Community

I love wine. And I love seeing perfectly formed rows of grapes knowing they'll one day make a fine wine. Back in France, I've clipped and trimmed a few rows of those vines myself on the family farm, so when I see them I see pride of work. And feel that same pride myself.

But most folks who are not connected to the wine business will tell you that Sonoma County and Mendocino County have enough vines planted already, leaving little room for diversity of crops.

And they've got a good point. Issues of water rights and once-occupied family farms becoming silent rows of grapes with absentee owners can impact small communities greatly. There's a great, albeit quiet, battle going on in many communities about just how to stem the tide.

Still, local battles aside, when tourists visit Sonoma County, it's generally the wine that they're after.

But like much of Northern California, there's another story and it's the story of small family farms working to produce fabulous local produce. Thankfully, the foodies who travel to Sonoma are looking for just that: local, organic farm products.

While there are many fine restaurants throughout the county, many (read me) have been eagerly waiting the opening of a new cafe just off the town square in the town of Sonoma that aims to not only feature the community's bounty in rustic wine country fare, but to give back to the community on a regular basis.

Community Cafe quietly opened at 7am this morning in the spot formerly occupied by Mondo. Next time you're in Sonoma, be sure to stop in, enjoy a meal, and give them some love. It will pay dividends to the entire community. How could anyone argue with the genius of that?

Still No Snow

Just perfect hiking weather.

Well That Was Fun

If you were in San Francisco and awake at midnight last night, you might have seen some snow.

Whether you were awake or not, it probably all seems like a dream. Because right now we've got blue skies, sunshine, and a glorious day out.

Just another day in paradise.

But, oh, wasn't that fun while it lasted?

Snow?

Not yet.

But it's on its way. Or maybe not.

If you're trying to keep up with the bizarre changing weather in San Francisco, here's the definitive site to find out whether it's snowing or not. Don't know how often they're updating it but it seems to be fairly accurate right now.

Most folks are getting ready for the snow. Which means planning their snowball fights.

Or making cookies.

Oh and just in case anyone was wondering, no those cookies are not perfect for snowman eyes. No, not really. No. Pennies are much better. Really.

Have a great weekend.

How Low? This Low?

Folks in Northern California are all abuzz with the likelihood of snow this weekend.

No, not just in the Sierras.

Snow in San Francisco? At sea level?

It could happen.

Chances of it snowing at sea level aren't all that great. But possible and that's the reason for the buzz. And snow is likely at elevations of 1,000 feet which means there will likely be a dusting on many of the hills.

How do folks feel about that? Pretty excited. In the good way.

Especially since the rare glimpse of snow won't last long. Warmer weather will be returning in just a few days.

Savory Pumpkin Soup

Some soups are hearty and by their very nature, comfort food. Others are so elegant that by including them as the first course of a meal, the entire evening is off to a good start.

This tomato-based, saffron-infused pumpkin soup is both.

It's also probably the most healing soup I know. The amazing healing power of pumpkin is multiplied with bell peppers for a good dose of Vitamin C and chicken broth to clear the sinuses. It's a soup I think of whenever a little winter healing is needed.

Most pumpkin soups are cream based and retain a strong pumpkin flavor. Not this one. The pumpkin is cooked into the rich broth until the flavors meld to create a complex masterpiece.

It can be made with fresh pumpkin or canned and same with the tomatoes. The best, of course, is always fresh from the garden or at least home-canned from the summer garden.

But my motto in the kitchen is always to make use of what you have. With this soup, that includes making use of nature's healing gifts wherever you find them.


Savory Pumpkin Soup

1 cup bell pepper, chopped
1 cup onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbs olive oil
6 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 sugar pumpkin, diced and roasted, seeds removed and toasted
1 quart chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp herbs de provence
1/2 tsp saffron
salt and pepper to taste

Cook onion and pepper in olive oil until onions are translucent. Add garlic and cook one more minute.

Add pumpkin dice and tomatoes, cook until fragrant.

Add broth, herbs and spices. Cook for 1 1/2 hours.

Remove bay leaves and discard.

Blend until smooth. Serve warm, garnished with freshly toasted pumpkin seeds.


UPDATE: An innkeeper asked if substituting veggie broth will produce the same result for veggie-only guests. Yes and no.

Veggie broth can almost always be substituted in a soup with very little difference in flavor and that's certainly true with this soup.

But a home-made bone broth is unique in its healing power. Whenever possible, I use a bone broth for this to get the full effect.

So if the guests (or the innkeeper) are sniffling and need a healing soup, don't forget the bones.

No Need To Freeze

When you can always throw on a wetsuit. Nice beach weather today.

And yes, more delightful weather is on the way. How about you?

How Ya Gonna Keep 'em Down on the Farm

Now that they're all B&Bs.

UC Davis has taken its agritourism show on the road, offering farmers a glimpse of what the future may bring.

As an innkeeper, it's never been easier to find nearby farm-related activities in California, whether it's tours of a farm, a dairy, or a cheese-making operation.

Some ranchers have chosen to go the farmstay route while others have found that the innkeeping life is not for them.

