Made Local Magazine Podcast

LISTEN NOW (16 mins): What does it really mean to eat seasonally in Sonoma County—and why does it matter now more than ever?

In this episode, publisher Daedalus Howell sits down with food and hospitality authority Clark Wolf for a wide-ranging conversation about the rhythms of Wine Country, from early wine grape harvests and Gravenstein apples to the farmers, markets, and restaurants that define our region. As climate change reshapes growing seasons, Clark explains why paying attention to what’s available today is more important than ever—and why supporting small local farms builds both resilience and community.

The conversation also explores the enduring influence of Alice Waters and Chez Panisse, the return of comfort food, why restaurants are both magical and brutally difficult businesses, and how great dining experiences become lasting memories. Along the way, Clark shares stories from decades in the food world, offering equal parts wit, wisdom, and practical advice for anyone who loves to eat well and lives locally.

Points of interest mentioned in this episode: , Chez Panisse New York Times review, Russian Tea Room, Stark Reality Restaurants.

Pictured above, from left: Local tastemakers Alice Waters and Albert Straus chat at the 2024 Gravenstein Apple Fair. Photo by Lisa Rose.

In this episode of the Made Local Magazine podcast, restaurant consultant Clark Wolf shares insights on the recent cyclospora outbreak with publisher Daedalus Howell and how keeping one's food purchases local can help you avoid it.

LISTEN NOW: (22 minutes) The Gravenstein Apple Fair. Clark Wolf previews the Gravenstein Apple Fair, from its amateur and professional pie contests to its deep roots in Sonoma County agriculture. He and Daedalus Howell also discuss the Gravenstein’s local legacy, women farmers, zero-waste traditions and the community effort behind one of Sebastopol’s most beloved annual events.

The Gravenstein Apple Fair runs from Saturday and Sunday, August 8 and 9, at Ragle Ranch Park, Sebastopol. For tickets and more information, visit gravensteinapplefair.com.

On this episode: Made Local Magazine publisher Daedalus Howell and food-and-restaurant consultant Clark Wolf preview the 53rd annual Gravenstein Apple Fair, happening August 8 and 9 at Ragle Ranch Regional Park in Sebastopol.

Wolf dishes on the amateur and professional pie competitions, with appearances by Betsy Fischer, Donna del Rey of Relish Culinary Adventures, Ozzy Jimenez of Noble Folk and Sean McGaughey of newly Michelin-starred Troubadour and Quail & Condor.

The conversation also explores Sonoma County’s Gravenstein heritage, the “farms forever” mission of Sonoma County Farm Trails, and a women-in-agriculture panel featuring Caiti Hachmyer of Red H Farm, Jennifer Bice of Redwood Hill Farm–Capracopia, Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, Sarah Keiser of Wild Oat Hollow and Yael Bernier of Bernier Farms.

Plus: Alice Waters, Sweetgreen and a peak-season peach-and-goat-cheese salad benefiting the Edible Schoolyard Project.

What's in this episode:

Clark Wolf credits passionate local farmers, strong culinary traditions, and regional talent for attracting high-caliber chefs, leading to our local Michelin-recognized restaurants. Nods go to Enclos in Sonoma and Californios in San Francisco (noting it as the first Mexican restaurant to earn three stars), and mention SingleThread, The French Laundry, and many one- and two-star spots, with Wolf citing James Beard’s advice to seek one-star restaurants for great value. Wolf explains Michelin’s origins with the tire company, its reliance on local subsidies, and the inexact, sometimes ethically fraught nature of restaurant reviewing amid changing media economics, paywalls, and democratized online food commentary.

Clark Wolf and Daedalus Howell discuss Sonoma County’s coming Heritage Apple Press, the need for local food-processing infrastructure, support for farmers and food banks, and why small food producers should stay hopeful—but alert—when big retailers come calling.