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!
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.
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?
Long grass. It’s got character.
Birds. Boats and buildings.
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.
The kitchen at Ramekins is gorgeous. My kitchen is never this organized.
Nor does it ever have this many people in it.
Cameron is making Creme Fraiche Quiche. She’s a dear.
Jessica is peppering some biscuits. Rad.
Danielle is cutting biscuits. Nice form.
Jessica brought Tom. He’s the silent type. He got his hands dirty.
Everyone gathered ’round the griddle making pancakes for themselves. I’m pretty sure I’ve found heaven.
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.
And… this is what the drive home after a crazy weekend looks like…
… 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.


























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Yayy! your first class!
congrats!!
=D
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?
the hotel? it’s called cavallo point. lovely.
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!!!
Congratulations..quite an accomplishment Need..to..plan..trip..to…Sonoma….
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!
Joy, you’re a STAR! Congrats! When are you coming to NYC to teach a class!
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???
Congrats Joy…looked like everyone was so involved and enjoying the class, maybe secretly and especially Tom. *L*
Sounds like it was terrific!
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
you’re super sweet! yes! let us drink together! i’m in the middle of moving… so yeeesh! but soon!
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
WOW I sure wish I lived in San Francisco so I could come to the baking class! Looks like a fun time.
ooh hurray for your class! looks like it went splendidly! now it’s time for one in nyc
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.
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
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!
Your pictures are gorgeous! Congrats on teaching your first class. I love cooking classes!
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.
How awesome!!! It looks like fun. I wish I lived near to make pancakes with you!
sounds like an amazing weekend!
When are you coming to teach a class in Austin? We’d love to have you!
Your class looked like fun!
Oh my! I wish I could have been there. Looks great.
when are you coming to Denver? i would love to learn how to bake/cook from u
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)
I think it’s totally awesome you taught a cooking class in Sonoma!! What a cool experience!!
Sounds like an exciting and wonderful weekend! So glad you had the opportunity! Keep up the good work. I enjoy reading your blog! ~~Rhonda
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
Congrats! on your first class. seems like everyone had a fabulous time
That’s awesome lady! Great job and beautiful pictures, as always.
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