Dreaming of meat in Napa
Pancetta, bacon and tasty meat at the Fatted Calf in downtown Napa. Yum!
June 22, 2008
Another look at the Napa Co. Fire
A look at the Napa County wild fire from downtown Napa. The wind is blowing the smoke east to Vacaville.
April 22, 2008
More Flavors from Wine Country
Today, I went for a short run before my skating session. The last few weeks, I’ve been treating these sessions like a workout: rolling out of the house without warming up or stretching. Running about 1.25 miles helped me get more into athlete mode when I stepped on the ice this morning.
And yesterday, I ran 3 miles by Alamo Creek. That was my first time hitting 3 miles and it felt good. Doctors, nurses, older people and anyone with an opinion like to remind me that things tend to go downhill with a woman’s body when she hits her 30’s. I figure running, yoga and skating will help me battle that downhill trend. Besides, it all keeps me sane with my graveyard shift.
Plus — I need that exercise because I like to eat food like this. One weekend in Sonoma, we did lunch at the Bistro. We were the last lunch customers seated before the restaurant closed for its afternoon break. It was small, intimate spot with tasty food. I seared my tongue on the spicy tomato broth over these mussels. The shellfish tasted fresh and plump. I finished the broth with my bread and spoon.
April 13, 2008
February 12, 2008
70 Degrees
I love this warm February weather. I’m in a better mood with all the sunshine. Mark and I are just tickled with seeing 70 degree temperatures before March. I feel like I have more energy to do stuff in this t-shirt weather. This morning, I finished running 2 miles by Alamo Creek.
And this weekend, we explored the wine country in Lodi. My co-worker gave us free tickets to the Wine and Chocolate Festival. It was a lovely, romantic way to kick-off our Valentine’s Day holiday.
We first stopped at the Michael-David Vineyard off Highway 12. I overheard folks from Sacramento and beyond drove down to this vineyard to restock on their vino supplies. I sampled the 2005 Earthquake Syrah by the duck pond. We learned that Lodi was all about the Zins. We enjoyed drinking every spot’s version of the Zinfandel.
Here’s Mark getting friendly with the barnyard residents at Michael-David’s. This winery had beautiful grounds for outdoor picnics and lazy walks. I enjoyed the 2006 Heavenly Chard with its buttery finish. I also enjoyed the 2004 6th Sense Syrah with its rich tones of oak and berries.
December 31, 2007
Christmas Eve in Napa
Getting ready for New Year’s Eve dinner and fireworks in Old Sacramento. Then I go to work. This is my Friday. I’m happy I get to spend the last hours of 2007 and the first hour of 2008 with my hubby.
The concept of a White Christmas is overrated. We enjoyed beautiful sunny weather for the holiday. I figured Napa would be a nice place to spend Christmas Eve. We drove around the valley and checked out a few spots still open for wine tasting. These are the wine barrels at Grgich.
Several winery spots closed early for the holiday. We got lucky with Grgich and we saw that business was bumping on Christmas Eve. Folks at Grgich Hills say they’re known for organic and biodynamic wines. It’s suppose to be better for the environment and the vines. I suppose that translates to the flavor of their vintages.
December 24, 2007
‘Tis The Season
This is a cellar at Peju in Napa. We met a Texas couple who bought us a $100 wine bottle. A beautiful Xmas moment
December 4, 2007
Homecoming
I woke-up in Vacaville this morning. It’s wonderful to be back in California. I know it’s grey, raining and a little dreary outside…but I’m thrilled to be home.
I couldn’t have made this trip without Mark. He has been the road trip leader and our home provider. He’s been our rock. I’m grateful for his strength on this trip and for the next chapter in my career.
On Day 3 of our Road Trip — we had a beautiful start in Salt Lake City. We were surrounded by salty water and shores after driving about 30 minutes away from the city. We also passed a few salt factories, like Morton’s, sitting on the far edges of the lake.
February 5, 2007
Indulgent Flavors in Vegas
I wanted to try some Thomas Keller food for a while now. My choir director adored his tasting menu at the French Laundry in Napa, a while back. Then I read about Keller’s Vegas venue, Bouchon, in Anthony Bourdain’s book, The Nasty Bits. Bourdain was humbled by Keller’s technique and envious of his fries. Since I visit Sin City often, I figured I could fit in visit to this French bistro inside the Venetian.
As a Christmas present, Mark took me on a date to Bouchon.
It was one of the best meals I’ve ever had in Vegas.
originally uploaded by queenkv.
Our dinner had elegant and satisfying flavors plus good, knowledgeable service. This is Mark’s sauteed gnocchi. Now, I’m used to having the potato dumplings swimming a savory sauce. Bouchon serves up the gnocchi practically naked, save the ragoût of vegetables. After this meal, we learned that gnocchi didn’t need to be drowned in sauce when it’s cooked perfectly. It had this hearty roasted flavor that’s satisfying to any palate.
July 29, 2005
A Taste of North Carolina…
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I got back from North Carolina on Thursday. I managed to make a good impression on the stations. I tasted the local specialities. I imagined myself living in the “Tarheel State” with Mark.
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Courtney showed me where Oprah lives. She said Oprah bought this mega-property so that she has a place to say when she’s visiting Maya Angelou
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North and South Carolina were one colony until 1729. Carolina was named to honor Charles IX of France and then Charles I and Charles II of England. Carolina is rooted in Latin and comes from the word Caroliinus. This word is derived from the name Carolus, translated as “Charles.”
[from http://www.netstate.com/states/intro/nc_intro.htm]
