My Guide To The California Wine Country

There are so many places on my bucket list and Napa/Sonoma was definitely on there and I've finally checked it off! About 6 months ago, I began planning my mother/daughter trip and thought that this would be the perfect getaway. Not knowing exactly what I was getting into, I can safely say that planning is key!! Knowing which producers I loved was the easy part. Figuring out how to narrow it down and the order in which to visit them in...now that was tricky.

So let's just dive right into it!

I began with where to stay. This is critical. Do you want to stay primarily in Napa? Sonoma? Santa Rosa? St. Helena? The options are limitless. I decided to book my stay via HomeAway. Once I started looking at hotels, I realized that this was the most economical option. After all...you can cook your own meals! So, after much searching, review reading, and Google mapping, I settled on a place called the Lazy Oak Creekside Bungalow.  Not only was it picturesque, but the location was perfect for us because it was fairly centrally located!

I decided that we should fly into SFO and rent a car. You can hire a driver but this seemed to be more cost effective. We got a really good deal through Payless....we realized when we landed that that was due to the fact that it was OFF SITE...but we just hopped on a shuttle to the rental location.

On our way into Napa, we stopped in a town called Sausalito which reminded me so much of Positano, Italy. It was absolutely beautiful!

For lunch, we ate at this cute restaurant on the water called The Trident (I'm sorry I was so hungry I didn't bother to snap a photo of my Mahi Mahi fish tacos but trust me they were GOOD).

From there we made our way to our little bungalow! Before arriving, we stopped at the Sonoma Market to stock up on the essentials...cheese! It was the perfect little grocery store. They have pre prepared foods, smoothies, fresh fruits and veggies...everything you need! We made sure to be stocked with travel snacks and water for the coming week!

So, we finally arrive at our bungalow and I can't even tell you how much I loved it! I absolutely adored our little back patio with the fire pit. It literally backs up to the Sonoma River. So, my mom and I sat outside next to the fire pit with our wine and listened to the river...we even spotted a couple of deer!!

Our first official day in wine country began the following morning. We started by just walking around downtown Sonoma. There is not a lot of "shopping" but it was so fun just to see architecture!

Our first tasting was at Chateau Montelena. Fair warning...if you go via Calistoga road....it is steep!

Before you visit Chateau Montelena, I highly recommend watching Bottle Shock before you go! Before visiting, I had tasted the chardonnay but that was it and I loved tasting the reds...especially the Zinfandel! The history behind the vineyard not to mention the gorgeous property, made for a wonderful first stop! If you are in the DFW area, Chateau Montelena is coming to Boulevardier for a wine dinner on Tuesday, April 4th!

From there, we went to Ehlers Estate which I would not have known about had I not been to one of their tastings at Pogo's a few weeks ago! This ended up being one of my favorites! I loved learning how the workers on the vineyard work year round and know the vines and the grapes so well. One of the reds that they do so well is the Cab Franc which is not an easy wine to produce but they do it beautifully. I ended up purchasing the Rose from Cab Franc (since you can't get it in Dallas) and this was by far my favorite from what we tasted!

Our last tasting of the day was by far my favorite of the entire trip and that was at Vincent Arroyo. What I loved most about this tasting was how personal it was. I really felt like I got to know the vineyard and the winemaker. It was like being on the farm with the farmers. There were dogs running around wanting you to play ball with them, we walked through the vineyard, saw the barrels...the entire experience was absolutely amazing. And, if you are in the DFW area, they are having a wine dinner on March 31st at Urban Rio Rooftop in Plano and I highly recommend it!

From there, we went to dinner at Terra in St. Helena. I have to say...this was an absolutely amazing meal. I originally wanted to eat at The French Laundry. But....it's quite expensive and I honestly don't know that I could eat all of the courses! So, some friends of mine in Dallas, suggested Terra and I was not disappointed. For $89, you get a four courses and you can literally pick any 4 things off the menu. You can pick the same dish four times if you want! At this point in our day, I could not do wine pairings so I just ordered a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. I needed something I could sip through 4 courses! And here is what I ordered:

