Dungeness Crab season is off and running, couldn’t be more thrilled with being so close to the coast right now. I’ve been messing around with baking, had a bit of starter left over and a bunch of other stuff from a week cooking. So I swooped up some crab out by Jenner and decided to try making crab focaccia with a nice white sauce. It needs some tuning up but will be on my Brunch menus this Spring. I can hardly wait 😊
#crab #seafood #foodie #shrimp #lobster #foodporn #food #fish #crabs #instafood #seafoodlover #crablegs #focaccia #brunchmenu #foodstagram #yummy #dinner #sea #sonomacoast #sonomafood #beach #foodlover #seafoodboil #kepiting #seafoodlovers #foodblogger #dungenesscrab #crabcooking #privatechef #foodgasm
The sunset was as epic as the company this eve in @sonomacounty 😊 Last of the storm blowing though painted quite a picture. ‘Twas three big days of cooking, #cheflife was heavy but rewarding. Very grateful right now.
#santarosacalifornia #santarosasunset #sonomasunset #sonomavalley #sonoma #privatecheflife #chefontheroad #chefiness #thefeedfeed #chefmodeon #chefstalk #winecountry #russianriverwine #russianrivervalley #healdsburg #healdsburgca #healdsburgca #healdsburgfood #sonomawinecountry #westsonomacoast #norcalchef #eveningview #hillsandsunsets #californiaviews #travelcalifornia #calilove❤️ #travelblogger #instatravel #instagram #instavideo
Just Carnitas tonight here on the Russian River. Lovely, delicious, tender Carnitas. This was a good 24 hour run, there are certain things that need to be done a certain way. The guests tomorrow night are gonna be STOKED for sure.
As I always say, “Caring isn’t enough but caring enough is”.
Busy weekend coming up with a lot of ground to cover, let’s go! And thanks @lolasmarkets for the epic puerco.
#cheflife #carnitas #tacoparty #taquero #tacos🌮 #privatecheflife #chefmode #cocinero #cocinacasera #estilochingon #puerco #naranja #canelaentera #laurel #guajillo #chilangochido #chilango #jalisco #tspculinary #carnitasrun #roastedpork #sonomafood #sonomacountyeats #foodbeast #sonomatravel #sonomawine #sonomadinner #westsonomacoast #pinchepuerco #gabacho
Was this really two years ago?!?! Time flies and this little stretch of the Russian River has stolen my heart. There’s a lot to love about this place.
Thank you @monteriotheater for being so awesome.
#russianriver #bohemiangrove #bohostyle #communitytheater #smalltownvibes❤️ #riverbend #sonomacoast #cheflife #chefontheroad #chefstagram #californiaviews #californialove #norcalvibes🍄🗻☮ #sonomacounty #sonomaviews #travelcalifornia #adventurecalifornia #californiacoast #riverbibes #monteriotheaterandextravaganza #sonomacountywine #sonomavacation #sonomatrip #russianriveradventures #sonomalove #healdsburg #santarosa #experiencerussianriver #riotheater #westsonomacounty
Bet I’ve done this a couple thousand times over the past 30-ish years. The first time I ever cooked a Tri Tip was at @vermilion_valley_resort when Butch owned it, he was the one that started the weekend BBQ. The crew at @highsierrapackstation taught me the subtleties. Combined with my late brother Chris’ marinade (more on that later) it turned into quite the menu staple in the mountains and at home. There’s an art to trimming these, I like ‘em with just a few patches of fat and all the silver skin gone. But you can’t compare the end results to the magic that happens in the High Sierra.
If someone would have told me all those years ago I’d be prepping one of these with a fancy Japanese knife I would have laughed right in their face btw. But I have expanded my culinary horizons :-)
#tritip #californiabeef #beefbeefbeef #beefitswhatsfordinner #beefiness #beefariffic #beefcake #beefeater #tritiptuesday #tritipmafia #cheflife🔪 #privatechef #sonomafood #sonomacounty #sonomastrong #beefmaster #beeftrimming #kitchenprep #gyuto #japaneseknife #kitcheninspiration #beefmarinade #yoshihirocutlery #japanesesteel #hap40 #norcalchef #thenewwestcoast #sonomavibes✨ #weekendbbq #chefinthekitchen
I was SO STOKED to see this done today in Santa Rosa. My dear friend @lornalip had a wonderfully cozy Christmas klatch (saw @elisa.uribe.realtor & @the_grime too!) and one of the crew brought a setup for Persian Tahdig. I had never seen it done and she nailed it. That was the most perfectly done rice I’ve ever had - easily.
