What is the best thing about summer?

For some, it may be the heat of the summer sun, running around barefoot, longer days, the abundance of flowers and delicious fruit and vegetables, a great summer vacation, or all of the above! For us at Baci, it's definitely the fresh bounty of summertime like delicious Summer squash, Heirloom tomatoes, nectarines, Asian pears, and July Elberta Peaches that we have incorporated into our summer menu.  It is also represents the momentous occasion of launching our brand new fancy website thanks our son Julius, and his expert team of web producers at his new tech company, Titaen IT.  Please check it out at: www.bacicafeandwine.com. For our summer blog post, we highlight Saini Winery, the Spadoni family, our lovely Leanna Lindsay, and a great summer recipe. Enjoy!

BACI'S SPECIAL SEASONINGS- The Staff - Leanna Lindsay

Leanna Lindsay deserves the title of “Superwoman” with two jobs, three kids, a huge extended family, and several hobbies that keep her very busy. Our regular customers have enjoyed Leanna’s exceptional service since the day we opened our doors. Leanna and Chef Shari became friends working together for many years at River Rock Casino. It was only natural that he would recruit Leanna when he opened his own restaurant. Although Leanna also works mornings at the Hoffman House in Geyserville, she always has a smile on her face and a positive attitude at Baci despite her long days. Her good looks, great work ethic, and happy demeanor have rubbed off on her 18 year old daughter, Nellie, who now also works at Baci as a busser and is about to start college. Perhaps with two kids in college, she will have more time now to dedicate to her many hobbies including baking, party planning, gardening, and fishing with her husband Marvin. Leanna says the best thing she likes about Baci is her co-workers because it is a very family oriented atmosphere. From her Native American heritage in the Dry Creek Pomo tribe to having seven brothers and sisters, family is what it’s all about.  For Leanna, a small family gathering involves about 40 people! Our Baci family would not be complete without Leanna and we appreciate all of her hard work.

REGULAR ROUNDUP - Our tribute to some of our regulars that have become family to us here at Baci. We think they are a pretty special part of our mosaic: The Spadoni Family

When Ken and June Spadoni came to Healdsburg in 1978 to visit a friend on vacation, they never wanted to leave.  They fell in love with Healdsburg’s beauty and climate, and promptly moved their family to their new found paradise. Ken decided to get his Real Estate license the following year in 1979, and has since built a very successful family business and reputation as one of the top selling Real Estate professionals in wine country.  When Ken’s daughter-in-law, Arwen Spadoni, joined him in 1994 and became his partner, it was truly a family-run business. Ken refers to his wife, June, as being the mainstay behind the business and the best Social Director he could ask for. Real Estate is all about building relationships, and June and Ken have developed many dear friendships over the years that have blossomed from helping people find their dream homes.

Spadoni & Co. moved to some fancy new digs about three weeks ago when he merged with Pacific Union and Christie's International Real Estate at 109 Mill Street in Healdsburg. This merge brings Ken and Arwen an international exposure and presence he did not have being a private broker.  In fact, Pacific Union is so innovative and cutting-edge, they have invested a half-million dollars into creating exclusive new real estate technologies. Ken stills runs a close-knit family business, but now with the reach and tools to take his expertise to a whole new level. To find out more, please check out Ken’s website at: http://spadoni.com or call 707-433-8463.

When asked why they are regulars at Baci, Ken said he and June enjoy the consistent  good food, warmth, and friendly service that is conducive to bringing clients, family and friends. He said that Healdsburg had a void for a meeting place with quality food and atmosphere. Because Baci has evolved into a local melting pot, they enjoy exchanging pleasantries with friends and neighbors every time they come in.

We had the pleasure of hosting a big private dinner for Ken when  he announced the merger to a group of forty guests a few months ago. Thank you to the Spadoni family for your patronage and for being your local restaurant of choice.

TASTING NOTES - Spotlighting noteworthy wines from the Baci Wine List - Saini Vineyards

Saini Vineyards was born from four generations of partnership, friendship, and family. Mike and Laura Saini and John and Patti Saini are two generations of Saini Vineyards that we have had the pleasure of knowing here at Baci. Their legacy began in 1908, when Great Grandfather Micele Saini came to the United States from Genova, Italy.  He bought a farm in the Dry Creek Valley in 1917. While continuing to ride a horse and buggy to work in San Francisco as a garbage man, the farm produced such crops as pears, apples, prunes, and winegrapes. Wanting to enjoy the fruits of his labor, Micele became very skillful making wine in his basement that was good enough to be sold in San Francisco. Keeping in tradition, second generation Grandfather Eugene “Si” Saini partnered with his cousin Gene Cuneo (both their fathers were also partners), and bought a second ranch in the Alexander Valley in 1934. With impeccable farming skills, they built a solid reputation as impeccable grape growers, selling to some of the best wineries in Sonoma County.

