TUESDAY,
AUGUST 11:
Took
a break from the hustle & bustle of the city to drive inland to
wine country. We chose Sonoma, rather than its more well-known
sister, Napa, precisely because of that . . . less built-up, less
glitzy, less crowded.
The
40 minute drive there was absolutely lovely. Beautiful rolling
hills, dotted with vineyards all around.
Passed
lots of wineries on the way in, but that really wasn't our primary
purpose today. It was more to see the scenery, enjoy Sonoma, and
have a leisurely meal. If we wanted to stop at a winery or two on
the way home for tasting, fine.
Sonoma
is a charming little town. Has a historic town plaza,
which includes
a Mission – a bonus for us! Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma
was the last in the mission chain to be built, and also the most
northern. It was the only mission to be established after Mexican
independence from Spain, and was founded to extend Mexico's influence
and authority further north (they were concerned that Russian fur
traaders who were living on the northern California coast would try
to take over some of the land newly claimed by Mexico). It had
mission status for only 11 years before secularization and fell into
neglect and ruin. It's been fully restored, and is one of 2 missions
owned and operated by the State Parks of California, rather than the
Catholic church. This makes the 6th
mission we've visited (on either this trip or previous ones). While
they all share some common elements, each one has its unique
character. Sonoma, for example, is very simple, smaller than most,
and has a very natural and unadorned garden/courtyard area. So very
peaceful.
Mid-afternoon
now, and we were hungry. We had the most delicious, enjoyable lunch
at a place called The Girl and the Fig, just down the street from the
Mission. It specializes in country French food, and was highly
rated. Bill got the prix
fixe, which
included a watermelon , heirloom tomato, & French feta salad,
which we shared, which was fantastic. Watermelon & tomatoes –
who would have ever guessed?? When they brought out his entree
(braised pork-corn coquettes), I also had my salad as an entree –
their signature salad of arugula, toasted pecans, bits of pancetta
and chevre, and figs (local fresh figs are a favorite ingredient with
the chef) . Both servved with delicious rustic bread. Bill's
included dessert – an apple pound cake with vanilla ice cream and a
fig caramel sauce. I got crème brulee and a delicious dessert drink
made with Drambuie, white chocolate liqueur, fig liqueur, and 1 or 2
other exotic touches. Bill had ordered a 3-pairing wine flight with
his food, so had a dessert wine. This was a truly luxurious meal for
us, eaten outside in their lovely patio, under a warm sun and blue
skies (which was beginning to feel like a luxury in itself, the last
few days in San Francisco being cooler & overcast) Another
luxury was the leisurely pace of the meal - the French truly know
how to relish eating!
We
walked around the plaza for a while, window shopping. Then tried
driving out on a couple of roads outside of town for more beautiful
bucolic scenery before heading home. A nice, relaxed day.
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