Love for jalapeño jelly spreads far
It’s fitting that one of the star items at Preserve Public House in Winters is jelly. The artisanal restaurant is known far and wide for its addictive Grandma O’s jalapeño jelly, so revered that it’s offered not only as a condiment but as the star of its own platter. Indeed, the jalapeño jelly board brims with nothing more than a big bowl of the quivering, gelatinous goodness, topped with snowy white Orland Farmstead Creamery fromage blanc and presented alongside a sweet deli roll and a knife ($6).
For bigger bites, owner Cole Ogando layers the spicysweet jelly lavishly on charcuterie and cheese boards ($16), tucks it in with bacon and double creme brie in cheddar grilled cheese ($8) or offers it as an alternative to the very good habanero Meyer lemon jelly that glazes his bacon-wrapped meat loaf ($18).
There’s even a cocktail: the La Tienda, a blend of tequila, jelly, tequila liqueur and lime with a Mexican candy rim ($9).
200 Railroad Ave., Winters, (530) 795-9963, www.preservewinters.com.
The perfect seasonal sip: When you’ve got a rainbow array of tapas in front of you, you’re going to want a fitting sip. And nothing fits better than sangria, the signature drink at Ficelle in Winters. House-made and served by the glass (or live large and get the pitcher), the recipe changes depending on the mixologist’s red wine whims and seasonal fruits.
Not too sweet, not too strong, it’s a delicious complement to shareable plates of sizzling olive oil shrimp, grilled meats and Spanish cheeses. Just be prepared for lines — the casual spot is extremely popular and doesn’t take reservations.
5-C E. Main St., Winters, (530) 795-9593, www.ficelle-restaurant.com.