Retired Police Lieutenant Answers Call to Help Fire Victims from His Art Studio

By Karen Kizer

In the early morning hours of October 9, retired Santa Rosa Police lieutenant Tom Swearingen was awakened by his wife, who had been rousted from sleep by pings of Nixle alerts and blasts of propane tanks exploding. The North Bay Fires had turned the night sky a glowing bright orange, and evacuations were ordered up to the edge of Swearingen’s neighborhood in Santa Rosa.

“I’ve never been more frustrated in my life,” said Swearingen of his inability as a civilian to tend to public safety during those first hours of the fires and in the weeks to come.

“They’re doing whatever they can,” he said of first responder efforts, “and we’re just sitting here watching it.” He added that, while being a police officer is just one part of his identity, the fires “brought it out more than anything before.”

Although living in an advisory evacuation area, Swearingen and his wife, former Petaluma police officer and SSU Criminology professor Margaret Swearingen, “chose to hunker down for days” at home and “were set to leave at the first sight of flames.”

It’s been 10 years since Swearingen retired from the police force, and now he works as a painter in his home studio, creating playful photorealistic works that require what appears to be painstaking service to detail. Having felt for some time that selling his artwork was becoming less interesting to him, the ravages of the fires revealed a new avenue of painting: a pledge to create 365 roses to raise funds for the relief effort and the commitment to post one rose a day for the next year on his blog and social media.

His decision to spread out the publication of his works over a year was deliberate, if not symbolic, “as a reminder we’re not done,” said Swearingen. Long after “the news cycles have changed” and those less affected are ready to “move on,” the needs of those who’ve lost everything will continue, he continued. And so he aims to “keep this in front of people for a year.”

Several of Swearingen’s close friends lost homes in the fires, and he feels deep sympathy for everyone affected. Although his sale of 365 paintings has yielded a donation of $34,540 to the Redwood Credit Union’s North Bay Fire Relief Fund, he believes the hardest recovery to make will not be a financial one, but emotional. 

“It’s not ‘just stuff.’ You can’t go down to CVS and replace it,” he says, citing, as an example of irreplaceable objects, the “crappy ceramic dinosaur” his son made growing up that sits on display in his home.

Through his 365-days of roses – or “Roses of Resilience” plan, Swearingen is asking buyers to name their paintings. The first painting in the series was named “570 JeanMarie” in honor of the house where he and his wife raised their two sons.

While the Swearingens have, years ago, moved away from that home, the location still holds many memories for them. 570 Jean Marie Drive, in the Larkfield neighborhood, did not survive the Tubbs fire.

Swearingen works diligently, even painting through our phone interview, to create his roses. Having spent many years in a “safety-first” occupation, he appreciates “being on the other step” of life in which aesthetics matter. “Making the world feel like it’s something you want to be in feels good,” he says.

But “it’s hard to focus on aesthetics when you’re worried about surviving the night,” he adds, vividly aware of the dichotomy of experience in his professions, the fires and in life.

While Swearingen replicates the look of actual roses, he has to reinterpret some of the image from his imagination. The roses from which he paints often have wilting leaves that wouldn’t look good in the painting.

When asked if his job is to improve on reality, Swearingen answers good-humoredly, “I’m trying.”

A Beacon of Belief: St. Teresa of Avila

By Meg McConahey

On a crisp and clear December night, St. Teresa of Avila church glows against a star-dusted sky like an illustration on an old-fashioned Christmas card.

The simple, New England-style white wooden church with its classic steeple has been a peaceful beacon perched on a hill overlooking the tiny town of Bodega since 1862, making it the oldest Catholic church in continuous use in Sonoma County.

The great 20th-century photographer Ansel Adams was enchanted by the modest little parish church and made it famous when he captured it in a 1953 black-andwhite photograph titled “Church and Road,” one of his favorites. A decade later moviegoers around the world watched a clutch of terrified children run past St. Teresa’s in one of the most unforgettable scenes of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds.”

After it fell into disrepair in the 1950s, locals set about restoring and maintaining St. Teresa’s, most recently replacing a century-old white cross on the steeple that had rotted. It still has no running water, but that doesn’t dissuade the faithful.

White lights provide a beckoning call starting the week before Christmas, while inside garlands are strung across the ceiling and wreaths welcome all who enter.

Giving Thanks: Free Thanksgiving Meals in Sonoma County

By biteclub
Thanksgiving turkey dinner
Thanksgiving turkey dinner

Thanksgiving has never been more important than this year in Sonoma County and there is no shortage of organizations, restaurants, volunteers and chefs who are giving back to the community by serving up hearty, heartfelt bowls of turkey (or tofurkey) and gravy.

