A portrait of Dana Jaffe, Executive Chef, Saddles

I have photographed several events at Saddles. The lobby decorated with cowboy paraphernalia and a stately horse set the stage for the charm of this place. So it seemed only appropriate that I should photograph Dana Jaffe in this special spot.

MacArthur Place Executive Chef Dana Jaffe began her culinary career with a 3-year apprenticeship through the AFC (American Culinary Federation), working for such companies Cunard and Stein Eriksons. She graduated at the top of her class in 1986, and was granted CWC certification in 1988. She has lived in Sonoma County for the past twenty two years and worked at Restaurant Matisse, Tre Scalini, John Ash & Co. Korbel and Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa prior to joining MacArthur Place in 2001 where she has served as Executive Chef for the last 10 years.

Saddles is Sonoma’s premier steakhouse specializing in steaks, chops and fresh seafood. Set in a magnificently restored 100-year old barn on the historic estate of MacArthur Place Inn & Spa, Saddles provides a truly unique setting for a memorable dining experience.

Sonoma Photographer: Manuel Azevedo

 

A portrait of  Maneul Azevedo

Manuel Azevedo will be one of the featured chefs at the Feast of the Olives in Sonoma on January 28, 2012. One of features that stands out in his restaurant are the lovely copper pots hanging above the bar. Manuel is very personable and I so enjoyed our photo session.

Azorean-born chef Manuel Azevedo has been the owner, manager, and head chef of Sonoma Valley’s acclaimed LaSalette Restaurant since 1998. Named after Chef Azevedo’s mother, LaSalette celebrates the historically vast and varied flavors found in traditional Portuguese cuisine while delivering a modern interpretation of Portuguese food and cooking. This unique blend of traditional Portuguese flavors presented with a contemporary edge is the basis of Chef Azevedo’s signature Cozinha Nova Portuguesa – new Portuguese cuisine. At the heart of the philosophy of Cozinha Nova Portuguesa is the belief that using local, fresh, seasonal ingredients will not only result in healthier and more sustainable food consumption practices, but it will also create appreciably tastier dishes. To this end, LaSalette draws upon the finest local Californian ingredients to create its distinctively Portuguese dishes.

La Salette Restaurant offers fresh, Inventive Mediterranean and Iberian Cuisine in the heart of the Sonoma Valley Wine Country. Seafood and Portuguese Cuisine are our specialties. Many of these dishes come steaming hot out of the wood-burning oven and fill the dining room with the exotic aromas of true Mediterranean cuisine. The menu reflects the commitment of Chef and Owner Manuel Azevedo to creating the unique culinary delights of his native Portugal and its neighbors.

Sonoma Photographer: Michelin's-star chef, Andrew Cain

Andrew Cain, Chef de Cuisine

I had the chance to meet Andrew Cain when I photographed him for the Feast of the Olives event on January 28, 2001.  Andrew, the Chef de Cuisine of Santé at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn is a graduate of the New York’s prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Cain’s background includes stints at some of the country’s finest including La Folie, San Francisco, Chef de Partie positions at Michele Richard’s Citronelle, the unparalleled French Laundry and Michael Mina’s named San Francisco establishment. Santé Restaurant is the Inn's premier dining room and has earned a national reputation for its outstanding food. Condé Nast Traveler said "it's worth a special trip just to eat here" and Gourmet Magazine calls the food "the best of the new Wine Country style."

Santé, the fine dining room at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, has been graced with a coveted Michelin star and lauded Zagat accolades. The handsome restaurant has earned a national reputation for outstanding food. Literally meaning “to your health,” the restaurant is a celebration of innovative California cuisine and good taste. Guests enjoy a seasonal menu, in a warm and casual yet stylish setting.

Sonoma Photographer: The Feast of the Olives in January

In November I was commissioned to photograph the fine chefs in Sonoma Valley who will be participating in Olive Feast on January 28,^, 2011 at Ramekins Cooking School. This event is one of the best in the valley where chefs, wine makers, olive purveyors and foodies gather to celebrate the fruits of the land. Over the next month, I plan to feature many of these chefs on my blogs.  These chefs are like super stars in our valley.

One of the top chefs is Carlo Cavallo, owner of   Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille which is the perennial winner of Best Seafood Restaurant in Napa and Sonoma County since 2000.  He has won consecutive Best Overall Martini awards in 2009, 2010 and 2011 at Martini Madness showcasing his mixology skills.  Cavallo is also the winner of 2009 Best Beef in America Chef's Challenge put on by National Cattlemen's Association.   

Cavallo has both an Italian and American heritage. In his portrait I took of him, you will notice an antique cash register given to him by his grandfather which is displayed in the entrance of his restaurant. 

Besides catering for private winery functions, weddings and events, Cavallo currently caters all corporate events for Louis Vuitton boutiques in Beverly Hills and San Francisco.  He was recently the featured as Star Chef for the Sonoma Showcase of Food & Wine.  He serves on the Board of Directors of the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers and has the title of Culinary Director of the Sonoma Valley Wine Auction.      

                            

Carlo has appeared on many national and international Television programs such as the Food Network “Pick of the day” and “Chef du Jour”, CNN’s On the Menu, NBC “In Wine Country”, PBS and ABC morning news. He has been featured on Japanese and French Television programs. 

 His recipes and restaurants have been featured in the New York times, Los Angeles Times, Gourmet, Wine Spectator,  Wine Enthusiast, La Cucina Italiana, Chef magazine, Conde Naste, Food and Wine, San Francisco Chronicle, Press Democrat, and Marin Independent Journal as well as several other publications.   

           

Sonoma Photographer: Halloween in Sonoma

Witches, princesses and even an M & M descended on my house at Halloween. Because I am in a neighborhood that is safe, flat and well decorated for the occasion, over 400 kids and their families come for treats. As my gift to those celebrating on our street, I set up a quick studio, photographed all my spooky guests and offered to provide each with a free print.

Sonoma Photographer: Adding extra flair to a wedding

As a Sonoma photographer, I recently shot a wedding  where I captured an image of the bridal couple arriving at the reception in grand style on this trolley. A great way to add extra flair to a special occasion!

Sonoma Wine Country Trolley provides a wonderful adventure to explore this area but the opportunity to hang out with one of Sonoma's best loved couples, Ed and Jonnie. What makes this tour they have  so interesting is the choice of wineries: from the elegant and sophisticated sites to the down-home family atmosphere.

Sonoma Wedding Photographer: Dads are special too!

During the wedding, it is a big deal for a dad to escort his daughter down the aisle. The trend today is for the modern bride to break all the traditional rules of the past so she can put her own unique signature on the ceremony. I know many dads who were a little hurt when their daughters decided not to ask them to be their partner as they entered their wedding. I find that sensitivity always wins out over creativity.