Southern Sonoma Country Life

BottleRock 2014 - Opening Day at Wine Country's Big Show

Bit of rigmarole involved in attempting to cover the BottleRock Festival, over in Napa, for my print column, despite the fact that music is big in the South County and a major festival in its second year being just over the border in neighboring Napa is, in my opinion, pretty huge for wine country as a whole. 

The fact that Petaluma band, The Incubators scored a highly sought-after positioning in the line-up for the 2014 Festival was a significant coop for rivertown friends and fans.

I didn't want to miss seeing The Incubators vocalist/guitarist Chris Chappell and singer/songwriter Kate Freeman and co bring their brand of harmonious root rock to opening day at BottleRock, even if it did mean plunking down the bucks for the ticket price bounty, standing in line for shuttles from a Mad Max satellite parking lot on the outskirts of the city, suffering sticker shock at $10 to $25 pricing for a single glass of wine (I stuck with Lagunitas being the loyal type and for the much better beer prices), portaloos right behind the food tents, parched, sticker-weed grounds, gaggles of sensibly dressed (if you're hiking) white guys from tech and wine industry over-enthusiastically spraying bald heads and anyone within fifteen feet with sunscreen every fifteen minutes and generally, all the joys of overpriced festival going. 

Seeings as I didn't attend in any official media capacity, I can't share any photos of the bands. 

Take it from me, though, The Incubators brought it with an outstanding set on the City Winery Lounge stage and it was fun to spot a lot of familiar faces from the home town there early on in the day to cheer the locals on. 

Lucky for me that Chris, Kate and co were on the roster for Friday, as headliners for the evening, The Cure were my number one pick for attending BottleRock 2014. 

Infrastructure (despite the parking lot aesthetics) worked well as far as getting in/out and around and I hope that the festival's new organizers make money enough to make a third year, next year. I'm sure that each year's lessons learned will keep on improving the experience. In an ideal situation, making a long weekend of it with a place to stay in central Napa would be the perfect ticket. I wasn't much interested in many more than five or six of the 24 bands on Friday's line-up, but there were others dotted around on Saturday and Sunday's schedules that I would have liked to have seen. The chance to wander around the pleasantly improved city center (just outside of the festival gates), enjoy a sit-down meal at one of Napa's downtown restaurants in between top-pick bands would be the way to go.

Robert Smith, larger than life vocalist of The Cure (Indie darlings of 1980s/90s Britain and one of the world's most popular all-time alternative rock bands) packed in crowds of around 20,000 at the BottleRock main stage, disappointing not a soul, it seemed, in an extraordinary two and a half hour, trademark lengthy show studded with scores of hit songs, culminating in nothing less than the power plug having to be pulled.

Tickets for the rest of the weekend are still available. If you go, do take low lawn chairs or blankets. Better still, arrange for a ride to drop off and pick up close to the main gates. Weather was mild for opening day, but it did reach a chilly low later in the evening making Bay Area's famous layering the fashion choice for festival goers. There's no bringing in of any sorts of imbibements. Food vendors do offer a variety of fairly tasty options and are not as overpriced as the wine, which was rather a shame given that this is wine country. 

 

 

 

 

 

You Do What? Southern Sonoma County's Tambourine Vaulters - Gymnastics on Horseback

Equestrian Vaulting, an ancient and graceful form of gymnastics and dance on horseback, dating back to Roman times, is alive and well as a relativeky rare sport, here in Southern Sonoma County.

I found a sunny Sunday morning invitation to see Petaluma's young Tambourine Vaulters in action an education, thoroughly captivating and surprisingly relaxing (at least for me!)  

Perhaps most commonly recognized as an equestrian act in circuses, the actual origins of Vaulting stretch back at least two-thousand years.

It is a sport that is open to both men and women, and is one of ten equestrian disciplines recognized by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (Fédération Équestre Internationale orFEI).

I might have thought this an all-American sport, but in fact, Vaulting is most concentrated in Europe and other parts of the Western world, outside of the U.S.

Well-established in Germany and is growing in other western countries, German equestrian culture encourages young children to start with Vaulting before taking up early horse riding lessons. It is a gentle introduction to the horse, teaching inate skills of balance and trust.