Here is an ever-growing list of organizations and restaurants serving free Thanksgiving meals this year.

GUERNEVILLE

The annual Guerneville Community Thanksgiving Dinner will take place at the Guerneville Veterans Hall. 12PM-4PM, (707) 326-1257, 16225 1st St., Guerneville. 

SANTA ROSA

Franchettis’ is serving a “top-notch, traditional Thanksgiving buffet” for victims of the fires, first responders and extended family. They will also be offering to go meals. Reservations recommended. 11AM-6PM, 1229 N. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa, franchettis.com.

Redwood Gospel Mission hosts their annual Great Thanksgiving Banquet on Thanksgiving eve (Nov. 22). Everyone receives a hot turkey dinner, food boxes to take home. They will also be offering haircuts, free warm coats, a bounce house for the kids, and informational booths will be on hand, too. 11AM-7PM, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, srmission.org, .

Sprenger’s Tap Room is hosting a Thanksgiving Brunch Community Feed. Food provided. Beer is optional at a mere $5. 9AM-1PM, 446 B St., Santa Rosa.

SEBASTOPOL

The Community Church of Sebastopol will host their 17th annual Thanksgiving Dinner 1p – 5 pm November 23 which is open to the public. Meal delivery is available and they are also offering transportation to the dinner (reserve by November 20). 1PM-5PM, (707) 823-2484, 1000 Gravenstein Hwy N., Sebastopol, uccseb.org.

SONOMA

The Sonoma Community Center will host its annual Thanksgiving dinner. Rotary of Sonoma Valley, cheesemaker Gary Edwards, and chef Daniel Quijada source and prepare the locally sourced meal. 3PM, November 23.  126 1st St. W., Sonoma, sonomacommunitycenter.org.

Seniors can enjoy a free Thanksgiving dinner at Vintage House. 3PM-6PM, (707) 996-0311, 264 1st St. E., Sonoma, vintagehouse.org.

WINDSOR

Windsor United Methodist Church will host a Thanksgiving meal on Saturday, November 18. They’ll serve up Thanksgiving dinner and there will be live music and activities for kids. (707) 838-6898, 9451 Brooks Rd. South, Windsor, windsorumc.com.

Sonoma County’s Seven Slowest Restaurants

By biteclub
Best burger winner 2017 was Backyard Restaurant's Tim Burger
Best burger winner 2017 was Backyard Restaurant’s Tim Burger

Sometimes being Slow is a very good thing.

This week, seven restaurants — from Geyserville to Valley Ford — received the Slow Food Sonoma County Snail of Approval for offering sustainable and ethically-raised food.

Click through the gallery above to find out which Sonoma County restaurants were awarded the Snail of Approval. 

The collaboration between the Slow Food Russian River and Slow Food Sonoma County North chapters of the international Slow Food movement judged the restaurants on criteria including seasonal ingredients and menus; sustainable ingredients sourced from local producers; humane treatment of people and animals; investment in fair labor practices; and green business practices like composting and recycling.

This was no cakewalk, however. According to organizers, each restaurant went through an approval process that included a detailed questionnaire, rigorous interview and on-site review conducted by a team of three Slow Food volunteers. Each evaluator independently rated the restaurant, before arriving at a collective score.

Biteclub is a huge fan of all the restaurants because of their very public support of local farmers and the community. 

After the Fires: 19 Ways to Support Sonoma County

By Sarah Stierch & Sofia Englund

In October, Sonoma County residents battled the most destructive wildfires in California history. By the time the blazes were fully contained, some three weeks after they broke out on October 8, they had burned more than 114,000 acres, destroyed 5,300 homes and killed 23 people in Sonoma County alone. The damage is estimated at $3 billion. The road to recovery has just begun – the impact of the fires will linger for months and years to come – and any measure of “success” will depend on the ongoing support of locals as well as visitors.

If you’d like to support Sonoma County in its efforts to rebuild and recover, we have listed a few ways to do so in the gallery above. In addition to helping those immediately affected by the fires through donations and volunteer efforts, we have also included ways in which you can support the local economy, and the tourism industry that Sonoma County depends on. (Despite the fact that large areas of the region were left untouched by the fires, many visitors have canceled upcoming reservations at local hotels, wineries and restaurants).

