I can’t believe I’m going to be disembarking a plane in New York in 48 hours, somebody pinch me. This month’s jaunt was inspired by a friend who’s getting married there this weekend, but of course I had to add on some extra days for visiting friends and eating and drinking my way around the city. On my short list: The Dutch, Roberta’s, Torrisi, Souvlaki, Épicerie Boulud, Szechuan Gourmet, and hopefully some return visits to Russ & Daughters and Xi’an Famous Foods (cumin lamb burger, I’ve been thinking about you—a lot). I might need to go back to Taim for some of their incomparable falafel as well.
So you know the drill: I’m going to be taking the week off, and will be back in your inboxes on Tuesday June 21st. This week’s column has plenty of content to keep you occupied (including some exciting news about Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski’s new project, State Bird Provisions!), but I’m not going to be able to write up the details about a few places until after I return (and after they’ve opened), namely Bluestem Brasserie (heading there tonight for some preview cocktails!), Cupola in the Westfield Centre, and it looks like Wing Wings in the Lower Haight will be going into a soft opening phase any day now.
Oh, and before signing off, I had to tell you about the spectacular Campovida, a retreat in Hopland that has one of the most beautiful (and organic) gardens I have ever seen—13 acres in all—along with a working vineyard and a tasting room of Magnanimus Wines, and simply stunning grounds. I got to visit for an overnight stay this weekend, which included a delicious family-style dinner prepared by Janelle Weaver of The Bewildered Pig; she used a ton of just-picked ingredients from the garden, along with a “boar-chetta” made from locally caught boar. The next “36-Hour Farm Dinner” will be in October, check it out. I just posted pictures of the grounds for you, you have to take a look. Truly heaven on earth—and totally lush from all the rain we’ve been getting. The new owners are restoring and creating a magical place. Le sigh.
Have a swell week—and I’ll see you on the 21st.
Hello little honey bee, nestling into the flowers of the lamb’s ear plant (at Campovida).View tablehopper Newsletter from Tuesday, Jun 7 2011