1. Crudo
2. Ezo Abalone, Scallop, Escargot Butter, Tosaka Seaweed, King Trumpets
3. Grilled Liberty Farm Duck Breast, Roasted Garnet Yam, Sour Cherry Duck Jus
4. Grilled Five Dot Ranch Flat Iron Steak, Potato “Aligot”, Cabernet Sauvignon Sauce

The next day, we discovered a new and amazing coffee shop right by our bungalow called the Cafe Scooteria! All I know is that I ordered some type of Chai Tea Latte with Almond Milk that had an extra shot of espresso and I ordered it every morning! ;)

Our second day, we started off at Trefethen which I really enjoyed. What I loved about this particular tasting was learning about the 2014 earthquake that hit Napa and how it affected the vineyard.

After that, we tasted with one of my favorite producers -- Yannick Rousseau. He is a very small producer who sources his grapes from specific vineyards. I love his Tannat and Colombard. This tasting was so special because it was so intimate and personal which I love!

That evening, we met up with a friend of mine on the Napa Riverfront. He suggested this fabulous Japanese restaurant called Miminashi. It's fairly new but they have a fantastic wine and sake program plus delicious food! I can not recall everything we ordered but here are the photos anyways ;)

The night was still young so we stopped into a little Spanish tapas restaurant called La Taberna simply for a specific wine they had on the list called Maddy Txakoli. It was light, slightly effervescent and very refreshing!

The next day was our last full day in Napa and our last stop was Iron Horse. They are known for their sparkling wine but they are all fantastic! Even if you just go for the view it's worth it! I loved how we tasted the wines outside and then sat on a bench that overlooked the vineyard. Absolutely amazing.

So ended our stay in the California wine country. The following morning, we decided that we needed a big breakfast before driving to San Francisco. We happened upon one of the best hole-in-the-walls I have ever come across! Not to mention this was probably one of the best meals I had. It's called The Fremont Diner. It had a bit of a creole feel to the menu and I would suggest going with a group and ordering EVERYTHING.

Before crossing The Golden Gate Bridge, I HAD to find a great place to snap a photo. I originally wanted to go to Kirby Cove but the road was closed. So, we found an alternate spot -- the Golden Gate National Recreational Area. Perfect!

We then checked into our hotel -- The Warwick -- which was very nice! I have to say...driving in San Francisco was absolutely terrifying. So, we valeted our car overnight and settled on public transportation or walking. We started out by hopping on the trolley to the Fisherman's Wharf. It's pretty touristy but still a beautiful spot!

From there, we walked to Ghirardelli Square. Personally, I think that the building is very interesting but, unless you plan on eating copious amounts of chocolate, there really isn't much to see.

We walked our legs off that day! We stopped in at Molinari Deli for some meats to go along with our cheeses and wine for the evening. Then we were so exhausted from literally hiking in SF that we crashed in our hotel room with cheese, meat, and (of course) wine. It was a good thing we did not go out that night because it was necessary that we drink a few bottles so we could fit it all in our suitcases!

The next morning, we ended our stay in SF with a final hike up California Street (I do not recommend). Why? Seeking breakfast! We found a place called MyMy. If you are there and in need of breakfast GO! You can expect a wait but not too long. What I loved was that they had classic dishes on their menu but with a slight twist. I ordered an egg white scramble with TONS of roasted vegetables, parmesan, pesto, and pine nuts. YUM! Plus their mimosas were the cheapest I could find!

And so ends my California adventure. Another few cities checked off the bucket list. I have to say...I do want to go again and soon! There are SO many vineyards and wineries to visit it's impossible to do it all in one trip. Choose carefully, plan ahead, and pack your snacks and water! 

Valentine's Day Dinner You'll Remember

Valentine's Day for me is a hard one...

I refuse to eat out because it's just crazy town. I also am not a fan of a lot of lovey dovey gushy sappy stuff. But, it is fun for a couple to have a reason to celebrate each other and eat a delicious meal!

So, this year I decided that I would cook dinner for my boyfriend. I really haven't cooked for him in a while and this was the perfect excuse!

I seem to get into a rut and always make my "go to" recipes. But,. I stepped out of the box! I've always wanted to try braised beef short ribs and I finally made them. OH MY GOODNESS. If you haven't made them, you must!