Glen Ellen’s Aventine Reopens In Wake of Sonoma County Fires

By biteclub
The Pizza Margherita is served at Aventine Glen Ellen (Conner Jay/The Press Democrat)

Another Glen Ellen restaurant is reopening in the wake of the fires: Aventine.

The Italian restaurant, located in the historic grist mill building at Jack London Village, closed during the fires due to mandatory evacuation orders in Glen Ellen.

Chef and owner Adolfo Veronese was the first to return to the restaurant when evacuation orders were lifted, says manager Toni Veronese. “He came in the back door of the restaurant and the smoke was so strong he stayed only long enough to ensure everything was still there,” she says.

The entire second floor dining area was covered in soot and ash due to an open window, requiring a deep cleaning. Additionally, all of the ceiling insulation had to be replaced, according to Veronese.

As for the food and alcohol: all the food had to be thrown away due to spoilage and all open liquor and wine was thrown away due to contamination.

However, even before returning to the property for inspection and clean up, Aventine suffered economic loss: all events were canceled in October and December. Veronese is feeling positive though about the future, “this past week I just started receiving requests for event information for next summer,” she shares.

In anticipation of reopening, staff returned Thursday to get Aventine in working order. “We all greeted each other with long hugs,” says Veronese, “Knowing that we’ve all made it through this past month and all have our own stories to share.”

Most importantly, they are excited to see customers return. “We’ve already heard from some of our regulars,” says Veronese, “I can’t wait to give them all a hug and hear their story when they walk through that door again.”

Aventine is currently open Friday-Sunday with service beginning at 5PM. (707) 934-8911, 14301 Arnold Dr., #32, Glen Ellen, aventinehospitality.com.

Thanksgiving Tips and Treats from a Sonoma Pastry Chef

By Adrienne Shubin

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving dinner without fresh baked sweet treats on the menu. Don’t we all look forward to the moment when we can dig our fork into a slice of pumpkin pie, topped with whipped cream? Or savoring the flaky crust and tartness of the apples in Mom’s homemade pie? Sonoma Pastry Chef and proprietor of Crisp Bake Shop, Andrea Koweek, shares her holiday baking tips, along with photos of her delicious Thanksgiving desserts, taken by Sonoma photographer Sarah Deragon. Click through the gallery above for all the decadent details.

If baking isn’t your thing or you don’t have time, you can order your sweet treats from Andrea at Crisp Bake Shop in Sonoma (707-933-9999).

Eat for the Farmers Feeding Sonoma County

By biteclub

“During the first week of the North Bay fires, our local farmers rallied to provide donations of fresh ingredients to a host of emergency kitchens and shelters. Now it’s time for us to pitch in,” said Evan Wiig of the Farmer’s Guild.

To support our local producers, Lowell’s (formerly Peter Lowell’s) is hosting the last of a series of  “Zero Kilometro”dinners featuring a three-course tasting menu on Nov. 16. Red Car winery will be partnering with the restaurant to offer wine pairings.

The idea of zero kilometro is based on an Italian tradition of featuring hyper-local ingredients (zero kilometers away) around a communal table. Literally from the farm to the kitchen, to the table — something that Lowell’s has long advocated, getting much of their produce from their own Two Belly Acres farm.

Dishes have included pickled New Family Farm cauliflower, masa dumplings with Bellwether Crescenza cheese, crispy pork with Two Belly Acres tomatoes, Mycopia mushrooms, McFarland Springs trout with smoked persimmons, braised beef with Little Organic Farm sunchokes, and caramel pot de creme with rhubarb. 

 Half of all food and wine sales — plus matching donations from Circle of Hands—goes to farmers.

A la carte and wine options available.  Details at facebook.com/lowellssebastopol.

 

Thanksgiving in Sonoma County 2017: Eat Out, Pick Up or Make it Yourself

By biteclub
Chef John Ash’s brined and roasted turkey is a traditional, yet tasty way to make your Thanksgiving memorable. (Shutterstock)

Thanksgiving is around the corner and you have a decision to make: are you going to cook or let someone else do the work?

If the latter is your choice, you have plenty of options whether you decide to celebrate your gratitude with your family at home (with a hearty meal you picked up for take away) or at a favorite restaurant. Here are some great local picks for Thanksgiving in Sonoma County.

Remember: most require reservations, so act now to reserve your meal or seat.

PICK UP

Sauced: Get sauced with a Southern-style meal to feed 6-8 people ($199). The meal includes smoke turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, cornbread stuffing, cornbread, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Order by November 20. (707) 410-4400, 151 Petaluma Blvd. #129, Petaluma, saucedbbqandspirits.com.

