For our first ever video recipe, we tapped into one of Healdsburg’s newest kids on the block: Valette Restaurant, opened in 2015. Chef Dustin Valette, alum of Michelin-starred Aqua in San Francisco and Napa Valley’s Bouchon, gave us a killer recipe which truly represents fall in Sonoma Wine Country.
We were extra excited when we tried it. Not only does it look and taste incredible, it’s totally doable for even the most remedial cook. That’s right, no special cooking skills needed, and you’ll come out looking like a rock star. We pared down the recipe to make it perfect for two. Because this is one to turn to when you want to wow your S.O., your best friend, or heck, maybe even your mom.
If you aren’t roaming an organic farm in Sonoma on a daily basis, all the ingredients are available in San Francisco. We found everything we needed at the Ferry Building: wild mushrooms, aged NY steak, Padrón peppers, even bone marrow (which you are free to leave out if you aren’t feeling that hip). One other tip – we highly recommend a cast iron pan for searing your steak and looking extra swank while you cook. We bought a Lodge 10 ¼” skillet for $16 bucks on Amazon, and it’s been a love fest. You also need the handle holder so you don’t burn those beautiful hands.
Oh, and a word of warning if you’re new to Padrón peppers. Most are mild, but every now and then you might get one which is super spicy. Enjoy the surprise.