Cycling Foodie

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One of Mom’s last wishes was to treat my sister and me to a nice lunch in Bodega Bay. Saturday would have been Mom’s 93rd birthday, so we celebrated Mom with a nice lunch in Bodega Bay. Our group met at Fisherman’s Cove and enjoyed a relaxing late lunch and visit. We shared a few favorite memories about Mom.

Portuguese Fish Stew – made from scratch, all local ingredients with rock cod, claims, shrimp, linguica, and organic vegetables

Oysters Kirkpatrick – fresh Tomales Bay oysters, grilled with spicy Worcestershire sauce and bacon

Of course I had to try the fish stew because it sounded like something I would want to make at home. Everyone else had sandwiches. My friend and I split a dozen of the oysters. Normally I am not a fan of cooked oysters, but these were fantastic – very tender and flavorful with just the right amount of spicy heat.

Fisherman’s Cove in Bodega Bay offers a simple menu, and Mom would have loved it – especially the oysters. The atmosphere was rustic and comfortable. The service was friendly and prompt. They’ve also got a nice selection of local beers, fine wine, and champagne.

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I have been trying to get this post done for more than a week. I don’t recall the name of the caterer and I need to find out because everything was so wonderful that I would like to give credit and add some more specifics about the menu. I’ll have to add that later, though, because I promised to post this and I need to do it now. How did life get so busy?

Recently I had the pleasure of joining a 10-year membership anniversary picnic at Gloria Ferrer in Sonoma, California. It was a lovely outing.

Welcome!

Enjoying the beautiful view.

We started with a cheese platter …

Manchego, Brie with Jam, and Proscuitto

And then a light salad with a Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette …

Refreshing!

Both paired beautifully with Royal Cuvee…

Royal Cuvee

For the main course, we enjoyed some beautiful sandwiches …

Chicken Sandwich

Tri Tip Sandwich

Each was paired with an aioli and served with a Bean Salad  …

I am not usually a big fan of bean salads. They’re typically too salty, overpoweringly vinegary, and just generally poorly seasoned. This salad, however, was delicately seasoned with fresh rosemary.

We paired the chicken with Chardonnay and the Tri Tip with Pinot Noir.

Gloria Ferrer Carneros Pinot Noir

Gloria Ferrer Carneros Pinot Noir

For dessert … paired with the Blanc de Noirs …

Brownie with White Chocolate & Chocolate Truffle Cork

After enjoying this feast, we were treated to a private tour of the winery.

Special Events Room!

And of course the gardens … you didn’t really expect me to walk past flowers with a camera in my hands and not take photos, did you?

Enjoying the gardens ...

Enjoying the gardens ...

Enjoying the gardens ...

If you have never been to Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyards, you should make it a point to visit. It truly was a perfect moment and some very welcome pampering!