Innkeeping, after all, is a calling for those who love it. For those who don't, well, it's just pure hell. And quite truthfully, there are more than enough innkeepers out there now who are ill-suited for the work. So I don't recommend anyone go into this line of work without a complete picture of what their life will be like. It's a life that is not for everyone.

For those who enjoy their guests rather than seeing them strictly as dollar signs to pay the mortgage, it's a grand life. And a life that some ranchers and farmers will find rewarding.

One great advantage ranchers and farmers often have is an abundance of possibilities for add-on sales. In fact, with 45% of revenue from agritourism in California coming from sales of farm products, it's not only healthy for the guests, it's healthy for the farm. Agritourism can provide the kind of diverse revenue streams most small inns dream about.

To ranchers and farmers who go the innkeeping route, a big warm welcome is offered. To those providing tours, many thanks for offering even more possibilities for our guests.

Sun's Out

And so are the guests.

Don't you wish you were here?

Winter in All Its Splendor

I don't think there's ever been a more beautiful winter in Northern California.

It won't last long, though.

So if you want to see some brilliant waterfalls spilling down to a windswept beach or cascading over steep hillsides hiding rare orchids, now is the time.

Oh and the oysters? They are sweeter in winter than any other time.

Splendor all around.

Spring in All Its Glory

It's literally just around the corner.

If you're not in California, don't you think it's time you thought about doing something about that?

Meanwhile, enjoy your weekend.

A Sad Day on Tomales Bay

While not at all unexpected, the announcement by Pat Kuleto that he's finally accepted the failure of his inn and restaurant Nick's Cove on Tomales Bay is a sad one.

Each of the investors will lose everything. Many of those investors were local contractors who agreed to shares of the company in exchange for their considerable and impressive work.

Chef Mark Franz went a decade without pay.

But no one gave more than Kuleto himself who literally threw good money after bad over and over again in a noble if futile effort to protect the investments of each of those 49 shareholders.

So a moment of respect is warranted along with my own heartfelt best wishes that all involved will truly be able to move on and find better days ahead.

Oh and that rumored selling price of less than $2 million? That's a shocker that will no doubt drive a stake through the hearts of every inn owner in the Point Reyes area.

The only good news? Without the strain of unrealistic debt to carry, there's every reason to think the new owners will be able to make a go of it.

Warmest wishes to all. Better days are coming.

UPDATE 2/18: The Marin IJ has more. Turns out the "announcement" was, in fact, a leak of what was meant as a confidential letter to investors. I'm guessing that in learning they were to get zero on the deal, there was more than one "disgruntled investor" out there ready to spill the beans.

Crowd Control

Google takes the social search big time.

Tnooz has the scoop. Go on over and check it out.

As they say, this is a very big deal.

Winter

Rain has returned to Northern California this week. So if you're driving out there, be careful.

The good news? Wonderful mists, spectacular sunsets.

And the cookies aren't bad either.

Enjoy it all. After all, spring is just around the corner.

Talkin'bout a Revolution

In a post up over at Tnooz, Patrick Landman poses an interesting question

if online travel agencies claim to bring incremental business, why do they advertise on hotel brand names?

Good question.

He suggests a veritable revolution may be in the works as the big guys wise up to the game.

Of course, it may be quite the Velvet Revolution. In fact, Arthur Frommer has been writing for weeks now about the battle between American Airlines and the OTAs, predicting that the end is near for OTAs as new players will offer information only, no sales.

What do I think? I think if I were an OTA, I'd be worried.

What does it all mean for independent hotels and small inns? It's all good. Anything that levels the playing field and eliminates the constant focus on the big guys is good.

Viva la revolution.

Happy Valentine's Day

After taking care of all those little romantic details for your guests, I hope you're able to sneak away for a little romance of your own.

Wherever You Are

On the California coast, you're going to enjoy brilliant weather this weekend.

Sure hope you're going to find some time to get out there and enjoy it.

Hopeful

As the people of Egypt celebrate, the rest of the world takes a collective deep breath with much hope that peace will, indeed, reign supreme. The road to peaceful change is not an easy one.

For the region, it is my hope that peace will take hold and spread and that tourism will start to flow again. It is now at a virtual standstill in much of North Africa, right in the middle of their winter season. No one there can afford that.

If you're thinking of visiting Morocco, be sure to think of the ever-so-delightful Peacock Pavillions. In fact, if you're as big a fan of Maryam's blog, My Marrakesh as I am, be sure to send some love her way by voting for her in the African category of the upcoming bloggies. I did.

Everyone's On The Lookout

For the perfect tasty treat for Valentine's Day.

Chocolate, of course, tops the list.

While I have my own personal favorite, ahem, more and more folks are concerned about the chocolate trade and doing the right thing.

Not to worry. Sustainable fair-trade chocolate is just a click away.

How convenient is that?

H/T Bay Citizen

By Any Other Name

Just a few days away from the winter holiday that sometimes seems to have been invented just for B&Bs, a day that is all about putting romance on full display.

Thanks to constant advertising in an otherwise slow winter season, reminders are everywhere.

