Smith: Women chefs star at Catelli's

Not just women will savor what looks to be an over-the-top food and wine convergence Monday at Catelli’s in Geyserville.

But it’s quite the extraordinary group of women that’s cooking it up. A benefit for Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County, the Women Chefs and Winemakers Dinner stars Domenica Catelli of Catelli’s, Zazu Kitchen & Farm’s Duskie Estes, Liza Hinman of The Spinster Sisters and winemakers Melissa Stackhouse of J Winery, Shelly Rafanelli of A. Rafanelli Winery and Jen Higgens of Lambert Bridge Winery.

The paired feast grew from last summer’s delightful Wine, Women & Shoes event at Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery. Catelli’s will be closed to the public for Monday’s dinner, which kicks off at 6 p.m.

What’s on the menu? Nothing special, except for the tombo tuna crudo fish & chips, carrot harissa crostini, cauliflower panna cotta, hand-made pasta layered with Bellwether ricotta, wild mushrooms, OZ Farms rabbit ragu and vegetables, Liberty Duck with hot smoked Black Pig Bacon and vegetables, and MFK Fisher’s gingerbread with poached pears.

The few $200 tickets left can be purchased by calling the Healthcare Foundation at 473-0583.

Men are allowed.