Dessert/ Dinner/ Lunch

I Might Hate Me Too…

Sigh….just another day in Sonoma county…..

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We had a big meeting this afternoon at work. With wine. I would probably hate me too if I were you. 😉

Anyways! It was a lovely Thursday, really. Poured a bunch of wine, the weather was fantastic and just got back from dinner at Scopa. I can’t complain.

Lunch was leftover beans & greens, sourdough bread with butter and a pear—

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Butter Hot sauce makes anything better.

Snack!

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And then dinner was something to write home about. I’m slowly eating my way through this town and I love it. When Hardy texted me and invited me to dinner with his family from Tampa (how funny!) at Scopa, which I’ve been dying to try, of course I said yes. Scopa is a tiny Italian place on the square here in Healdsburg, specializing in small plates—a concept I love! I arrived 30 minutes late from work and didn’t even look at a menu….I knew I was in good hands.

Polenta with taleggio cheese (which I ADORE) and mushrooms

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…with some salad for good measure

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Sardines!!!

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The sardines had bread crumbs, mandarin oranges and…pine nuts? stuffed in them and it was so not what I thought sardines would be like. When I think sardines, I think “canned salty fish” and this was definitely not that. How interesting!

Grilled calamari with fennel and oranges

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Major yum here as well. I’ve never had calamari prepared this way and it was totally different than the fried version at many Italian restaurants. The calamari was chewy and succulent and I loved the beans and salad on the side….mmm!

Margharita pizza

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I’m more of a thick crust girl than anything (love those carbs, baby!) but I have to admit, this was pretty darn good. The sauce, cheese and basil were spectacular and this thin little slice was jam packed with flavor. I ate it in about, errr, 20 seconds.

Buttermilk panna cotta with huckleberry sauce

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AMAZING!!!!! Panna cotta is seriously underrated. I’ve made about a hundred of them in culinary school and then after I graduated I never thought twice about them. When done right, a panna cotta is a masterpiece. This was nothing short of spectacular and worth going to the restaurant again just for this dish. Promise. The six of us shared this along with…..

Apple tart with vanilla gelato

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I loved the gelato most of all. You could tell it had been made in house. The tart was good but needed more apples in my opinion…but the crust had almonds in it and was delicious.

I didn’t take pictures of the beverages, but to start I had a few sips of champagne and then with dinner I tried an Italian red wine blend that was so unique….maybe Hardy can tell us what it was because I totally forgot and all I know was that a) it was awesome and b) it smelled just like rose petals.

I had an awesome time and it was so fun to meet some fellow Floridians! It’s so funny because back in May when we were all applying for the Murphy-Goode job, Hardy was the only person who was actually BEATING me with votes. I remember sitting at my house wanting to shake my computer screen wondering who on earth this crazy person from Atlanta was that was beating me (I have a competitive edge…what can I say?)! I just find it mind boggling that now we are really good friends and I’m also great friends with the other 3 guys that live here as well. Life is so crazy, I tell you.

And I’ll tell you what is also crazy…..my appetite!! Embarrassingly enough, I was hungry for a snack when I got home….can you even believe it?! Sometimes I think I must have a hollow leg.

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Um yeah. I totally had toast with almond butter and jam when I got home. My appetite is a strange, ravenous thing.

I need to let my body recover from this wonderful meal though (for the next 48 hours) because on SUNDAY I am going to Santi for this insane 7 course Italian dinner. And so it goes. And here I come…..to my elastic waist pjs.

***

Bubble bath + creme caramel tea + fuzzy pjs and writing. Yes, yes, yes.

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  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
    October 22, 2009 at 8:05 pm

    OH yes, I am super jealous of your lifestyle right now! I have never made or ever HAD polenta. I am very curious about it tho. May give it a whirl this wknd…

  • Jenna
    October 22, 2009 at 8:13 pm

    wow! your life living in cali is treatin ya good girl 🙂
    that dinner looks amazing, so lucky you get to go there again!
    jenna

  • eatmovelove
    October 22, 2009 at 8:13 pm

    Yes! Hah – whenever I go out, it doesn’t matter how much I eat, I still have to have a late-night snack when I get home. Even when I’m filled to the brim – which is quite often.
    I’ve never had polenta either. I’m loving that pizza – I adore thin crust and that one looks quite cheesy…throw in another few slices and that wine and I’m good to go!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca)
    October 22, 2009 at 8:25 pm

    You have sure been eating well since you have been in wine country girl!! Lucky you 🙂
    And yes, I am totally jealous of your meeting. Not fair.

