Howdy, friends. I hope you had a stellar weekend, soaking in the blood moon vibes, stunning sunsets, and maybe a little kiss of leather from Folsom, ha! As for my weekend, I was fully immersed in the beauty of Healdsburg and friendship, celebrating my old friend’s heartfelt wedding in the prettiest of settings.
The bonus was daily dips in the gorg pool flanking the adorable cottage I got to stay in, thanks to a friend who seriously hooked me up. The unheated pool’s temperature hit that exquisite sweet spot between refreshing and too cold—I enjoyed pruning out in it all weekend. Such a luxury to be in a pool—now that I think of it, it has been quite the summer of floating in fabulous bodies of water. Priorities!
I also was lucky to have enough time to check out dinner at the new Valette (formerly Zin), just off Healdsburg Square. The updated space looks great, and chef Dustin Valette’s charcuterie board is a marvel. Ditto the elegant day boat scallops en croûte and the burrata they source from a local Italian guy, served with heirloom tomato and topped with smoked duck bacon (mamma mia). Look for an update on all this goodness soon.
Real quick: save the date for an upcoming tablehopper supper! On Thursday October 15th, I will be hosting a dinner at 1601 Bar & Kitchen, with fantastic wines courtesy of Maisons Marques & Domaines. I’ll have all the details in Friday’s column (and a ticket link!)—just wanted to give you a heads-up now since space is very limited!
Okay, it’s time to bounce, see you Friday! Marcia Gagliardi
The showstopping day boat scallops en croûte at Valette (it’s brushed with squid ink!). Photo: © tablehopper.com.View tablehopper Newsletter from Tuesday, Sep 29 2015
