Big Game Eats!

Decided to jump squarely on the bandwagon for last Sunday's game. Gone are the days of the blue-collar Raiders teams of my youth which had me attend my first game newly born(à la Frank Youell Field) set squarely in a picnic basket. So it was we took the high road(the high San Rafael Bridge actually) to George and Amanda's in Mill Valley for some quality eats and a game to match. Now, being in Marin did inspire to dress up the normal football fair, so much the better. Early on it was cold Heinekens, smoked salmon, shaved red onion, and homemade mustard, to go with one remarkable "guac". That got us through the "What the hell?" segment comprising the 1st half.
 As the game quality progressed, the food did too. Katie did a seafood chowder(sea bass, rock fish, clams, scallops, prawns, etc.) which was joined by a Puligny-Montrachet. Pizzas soon started to flow: smoked mozz and nettles, fresh pesto, and lastly a "margherita" with fresh mozz, washed down by some Willamette Valley pinot. Having abandoned the table as the close score demanded a better vantage point, we reconvened for a round of second guessing the refs, final play calling, and dessert: neighbor Claire's rosemary shortbread, and my wife's olive oil cake with candied tangerines. (A re-make from last week's repas. Had to have it again, and soon!) More red and a crackling fire found us beside the hearth, contented full bellies helping to overcome the game's outcome. Sort of.

Chez Gautier Cooking School: http://www.chez-gautier.com