Earliest of summer, yes, but summer nonetheless! It’s officially here now, inviting us to fling ourselves outdoors, soak in the warmth and sunshine, eat our weight in summer berries and rainbow-colored produce. I think there’s something inside all of us that recalls what it’s like to be a child on summer vacation, and the early days of June flip the switch. I feel more free, despite the fact that nothing has changed.
It’s a grand moment, this one, and I am all in. Here’s a bit of what I’ve been up to. How about you?
Reading
–My friend Kimberley‘s cookbook, Vibrant Food, is now out in the world! She celebrated with a beautiful launch party (lead photo) and is now touring around for all sorts of wonderful events. I heartily recommend that you snatch up a copy of the book, then try to meet her if she’s coming your way.
-Summer reading recommendation number one: Delancey, from the always eloquent and charming Molly Wizenberg.
–my name is yeh: A fantastically spirited, beautiful and new-to-me blog. After only a few weeks of reading, I got to meet Molly at Kimberley’s party, and she’s as lovely as I’d imagined.
Eating / Drinking
-Fruit with cheese (and also herbs): Watermelon and salty feta with mint, figs and goat cheese, tomatoes and mozzarella marinated with oregano, tomatoes and nectarines with parmesan and basil—you get the idea.
-Sautéed dates with flaky sea salt (!), via the aforementioned Delancey.
-When I’m lucky, dinner at Bistro Ordinaire, invention of my favorite wine bar, Ordinaire, and the talented Chris Kronner.
–Farmers Jane Field Rosé, the best rosé I’ve had this summer.
–2013 Wind Gap Trousseau Gris, equally perfect on a warm night.
Listening
–Radio Cherry Bombe with Julia Turshen on Heritage Radio Network. I particularly loved this excellent interview with Jeni of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, a company with which I am obsessed.
–This Sylvan Esso song, on repeat.
-And this one by Rhye, which I’ve long loved.
Adventuring
–Toluma Farms in Marin, home to Tomales Farmstead Creamery. Baby goats! Amazing cheese! Etc.!
-Healdsburg, my favorite part of wine country, for a dreamy day away. Finally visited Shed, where I ate an amazing whole wheat fig scone and drank lemon-ginger kefir water, and drank wine at Preston, Copain and current favorite VML.