Vaulting was  introduced in the States in Santa Cruz County, in the 1950s, though limited to California and other areas of the west coast for the first two decades.  In recent years the sport has gained  popularity across the country.

The American Vaulting Assocation was formed in 1966. VA members demonstrated vaulting at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, and again at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.

Today the AVA has over 1,000 members in 100  clubs and affiliates from Hawaii to Massachusetts and Washington to Florida. Originally focused solely on competitive vaulting, the AVA today has programs for all types of vaulters, from recreational and pony club vaulters to therapeutic vaulters, from beginner to world championship levels. 

Tambourine Farm, located at 1 Liberty Road, Petaluma, also provides basic horsemanship experiences. Tambourine Vaulters started in 1983 with their first year of competition.

The team has continued to grow under dedicated Coach Kelley Holly participating in demonstrations and competitions from local fun fests to International Competitions. 

High school advanced science teacher, Kelley began riding at the tender age of three and has been involved with many different disciplines, including competition level Saddle Seat, Western, Hunter Jumpers and Basic Dressage.

After high school she attended UC Davis and actively participated in the school's equestrian center's program as a rider and instructor. Kelley revitalized the UC Davis vaulting team and continued to work on her own vaulting team at home on the weekends, holding all medals up through and including a Gold.

If a masters in education and administration were not enough, Kelley also holds certification as Certified Horsemanship Association master instructor (English and Western), USEF and AVA "R" judge and a steward at the International Federation for Equestrian Sports FEI level 2.

Kelley herself holds a Gold medal in vaulting and has been the national 2-phase gold women's champion, taking both individuals and teams from the beginning levels on up through international rankings.

She is an FEI level steward, a USEF Vaulting TD, a USEF and AVA Vaulting judge, The Executive Vice President of the AVA, the Technical Committee Chairman, and the President of Region II. In 2011 Kelley was selected  as the AVA Mentor of the Year in recognition of her extraordinary contributions  in support and growth of the sport of vaulting. 

Tambourine has 13 horses on its ranch. Active Clydesdale and Belgian Mustang cross horses, currently competing with the club, horses in training who are learning to become vaulting horses and retired horses that have worked with the club in the past but now have time to relax. Vaulters participate in horse care during practice sessions, getting to know each horse's personality in and out of the ring. 

Helmets are not worn in Vaulting. Experts around the world apparently consider helmets not to improve safety in this particular equestrian sport, citing the use of them may actually increase risk of injury. Vaulting takes place on soft footing and safety skills are paramount for dismounting or 'bailing out' if a Vaulter (rarely) loses balance. 

The horse is controlled by a lunger (in this case, Kelley), who controls the horse in a circle on a lunge line, attached to the bridle. 

Tack called a surcingle is positioned where the front of a saddle would normally be located. This features hand grips and stirrup-like loops known as cossack loops.

Competition vaulters start off in a horse's walk mode and build up to their own individidually designed routines, to music, at canter. Click here for American Vaulting Association footage.

Tambourine Vaulters has vaulting available for all ages and levels. The youngest vaulter was 18 months when he started with Kelley and her oldest vaulter is in her 70s. Practices are offered throughout the year and new members are welcome.

For those who'd like to start vaulting as adults -  a Vintage Vaulters class is offered for grown ups only.

As a recent fundraiser, parents designed and sold "You Do What?" t-shirts for Vaulters. The perfect slogan for a sport that you really do have to see to fully appreciate and once you do, you might just find yourself hooked. 

From tiny tots who might as well have been perched atop an elephant, in size comparison, to a high school senior I spoke with who took up the sport as a senior project and literally took to it in leaps and bounds, this wonderful activity brings smiles to all its participants - as well as those of us sitting on the sidelines.

To learn more about Tambourine Vaulters, visit the website, here. Call Coach Kelley at 707-665-9281.

New on the Market in West Petaluma - Beautifully Landscaped Home in Country Club Area

Southern Sonoma Country Life's real estate man about town, Timo has a new listing in West Petaluma's quiet Country Club neighborhood. Stop by his Open House here at 455 McNear Avenue, Petaluma from 1-4pm THIS SUNDAY, May 25th, 2014. 

