Bone Marrow at Osteria Stellina

This is why I will never be a vegetarian. Bone marrow (at least of the bovine variety), when done nicely like the example below from Osteria Stellina in Point Reyes Station, California (http://osteriastellina.com/) taps deep into the collective cave-man (or woman) cortex. Like "beef butter", the slightly unctuous marrow spreads into a flavorful sheen onto whatever lucky delivery vehicle the diner chooses. I chose the supplied bread.

Osteria Stellina served up this tasty example with a simple garnish of garlic, capers, parsley, and lemon zest.

 

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San Rafael Farmer's Market on Thanksgiving Eve

Here's hoping that your Thanksgiving is filled with deliciousness - with a few images from the San Rafael Farmers market in Marin County, California.

 

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A Day in Point Reyes California

Point Reyes National Seashore is a wonderful place. Green (this time of year at least) rolling farmland dotted by holstein cattle tumbles into the sea on a spit of land that is slowly sliding past the North American continent. Tomales bay, and the San Andreas fault underneath, divide Point Reyes from the mainland. Beaches both wild and calm, cows, native elk, cliffs, and moss-covered forests fill the viewfinder. Tasty breakfast burritos from The Pine Cone Diner in Point Reyes Station fill my belly.

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Fall's Last Call: Touring the Beartooth Highway & Red Lodge, MT

With the "extended play" button firmly pressed on Montana's summer of 2010, we decided to take the twisty back roads of the Beartooth Highway. Nothing quite satisfies like the 11,000-foot-high plateau that is the Beartooth Mountain Range. Rolling tundra on the top and u-shaped glacial valleys below await the Sunday (or in this case, Saturday) driver. 

Judging from the collection of roof-racks, sports cars, and souped-up choppers, we weren't the only folks who felt the last-minute sense of urgency to "get out" before the inevitable winter season arrives.

Red Lodge, or "Jackson Hole North" as one local put it,  did not disappoint either. A late lunch at the Bridge Creek Cafe / Wine Bar delighted with "crab fingers," ahi-tuna tartare with crispy won-tons, and a beet salad with the requisite goat cheese crumbles. We paired the meal an Oregon Riesling that had surprising depth and balance. The occasional chopper and sports car provide the only distractions as we bask in the spenditude of the moment.

Sitting outside enjoying lunch on October 2nd in Montana is pretty good. Sitting outside enjoying lunch in the shade and still feeling almost a little too warm - priceless.

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West Yellowstone's Madison Lounge: Wine...and Tapas?

A "wine bar" in West Yellowstone. Yes. Small plates, "tapas", and dishes that include house-made naan, chorizo-stuffed-and-bacon-wrapped-dates, grilled lamb with mint pesto. Yes. Yes. ...and Yes.

The Madison Lounge opened this winter initially offering refreshment of the liquid variety. In late June, a food menu arrived. Thanks to the Lounge and a local caterer joining forces, you now have another option in West Yellowstone when seeking, "real" food.

The simple wine list is a step up from the usual bar-list, but is still an exploration slightly familiar new-world wines. A Rhone or Burgundy would add some diversity...if I had my say...

Tonight we enjoyed the chorizo-stuffed-and-bacon-wrapped-dates, and two specials: the grilled flat-iron steak with red rice and chile-lime butter, and the lamb with Israeli couscous and mint pesto.

The sweet-succulent-savory dates were a hit. I can always tell that I enjoy something when I take bites that are way too big, but these flavor bombs of pork-date-crispy-creamy goodness called for rapid consumption.

The steak and lamb were prepared to the proper temps and the accompanying sauces/butters were thoughtful and tasty! We wrapped things up with the tiramisu brownie; which did a nice re-hash of the traditional flavors - now in brownie form!

Located in the Madison Crossing building (the old Apothecary for old-timers), the Lounge is a great addition to West Yellowstone's food "scene."

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