SHED: Build your own Thanksgiving meal from the Larder at SHED. The one caveat – you need to cook your own turkey. Options include BN Heritage Turkey, potato gratin, stuffing, smoked sweet potatoes, wild mushrooms, fairytale pumpkin gratin, Roman baked gnocchi, leaf lard tart, Sibley squash pie, roasted pumpkin soup, cranberry sauce, pomegranate salsa and a large selection of biscuits, rolls, cheese, appetizers, and desserts. You can also pick up poultry stock and a turkey brining kit. Order by November 19. (707) 431-7433, 25 North St., Healdsburg, healdsburgshed.com.

RESTAURANTS

Bay View Restaurant & Lounge in Bodega Bay is offering an a la carte menu including Dungeness crab cakes, pumpkin ravioli, clam chowder, seafood lasagna, branzino, pork osso bucco, filet mignon, roasted turkey and a the restaurant’s signature grilled filet Hitchcock (named after the filmmaker) – a filet mignon stuffed with Dungeness crab, demi-glace and béarnaise sauce. Traditional desserts are offered, too. 1PM-8PM, (707) 875-2751, 800 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, innatthetides.com.

Black Point Grill at Sea Ranch offers a 4-course Thanksgiving meal with ocean views. First course offers wild mushroom spring rolls or clams & mussels steamers. Second course offers Moroccan roasted butternut squash soup or winter organic baby greens. Entrees include roasted heritage turkey, pan seared salmon, seared day boat scallops, roasted yam ricotta strudel (vegetarian), and a braised pork shank. Desserts served include pumpkin pie, a chocolate espresso torte, and almond ricotta cheesecake. $55 for adults, $30 for children. 1PM-8PM, (707) 785-4811, inside Sea Ranch Lodge, 60 Sea Walk Dr., Sea Ranch, searanchlodge.com.

Central Market is offering a four-course meal with numerous options, including a wine pairing, including Dungeness Crab Chowder, House Smoked McFarland Springs Steelhead Trout, Local Heritage Breed Turkey, Suckling Guinea Hog Porchetta, and plenty of desserts. $65 for adults, $100 with wine, $20 for children. (707) 778-9900, 42 Petaluma Blvd N., Petaluma, centralmarketpetaluma.com.

Coast Kitchen offers a 3-course menu with ocean views guaranteed. Appetizers include butternut squash ravioli, beet salad and pumpkin soup. Second course offers roasted turkey dinner, grilled bone-in Kurobuta pork chop and pan seared salmon. Last course offers up pumpkin pie, chocolate crème brûlee, and apple fritters. $79 for adults, $30 for children. (707) 847-3231, inside Timber Cove Inn, 21780 Highway 1, Jenner, coastkitchensonoma.com.

Depot Hotel is offering a 4-course menu starting with corn chowder and a salad. Entrees include slow-roasted Mary’s Free Range Turkey, poached filet of salmon, spinach and ricotta ravioli (vegetarian), or boneless beef short ribs. For dessert, select cheesecake from Scandia bakery, pumpkin pie, or a chocolate torte. $50 for adults, $25 for children. 12PM-7PM, (707) 938-2980, 241 1st St. W., Sonoma, depotsonoma.com.

Dry Creek Kitchen‘s Chef Scott Romano will serve a 3-course menu. Starters include Chef Gerry Hayden’s Fluke Crudo, Hidden Pond Farm Beet Salad, cavatelli & braised veal, lentil soup, and a butterhead lettuce salad. Main courses include Classic B&N Ranch Turkey, caramelized diver scallops, sauteed arctic char, roasted lamb leg with Bellwether Ricotta Gnudi, and 48-hour pork short ribs. Three dessert options are available alongside local cheese, sorbet and ice creams. $72 for adults, $35 for children. (707) 431-0330, 317 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, drycreekkitchen.com.

El Dorado Kitchen offers their annual 3-course Thanksgiving menu. Many options are available, including vegetarian and vegan options. Starters include octopus carpaccio, gulf prawn cocktail, ginger carrot soup, beet terrine, salmon rillet, salads and cheese. Entrees include roasted free-range turkey breast, seared scallops, butternut squash risotto (vegan), and braised beef short rib. Desserts are lemon pudding cake and profiteroles. $65 for adults, $35 for children. 1PM-7PM, (707) 996-3030, 405 1st St. W., Sonoma, eldoradosonoma.com.