This lovely three bedroom, three bathroom 3,059 Sq. Ft. home sits on  a lush half an acre plus with city views. 

Master bedroom is upstairs and features its own deck. Amenities include wine cellar, small hobby vineyard, built-in-BBQ and three fireplaces, with new interior paint, refinished hardwood floors. Great location -  easy freeway access, close to historic downtown Petaluma and Grant School district.

Click here for virtual tour. 

Delicious! A Novel Way to Lunch (With Author Ruth Reichl at The Spinster Sisters, Santa Rosa)

It was a packed house for mid-week literary lunch at Spinster Sisters, Santa Rosa, with author Ruth Reichl, former editor of Gourmet magazine and best-selling author of culinary memoirs Tender at the Bone and Comfort Me with Apples.

Ruth is currently on book tour (a rare beast in itself, these days) making her fiction debut with a story (naturally) set at an iconic food magazine in New York called “Delicious.”

Delicious! is a novel of sisters, family ties, and a young woman who must find the courage to let go of the past in order to embrace her own true gifts.

 Executive Chef at The Spinster Sisters (401 South A Street), Liza Hinman worked at Gourmet Magazine herself prior to embarking upon her culinary career. Having her former editor in the house, across the country, in Sonoma, was a full circle celebration for the chef, who most certainly stepped up to the mark to make sure lunch was outstanding.

Ruth spoke candidly in between courses, recounting the impact of the suddent demise of Gourmet Magazine, the country's beloved food and wine publication of choice, from 1941 to 2009. 

Chef Liza's Roasted Nantes Carrot Soup with Cilantro Creme Fraiche and Harrisa Oil caused a stir of quiet satisfaction amongst a chatty, packed house. Delicious indeed. 

Condé Nast had cited a decline in advertising revenue and a shifting focus amongst food enthusiasts as reason to axe what many viewed an institution in monthly magazines. Gourmet had been the first of its kind and endured over half a century of publication.

Tucking into a marvelous Mezze Plate: Franco's Merguez Sausage, English Pea and Fava Hummus, Farro Salad with Favas, French Breakfast Radish, Sugar Snap Peas, Yogurt, Mint, Marinated Baby Beets and Caraway Flatbread, lunch guests listened with considerable interest to Ruth's appreciation of the new wave food reporting, largely online. 

"There hasn't been a mainstream publication to replace Gourmet," she said. Magazines, in her educated ideal, must be willing to take risks, to give readers what they don't know they want, rather than what they think they want. 

Ruth is a big fan of indie publications such as Lucky Peach and CherryBombe, magazines that push the boundaries of great food writing and photography. "Writers are coming out of the woodwork trying to write for them," she said. Modern Farmer is another of her top picks for the food culture scene of today. 

Oh, and do check out her recommendation for the Italian issue of the new Swedish mag, Fool.

Last, but not least, dessert of the day was this delightful Pistachio Meringue with Honey Poached Apricots and Pistachio Cream. 

Ruth shared some funny stories of encounters within the tech world of today, where there are lots of strange ideas about not being bothered with taking the time to eat real food. "To miss out on biting into a fresh peach," she wondered. Sad in the extreme. 

Given that her whole life's work has been devoted to sharing the pleasures of good food, Ruth has a pretty straightforward philosophy and that is to continue to teach the unquantifiable value of sitting together at table, to take the time to talk and to listen and to savor.  "It's heartbreaking to think that there are so many young people who have no idea what it is like to sit at the table and enjoy a meal with family and friends," she said.

The Spinster Sisters luncheon with Ruth Reichl was a collaboration with The Book Passage. How refreshing not to have to drive across the county and given its successful sell-out, Sonoma County book lovers may look forward to lots more literary lunches at this popular restaurant in months to come.

When booking, if you plan to attend one of these (generally sell-out) events with friends (and reserve individually), do be sure to request who you'd like to be seated with and print out a copy of your receipt to bring along with you.  

