Wine Country

There are some real perks to living in Los Angeles. (Of course, there are some real downsides too, but since we don't have much choice right now, let's focus on the positive, shall we?) Two of my favorite things involve, shockingly, food and alcohol. First, the food.

The farmer's markets here are wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Jay and I try to go at least every other weekend. And there are two within biking distance of our apartment. We can pick from an enormous variety of produce, free-range chicken eggs, homemade cheeses and breads, sausages, flowers, soaps, etc. One of our favorite stalls is that for Avila and Sons, Farms. They bring dried fruits and nuts. Have you ever had fresh almonds? We can't eat them from any store again. When we do, we look at one another sadly and lament. What generally happens is that we end up eating seasonally. Right now the stone fruits and squashes are ripening and coming to market. Soon the root vegetables will be back, and then we will begin to see the winter fruits and vegetables. The variety is just incredible. I could go on and on.

And now, the alcohol. Good god, wine country. I have found some of the California wines to be utterly stunning. We have had one trip to Napa (if you go, visit Arger-Mertucci Vineyards). About a 3 hour drive away is Santa Ynez Valley (just see the movie Sideways). We visited two weeks ago with our new friends Helen and Alias, and their toddler son Elijah. We visited Curtiss Winery and Bridlewood, then headed into Solvang for visits to the tasting rooms there. The white wines at Curtiss are Rhone varietals, and they are so delicious. We are wine club members at Bridlewood (excellent Syrahs) and at Gainey Vineyards (Riesling) and get bimonthly shipments of wine from these wineries. Now, every night involves a glass of wine and relaxing with my hubby. (Lately this also involves watching an episode of the British sitcom Greenwing. Bless Helen for introducing us to it.) Oh, the vino.... it makes even writing grants seem somewhat relaxing.

We will post some pictures of our picnic at Bridlewood once we get our computer up and running again!