By Mary Becker
It was another wonderful holiday weekend in Lake County, the last one of the summer. Autumn is already waiting in the wings, sending a cool breeze occasionally to let us know how impatient it is to claim center stage.
Up first for us this weekend was the fair, we had such a great time last year we just had to go again.
I feel sorry for folks who live in the big city and never get to experience a local fair.
For us, the best part was watching the 4-H kids parade their animals through the grounds, all washed and groomed within an inch of their lives. It was obvious the kids had worked really hard and done a wonderful job. Those animals were certainly cleaner than either of our dogs.
Lots to see and do, we wandered the grounds, sipping wine and beer, eating entire meals on a stick. It”s hard not to feel young at the fair. However, we are definitely too old for the midway, but we paused there for a while to watch the young folks run from ride to ride, laughing and shouting, it was clear they were having fun. We saw the best wines, tomatoes, quilts, there are clearly a lot of talented folks here in Lake County.
The old John Deere tractors brought back many memories. One of them looked just like the model my Uncle Ben had on his farm.
Our weekend continued when my husband offered to take me to dinner at my favorite restaurant. If you have never visited The Saw Shop, you really should. Located in an old bungalow in downtown Kelseyville, The Saw Shop is a unique experience. You feel like you are a guest in someone”s home and the friendly service only emphasizes that feeling. Pull up a seat at the bar and tell Westin, the bartender what would make you happy. One time we stopped there right after the farmer”s market, my husband pulled a cucumber from his bag and Westin whipped him up a drink incorporating the cucumber. You really can”t get much more accommodating and creative than that.
If you”d rather eat than drink you will enjoy The Saw Shop just as much. The food is excellent and the quality is consistent, certainly the best dining experience we have found in Lake County. While my hubby just can”t get enough of that Thai curry dish I tend to love the less spicy dishes like the perfectly, lightly fried chicken or the cannelloni. The menu changes seasonally and in the winter they offer a prix fixe meal that is both delicious and a great value. Marie Beery runs the restaurant and makes it look deceptively easy.
Next we decided to stop by the Gregory Graham Winery. Lucky us, they were having a case sale of that wonderful sauvignon blanc they served at the Wine Adventure. We had only planned to buy a couple bottles, but how could we pass up a case at 30 percent off? We find it goes great with their peach crostini and you can make this easily at home. Slice some French bread and toast lightly, spread some Brie over the bread and ladle on finely diced peaches. We are talking manna from heaven here and paired with the sauvignon blanc it is a wonderful starter for any summer meal. Sometimes I eat so many of these I don”t even want dinner. Greg Graham also suggested using mangoes if you can”t get the peaches.
Our weekend concluded Monday with an afternoon on the boat.
My husband had wanted a boat since I met him and finally here in Lake County he has realized his dream. Summer in Lake County is almost over, but we are definitely the lucky ones. The tourists go home now, but we get to stay.
Mary Becker is a former San Francisco business owner who now lives in Lake County. Contact her at mbnorthernlights@gmail.com.