  • Allison
    October 22, 2009 at 8:28 pm

    ALL of these eats (and the wine of course) look absoluuutely amazing!! You lucky lucky girl! 🙂 I hear the elastic waist PJ pants too… I’m right there with ya! haha

  • Britt
    October 22, 2009 at 8:28 pm

    Um… yep, I need your job. Fabulous food… so jealous!

  • Michelle
    October 22, 2009 at 8:29 pm

    I am so glad that you’re enjoying life Jenna. What I adore and admire about you is that you balance life out..working out/fun/eating. It’s such a great example for people.

  • Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries
    October 22, 2009 at 8:30 pm

    That AB jelly shot is SO money! I thought it was something from the restaurant at first! Haha

  • Stephanie
    October 22, 2009 at 8:31 pm

    dinner looks amazing, and yes, I am jealous! 😉

  • Erin
    October 22, 2009 at 8:35 pm

    Your evenings sound a lot like mine — have dinner with friends and be social, then come home and curl up with a book. The best of both worlds. 😉

  • Whole Body Love
    October 22, 2009 at 8:50 pm

    I have never had gelato that was made in-house! I have obviously been deprived.

  • BroccoliHut
    October 22, 2009 at 8:57 pm

    That polenta looks perfect–velvety smooth:)

  • Kristine
    October 22, 2009 at 8:57 pm

    so jealous of your amazing eats!! that panna cotta looks to die for!!

  • LindsayRuns
    October 22, 2009 at 8:59 pm

    At the top of the post I was like: “PaaLeeease, no one hates you.” but by the end I was definitely green! Awesome day for you! 🙂

  • maria
    October 22, 2009 at 9:04 pm

    That restaurant sounds great. I love the concept of small plates, too. And the Italian you ate looks too good to be true. Ah, gelato!

  • Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun)
    October 22, 2009 at 9:11 pm

    That Panna Cotta looks like a volcano of flavor, literally.

  • Felicia
    October 22, 2009 at 9:14 pm

    I love thin crust pizza! That dinners looks fabulous, but I have to admit, I’m not sure if I’d be all over that sardine situation. I do enjoy trying new things, but sardines… I don’t know…

  • suzanne de cornelia
    October 22, 2009 at 9:20 pm

    It all looks beautiful, fresh, delicious and healthy. Have NEVER seen calamari that looked that good and love polenta…I make that a lot. Yum.

    I need to get a camera–what kind is yours? Always takes such great pix. Thanks!

  • Leianna
    October 22, 2009 at 9:22 pm

    You have a beautiful life and are sharing it with wonderful people! Love all those dishes, glad the sardines weren’t the canned ones:)

  • Kristen @ frostingandfroth.com
    October 22, 2009 at 9:29 pm

    I can’t say I’m not envious. Sounds like a hands-down, fantastic day. Live it up, girlie!

  • Lindsay
    October 22, 2009 at 9:47 pm

    Meetings with wine must be a California thing. My company used to do “Grapevine” meetings with wine, fruit, and cheese! What an awesome dinner. Glad I can live the wine country good life through you. And to your comments about becoming friends with Hardy even though you were so competitive about the Murphy-Goode job a few months ago, I totally agree… life is SO funny!

  • Mama Pea
    October 22, 2009 at 10:00 pm

    Wow. Your dinner makes mine look like hot stinky garbage 🙂 I’m so glad you are enjoying yourself!

  • Jil
    October 22, 2009 at 10:06 pm

    So So So jealous! I love how your town has just so many..not just restaurants..but exquisite ones!! ahh.

  • Still Life in South America
    October 22, 2009 at 10:09 pm

    Dude. I AM super jealous. But, alas, I’m afraid I could never hate you. You’re too sweet and talented, damn it!

    I will just have to settle to live vicariously through your wine and food odyssey. If you ever tire of your job, give me a call.

  • Diana
    October 22, 2009 at 11:44 pm

    That dinner looks amazing! I’m glad you’re having such a good time over there 🙂

  • Jenny @JennyLikesToRun, on a mission to run a marathon for charity!
    October 22, 2009 at 11:51 pm

    Yum! The food looks incredible! And man you’re job sounds awesome… i just wish I could have a sweet job like that.

    Sounds like you’re really having a great time there which is awesome! 🙂 It sounds like an absolutely beautiful place. I’d love to visit it one day.

    And yes… fate is a funny thing. Who would’ve thought that we’d end up with the most unexpected friends? 🙂

  • Kelly
    October 23, 2009 at 2:58 am

    Haha I’m not even jealous of you, more just amazed about how quickly you picked up and moved across country with only a few new friends for support. I’ve done it for school before, but I think it’s a lot harder when you don’t have the support of a school/dorm room etc. So…good for you! I couldn’t do it 🙂

  • christie, honoring health
    October 23, 2009 at 3:11 am

    Holy drool, Jenna. It all looks so delicious! I am jealous!!

  • Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
    October 23, 2009 at 4:27 am

    Mmmm, all of this dishes look delicious! Heh, that rhymes. I sometimes think I have a hollow leg as well. Some days I just need to eat and eat – must be all that running and yoga!

  • Susan
    October 23, 2009 at 4:28 am

    How can I be jealous when you’re nice enough to share all these wonderful food photos!? 🙂 Fresh sardines are reeeally good, they’re actually quite a mild fish! Too bad they have such a bad rep…

  • jenn
    October 23, 2009 at 4:41 am

    hey jenna, for french press coffee, can you use whole beans or should they be coarsley ground?
    thanks!

  • Paige (Running Around Normal)
    October 23, 2009 at 4:59 am

    Yeah I pretty much hate you! I kid:) What a good life, though! That dinner looks fabulous!

  • Andee (Runtolive)
    October 23, 2009 at 5:08 am

    Wow another amazing meal!! Dinner looks great, thanks for taking us through your experience. I might have to check that place out next time I am up north!

  • Stacey
    October 23, 2009 at 5:10 am

    Droooooooooolllllllllllllllllllllll 😀 You are one lucky gal!

  • Stacey
    October 23, 2009 at 5:10 am

    Droooooooollllllllll 😀 You are one lucky gal!

  • Abby (Abbys Vegan Eats)
    October 23, 2009 at 5:15 am

    LOVING that polenta.. I have not made it in a while.. seriously inspiring me!! AND that pizza looks insanely good (even tho I dont eat cheese). ENJOY living the life!!! 🙂

  • Sarah (Finding My Balance)
    October 23, 2009 at 5:15 am

    Oof. What a meal. Everything looks fantastic!

    No shame in the wooden leg thing. A girl’s gotta eat!

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing
    October 23, 2009 at 5:20 am

    Oh goodness, I’m so jealous of all this amazing food you are getting to eat! Every meal out there looks phenom. :O) You’re seriously living the dream!

  • Kristin (Kristin's Nibbles)
    October 23, 2009 at 5:26 am

    I wish I could hate you, but I can’t. You’re too cute! But I am suuuper jealous about the copious amounts of fresh food + wine you get to consume every day!!

    xo
    K

  • Melissa Dempsey
    October 23, 2009 at 5:28 am

    Oh my goodness, you are going to love Santi!!! Amazing food-split pea soup with fresh parmigiano reggiano is to die for-very homey restaurant. We are big fans of Ravenous-i think I have seen it on here. My husband and I have been going out to healdsburg for the past four years (we call it the hidden gem of Cali)-we stay at 410 Matheson a gorgeous b&b on Matheson street…we have been to almost every restaurant you have mentioned and then some….. If you get a chance, check out Porter Creek vineyards in dry creek region-tiny winery specializing in pinot noir. Enjoy every moment! Cheers! Melissa

  • Madelin @ What is for breakfast?
    October 23, 2009 at 5:31 am

    Oh wow you are eating the best looking food lately!

  • Heather
    October 23, 2009 at 5:38 am

    Food looks amazing. I am also a big fan of taleggio! Smells like death, tastes like heaven.

  • Island Girl Eats
    October 23, 2009 at 5:45 am

    Great eats. I love to try a bunch of different things at dinner.

  • Tina
    October 23, 2009 at 5:45 am

    Oh I LOVE panna cotta. You’re right, it’s definitely understated, and I don’t think enough people have tried it!

    I’ve definitely had those days where you eat a ton and it’s like whyyy am I still hungry?!

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat
    October 23, 2009 at 5:50 am

    I think that’s totally awesome how you became friends with some of the guys you were competing against originally. It just goes to show you that if something is meant to be, it will all work out 🙂 I hope you have a great Friday!

  • kelsey
    October 23, 2009 at 5:50 am

    jenna,
    this is so amazing that you are enjoying all of this wonderful food! i am SO incredibly jealous!! i am just curious, have you noticed a fluctuation in your weight? it SEEMS from a reader’s perspective that you are eating differently/more, but you look exactly the same in pictures! i love your attitude and that you are embracing these new wonderful delicious foods, i just know that for me, i would be concerned about a weight gain. don’t get me wrong, i strive to have an attitude like yours, just wondering how you maintain it!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes)
    October 23, 2009 at 6:01 am

    You really look like you are just in Heaven. The food looks good and you seem to be balancing it all well. Enjoy it!

  • Lindsay
    October 23, 2009 at 6:08 am

    Wine would totally make meetings better! That food all looks fantastic!

