Each year my father’s family heads to Yosemite—a kick-off to summer that has happened in our family since 1949. Over the years we’ve fallen into a routine that starts with a Thursday Night “Social” in my parents’ cabin, to which we all contribute wine and nibbles and drink a little bit too much. We kind of do it up that first night, since the food situation in the park is pretty miserable. This year I was in charge of salads, and grabbed my three favorites from Joans on Third before leaving town to bring with: Brussels sprouts with dates, manchego and toasted almonds (and heavy on the dijon); braised butter beans with pecorino; and curried chicken salad.
My dad brought up an array of local cheeses from Cowgirl Creamery, as well as these Fra’ Mani salumi.
There was also smoked trout, prosciutto and cakes—and a glass or three of Hirsch Gaisberg Riesling. It was a totally delicious start to summer—but do we really have to wait another year to do it again?
What a great idea! We do something similar when we go to Crabtree Falls, camping with family. There is a sweet little wine/cheese/restaurant in nearby Nellysford and we hit that on our way up the mountain getting cheeses, cured meat and fresh-baked bread and wine,and after setting up camp, we sit down and enjoy!