Si passed all of his knowledge onto his son John, who would carry the family business into the 3^rd generation. Saini Farms was created in 1984 with 300 acres of vineyards coupled with decades of experience that would set them apart from the rest.  It was John’s son Mike that dreamed of creating a wine brand of their own to showcase their most prized and recognized blocks which would propel them to a whole new level. In 2008, Mike recruited top winemakers and partnered with George Christie to be his Managing Partner. George had an extensive career in the wine industry and had been a close friend of Mike’s for nearly 20 years. The 4^th generation of Saini Vineyards was the perfect collaboration of talent and timing with their first release of Zinfandel in 2008. In addition to Zinfandel, they now also produce small lots of Grenache and Sauvignon Blanc.

Mike didn’t realize that 2008 would symbolize more than the beginning of a new wine venture. He would also meet Laura, the love of life. Laura quickly became part of the family business, taking on the role of Sales Manager. When Laura approached Lisbeth to put the wine on the Baci Wine List, there was no hesitation. Lisbeth didn’t even need to taste the wine. She knew their reputation and the family well, and was confident the wine would become a favorite among her customers. Baci had the honor of catering Mike and Laura’s wedding in 2012, and hosting their new son Angelo’s baptism celebration recently.  Will Angelo become the 5^th generation to carry on the family business? We hope so! It seems to run in the blood and why stop after 90 years?  For more information about the Saini Wine Club and current releases, please go to: http://www.sainivineyards.com.

Chef Shari's Summer Recipe: Chicken Curry Salad Tartlette

Mini Tartlettes filled with Diced, Boneless Chicken Breast, Celery, Sweet Onion, Fuji Apples, Golden Raisins, & Mango in Curry Sauce. Pairs well with Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling Wine & lighter White Wines. Serves 12

Recommended Usage:
Sandwich (open or closed Sandwich)
Curry Chicken Salad (On a bed of Lettuce, Greens, or Mini Iceberg Lettuce Cups)
Crostini for Party (Cocktail Party)

Ingredients:
2 LB Small Diced Cooked Skin & Boneless Chicken Breast
2 Cups Small Diced Celery
1 Cup Small Diced Sweet Onions
3 Cups of Diced Peeled Fuji Apples
8 oz Golden Raisin (Soaked in Sparking Wine overnight)
2 Table Spoon of Curry Powder
8 oz Major Grey Mangos with Ginger Chutney
4 oz Mayonnaise
Kosher Salt and white pepper as needed

Procedure: Add chicken, celery, onion, and dice apple mix in a large bowl. Drain the soaked raisins & add to salad.  Save the liquid. Sprinkle with curry powder, salt and pepper & add the chutney. Toss with a large spoon. Mix the saved sparkling wine liquid with the mayonnaise and pour into the salad and mix. Refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.

Chef’s notes: The salad looks nice if all cut and dicing are about same size and set everything in advance before mixing. For appetizers one can uses a touch of Chutney on top of the mini tart or some micro green to make it attractive.

Mini Tart: Pate Dough to make 1lb 8 oz
1lb Bread Flour
2tsp Baking Powder
½ oz Salt
1 tsp Sugar
4oz Sweet Butter Cold cut in to cubes
1 Egg
8 oz Milk

Combine all dry ingredients & mix well. Cut the butter into the dry mix with a pastry cutter, until it becomes crumbly. Mix the wet ingredients until fully incorporated, knead the dough till smooth. Shape the dough in to a cylinder about the size of a 50 cent coin and refrigerator over night. Depending on the size of your mini tart mold cut the dough same as cookies, roll with a roller; place in to the mold using your fingers. Cut the excess with a small knife place another mold on top and bake upside down in a sheet pan at 350 till cooked, but not over darkens. The tart let can be all cooked day before and kept in a nice dry storage.

Baci Bites

ReHealdsurg Hot Summer Bonus Sale! We encourage everyone to go check out ReHealdsburg for their Hot Summer Bonus Sale this weekend on August 10-11, from 10-3 at 1229 Grove St., in Healdsburg. Our friends Kim Endries Tyner  and Kathy Weil will be selling their existing inventory of eclectic treasures for the home and garden at greatly reduced prices with additional markdowns of 15-50% on everything in the showroom.

Enjoy what's left of the summer and hope to see you soon!

Cheers!

Lisbeth

Congratulations to Kerrie Diebold for winning our Facebook Valentine’s Contest in February. To celebrate Baci turning 3 years old on April 1^st, we are running another contest to win a $100 Baci gift certificate. There is a bowl on the hostess stand where you can put your business card or a piece of paper with your email address, and we will randomly choose a winner April 30th. Good luck!!!

We are very pleased that our Persian New Year celebration with Chef Shari’s Persian Feast in March sold out.  We are planning another feast in the Fall for all of you that were not able to come.

