early rains
October is generally one of the nicest months to enjoy a vacation rental at the Russian River.
The normal late summer weather is sublime, and its a great month for the firepit at Elements. So naturally, when Elements is free, I take advantage and invite friends to enjoy the special time of year. Its the perfect Fall weekend, and a great time to tour around Sonoma.
the Fall gathering spot, the fire pit
This weekend my pal Larry joined me. He is from Santa Fe, and has been plotting places to eat since we planned this weekend. No one ever expected the weather that we have had.
We have had rain this weekend like I have never experienced; especially this early in the Fall. Vineyards even “depend” on the steady weather of October. The rain storm that started Friday has already dropped enough rain to double the flow on Austin Creek. Even the waterfalls and creek at Elements is flowing full, the same as a normal February.
So instead of a vineyard tour, we went to Healdsburg. Its an easy fifteen minute drive and the visual tour was perfect. We cut through on Westside Road. The “Healdsburg tour”, was really a great two hour lunch at Willi’s Seafood and Raw Bar. We saluted the rain with a margarita, and shared a staggering selection of food from small plates. My favorite was the tuna tartare. The jalapenos were over the top. What I noticed most was the easy pace. Larry and I got to visit and really “have lunch”. What a better way to spend a soggy day in the country
Willi’s really put us in a food mode, and I suggested Boon’s for the next day. Boon’s is one of my favorites and I often have dinner there with Oliver; its been a while since lunch. We had a fantastic potato and leak soup and devoured their truffle fries. And again it was a lanquid, long meal with just the right service. And with those examples we spent the rest of the weekend cooking. The kitchen had enough space so that both “chef’s” could have their ipads.
The Russian River area is always relaxed, but a rainy day just slows the pace even more.
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