The recipe I used was from The Pioneer Woman and it is fool proof. I had also been saving a 2008 Brunello di Montalcino that we popped which paired perfectly with the dinner! 

For sides, I served a creamy parmesan polenta and brussels sprouts with crispy pancetta. Mouth watering. Amazing. Make this now.

Keep Austin Awesome

For the last 10 years or so, I have travelled A LOT. But, I've never taken a road trip by myself. It's something that seems so simple and easy. But, for some reason, there is something about it that has always held me back.

About a week ago, I finally did it. I took a road trip. It wasn't long. A simple 3.5 hour drive to a place I've been before but never appreciated. I was in need of time to myself. Time away from Dallas. This time was for me to turn off. 

Originally, I had a completely different trip in mind. But, I am so happy that I chose what I did. 

So, I headed south for Austin, TX!

Now, since I've been this direction several times, I didn't think I would make ANY stops. But was I wrong! If you are heading south and heading through Waco, you MUST stop at the Magnolia Market. So, I do not flip houses and I am not an HGTV fanatic. However, my mom flips houses in Dallas and LOVES watching Fixer Upper so, therefore, I love it too! And the store was SO cute!! It's the PERFECT spot to pull off, stretch your legs, and do some shopping. I will give a word of warning: it is crowded! This may have been due to the fact that I went the week before Christmas. But, I would just plan to be prepared for a crowd. But it is so worth it! Especially for the photo..

A co-worker of mine suggest I stay at the Lone Star Court and so I did! It is located in The Domain -- a perfect location! So many shops and easy access to anything Austin! 

Everything about the hotel makes you feel like you are stepping back into the 1950's. The exterior resembles a barn and the inside is something out of an Elvis Presley movie. The first thing I noticed were all of the bright orange doors! When I opened mine, I was welcomed by a smeg refrigerator, vintage sofa, and sliding barn door to the bathroom :)

After getting my things together, I immediately headed to Mount Bonnell. This was the most beautiful and peaceful view of Austin I have ever seen. If you have not been, try to go via hwy 360. It's absolutely stunning.

After relaxing and watching the sunset, I went to yet another spot my co-worker had suggested called Epicerie. This is the perfect spot to either sit for a glass of wine or pop in (as I did) for some fresh cut meats and cheeses to take away. For someone who has lived in Europe, it felt like I was stepping into France...right here in Austin, TX. If you go, be sure to see if they have the smoked blue cheese.....it tastes a bit like bacon!

The next day, I decided to relax and explore the Domain. I was able to walk from my hotel to a coffee shop...there were Christmas lights strung along the streets and music playing. It was magical and reminded me of Italy. I sipped my cappuccino and read my book until the shops started to open. From boutiques to high end chain stores, there was something for everyone. One boutique that happened to grab my attention (and I'm glad it did) was called Cotone. It's a very unique shop. Not only is it a beauty bar but it is also a boutique which showcases all many of Austin's finest artisans. What caught my attention was a tulle skirt in the window. So, I went in and tried it on. Unfortunately, the color that I wanted was not available in the color that I wanted (white). But, they gave me the contact information of the designer. As I was leaving the next morning and this was the only shop in Austin who carried her designs, I was in a bit of a pinch. So, I texted her and she was able to make it for me that day! It is hand crafted from a designer, Maria, who moved to Austin just over a year ago from Siberia. Not only did I find a beautiful piece of clothing that day, but I also found a friend. Her passion and her story are in her designs and I am so thankful that I met her. 

I was able to grab lunch with an old friend who told me of a fun winery called the Infinite Monkey. So, I decided to swing by. I have to say, it was definitely a cool spot. There was a mix of vintage decor with graffiti and mid century modern furniture and located in a warehouse. I did not take a tour but I have to say, their bubbles were very nice! 

The rest of the afternoon was spend hitting some very Austin photo shoot spots...