BACI’S SPECIAL SEASONINGS – The Staff

     Elvia Torres

Chef Shari really depends on a kitchen staff that works seamlessly, can multi-task to the nth degree, be quick and efficient, and not get stressed out. But above all else, be a great cook.  That is a tall order to fill! Thankfully, Shari has found such a kitchen staff, so he doesn’t have to figure out how to clone himself.  One of Shari’s essential right-hands is Elvia Torres. She came to the United States 14 years ago from Oaxaca, Mexico, with her parents in search of the American dream.  Elvia has worked hard over those years, taking on 2 and 3 jobs at a time in order to help raise and take care of her little brothers, now 15 and 18 years old.  After extensive restaurant experience,  Elvia joined Baci over  two years ago, and is one of our most essential ingredients.  As well as being one of Shari’s two sous chefs, she comes in early to prepare for the evening making delicious sauces, fresh pasta, and hand stuffing all the cannelloni.   Thank you Elvia for everything you do!

TASTING NOTES – Spotlighting noteworthy wines from the Baci Wine List

   Mueller Winery

As most of you know, Lisbeth  never travels anywhere without her Mueller Emily’s Cuvee (named after Lori and Bob’s daughter). I went out to Mueller Winery for an inside look at the husband and wife team behind one of her favorite wines and travel companion. Lori and Bob Mueller are the epitome of great teamwork. They produce around 4,000 cases including six different Pinot Noirs, two Zinfandels, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and a “Cousin’s Cuvee”, in honor of their  nephews that help out  during harvest.

Bob developed an interest in winemaking back in his college days, helping friends make garage wine, and eventually went on to UC Davis to get a degree in Enology. They operated a successful custom winemaking facility in Healdsburg for over 10 years before embarking on their own and have been producing their highly rated Mueller wines for 13 years now. They had the honor of being listed in James Lube’s 20 favorite Sonoma County Pinot Noir Producers, and was in the Top 100 Wines in the Wine Spectator.

Bob and Lori Mueller have just announced the exciting news that they are opening a tasting room in Healdsburg just a stone’s throw away from Baci at 118 North Street, right across from the Raven Performing Arts Theater. Congratulations to Lori and Bob on their new adventure!  They plan to open around June 1st, and we will cater the Grand Opening. We will keep everyone posted when the details are finalized.

Lori and Bob say coming into Baci is like walking into someone’s home, and that is the same feeling you will get at the Mueller tasting room. We showcase Mueller as a “Featured Winery” on our wine list because we know a good thing when we taste it! They also have a Wine Club which you can find more about here: www.muellerwine.com and will be participating in the upcoming Passport to Pinot on June 8-9.

Lori and Lisbeth have a lot in common besides a mutual appreciation of Emily’s Cuvee.  After all, they both have businesses where they do the “managing” while their husbands do the “creating”. I love the saying on their website, “Every good movie, great novel, grand romance has something in common… balance. An engaging beginning, fine layered nuances in the middle, and a satisfying finish.” That could also be said for the balance needed to be successful partners in marriage and in business, or in a great meal or glass of wine…

REGULAR ROUNDUP - Our tribute to some of our regulars that have become family to us here at Baci.We think they are a pretty special part of our mosaic.

    Aubrey and Blake Mauritson

There are a lot of cute couples we see at Baci and one in particular is Aubrey and Blake Mauritson.  They also have a very unique story of how they met.  Back when Blake Mauritson was studying at Fresno State, he found himself in a “Women’s Studies” class.  You would think this would be a smart way to pick up on girls, or at least to understand them better!  He was actually shy about being the token guy in the class, and was just there to get some credits he needed to graduate when nothing else was available.  When he spotted pretty class-mate, Aubrey, it took him four months to even speak to her! That class paid off, because they started dating after graduation. Aubrey went off to law school and Blake went back to his family winery in Healdsburg, and  continued to have a long distance relationship for 4 ½ years! After law school, Aubrey moved to Healdsburg to be with Blake and it wasn’t long before he surprised her by popping the question on her birthday. They married a year later in 2011, and they still look like newlyweds every time they come into Baci.

Aubrey is a civil litigation trail attorney for Perry, Johnson, Anderson, Miller & Moskowitz, LLP in Santa Rosa, and Blake is the Vineyard Manager at Mauritson Winery, overseeing 320 acres of vineyards.  Blake grew up working in the vineyards with his brother Clay, and are proud to be the 6^th generation to run the family business.  Blake’s great-great-great grandfather first planted grapes in here in 1886!  They have a beautiful winery and tasting room located at 2859 Dry Creek Road,  producing incredible wines that include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, we offer several of them on the Baci Wine List! To find out more about their wines, go to:www.mauritsonwines.com

Aubrey and Blake say they are regulars at Baci because the food is great, and there is nowhere else that treats them so well and like family.  Thank you Aubrey and Blake for sharing your story and brightening the restaurant whenever you come in!

BACI BITES 

Upcoming Events:

Passport Weekend: This weekend, Saturday & Sunday, April 27 & 28:  Baci will be catering at Gustafson Winery from 10:00am-4:00pm.  9100 Stewarts Point Skaggs Springs Road, Geyserville.

Mother’s Day Brunch: Please join us for Mother’s Day as we will be open for a special Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 12, 2013.

