FOODIE PICK: BIRCH & RYE
Let's begin with the headline: This beautiful gem of a Restaurant was nominated Best New Restaurant in America and After meeting Chef / Owner Anya Ell-Wattar and Chef de Cuisine Michael Simmons I understand why.
So what's it all about? Birch & Rye reimagines Russian dishes through a contemporary California lens, drawing upon traditions of foraging and fermenting that are shared across the two food cultures.
They offer two tasting menus, an a la carte menu and an excellent caviar service. The tasting menus include a 5-course Chef's menu and a unique 5-course vegan menu. A standout beverage program, which features handcrafted infused vodkas and a curated wine program, complement the food offerings.
I sat with Chef / Owner Anya recently for our Foodie Chap conversation. It was passionate, personal, inspiring and moving. Take a listen:
See you at the counter this weekend for Sunday brunch. Birch & Rye serves Brunch: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. & Dinner: 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.Where are you taking Mum?
MUSIC: MILL VALLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Ladies and Gentlemen - Michael Franti. He is the headliner of the 2023 Mill Valley Music Festival. It also features a heady, multi-genre mix of diverse national acts like CAKE and local lights such as The Alive, coupled with world-class food, drink and art for your best friends and ones you have yet to meet. See you in Marin county this weekend.
WINE: PRIEST RANCH TASTING ROOM
If heaven exists you will be greeted upon arrival by world class wines and ….wait for it …Bacon! And news just in : that kind of heaven does indeed exist and you don't have to go too far to find it. Your nose should lead you to Priest Ranch Wine Tasting Room in Yountville and there you may enjoy the full yummy experience with two things I LOVE = wine and bacon! This party on your palate experience may just change the course of your life, for it did mine. The wines sing a song of joy with the union of four different Chef's cuts of cured bacon or as I like to say "piggy parts". See you in Yountville and when you visit Priest Ranch Wine Tasting Room (Open daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.), please tell them the Foodie Chap sent you.
FESTIVAL: HEALDSBURG WINE & FOOD
Join me next weekend for Healdsburg Wine & Food. Located in the heart of California wine country, the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience is a weekend-long celebration featuring the best of Sonoma County and world-renowned food and wines.
The festival will showcase the region's makers – farmers, growers, winemakers and chefs – alongside globally recognized wines from the greatest wine regions of the world.
On Saturday at The Matheson I will be hosting a day of Chef demos & conversations with star chefs from around the region and from across the country. Join me & Chef host Dustin Valette.
The goal is to highlight the vibrant culinary diversity, sustainable farming practices and deep connection to the agriculture of Sonoma as it relates to the rest of the world. See you next weekend in Healdsburg. Healdsburg Wine & Food will run May 18th - 21st.
FILM: RIVER & REDWOODS FILM FESTIVAL
Film Fans, just over one week away from the inaugural River + Redwoods Film Festival (RRFF) May 19th - 21st and I am super excited! If you haven't seen the movie catalog with the list and descriptions of short films, features and special events, click here to view or download it too. Have fun and enjoy the films at the River.
MUSIC: STERN GROVE
10 Sundays of free music for all! The line up is impressive with season 86 launching on Sunday, June 18th with Snarky Puppy. The season closes out with the Big Picnic featuring The Flaming Lips. Head on over to the festival site for the full stellar season line up. It's epic!!
See you at Stern Grove friends for another epic season!! Reserve your spot from Wednesday May 17th. Thrilled to return for my 10th year as Emcee.
Liam's List premieres Fridays on KPIX and is also available to download via iTunes. Please email ideas to me at liam@liammayclemproductions.com.
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