare straight from the garden and farmers market, and this year, seasoned with inspiration from our recent trip to Piedmont.

Tomatoes…and more Tomatoes

By Valerie, September 25, 2009. Photos by Valerie

All summer I have been waiting for a garden bounty of tomatoes. Santa Barbara finally got some nice summer heat and ta-da!…I found myself with five enormous plants all heavy laden with beautiful, delicious tomatoes at the same time. Great! Great. Great?

My tomato windfall coincided with school starting, a full calendar of non-profit events and planning, a new puppy, and no time to can. I quickly accepted the mantra, “The freezer is my friend.” Quickly, I filled up four 1- gallon size zip lock Continue reading…