Bertapelle  Cellars opens new Tasting Room: Another small, local winery that is very dear to us is Bertapelle  Cellars. Dick and Pat Bertapelle are long-time friends of ours, and they have  just opened a tasting room at 428 Hudson Street in Healdsburg as part of the Hudson Street wineries cooperative.  We wish Dick and Pat good luck and much success!

“Team Hospice” for the Human Race Restaurant Week,  May 5-May 11: Baci Cafe & Wine Bar has teamed up with “Team Hospice” and will again be donating a portion of our proceeds to Memorial Hospice, Hospice of Petaluma & North County Hospice from Sunday, May 5th thru Saturday May 11th. Enjoy a fantastic dinner AND help our hospice programs at the same time!

Midsummer Picnic at Gustafson Winery, Saturday, June 15: Baci will be catering a casual picnic celebrating the Swedish Midsummer at the beautiful Gustafson Estate. More details to follow. www.gfvineyard.com

Antinori Winemaker Dinner, Tuesday, June 18:  We are honored to host a 4 course Winemaker Dinner featuring  Antinori Wines. If you are not familiar with their legacy, the Antinori family has been making wine in Italy for over 600 years and across 26 generations since 1385. For reference, the Ming Dynasty in China had just risen to power. Michelangelo was born in 1475, and when Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492 to discover the Americas, the Antinoris had already been making wine for 107 years. Even today it’s still family owned with Marchese Piero Antinori at the helm with his daughters, Albiera, Allegra, and Alessia. The family’s Napa Valley venture was named Antica, which is a combination of Antinori and California, and the word for ancient in Italian. Antica’s Winemaker, Nate Weis, will be hosting the event. More details to follow. Limited space. $125.00 including tax and gratuity.  Please call 707-433-8111 for reservations. 

Check out what the Baci Boys, Julius & Lawrence, have been up to:

The Baci Boys Julius and Lawrence decided not to get  into the food business like their parents and instead engaged themselves in the world of technology. They recently launched their business venture in November and they’re doing very well! Check out the very cool video that they recently came out with about their new start-up, Titaen IT Services:

FEATURED RECIPE 

In honor last month’s Persian New Year, here is the recipe for Chef Shari’s delicious Persian crispy rice.

Tah-dig:

2 quarts water
2 tablespoons salt
1 1/2 cups long-grain rice (not converted; preferably basmati or jasmine)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter

In a large saucepan bring water with salt to a boil. Add rice and boil 10 minutes. In a colander drain rice and rinse under warm water. In a 2- to 3-quart nonstick saucepan melt butter. Spoon rice over butter and cover pan with a kitchen towel and a heavy lid. Fold edges of towel up over lid and cook rice over moderately low heat until tender and a crust forms on bottom, 30 to 35 minutes. Spoon loose rice onto a platter and dip bottom of pan in a large bowl of cold water 30 seconds to loosen tah-dig. Remove tah-dig and serve over rice.

Hope all of you are enjoying the sunshine! Lisbeth sends her “Helllllooooo!” from Norway and says to please feel free to come in and give Shari a hard time in her absence. Enjoy!

Baci’s Special Seasonings: New Papa Marco Ferracuti

If you have had the privilege of having server Marco Ferracuti at Baci, you might have been tempted to repeat that old slogan, “Now THAT’S Italian!” Marco is from Roma, Italy, and has only been in the US since 2008. In Italy, Marco was a famous radio show host, known for his specialty of covering soccer games, and his interesting commentary on life, society, and politics. Marco was on a 2 month vacation visiting a friend in Davis, CA when he met Tami, a cute Davis student at a party. It was love at first sight! In fact, he told Tami that he was going to marry her that night. They became inseparable, and when Marco had to return to Italy, he told his mother that he found love in the US and was going back. He quit his job and came back 3 months later to begin his life with Tami, and they married a year later in 2009.

We are happy to announce that their family just got bigger!  They welcomed a special little Christmas present named Eliana Caudle Ferracuti on December 6, 2012 at 5:21am. With Marco speaking Italian and Tami being a Spanish teacher, they plan to raise Eliana to be tri-lingual in English, Italian and Spanish!

Marco says he feels comfortable at Baci because it’s like a family. Tami teased Marco when he first started that the reason he likes working here is because his 3 favorite dishes, the Ossobuco, Lamb Shank, and Tagliatelle con Frutti di Mare taste just like his mother’s!

Tasting Notes: Flanagan Winery - There’s great wine in them thar hills!

There’s something special about Flanagan wines. It’s the Flanagan family! It is always a treat to see Eric, his wife Kit, and the adorable smiling faces of daughters Riley, Lola, and Ruby when they come in for dinner. We were very flattered when 13-year-old Riley wrote about coming into dinner at Baci on their own family blog, “Notes from the Cellar” . Thank you Riley!

