Autumn Harvest Menu
Although most visitors to Wine Country arrive during the warm summer months. Fall, for me, is the most gloriously picturesque. Even though the voluptuous bunches of grapes have been stolen from every branch to become unforgettable wines, the leaves of the vines transform from vibrant greens to rusty hues of amber and scarlet, like a patchwork quilt blanketing the entire valley. The abundant sunshine of summertime has done its job like clockwork.
Now I welcome the crisp, chilly mornings and the rise of an earlier moon in the starry night sky. With most of the tourists off the roads, I relish in taking relaxing winding drives through acres and acres of uninterrupted autumn foliage that could rival New England. It is also time to discover all the new wineries which have opened since last year.
As a chef, Fall is undoubtedly my very favorite season. I look forward to all the hearty flavors I had forgotten about, distracted by spring and summer’s explosion of stone fruit, berries and herbs. The Farmers’ Markets exchange their displays with tables and baskets brimming with peppery, richly flavored root vegetables pumpkins, squashes, Forest Mushrooms and nuts, all providing the best of ‘Peasant’ food which comforts us and nourishes both our stomachs and our souls.
