Monthly Archives: July 2009

Stay-cation:Picnic in Ojai

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Heading north on the 101 is always an enjoyable trip for me. I love the sight of the foothills on either side of the freeway as you drive past Thousand Oaks and Moorpark. This beautiful stretch of undeveloped land always sets my mind wandering to what it must have been like when this area was host to a stagecoach way station and large rancheros populated the hills with cattle and vacqueros. The other really good thing about this route is that it very often ends in Paso Robles – our happy place. But on this day our destination was a small winery just outside the quaint artsy town of Ojai, where we were meeting friends for a picnic and wine tasting. After about an hour on the 101, a 15 minute drive along the 33 North brings you to Old Creek Road, and at the end of this road lies, you guessed it, Old Creek Ranch Winery. This charming winery sits appropriately enough on land that was once part of a 22,000 Spanish land grant dating back to California’s early history. In the late 1800’s Antonio Riva of northern Italy bought the land and opened the original winery. Today the ranch is an 850-acre cattle ranch with a winery and fruit orchards and there are two lovely decks where guests can  picnic.  They will even provide you with a vintage tablecloth, ours had poppies –  California no doubt, if you forget to bring one.

View of tasting room and deck picnic area.

View of tasting room and deck picnic area.

Vintage reminders are scattered about to set the mood as you approach the redwood tasting room. A sign…grape press…..misc-015c

misc-017Nine wines were on the tasting menu the day we were there. We started with the three whites, a sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and a viognier, and jointly decided the sauvignon blanc would be the bottle we purchased to go with our picnic. We staked our claim to a shaded table on the upper deck and proceeded to eat, drink and chat for the next three hours. During that time we did have one addition to our foursome – Cocoa who patiently waited for some turkey sandwich to “accidentally” fall her way. Which of course it did. misc-035cs

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Check out the poppies.

Check out the poppies.

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For lunch I had made the Chicken, Green Bean, Corn and Farro Salad from the August ’09 issue of Bon Appetit. I marinated the chicken first in balsamic and oil, then grilled before putting in salad. I also omitted the goat cheese because I really wanted a hunk of cambezola with our french bread. I don’t think the salad missed it. I also used white balsamic in the dressing instead of the white wine vinegar.

After our sauvignon blanc was finished we continued our tasting on the deck. The red lineup was lengthy so we had plenty to taste and discuss. A pinot, merlot, cab, petite sirah and a couple of blends. I particularly liked the “Famiglia Del Din” which is a blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Nebbiolo from the White Hawk and Stolpman Vineyards. Not a bad price at $19.50. Our stomachs full, our palates exhausted, we left Old Creek Ranch Winery feeling relaxed….and craving a big steak for dinner! Woo hoo! Aren’t vacations, er, stay-cations great?!

I’LL DRINK TO THAT!

Yes, we sure did have our steaks later that night and to go with them we opened a bottle of Eagle Castle ’06 “Royal Red” – Paso Robles. This fruit filled blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 60% Syrah is spicy and toasty in the nose with a long and smooth finish. ($25.00) Delicious!

Hollywood Bowl Night

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One of our very favorite summer pastimes is to pack a picnic and head to “the bowl” for a night of music under the stars. So we loaded the car, and off we went with excited anticipation of our foray into this classic LA summer ritual. We placed our car in the stacked parking that would later that night prove to be  the end of the night challenge, as usual, when trying to exit. A short walk over to the park – and with no large groups hogging all the tables this night, we stake our claim to half a picnic table with our red and white checkered tablecloth.  Last night’s  menu consisted of Salmon with snap peas, yellow peppers and dill-pistachio pistou. 354297Really good with a side of Israeli couscous, orzo and red quinoa.  Finished with sliced fresh figs. Poured a new Sauvignon Blanc from Lake County called Diogenes. Lemon and pineapple in the nose,  plenty of citrusy flavors and well rounded body.   After our picnic dinner we walked up the hill to our seats and opened a bottle of red to keep us warm since the night had taken on a slight chill. House lights down, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra is tuned up to the first violin and the  conductor,  Thomas Wilkins, takes the podium. The lilting and mesmerizing notes of Laura waft over the cool breeze and this classic movie arrangement takes me away to another time. I think the orchestra has never sounded better as the muted trumpets and the oboes and all those violins with bows moving in unison, take turns with the melody, offering layer upon layer of musical deliciousness. Soon Michael Feinstein takes  his place behind the grand piano center stage and offers up his rendition of two Frank Sinatra classics and other standards from the Great American Songbook.   Always a surprise to hear this crooner belt out those big note endings as he finishes his set.  After a “brief intermission”  house lights darken once again and Jewel makes her entrance in a billowing tie-died dress and 5″ platforms. Wondering how this folksy pop singer is going to do with standards, she proceeds to offer up her rendition of Over the Rainbow. Just when you think there could not possible be any new ways to present this perennially favorite song, she gives it her own tweaks, and wows the audience with her vocal prowess and emotionally moving phrasing. She also sings her “hits” ending with the spiritually profound Hands .  “If I could tell the world just one thing it would be that we’re all OK. And not to worry ’cause worry is wasteful and useless in times like these….poverty stole your golden shoes, it didn’t steal your laughter….In the end only kindness matters.” And a great display of fireworks doesn’t hurt either.

