Suzy-Homemaker

I woke up on Sunday a little late and tired from the two hour drive home the night before. I had scheduled to head to my sister’s  new house to help her decorate, so off I went. I wasn’t two blocks from my sister’s place and I get a text (which I pulled over to read) from Mrs. Fisher (wife to Chef Todd) saying that she’s got me a ticket for the Grand Tasting event. Total freak-out occurs. I run into my sister’s house, give her a five minute explanation, rush through bedrooms and hallways assigning colors and wall covering ideas and run to my car. (If you’re reading this Jill, I feel TERRIBLE, sort of.) This wasn’t going to be your ordinary drive-like-a-bat-outta-hell to get somewhere on time; it was raining cats and dogs and winds were 40-50 miles an hour. Due to the inclement weather and being most certain that the parking lawn would be a bog by the time I got there, I drove my SUV — the speed limit. Wasn’t hard keep the pace since I encountered multiple accidents and more than one jerk driving like a clown. The drive took nearly twice as long as it should have but I got there!

Now before I go further, I want to point out that Mrs. Fisher not only got me a ticket, she paid for it. I had barely met her the day before (she was one of our fireplace pals)  and she had to have been swamped with events and meet-n-greets with her celebrity husband.I told her that I would pay her back but nonetheless she went ahead and took care of things without even knowing me! My faith in humanity is totally restored with such a random act of kindness!

Much like the day before, I walked in the tent and was immediately faced with a huge celebrity – actually two huge celebrities. (I might mention at this point that I’m by myself; carrying a purse full of camera equipment and notebooks; I’ve been handed a wine glass, I look rediculous having run through a mud puddle obstacle course in 30 mile an hour winds and driving rain. Who am I staring at?  Michael Chiarello and Hubert Keller. Shit. Get the camera, ask someone to not only hold it but USE it…scary if you’re not my family who I can beat with a stick if you drop it. Ask Chef Chiarello if he minds and oh can you have Keller sit in too? (Please ignore the people asking you to autograph their $50 cookbooks and pay attention to the crazy half-drowned wench with a camera)

This guy is handsome and very charismatic.

In my wildest dreams I wouldn't have imagined being in this picture.

After that encounter I had to have some wine. What to choose??? The wineries seemed countless and they were pouring their best offerings. Okay, Far Niente it is – Chardonnay with a cube of some sort of the most tender beef that is dipped equally in a spicey honey sauce and a chipoltle mustard sauce – I think.

This is just a very small view of the enormous multi-tent set-up.

After Far Niente I hit Rombauer for a sip of their well-known Chardonnay and a taste of two Cabs that were lovely.

Next year I'm going to see about getting a press pass...just wait!

These prep chefs were working like crazy (note the driving rain outside)

On to Chef Phan from The Slanted Door who served a coconut infused white fish with peanuts, cilantro and rice noodles. Thought to myself “that sounds good” Oh my, it was REALLY good; a little citrus and little spice, super delish. Then my new best friend Michael Chiarello’s grilled octopus on a skewer with a tiny grilled potato and onion, more delish. More wine, more food, blah blah, blah…Oh, look! it’s Richard Reddington of Yountville, CA ‘Redd’ but with credentials that span Postrio to Auberge du Soleil with a stint at L’Arpege.

I forget how old this prociutto was but it was something special.

From San Francisco to Paris Chef O'Toole has worked the line and managed cuisine from Masa's to Quince and now whips up excellence at Bardessono in Yountville.

As I left the tent I realized I should probably eat something substantial and drink a few glasses of water before hitting the winding coastal and mountain roads (still storming by the way) for the trek home. Off to Inn at Spanish Bay (what the heck, it worked the day before!) As I sit in Roy’s going through my notes and photos I hear a very distinctive voice speaking to his children…could it be? Wolfgang Puck!! Okay, so I chickened out and didn’t ask for a photo; his kids were acting up and his wife and Nanny were ready to leave. But I swear, it’s true. I continued to enjoy my snack and ice water while chatting with the sommelier for the entire event (who sat down next to me and seemed ready to chat) - I know, the networking never ends.  Well, that’s it for the trip. No more celebrities, no more food…back to home. I’ll share some recipes in the coming days from the top chefs.