Petaluma Rivertown Revival July 30, 2011

We weren't in Italy this summer., but there is still the spirit of an Italian" Sagra" to be found in the oddest places this summer in Sonoma County.
The Second Annual Petaluma Rivertown Revival was billed as a "green" event so, of course, Anne of Green Gables showed up. Don't know if any one of the 8,000 tat-covered , crinoline flounced, Edwardian top -hatted, cowboy boots over stripped socks for all genders but very, very young Steam-punk crowd got it, but I enjoyed wearing the dress that Clarke used for his Helen Keller book report in fourth grade. I also discovered that suitcases make purses you cannot lose AND they double as seating devices. All in all, it was a magical day to support the Petaluma River with food that one doesn't normally see at these sort of affairs - deep fried panko pickle slices, hibiscus iced tea, ahi tuna wrapped in a sun-dried tomatoe with pesto tortilla and aioli. This weren't no corn dog place for eatin' low on the hog. Definitely high class. They even offered weddings for $5. Next year they might add divorces for $5,000. Easy in - costly out.

Bastille Day in Petaluma

Actually Bastille Afternoon at the Baumhefners - A marvelous series of B's without the Bees: Beautiful women, Buff Bachelors, Bodacious Boule, Bountiful Bottles of Champagne, Breakneck Bicycle Racing, BBQed Salmon, Bountiful Beets and Beans (along with potatoes, peppers, artichokes, and Shrimp Provencal) all accented by Aioli Monstre. You have to have BEEN there...