Farmhouse Inn‘s Chef Steve Litke keeps the new tradition of an annual Thanksgiving dinner at the Farmhouse Inn featuring turkeys raised by co-owner Joe Bartolomei. The 3-course, sample menu includes starters of Kombu cured hamachi, Fuyu persimmon salad, Dungeness crab causa rellena, butternut squash shellfish soup, and Swiss chard ricotta tortellini. The main course offers two options: Oz Family Farms Heritage Turkey and Wild Pacific corvina. Pumpkin pie, ice cream, and soufflés are offered for dessert. $119 with optional wine pairing. 4PM-8PM, (707) 887-3300, 7871 River Rd., Forestville. farmhouseinn.com.

the fig café is offering a 3-course prix fixe menu. Starters include fried Brussels sprout salad, pumpkin soup and fig & arugula salad (a standard at the fig). Main course options are roasted turkey breast, prime rib, pan-seared flounder, and roasted cauliflower with braised leek & brioche bread pudding and mushroom gravy (vegetarian). Dessert options are profiteroles or butterscotch pot de creme. Bring your own wine because there is no corkage. $45 for adults, $20 for children. 707-933-3000 x 13, 13690 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen, thefigcafe.com.

the girl & the fig is serving a multi-course Thanksgiving meal, including an amuse bouche. Starters include cheese & charcuterie, pumpkin soup, and salads. Entrees include roast turkey breast, sauteed flounder, braised short ribs and mushroom risotto (vegetarian). There are four dessert options: a nut tart, chocolate budino, profiteroles and pumpkin pie. $57 for adults with a $18 wine pairing option and $20 for children. (707) 938-3634, 110 W Spain St., Sonoma, thegirlandthefig.com.

Gravenstein Grill is serving a 3-course feast with butternut squash, salad, Willie Bird turkey, classic sides, pumpkin pie and Bob’s Famous Rum Cake. $55 for adults. (707) 634-6142, 8050 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol, gravensteingrill.com.

John Ash & Co. Executive Chef Tom Schmidt has created a 3-course menu with a plethora of options, including for vegan, vegetarian and gluten free eaters. First course includes carrot and parsnip soup, Tom’s French onion soup, Liberty Duck terrine, spicy ahi tuna tartare, and salads. For the main course, guests can select butternut squash risotto, grilled marinated portobello mushroom, diver scallops with gulf prawns, oven roasted BN Ranch heritage turkey, sea bass, Devil’s Gulch Langley Pork Chop, and a grilled filet mignon. Pastry Chef Casey Stone will serve his mom’s chocolate cake, pumpkin tarts, and apple crumble. $68 for adults, $34 for children. 800-421-2584, 4350 Barnes Rd., Santa Rosa, vintnersinn.com.

Madrona Manor‘s restaurant is offering a hyper-fall focused 6-course meal with Dungeness crab soup, truffle risotto, roasted white turkey meat with cippolini onions, black truffles, celery root, chevril and pain perdu, a confit dark meat of turkey with juniper, potato puree, sage and turkey bordelaise, and a “Flavors of Thanksgiving” dessert. $150 for adults with optional $80 wine pairing. (707) 433-4231, 1001 Westside Rd., Healdsburg, madronamanor.com.

Oakmont Golf Club will serve a Thanksgiving Day Buffet with salads, crab stuffed deviled eggs, peel & eat shrimp, crab cakes, turkey, ham, rib roast, and all the sides and desserts. Guests also receive a complimentary glass of champagne upon arrival. $35 for adults, $18 for children. 11 AM, (707) 537-3671, 7035 Oakmont Dr., Santa Rosa, oakmontgc.com.

Quail Run Buffet at River Rock Casino will serve a special Thanksgiving buffet. The menu includes roast turkey, prime rib, herbed stuffing, pies, cakes, chocolate dipped strawberries and more. $24.99 for adults, $12.99 for children. 11AM-9PM, 3250 Highway 128, Geyserville, riverrockcasino.com.

Saddles Steakhouse is hosting a 3-course Thanksgiving meal, including an amuse bouche starter (Panna cotta and oysters). First course is squash bisque and the second course is bitter greens with pear and Point Reyes blue. For entrées, options include pan seared turkey tenderloin, Black Angus filet mignon, a vegetarian sweet potato gnocchi with Swiss chard, or diver scallops. Desserts include praline and pumpkin creme brulee, maple bombe, and gelato. $80 for adults, $40 for children. 2PM-7PM, (707) 933-3191, inside MacArthur Place, 29 E. MacArthur Pl., Sonoma, macarthurplace.com.

