Kathleen Hill: Aventine closes, Signature Sonoma Valley, and more
Aventine closes, and here’s why
Many people have wondered and asked if Toni and Adolfo Veronese and family are going to reopen Aventine Glen Ellen. They are not, and here is why, more or less in Toni Veronese’s own words.
Bottom line, both Toni and Adolfo have serious health problems; he is being treated during visits to the Mayo Clinic. They both want their friends, family and community to benefit from their story, so here it is. I remember Adolfo’s mother, Angela Alioto, telling me, “We never sell, we never give up.” And they don’t.
“An end to Aventine Glen Ellen: We have never given up... most of our ‘friends and family’ know of Adolfo’s ongoing medical issues. Thank god, not life threatening, but he has been out for surgeries and recoveries for weeks on end.
“Adolfo and I have had an amazing 3.5 years with Aventine. We’ve made so many new friends and love spending special moments with our guests during their special occasions. During the fires we thought Aventine GE was gone... but thank god the whole complex was spared. It took over a month to get it cleaned and ready to get back in action.
“Adolfo went back to the Mayo for a follow up in January and received some not-so-good news... his big surgery from last July hadn’t completely healed and the doctor wanted him to relax and take care of himself for the next three weeks after another follow up surgery which he had after Valentine’s Day.
“Adolfo and I both laughed... but then decided to close Aventine GE after Valentine’s Day so he could heal and then have the floors redone and repaired in the bar and kitchen. It should all work out as planned we both told ourselves.
“Adolfo went in for surgery and the surgery couldn’t be completed. There were complications and his body wasn’t ready for the surgery. We were very disappointed, but agreed to revisit in six months.
“During the floor construction at Aventine I went for a routine OB appointment... this is where everything changes. I’d had a few concerns that my general doctor wanted me to take to my OB. My OB ordered tests and I thought we’d just take care of it. I went through many tests including ultrasounds and blood tests and I’m now with an oncologist. I’ve been through other tests and now have two surgeries scheduled for the next few weeks. We don’t know my outcome until after the surgeries, so I’m sure you can imagine the stress. Adolfo and I made the very difficult decision to not reopen Aventine GE. With his health issues and now mine we have decided to work on our health and take care of our family.
“We thank everyone for their support and look forward to seeing everyone soon!”
Cancer has touched all of us in some way. Bottom line: Get your medical tests done on time and pay attention.
Tell everyone you know.
Delicious New Chapters
The Delicious New Chapters cookbook giveaway and pickup party for wildfire victims is Sunday, April 8 at 1206 E. MacArthur St. #3, Sonoma. We have received thousands of cookbooks to help rebuild your kitchens. Sondra Bernstein will even store your new collection for you at her warehouse until you are settled. 9 a.m. to 4:40 p.m.
Cochon Volant TGI Pork Friday
Rob Larman, chef and proprietor of Cochon Volant BBQ Smoke House, offers 50 percent off all pork dishes on Friday, April 6.
You will be able to purchase barbecue baby back ribs for $9 a pound, pork shoulder for $8.50 a pound, a barbecued pork or Carolina sandwich for just $5, and chipotle pork cakes for $5. 18350 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday. 509-5480. Cochonvolantbbq.com.
Signature Sonoma Valley next weekend
Signature Sonoma Valley is the fundraising event hosted by the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance to replace its past involvement in the Sonoma County Wine Auction and return an annual SVVGA event to the Sonoma Valley.
In this, its second year, attendees can go to individual events at singular prices instead of having to purchase the whole package. Here are the highlights:
Major venue update: Bubbles & Brunch Sunday, April 8 has been moved from Sonoma Plaza to the General’s Daughter due to predicted rain, according to SVVGA Executive Director Maureen Cottingham. Ramekins Culinary Center will cater.
Wine and Design Lunches, Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7. Includes best wines from each winery. $175. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Beltane Ranch on Friday, April 6: Just featured in several pages of the San Francisco Chronicle’s 2018 Spring Fashion feature, Beltane proprietor and chef Alexa Wood and Fran Meininger have conspired to prepare a delicious lunch of crayfish hushpuppies on micro greens, served on vintage china along with Mary Ellen Pleasant’s story. Along with Miwok and Wappo Indian stories, guests will enjoy Miwok duck, spring garlic and blackberries, followed by family farming history with open-fire roast lamb, branch-brushed with butter and garlic, and nettle späetzle. Dessert to include ricotta olive oil cake with lemon and almonds.
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