Morning!
Sorry for the lack of post last night…..I got home around 11:15 and quite literally, fell into my bed. Last night was craaazy!
But first, I did do 60 minutes of power yoga (via Dave Farmar!) before I left yesterday afternoon. Really, the only posture that bothered my ankle was warrior one so I modified that and was fine. It was really really really good to stretch and break a sweat. Must.exercise.asap. ๐
No snack because lunch was so large and around 6:00, I headed over to a friend’s house for dinner! There were 12 of us there and it was like foodie heaven. Seriously. Every one of us ADORES food and wine and all we did for the next five hours was eat amazing food, drink wine and talk about more food…the whole time. I think I’ve come home.
Watched another beautiful California sunset—
Sipped on some Viognier—
Now this is what I’d call an amazing spread of appetizers:
Pate (which I discovered I actually LIKE??! Who am I?!), salumi, fresh local goat cheese, fresh whole wheat and sourdough bread, triple cream Italian butter and two other delicious specialty cheeses. Ahhhhhh
Naturally, the wine flowed as well:
I fell in love with this one:
And also an ’85 Petite Syrah/Syrah blend, which was FABULOUS and changed my opinion on the entire varietal. It was my birthday wine after all! ๐
I’ve found the best method when put in a situation with 15 bottles of wine is to only pour one ounce pours for yourself. That way you can enjoy many different kinds and not end up drinking, oh say 9 glasses of wine. That would not be good. I must have tried at least seven or eight different wines last night and felt good the whole time with one ounce rule. And then there was champagne with dessert….and sauvignon blanc with cheese….but that’s another story.
Anyways, dinner was nothing short of spectacular!
From 11:00: fish stew, brussels sprouts with bacon and white beans, small piece of lamb, whole wheat bread, salad.
Everything was local….the lettuce had actually just been picked yesterday morning from the garden! How crazy is that?! And it was so good…..I actually hated lamb (or thought I did) before last night but this didn’t taste like any lamb I’ve ever had, in terms of being really super gamey. This lamb actually had a bit of sweetness to it and tasted more like steak. So now counting four things I had previously despised before moving to Sonoma county: duck, lamb, pate, syrah. Wheeewww! Next up to try again is foie gras, which I had tried at a Paris farmer’s market and thought was the grossest thing I’ve ever put in my mouth. It’s been two years though and I’m prepared to give it a second chance!
Dessert was a sliver of rustic apple pie from a local bakery in town, paired with a splash of champagne, a tiny bit of cheese and the tiniest taste of apple brandy. whoaaa
I’m not kidding when I tell you ALL we talked about for FIVE hours was food. I’ve always been the craziest foodie amongst all my friends on the east coast so you can’t imagine my excitement when I am finally paired with people that can match my gastronomical enthusiasm! And then, Doug and Susan sent me home with cookbooks!
Ahhh Alice Waters and Patricia Wells. Awesome.
Needless to say, I was in total food coma state upon getting home and it was all I could do to wash my face, take out contact, brush teeth and fall into bed. This morning I resumed some order to my life with the typical oatmeal:
So yeahhh….I’m really trying NOT to think that right now I would be probably on mile 10 of my half marathon. Makes my heart hurt. However, I’m so thankful for such a great weekend filled with new friends in a place I love. I’ve been able to stay busy so I haven’t had time to have a pity party about my ankle, which is good.
Today my plans are to do more yoga, finish hanging all my pictures, run errands and relax. I feel like I’m finally settling in here, which is great. Can you believe this is the first time I’ve ever had my own place?! It feels so odd (and awesome at the same time) to have my own space and to be able to do whatever I want.
See you in a bit!
Jenna
October 18, 2009 at 8:55 amglad you had a great night and you finally feel settled in at home ๐
jenna
Deva (Voracious Vorilee)
October 18, 2009 at 8:56 amYour foodie gathering sounds like a blast! I love when I get together with friends and we can talk food. I have never had pate before ๐ฎ
Madeline @ Greens and Jeans
October 18, 2009 at 9:01 amthere will be MANY more half marathons that you can run in the future! your california adventure has been amazing thus far (well, besides the ankle!) and kudos to you for focusing on these positive things!
