Hand-rolled, filled, and twisted Tibetan dumplings served with a fiery, yet somehow soothing sauce is now the specialty of the house at River Cafe. Since Nomad Momo took over the little cafe in front of the old Farmers Exchange building one year ago, the custom-made dumplings have found a home and a following. And now I’m one of them. Lots of you know these dumplings, crafted by a vivacious Tibetan entrepreneur who goes by Rabgee, from the Farmers Markets. But you might not know that River Cafe also serves these irresistible dumplings, made from transparent wheat dough and filled with tangy vegan ingredients, as well as chicken or beef. River Cafe still offers the classic morning and lunch menu that we’ve known for a long time. And yes, you can still visit the cafe for your morning espresso and pastries from Kelly’s Bakery. But I was on the trail of a momo dumpling, the petite, succulent filled “dim sum” of North Asia and surprised myself by ordering the vegan variety. After a short wait—all orders are custom made—I came back from browsing the Specialized bikes and luxury items at Patagonia to Rabgee packing up a carryout box filled with eight dumplings, a sizeable mixed baby lettuce salad, and a container of righteously fiery hot sauce. Inside my vegan dumplings were a light, very delicious blend of bean thread noodles, garlic, kale, tofu, and cilantro. Chewy with a bit of interior crunchiness, each soft plump golfball-sized dumpling made me reach for another, and another. Like a very light crisp wine, these were utterly refreshing. I was glowing with garlic by the time I’d finished. Which always makes me reach for a piece of dark chocolate, but that’s another story. Lots of paninis, pastries and breakfast burritos join the River Cafe menu along with coffee, beer, and wine. But most of all, you do not want to miss the chance to taste these authentic Tibetan momos—you’ll be hooked. River Cafe, open daily 8am-3pm. 415 River St. Ste. K.
Storrs’ Midas Touch
Pam and Steve Storrs know their way around a vineyard, and the latest crop of 2019 Storrs Chardonnays have taken a fistful of Golds at the 2021 Sunset Wine Competition. A double Gold, 96 points, went to the Rodeo Ridge, Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay. With Storrs Chards from Christie Vineyard, Wildcat Ridge, and St. Clare Santa Clara Valley each winning Golds. Next time you’re perusing the wine shelves, you know what to look for. Congratulations to the very skilled winemakers!
Meanwhile, tickets are now on sale for a special winemaker dinner up at Davenport’s Slow Coast Wine Bar—the second home to a wide array of fine wines made by Ryan Beauregard. Join guest chefs Chad Hyatt and Michael Miller on August 7, for a menu including local King salmon belly tartare with seaweeds and sesame crisp, and California Cassoulet with ingredients such as duck confit and Portuguese sausage. Slow Coast Wine Bar, 450 Highway 1, Davenport. 831 600-7402.
