2September2008
Posted by marc under: Events and updates.
I love Burgundies. I love the wine, the food, and the place…
One of my best memory when visiting Burgundy is when with my brother Alain and I, on a cold January day, went for a visit to the cellar of Domaine Faiveley.
If you go to Burgundy, you need to stop by Faiveley. Walking through the underground cellars is a unique experience…thousands and thousands of library wines starting from the 19th century are gently stacked-up on each side of the cellar. It is a pretty impressive collection!
My only dream that day was that they forget about me and left me in the cellar for the night…
If a visit to Burgundy is not in your plan soon, you could still get a taste of Burgundy if you stop by the cafe, Tuesday September 9th at 6:30 pm, for a tasting of Faiveley wines, presented by the wine educator of the domaine who specially came from France. Light appetizers will be served as well, and the cost is $15.00/person.
Please RSVP by calling the cafe at 707-528-3095.
20August2008
Posted by marc under: Menu, special dishes, and more.
Ratatouille dish has became the epitome of Provencal cuisine, particularly since the PR effect of a certain Walt Disney animation movie…
I still keep warm memories of my mom’s ratatouille. She used to make it at least once a week, usually on Saturday, which was a market day in my native town. I still vividly remember carrying home full basket of eggplants, zucchini, tomatoes, onions, and most important garlic from the overcrowded and loud produce market. Provencal markets are certainly the most colorful and produce-rich markets of France. From the olive stands to the charcutier and cheese stands, you pretty much can fill your pantry with all the necessary cooking ingredients, plus some extra local favorites such as la cade ( a flat chick pea mixture cooked on large flat sheet tray) or le chichi-frigi (called in America ).
But let’s go back to my mom’s ratatouille… The secret of a great ratatouille is to cooked slowly the vegetables together, and add a liberal amount of garlic for added extra-flavors. It was the perfect accompaniments to the roti d’agneau (lamb roast) which was filling my mom’s kitchen with amazing cooking smells…I am hungry just thinking about it.
It is kind of ironic that this Provencal dish, described in the past as the dish of the working class (due to its cheap ingredients) is now the image of Provencal cuisine in France and abroad.
Renee used our mom’s recipe to make our special Chloe’s ratatouille, adding her own Chef magic to the dish (such as zest of oranges that gives the dish a welcome freshness).
Our ratatouille will served as accompaniment for our Crepe au Poulet this week (the Plat du Jour is served Wednesday through Friday).
Ratatouille, Crepe, and a good glass of Rose will transport you directly to France.
8July2008
Posted by marc under: Events and updates.
If you stopped by the cafe this week, you must have noticed all the construction being done to the now-fenced front lawn and inside of our building, the Landmark Executive Center.
The reason for all of these activities is that North Bay Sutter Foundation is preparing for the arrival of different medical offices and services. By early November, construction should be completed and house a medical center with16 physicians offices… including OB/Gyn, family practices, and pediatrics. Read all about it the Press Democrat at the following address .
In the meantime, the main entrance of the building will be closed for the next 12 weeks, which means that that cafe patrons will have to use the side entrance or enter through the back of the building.
We are really sorry for all of these inconveniences, but everything should go back to normal by this fall.
Chloe’s will be constructing a bit as well. L’Orangerie, which will be our future event/banquet space, adjacent to the cafe, will be up and running by late Fall. We will keep you posted on our progress….Merci Beaucoup
26June2008
Posted by marc under: Menu, special dishes, and more.
Bastille Day always brings back childhood memories, and beyond, of fireworks, fun, music, great Provencal food, and glasses of crisp, chilled rose wine!
As you certainly know, Bastille Day is the French 4th of July. The origin of this national celebration dates back to the period of the revolution, and commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération, held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on July 14th, 1789.
The Bastille was a famous Paris jail at the time, occupied mostly by political prisoners whose writings had displeased the royal government.
For this year’s Bastille Day celebration, we have decided to keep the festivities alive all week. Visit the café during the week of Monday, July 14 though Friday, July 18th, and enjoy our special Provencal Bastille Day menu, which will include:
11June2008
Posted by marc under: Menu, special dishes, and more.
Bienvenue to Chloe’s blog!
This blog is a great tool to keep our guests up-to-date with changes in our menu, events at the cafe, as well as a great way to connect with the world…
By perusing this blog, you will have the opportunity to read about some of Renee’s and Alain’s new recipes, stories about the local wine and food world, as well as the everyday life of a restaurant owner in Sonoma County.
Let’s start with the special dish this week: Merguez sausages served on a bed of warm couscous and a spicy sauce on the side.
Maybe you do not know that in the past 20 years, couscous has become one of the most popular dishes in France. Throughout its history, France has had strong ties with Mediterranean cultures, and couscous, a traditional Mediterranean dish, has found a revered spot on the French table.
Try our couscous with a bottle of dry Rose from Russian Hill Winery, just heaven!