 

Take a Pew at Ray's Tavern in Memory of Rob - Thursday, May 29th, 2014

The good folk at West Petaluma's popular edge-of-town Ray's Delicastessan and Tavern (corner of Western and Webster Streets) invite you to stop by for a pint and/or a bite to eat Thursday evening, May 29th, 2014, for a Dine and Donate that is close to my heart and those of many, many friends and neighbors in the 'hood. 

Ten percent of the evening's proceeds will be donated to The Emily and Daniel Brockman Education fund, in memory of the college and high-school-aged brother and sister's dearly loved, dreadfully missed Dad, Rob, who passed unexpectedly, aged 50, last month. 

Rob was so many things to so many people. To me he was a close friend and confidante for many years and a fellow creative who never failed to click the link and have a quick look at whatever I'd sent out by electronic post on Southern Sonoma Country Life. We'd shoot the breeze at the gym most week mornings and amongst the many subjects we'd debated, laughs we'd shared, he'd tell me which happenings I'd written about that he thought sounded cool enough for his calendar! 

Artist, musician, songwriter, nationally recognized landscape architect and devoted husband to his college-sweetheart, Karen, Marin-county-raised Rob was a longtime Petaluma resident who gave back to his community in countless ways with his character zest, enthusiasm and vigor. He passionately coached soccer for many years, the past few as assistant coach for Petaluma High School Boys Varsity. 

Most prominantly, locally, Rob designed the fountain plaza at St.Vincents Church, the sports field complex at St.Vincents High School and the Outdoor Education Teaching Garden at Petaluma Junior High. 

His studio brimmed with ideas and project outlines for the future. There simply were not enough hours in the day for this brilliant guy. His family meant the world to him and despite his non-stop propensity to create beautiful spaces, he made time to visit his son, Dan at university and to launch the start of daughter, Emily's musical career as a vocal recording artist. 

He was a familiar face at Ray's. Rob loved the casual atmosphere, friendly crowd and local brews of a good, old-school, neighborhood bolt hole with a fresh coat of paint. 

Ray's Dine and Donate to help boost the coffers for Rob's kids college funds takes place from 6-9pm. 

Donations may also be made to The Emily and Daniel Brockman Education Account #1544428491 c/o Wells Fargo Bank.

Three Bags Full - First Annual Valley Ford Wool Festival Packs a Punch For Crafters

Valley Ford's first annual Wool Festival pulled in the crowds over the weekend, introducing all sorts of stellar fiber arts producers, farmers and fine folk of the region who take care of the countryside's growing flocks of sheep. 

 

Ooohed and aaahed over the outstanding products including this striking woven clutch, by Napa Valley based Haute Bohemian Groupe (HBG). I did come home with one of their cushion covers.  

 

It was great to see Petaluma weaver, Marta Shannon. Marta has been teaching weaving since 1981. She will be offering a Beginners Weekend Workshop at her studio at 3820 Bodega Avenue, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm, June 28th and 29th, 2014. Students will wind a warp, dress the loom and weave a simple scarf on a 4 shaft table loom in two busy days. A 'jump right in' experience, suitable for true beginners or those who'd like to remember how. Warp, weft and looms provided. Bring your own lunch. $85 plus $20 materials fee.

 A Yipes, Stripes! and other Summer Fabrics Workshop at Martha's Petaluma studio invites beginners to weave a sampler, scarf, runner or other project with a striped warp. More experienced weavers will design a multicolor warp. Material costs vary. Tuesdays, 6 pm to 9 pm, June 10 to July 22 (no class July 8). $125 for a 6 week session. Table looms available to rent at $25 for the 6 week session.

 An Exploring Brocade and Inlay Workshop is a two session class at Sebastopol Center for the Arts exploring supplementary weft techniques of brocade and inlay, taking place Wednesday and Thursday June 25 and 26th from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm. $65 members, $70 non members.

 Collapse and Weave Workshop is for anyone up for weaving ruffles, ridges and bumps. A quick, two day workshop at Sebastopol Center for the Arts in which each student will design and weave a scarf using differential shrinkage. Students should have basic weaving experience and know how to warp a loom. $20 material fee covers both warp and weft for each scarf. Saturday and Sunday July 26th and 27th, 10 am to 4pm. $135 members, $140 non members.

