La Buena Vida 

Private dinners. Picnic lunches. A stocked vacation rental. We connect you with a local chef and create flexible experiences throughout Sonoma county.

We partner with Bay Area Chef David Karlin, a chef for more than 20 years. Chef Karlin finds inspiration in the seasonal bounty of the area and the rustic cooking style pioneered by the likes of Alice Waters and Judy Rogers. The menus are customized for set and setting and are grounded in fresh, local, and a sense of place.

Core offerings include in-home (and secret venue) catering, prepared meals delivered to your house or vacation rental, and picnic menus designed for wine tours, beach days, hikes, or relaxed afternoons with a view. Meal options stretch from practical to lux, depending on the occasion, group size, and budget.

Sample Menu (in-home or private venue):

Harissa-Roasted carrot and Labneh toasts | Grilled ras el hanout rubbed market fish with green chermoula or Grilled Flat Iron steak with ras el hanout butter and green chermoula | couscous with preserved lemon and olives | Zaalouk (Moroccan cooked eggplant and tomato “salad”) | Orange-blossom panna cotta with pistachio and citrus | Paired with Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel blend or Littorai Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

Sample Frozen Pre-Made Meals (to stock the home):

Jambalaya of chicken and sausage | Crab Gumbo | Thai coconut curry (with vegetables or chicken) | Indian-style lentil dal | Moroccan chickpea and vegetable stew | Beef Bourguignon | Chicken Tortilla Soup

Sample Savory Picnic Essentials:

Selection of local cheese and charcuterie | Fresh baguette | Marinated olives and cornichons | Hummus | Grain Salad | Seasonal fruit as available | Sandwiches and wraps | Chips | Fresh-baked cookies | Assorted beverages

Lux Wine Country Picnic:

Shucked oysters and mignonette | Local cheeses, cured meats, smoked almonds, marinated olives, honeycomb, seasonal preserves | Seeded crackers or fresh baguette.| Roasted beet salad with citrus, pistachio, and goat cheese | Pressed foccacia sandwiches | Herbed chicken salad | Farro salad with herbs | Tartines or rolls | Lemon olive oil cakes | Chocolate truffles | Seasonal fruits | Assorted beverages