silverware collected over the years from Meg’s mom, and Laos to provide surgery missions to children ▲ ED kkINRIuMPRPuLao Rehabilitation Foundation, working in CambodiaThe table is set this sunny afternoon with vintage one piece at a time. Crystal glasses sit beside glazed in need. Her home, infused with Asian elements, is RISOTTO pottery, and the little fish cheese plate was a piece imbued with a peaceful, well-traveled feel. found at a Napa Valley College pottery sale. The Ronda’s Napa family is of the furry kind, an adopted Chef Morgan Robinson tablecloth is Le Jaquard Francais, French-imported dog from the Milo Foundation and Lefty (named for Napa, California linen. Twice a year they release a new line. his one bum paw), a cat from Napa Humane Society. Yields: 6-8 servings Meg’s recipe comes from a cookbook photo-shoot she Girls’ night in the backyard patio includes wine is currently working on, entitled “Cooking with Honey.” (of course) and water served in vintage culver cocktail INgREDIENTS: glasses inherited from Ronda’s grandmother, who ¼ cup olive oil At home with the Robinsons inside their remodeled Victorian The tablecloth runner is a Marimekko print, and the Salt to tasteused to play stride piano for silent films in the 1940s. The Robinsons won an award of merit from the Adirondack chair was a find from an antique store in Pepper taste Napa Historical Committee for the renovation of Petaluma. 1 red Kuri squash their 1870s Victorian home. Inside, high ceilings 1 chopped onion and an open floor plan give a spacious, easy feeling. At home with the Popes in 2 cups Arborio rice The kitchen is a culinary dream fit for a professional their stylish "tree house" 4 cups hot chicken cook, which Morgan happens to be. Morgan and Anna Pope is an elegant lady. Amongst our group or vegetable stock his wife, Irma, own Smoke Open Fire Cooking, a of friends she always brings “the class.” Inside the catering business specializing in foods cooked outside cabin-like interior of her home, which she shares with ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese on an open flame. In addition, they started TasteVino her husband, Mark, is a sophisticated table setting ½ cup white wine Selections, an import wine business which specializes in surrounded by warm, rich wood paneling. ½ stick unsalted butter South American varietals. This is definitely a home you Soft light flickers from sterling silver candleholders Salt and pepper to taste want to be invited to for dinner. given to Anna by her mother, Carol Simons. Antique 2 T parsley, chopped A large farmhouse table is set with handmade terra etched glass water goblets hold fall-inspired bouquets, cotta plates from England, each with its own unique and lion’s head soup tureens sit atop hand-painted design. The plates were made by a British potter named chargers from Huzza. The Beer Can Chicken, a recipe PREPARATION: Kate Crawley, who learned the style of her craft from from their wine bar and restaurant, Bounty Hunter, is Drizzle olive oil, salt and pepper her Santa Barbara mentor, Bob Neely. dressed up with a vegetable medley. on the squash and roast it in the The salad is tossed in an antique brass bowl, and The buffet table behind oven at 380º F for about 1 hour. small clay Moroccan dishes hold Morgan’s signature is adorned with homegrown Meanwhile, cook the onion and Spicy Nuts. vegetables and grapevines rice with 1 tablespoon of butter in a pot for a few minutes until from Mark’s vineyard. At the Carlson home, a ranch the rice is toasty and opaque. home with eclectic furnishings Add wine and stock slowly to For recipes from these featured the pot as the rice absorbs it, Ronda Carlson is a close friend and someone I families, and photos, visit for about 15 minutes until al admire. Over the years she has volunteered with the inspireyourlifestyle.com. dente. Stir in remaining butter, cheese and squash last. Add salt, pepper, and parsley to taste. Opposite page top: Ronda Carlson with Angela Cooper and Indra Fortney. Opposite page bottom: Meg Smith and her son Davis. Below left: Carol Simons, Mark and Anna Pope. Below right: Morgan and Irma Robinson with their children Ariana and Francisco. Copyright ©2012, Morgan Robinson N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2 43
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