Eric Flanagan decided to move his family from the fast paced life of New York to the Sonoma County country life. Eric, an ardent wine lover and collector, was inspired to build a winery and produce his own world-class wines. Eric found the perfect land in 1999 atop Bennett Mountain, overlooking Bennett Valley in Santa Rosa, to plant vineyards and build his dream winery from the ground up. Complete with the best of everything, including 7,500 sq. ft. caves built deep into the hillside, and a 4,500 sq. ft. winery.

Eric also purchased 56 acres in the Russian River Valley where his family, 2 Golden Retrievers, 6 Dwarf Nigerian goats, and a dozen chickens and ducks live. This is also where they grow their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Eric had a vision of creating exceptional namesake wines, and a safe environment for his 3 daughters and dogs to run all over his vineyards safely. So every detail from farming the vineyards, to the winery and the caves are all 100% sustainable. They use year round cover crops, never till the soils, and hand-work on the vines. They even use the process water from the winery to water their 450 olive trees and don’t require frost protection, using less water during the critical winter salmon runs. They thought of everything! Eric and his family are largely reducing their carbon footprint, while creating an impressive footprint in the world of small boutique wines.

Eric says, “Our site, our vineyards, and our winemaking all combine to create wines of intensity, structure, complexity…..and beauty.”  So the next time you are at Baci, please give Flanagan wines a try! We carry their Cabernet Sauvignon, Beauty of Three (named after his daughters) by the glass, a 2005-2009 Cabernet Sauvignon vertical, 2007 & 2010 Syrah, 2009 Merlot, and their 2010 Russian River Valley Chardonnay. For more information and signup for their mailing list, go to: www.flanaganwines.com.

Here is a picture of the Flanagan clan at Baci when Eric brought his family and staff in for a holiday party in the Wine Room last week.  We have had the privilege of catering many events for the Flanagan family, including Eric and Kit’s beautiful rehearsal dinner in November 2011, and their recent Release Party at the winery last October. The view from the winery is breathtaking, the wines are fabulous, and the family is delightful! We also appreciate that Flanagan Winery has generously offered to be a sponsor of Lawrence’s upcoming performance at the Raven Theater in February.

Featured Farmer: Ken Gradek of Ken Gradek & Bros. Tree Orchard – Tree Farmer Extraordinaire

This month, we are featuring Ken Gradek, a longtime local farmer and Healdsburg resident. Ken and his 5 brothers were raised on their family farm located off West Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg since 1951. That farm is still thriving thanks to Ken and his brother, who decided to carry on the family business. About 20 years ago, they decided to create a niche for themselves and converted the land into a tree orchard. But not just any tree orchard, they have 650 fruit trees planted on 10 acres, with 12 different tree crops including peaches, nectarines, apples, figs, persimmons, cherries, and apricots. Among those tree crops, they specialize in Asian Pears and grow 12 different types of Asian pears, making them the largest and only resource in town for this delicious fruit. I was shocked to learn there are many different varieties of just Asian Pears!

When Ken sold them at the Healdsburg and Windsor farmer’s markets, and went around introducing them to local restaurants, he found many people were unfamiliar with Asian Pears. It didn’t take long for almost every restaurant in town to want them and the other “fruits” of his labor- including Baci! We use a lot of Ken’s fruit, including his peaches in our popular Baked Peaches dessert during summer. We currently use Ken’s persimmons in our Insalata Inverno and have some beauties displayed by the Baci wood oven.

I asked Ken if he ever got tired of farming, and he said he still loves doing it. He said no two years are the same, and he loves the challenge of providing the nicest fruit at the best price year after year regardless of what Mother Nature throws at him. Even though he has built a solid reputation of growing top-notch fruit, he said he always strives to be better. With a sparkle in his eye when he talks about his farm, Ken really takes pride in the quality of every fruit he grows. All of their fruit is tree ripened, and he makes sure they are picked and delivered everyday at the perfect ripeness.

Although farming is almost a year-round business, Ken has also managed to build a successful company providing support to Cal-Fire and the US Forest Service. When there is a large fire in the area, Ken and his crew go in and set-up and support the fire camps where all the fire fighters have to sleep and eat. Ken really found a niche in both of his businesses and they reflect the good-hearted man that Ken is. He truly cares about the quality of his farm, and he cares about the quality of living for those having to risk their lives in order to save ours. A very admirable man.  That is why we wanted to share Ken’s story as one of our favorite local farmers.

The Regular Round-up: Leslie and Dan Weaver – The Magical Powers of the Sweetheart Table

 Leslie and Dan Weaver’s love story blossomed at Baci. We can take some credit because on their first date, they did sit at the “sweetheart” table. At the sweetheart table, magical things can happen. You know the one – the private little table in the front corner. Never underestimate its power! That was three years ago and they have since married and come into Baci every year for their anniversary. It has now become their special family gathering place and have enjoyed numerous birthday and family celebrations here. They have a lot of celebrating to do, with five children between them and four grand-kids  The Baci wine bar is also their favorite spot for a Friday date-night.

