In Vino Veritas with Francis Ford Coppola

The Francis Ford Coppola Winery is one of the most spectacular wineries in Sonoma County.  I've been there about four times now, and every single time, it's overwhelmingly beautiful. It is not just a winery, it is a Theater of Life, Wine and Food with perfect staging, grand performance, and a fantastic execution of the wine tasting routine. It is a breathtaking creation of outstanding genius: wonderful grounds, pools, restaurants, great staff.   

Wine: I liked a crispy dance of fruit of Viognier and a silky danger of Pinot Noir...

Drink! for you know not whence you came nor why: drink! for you know not why you go, nor where.

Omar Khayyam (The Rubaiyat - LXXIV, 1120)

Food: Pizza, Pasta, Everyday Classics are good. From Francis's Favorites - Lamb is fantastic, but, unfortunately, L'Ami Louis Gateau De Pommes (potato cake) is a poor shadow of L'Ami Louis's in Paris and my French cousin Caroline's cooking... 

"Лучше сердце обрадовать чашей вина,
Чем скорбеть и былые хвалить времена"  - Омар Хайям  

 

 

 

Shoes I love this summer

It feels strange - is it not? - that it's been a few weeks since I've written something about shoes on my blog. Why strange? Because I am a hopeless shoe addict... :)

But I am in love with shoes-that-love-me-back, and here are my favorites for this running away summer... Красивой и удобной обуви!  

                                         Ralph Lauren!!!

                                         Michael Kors (!!) and Born

                                Ralph Lauren

Calvin Klein                                                           

          



                                          GUESS

                                          Sperry and Jambu
                                         

The Cliff House - the reality of myth for dinner

If you are in San Francisco, you'd better get to Cliff House early on a sunny day like this. A week ago my husband and I had there a quick early dinner ( or it was a late lunch? ) in the bar area.

Cliff House offers you a no nonsense, no smile service, but food is very delicious. I ordered the Famous Cliff House Clam Chowder, and Michael decided to try out the Crab Sandwich. We both enjoyed our meals tremendously.

The smile is gone, but the legacy of the restaurant is still there. Удачи вам c улыбкой!

Weekly Ravioli Aurora in Santa Rosa

Nestled on 4th Street in downtown Santa Rosa is Checkers Bistro - my favorite place for weekly lunch. Great service, great price, fresh food that is well cooked.

Something simple at the beginning of the meal is a true delight and a great start to lunch - the bread! The fresh bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar is very delicious.
If you are looking for something light for lunch, I recommend RAVIOLI AURORA - spinach, mozzarella ravioli, crushed tomato cream sauce. Приятного аппетита!

Go out casually dressed

Blouse: Ralph Lauren; Pants: Doo-Ri Chung, Shoes: Calvin Klein

Dancing summer nights in Windsor

        Windsor's Summer Nights on the Green, a lovely and funny affair, that brings thousands of people together to listen to live music, enjoy picnic on the grass, and meet friends and neighbors, opened its season last Thursday. The Bell Brothers country band got the party dancing! It was such an enjoyable event that I felt the need to let you know :)

       Lately I have found myself watching with curiosity people who enjoy dancing practically on the streets. Sometimes they are so vulnerable and so free in their dance, that I feel vulnerable too... It is something I find very touching and beautiful.

Santa Rosa's Farmer’s Market Dress Code

Santa Rosa's Original Farmers Market was established in 1967, and it prides itself on showcasing the diversity of Sonoma County. It is a good way for a traveler to sample local foods and learn about local culture.

It has a special place in my heart :) ... Love going there on Saturday mornings to get a few fruits, a cup of fresh coffee, a pastry, and then just sit somewhere, listen smoth jazz music, and relax, and watch people...