Occidental Bohemian Farmers Market

Summer is here and Farmers Markets are everywhere. We are so lucky to live in this beautiful and bountiful place. We are even luckier to live in Occidental where our Friday evening Farmers Market runs from the first Friday in June through the last Friday in October. The Market opens at 4pm and goes until dusk. Locals know to come early to get the best selection of farm, fresh organic produce and other hand made treats. There are several wonderful food vendors including Gerard's Paella, Lata's Indian cuisine, Kashaya's wood-fired pizzas, spareribs, pot pies, and more. Visit the website at http://www.occidentalfarmersmarket.com for more information.

Guests at the Inn who are fortunate to be here on Fridays love walking down the block to browse the market. They usually come back with a plate of Paella or Indian food, settle at a comfortable table and enjoy their dinner with a glass of our house wine. A word about Gerard -- last year, unbeknownst to him, Bobby Flay of Food Network had arranged a "Throwdown" to be filmed in San Francisco, challenging Gerard to a paella throwdown. We already knew that our local boy would win -- and he did!

The market is a wonderful place to meet friends, find the freshest produce, fruit, honey, jewelry, flowers, and down-home entertainment. Stop by -- and if you need a place to rest for the night, we can provide that too. If you tell us that you read our blog and were at the Market, we'll offer a special Market price just for you.

Passport Weekend 2009 in Dry Creek Valley

We finally got tickets to this  annual, fun event and now we know why the tickets have been on a lottery system. A weekend pass is $120 and Sunday only is $70. This fee entitles entry into all participating wineries in Dry Creek, a souvenir glass and much more. The wineries offer tastings of their wonderful wines, put out delicious food, many have great entertainment, and some hand out little souvenirs.  The "Passport" is a handy little ticket to the wineries, with each winery's story and the wines they are known for.

We started at Papapietro Perry where Mardi Gras was the theme, including beads! They poured their world-class wines of Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Syrah.  There are several wineries sharing the same driveway so we headed to Family Winery, Kokomo, Peterson and Amphora. Each offered great tastings and we started to understand why Passport Weekend has always been a sell-out. We also tasted delicious olive oil at Dry Creek Olive Oil Co. 

Plan now for the 2010 event. It will be a big anniversary celebration.

Underwood Bar & Bistro

The other night I was craving a good 'burger and a Margarita. Underwood Bar & Bistro located in the nearby town of Graton immediately came to mind. Just 10 minutes away, this happening place attracts folks from all around and is a wonderful upscale, locals hang-out. Unlike many eateries in the area, Underwod offers a full bar in addition to a pretty extensive beer and wine menu! We've been in the good company of many local wine celebrities including Joy Sterling of Iron Horse (she was having a 'burger and a glass of Iron Horse Blanc de Blanc) and Merry Edwards, who was the 2004 San Francisco Chronicle's Winemaker of the Year. Those are pretty good recommendations, wouldn't you agree? 

Underwood did not disappoint. The 'burger was perfect, served with some of the best French Fries I've ever had. The 'burger was done to perfection and accompanied by romaine lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickled onions, and cornichons. My dining partner enjoyed a North American Lamb Tangine, an interesting combination of flavors and several condiments including a very spicy condiment of harissa! Wow! If you like hot, try this one if you dare. Another favorite there is the Hoisin Baby Back Rib appetizer...finger-licking good!

btw, the Margarita was a two-thumbs up, thanks to bartender Gaelen! 

It has been awhile since we dined at Underwood. When we left, we wondered why we don't go there more often. An exceptional locals spot but perfect for anyone wanting a great dining experience. 

Craving a great 'burger? This is the spot!  

Fab Food & Sunsets

Looking for a unique and special place for a romantic evening? Look no further. The River's End Restaurant, a short 30-minute drive from the Inn at Occidental, has it all.

Now that Daylight Savings Time has brightened our lives with another hour of daylight, head out to the Sonoma Coast beaches. You can wander along craggy coastlines or beach comb on a secluded cove. It's all right there in our backyard. And, we are also fortunate that the River's End is nearby. 

We dined there and had a most fabulous meal. Each time we eat there, we are not disappointed. Our guests have all praised the restaurant for their cuisine, ambiance and service. The last comment card we received from a guest called it "Extraordinary" and voted it off the charts.

The menu features the freshest local seafood as well as beef, elk and pork. All items are beautifully garnished with edible flowers and the perfect accompaniments. Desserts are fabulous but a word to the wise, save room for their famous Creme Brulee surprise. Full bar and great wines by the glass or bottle.

If you hurry, you can still catch their Crab Tasting Menu. Simply fabulous!

Happy Holidays!

Now that the Thanksgiving left-overs are a memory, it is time to think of decorating for the holidays. For us, it has always been about fresh-cut fir trees, the scent of the pine, and decorating the trees. Here in beautiful West Sonoma county, we are fortunate to have many tree farms nearby. Tree farms are now open and many also sell fresh wreaths, holly, garland, mistletoe and more for holiday decorating. Victorian Tree Farm has a petting zoo for the children. Two years ago we saw two newborn lambs, a couple of hours old. 

It was a family tradition to head out to the country to find the perfect tree. Our girls are in their 20's and the tradition has changed but it will always be a cherished memory of tromping through the many rows of trees to find the perfect one, yelling to one another to come and see each other's find, and finally, felling the prize.

Now we live in the country and it is but a short drive to many tree farms. Here is a link to finding a farm that suits your taste: www.cachristmas.com/sonoma.html

Vistitor Comments

Perhaps the most gratifying part of running the Inn at Occidental is to hear the comments from people who have stayed with us. Sometimes (such as in this case!) they even send photos. Here's a photo and a note from Iris Kovarsky, who stayed with us recently with her husband, Ron.

Dear Tina & Jerry,
Thank you again for a wonderful stay. You inn is lovely, your hors D’oeuvres are delicious, your breakfasts are phenomenal, and you as hosts are putting it all together so well.

Here is the photo that I want to share with you of the second building. It’s an angle that compliments your inn.

Also, we found the room key to “Summer” in my husband’s jacket, and have mailed this to you just today.

Best regards, Iris & Ron Kovarsky

Our Robes

With the holidays approaching, it's never too soon to begin thinking about holiday shopping and gift buying. Want a suggestion? How about one of our Inn at Occidental snuggly-soft robes! Each robe is $135. To help make your holidays a little brighter, we'll pay the shipping on any robes purchased between now and December 31, 2008. (Standard shipping, please.) Pamper a loved one or friend with a wonderful warm, soft Inn at Occidental robe! Call us for more information or to order: 800-522-6324.