Ania @ DoubleScooped
October 18, 2009 at 9:04 amJenna!
I can so relate with you! I just moved into my very own new place as well! It is such a AMAZING feeling! : )
Happy to hear you are loving California – your pics have been great – especially this morning’s sunset! Speechless!
Morgan @ Life After Bagels
October 18, 2009 at 9:08 amYes I love trading cookbooks! Looks like you ate as much as I did at my dinner party last night.
Kristen @ Simply Savor
October 18, 2009 at 9:24 amsounds like california is becoming home! how great that you’ve already surrounded yourself with amazing new and old friends, delicious food and wine ๐ whether you ran the marathon or not, you still raised money for a great cause…and great news on getting back into some Dave Farmar! Enjoy the rest of your Sunday Jenna!
Cynthia (It All Changes)
October 18, 2009 at 9:33 amSounds like California really agrees with you. Sorry your heart is hurting for the race but so happy you are taking care of yourself and enjoying your new surroundings.
Ellen
October 18, 2009 at 9:35 amif you can’t run, you can still eat! what a wonderful way to spend your day. i think we’re currently living parallel lives, only i’m in italy!
you’re making me think that i should move to CA after i’m done here, as i can’t bear the thought of leaving but i need to be closer to my family long-term.. hmm.. oh yeah, and alice waters is one of my idols!
Allison (Balance in Bites)
October 18, 2009 at 9:37 amKeep your chin up even through the whole lack of running. You’ll get back there soon…. sounds like you’re giving your foot the rest that it needs, which is good.
The food looks amazing! And now I have some more suggestions for cookbooks that I can check out =D
Kristie
October 18, 2009 at 9:38 amThat sounds like a wonderful dinner. Five hours of nonstop foodie convo sounds pretty ideal to me ๐ Plus that spread… wow!
So glad to hear you’re getting settled and cozy!
Anais
October 18, 2009 at 9:43 amYou are going to love foie gras, it’s just so good! Paired with some champagne… it’s just a party in your mouth!
Daria @ Daria Can Cook
October 18, 2009 at 9:47 amMust.acquire.ChezPanisseVegetables. ASAP!
kay (eating machine)
October 18, 2009 at 9:47 ami’m in mendacino county right now, and you’re right, ca wine country is fantastic!
and gorgeous! ๐
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
October 18, 2009 at 9:48 amThe food looks amazing. I can’t imagine being surrounded by all that wine!!!
Julie
October 18, 2009 at 9:52 amI am literally drooling on a daily basis as you post these amazing food and wine pics! Will be looking for some of your favorites at my local wine shop.
Evan Thomas
October 18, 2009 at 9:52 amI envy your day. And eating local is the best feeling of all
Allie
October 18, 2009 at 10:04 amthat dinner looks fantasitc! will you review any of the cookbooks- would love to hear what you think. i have done a bit of alice waters, but would love to see what you make from patricia wells’ book. enjoy your new place!
Kat (Kat's Daily Plate)
October 18, 2009 at 10:05 amThe fish stew looks great. What was in it?
jenna
October 18, 2009 at 10:20 amKat,
Hmm…squid, halibut and another type of fish that I don’t remember. It was delicious!
Jess
October 18, 2009 at 10:06 amDid you mean hors d’oeuvres? ๐ Everything looks wonderful! Congrats on a place all to yourself.
Diana
October 18, 2009 at 10:08 amWow, what an amazing dinner ๐ Everything sounds good!
