by Tanya HenryÂ
Just the sound of this menu makes me want to book my ticket now! One of Marin’s best restaurateurs will be collaborating with Book Passage to host an upcoming Cooks with Books event. The mouth-watering menu includes Haydari with Turkish Spoon Salad, Carrot and Parsnip Houriya with Zatar, Moroccan Lamb Kefta Meatballs in Spicy Shakshuka, and Yogurt & Roast Garlic Marinated Chicken with Butternut Squash. A Greek Orange Cake with Yogurt Cream, Chocolate Pecan Toffee will round things off for dessert at chef/owner Heidi Krahling’s Insalata’s restaurant on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 12pm. Tickets for this event are $115 for a single, or $180 for couples and include the meal, wine, tax, tip and a signed copy of Insalata’s and Marinitas: The Story of Two Restaurants. For tickets, call
415/927-0960 or visit bookpassage.com.
HEAD OUT WEST Looking for a romantic getaway? Nick’s Cove in Marshall is about as off the beaten track as it gets. Head out west to enjoy chef Austin Perkins Valentine’s Day menu of asparagus arancini with grana padano, chives and pine nuts; loch duart salmon tartare with quail egg, fried capers and brioche; and seared American wagyu beef with bone marrow mashed potatoes, chanterelle mushrooms. Of course desserts lean to the decadent side with orange-chocolate bombe torte, salted caramel pot de creme with hazelnut-bacon brittle, and a warm spiced walnut cake with red wine glazed dates, blood orange curd and candied pecans. Nick’s Cove signature hand-crafted s’mores, with a selection of homemade graham crackers and vanilla marshmallows, are also an optional romantic treat. To reserve a table, call 415/663-1033 or visit www.nickscove.com.
THE GRAND FINALE If you are more of a savory than sweet kind of person, don’t miss the upcoming Olive Season Finale Weekend at Cline Cellars on Feb. 14 and 15. Olive season is winding down, but the celebration is in full swing at Cline Cellars. Taste olive oils made from the historic Mission olive and visit the California Mission Museum. Sample unusual olive-inspired pairings with carefully selected wines. Take home an olive tree for your own garden! Cline Cellars is located at 24734 Arnold Dr., Sonoma or visit www.clinecellars.com for more info.
THE FRESHEST LOSER Here is a great way to support an important organization and learn something at the same time! Fresh Start Chef Events, a program offered by Homeward Bound, provides guest chef demos and events that raise monies to support shelter and job-training programs for homeless individuals and families in Marin County. Their next guest chef is registered dietitian, Cheryl Forberg, who will demonstrate healthy recipes from her cookbook, Flavor First. The consulting nutritionist for NBC’s The Biggest Loser will prepare a confetti quinoa salad with pistachios and a silken chocolate dessert. The event takes place on Thursday, Feb. 26, from 6:30-9pm. Tickets are $55. Call 415/382-3363 x243 to make a reservation or visit: www.cookingschoolsofamerica.com.
SUPPER WITH A SOPRANO Opera and Italian food? Sounds good to me! You can find it at this one-of-a-kind supper club/funky restaurant/bar aka Sausalito Seahorse on Friday, Feb. 13, from 6:30-11pm. Songs, arias and duets will be provided by the Golden Gate Opera featuring tenor Raymond Chavez and soprano Olga Chernishva with pianist Daniel Lockert. Puccini favorites from La Bohéme, La Traviata, Tosca and much more are on the playlist. A complimentary glass of Prosecco followed by a four-course dinner that includes appetizers, pasta, choice of fish, cornish game hen or vegetarian main course and dessert. Dinner will be served at 7pm and opera performances start at 7:30pm. The cost is $75 and includes tax and tip, but require a reservation by calling 415/331-2899. The Seahorse is located at 305 Harbor Dr. in Sausalito.
Share your hunger pains with Tanya at
th****@pa********.com
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