Santé will host their decadent, annual Thanksgiving buffet, complete with ice sculptures and live music. The buffet includes shrimp cocktail, “foie gras,” vegetarian tartlets, Ahi tuna tartare, charcuterie, antipasti, caviar, a carving station with Diestel turkey and Mishima Ranch American Wagyu sirloin, pumpkin ravioli, Ora King salmon, Niman Ranch pork belly, and Oysters Rockefeller. Oh, and ton of sides and desserts. $135 for adults, $67.50 for children, free for children 4 and under. (707) 939-2407, Inside the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, 100 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma, santediningroom.com.

Spoonbar offers a 4-course meal will be served, including sweet corn chowder, butternut squash risotto, turkey and pecan pie. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. $65 for adults, $35 for children. (707) 433-7222, 219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, spoonbar.com.

Sonoma Grille will be open with their regular menu on Thanksgiving day with an additional, extended prix fixe menu with Thanksgiving favorites. A nice option for those seeking to dine out while skipping the turkey. 11:30AM-9:00PM, (707) 938-7542, 165 W. Napa St., Sonoma, sonomagrilleandbar.com.

MARKETS

Lucky’s: The most affordable option this holiday, Lucky offers à la carte options including every turkey option available (Mary’s, Diestel, Butterball, Jennie O etc.), rib roast and hams and turkey and ham meals, with dessert, to serve 6-8 people starting at an astoundingly low price of $49.99. luckysupermarkets.com

Oliver’s Market: Offers à la carte protein and a full meal option for 6-8 ($129.99), which includes a California-raised Diestel turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, veggies, cranberry sauce, rolls, pie and more. À la carte options include Diestel turkey, Boar’s Head ham, USDA prime rib, and a vegan roast, with sides available, too. oliversmarket.com

Raley’s: Offer’s à la carte (pick up cooked turkeys and ham or sides) and full meals to serve 6-8 (starting at $69.99). They offer Sonora-raised Diestel and Butterball turkeys and hams. Meals come with protein, gravy, cranberry sauce and your choice of three sides.  raleys.com

Sonoma Market & Glen Ellen Village Market: Offer traditional Thanksgiving meals to serve from 4-10 people (starting at $99.99) served with your choice of Diestel turkey or Llano Seco ham with sides. They also offer a “contemporary” holiday meal for 4-10 people (starting at $119.99) where you can select herb crusted beef filet option served with bread pudding, scalloped potatoes, cider-glazed carrots and brussels sprouts, and more. sonomamarket.net

Whole Foods: Offers à la carte (pick up a pre-cooked or raw turkey or freshly made lump-free mashed potatoes) or order a full meal to feed 4-12, including Diestel turkeys (raised in Sonora near Yosemite), ham and prime rib options. Though not cheap (an organic turkey meal for 8 can cost $160), they serve up humanely raised proteins and organic veggies.  wholefoodsmarket.com

Tyler Florence & Grateful Table to Host Thanksgiving Fire Fundraiser

By biteclub

Celebrity chef, and Bay Area resident, Tyler Florence joins Outstanding in the Field for an al fresco Thanksgiving fundraiser for fire relief efforts. 

The fundraiser, which takes place Tuesday, November 21, starts at $500 a pop and a group of eight can share a table for $4,000. Can’t attend? You can buy a ticket for a first responder or a resident affected by the fires for $250.

100% of ticket sales benefit the Sonoma County Resilience Fund, Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund, Mendocino County Disaster Fund, and the California Restaurant Association Foundation.

Named the Grateful Table, the Thanksgiving-themed fundraiser takes place in a vineyard in Carneros, on the Napa/Sonoma County line. Guests are told the exact location after procuring their tickets.

Upon arrival, guests take their seats at a really long table and the food and wine flows.

Menu details haven’t been announced, but with a Thanksgiving theme, the locally sourced menu could include recipes from Tyler Florence’s own Thanksgiving cookbook, such as spatchcocked free-range turkey, sausage stuffing, green bean poutine, and chocolate pecan pie.

The event is the brainchild of Outstanding in the Field founder, Jim Denevan. “Outstanding in the Field is about setting our long table in celebration of community and connection, where we hear and taste the story of the people and places that nourish and sustain us,” says Denevan. He describes the upcoming event as being a “scene of celebration, and…also a portrait of resilience.”

Tuesday, November 21, 1 PM. Tickets on sale now, outstandinginthefield.com.