I’LL DRINK TO THAT!

This summer, out under the stars, whether your listening to music, watching fireworks,  enjoying rustico-prosecco-nino-francoa breathtaking view of something, or savoring a delicious meal with friends, pop open some Prosecco. If you haven’t already tried this “good anytime” sparkling wine from  Italy, now’s the time. It’s readily available and very affordable. My favorite is Nino Franco Prosecco “Rustico”. This delicious sparkler is straw colored and offers lovely aromas of golden apples and peaches. Medium-bodied with a soft finish. (About $15.00) Better keep an extra bottle of this one chilled and ready to go.

Beads for Life

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Imagine a program that empowers impoverished women, supports an ecological effort that turns recycled paper into beautiful, one of a kind pieces of jewelry, connects and unites a global community that supports  development projects in health, vocational training for impoverished youth, affordable housing, and business development, and creates philanthropists out of anybody who  wants to make a difference.  Bead For Life does all that. Ugandan women create beads from recycled paper then make bracelets and necklaces with these beads. The jewelry is then dispersed throughout the world to be sold in peoples homes at “bead parties”. I was lucky enough to have attended one of these parties last weekend, hosted by my friend’s daughters. African music played in the background, a touching video looped on the TV, and tasty African food was prepared and served. The beads were all displayed in a kaleidoscope of color and guests had arms laden with layers of colorful beaded bracelets. So much to choose from, and all so beautiful!pict0290multiples_in_curve

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The hostess, Annie, had taken this on as a summer community service project. She and her sister,both in their teens, were  taken by the quality and beauty of the beads and inspired by the stories of the Ugandan women. So good to see young people organizing and working on behalf of such a worthy cause. I was so impressed by their determination to sell these beads to all their friends, spending weekends hosting parties, sending invitations, e-mails and of course working  Facebook. Great job girls – you have created a giant link in the chain of sharing and caring that connects all of us bead wearers with those beautiful and resourceful Ugandan women a world away.

I’LL DRINK TO THAT!                       81269

For a change of pace from  California Chardonnays, try this crispier version from Peacock Ridge of  South Africa. Citrus and pineapple aromas give way to a crisp full bodied palate. Liking this one this summer.

Peacock Ridge – 05 Chardonnay, South Africa – $15.00

Black Belt

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An enlightened warrior is someone who conquers themselves, not others.

Such is the endeavor to earn one’s black belt in martial arts… and in life.  And so the two journeys are traveled on one path. People make the decision to take up a discipline of martial arts for any number of reasons. Exercise, to loose weight, fear, to meet new people. Few decide to continue to take it to the next level, and the next, on up to black belt status. I am a warrior – I am willing to do what’s hard. Those would be the individuals that come to realize that with every new skill learned on the dojo floor, a new and improved version of themselves emerges. A version to be taken out into the world to face life’s challenges, obstacles and disappointments with new strength, courage, compassion and preparation. I am a warrior – I am bigger than any problem. In the training to become a warrior , the realization emerges that the battle is within. The conquering of the inner enemy brings a sense of peace, clearing the way for growth.  I am a warrior – I act in spite of my fear. Testing for one’s black belt is the culmination of years of hard work, both physical and emotional – a test of skills, conditioning, focus, endurance and mettle. I am a warrior – I do everything at 100% and I never ever give up! Such was the case with my friend, Debbie, this last Saturday. After 12 years, it was finally her chance to show herself what she had learned and how she had grown. I am a warrior – I am willing to do whatever it takes. And for three hours she did exactly that. Put through endless drills by her masters, her body would occasionally falter, but her spirit never did. I am a warrior – I succeed in spite of anything. At the end of the day, she tearfully stood while her longtime master and friend tied the coveted black belt around her waist. Only Debbie knew for sure what significance each tear held.  And, as with the end of all journeys, a new journey begins with the very next step. Walk with faith, Debbie…faith in yourself.

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I’LL DRINK TO THAT!

For me, celebrations are always cause for two things – wine and chocolate! So that brought to mind a delicious pairing I experimented with a couple of weeks ago. I opened a bottle of ’05 Villa Creek Denner Vineyard Garnacha, Paso Robles and served it with a strawberry filled cake iced with chocolate grenache. The wine, light in body with strawberries coming through on the palate, was decadently yummy with the chocolate/strawberry combo of the dessert.

