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Amgen Weekend is as Good As it Gets at Carpe Vino

It is a fact that I think about often, and Drew interupprted my private moment of reverie when he announced, “Dad, it really is amazing that we live here.”

Drew and Gary chillin' on the patio behind Carpe Vino, waiting for AMGEN riders to cruise through Old Town.

We were standing on the roof of Carpe Vino as a crowd below slowly seeped on to the plaza of Old Town, like leaves flowing down Lincoln Way after a sudden rain that clog the storm drain in front of the shop. Spectators ultimately lined the streets five deep, waiting patiently to see a swarm of superbly trained athletes slung over carbon fiber racing bikes stream by during the first stage of the AMGEN Tour of California on a Sunday afternoon.

Yes, such thoughts appear suddenly in my mind, like a hummingbird that materializes from nowhere to sup at flowers suspended from hanging planters. It arrives without warning, commands my attention completely and then vanishes without so much as a how-do-you-do.

An excellent point, son. . .it is amazing that we live here, removed now a full decade from Chicago, a place to which we will forever be connected but will never again call “home.” Auburn truly is our fortress now and for me at least, forever more. Read More >

Vintage Highway Launches...

I’m still trying to get a few Airstream issues solved, but there are no defects sufficient to threaten the trip. I plan on leaving Auburn today for the short jaunt to Cooper Vineyards in Amador County. First order of business is to get the trailer set up, and then I head to Renwood Winery for interviews, a tour and tasting.

My goal is to post a blog entry every day, and I’ll probably do that in the morning before heading out to the wineries, most of which don’t open 11 a.m. Then I will tour for most of the afternoon before returning to Cooper to make myself dinner—I’ll be grilling out. . .weather permitting.

My friend, Ellen, arrives Friday night, and we’ll be hosting friends from Volcano for dinner that evening; I’m thinking salmon on the grill. Saturday night we have 7:30 reservations at Taste, a fine-dining restaurant in Plymouth. . .look for a review on my blog.

I can’t remember being this excited about starting a new venture. . .I’m freakin’ pumped, and I hope you’ll enjoy my reports, which you can receive by signing up for the RSS feed (it’s not brain surgery!). And, my standing offer is stop by the trailer after 5 p.m. and I’ll pour you a glass of wine! See you out on the Vintage Highway!

Chef Alexander Stars at Farmers' Market Saturday

In case you missed Chef Alexander at the Farmer's Market, you can download recipes from his culinary showcase. On Saturday, Jan. 16th, Carpe Vino's Eric Alexander was the guest chef, preparing tastes of food prepared from what's fresh in the market.

Chef Eric Many people hold the misconception that there is little to be purchased from the market in mid-January. This is absolutely untrue! While the choices obviously aren't as plentiful at this time of the year, there are great winter vegetables and citrus availalbe, plus many veggies that will surprise you. . .all grown regionally and fresh for your table.

But there is so much more: Fresh fish from Bodega Bay presented by the Little Fish Company; grass fed lamb and beef from Flying Mule Farm and Coffee Pot Ranch; fresh bread; local olive oil; freshly roasted coffee; authentic east Indian foods; nuts; spices; biscotti; and tons more!

Auburn is so fortunate to have such a resource that is so accessible (sorry out-of-towners!). The market is located in the Courthouse Jurors's parking lot on Auburn-Folsom Road. It is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. till noon.

Chef Alexander prepared the following dishes: Shaved Winter Vegetable, Citrus, and Hawaiian Ginger Salad and Lamb and Root Vegetable “Mulligatawny” Soup.

You can download these recipes by clicking on the links below.