Russ Parsons makes a visit to California's northern wine country, Mendocino, where "tasting rooms are uncrowded and friendly and, though mostly bare bones, the wines poured are often of astonishing quality. They are certainly of astonishing diversity. California's best sparkling wines and brandies are made here and so are Zinfandels from 50-year-old vines." Cafe Beaujolais's founder, Margaret Fox, heads off to greener pastures, as the Culinary Director at Harvet Market in Mendocino. She offers her recipes for Black Bean Chili, Mendocino Frittata, and Buttermilk Cinnamon Coffeecake.
In the kitchen, Amy Scattergood uses one basic recipe to make a whole basket of different breads. Dates are at their peak at local farmers' markets, and if you over-bought tomatoes, make a tomato paste to use later this season. Betty Hallock investigates and finds out Axe's recipe for Mint Ice Cream.
Out on the restaurant scene, Leslie Brenner travels down the coast to La Jolla's Dining Room at Jack's. Closer to home, retro is the new now.
The WIne of the Week is 2001 Domaine Caillot Meursault La Barre Dessus Clos Marguerite, which S. Irene Virbila says is "fine spun and layered with flavors and aromas."
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