To register for Petaluma classes, call 707 658 1707. For Sebastopol classes, call 707 829 4797. 

 

Martha's  bespoke baby blankets - available for special order. Soft and stylish and one-of-a-kind. 

 

Marta's fellow Petaluma arist/natural material based crafter, Stefany Perlman (pictured left, with my fellow adventurer into wool land, Gail) also offers instruction for individuals and groups, both adults and children.

Stefany's fun and hands-on, informative classes include twined pattern basketry, felted hats and items, indigo and tie-dye, Indian corn necklaces, collage card making, lavender gifts, tapestry weaving, Japanese multi-strand braiding, pom poms and silk flower fairies.

Classes typically take two to three hours and are adapted to fit individuals and group needs and desires.

Contact her at 707 766 8627.

 I have a framed photo of this classic little west country bolt-hole, taken by Gail last year. But I couldn't resist recapturing the yellow building with basketball net and grazing cows under a blue sky. 

The Secret Kitchen - A Tasty New Outpost in Southern Sonoma Country

Day Four. Owner and executive chef Brenda Anderson with business partner Janice Clement greet customers with their farm fresh Asian and Latin cuisine at their newly launched West Petaluma country Secret Kitchen.

I was on my way back into Petaluma, following an assignment out at Dillon Beach (tough job on a warm and breezy Friday morning in May!), starting to feel a tad peckish, it being around lunch time, when a parking spot beckoned in the lot behind Agius Market, on Bodega Avenue, just a few miles before town. 

My radar (and friends with taste) told me not to waste another moment to sample the culinary wares of one of the most exciting new food enterprises to have popped up in the region in a long while. 

Though I had been hearing glowing early sneak-preview reports, I wasn't sure what to expect of the enticingly named Secret Kitchen. A quick look at a blackboard menu on the wall of the compact, colorful country kitchen and the visual of chicken sizzling on an outdoor grill reeled me in for a spontaneous pit-stop sampling of the Secret Kitchen's super fresh Korean BBQ Chicken and Citrus-ey Pork Tacos. 

A steady stream of intrigued customers joined the line for black bean tamales, fresh Asian spring rolls, Northern Thai noodle soup, watermelon salad, teriyaki rice bowls, iced tea. 

Brenda, who has had an extensive career as a high-flying food educator, having taught at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), launched healthy food operations internally for Google before looking to retreat from Corporate America. 

The executive chef's move to rural west Petaluma (just a couple of miles from her new kitchen) is in keeping with her philosophy of supporting local agriculture and keeping life manageable and enjoyable. 

"Our farmers drop off eggs and produce to the window," Brenda, shared. There's one door in and one door out of the kitchen. Customers may take away or sit on picnic tables under umbrellas to eat on the spot. Right on cue, a fresh-faced rancher hopped out of his truck. 

Brenda is half Japanese. Her signature flavorings focus on Asian as well as Latin cuisine. "We're moving towards as much gluten free as possible," she said. "No cheese, either." 

The kitchen is currently open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 11 am to 7 pm. "We will be expanding our days into the summer," Brenda said. The coastal crowd will no doubt catch on soon. Word of mouth will undoubtedly do wonders for this enterprise, given the originality, integrity, flavor and quality of the food. 

Tables and chairs, umbrellas and grill are packed away each evening, after the kitchen closes. Low impact. Street food with a more permanent address.  

I'll be back. Next time I'm bringing lunch or dinner dates to try a range of the Secret Kitchen's menu items. 

Find your way there! 4701 Bodega Ave, Petaluma, CA 94952. Call 415 827 1055. 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding in the Field - Upcoming Al Fresco Dinners Out on the Ranch in Southern SoCo and West Marin

Photo: Outstanding in the Field Farm Dinner Site County Line Harvest, Petaluma, California - June 18, 2014 

Though I haven't personally attended an Outstanding in the Field dinner, I've seen photos and read a lot of great things about these roaming, al fresco festivities of fine food, wines and farm tours across the States. 

Three dates are still available for those interested in experiencing an Outstanding in the Field event in the Southern Sonoma County/West Marin area. 

