It is hard to believe that it’s January 2016 … the past year has flown by with such elegance and grace. Looking back at 2015, it’s very clear that it was the best year to date for Nick’s Cove. For example … the multitude of seriously happy guests who were quite generous with their kind words was plentiful (and oh-so-appreciated); a few exciting awards for our restaurant and cocktail program; the introduction of new and exciting offerings for our guests (sailing and tug boat); watching the Croft grow (literally and figuratively) and then reaping our rewards as guests enjoyed eating what they just saw growing in the garden; watching and experiencing the creativity and cohesiveness of our management team; and while, yes, I did feel a twinge of guilt for enjoying all the gloriously sunny days we had during the winter, the weather was insanely indulgent!

We are all blessed to work at such a fantastic property, where the backdrop of our “office” is the amazingly, unspoiled Tomales Bay and the surrounding Point Reyes National Seashore. I really don’t think it gets much better than this. If you have yet to experience the natural beauty and serenity of Tomales Bay and Nick’s Cove, please take a drive and visit us … you will be glad you did!
Cheers and Happy New Year!

Did you know that the California red-legged frog was declared the state amphibian this year?  The California red-legged frog is an IUCN vulnerable species and this decision highlights the importance that California places on the frog’s preservation.  This frog has lost much of its original range but remains common along the coast, including here at Nick’s Cove. We place a lot of care and importance on our little buddies and protecting their habitat. They can be seen in the creek that runs through our property and enjoying shady spots up in The Croft. To learn more about our new state amphibian please visit: http://www.fws.gov/arcata/es/amphibians/crlf/crlf.html

A shrub is a fruit-flavored vinegar that can be enjoyed in cocktails and adds a refreshing, tart dimension with every sip. It can also be enjoyed by stirring some into soda water for a sweet and sour thirst quencher. 

Americans first used shrubs in the 18th century as a way of preserving fruit; today, they’re used in cocktails, dressings, or to flavor your soda or mineral water. Made correctly, a shrub is the right balance of vinegar, fruit and sweeteners. Shrubs last for up to six months, so it is a great idea to turn passing fruits into shrubs. Here is a recipe for you to try at home. Remember, you can always substitute different types of fruit, vinegar, and sweeteners.

QUINCE SHRUB

1 cup peeled, chopped quince
½ vanilla bean
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup granulated sugar

Sterilize a 1-quart jar by submerging it in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes.  Place the quince and vanilla in the jar. Heat the vinegar just to a boil and pour it into the jar. Cap the jar tightly. Store the jar in a cool dark place, for at least 4 days, shaking it daily. The longer it sits, the stronger the flavors will be. Strain the vinegar through a strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter. Combine the vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from heat and let cool. Pour into the original, re-sterilized jar or another sterilized jar or bottle.

Store the shrub in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Cheers!

 

We are lucky enough to have an on-site farm at Nick’s Cove called The Croft. Again, luckily, one of the things that seems to grow year round in West Marin are green, leafy vegetables such as kale and chard.  The following recipe is for a very versatile salad using chard and duck confit. It is a warm and hearty addition to any meal or as a power-lunch on its own.  The beauty is that the bones of the dish are the same year-round; however, seasonally different fruits or vegetables can be added to mix it up! Add delicata squash in the fall, strawberries in the summer, dried fruit any other time and voila!

The Croft Warm Chard Salad

1 cup duck confit, recipe to follow (bacon, pancetta, and ham are all good substitutes) 2 qt. julienned rainbow chard 1 lb. sliced strawberries 2 leeks, julienned 1 pint toasted cashews

For the vinaigrette: Combine 1 cup sherry vinegar with 1 ½ cups good, extra virgin olive oil.  Add one teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon chopped thyme leaves, ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, and freshly cracked black pepper.  Whisk vigorously until emulsified.  Set aside.

In a sauté pan, add duck confit to 2 T hot vegetable or olive oil.  Crisp shredded confit evenly on all sides.  Add the leeks and cashews, warm briefly, about 30 seconds.  Add ½ cup sherry vinaigrette.  In a small bowl combine the chard and strawberries.  Pour the hot vinaigrette-duck mixture over the chard and strawberries and toss thoroughly until all of the chard is evenly coated.  Serve immediately.

To make duck confit;

Season (5 lbs.) duck legs liberally with:

3 bay leaves 1 bunch thyme 3 cloves chopped garlic ½ teaspoon pink curing salt ¼ cup kosher salt 1 T black peppercorn 1 tsp coriander 1 tsp fennel seed

Let cure overnight.  Rinse the cure off the legs and pat dry with paper towels.  Cover in a metal baking pan with rendered duck fat.  Cook 2.5 hours.  Remove from the fat and shred

Cheers,

This 287 square foot cottage is the most “cozy” of all our guest cottages. And, don’t be fooled by its size! This cottage still boasts all the luxuries as our other, larger cottages: claw foot tub, heated marble bathroom floors and wood burning stove … and it’s pet friendly!   Nicolina is perfect for a romantic night away with your significant other.

Contrary to what many believe, this particular building was never actually a boat. It was, however, modeled after a boat called “Nicolina” that resided in Tomales bay. Our Nicolina started out as a ferry that brought hay to local farms. After its life as a ferry, it was set up at Nick’s Cove where it was used as a guest cottage for many years.

When the property underwent major renovations between 1999 and 2007, the cottage was re-designed to emulate the original, local Nicolina and it became we all know and love today!

To get the chance to stay in this one of-a-kind accommodation … book early! This is, by far, our most popular cottage!

Until next time …

 

Following a week of 90 degree temperatures we received the gift of a cool afternoon rain yesterday. A sound that winter is near begins with the whistle of my favorite bird the Golden Crowned Sparrow. They begin their migration mid-September to early November from the tundra and shrub land of British Colombia and Alaska to the Pacific Coast. They whistle their slow plaintive song often with each on a descending note: oh dear me. If you visit Nick’s Cove from November to March take a walk up into our croft and you will hear the Golden Crowned Sparrow whistle coming from overhead.

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!

Did you know that on the darkest nights, May-November, magic happens on Tomales Bay? September is a particularly good time to witness the blooms of dinoflagellates that light up when disturbed. These bioluminescent plankton emit short bursts of blueish light as a form of protection. Kayaking after dark allows you to bear witness to an amazing light show. From schools of fish, to seals chasing their prey, the bay comes to life in a way you’ve never experienced. Just the movement of your paddle in the water lights up the surface, mimicking the starry sky. Many tours depart from Miller Boat Launch which is located right next to us at Nick’s Cove. Tours are available through Blue Waters Kayaking, Outback Adventures and Point Reyes Outdoors.

I hope we see you soon!

British officers in India during the nineteenth century drank tonic water made with quinine to fend off malaria. Adding Britain’s favorite spirit to the water made the bitter tasting tonic easier to drink, it took the edge off and gave them a little buzz! Since then, the gin and tonic has become one of the world’s most consumed and beloved cocktails. Most gin drinkers are loyal to their brand of gin; however, I would encourage them to be as devoted to their choice in tonic water.

Some of my favorites are: Fever Tree Lite Tonic Water, Fever Tree Bitter Lemon, and Q Tonic. At Nick’s Cove we’ve created out own Tonic syrup that’s made with Cinchona tree bark, sweetened with agave nectar, as well a carefully selected choice of different citrus zest, herbs and spices.  Paired with Uncle Val’s Botanical gin, our Tomales Tonic has a beautiful balance of earth, citrus and floral notes. Come try it yourself, it is on our specialty cocktail list year around!

Cheers!