Bridge Watching and other scary things.

February 22, 2010

San Francisco and Sonoma 

Let’s talk about this weekend’s adventures.  There were highways, gas stations and bridges.  I might have a made friends out of strangers although there was too much wine to be clear on that.  Aaaaand!  I taught my first cooking class.  In Sonoma.  That happened.  

Take a peek!

San Francisco and Sonoma 

San Francisco and Sonoma 

I spent an evening in and around San Francisco.  The Golden Gate Bridge.  It chokes me up.  It makes me a little teary eyed.  It’s just a bridge.  Why would a bridge make me want to cry?  Weirdo.

San Francisco and Sonoma 

I stayed at a lovely resort tucked just behind the Golden Gate Bridge.  I got lost trying to find it.  So lost.  But look at this place?  Doesn’t it look like where you’d want to fall in love with Ryan Gosling if you were Rachel McAdams?  

San Francisco and Sonoma 

Long grass.  It’s got character.  

San Francisco and Sonoma 

Birds.  Boats and buildings.  

San Francisco and Sonoma 

I spent the rest of the evening in the city without my camera.  If you are two of the three women that were with me that night… you should be glad I didn’t have my camera.  I’m just sayin.  Wow.  Wine.  Wow.  We all have our ‘too much wine’  moments.  I remember mine:  in front of The Pioneer Woman and Steamy Kitchen.  Oops. 

I made my way to Ramekins in Sonoma.  Above is James.  He was my hype man.  He said nice things and introduced me to the class.  Awesome.  Thank you. 

San Francisco and Sonoma 

The kitchen at Ramekins is gorgeous.  My kitchen is never this organized.  

San Francisco and Sonoma 

Nor does it ever have this many people in it.  

San Francisco and Sonoma 

Cameron is making Creme Fraiche Quiche.  She’s a dear. 

San Francisco and Sonoma 

Jessica is peppering some biscuits.  Rad.  

San Francisco and Sonoma 

Danielle is cutting biscuits.  Nice form. 

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Jessica brought Tom.  He’s the silent type.   He got his hands dirty.  

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Everyone gathered ’round the griddle making pancakes for themselves.  I’m pretty sure I’ve found heaven.  

San Francisco and Sonoma 

Meet Annie.  She’s the most dear, lovely and gracious lady I’ve ever met.  Annie, thanks for your endless help and support with this class.  Thanks for the hospitality and for loving macarons enough to stop a taxi.  You’re great.  

San Francisco and Sonoma 

And… this is what the drive home after a crazy weekend looks like…

San Francisco and Sonoma 

… but this is what if feels like.  And.  Yes.  I did sing every Fiona Apple song I know on the drive home.  I also ate a cheeseburger.  And chocolate.  

Thank you to all of you shining people who came out to Ramekins for my first baking class.  Big hugs of appreciation to the fine folk at Ramekins who made my class run like an absolute dream.  I’ll be back.  April. 

{ 81 comments… read them below or add one }

Fred February 23, 2010 at 4:16 am

Yayy! your first class!
congrats!!

=D

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maria February 23, 2010 at 7:06 am

You’re adorable, I would sign up for your baking class if we were in the same city (or country for that matter!)>..can you share what hotel that is?

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joythebaker February 23, 2010 at 10:17 am

the hotel? it’s called cavallo point. lovely.

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Danny February 23, 2010 at 8:06 am

Congrats, Joy… I am proud of you and your accomplishments. It seems you are making a real difference to alot of people. Also, I can’t wait to actually be in the L.A. area someday to attend one of your speakeasy events with “On The Lamb”… Rock n’ Roll McDonalds!!!

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Rocky Mountain Woman February 23, 2010 at 8:26 am

Congratulations..quite an accomplishment Need..to..plan..trip..to…Sonoma….

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Avril February 23, 2010 at 9:12 am

Oh how wonderful!!! I want to come to one of your classes – please continue doing them!!!! I live all the way in little NH but maybe this dream of mine will come true….ya neva know! :-)

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Jen February 23, 2010 at 10:43 am

Joy, you’re a STAR! Congrats! When are you coming to NYC to teach a class!

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brooke February 23, 2010 at 10:49 am

You so deserve that! I wish I could’ve been there! So when’s your first class going to be in socal? San Diego maybe? please???

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Melanie February 23, 2010 at 11:21 am

Congrats Joy…looked like everyone was so involved and enjoying the class, maybe secretly and especially Tom. *L*

Sounds like it was terrific!