People often say, “You’ll find the right one when the time is right.” For Leslie and Dan, that couldn’t have been more true. Leslie and Dan both grew up in Mill Valley, and went to the same school but they never met. Leslie has lived in Healdsburg since 1985, and Dan has lived in Healdsburg and worked at Healdsburg Lumber for over 35 years. Yet, somehow, they never met. It finally took a mutual friend introducing them the old-fashioned way to bring them together and the rest is history. We are happy that their history started at Baci!

Here’s some unique trivia about Leslie and Dan. Leslie has 17-year-old boy/girl twins that have different birthdays because she delivered one before midnight and the other one after! Leslie is a travel expert, splitting her time between working for the county and being a travel agent at HMS Travel, and they will be spending the holidays this year in Belize (which makes me very jealous). Dan has helped remodel the Baci building four times since working for Healdsburg Lumber! I asked them why they are regulars at Baci, and they said they feel very welcome and they love the food.  Thank you, Leslie and Dan, for making us part of your love story.

Chef Shari’s Holiday Recipe: Roast Crown of Pork from Chef Shari – Serves 12

Ingredients:
2 Pork loins Frenched, 6 bones
¾ Cup kosher salt
1 Cup sugar
1 Gallon of water
3 Bay leaves
4 Whole cloves
2 Oranges
2 Teaspoons of juniper berries
4 Medium cloves of garlic
2 Tea spoons of crushed black pepper
2 Tea spoons of finely chopped sage & thyme
6 oz of butter, room temperature

The Crown of pork can be formed with two Frenched loin tied together, bone side in. Make Brine from salt, sugar, water, bay leaves, garlic, and juniper berries. The oranges must be squeezed in the brine, and then the rind should be added in. Submerge the loins, cover with brine, and place in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours, no more than 24 hours before cooking. Before cooking make a paste with the butter and the herbs.

For cooking:
Drain and rinse the pork loins well, pat dry, and turn the oven to 250 degrees. Tie the 2 ribs with the butcher string to form the crown and stand up. The bone side must be in and facing up. Then rub the paste all over the meat, sprinkle with the crushed black pepper and place in the roasting pan. At this time you can add some onion, celery and carrots to the bottom of the pan and set the roast on top pure a cup or two of water (which can be made in to a sauce later.) Cook for 1 to 1.5 hours to reach a temperature of 140, at this point turn the oven to 400 degrees for 15 minutes to reach 155 degrees and browned. Set it a side to relax and serve.

Idea for the center of the Crown Pork: Roast fingerling potatoes, and mix with sauteéd brussels sprouts place in the center of the crown roast and cover the bones with paper frills.

Baci Bites:

Save the Date: Recital by Pianist Lawrence Holmefjord-Sarabi – Wednesday, February 13, 2013, 7:00pm, at the Raven Theater in Healdsburg, CA.

Our son, 21-year-old pianist Lawrence Holmefjord-Sarabi is returning home to Healdsburg for the start of his world tour. He currently studies performance at the Yong-Siew-Toh Conservatory in Singapore, and will be performing a solo recital at Raven Theater. Sponsored by Flanagan Winery. Adults: $30/Students: $20, Food & Wine Reception at Baci Café & Wine Bar following concert: $75. For tickets: Call 707.433.8111 or go to www.bacicafeandwinebar.comor www.facebook.com/BaciCafeWineBar. Tickets will also be available starting January 2, 2013 at The Raven Theater at 115 North St., Healdsburg and Copperfield’s Books at 106 Matheson St., Healdsburg.

Lawrence will also be performing in San Jose on Friday, February 15th, 7:00pm at Trianon Theatre at 72 North 5th Street, San Jose, CA. Prices are Adults: $30/Students: $20.

Holiday Gifts: It’s not too late to give a gift certificate from Baci. Just give us a call at 707-433-8111 or come in. We also have Baci logo aprons (modeled below), bread baskets, placemats, and some olive oil that would make great gifts.

Holiday Hours: December Lunch: Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 11:30am – 3:00pm, December Dinner: Wednesday through Monday from 5:00pm. Closed Tuesdays.

Dinner Christmas Eve & New Years Eve from 5:00pm with an open menu and a variety of specials. We have posted our Holiday specials here on the blog. Please just click the “Holiday Specials” page located in the upper right-hand  corner.  We will be closed Christmas Day, December 25 and closed for vacation from Tuesday, January 1 and reopening on Friday, January 11, 2013.

We wish all of you joyous holidays filled with love, laughter, friends, family, good food and good cheer!

This month, we are again highlighting some very cool and interesting local folks that we feel are part of the Baci mosaic:

Baci’s Special Seasonings: The Staff

Mike Cilenti – Employee of the YEAR!

What do you get when you combine Mr. Clean with a super hero? That would be Mike Cilenti! And no, he didn’t model for the Mr. Clean logo, but Mike resembles him in more ways than one! Most of you know the front of the house crew already with my big “Heelloooo” and our familiar faces. But, just like a car, nothing would run smoothly without a good engine. Our engine is our kitchen. It’s actually more like a fine tuned symphony, with everyone knowing their part to create a great experience for each guest. This includes our unseen hero, and our Employee of the Year, Mike Cilenti. Mike comes in every afternoon and cleans the entire restaurant, including floors, windows, and the restrooms. Then, when it’s show time, he is our main dishwasher. He makes sure we have enough plates, utensils and glasses for even the busiest night.

