The Cook-tastic, Music-centric, Vino-forward Event

Our lush Napa Valley was the setting for the coolest, foodie/book-ish/celebrity event.  Last Saturday, tickets in hand, we headed to Calmere Estate Winery (fab) for a "Cooks with Books" event.  Put on by Book Passage, Corte Madera, it was a cook-tastic, music-centric, vino-forward experience, delighting all the senses.

We arrived and were immediately handed a welcome glass of chenin blanc and the opportunity to explore the winery, gaze at the beautiful vineyards and mustard grass, and wind our way up the hill, following a sleek black limo.  Who emerged, you wonder?  None other than country music legend Martina McBride, on tour with her second cookbook, "Martina's Kitchen Mix - My Recipe Playlist for Real Life."  There she was, smiling as she settled at a table, signing cookbooks and greeting the hundred(ish) event-goers, posing with us for pictures.  We were smitten.

California casual and relaxed, we were nudged toward lovely tables, swathed and dressed to the 9's, accessorized  with flowers, cookbooks, and printed menus.  Martina was introduced by Karen West of Book Passage, who took the mic and welcomed us.  Then, preprandial style, a line-up of servers marched out to present us with a luncheon consisting of Martina's cookbook favorites, prepared to perfection by Chef Sarah Sabatino.  Calmere paired the repast with all their amazing wine.  The 2016 Carneros Pinot Noir was swoon-worthy.

Here's what we ate:

...And all the while, in the background, the music of this superstar performer pulsed on speakers.  As sparkling as the rose was this beautiful, warm, friendly. and oh-so-accomplished author and songstress (14 million albums sold across her chart-topping career!).

Her cookbook and recipes are as accessible as she is.  Growing up on a farm in Kansas, she shares her family's "fresh from the fields" favorites.  You will sit down and read her cookbook like a cherished novel, enjoying the pictures and her no-nonsense tips for celebrating the special and everyday flavors with family and friends.

A glorious day.  A memorable event.  And a fun new addition to my cookbook shelf.

"Alexa," I yell loudly, "play Independence Day by Martina McBride," as I assemble a roasted beet, goat cheese, and walnut salad for dinner (page 116).

If you live anywhere near the greater Bay Area, check out Cooks with Books on the Book Passage website - bookpassage.com.  And don't miss visiting Calmere Winery - calmereestate.com.  Beautiful venue, scrumptious wine.