Here a few of the photos from 10 amazing days my crew and I spent in the kitchen of of one of the most charming and self-effacing chefs I’ve ever met, Nancy Ponzi.  Matriarch of the Ponzi Family which is not only one of the pioneer wine families in the Willamette Valley but also founded Bridgeport Brewery. 

Nancy’s family recipe was also the secret behind Bridgeport’s famous pizza served in the brewpub that many of us here in Portland have enjoyed over the years.  For that fact alone she deserves the title of chef .

When she decided to write the book her family had been urging her to do for a long time, Nancy asked our photo team along with talented food stylist, Carol Ladd,  to photograph many of the family’s recipes that appear in the book. Our stylist and Nancy also carefully planned the shoot so that what we photographed in the morning was served for lunch.   We all can personally attest to how good many of these recipes taste.  During the whole process which involved us taking over not only her kitchen but most of her family room and guest bedroom for 10 staggered shooting days . Nancy proved so gracious and unflappable that we all wanted to be adopted by her.

Now that the book is out I will be posting recipes (and photographs) of some of the best food in the book, food that caused one of our photo assistants to gain almost 15 pounds in the course of the shoot.

The photography business can be tough and competitive at times, but it does have its perks when the subject is good food and fine wine.   Thanks Nancy, Carol and the whole crew.

BTW the book is available at Barnes&Noble and at Powells but you can buy it direct from the publisher here.

You can view the whole photostream here.