Girlonabike was lucky enough to attend the reopening of the McEvoy Ranch shop at the Ferry Building. Champagne was flowing as guests sipped on Veuve Clicquot, endless plates of oysters, organic veggies, and roasted rosemary almonds.  Everyone was there including Nan McEvoy and Gensler designer Michael Bodziner, who designed the beautiful space with Berkeley Mills cabinetry. I was able to get my hands on the newly released 80 Acres Verde home and body care line, named after the 80 acres of olive trees at McEvoy Ranch. The scent takes its freshness and green aromatic notes from the McEvoy Ranch gardens in the spring.  My home now has beautifully scented soy candles in the bathroom and living area. I’m already a big fan of the body balm which I use on dry cuticles and hands, and it is made from real certified organic olive and jojoba oil. Load up on this one, it makes an excellent hostess gift or stocking stuffer. I’ll be heading back to the shop soon, since they usually get the first delivery of holiday wreaths in November. Can’t wait!

Friday Evening was the beginning of the Harvest Festival benefiting CUESA  and the Ferry Building was packed with everyone just off work and sampling California organic food, wine, and vodka.

 

I was bidding at the silent auction and was able to go home with one case of True Earth 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Petite Sirah Blend (Cafe Organic Lettus has it), and one case of Bonterra Vineyards Chardonnay from Mendocino County. On Saturday I was pressing fresh apples from Devoto Gardens in Sabastopol and making butter with a glass jar and marbles (who knew?) CUESA volunteers were there to demonstrate otherwise I would have not had the expertise. Devoto Gardens is where I have been getting my fresh apples this year. They are located at the farmers market on Tuesday and Saturday. My favorite right now are the Arkansas Black variety, usually picked the day before. 

Pomegranates are now in season and I purchased a case from Twin Girls Farm. These heart healthy antioxidant rich beauties have made excellent center pieces in my wood bowl from the Gardener, before I devour and replace them with next weeks pick. I think I will be mixing them with persimmons for my Thanksgiving centerpiece.  With Halloween near, I wanted some adult candy variety and stopped by Michael Recchiuti’s and they have created darling artisan chocolate ganache pieces with halloween motifs and new peanut butter pucks! Get them before they are gone.  If more is merrier the have amazing new gift boxes. I don’t have a favorite( I love them all) but the Hot Chocolate with Heath Ceramics cups would make a great gift for anyone who loves chocolate.

 

If you can’t control yourself and need single portions, the Blue Bottle stand outside uses Recchiuti for their Mocha and Cocoa. I’m off to bike across town to pick up my Lettus salads. Please check back, I will be releasing dates for upcoming book signings with some of our favorite local chefs. See you soon!