The longer I do this the more I realize how much there is left to learn, at this point the years are precious. So many amazing culinary narratives around me for decades now, yet even more adventure to come. Can hardly wait for the ride and a chance to knock a few things off the list 😊
#tahdig #newthings #rice #basmatirice #perfectrice #wellplayed #kitchendemo #kitchenvibes #californiavibes #norcalchef #sonomafood #sonomacounty #foodstagram #instafood #foodheaven #learningnewstuff #muchlefttolearn #alwaysbelearning #newkitchenstuff #persianfood #persian_chefs #ricedish #stickyrice #ricestagram #ricerecipes #christmasparty #holidayvibes #sonomafoodies #santarosacalifornia #russianrivervalley
Was out and about prepping for some weekend Chef stuff and decided to throw in a little elfery too. @petalumacreamery does a great job and that Petaluma Gold Parmesan style is one of the best cheeses I’ve ever had. So they made the nice list and got a delivery of Grandma Lola’s Holiday mix from yours truly in Santa’s stead.
This place has a lot of history (as well as an excellent brand) and I was really stoked to hear their story. Bonus round was owner Larry Peter happened to be there “putting out fires” as they say, was really glad I got a chance to make his acquaintance. That guy is a legend plus he’s the proprietor of @washoe.house which is possibly the finest old roadhouse/hotel in the state. Oh, and he was kind enough to hand off some rarities from the cheese room, plus a slab of that epic Parm.
#cheflife #cheeselover #parmesancheese #cheesefactory #cheesemaking #localisbetter #localbusiness #dairymilk #cheesecurds #whey #cheesemonger #petalumacalifornia #visitpetaluma #santarosafarmersmarket #petalumafoodie #sonomafood #chefmode #elfery #christmasdelivery #norcalchef #thenewestcoast #californiacheese #sonomacheesefactory #cheeseislife #cheesecheesecheese #cheeseporn #privatechef #norcalvibes🍄🗻☮ #thefeedfeed #chefsroll
Quick trip this time but managed to get a little Christmas going 🎄🙂🎁🎉
#cheflife🔪 #holidays #christmastree #yuletide #norcalchristmas #cabinchristmas #fireplace #chefontheroad #christmas2023 #sonomachristmas #sonomacounty #sonomavalley #somomafood #christmaswreath #decor #holidayvibes #christmasontheroad #chefchristmas #privatecheflife #goodfriends #christmaslights #countrychristmas #californiachristmas #thenewwestcoast #thingsthatmatter #russianrivervalley #sthelena #santarosa #sonomavibes✨ #sonomachef
Russian River summer with a side order of culinary adventures.
Stoked.
#sonomacounty #sonomafood #thenewwestcoast #russianriver #norcalchef #norcalvibes🍄🗻☮ #chefmode #privatechef #dinnerplans
Thought of this today, many great lessons in this life. Be good, be smart and be centered. Long game always.
#bladerunner #doandroidsdreamofelectricsheep #wisewords #chefmode #headspace #longgame #endgamememes #chefsroll #thefeedfeed #chefswisdom #dontburnout #cooksillustrated #foodandwine #sfchroniclefood #sonomacounty #sonomachef #chefstable #becarefuloutthere #chefsofinstagram #chefstagram #chefs #kitchenlife #backofhouse #souschef #burningbright #cheftalk #realtalk #privatechef #culinaryexcellence #restaurantlife
That was a nice day of fun on the River but alas it’s time to work. Prepping some California Potato Salad and Tri Tip Sandwiches for the #rrff2023 crew @monteriotheater tomorrow. And, of course, always using my late brother Chris’ sort-of-kind-of-but-not-really secret marinade with @sierranevada Pale Ale. Big day tomorrow and heading back to the OC pretty quick. It’s been a great trip filled with all sorts of adventures and really top notch company. Lots of great guests and the food was good too 😊❤️💪🤞👍
Rascal knows what’s up btw, he a super kitchen snack lurker…..