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Navarro Vineyards

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Even though I’m usually touting the wines and wineries of Paso Robles, I just can’t say enough good things about Navarro Vineyards in Mendocino, California. We first discovered Navarro’s wine at The Roaring Fork restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona. Their wine list wonderfully suggests wines to pair with their entrees, and the recommendation for mine, (and a must have with any entree is the Green Chili Mac ‘n’ Cheese), was the Navarro Gewurztraminer, Estate Bottled, Dry,  can’t remember the year. Doesn’t matter, every vintage is as good as the last. This Gewurz is dry, high in acidity, and rich with peach, citrus, lychee and vanilla spice flavors. A great wine to pair with Asian food, chicken with latin spices and almost any preparation of pork, summer grilled or autumn braised.  Or just sip this one by itself while enjoying warm summer evenings with friends.  Speaking of summer, another Navarro must, (pun intended), is the ’08 Rose, made from Grenache,(strawberry and spice), with Carignan from 70 year old vines. Barrel aging rounds out the mouthfeel and adds a hint of vanilla. Paired this one earlier this week with salsa chicken and risotto with squash blossoms. This is one of the best Rose’s I’ve had, and a staple for all outings to the Hollywood Bowl. Their chardonnays are delicious and they even have Edelzwicker! What you haven’t heard of Edelzwicker? No worries, I hadn’t either, but do try this traditional blend of Gewurztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Gris. Another refreshing summer alternative to drinking all that Chard. And for you red only drinkers, yes they make a good selection of those too. Pinot Noir, gold medal winner – Syrah, gold medal winner – Cabernet Sauvignon, gold medal winner…you get the picture.  Last night we opened an ’06 Zinfandel to serve with our bourbon glazed pork briskebilltour-newt grillers. I was looking for something not as big and “between the eyes” as the Paso zins I usually drink.  This one was beautifully balanced, lower in alcohol, and wonderfully soft and elegant, with a bit of air time. Nice cherries in the nose offset with pepper flavors. So – check out this wonderful, you guessed it, family owned winery – they also have some great deals going for summer!

I’LL DRINK TO THAT!

Glaze for port briskest grillers (could also use on pork tenderloins)

Combine: 1/2 cup of Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce (or your favorite sauce) with 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 teaspoons of Zatarain’s Creole Mustard, 1/4 cup Jack Daniels (or your favorite bourbon), and 2 heaping tablespoons of F.R.O.G. jam. (more on this below, don’t worry). Grill pork and glaze with mixture almost at end of cooking. Served with roasted sweet potatoes, chunked and seasoned with caraway seed, salt, pepper and olive oil (thanks Sue) and summer succotash braised in bourbon. (Love my bourbon in cooking)

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OK, what is F.R.O.G. jam? You’ll be relieved to know it is not made from frogs. Think, figs, raspberries, orange and ginger. This is a delicious marmalade that I consider a pantry staple – we joke it’s good on and in everything… and it is.  They don’t have a web site, but you can call and order, as we do, or better yet, visit their wonderful bakery in Paso Robles, Cider Creek, and pick up a few jars for you and your friends. Don’t forget the apple goodies!

Cider Creek Bakery – 205 Oak Hill Rd. , suite 102 – Paso Robles – 805-238-4144


4th of July

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The 4th of July has come and gone and this year,  no fireworks. Year after year, and it’s been about 15 years that our group has been getting together, it’s become more about just being together and less about making the trek somewhere en masse to look into the night sky and do the ooh’s and aah’s.  The kids don’t arrive anymore with floaties and bag loads of extra clothes. Instead they wander in and out, don their eenie weenie’s and trunks, revealing the year’s new ink, and tossing back cold ones. But they’re there, still happy to carry on the tradition of “the 4th at the Jorenson’s”, and for that we are grateful. We missed Corky, but were blessed with sweet baby James. We celebrated the upcoming wedding of Beth, one of the older “kids”. The biggest constant, the one thing that hasn’t changed, is the food. The highlight of the day is the chili cook off. Being that there are so many really good cooks in our group, this event is wonderfully competitive, with 12-15 different chilis all vying for top honors. Over the years every ingredient, combination, meat preparation, chili pepper and spice assortment has been tried and tried again. Vegetarian, buffalo, cinnamon, Coke, chipotle, mole, coffee – the list is endless. And for the most part every year all the entries are pretty good. But it seems that it’s the sweeter chilis that win year after year. Sweet with a little kick at the end. I have yet to win, but I will gladly keep trying.4th-of-july-09-0304th-of-july-09-044

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So, I raise my margarita glass in celebration of our country’s b’day and my dear friends and toast you all. But as the sun goes down and the awning is retracted…..

I’LL DRINK TO THAT!

This year Eric raided the Jorenson’s wine cellar and brought out a Victor Hugo Oppulence ’05, a nice cabernet franc heavy bordeaux blend from Paso Robles. Victor Hugo Winery, owned and operated by Vic and Leslie Roberts, is located in a picturesque renovated barn in Templeton, just outside of Paso Robles in the Central Coast area of California. They are dedicated to creating small hand crafted lots of wine with intense colors and flavors – elegant and rich with excellent longevity.  Call ahead for a visit and a tasting of their large offering of bordeaux varietal wines as well as petite sirah, viognier and zinfandel.

Next came another Paso gem from Zenaida Cellars, their 05 Estate Syrah. This fruity, lush wine comes from sustainably farmed vines planted in the Templeton Gap area on the West side of Paso  Robles. For your next visit to the area, plan on staying in their gorgeous loft apartment over the winery.