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Community Table series returns to SCC

Sonoma Community Center is bringing back its Community Table dinner series featuring uncommon dinners and culinary events prepared by local chefs and winemakers.

  This year’s series features all new participants, including culinary stars from afar, and kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 28.

  Inspired by Cittaslow Sonoma Valley, the Community Table series celebrates the renovation of the community center kitchen, funded by Sonoma Valley Rotary.

  Each dinner is a fundraiser that will support the development of the community center’s culinary arts program in that space. “The kitchen is a wonderful resource for the community,” said Executive Director Kathy Swett. “We look forward to welcoming new and returning guests to the kitchen.” 

  On Saturday, Jan. 28, Beltane Ranch begins the series with a five-course Moroccan-inspired dinner featuring the Ranch’s organic beef, produce, and sustainably-produced wines. Beltane’s Alexa Wood describes the event as a “family affair” produced by herself, daughter Lauren Benward Krause, and the recently married couple of chef Joy Wesley and winemaker Kevin Holt.

  Their menu includes trout cakes with Beltane Ranch 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, home-grown arugula with Beltane Ranch figs and Kunde Ranch walnuts, Beltane Ranch dry-aged, grass-fed beef with polenta, Swiss chard and MacRostie Wildcat Syrah, assorted local cheeses, 2010 Fume Bob, raspberry pie and Barking Dog Coffee. Seating will begin at 6:30 p.m. in SCC’s Rotary Community Kitchen.

  On Saturday, Feb. 25, Chateau St. Jean Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren will offer a special opportunity to enjoy her Cinq Cépages Blending Seminar. Van Staaveren has seen more than 30 harvests at the winery and is responsible for the final decisions involving blend and style that yield consistently high quality wines.

  Under her guidance, guests will be invited to recreate the winery’s signature Cinq Cépages blend, learning to savor and combine the five varietals that go into its making. It’s the perfect opportunity for wine lovers and novices to enjoy this highly award-winning blend. In addition to the tasting, guests will enjoy cocktails and a variety of savory appetizers to tide them through the evening’s tasting.

  Future events include a March 24 dinner prepared by Chef Norman Owens of the Hot Box Grill. Hot Box is known for its extraordinary cuisine and comfort food that blend classical French traditions, Mediterranean influences and the bounty of local farms and producers.

  On Saturday, May 5, Chef Azmin Ghahreman of Sapphire Laguna Restaurant will showcase his distinctive international style and avid interest in the best food and wines from California. Locals may know his cuisine from the AAA Five Diamond St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort and Spa in Dana Point. where he was the executive chef for five years. Ghahreman is known worldwide for his evolving menu that changes seasonally and often, based on what’s freshly caught, available from small farms, local markets and artisan suppliers.

Tickets begin at $55. To reserve your seat, drop by the community center office at 276 E. Napa St., phone 938-4626, ext. 1, or visit the Sonoma Valley Box Office at www.sonomacommunitycenter.org.