Fourth of July

Eastside Road, July 4, 2015—

THE FOURTH OF JULY: Independence Day. We refer to it as our Revolutionary War, but there was no revolution; England persisted in its antiquated monarchy (as it continues to do): we simply declared our Independence.

We celebrated the occasion with a modest but delicious and nourishing lunch: chicken broth fortified with leftover pesto, and plums and figs from the trees.

In the evening, down the hill to the neighbors, where a fire had been set in the Weber, and things were afoot: a butterlied leg of lamb, a decent-sized tri-tip. a few ears of corn, salads involving tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, and who knows what else. Vanilla ice cream. Peaches and things.

Tocai Friulano "Borgo Buon Natale", Clendenen Family Vineyards (Santa Maria Valley), 2013 (thanks, John), quietly growing more complex and interesting;
Petite Sirah, Preston of Dry Creek, 2012; Syrah, Preston of Dry Creek, 2012 (both clean, fruity, full of varietal flavor, nearly ready)

☛Restaurants visited in 2015 are listed at Eatingday's Restaurants