Sbragia Family Vineyards: In love with La Promessa Zinfandel

It has become something of a habit for me to take pictures of things that I notice as simple but beautiful. I discovered that this way I'm paying more attention to the pleasure of the present time.

Since moving to Sonoma County  a year ago, I've become enchanted by wines from the region. Sbragia Winery is my latest discovery. I really enjoyed the wines and the stunning view from their patio. I was excited to taste the wines and La Promessa Zinfandel is my favorite forever!

Touch the future in Bodega Bay

On the first day of the year, a time when we remember the year that's past, make resolutions, plan for the year ahead, my husband and I want to be near the ocean. It's our way to touch the future: relax and listen, breath and see, smell the ocean and enjoy delicious seafood.

For the second time on the New Year's Day we drove out to Bodega Bay to visit our favorite places and take some pictures. It is a mystery to me, but Bodega Bay strangely became a center of my universe. This is the only place where the race of my life stops, and I don't care about what time it is. I can surrender completely to the beauty of the ocean and this little quite place, where the unsettling ghost of Hitchcock is still hunting...

Il Fornaio Corte Madera - All my dreams fulfill

If I am stuck in traffic jam on my way north from San Francisco, I take the Tamalpais Drive exit, go over the overpass and immediately turn into Corte Madera Town Center. Il Fornaio is my favorite "rescue"  place for a little snack or light early dinner.

Bruschetta Calda, Calamaretti Fritti, Minestrone di Verdure, and Ravioli with salmon are my favorites. The Happy Hour menu is fantastic!

Dressed up for the Moscow Ballet

 

It's not quite the Christmas for me untill I have seen the Nutcracker. The whole presence of this ballet makes me feel like a little girl in Moscow again...

This year it was The special 20th Anniversary production of Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa, California. 

What an enchanting performance! The music and exceptional choreography brings out your emotions, and  I caught myself crying a little. It was so touching and beautiful! The costumes and staging were impressive. In addition to the professional Russian ballet dancers, I really loved seeing the local children, involved in the production.

Also it was such a delight to see everyone dressed up for the show - like this group of girls and their mothers :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catelli's in Geyserville is a pleasant surprise

The small historic town of Geyserville (less than a thousand people) is approximately 80 miles north of San Francisco and located between Calistoga and Cloverdale. It owes its foundation to the discovery of a series of hot springs in the mountains in 1847.

There are only two main streets, but this quiet and pleasant town famous for the most magnificent vineyards, wine tasting and award winning restaurants.

My favorite restaurant in Geyserville is Catelli's. I have been there a few times, and I have been impressed with every dish I have tried. To me its beauty lies in its simplicity, leveraging quality over quantity, and, at heart, a treasury of fresh seasonal ingredients. 
 

 

 

 

 

Lunch at Bistro Ralph in Healdsburg

What do you do, when you are in Sonoma County and looking for a cozy place for lunch? You put on a casual-but-chic outfit, get in the car, and drive to Healdsburg!

There are so many great restaurants in Healdsburg, but my favorite for lunch is Bistro Ralph. The seafood is spectacular, and the wine list is exceptional.

Michelle Obama vs. Ann Romney: Style of Politics

First Lady fashion is an important element in a man's race for the White House today, and the wardrobe of Michelle Obama and Ann Romney bring the political flavor to the Big Fashion :)