Solage Magazine

Vi g ne t t e s Think Global, eaT local Napa’s world-class wines have long been the valley’s star attraction, making it easy for visitors to overlook all the other delectable goods produced in Wine Country. But Napa also teems with plump fruits, crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs and spices—just witness the many farmers markets that take place throughout the valley between May and October (year-round markets are held in Sonoma and Santa Rosa). Each season has its bounty: Spring offers asparagus and garlic; summer is prime time for tomatoes, berries, and corn; fall brings apples and squash; and winter is best for beets and chards. Napa is also renowned for its superb olive oils—which local chefs put to endlessly creative uses. At Solage’s chic, relaxed Solbar, executive chef Brandon Sharp incorporates the best seasonal produce into his innovative menus—from fresh fruit smoothies at breakfast to orchard peach galettes for dessert. At the height of summer, he works with heirloom tomatoes and white corn; in winter he uses valley-grown Russian kale and brussels sprouts. “We utilize the best of what the valley offers,” says Sharp. “Our menu just rolls with the seasons.” For Solbar information and reservations, call (707) 226-0850. EMBRACiNG THE WHiMSiCAl The Cornerstone Festival of gardens’ Chris hougie t he first time motorists approach the Cornerstone Festival of Gardens common is blatant curiosity at an enormous dead tree covered with in southern Sonoma County, there’s always a reaction. One of the most 75,000 blue plastic balls. Yet Cornerstone is no experiment in the bizarre; it is a For founder Chris Hougie, the nine acres of installations crown a lifetime serious attempt to integrate nature, art, and gardening into one enticing package. spent bringing joy to others. A former toy company owner (who enthralled countless children with the glow-in-the-dark stars their parents spread across their bedroom ceilings), Hougie admits he’s “always had an interest in creating things. The toy business is about coming up with ideas and finding out what works. Our gardens are very similar.” The impetus behind the gardens came after Hougie visited the celebrated international Garden Festival in France in 1996. A few years later, he launched his own project, carving out a botanic jewel in a region normally known for its vineyards. Nine years later, Cornerstone is a showcase for some of the finest architectural and landscape designers in the world: Topher Delaney, Mario Schjetan, Yoji Sasaki, Martha Schwartz. it’s a true home for innovation and whimsy— ideals embodied by its founder. www.cornerstonegardens.com S O L AG E P h o T o g R A P h y ( T o P T o B o T T o M ) : g E T T y R F, P R o V I D E D B y C o N E R S T o N E F E S T I VA L o F g A R D E N S brings to the limelight the most artistic—and the oddest http://www.solagecalistoga.com/dining/index.shtml http://www.cornerstonegardens.com

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