A few weeks back I gathered my girlfriends for a late afternoon lunch at my favorite local gem of a pizza spot: Masullo (also seen here). Chef-Owner, Bobby, sure spoiled us and the food just kept coming. We were also spoiled in the wine department as another local fave spot of mine, Revolution Wines, paired our meal perfectly. Both Masullo and Revolution Wines share a passion for sourcing local ingredients and serving the freshest, highest quality farm-to-fork dishes and (wine) glasses available. So we were in good hands! And for my local readers, put these two on your next date night / girls’ night out list as the casual vibe is just right.
As a new mom and someone who thrives / needs her girltime I’ve been trying my best to keep my social life alive. Happy mom, happy baby right? Since throwing a party at home has felt all too overwhelming (although I’m getting a Cinco de Mayo fiesta itch!) I discovered the next best thing. Turns out, hosting my girlfriends at another location (not at home) is my new favorite thing as it makes entertaining with a baby totally stress free. You don’t have to worry about the state of your house or prepping food, plus it’s nice to have an excuse to get dressed up and out. First step, find a babysitter (enter my husband). This was actually my first longest afternoon away from Rex (there have been a few others since but that first longer than 2 hour stretch was just what I needed). Second, rally the girls (choosing a date is always the hardest part). Third, coordinate with your favorite local spot–book a private room or ask to use / reserve their back patio. Create a special menu with the restaurant or order family-style dishes beforehand so you won’t have to worry about the hassle of discussing who wants what. Four, bring in additional elements to make the restaurant feel more homey and special for your occasion. I brought linens from home (tip: Heather Taylor Home has some sweet prints that will make you giddy to plan a spring picnic) and had my girlfriend Jessica of Oak & Ash create a gorgeous wall piece for the restaurant.
2015 Chenin Blanc was paired with the first courses of fruit, cheese, Bobby’s super yummy homemade crisps, rosemary bread, and citrus fruit salad. As the bresaola and pizzas were set out we popped open the 2014 Elidé, Revolution Wines Signature blend comprised of Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot.
Similar to my own path of returning back to Northern California, Bobby returned back home to Sacramento (Land Park) to open the restaurant. He grew up in Land Park and left to go to culinary school in New York, followed later by traveling through North America and Europe where he worked in Denmark. California has a way of pulling you back though!
Setting the scene before the girls arrived… while Jessica worked on this beautiful scene!
This particular afternoon was drizzly and what better place to gather than around a cozy wood fire pizza oven? Wine in hand it was the perfect afternoon of catching up with my fellow mamas.
And for the grand finale–individual apple tarts (to-die for!!) and chocolate pudding. So cute, so yummy!
A special thank you to Bobby and Jen at Masullo for having us!
Photography | Michelle Drewes