Enjoy West Sonoma Menu on Aug. 27

Experience “summertime in a glass” and the bounty of western Sonoma County with with Ziggy Eschliman, aka Ziggy the Wine Gal, and chefs from Forestville’s Backyard restaurant from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at Fresh Starts Chef Events in Novato.

Ziggy the Wine Gal, a television and radio personality as well as sommelier to rock bands like Journey and Heart, will guide wine tasting for the evening to create some perfect pairings for wines from Via Giusti and Joseph Swan Vineyards.

Chefs Daniel Kedan and Marianna Gardenhire are the husband-and-wife team behind Backyard, which opened in 2012 to showcase locally sourced ingredients. Their June presentation at the James Beard House in New York City has inspired their menu:

• Apple Butter-Crusted Redwood Terra with Arugula & Gravenstein Apple Salad
• Redwood Hill Goat Cheese Cavatelli, Blistered Sungold Tomatoes, Smoked Mushrooms, Grated Egg
• Roast Rack of Lamb, Grilled Vegetable Ratatouille, Piquillo Pepper Vinaigrette, Minted Persillade
• Chocolate Budino, Salted Caramel Sweet Cream

Before the chef demonstrations get rolling, guests can sample products from Redwood Hill Farm, an award-winning maker of goat cheese in Sebastopol. David Bice, ambassador for the family business, will be on hand to greet guests and talk about his projects.

The evening’s wines come from Via Giusti, which focuses on Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, and Joseph Swan Vineyards, which offers Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Zinfandel from the same region.

Tickets cost $60, including dinner and tasting pours of wine; wine also will be offered by glass or bottle. Proceeds support shelter and job-training programs at Homeward Bound of Marin. For more details or reservations, visit Fresh Starts Chef Events online or call 415-382-3363 x243.

Join us to celebrate the height of summer food and wine! Thanks to our premier sponsor, The Republic of Tea, for their support.