The Talents of a Skilled Chef

I like to cook. I really like to cook and I am not bad at it. But I am the kind of person that has to follow a recipe, I have a difficult time creating things on the fly. Before I bought Brewery Gulch, I had never had the chance to watch a skilled chef practice his craft. Here at the inn, we have been fortunate, for the last two years, to have the talented Rick Anderson at the helm of our kitchen. There are dishes (like lamb and brussel sprouts) that I have never liked. Until Rick. I am not sure what he does (I know it has something to do with his focus on fresh organics, a light hand with spice and a creative mind), but his prepartion of dishes like Moroccan lamb and Chinese Five-Spiced duck. And I won't even go into breakfast dishes like his really fluffy omlettes.

Crab and Wine Days, January 23 through February 1

Listed as one of the Top 10 Seafood and Wine Events in the United States by Coastal Living Magazine, Mendocino County's Crab and Wine Days kicks off on Friday, January 23rd with the always-popular Knights of Columbus two-day crab feed. Held at Crown Hall in downtown Mendocino, the evening begins with a full, no-host bar, followed by dinner, entertainment and a raffle. Last year, over 750 pounds of crab was served over the two-day affair. At $ 40.00 per person, this event sells out fast, so call Guest Services at (800) 578-4454 to make your reservations and secure your tickets.

On Saturday, January 24, the Mendocino Coast Clinic's Crab Cake Cook-Off and Wine Tasting Competition is held from Noon - 3:00 p.m. Mendocino County chefs and wineries serve up their very best to compete for votes from celebrity judges (media professionals arrive from around the nation to judge!), and for the popular Peoples' Choice Award! Live & silent auctions are held during the tasting.

And on Saturday, January 31, we are excited to be hosting a winemaker's dinner featuring Yorkville Cellars (the only winery to grow and produce all eight of the main Bordeaux grapes) and the talents of our Executive Chef, Rick Anderson. This dinner will highlight the region's Dungeoness crab and wine pairings over five courses. Please call Guest Services at (800) 578-4454 to secure your reservations for this memorable dinner.

For information on all of the events related to Mendocino County's Crab and Wine Days, please visit this website.

Mendocino Coast Candlelight Inn Tour, December 10-12, 2008

Kickoff the holiday season with the 20th Annual Mendocino Coast Candlelight Inn Tour December 10-12, 2008. See the inns decorated in their holiday finery; sample sweet and savory bites; and listen to the sounds of the holiday season as you explore the many unique properties that make the Mendocino Coast such a special place. Proceeds from this popular event will benefit Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Mendocino Unified Schools' Enrichment Program. On Wednesday evening, December 10, tour the inns of Albion and Little River; on Thursday evening, tour the inns of Mendocino; and on Friday evening, visit the inns and lodges of Fort Bragg. Tickets for this 3-day event are $ 25.00 for adults, $ 10.00 for children 10 and under. Call our Guest Services staff at (800) 578-4454 to book your reservation and tickets for this event.