Tag Archives: chef

Jun9

St. Francis Winery – Sonoma, California

Posted on June 9, 2015 by Tales and Travels of the Tin Man

For more than four decades, the wines of St. Francis Winery & Vineyards have reflected the finest mountain and valley vineyards in Sonoma County.

Founder, Joe Martin, fell in love with Sonoma Valley and established St. Francis Vineyard in 1971, planting 22 acres of Chardonnay and the first 60 acres of Merlot in Sonoma Valley.

After achieving great success as a grower, Joe opened his own winery in 1979 with his business partner Lloyd Canton.

Today, a new generation of winemakers, Katie Madigan and Chris Louton, continues the long tradition of luscious, elegant, fruit-driven wines from Sonoma County grapes.

Currently, more than 400 acres of Certified Sustainable estate vineyards in Sonoma Valley and Russian River Valley are farmed.

Each with varying compositions of loam, clay and volcanic soils.

Well, the Tin Man, et al, embarked upon a seated, multicourse Wine & Food Pairing, orchestrated by Executive Chef Bryan Jones who created an assortment of small dishes paired with hand-selected artisan wines.

We enjoyed stunning vineyard views and an amazing fine dining presentation at a shared table.

The seating was hosted by a knowledgeable and friendly wine expert, who created a relaxing, fun and unforgettable wine country experience.

If you are planning a trip to the wine country, this is an experience that should not be missed

Click HERE to make your reservations

The Menu was impressive and inspired..

We began with the Smoked Beet Salad

Grilled Spring Onion – Green Garlic Purée – Aleppo Pepper – Goat Cheese Fondant – Almond Nougat

Then the second culinary masterpiece was presented…. Red Wine Braised Duck accompanied by 2013 Pinot Noir

Coriander Spätzle – Endive – Pistachio – Tart Cherry-Apricot Mostarda

Course Number Three…….Arctic Char a la Barigoule accompanied by 2013 Chardonnay

Celery Root-Yukon Gold Potato Puree – Saffron – Preserved Lemon – Parsnip Chips

le Quatrième Cours…..Coffee & Cocoa Crusted NY Strip Loin with 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon

Roasted Cauliflower – Smoke Garlic – Crispy Shallots – Bordelaise

La Finale …… Sucreries….Mexican Chocolate Pot du Crème accompanied by 2012 Ruby Port

Marvelous Culinary Delights and the Creator himself….Executive Chef Bryan Jones…

It was a most fantastic experience…..delightful, educational and most of all delicious!

Dec15

Dining in a Greenhouse

Posted on December 15, 2012 by Tales and Travels of the Tin Man

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Have you ever been in a new town and just “happened” upon a magical place?

That is Styer’s Cafe at Terrain’s

We were just driving down the street in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania and wanted to purchase a plant as a gift for some friends we were visiting. The Greenhouses caught our eye and in we drove……….

……..only to wander into one of the most amazing restaurants we have ever visited!

The bread is baked in Clay Pots!!! It is so fresh and wonderful and served with Herb Infused Butter

Chef Keith Rudolf uses the local harvest of farmer’s to create his incredible dishes…….

…….like the Mushroom Skillet.

The Pumpkin Latte was creamy and wonderful..

Stop the maddness……….Bread Pudding with Ice Cream……

It is so magical to be sitting among all the beautiful plants and fountains as you dine on the culinary creations

…..and, oh yes, we did find a rhododendron for our friends which now has a home in this marvelous sitting area….

…….listening to the stories being told over glass after glass of prosecco..

Feb18

Valentine’s Party for At Risk Youth – San Antonio, Texas

Posted on February 18, 2012 by Tales and Travels of the Tin Man

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When I was asked to coordinate the food for a Valentine’s Party and Dance for inner city at-risk youth, I thought……….sure sounds like a great cause and fun too! Well…… then I found out that the party was for 700 persons and that I had to prepare the food at my location and transport it to the party location………..35 miles away!

YIKES, did I ever wish I had Dorothy‘s ruby slippers at that point.