#61 - March 8th, 2006

Aaah, it’s good to be back to ‘normal’ after last week’s public washing of dirty laundry. These things happen and will probably happen again at some point but for now I will humbly submit my thoughts and observations to The Powers that Be and keep my claws crossed that nobody gets their underpants in a twist….
Moving on…A week or so ago I spent a very pleasant evening at the first in a series of planned gatherings for the staff who “toil” at the various winery tasting rooms in the Valley. This event was hosted by the good people at Meyer Family Cellars and featured not only their own excellent syrah and port but also a selection of wines donated by various Valley vineyards. With a luscious ham, a good range of cheeses, fresh salads, and excellent brownies, together with a little ping-pong or bocce ball for the more “athletic”, a fun time was had by all. Many thanks to Matt and Bonnie Meyer, who together with staff members Karen and Bridget were most gracious hosts. The next get-together will be at Scharffenberger Cellars at the end of March. I assure you that I shall be there in my capacity as investigative reporter and not just as someone who just scavenges for fine wines and food…..
Just days later a gathering of a different, yet equally as enjoyable kind took place at the Apple Hall in downtown Boonville - The Crab Feed. The event was reported in last week’s Valley People section but I just wanted to add my gratitude to the organizers from the Senior Center. The crab was delicious and plentiful, the wines only ran out at the very, very end (I know), and hopefully, with the event once again a sellout, the Senior Center made a substantial amount for their cause. The Crab Feed is my favorite Valley event with its cross-section of our community in attendance and many familiar faces to spot and friendships to catch up on. For the second year in succession I was the last guest to leave and, considering I was one of the first to arrive, you can correctly assume that I had my money’s worth. When the usual organizers, The Catholic Church, backed out it was the Seniors who stepped in and saved the event - many thanks to them from three hundred happy crab-crackers…..
Talking about The Catholic Church I should mention that they still put on the Barn Sale held the last weekend of every month at a venue just north of Boonville on Anderson Valley Way. The event runs from 9am - 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday and, apart from the numerous bargains, there is Eva Holcomb in the kitchen with husband Bill on the grill serving up a damn good burger with all the fixin’s plus a small bag of chips for just $3.50. Yes, folks, you read it correctly, $3.50!...It’s all for a good cause and you’ll have a good time – I’m prepared to guarantee it!.....
Finally this week, on a personal note, I feel I should inform you that I am about to become employed, albeit in an advisory and merely part-time capacity, at the new bar in town - The Highpockety Ox. As a result of my many years of experience in the bar/restaurant business, the new owner, Jason Schrider, showing great insight and wisdom, or perhaps a huge lack of judgment, wants me to become his consultant/adviser. For the film buffs amongst you, I see the position as a sort of Consiglieri (Robert Duvall) to his Godfather (Marlon Brando). Now I understand the skeptics out there will assume that this will result in a loss of objectivity, or at least a certain bias in my comments regarding the bar and restaurant scene in and around The Valley. Hopefully, this will not be the case as I endeavor to call it as I see it when discussing this important topic…Anyway, I just thought you should be the first to know of my plans….
Meanwhile, let us prey…Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture…..