Come join me for a glorious day in the California Wine Country where we celebrate Vicki and Jonah’s Wedding.
Vicki is my cousin. My father, Leonard, and her paternal grandmother, Edythe, were brother and sister. You may recall me talking about my Nana, born in Kiev, Russia? Nana was Vicki’s great-grandmother. Nana and my Aunt Edythe were excellent cooks, perhaps Vicki and I inherited some of our passion for cooking from them?
Vicki and Jonah live in Chicago where they met at a wine tasting a few years ago. Both wine aficionados, they decided to come out to Sonoma, California to be married in the magnificent vineyards of Cline Cellars.
The Kiddush Cup: The Rabbi recites blessings over the wine, a symbol of joy. The couple sip from the same cup of wine, representing the life they will share as one.
Married under the Chuppah: The traditional Jewish canopy representing the home the couple will build together. It is open on all sides to symbolize unconditional hospitality to family and friends.
The reception was held on the beautiful flagstone patio at Cline Cellars. Cline Cellars produces rich, distinctive Rhône-style wines and intense, flavorful Zinfandels, which we all thoroughly enjoyed.
The weather could not have been more perfect for an outdoor wedding. And the bride and groom could not make a more perfect couple. And we couldn’t be happier for them.
Hors d’oeuvres
Charred Sweet Corn Soup Shooters Garnished with Heirloom Tomato Concasse
Scaloppine of Eggplant with Sky High Goat Cheese, Kalamata Olive and Fresh Basil
Ahi Tuna Fire Spiced on Crispy Lotus Root Topped with Citrus Aioli
Salad
Tuscan Salad of Wine Country Organic Greens, Crisp Prosciutto, Sonoma Goat Cheese, and Figs served with a Balsamic Vinaigrette Infused with Opal Basil
Main Course
Pan Roasted Liberty Farms Duck Breast with Creme Fraiche Mashed Potatoes, Sauteed Vegetables of the Season in a Zinfandel Pan Jus
Pacific Wild King Salmon with a Cedar Plank Essence served with a Chardonnay Tahitian Vanilla Bean Sauce, Citrus Whipped Potatoes, and Roasted Vegetables with Fennel, Red and Yellow Peppers and Zucchini
Dessert
Tahitian Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with a Wild Berry Compote and Florentine Cookie
Singing and Dancing
We dance the Horah, a Jewish circle dance to the song, Hava Negila, a celebratory song meaning “let us rejoice.”
Wedding Cake
Bottom Tier: Flourless Chocolate Cake with Fresh Raspberries and Chocolate Fudge Layers. Top Tier: Almond Macaron Cake with Praline Buttercream and Chocolate Fudge Layers.
Dear Vicki and Jonah – Mazel Tov and may your life together be as beautiful as your wedding day.