Vignette | Pizzeria

Vignette | Sebastopol

Local business is important in any community. It just so happens there's an abundance of local restaurants in my idyllic little town. Not too long ago The Barlow opened and with it came a crop of new boutiques, wine rooms and eateries. One of the small businesses that set up shop was Vignette. Wood fired Neapolitan pizza plays the lead role in a cast of fresh, local and organic ingredients. When in doubt, rock the Margherita. A classic pie that allows you to taste the interplay of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil; delicately partnered with the daily house made dough. If you're looking for a meat protein, I recommend the meatball parm pizza. Vignette does well crafting nostalgia into their taste. The decor and aesthetic match their willingness to create with care.

Other side dishes I'm extremely fond of are, the charred and lightly smashed potatoes with mint and time (they're my go-to). Presentation of this dish never disappoints—hearty enough to share. The fire-fried olives and spices are a nice place to start, pair with a local craft beer and enjoy.   

eightychoices. 

PUBlication: Even Keel

Ever wonder why more grocers don't have a tap room? Thankfully my local store does—The Garden Taproom in Community Market.

Even Keel | Ballast Point

I know Ballast Point got bought out for a ton of money. Guess what? If their products continue to be as great while under corporate ownership, I'll still drink 'em. Politics aside, the nose on this session IPA is both ornate and one-of-a-kind. It possesses a cleanliness that is not present in other sessions. This little beast is a cornucopia of malt (10 types) and hops (6 varietals). Herbs and citrus meld within this ale to create one of the better session IPAs. 3.8% | 40 IBUs

eightychoices.

PUBlication: The Garden

The Garden Taproom in Community Market is quite the hideout. Situated in the Barlow of Sebastopol, this beer garden has an array of quality craft beer. On my most recent visit I was inundated with a slough of good choices, both on draught and in the bottle. Below is a brief recap of the brews I was able to enjoy with a couple of tasting notes.

Rogue Brewing | Good Chit (Farmed Pilsner) | 4.6% & 45 IBUs

Rogue, like Sierra Nevada, has been farming on a scale that allows them to craft some beers sourced entirely from their own agricultural doing—pretty cool. The first thing I noticed were notes of lemon zest and natural graininess. A nice foamy head blankets the top of this easy drinker. My only criticism would be that it was a little flat. I want more effervescence from a Pilsner.

The Bruery | Mischief (hoppy Belgian/golden strong ale) | 8.4%

This concoction possesses a soft cloudiness and pretty color. The slight sour taste is sedated by hops. Banana and culinary spice is prevalent in the nose. This is the second time I've tasted from The Bruery, and thus far, I'm a bit underwhelmed considering the praise they receive. 

Plow Brewing | OX DIPA | 8%

Plow is one of the recent breweries to open its doors in Santa Rosa, they're producing some tasty IPAs and Pilsners. This particular batch of the OX was better than earlier editions in my opinion. The nose was far more floral and less malty than in the past. It settled nicely on the palate, smoother than I had remembered, more balanced.

Alpine Brewing | Pure Hoppiness | 8%

Damn Good. This DIPA exemplifies the craft of creating a hop-bomb that is potent, palatable and carbonated. It's clarity cannot go unnoticed, think Russian River or Knee Deep. Carbonation floats upward while your snout celebrates the hops at every turn. Alpine usually knocks their beer out of the park, this was no exception. Pure Hoppiness is another great reminder that California IPA's and West Coast hopping is here to stay. Cheers.

eightychoices.

Mobile Fidelity

West Sonoma county happens to house a pretty cool independent sound lab. Mobile Fidelity is a pioneer in recreating records. This boutique label independently invests in the research and development of audio technology. The Mo Fi goal is to offer faithfully reproduced high fidelity recordings that compliment the numerous advantages in modern audio systems.

Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab is an innovator in the reissuing of records. They mine their vinyl from original analog master tapes. Look for their releases in your local record store. To revisit a video once posted click here. Thanks.

eightychoices.

Audiafauna live at the Watertrough Project!

     audiafauna is hitting the road once again & it's time to welcome them back to the watertrough project. in being one of the freshest sounding bands in northern california, it's a total treat to be hosting them. audiafauna will be playing a lively backyard show on june 15th. not only will there be good times, great people & cold draught beer, but the band will be gracing those in attendance with new material. this intimate show will double as a cd release party! the album is titled: Grow Down.
     this 5 piece bands hails from santa cruz & is sure to please a plethora of musical tastes. they have an ethereal sound, with words that tend to tug on emotional strings that we can all relate to. their songs elicit thoughts of modernity, creating a unique musical palette & identity. however, with that being said, the song writing & instrumentation is steeped in traditionalism & folk like roots.
     so if you're not up to something totally stellar on friday, june 15th, come be a part of something that will surely be original. shared experiences, especially creative, tend to resonate connectivity & freedom. why would anyone deprive themselves? come out & help in supporting this passionate band of creative musicians as they travel. the show starts at 9pm & we'll be asking for a modest entrance fee, sliding scale ($7-$10).
     as a friendly reminder, parking is limited so please carpool or bike. for those of you who wish to stay the night there is always room on the floor, deck or yard. come celebrate the art of music, in the beauty of west sebastopol. it's time to enjoy the outdoors & have a good old time in style, west county style!

enjoy, we hope to see you there...

~eightychoices




 

the iditarod, i cut people, pregnant & religious girls live in concert!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

watertrough project presents, a house in the woods production.

two high energy bands will be performing live in sebastopol. one of which is an eightychoices favorite. the iditarod, which compares itself to 'the inspirational story of a long-shot, small-towner's ascent to athletic glory'. the other is an east bay outfit by the name of, religious girls. they liken their sound to a 'very friendly father'. also appearing will be the artist not known as i cut people, i dig his work, it's out there! pregnant is also performing a set, it should be dope. my goodness, it's sounds too good to be free.

parking is limited so please carpool! anyone who can make it early (4 @ the earliest) is welcome to do so. if you need/want to spend the night there's always room on the floor, deck or yard. Come, raise a glass, bang some poles, rock out to some local music & enjoy the night air. it's time to celebrate, west county, heiny monkey style!