A TRIO OF TASTY NIGHTS: Napa kind of does the world cuisine rather well, you might have heard. Of course, fans of the region know this well, but those quintessential wine country dishes and flavors can dominate many minds when it comes to considering the cuisine of the area. There's an answer to that, and one the valley regularly participates in: Host events and series that bring together flavors from points around the planet. This flavorful idea will come full flower in the middle of march when the Auberge resorts host a trio of dinners, all focused on the culinary traditions of Morocco. Each night will take on a different theme, within a different setting, but all with a single purpose: Beautiful food in beautiful settings.
NIGHT ONE... is a Moroccan Mezze Reception at Auberge de Soleil. Think "French Moroccan meets California cuisine" for this one, and think dishes like falafel with yogurt tzatziki and spiced lamb saddle complete with an organic carrot-and-cumin puree and orange reduction. Mmm. We're not quite sure what words from this round-up we want to focus on today, but "orange reduction" may stay with us. Date? It's Thursday, March 13.
NIGHT TWO... Happens the next night, at Solage Calistoga. Tagine is the elegant order of the night, and guests will help make 'em, at "an interactive cooking class." Local and Moroccan wines'll be flowing, and your take-home goodie? A tagine of your own, from Le Creuset.
AND NIGHT THREE... rounds it all out on Saturday, March 15. This one's a gala, the pretty spot is the Calistoga Ranch Wine Cave, and belly dancers shall dance in the atmospheric setting. On the menu? Tafernout bread and zaalouk are two of the featured foods.
Still thinking of orange reduction, and caves, and Napa wines, and the joys of eating around the world in a few picturesque settings. So, fans of Moroccan meals, are you going Napa Valley in the middle of March.
Still thinking of it.
