By Sandy Daenerys
Let's Eat Sonoma, a new private dining club in the Bay Area created by Michelle Fitzgerald, is attempting to bridge the gap between βfarmer and foodieβ and bring people together around a table filled with only the freshest local ingredients. The seasonally sourced food is prepared with passion and purpose helping Let's Eat enlighten people about the benefits of healthy, sustainably produced local food.
At her event in the Mission District in San Francisco in a gorgeous Victorian house, Michelle offered a delicious array of heartwarming Southern-style cuisine. The fresh ingredients were sourced from multiple local producers and farmers in partnership with Bi-Rite, a local grocery store and catering service that has helped pioneer the new farm-to-grocery store movement.
The dishes were presented in a sophisticated and elegant manner, evoking the accoutrements of an elaborate European restaurant while still remaining familiar and down to earth. The event seemed to transport you to an inviting family dinner in a beautiful villa in Napa.
During dessert, Michelle educated her guests about her guiding philosophy of providing healthy, sustainable food while connecting people with a shared common interest and passion, helping to create life-affirming experiences one meal at a time.
Letβs Eat Sonoma offers both private and a few select public events in the Bay Area. Their private events provide handcrafted dinner parties for 2 β 100 diners, focusing on special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and team offsites. They recently relocated to Sonoma from San Francisco to be closer to the farming communities of Napa Valley and Americaβs wine country, as well as the amazing foodie scene available there.
LET'S EAT SONOMA
"Tastes Of The South"
MENU DESCRIPTIONS & PHOTOS
Provided by Michelle Fitzgerald
White Gazpacho (Starter)
Most people think tomato when they hear gazpacho, but thereβs no tomato in sight here with a flavorful combo of Cauliflower, Cucumber, Almonds and (yet another) dash of Cayenne.
Spring Peas with Potatoes & Bacon (Starter)
Farmer's market English peas like you've never seen them before in this southern dish served with mashed Potatoes, Shallots, Bacon bits and a savory Sherry vinaigrette.
Slow Cooked Pork & Collard Greens (Entree)
Nothing accentuates Southern style eating more than slow cooked Pork with Collard Greens, Sonoma Bacon, iron skillet Cornbread and Peaches.
Black Calypso Beans & Wilted Spinach (Side)
Enjoy the combination of slow cooked Black Calypso Beans, house made Vegetable Stock, Shallots and organic Spinach to evoke more soul food memories.
Key Lime Tart (Dessert)
Dinner wouldn't be complete without a palette cleansing Key Lime Tart
accompanied by a Rhubarb and Strawberry puree and Wild Flowers.
Tastes of the South (Signature Cocktail)
Take a sip on this Manhattan with a Southern twist served with fresh ground Cinnamon, Bitters, Absinthe, Sweet Vermouth, Rye Whiskey & Star Anise flaoting on top.
Gunpowder Martini (Signature Cocktail)
The shot can't be seen in this martini masterpiece, but it's most definitely laced with local St George's Gin, fresh squeezed Lemon and Lime juice, local Korbel Champagne and Cayenne Pepper.