That night, I went to a small restaurant called Lenoir. This is an absolute must for any foodie and wine lover. When you for dinner, you have a pre fix dinner for $45. It's three courses and you can literally choose any three things you would like. If you want the same course 3 times you can do that! For just $35 more, you can do the wine pairings which I highly recommend! Personally, I have a very hard time choosing so I asked my server to surprise me (a very good decision).  My server started each course with the wine first (very smart). So, the first course started with the chenin blanc manoir tête de la rouge, ‘tête d’ange’ saumur, france 2014 . It had a bit of orange on the nose and some orange rind and grass on the palate. It paired perfectly with the "kabocha chawanmushi / mushroom kombu dashi / chili oil / wilted greens".

The second wine was pineau d’aunis cave co-op, ‘lieu-dit cocagne,’ loire valley, france 2015 (a rose). It definitely had a tart quality similar to grapefruit and underripe strawberries. But, it went very well with the second course: "red rice-crusted fish / sweet potato sour cream / epazote roasted broccoli"

The wine was a red, Franconia Colli Orientali del Friuli. It was very chocolaty and velvety with a hint of green bell pepper. And the third course was: "beet-glazed pork belly / peanut chili spaghetti squash / kohlrabi citrus slaw"

It was overall an amazing experience and I highly recommend it!

So many places....so little time!

Cold Weather Soup

I absolutely HATE cold weather. The only redeeming factors it has are:
A) The clothes
2) Soup -- which is my favorite food group

I absolutely love soup. My friends make fun of me and literally ask "is soup all you eat?!". No....no it is not. However, when it's freezing outside, it does make a frequent appearance in my daily meals. Why do I love it so much? It's easy, cheap, and lasts for DAYS. Literally. It's the meal that has no end. You can literally make one soup on Sunday and by Wednesday you can use the same soup to create a new soup! It's like MAGIC!

All of this to say...I want to share one of my all-time-favorites-never-fails soup recipes.

Ingredients:
Chicken Breast (I usually buy about 3)
32oz of chicken broth
1 bag of frozen veggies (I prefer the the corn, pea, and carrot combo)
1 jar of Hatch Green Chile Stew (sold at Central Market)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Optional: pasta or rice (I use gluten free lasagne corte)

Process:
Boil the chicken in the chicken broth until cooked through
Once it's cooked, shred it and put it back into the chicken broth
Add the frozen veggies, stew, and salt and pepper to taste
Cook until the veggies are cooked through and you're done!
Now, if you wanted to add rice or pasta, you would simply cook that separately while the chicken was cooking and add it in with the veggies, stew...etc.

SO easy and warms the soul :)

Very tasty with a white Burgundy I might add...

Buzzed on NOLA

This year, I made my first trip to NOLA! As a foodie, I was super excited! Of course...leading up to the trip, there was flooding throughout Louisiana and feared that we would be swimming our way through the French Quarter. But, it turned into beautiful sunny skies so I was able to enjoy our rooftop pool in the Warehouse District.

This was a family vacation and my duty was finding where to eat (of course!). The first day, we just walked through the French Quarter and admired the sites.

And we HAD to go to Cafe du Monde.
Tip: do NOT wait to be seated. There's a window to the right of the restaurant where you can order to-go!

That night, we were exhausted! And we needed to stock up on wine! My go to place now in NOLA is Keife & Co. An amazing selection of wines and also a delicious cheese selection! We also went to Cochon Butcher for our charcuterie board that evening -- AMAZING.

The next day (Friday) was my first restaurant adventure. Of course, narrowing down my selections was quite difficult! But, we went to Restaurant August by Chef John Besh for lunch. I absolutely LOVED my experience there. And I would definitely recommend this to anyone. See photos below
Tip: If you go Friday at lunch, there's a prix fix menu that's an amazing deal! 

That night, we went to Frenchmen Street for jazz music and my personal favorite bar was Bamboula's. But, aside from fabulous music, there's also art and fun markets to check out as well!

On Saturday, my mom and I spent the day checking out antique shops while my dad and brother spent more time in the WWII museum. Then, we met up for lunch at Shaya which was absolutely fabulous! It's modern Israeli cuisine -- it's refreshing and full of flavor.

 

Sunday, was our last full day and we ended it with a bang at Commander's Palace for their jazz brunch. This is an experience. The service is fantastic, the music is entertaining but not overpowering, and the food is comforting. If you have never been, it's definitely a must.

Overall, New Orleans was very tasty :) I look forward to going again soon and eating at even more places!!