Glorious Gloria Ferrer contest gesture
Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards has canceled its Glorious Bites Challenge finals contest that was to be held here in Sonoma at Gloria Ferrer. Three finalists from around the country were supposed to compete for the $5,000 grand prize for creating the best appetizer to go with Gloria Ferrer's sparkling wines.
Instead, Gloria Ferrer has generously replaced the finals by awarding $5,000 to each of the three finalists.
All tickets to the event will be refunded in full. The new 'co-winners' include Ellen Verdugo of Gloucester, Maine with a smoky Spanish paprika dusted sea scallop seared in duck fat; Ashley Mincey of Columbus, Ohio with a sweet and savory harvest pizzette; and April Timboe of Siloam Springs, Arizona with tandoori shrimp falafel with lemony mint yogurt.
Instead of the event, Gloria Ferrer will focus its efforts toward fundraising to help rebuild our local Sonoma Valley community. Bravo!
One cookbook at a time
Former 'One Day At A Time' star and current Food Network star Valerie Bertinelli will be at Liana Estates Winery this afternoon and evening, Friday, Nov. 10 with her new cookbook, 'Valerie's Home Cooking,' which also happens to be the name of her cooking show. And, yes, she was once married to Eddie Van Halen.
Liana Estates, owned by Peju Provence winery, is behind Domaine Carneros where Acacia Winery used to be. $120 includes the book, meal, and wine, $195 per couple with one book. 4:30 p.m. 2750 Las Amigas Road, Napa.
MFK Fisher talk at Depot Park Museum
Join me Saturday, Nov. 11 and talk about 'Hundreds of hours in Last House with MFK Fisher' to celebrate the all-day re-opening (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) of the Depot Park Museum and its 'Second Saturday Lecture Series.'
Under the leadership of Sonoma Valley Historical Society president Patricia Cullinan, the museum has been remodeled and completely revitalized, and will be back open to the public starting Saturday. Enjoy new Sonoma Valley agriculture and kitchen exhibits as well. MFK Fisher conversation at 1:30 p.m. Free. 270 First St. W., Sonoma.
Sonoma Springs Brewing fundraiser
With loads of thanks to first responders, Sonoma Springs Brewing Company will breakout its week-old Sottile Red beer on Saturday, Nov. 11 to honor and benefit the Sonoma Valley Volunteer Fire Association, who played a big part in saving the town of Sonoma. The event originated to celebrate surviving another fire in the back of the former Nicholas Turkey headquarters in 2014.
Sottile Red is a double red ale brewed with Simcoe and Citra hops, so be a first to taste it in the brewery's parking lot and taproom with brats grilled by volunteer firefighters. Rubber Soul will play, and there will be commemorative merchandise for sale.
Sonoma Springs and Natalie and Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing Co. are joining many other brewers throughout the country to create Sonoma Pride benefit brews. Free admission. Brats and beer for sale. 1 to 6 p.m. 19499 Riverside Drive, Sonoma. Suite 101. Sonomaspringsbrewing.com.
Landmark Vineyards' generous gifts
Landmark Vineyards, now owned by Stewart and Lynda Resnick of the Wonderful Company, known for Pom Wonderful pomegranate juice, is donating $100,000 to the Redwood Credit Union's North Bay Fire Relief Fund 'to assist victims and aid relief efforts,' according to Landmark spokesman Timothy Hall.
Landmark has 'also pledged $10,000 toward the rebuilding initiative at Dunbar elementary School in Glen Ellen, which lost its kindergarten playground and outdoor theater.' Dunbar also lost its popular and well-used school garden. All of this out of gratitude for their Landmark Vineyards and Russian River properties having survived the October fires in good condition.
Hall added in response to my question about the garden that 'The pledge is going toward outdoor play areas and instructional areas. The funds can be used at their discretion for any of those outdoor areas.'
Umbria Glen Ellen dining room opens
After feeding loads of first responders during the fires, Giulio Tempesta will apparently fully open his redecorated dining room at Umbria in Glen Ellen on Sunday.
Sonoma Fire & Rescue pancake breakfast
While their pancake breakfast on Sunday is billed as a 'Thanking our Community Open House and Pancake Breakfast,' we can all say thank you in person to our local volunteer and professional firefighters on Sunday, Nov. 12 at their pancake breakfast at the downtown fire house. Pancakes, sausage, orange juice and plenty of coffee are on the menu for only $5 this year.
Valley of the Moon Lions Club, Montgomery Village Lions Club, and Sonoma Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association are the event supporters. Grownups and kids can operate a fire hose, learn hands on CPR, gas and electric safety, vision screening, and have fun on fire engine rides, face painting, balloons and jumpy houses, and lots of information booths. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Al Mazza Fire station. $5 donation suggested. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 630 Second St. W., Sonoma.
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