  • Lauren
    October 23, 2009 at 6:32 am

    Hey Jenna-
    You have really tried some excellent food in Cali. I had a question for you since I also work in the wine industry and am around wine all day (pouring/drinking/selling), and everyone knows that with wine comes great food. How do you manage to drink wine and eat this amazing food with out gaining weight? Do you just try a bite of everything and limit yourself to 1 or 2 glasses? I find it so hard because I love wine, and we always have bottles open to take home, but I feel like every time I do I can polish off an entire bottle, which is NOT very healthy of me. And being around such amazing food with an appetite like mine is so difficult as well. Do you have any tips-I’m desperate!
    Thanks! Lauren

    • jenna
      October 23, 2009 at 6:59 am

      Lauren and Kelsey,

      I’ve just been waiting for someone to ask me that question!! 🙂 You know, it would seem impossible that I haven’t gained weight. I haven’t been on a scale though and my clothes still fit and I just honestly think there’s worse things in the world than gaining five pounds based on a new experience. I’m not going to live my life in FEAR of gaining a few pounds, nor do I really care actually. If gaining a few pounds is the worst thing that happens to me, I think I’m fine. That being said, I don’t eat like this all the time. As you probably notice (or will notice), I do eat quite healthy 90% of the time. I balance my days with an hour of power yoga, walking and whole food. I do have wine every day but I rarely have more than a glass …if I’m out I’ll probably have two glasses. I don’t eat fast food or processed food, really, and stop eating when I’m full. The way I see it, you could deprive yourself and live a sad hungry life when faced with all this amazing food and that would really be a life unlived…..or maybe I just love food waaaay too much.

  • Carolyn
    October 23, 2009 at 6:52 am

    Wow! That polenta has my mouth watering!

  • Emily (A Nutritionist Eats)
    October 23, 2009 at 6:56 am

    I would love it if my meetings included wine!!! 🙂 I’m drooling over the polenta…..

  • Evan Thomas
    October 23, 2009 at 7:19 am

    Thin crust margarita is amongst my favorite foods! Delicious!

  • Whit
    October 23, 2009 at 7:20 am

    I could never hate you! Your life is just too fabulous and interesting and I LOVE reading about all your adventures. So jealous, yes. Hate you? NEVAH EVAH! I ? you!

  • Whit
    October 23, 2009 at 7:21 am

    I really need to stop doing hearts on blogs. They keep coming across as question marks. Sorry.

  • mary ann
    October 23, 2009 at 7:49 am

    I SWEAR I get more hungry/munchy the more I eat. I think the more i expand my gut, the more room there is to fill with yummy goodness. However, even if there wasn’t enough room in my tum, I’m pretty sure by the looks of those goodies I would have inhaled every crumb regardless. Cheers!
    MA

  • MMiller
    October 23, 2009 at 8:16 am

    I definitely have to start planning a trip to CA! I admire you for all you have done! I would never have had the guts to do it! You seem to be loving Cali life! Can’t wait to hear about your moms trip! And what she thinks! How could she not just love it! I’m sure she will visit more and more frequently!

  • skinnyrunner
    October 23, 2009 at 8:25 am

    your too funny! what an amazing looking meal. and i bet it tasted even better. so yum.

  • Devan Geselle
    October 23, 2009 at 8:36 am

    Oh my gosh! it sounds like you are having an awesome time! 😀

    that pana cotta is seriously droool worthy ! delish!

  • beerab
    October 23, 2009 at 8:37 am

    Haha girl you crack me up- hollow leg! I swear that must be my hubby as well- he eats all the time- I’m so jealous!

  • Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food)
    October 23, 2009 at 9:56 am

    Yum, that food looks amazing!

    That’s awesome that you and Hardy are such good friends now!

  • Gabriela
    October 23, 2009 at 10:27 am

    Wow, ALL of that food looks amazing…so jealous. Your pictures are always so gorgeous btw, what kind of camera do you use?

    Have a great weekend! xo

  • Janna (Just Flourishing)
    October 23, 2009 at 10:59 am

    You lucky duck. 🙂
    I don’t know what to say except for .. YUM!

  • Lizzy
    October 23, 2009 at 1:38 pm

    woah everything looks amazing! not sure i would love the sardines, but i wouldn’t be apposed to trying them! gotta try everything once right?

  • Kate
    October 23, 2009 at 10:12 pm

    The calamari looks to die for. After having (and liking) grilled octopus last year I would definitely try the calamari as well. The sardines looked good too – also something I want to try. They’re a healthy, sustainable fish. I think I’ll have to make the feta-stuffed sardines I just saw in a Turkish cookbook. Mmm hmmm.