Hi, peeps. Yeah, this week’s column is a day late, but sorting through 1,500 images of Russia can do that to a lady. Looks like I bit off more than I could chew (not the first time).
As promised, this week includes my recap of my three-week trip to Russia with my dad for World Cup. There were some big cultural learnings and observations that happened on this trip while running all over the country for six matches. It was an adventure and an unexpectedly wonderful and memorable trip—it just took some extra work. Russia took me by surprise, and it wasn’t just about how tasty the food was (it’s a good thing I like pickled things and smoked fish and dill).
Today’s piece was written in a bit of a stream of consciousness kind of style—I have so many images and impressions in my head, and I wanted to write them down while they were still bright. It’s not a short piece (maybe save it for the weekend!), and since I didn’t have a copyeditor today, don’t be surprised if you find some errors. I’ll be posting a larger album of my edited photos soon, complete with some fun World Cup pics. What a trip!
You ready for Outside Lands this weekend? I am (I’ll be sporting this fanny pack, say high). I’m sharing my round-up of food and drinks on my hit list for the weekend, be sure to tag @tablehopper on the ‘gram if there’s something you’re really loving that you think I should check out. So ready for Janelle. And Florence. And Miss Jackson if you’re nasty.
What I was digging last week was the Wine and Weed Symposium in Sonoma (and the summer dream Terpenes and Terroir dinner from TSO Elevated Events and The Herb Somm at Healdsburg Shed afterward. I’m working on a piece right now, but in the meantime, take a look at this recap from The Herb Somm about what cannabis can learn from wine, and what wine can learn from cannabis.
A couple more posts for you: you won’t want to miss this week’s Table Talk on Bay Area Bites, including a first look at the new Farmhouse Oakland (you want to go), and last week’s column included a recap of some North Bay openings and Lotus SF on Mission Street.
Lastly, I know a lot of folks are making Robuchon potatoes this week. RIP, chef. One of the greats.
One last thing: if you are looking for a way to help victims of the Mendocino and Lake Fires, there is a Wildfire Fund set up with North Coast Opportunities here and a couple more listed here (the CCF Wildfire Relief Fund and Operation USA), along with some resources.
Take good care. See you in a couple weeks. Marcia Gagliardi
One of the four horses on Anichkov Bridge and Stroganov Palace in St. Petersburg. Photo: © tablehopper.com.View tablehopper Newsletter from Wednesday, Aug 8 2018