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lani trock February 23, 2010 at 12:32 pm

you are amazing, hilarious, beautiful and amazing one more time.

i laugh out loud every time i read your words.

let’s grab that drink soon!

xoxo<3lani

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joythebaker February 23, 2010 at 1:18 pm

you’re super sweet! yes! let us drink together! i’m in the middle of moving… so yeeesh! but soon!

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lani trock February 23, 2010 at 3:09 pm

oh right! downtown, correct?
my blogger friend eva just moved down there- (monkeyinla.com)
best of luck with that endeavor!
perhaps we can drink in little tokyo?
i’m planning on trying my hand at your buttermilk ranch this week…
<3

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Jane M February 23, 2010 at 12:42 pm

WOW I sure wish I lived in San Francisco so I could come to the baking class! Looks like a fun time.

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Sam February 23, 2010 at 1:37 pm

ooh hurray for your class! looks like it went splendidly! now it’s time for one in nyc ;)

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Megan Gordon February 23, 2010 at 4:36 pm

What fun! I’ll have to keep on top of this for next time you come around! And I’ve always wanted to stay at Cavallo Point (looks like where you were, yes?). I’ve heard it’s pretty rad and that the food’s excellent and the yoga is supposed to be good, too (although guessing you might’ve not had time for the latter(s). Anyway, congrats. That’s a big deal. If you ever need SF restaurant recs, hit me up :) I eat around these parts a lot.

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Amy February 23, 2010 at 5:27 pm

Ahhh, it looks lovely. When I look out MY window.. just snow.. white (mostly!) and more… white. I love your bridge, grass and spring looking pictures!
Even though I have cooked and baked for decades I would come to one of your cooking classes in a heart-beat.. wish I could!
You are fun~
Amy/Megans mom

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Amanda February 23, 2010 at 5:58 pm

This past weekend, as I sang along to the entire Tidal album on a long car ride, I remembered why I fell in love with Fiona Apple in the 7th grade. Glad I wasn’t alone in that!

Congrats on what looked like a truly amazing event!

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Sara February 23, 2010 at 8:03 pm

Your pictures are gorgeous! Congrats on teaching your first class. I love cooking classes!

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Catherine February 23, 2010 at 9:03 pm

When you are ready to come to the Houston Texas area, let me know, I feel certain I can find a great place to have a class. [But I must disclose that I am not in that industry at all, just a confident woman who loves to cook and enjoys your blog.]

The golden gate bridge makes me want to cry too. As a Californian until the monumental move to Texas more than a few years ago, the bridge is a symbol of someplace near and dear to my heart.

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Chanina February 23, 2010 at 10:47 pm

How awesome!!! It looks like fun. I wish I lived near to make pancakes with you!

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heidi February 24, 2010 at 6:04 am

sounds like an amazing weekend!

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Hleure February 24, 2010 at 7:58 am

When are you coming to teach a class in Austin? We’d love to have you!

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THE FABULOUS WIFE February 24, 2010 at 1:25 pm

Your class looked like fun!

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Mowie @ Mowielicious February 24, 2010 at 3:24 pm

Oh my! I wish I could have been there. Looks great.

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mic February 24, 2010 at 10:00 pm

when are you coming to Denver? i would love to learn how to bake/cook from u

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Heidi Stauffer February 24, 2010 at 11:30 pm

Joy,

I had a wonderful time at your class on Sunday! You were funny, informative and most of all, adorable!

P.s. I love that you wore a broach!

Heidi

(apron girl)

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Heather @ Side of Sneakers February 25, 2010 at 2:51 pm

I think it’s totally awesome you taught a cooking class in Sonoma!! What a cool experience!! :)

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~~Rhonda February 25, 2010 at 3:48 pm

Sounds like an exciting and wonderful weekend! So glad you had the opportunity! Keep up the good work. I enjoy reading your blog! ~~Rhonda

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annie February 25, 2010 at 6:15 pm

YOU were fabulous, as was the weekend & your class! We had so much fun working with you, and can’t wait to do it again. Everyone! April! Sonoma! Lemon whoopee pies! Whoopie! xxoo

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Nicole February 25, 2010 at 7:19 pm

Congrats! on your first class. seems like everyone had a fabulous time

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Evan February 26, 2010 at 6:22 am

That’s awesome lady! Great job and beautiful pictures, as always.

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