Mike has lived in Healdsburg for 25 years and has three kids that are 16, 18 and 26 years old. He met Shari working out at the Healdsburg Health and Fitness Gym. Mike needed some work, so Shari offered him a job dishwashing at Baci. That was over 2 years ago, and he has never even called in sick! Mike and Shari still work out at the same gym, but says Shari doesn’t partner with him because he isn’t strong enough (just kidding).

Mike is dedicated, hardworking, and the reason the restaurant is so pristine each and every day. He always has a good attitude, a smile, and something funny to say. Mike says he likes working at Baci because the time goes by very fast. We really like and appreciate him too, as it’s not often to find an employee of his caliber. Thank you Mike! Now the next time you have dinner at Baci, you know who has been working behind the scenes to make your evening spotless.

REGULAR ROUNDUP - Our tribute to some of our regulars that have become family to us here at Baci. We think they are a pretty special part of our mosaic.

Kim Endries Tyner – Reinventing herself with ReHealdsburg

Most people wish they could take their favorite hobby and turn it into a successful career. That is what Kim did recently with ReHealdsburg. Kim’s new venture is much different than the corporate world in San Francisco that she commuted to everyday for over 10 years from Healdsburg. When the company she worked for downsized 1 1/2 years ago, she grabbed the opportunity to travel and figure out the next chapter in her life. That became apparent when Kim sold her house and decided to consign some of her furniture to a pop-up with upper scale home furnishings that was considered the best kept secret in Healdsburg. Those “in the know” loved this exclusive hidden treasure full of great deals. She considered working for them until the opportunity came to purchase the business. Hello next chapter! Kim partnered up with Kathy Weil, another local Healdsburg gal and friend, and together they are taking ReHealdsburg to a whole new level. You go girls!

I went to visit their warehouse and I was surprised by their unique and eclectic collection of classy home furnishings and good prices. I wanted to pull up a truck and take it all home! There is a catch though, the pop-up warehouse  is only going to have 8 sales per year. Yes, that’s it! The first sale is Friday and Saturday, January 25 & 26 from 9-5, and Sunday, January 27, from 10-2. The address is 1229 Grove St., Healdsburg. For more information, please call 707-433-3231 or go to: http://rehealdsburg.com/home. Don’t miss it!

About once a week, you can find Kim and Kathy at the Baci wine bar, having dinner and usually laughing. Kim has been a Baci fan since we opened. In fact, Kim met Lisbeth at the Baci grand opening reception, and they became fast friends. Since then, they have enjoyed many “strategy meetings”, commiserating on Kim’s boat in Lake Sonoma over life and business. I asked Kim what her favorite hobbies are, and she said boating, traveling and shopping for furniture. We are so happy that she can now take that passion to help others create their dream homes too.

Kim says she is a regular at Baci not only because she is good pals with Lisbeth, but because it’s a local hangout, a family atmosphere, and the charm that oozes from Chef Shari.

TASTING NOTES - Spotlighting noteworthy wines from the Baci Wine List

Gustafson Winery -  Hard to say but easy to love (Goose-taf-son)

There are certain people you meet that have really great energy. You can’t explain it, but there’s something special about them. That’s Dan Gustafson. Dan is the owner of Gustafson Winery, a stunning winery and property above Lake Sonoma that probably has the best view for wine tasting in all of Healdsburg, and is the highest elevation estate vineyard and winery in Sonoma County. Besides being just a really nice and genuine guy, Dan is a visionary, a successful entrepreneur, a family man, and a producer of great wines.

Dan started a landscape architect business 45 years ago while attending college in Minnesota. That business is still thriving with employees that have been with him for over 20 years. As a wine connoisseur, Dan would visit the wine country often and eventually purchased a home in Sea Ranch.  In 2002, when Dan was driving from Healdsburg to the coast one day, he discovered the land that is now Gustafson Winery and his Healdsburg home. Out of the 247 acres he purchased, 20 acres are now planted to vineyards which produce 9 different varietals including Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Rosé of Syrah. All of the vineyards are sustainably farmed and the remainder of the land is an ecological preserve. They also planted around old groves of madrone, oak, and redwood trees, including the “Sonoma County Heritage Tree.” This 300-year-old madrone has a trunk diameter of eleven feet and is thought to be the largest madrone tree in Sonoma County, and perhaps the entire state of California.

It is amazing that the winery is run by a 3 person crew including Dan, dual winemaker and vineyard manager Emmett Reed, and Emmett’s sister, Kaitlin Reed Childers, who is the Tasting Room Manager. They have really become one big family. Emmett and his wife not only live on the estate, but when they had their first baby 6 months ago, Dan was one of the first to hold him at the hospital.  What also touched me was that to celebrate Dan’s birthday last week, Emmett and Kaitlin cooked a special homemade dinner for him and his wife, Phyllis. It’s not often you hear employees doing that!

