For all of its wild beauty, this is the one month of the year I don't miss Guerneville. Rainy and cold, dank and dim.. the annual threat of flooding. The rare social interactions during this season were generally limited to odd characters I'd see in town (certain sorts who the other inhabitants of the North Bay would describe as distinctly "west county") and with my various landlords, curious characters in their own right.  There was always something failing in those old cabin homes. I called one landlord to alert of a raccoon infestation and he suggested, in complete sincerity, that I either "go ask for Big Willie, the Trapper, at the hardware store" or (option 2) "go talk to to Dr. Lunch, up the road who might be willing to take them in".

At some point I looked for another rental, with a bit more sunshine. I responded to a Craigslist ad that sounded promising - a sunny spot off Coleman Highway in Occidental. The ad had no photos, so I called to request a few. An older woman answered. She "didn't really like computers" but insisted I'd love the place. "Just close your eyes..." she said. Before I could voice my confusion she continued, with a mystical enthusiasm "The house is sky blue with a darker blue trim. You open the door and there is a coat rack to your left and a bright window across the room ...." I took far too long to object and was frozen in her spell. Some 25 minutes later I was still listening, in a trance - exhausted and amazed. ("the hot and cold knobs were switched in '82 for some reason..."


Max has the right idea. He is heading off to Spain today, for two weeks. And while vicarious living has its limits, we'll have slightly more than a postcard or tasting notes to share in his experiences there. In his absence, Max has curated all Spanish flights for tonight- as well as Spanish themed flights this weekend! A small taste of Spain to get us through the greys - or occasional showers- until he returns. Bon Voyage, Max!

TONIGHT: Thursday Night Flights...
All Spanish Red and White Flights $12 from 5-9pm and wines by the glass all evening! Tacos Oscar is back open tonight too, serving up savory treats - bring a bottle next door for a small corkage or bring tacos in here to enjoy with flights or glasses until 9pm.

SATURDAY 2/1: WInes of Spain Part 1
Basque Txakoli - Both Red and white. Dry, mineral, zippy whites and bright, savory reds. Expectional for food-paring and above all, completely delicious. Flights $15 from 2-6 and wines by the glass until 9pm.

SUNDAY 2/2: WInes of Spain Part 2
Spanish weekend continues.. Spanish Flights and Wine Club Pick up Party. All are welcome! Stop in to stock up for your Superbowl parties and weekend festivities. We'll be pouring Flights from 2-6 and open for wines by the glass and bottles to go until 8pm.

See you soon,

Daniel