Glad you could do yoga, I’m sure you were feeling a little restless without exercise ๐
Stephanie
October 18, 2009 at 10:08 amI normally never comment on people’s blogs and particularly don’t like it when people say negative things. However, please, please, please look up foie gras before you eat it. I don’t want to try and tell others how to live their lives, but it makes me incredibly sad when animals go through such suffering for unnecessary reasons. I am a meat eater, but believe in eating humanely raised meat. I think that if more people knew how some of these animals were being raised, they would think twice about contributing it. Please make an informed choice!
I really hope I haven’t offended you with this – it was not my intent. I just can’t stay silent on this topic. Thanks ๐
Stephanie
October 18, 2009 at 10:11 amSounds like you’re having fun!
Were you able to go cheer on the rest of the runners?!
Estela @ Weekly Bite
October 18, 2009 at 10:25 amWow, what a delicious spread of food!! And the wine…. no words can describe how awesome the wine looks!
Have a great Sunday ๐
Kristin
October 18, 2009 at 10:31 amI noticed a bottle of Unti in your photos. It’s is one of my favorite wineries! Their Syrah is delicious- I highly suggest you try it since you have an aversion to the varietal (that I totally agree with!). Unti’s Syrah though is not a total fruit bomb and has nice structure. Very yummy. Also, if they have any Rose left, snatch up a bottle. It’s too die for!
Stephanie
October 18, 2009 at 10:36 amoh what lovely eats! sounds like a fantastic day, foodie friends are the best right ๐
Adi (oatonomy.com)
October 18, 2009 at 10:37 amYou have your life ahead of you to run ten half marathons if you want – take the time now to take care of your body, fall in love with your new home, and appreciate the people around you. Running will always be there for you when your body is good and ready. ๐
Alyson
October 18, 2009 at 10:38 am“all we did for the next five hours was eat amazing food, drink wine and talk about more foodโฆthe whole time” .. this sounds like the perfect Saturday night to me! You make me miss the fabulous California cuisine options ๐
Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries
October 18, 2009 at 10:44 am5 hours of foodie talk sounds like perfection.. I love that Alice Waters book!!
christie, honoring health
October 18, 2009 at 10:45 amSounds like a glorious way to spend an evening!
Hope you are having a good Sunday!
CalliNae
October 18, 2009 at 10:49 amOh yum. Really. Yum.
Jaimejoy
October 18, 2009 at 10:54 amI can’t believe you didn’t like Shiraz before you had it in CA! Shiraz has always been my favorite(well, maybe tied with Zinfandel….). Nice cookbooks, too! Seems like everytime you go to a dinner or a gathering you return with a present–boxes of vegtables and food, bottles of expensive wine, and now amazing cookbooks. Someone’s very lucky……..
Julie @savvyeats
October 18, 2009 at 11:05 amYour night last night sounds like heaven. I need to make some foodie friends, because I’m definitely the “crazy-foodie” in my group!
Rachael
October 18, 2009 at 11:08 amUs West coasters are total foodies! I can’t believe you didn’t like Syrah! My favorite wine.
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
October 18, 2009 at 11:11 amI love pairing apple pie with cheese. Perfect.
I actually have a recipe for apple pie with a cheddar crust!
Caitlin
October 18, 2009 at 11:12 amI have tried foie gras once – also in Paris – and DESPISED. IT. I thought it tasted and looked like cat food.
Olga @ Healthing It
October 18, 2009 at 11:13 amWow. That dinner does look incredible! I always think that I don’t like lamb but then I taste it and love it!
Paige@ RunningAroundNormal
October 18, 2009 at 11:13 amWay to keep positive, lil lady! I’m glad you got in some yoga! I’m sure that helps from going a little stir crazy. That meal(s) looks amazing!
Keep your head up!
Matt
October 18, 2009 at 11:16 amSounds like you are in heaven ๐
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
October 18, 2009 at 11:33 amAll that food sounds fabulous! I’m so glad that your ankle is feeling better and you were able to do some yoga today. It must have felt so nice to relax with your poses! Enjoy the rest of your Sunday! ๐
Stacey
October 18, 2009 at 11:55 amYay for your own space ๐ And for new foodie friends, enjoy your relaxing day! You deserve it
BethT
October 18, 2009 at 12:12 pmYum. Though I’d say you’re not missing much without foie gras…ew.
