French Bubbles, Oysters & Fromage in Sonoma, Fall Closet Temptations + an Empty Nester Dinner

Today on weekend meanderings, enjoying French bubbles, oysters and fromage at Chateau Sonoma’s 5th Street Farm, fall temptations for your closet, plus an empty nester dinner and summer romance in Venice.

Happy Saturday, friends!

It’s time for the weekend post with Kim and Elizabeth, our weekly roundup of inspirations and goings on.

Despite my firm no-pumpkins-until-October policy, I broke down and bought a little white pumpkin for our small terrace.

All products and links included in this post are selected by me and some may be affiliate links.

It was an interesting week, we had an earthquake, heatwave, thunder and lightening storm and bizarre humidity … and our 4th Street project is finally underway. But let’s get to the fun stuff …

 

Chateau Sonoma French Bubble Club Pick Up Party

Last weekend we attended the annual Chateau Sonoma French Bubble Club pick up party, a favorite event of the summer. Sarah Anderson welcomes club members and guests to her home, the 5th Street Farm, which is always a delight. It was a gorgeous afternoon … and we mingled on the patio and poolside, and wandered the beautiful property sipping French bubbles.

Jose from Hog Island Oyster Co. set out a beautifully displayed oyster bar where Jim availed himself of more than his fair share. That’s Brittany standing behind Jose – and next to Sarah’s son Tyge. I was excited to see Britt, who I met at a Boxwood Avenue Retreat hosted at the 5th Street Farm, four or five years ago. She’s a talented photographer, videographer, social media and branding expert and her company, Julep Productions, serves luxury brands like Chateau Sonoma. She’s a fun Instagram follow.

Step away from the oysters and over to the charcuterie table where Hayley of The Napa Table created my idea of heaven. That’s a plum jam in the center, made from Sarah’s plum harvest, and absolutely delicious paired with Brillat-Savarin French triple creme cheese. More on my new favorite cheese later.

Don’t you love Hayley’s presentation in contain/carry/display boxes? The Ossau-Iraty cheese was also delish. Seriously though, I never met a cheese I didn’t like.

Speaking of the farm’s harvest, a table of apples and figs was offered for guests to take home.

Matthew Gaughan, who curates the bubble club, poured and chatted about this quarters selections while Lara Louise entertained us with her beautiful music, singing in French.

We also enjoyed a lovely Rosé made from Grenache grapes grown on the farm. Jim asked nicely and Sarah agreed to sell him two bottles!

To make the afternoon extra special I ran into a friend, Tanya, who I met at last year’s party. She was ensconced with friends on Sarah’s covered back porch and I didn’t see her until we were headed out. Still we were able to have a nice chat and I look forward to seeing her again next year.

Rumor has it that Sarah recently filmed a Homeworthy tour at her 5th Street Farm which is a 5-acre property built in 1875. Something to look forward to!

After the party we met friends for dinner on Della Santina’s garden patio, one of my favorite spots in Sonoma.

 

French Bubble Club Selections

Drum roll, please … this quarter’s French Bubble Club selections!

Curated by Matthew Gaughan of Blackpoolmatt’s wine club, quarterly bubble club selections are sourced from boutique champagne houses in France with an occasional sparkling wine from small producers around the world like this month from Argentina. I cannot tell you how much Jim looks forward to picking up our bubbles.

 

I Found My Soul Cheese

Meet my soul cheese – Brillat Savarin, a French triple-crème cheese that’s stolen my heart and my soul. Hayley of The Napa Table introduced me to the concept of a soul cheese and I totally get it. Prior to meeting Brillat Savarin, my soul cheese was Cow Girl Creamery’s Mt. Tam. The soul is a fickle thing and it seems you can have more than one soul cheese in a lifetime. And it can be found at Whole Foods.

What’s your soul cheese?

 

Empty Nester Dinner

Last night Jim and I popped open a bottle of Sarah’s 5th Street Farm Rosé Grenache to toast our new home finally getting underway. I made a small charcuterie board featuring my soul cheese and we sat out on the terrace reliving the ups and downs of our many home renovation adventures.

In addition to my soul cheese, the board includes prosciutto, figs, fig spread, crackers and marcona almonds. I meant to toss dried apricots on the board but forgot.

May I describe the ideal bite? Start with a Rustic Bakery rosemary & olive oil cracker, a generous smear of Brillat Savarin, a dollop of Dalmatia fig spread, topped with a slice of prosciutto. Yum.

A cheese or charcuterie board is such a great empty nester lunch or dinner. Washed down with a dry Rosé. Santé!

 

I See It, I Like It, I Want It … Fall Clothes

Is there any season more tempting than fall to splurge on new clothes? Sweaters, jackets, boots, bags. Corduroy, suede, cashmere, wool. This season, more than any other, I feel like we’re inundated with brand ads tempting us from every which way because do we ever really outgrow the allure of back-to-school shopping? No matter how many years – decades – it’s been since we set foot in a classroom. It’s accurate to say that what goes in early, goes in deep and, well, blah blah blah. The bottom line is I love fall, and I want to buy fall clothes. Never mind I don’t need anything or that I’ve sworn a vow to quality over quantity. Still … I’ve been screen shotting, pinning and mulling a few things.

This sweater … it’s a classic. Pricey, but did I already say classic? Surely it’s good for years – maybe decades – of service.

Suede penny loafers … so good.

How about a suede boat shoe? I love that boat shoes are back … as if they ever went out.

I love a tote and this stripped knit tote was suggested to me while I was looking at another option. The algorithm knows me, because I stopped dead in my tracks. Is this fall? I think it is. At least it’s transitional and, if you live in a warmer (coastal) climate, I think it’s year-round. Anyway, with a scarf tied to the handle … swoon. A more fall winter leaning scarf could help carry this tote deeper into the season.

Last week I featured this structured cardigan and yesterday it arrived. I expected to like it, but I more than like it, I love it. It’s truly structured … part sweater, party lady jacket – made of the softest cashmere. I love the long, bell sleeves and will probably wear it on its own as well as layered over tees. It looks and feels like a much more expensive cardigan. I never got out of my sweats today, or I’d model it for you. Maybe next week. I ordered a small and it’s a perfect fit.

 

Love From Venice

Ashley Baker recommended Love From Venice: A Golden Summer on the Grand Canal by Gill Johnson on a recent Morning Meeting podcast. Summer romance in Venice? Yes, please.

The memoir recounts the summer of 1957, when first time author Gill Johnson, 25-years old, leaves her job at the National Gallery in London and moves Venice as a nanny, English teacher to the aristocratic Bandolini family. The book, published in early 2024, received great reviews and sounds delightful.

 

Current Favorites ~

 

That’s what I have for you today.

Let’s see what’s inspiring Kim and Elizabeth.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE

PINECONES AND ACORNS