On our quick visit to the "cabin" in the woods this weekend, we had more than plans for just home repairs, rain watch and hiking. This weekend birthdays were had, wine was drank (in abundance), "Crown Royal" tasted like the Captain, Catch Phrase reached new highs, my ability to maintain sophistication reached some lows and I got to enjoy my true hometown with the best of people I know in this world.
But the town has changed a bit since I was a kid. Now, 8 years post the hit film Sideways the little Grand Street of Los Olivos is a hot spot for tastings, expensive clothing and vintage style shops and the weekenders who pile into the tiny valley to get different version of Wine County. This hasn't yet changed the valley to the point of high rise mega hotels or the like, but there seems to be a new kind of charge to the area. Back in mid August of last year some friends and I made our way up to the area only to find that the tasting rooms close early and we wake up late. We had plans to take over the town. Nonetheless, even though we only made it to one locale in Solvang, it was a fun filled time even though we didn't quite get to experience the true grandeur the valley can conjure. Next time, we won't get so caught up in the forest and actually make our way out of spider-land and into the rolling hills and vineyards of SYV.
This trip though, there was a birthday. This birthday, a sixty first, there was cake. What a cake it was. Triple Layer Devils Food with the closest version to Suicide Cake frosting I could create. Phenomenal, and my new "go to" chocolate cake for sure. But there was rivalry for cake tastiness just miles away. At the little converted house turned wine tasting room for Saarloos and Sons, I was introduced to Enjoy Cupcakes. Not only do they feature different wines in their cupcakes but also employ a tiny little trailer that you can rent for events and parties. Genius. We sampled two while there, the Blackberry Syrah and the Chardonnay Key Lime, which by all accounts were both fantastic. They also come in two sizes, so if you are in the mood for a 1 biter or 2 they have you covered. (Obviously the next time you see me I'll be touting a new recipe with these bells and whistles.) The atmosphere of the tasting house was amazing too, really well done. Too bad you can't change the blonde pourer's attitude too, in addition to her pours, which were totally stingy. Just a tip.
In addition to the weekend being a total success, I finished my book, Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer. Not only has this book made my guts and guile stronger when discussing the inhumane treatment of animals and the horrible institution of factory farming, but my opinions are clearer. My decision to not eat meat has an even stronger vindication now, and the harm to not only the animals but to the earth hurts more to think about than ever. So, once again, I recommend you read this book. If not for anything else, to understand that if you eat meat, you are making a conscious choice to eat flesh that has been tortured, mutilated, pumped with antibiotics, feed the wrong food or not feed for days, unable to breed on its own, nearly dead from malities before it is ripped apart alive, the list of torture goes on and on. Have you thought about this? Not many do. Why is there such a disconnect when we put food in our mouths? You are becoming what you eat, do you really want to be made up of tortured souls?
There are solutions to becoming a more conscious,torture free meat eater, but you will basically be practicing a mostly vegetarian diet. Throwing that out there.
This week I am looking forward to the rainy weather, working late into the night, apartment hunting, loan receiving, going to yoga as many times as possible, starting a new book, possibly taking an impromptu trip to Olympia for more good friend time and baby sitting little Chase in the early morning.
January you have held so many promises for good times, don't let me down now.
