#55 - January 25th, 2006

Firstly, I’d just like to say that, although I understand the reasoning behind it, I find it a terrible shame that the ‘Powers that Be’ here at the A.V.A. have deemed it necessary to reduce the size of their esteemed organ. Despite finding myself in disagreement with them on various issues, I have great respect and admiration for the efforts made by The Gang of Three in keeping this ‘Institution’ alive…Supreme Commander Severn, along with his loyal and able sidekick, Colonel Scaramella, and daughter, Saffron, do a fantastic job each week in producing this unique publication. I am personally grateful for being included in this venture and would like to think that most of our readers will remain loyal and continue to give their support despite the reduced format. In the meantime I should point out that, whilst I was The Pretender at the top right hand corner of Page 7, I will gladly accept being The Pretender wherever I find myself, just as long as I can Pretend somewhere…..
Moving on…Here is the latest on the downtown ‘change of scenery’ in Boonville…Following the news of the new bar, The Highpockety Ox, opening in a month or so at the former site of The Buckhorn Saloon, I can far from exclusively reveal that the new coffee shop in town will be The Mosswood Market, opening on Monday, February 13th. The name “combines a feel for the Valley with a sense of community”, says co-owner Sharon Hurley who, together with Debra Leighton, hopes to continue and expand on all the good work performed by their predecessor, Glad’s Café. The new establishment will be offering extended hours, opening from 7am until 5pm, and will be serving a range of coffees, baked goods, home made fresh breads, lunches, salads, Paninis (hot grilled sandwiches), and desserts. They will also have a beer and wine selection and a magazine and newspaper rack featuring an eclectic choice for a wide range of customers. They hope to have seating out front and perhaps, in the future, a little live music…I have one question – Will they be offering bagels and cream cheese? Mmmm, tasty, that would be an excellent idea - sometimes we Turkey Vultures get cravings for something other than squished squirrel, you know…
Next week in ‘Local Quickies’ – “Is yet another Boonville landmark business to change hands?”...At this point I couldn’t possibly comment but I’ll make sure you’re the first to know…And “What is happening at The Toll House on Highway 253?” My pre-eminent team of roving reporters is investigating and all will be revealed a.s.a.p……
Valley Folk I’d Prey with anytime - #4: Ken Allen…The owner of the Anderson Valley Brewery has received more than his fair share of abuse in the pages of this publication in the past but, in my dealings with him, both on a personal level and in business, I have always found him to be a ‘good man’. I am not alone. Many people think “Ken Allen is o.k.”, although that may be hard to discern if certain people, not a million miles away from here, are to be unreservedly believed. Sure, he can be opinionated, and has displayed what some would see as a ruthless side, but I see it as being business-like and professional. Yes, he may have also put his foot in his mouth after a few beers on occasion – who hasn’t?...
It’s only my opinion of course but I believe that he and his Brewery have brought many positives to the Valley, and not just in the form of the very generous annual donations he makes to a wide variety of Valley organizations and charities. On a personal level, I can vouch for the fact that he clearly loves the Valley and talking about it’s fascinating past and the uniqueness of life which exists in this part of the world…When he eventually backs off from the daily grind of Brewery ownership, many people, including myself and his many long-time employees, will no doubt agree that he should be able to reflect proudly on all that he has created here…Yes, I’d prey with him any time…(Now that must be worth a couple of beers, eh, Ken?)
Sign that the Apocalypse is upon Us - #63: Ken Allen gets a positive ‘review’ in the A.V.A……
Meanwhile, if a damn fine meal, a ‘good’ drink, and top notch company are your deal, then you should have joined me and five of the ‘usual suspects’ last Sunday when we headed to the coast for some brunch. Now I’m not a big fan of the Mendocino Hotel’s fine dining, preferring The Albion River Inn, the McCallum House, or Café Beaujolais, but for brunch they do a wonderful job. Eggs Benedict (with or without crab or spinach) served with home-style potatoes is the choice to make and, accompanied by mimosas (“champagne” and O.J.) at $1.50 each, you can’t go wrong. Topped off with a walk on the Headlands and followed by a couple of Bloody Mary’s at Dick’s Bar on the seafront before the pregnant designated driver decides to call it a day, this kind of treat is hard to beat…I just thought you should know…..
Back by popular demand – It’s the “Useful Word” of the Week…I believe it’s # 39 and we’re going with “badaud”, pronounced ba-dawd. It is a word for someone who spreads idle gossip as in, “Anderson Valley is a wonderful place to live but it does seem to have more than it’s fair share of badauds”…Who can they be referring to?...I think we should be told…..
Also making a return to this space for your edification, it’s…The Wine of the Week!… Now I love a Zinfandel and one of my favorites is made by local winery, Claudia Springs. But don’t just trust my opinion, although I have often suggested that you do. This view was given support recently when an out-of-town businessman, and wine connoisseur, joined a friend of mine, The Grey-Bearded Warbler, for dinner at the Boonville Hotel. He had flown into the Bay Area the previous day from Chicago where he had been wined and dined by business associates at a famous steak place in the Windy City. The steak back there was $50 and the wine just under $100. That evening at the Hotel, The Warbler informs me that the businessman couldn’t give enough praise for the delicious steak for $20-something and a wonderful bottle of Claudia Springs Zinfandel which, in his knowledgeable opinion, was far superior to the expensive bottle he had tasted the previous evening. Why am I not surprised?...A hearty Zinfandel from Claudia Springs paired with a succulent steak prepared in the kitchen at the Boonville Hotel – you had no chance, Chicago…..
And now, of course, alongside the Wine of the Week we must immediately turn to The Whine of the Week…Well, “I’ll be quick and keep it simple” (as the bishop said to the actress) – my whine has to be about the never-ending rainfall we are experiencing. Enough already!...To whoever is in charge of this stuff, “Please give us a break for a few days. The Nest is a mud-filled mess and all my carrion is in a soggy pile – certainly edible but not as enticing as usual”…..
That’s all for now, folks. It’s been fun and we’ll do it again next week. However, just before I go, may I point out that with the reduction in the size of the newspaper, the cost of this particular column has now risen to just over three cents. You may be wondering, “Is it worth it? Can I invest three cents into trusting what Turkey Vulture says?”. Well consider this - Agatha Christie wisely wrote, “Where large sums of money are concerned, it is advisable to trust nobody”…I rest my case…..
”Let us prey”, humbly and trustfully yours, Turkey Vulture…..