First up is off-the-beaten-track, beautiful Devil's Gulch Ranch in Nicasio, Saturday May 24th and again the following day, Sunday May 25th. 

Long, white linen covered dining tables will pop up again at County Line Harvest, Petaluma on June 18th. 

Tickets are not cheap, starting at $180 per person (plus a service fee) which includes a reception with wine and passed appetizers, four seated courses with wine pairings, all gratuities, producer discussions and a tour of the host farm.

Click here for a full list of upcoming events.

Visit Petaluma Artists in Their Studios, Saturday and Sunday May 17th and 18th, 2014

Just as we like to know where our food comes from, isn't it so much more fun (fascinating) and informative to view original works in the artists' studio?

If you're a fan of locally sourced artwork, mark your calendar for a little timeout from the ordinary weekend activities and take in Petaluma Arts Association Open Studio Tour, Saturday and Sunday, May 18th and 18th between 10 am and 5 pm.

Twenty three artists in 11 studio locations are looking forward to you stopping by! 

Did you know, Petaluma Arts Association has been active in the arts in area schools for 57 years? Known for its largest fund raising event  Art in the Park, that pops up at Walnut Park each September, Petaluma Arts Association first ever Open Studios Tour is a new event for the non profit group. A percentage of all art sold goes into aScholarship Programs for schools.  

Domestic Mural - Petaluma Style

Public art - we love it here in Southern Sonoma Country land and can't get enough of it. So much so, mural mania appears to be expanding into private home territory. 

Take this neighborhood pleaser on the corner of Sheldon and English Streets, in West Petaluma. This 1920s home has recently undergone a barn-style exterior makeover complete with rustic, stainless steel feeder planter boxes, sustainable landscaping and outdoor lighting. It's been fun spotting this and other of the year's selection of vintage homes that are being spruced up in Petaluma High School's quaint, surrounding neighborhoods, during morning drop-off. 

But it took a tip from Southern Sonoma Country Life reader Anastasia for me to take in this colorful new addition, painted in panels, according to neighbors, by the home's artist owner, Caroline Hall and her Sonoma County-based mother-in-law. 

The house, at 416 English Street is small in size but large in charm and certainly makes a statement when viewed from Sheldon, its quiet, little cross street. Love it!

Caroline went to college at the Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, where she was an Advertising Photography major, worked in San Francisco for about a year, then moved to Edinburgh (the artist is a dual British/American citizen) for her master's degree in Visual Communications. 

She and her husband felt the need to move back to the Bay Area after Edinburgh in order to be closer to family. Petaluma appealed. After the UK  they wanted to live in a walkable town and not to have to drive everywhere. A strong downtown and community feel were high on their search list. "I was pleasantly surprised with how Petaluma had changed over the years to become a young, cool town, with good food, a big beer scene and lots of things to do, " said Caroline, who was raised in Santa Rosa, through high school. 

The house on English Street was a bit of a distaster. "It was a foreclosure, and everything that wasn't nailed down was gone. It needed a lot of work, but the bones of the house were good. Beautiful domed plaster walls and ceilings, original oak hardwood floors, a big fireplace," said Caroline.

The couple set about making it their own and consider the work almost complete. "The exterior of the house was the biggest project; it was not taken care of, the paint and siding was peeling off, there was no insulation. So we started completely redoing the siding in September of last year," she said. Her cousin who is a landscape designer did ajob with the design of the yard. "The last thing was the big, ugly two story wall that made up our garage and studio above. It had no windows or doors, it was just a big green wall. I think I was inspired by the other billboard ads (the coca cola ad) or murals around town, and one day I just thought "I should do a mural here." I think my husband thought it was never going to actually happen, but when I mentioned it to my mother-in-law, she was in."

In September of 2013, as the construction started on the siding, Caroline designed the mural and she and her mother-in-law started painting it. "It had to be large enough to fill the space on the wall, and not be too diminutive, and we wanted it to go with the house and the town of Petaluma," she said. So after a bit of research on vintage farm posters and fruit labels, a design, hours of painting and trying to figure out the logistics of actually getting it up on the wall, they finished it, and re all so pleased with how it turned out.