#cheflife🔪 #chefmode #prep #chefsroll #russianriver #sonomavalley #sonomacounty #chefontheroad #privatechef #norcalchef #norcalvibes🍄🗻☮ #sonomafoodscene #sonomastrong #foodandwine #cooksillustrated #takeachef #airbnbexperience #stoked #culinarytales #goodcompanyiskey #foodforthought #thefeedfeed #michelinguide #thenewwestcoast #californiaadventure #westcoastvibes #norcal #foodstagram #thefeels
Took a rainy jaunt up and over to see the fine folks at @chmontelena today. Was quite a spectacular drive with a little bit of fresh snow up top. The word “legacy” doesn’t even really cover this place and I was honored to guest Chef there many years ago before I was even much of an actual Chef. A lot of growth over the intervening years, more than I thought possible. A special thank you to @blanckenseegeorge and @oliviadrinkswine for hosting and the kind company, I’ll be back :-)
(Oh, it was ugly enough out to don my @filson1897 highlanders, I don’t wear them nearly enough. Noted)
#calistoga #chateaumontelena #napawine #privatechef #sonomafoodies #cheflife🔪 #winecountry #sonomavalley #chefsoninstagram #chardonnay #thenewwestcoast #norcalchef #sonomacounty #russianriver #sonomachef #thefeedfeed #chefstalk #chefsroll #sfchroniclefood #michelinguide #jamesbeardfoundation #sonomamagazine #winecountrychef #sonomavacation #sonomafoodscene #sonomaca #airbnbexperience #inspirato #chefmode #wine
Took a rainy jaunt up and over to see the fine folks at @chmontelena today. Was quite a spectacular drive with a little bit of fresh snow up top. The word “legacy” doesn’t even really cover this place and I was honored to guest Chef there many years ago before I was even much of an actual Chef. A lot of growth over the intervening years, more than I thought possible. A special thank you to @blanckenseegeorge and @oliviadrinkswine for hosting and the kind company, I’ll be back :-)
(Oh, it was ugly enough out to don my @filson1897 highlanders, I don’t wear them nearly enough. Noted)
#calistoga #chateaumontelena #napawine #privatechef #sonomafoodies #cheflife🔪 #winecountry #sonomavalley #chefsoninstagram #chardonnay #thenewwestcoast #norcalchef #sonomacounty #russianriver #sonomachef #thefeedfeed #chefstalk #chefsroll #sfchroniclefood #michelinguide #jamesbeardfoundation #sonomamagazine #winecountrychef #sonomavacation #sonomafoodscene #sonomaca #airbnbexperience #inspirato #chefmode #wine
Super railroad nerd alert here on the Russian River today with some fresh arrivals. Time to brush up on some serious narrow gauge 🤓😊👏💪✌️
Is this #cheflife tonight? Most assuredly, inspiration comes in many forms and Sonoma County history always provides me with an epic culinary perspective.
#chefstalk #chefstable #thefeedfeed #sonomacounty #sonomawine #narrowgauge #californiahistory #nerdalert🤓 #vintagebooks #instachef #airbnb #russianriverhistoricalsociety #russianrivervalleywines #sonomacoast #sonomavalley #sonomafood #chefonthemove #railroadstuff #trainnerd #foamer #inspiration #happyplace #sonomawinecountry #northpacificrailway #narrowgaugehistory #obscurité #allaboard
Yosemite closed due to blizzard conditions today which of course makes me think of my High Country home and when I can get back up there. It’s going to be a heavy spring snowpack which means an interesting #sierrasummer for @highsierrapackstation and @vermilion_valley_resort with all the seasonal logistics. But the cookhouse is always calling my name with its cozy quiet and kind company.
