When I was there with Judy and her
family, we stayed at the Hotel Healdsburg and ate at Charlie Palmer’s
restaurant – Dry Creek Kitchen. I remember like it was yesterday how creamy the
risotto was. I talked about it for weeks—it had an egg in it too. It was a
dining experience to remember. When I got back home I did what any person
obsessed with food does, I googled Charlie. I had seen him on TV before but I
didn’t know that much about him. His food provoked me to want to know more.
When researching I read about an event he puts on every year called Pigs &
Pinot. Just from the name it sounded wonderful. The few years that followed I
was too sick and waiting for new lungs to try and attend this event. But as
soon as I got my second lungs and was able to travel I knew one of the first
things I needed to do! The first year tickets went on sale, I couldn’t believe
it, but the event sold out before I hit purchase! I ended up spending a week in
Healdsburg in December for my 30th birthday, that held me over, but
I knew when Pigs & Pinot came around the following year I was not missing
out! And thankfully I didn’t.
We arrived on Friday night at The
Healdsburg Hotel. And a few hours later we were engorging ourselves with
everything pork. Each bite of pork (I think there were 60 participants) that
entered my mouth was heaven. I didn’t even care about the pinot—food supersedes
everything to me. I wanted nothing to distract my taste buds!
The next day we attended The Ultimate Pinot
Smackdown where 16 wines and 4 sommeliers competed for the winning title of
best pinot. This was an amazing concept (think basketball and the sweet 16) and
event. Each sommelier stood up and
defended the wines they chose against each other. It was brilliant. And so much
fun! In the end Soliste, which was fantastic, ending up winning.
Our last event was A
Gala Dinner in Dry
Creek Kitchen with five courses, each accompanied by different two
wines. My
favorite course—Macaroni alla Norcini with pork sausage, black truffle,
and
parmigiano made by Frank Crispo of Crispo in New York was literally some
of the
best pasta I’ve ever tasted my entire life. This was a pretty fancy
event, so I didn't break out the IPhone to snap any pictures.
Regretfully!
We stayed an extra day just so we could
enjoy dinner at Chalkboard—one of my favorite restaurants of all time. They
make a pork belly biscuit that is not of this world! They are based on small
bites, so you can have the chance to taste a lot. The food is incredible while the
atmosphere is just easy and simple. My favorite.
I can't wait to return next year!
Wow... I can taste the pork now, just from ur description.
ReplyDeleteAmazing
thanks : )
DeleteAwesome blog you have herre
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