Suzanne de Cornelia
October 18, 2009 at 1:52 pmDid I miss a post because seems like we’re not in ‘The Attic’ anymore, Toto. lol. Awesome food—that’s Northern California…not just Wine Country! Although that all looks delicious and like total fun! If I read a French oriented book, put on French music and have pate, herbed goat cheese, baguette, cornichon, French wine. If book set in Italy–pasta with lots of basil, olives, garlic, Italian music, sunflowers, etc. Love cohesiveness.
Everything’s coming together for you and am still wondering about ‘the secret’ yet to be revealed!
Amy
October 18, 2009 at 2:10 pmYour brother would be so happy for you!
andrea
October 18, 2009 at 3:28 pmoh yes, 1 oz pours makes the difference! there is a wine store here in shanghai that we love – they have a big engomatic wine tasting machine…you can choose small, med, large…and it pours right amt into your glass…i can have 5 or 6 one oz pours, try many of the choices and still have my wit’s about me! I love it! what a fun day!
M
October 18, 2009 at 4:06 pmSo glad to see you so happy. ๐
Gina
October 18, 2009 at 4:22 pmJenna, didn’t you have a little place on your own in Paris?
Is this pad #2 or #1?
jenna
October 18, 2009 at 6:26 pmGina,
I lived with four other girls in a tiny apartment in Paris for 6 weeks! This is definitely my first place by myself..
maria
October 18, 2009 at 4:47 pmI love when I discover a food that I never knew I liked or thought I disliked, but actually love. It’s the best!
elise
October 18, 2009 at 4:53 pmhey jenna…congrats on having your first place!
i love foodie bonding. i was wondering when your bf or parents were going to come visit you?! now that youve settled in you should show them the time of their lives – healdsburg style ๐
ps my fam’s vineyard is the zinfandel acreage right next to gallo, off dry creek road. im sure you know it ๐
Jil
October 18, 2009 at 5:38 pmOur refrigerators are remarkably similar looking. haha I hear you on rebuilding a kitchen…sometimes it feels so expensive because you need to buy all the essentials…oils, spices, extracts, etc. that just seemed to come with my kitchen as a kid/teen. I still need to get my cookbooks into my apartment…hmmm. I need to get on that.
Kim Blix
October 18, 2009 at 10:43 pmHi Jenna-
I also am a big fan of your blog and it has, over time, been one of the blogs that I check on a regular basis. I think you are an inspiration in many ways. I so appreciate your candor and your strong faith. But I have to agree with Stephanie, in that it doesn’t seem to fit your wonderful personality or loving life approach to go into something uninformed. Please, please look into how foie gras is made before you consider trying it out. Did you know that California has passed a bill that will ban the production of Foie Gras starting in 2012 based on the inhumane way that it is produced? I can’t imagine a wonderful food blogger such as yourself promoting this cuisine. It would be heartbreaking.
Again, I think your blog is great, and you are an amazing source of encouragement for so many, including myself, but please consider reading this http://www.banfoiegras.org/page.php?module=home before encouraging your readers to try foie gras.
Stephanie
October 19, 2009 at 7:06 amPate + cornichons + dijon = heaven on the palate!
Judith
January 31, 2010 at 4:52 pmJenna,
Welcome to Northern California! I am lucky enough to have born and raised here, and with a few stints in Miami and Newport Beach CA (not to mention 4 months in Paris) have been fortunate enough to live here most of my life. It is interesting to see how you felt you had come home
My daughter, Amanda (platosplate) just turned me on to your blog, and I love it! Have worked my way backward to see how you got from Florida to here, and its been fun to find out. Keep up the great work!
A bientot (more about my Paris stay later, good you tried it before me @ 56!) Ah well, never too late!