I’m spending the first half of this week in sunny Sonoma county, which has turned out to be less sunny than advertised. At the moment I’m peering out a window at a downpour of rain that’s about 60% of the way to “torrential” classification. I won’t complain too vigorously, though…despite being at the outskirts of Santa Rosa and right along the edge of the highway, my current lodgings are redolent of being up in the mountains. Maybe it’s the fresh air, or the fact that the hotel is situated on a hill, or the way the entire complex is made to look like mountain bungalows. Either way, rain is pretty much the unavoidable companion of summer camp in the mountains, so the dreary skies are somewhat nostalgic.
A more crucial misrepresentation is my impression that I was coming to lodge in Wine Country. And yeah, OK, the wine here is awfully good if what I had last night at dinner is any indication. Weirdly, though, I’ve found beets to be far more prevalent than wine. Last night I had beet risotto for dinner, which was tasty enough, if weird. The night before that I went to a steakhouse where every dish was garnished with sliced beets. And then there was the beet latte…well, OK, not really. But if someone were to offer me a beetshake at lunch today, I doubt I’d flinch.
Sonoma also appears to be Phil Collins country. It’s almost eerie: everywhere I go, I hear songs by Phil Collins or Genesis. I think he’s following me. Or maybe Sonoma has decided that it’s time for him to make a comeback? Of course, I suppose there could be darker implications as well….
Edit: Oh god, it’s “Sussudio.” SOMEONE HELP
QUOTE Do you like Phil Collins? I’ve been a big Genesis fan ever since the release of their 1980 album, Duke. Before that, I really didn’t understand any of their work. Too artsy, too intellectual. It was on Duke where, uh, Phil Collins’ presence became more apparent. I think Invisible Touch was the group’s undisputed masterpiece. It’s an epic meditation on intangibility. At the same time, it deepens and enriches the meaning of the preceding three albums. Christy, take off your robe. Listen to the brilliant ensemble playing of Banks, Collins and Rutherford. You can practically hear every nuance of every instrument. Sabrina, remove your dress. In terms of lyrical craftsmanship, the sheer songwriting, this album hits a new peak of professionalism. Sabrina, why don’t you, uh, dance a little. Take the lyrics to Land of Confusion. In this song, Phil Collins addresses the problems of abusive political authority. In Too Deep is the most moving pop song of the 1980s, about monogamy and commitment. The song is extremely uplifting. Their lyrics are as positive and affirmative as, uh, anything I’ve heard in rock. Christy, get down on your knees so Sabrina can see your ass. Phil Collins’ solo career seems to be more commercial and therefore more satisfying, in a narrower way. Especially songs like In the Air Tonight and, uh, Against All Odds. Sabrina, don’t just stare at it, eat it. But I also think Phil Collins works best within the confines of the group, than as a solo artist, and I stress the word artist. This is Sussudio, a great, great song, a personal favorite.
go eat at bouchon. it’s worth your time.
The way you’ve described the setting and re-occuring musical motif make it sound as if you’re in a Stephen King novel. Go Carefully. Now if only you were actually in Maine and could mention it every other sentence the semblence would be complete.
Whoa-OH!
Man, I don’t know what you’re doing. I’ve never even had a beet, and I grew up there. Also, it’s worth noting that most of Santa Rosa is, for the most part, the least “wine country” part of Sonoma.
Still, glad you’re enjoying yourself. If you’ve got a few minutes to kill, you might like Toy Trader on Mendocino Ave. (if it’s still open; haven’t been there in years). Bought quite a few G.I. Joes there myself back in the day.
Shivam clearly assumes I am made of money.
They’re nature’s candy, don’t you know.
Do you mean beets? Or Phil Collins?
I wonder if there’s a drink called the Phil Collins. Like a Tom Collins, but sweetened with saccharine.
Just say the word.
Phil Collins and Monroe Yoder?! NEAT!
Once I peed red after eating beets that Karen made, but I didn’t know beets did that, so I just thought I had cancer.
Great story.
reibeetall?
Good to know about beets and pee. Beware of what dark blue sports drink will do as well. Hint: It doesn’t affect your pee.
the red beet pee happened to me once after eating Bortscht the night before i had to get drug tested for a new job. I think i frightened the urine technician.
Man, they play Phil Collins/Genesis everywhere. It’s not just Sonoma.
Go down the ways to St Helena and stop by Silverados for a pint. Fine microbrews. Wines for sissies anyways.
I don’t drink beer, much in the same way I don’t let people urinate into my mouth.