In America, it's one of those holidays that has little likelihood of creeping up on anyone. A trip to the drugstore in mid-January is already filled with guilt-inducing heart-shaped boxes. Articles start popping up by early February everywhere, filled with ideas for romantic activities.

Compared to the commercial activity that is Valentine's Day in America, things in France are decidedly low-key.

Sure, some traditions almost seem universal. In France, as in America, children create and distribute Valentine's cards for their friends. The ever-so-charming tradition of the carte d'amitié crosses borders and requires no translation. It is as enduring as it is endearing.

And sure, for the adults in France, there may be some flowers, maybe even some chocolate.

Of course, if your wife is American, she probably expects all of the above.

Ahem.

After all, we don't call him the Fabulous Frenchie for nothing.

Okay That's Enough

When other innkeepers expressed dismay at the idea that Bed and Breakfast dot com was being bought by a corporation unconnected to innkeeping, I didn't. After all, if they spent a fraction of the money they spent on Super Bowl ads for vacation rentals, well, just think of what they could do for B&Bs.

Now I think I'll officially change that to what they could have done for B&Bs.

Sure, some innkeepers are still okay with them. The disdain some innkeepers feel is not universal. But the fact is, the more common theme among the innkeepers I hear from is that they feel ignored by an organization they used to think supported them.

What did it take for me to decide enough is enough?

It wasn't the fact that their directory became more and more focused on larger inns that are more of the boutique hotel category than B&Bs. I'm all for boutique lodging of all kinds. Personal service, innkeeper living onsite, unique ambiance and I'm there. So I was okay with that.

But how about those ads for B&Bs or even for their increased portfolio of boutique hotels? Well, those B&B ads still haven't surfaced. If these folks wanted to show their support for innkeepers, they would have by now.

I'm a patient woman, though. Maybe, I thought, their superbowl ad this year would be the one that would win me over. To do that, of course, they'd need to present the prospective guests of those boutique hotels and B&Bs with a positive image.

So this year's unbelievably disappointing Super Bowl ad was, finally, the last straw. I know, I know, the hotel-from-hell ad wasn't exactly supportive of innkeepers. But when they ran that ad, they weren't in the business of supporting the same inns they were criticizing.

Now that they are, well, I expected more.

Now that an arm of their company supposedly exists to support small inns, what has changed? Well, not much, unless you count spending a fortune to tell prospective guests that hotels hate them?

As far as I'm concerned, the baby was just thrown out with the bath water.

Enough. Just enough.

Rotten Fruit

Sometimes organizations grow beyond their ability to see themselves clearly. They forget their way and see their success as proof that what they're doing is the right thing.

Success, however, brings with it certain obligations. Like the obligation to get it right. And the obligation to prevent harm.

So when TripAdvisor touts its celebration of the rise of consumer power, it's clear that they think that makes everything else okay.

Having spent many years as a frequent traveler myself, I remember the pre-TripAdvisor days. The fact that guests can find out from prior guests themselves just what to expect was - and is - a great benefit to the traveling public. I don't really want to go back to the days of trusting a hotel at its word or trusting that a travel agent is making the best choice for me.

Neither do most innkeepers. The affirmation from guests is truly golden to innkeepers who pour their hearts and souls into their inns.

But it was a natural growth of success that certain players would try to game the system. And that's where we are today. The system is rigged to the point that a savvy traveler must dig deeper to determine whether the reviews are fair or biased. Many innkeepers complain that there is no accountability on the part of TripAdvisor.

With a good strategic plan, a growing organization would have seen that coming and had a plan in place to prevent it. Sometimes rapid growth is not a sign of doing everything right. It's just a sign of rapid uncontrolled growth.

No, a sign of doing everything right would be an absence of class action suits from the folks whose inns are often being denigrated for sport or malice. That absence would speak of good relationships maintained by a savvy business.

Sadly, that's just not where we are today.

It's that shortcoming and its natural result - the failure to take seriously the real damage done to real people by fraudulent reviews - that has innkeepers on virtually every continent crying foul.

Call me a cynic all you want but, to me, that is a sign that something is seriously wrong with the system itself. Something that, without a course correction, will cause the system to implode within itself.

Now Would Be a Good Time

As much as we are all enjoying the sublime weather we're experiencing on the West Coast, it might be a good idea if we started thinking of ways to do something about this.

I'd really like to think there will be redwoods reaching to the sky long after I'm gone.

But the simple truth is, no fog no redwoods. It's the one ingredient they cannot live without.

Beach Weather

I know it's rude to gloat and all that. But can you really blame me?

Viva La Resistance

They're a bit late to the party but AFP has an article up about the Chelsea being up for grabs.

Some good background on the Chelsea and includes valuable advice any prospective owner would be wise to consider.

It's All Complimentary

TripAdvisor just announced its acquisition of EveryTrail.

Best of luck to all.

Not Exactly Subtle

Folks wonder why innkeepers think the online review game is rigged.

But it's really just because it is.

You Can Check Out

But you can never leave.

May as well just stay another night. Or two.

Oh heck, perfect weather is in the forecast here all week. Why leave?

Just Do It

Richard Branson still on the lookout for the perfect DC property.

I have a feeling he'll find it.

Or it will find him.