Monday, Monday

As Memorial Day weekend comes to a close, I sit and muse while suffering through yet another Oregon pinot noir; this time a 2006 Robinson Reserve. Lovely fruit, very "alive" on the palate with a hint of acidity and an almost effervescent brightness stirring it all together. Like a party in my mouth! however sad that party is to be ending now that Memorial Day is done, boo hoo!



Last night I grilled a nice top sirloin from Country Natural farms and it was by far the most tender of that cut I have ever had and the flavor was outta this world! I topped it with the Lime Riesling chimichurri from Sound Bites and accompanied this with salad of baby greens from my garden dressed in Bariani olive oil and Rosy Raspberry vinegar (recipe to follow) along with grilled croutons from my own homemade baguette and my farmer cheese. LOCAVORACIOUS!


Raspberry Vinaigrette

• 1 Tablespoon GREAT olive oil of your choice - Mine is Bariani out of Sacramento
• 1 Tablespoon Rosy Raspberry vinegar
• 1 Scallion - White and light green part only sliced very thin
• 1/4 Teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 3 or 4 grinds of fresh cracked black pepper to taste
• 1 Pinch Sea salt of your choice

1. Whisk together and toss in 2 handfuls of baby greens - mine were about 2/3 sweet and 1/2 bitter.
2. Toss gently with your hands

Tonight I did the same dressing with my greens but topped it with my farmer cheese and went again for the Lime Riesling chimichurri marinated halibut I did a few nights ago. The first time I thought the strong flavors of the chimi might overpower the delicate halibut but the fish is fatty enough to shone through. Fresh line caught Alaska halibut is currently $7.98 a lb so I plan on eating far too much of it. In fact I'm eating pieces over 1/2 lb in size each time but what the hell eh? I believe this month won't be very frugal but I'm gonna blame Memorial Day weekend, the great weather and the fact that we have been very active. Big weather and big activity mean big appetites plus it's been a great grilling weekend; 67F each of the last 3 days with nary a cloud in the sky. Anyway, after laundry, long walks with the pooch, getting the lawns mowed, the kitchen through it's Spring cleaning and some plant shopping, I believe I do deserve it...

Hasta