I’ve learned a lot about food up there, a lot…… And learned just as much about life and gittin’ er done.
As Henry Hawk used to say “You run with what you brung” and it’s a solid way to approach things. Here’s to adventures culinary or otherwise.
#yosemite #cheflife🔪 #privatechef #sonomacounty #foodandwine #anseladamswilderness #johnmuirwilderness #sierranationalforest #cookhouse #mulepacking #gettingitdone💪 #cowboylife #airbnbexperience #sonomacounty #michelinguide #adventurecalifornia #yosemiteadventure #chefontheroad #getoutside #rei #norcalchef #castironcooking #trailcooking #trailcook #highsierra #packstation #packerlife #jamesbeardfoundation #sonomavalley
After the storm…….
#russianriver #dailydrone #cheflife🔪 #sonomacountylife #norcalvibes🍄🗻☮ #privatechef #foggyriver #mountainfog #bridges #monteriocalifornia #chefontheroad #airbnb #chefontheloose #winecountrychef #sonomawinecountry #sonomavalley #djımini3pro #afterthestorm #sonomasnow #sonomavalleysnow #sonomaweather #sonomachef #privatecheflife #sonomafoodies #norcalwinter #sonomacountyweather #sonomastrong #norcalchef #rivertime
Epic evening here on the Russian River - crisp, mellow and a sunset to for the ages. Lots of good stuff going on (and some bumps) but it’s a great day to be awesome. I’ve got meals to make :-)
“To live recklessly. To take chances. To make your own work and take pride in it” - Joan Didion
#cheflife🔪 #russianriversunset #sonomavalley #valleyofthemoon #joandidion #norcalsunset #norcalvibes🍄🗻☮ #feelinggroovy #chefonthego #airbnb #sonomacounty #pressdemocrat #sonomafoodies #winecountrysunset #timetobeawesome #thefeedfeed #dailydrone #djimini3 #sonomaspring #russianrivervibes💥 #gettingitdone💪 #gogetit #sonomamagazine #sunsetmag #korbelwinery #sonomavacation #privatecheflife #airbnbexperience #norcalmode #guerneville
Out at Shell Beach today ahead of this next storm, 10-15 foot sets and probable snow in the next 48 hours even at the coast. Hunker down and be safe folks, this is gonna be a good one 😳😊
#cheflife🔪 #stormwatch #weatherchannel #sonomacounty #sonomastrong #sonomacoast #westsonomacoast #sonomavalley #weatherreport #sonomasnow #russianrivervalley #monteriocalifornia #bayareaweather #weatherwatch #sonomamag #sonomacoast #splashzone #sonomanews #ktvu #breakingnews #chefontheroad #westcountysonoma #sonomacoaststatepark #northbayweather #sonomasnow #sonomastorm #cnnweather #sonomamagazine #pressdemocrat #chefadventure
Got a chance today to check out @sturgeonsmill - finally. I’m a super geek for all things narrow-gauge railroad and logging related so I was shocked that I’d never heard of the place. There’s a lot of history here and I can’t believe it sat dormant for 40 years before they just kinda decided to fire it up again one day. Hanging out with third-generation Bob Sturgeon was a real treat, he wears a very spry 89 years well and seeing him show all the cool old stuff to the kids that happened to be there was just adorable. I’m finding of late that I gather a lot of culinary inspiration from the tone and texture of a region. So it is here with the many voices of Sonoma county. Excellent afternoon Mr Sturgeon, I’ll be back. Oh. Yes I got to fly a drone through an operational steam-powered sawmill so that’s off the bucket list.#cheflife🔪 #sawmill #sonomahistory #russianriverhistoricalsociety #sonomacounty #airbnbexperience #sonomacoast #occidentalcalifornia #sonomavalleyhistoricalsociety #chefontheroad #contentcreation #djımini3pro #logginghistory #foodandwine #cooksillustrated #chefonthego #inspiration #culinarytales #arteculinario #getoutside #dailydrone #westsonomacoast #westsonomacounty #sonomawine #sonomarentals #inspirato #avantstay #sonomavacation #sonomafoodies #norcalchef
