Pure Mendocino weekend opens each year with an an organic, wine-paired dinnerat Dark Horse Ranch in Hopland. Dark Horse Ranch is a biodynamic farm owned by Paul Dolan, partner in Mendocino Wine Company and event co-chair together with Sara O’Donnell, CRCMC Director. Each year the multi-course meal prepared by Craig Strattman, Chef-Owner of Patrona Bistro and Wine Bar, showcases organic ingredients and wine from Mendocino County’s diverse growing regions. 

2008 Dinner: Sold-out early!
The Organic Dinner has grown in popularity each year and now sells out well in advance.  Strattman’s 2008 dinner appetizer menu featured local, organic savories paired with a choice of organically grown Mendocino wines.  In addition to the wine, Strattman served antioxidant-rich, non-alcoholic aperitifs such as his Cantaloupe Juice with Green Tea and Kefir Lime.  As Strattman said “Sure, antioxidants are good for you, but they can be sexy and fun, too." Dinner featured fresh, seasonal delicacies suchas Water Melon Salad with Feta, Chili Pickled Red Onion and Cilantro and entrée choices of Rock Cod in Paper with Vegetables or Panzanella, an Italian bread salad.  Chocolate and Walnut Dessert with Fresh Berries and Yogurt Sauce provided a sweet, refreshing finish to the meal. The 2008 event featured a display of silent auction items donated by local businesses and artists. Local musicians, Michael and Leslie Hubbert performed throughout the evening. 

Plans for 2009
Organizers are now planning the 2009 Organic Dinner as part of the Fifth Annual Pure Mendocino celebration. Paul Dolan will once again host the Organic Dinner at his Dark Horse Ranch. “I am proud to host the kick-off event,” said Dolan, “It celebrates what makes Mendocino special: good people, local food, and sustainably made wines from all of Mendocino County’s diverse regions. Pure Mendocino is a model for the ways in which the people of Mendocino County can work together to create healthier lives and communities.”

Check here soon for updated information on the 2009 Pure Mendocino events!

About the Cancer Resource Centers of Mendocino County
With offices in Ukiah and the coastal village of Mendocino, CRCMC, established in 1995, helps cancer patients, their families and caregivers with a full range of support services including assistance with formulating care plans, advocacy for benefits, support groups, counseling, and transportation, all free of charge. In 2007 CRCMC founder Sara O’Donnell was honored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation as one of 10 outstanding individuals from across America and Puerto Rico to receive the foundation’s 2007 Community Health Leadership Program Award.

Contact:
Jez (Jezreela) Anderson, MS
Executive Administrative Assistant
Cancer Resource Centers of Mendocino County
phone 707-937-3833 / 800.449.6483
fax 707-937-1143
mail PO Box 50, Mendocino, CA 95460
physical 45040 Calpella Street, Mendocino, CA