Sonoma-rama

Last weekend Eating L.A. was invited to serve on the jury at the Sonoma Valley Film Festival -- and fortunately, this festival is also known as Cinema Epicuria, because in addition to showing films, it features wine tastings before each screening, parties at wineries, and lots of good Sonoma County food. Some of the highlights were visiting the Marin French Cheese Factory, which just beat out French cheeses to win a best brie award and the Schug Winery, which is known for its pinot noir.

At the festival's closing night party, I tried my first jello shots -- a landmark moment, to be sure.

For a break from all the fancy goat cheese and wine, Murphy's Irish pub has excellent fish and chips and a nice selection of cider and ale.

The fest's gala dinner was at the Sonoma Mission Inn, where the caviar served in an edible spoon was a clever touch.

We also had a lovely picnic at the beautiful Jack London State Historic Park, with Humboldt Fog goat cheese and Laura Chenel fresh goat cheese with cranberries, bread from the Sonoma Basque French Bakery and other delicacies from the wonderful Glen Ellen Market.