The combination of the view, great wines, and beautiful winery has created a high demand for weddings and events on the estate. Dan hired Baci Café & Wine Bar to be the winery’s exclusive caterer because we know the lay of the land. Dan says this way he doesn’t have to worry about the events because he knows we will take care of everything and the food will be good.  That is essential for Dan because he still travels back and forth from Minnesota for business and to see his 2 grown children and grandkids.

Baci will be catering at Gustafson Winery for Winter Wineland this weekend on January 19 & 20 from 11-4. Be among the first to taste their 2012 Estate Rosé of Syrah and 2012 Estate Riesling!  The tasting room is also open every Saturday from 10-4. I suggest you bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the view! The winery is located at 9100 Stewarts Point-Skaggs Springs Rd. For more information or to join their Wine Club, check out their website at: www.gfvineyard.com or call 707-433-2371. Gustafson is a Featured Winery on Baci’s wine list, so we encourage you to give them a try if you haven’t already discovered how good they are!

FEATURED FARMER –

Sonoma Organics – The one stop shop for local bounty

Sonoma Organics was founded in 1995 by Richard Robinson who wanted to help small, local organic farmers sell their produce. By consolidating their produce, he created easy access for restaurants to access everything they needed from one place. Now Richard has 3 trucks delivering all over the Bay Area with numerous employees, and an expanded product line. While still representing numerous local farmers, Richard and his wife have recently added artisan cheeses, wild mushrooms, pasta, oils, vinegars, chutneys, heirloom beans, and various spices to their portfolio.

Supporting local farmers is very important to us, so we like being able to support the “little guys” that depend on Sonoma Organics to get their produce in the kitchen. Having a one-stop shop makes the process easy and convenient. For example, Sonoma Organics is where we get an array of artisan cheeses and wild mushrooms, as well as various produce.

Richard is always looking to source new local products. If you have something he may be interested in, please call him at 707-829-8200 or go to http://www.sonomaorganics.com.

MONTHLY RECIPE – Short and sweet, but very good!

Rigatoni Salsiccia - Serves 6 people

1 lb Fennel Sausage
1 yellow onion finely diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3 fresh, ripe tomatoes
4 cups organic Italian tomato sauce
2 cups Zinfandel
salt & pepper to taste
½ cup Parmesan cheese
1 lb dry rigatoni

Sautee the meat until slightly brown. Drain off the grease. Add in the onion, garlic and fresh tomatoes. Cook until meat is coarse. Add the tomato sauce and wine, and let simmer for an hour. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook the pasta al dente. Toss the pasta in the salsiccia sauce, and add the Parmesan cheese when ready to serve.

This is a favorite dish of Frankie Williams, owner of Toad Hollow Winery!

BACI BITES -

Lawrence Holmefjord-Sarabi Kicks off Debut World Tour Next Month in Healdsburg!

Please remember that our son, Lawrence, who is an award winning classical pianist is returning home to Healdsburg to kick off  his major debut World Tour performing selected pieces from Grieg, Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy, Stravinsky, and Balakirev. He will be at the Raven Theater in Healdsburg on Wednesday, February 13, at 7:00pm. Tickets are Adults: $30/Students: $20 and there is a Food & Wine Reception at Baci Café & Wine Bar following the concert: & 75. Thank you Flanagan Winery for sponsoring the event. If you are planning to attend the VIP reception after Lawrence’s concert, please hurry and get your tickets as they are selling fast. Buy tickets at the restaurant or online at: www.bacicafeandwinebar.com.

Other US performances include:
All tickets available at: www.bacicafeandwinebar.com
San Jose, CA: Friday, February 15th, 7:00pm at Le Petit Trianon Theatre at 72 North 5th Street, San Jose, CA
Boulder, CO: Friday, February 22, 2013, 6:00pm at the Boulder Library, 1001 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, Colorado
Houston, TX: Saturday, February 23, 2013, 7:00pm at Dowling Hall, 2615 Southwest Freeway #220, Houston, TX

Valentine’s Day Facebook Contest! Enter to win $100 dinner for 2 at our Sweetheart Table!

Don’t forget to go on our Facebook page and enter our Valentine’s contest to win $100 towards dinner for 2 at our special sweetheart table! Entries will be taken until February 9th and we will announce the winner on February 10. If you are a fan of Baci’s Facebook page, you are eligible to enter the contest. Valentine’s day inspired us to do the contest, but you are not restricted to use it for two people and we won’t force you to sit at the sweetheart table. Heck, if you win, you could even show yourself some love and use the $100 towards a dinner just for yourself!  The $100 has no cash value or expiation date.  To enter, please go to our Facebook page. If you are not already a fan, please like us!

That’s a wrap!

We had so much fun last Tuesday when Tuxton China  filmed a commercial at the restaurant! I even got to hold the clapboard and say “Action”! Could I have missed my calling?

Thanks for reading our blog. Til next month!