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August 5, 2011
It was off to Napa’s riverfront or what I call “restaurant row” as more eateries pop up including, Rotisserie & Wine. If I waited any longer to visit, Tyler Florence probably would have a chain of restaurants at the rate he’s going. R&W is one of three, including Wayfare Tavern in San Francisco and El Paseo Steakhouse in Marin County, that he has opened in the past year. Busy chef/entrepreneur.
August 1, 2011
Beautiful sunny day in late July, perfect for a foodie trip to Napa and as per tradition, the first stop was Bouchon Bakery. I made my way over to the 10-person deep line and inhaled the aroma of fresh bread coming from the window. It was worth the wait.
February 26, 2011
I finally had a chance to visit the Oxbow Public Market in Napa. I’ve heard it was similar to the Ferry Building in SF so I decided to see what it was all about. Of course I had to scope out the sweet spots first. While the Ferry Building has Miette Cakes, Oxbow has Kara’s Cupcakes, both equally good bakeries. The organic ice cream from Three Twins caught my eye but it was lunch time so I saved the creatively-named Land of Milk & Honey as my after-meal palette cleanser. First up…Venezuelan food from Pica Pica Maize Kitchen.
The trio of sweet plantains were tender on the inside and perfectly crunchy on the outside. They were topped with queso, pork, avocado and sour cream. February 4, 2010
I had a great meal to kick off the 2010. The day after New Year’s I had a family meal at Michael Chiarello’s Bottega. My first visit was back in July and I got to taste the summer menu. I thought it was time for some heartier selections off his winter menu.
Again I have to say, I love the decor, from the pink sea salt reservation desk to the dinnerware, the whole place is rustic and comforting. I’m scarily observant sometimes, so I noticed the water glasses changed. They were nice heavy weighted, hammered cups. Love them. These Bottega Copper Tumblers are available online at Michael’s NapaStyle store. July 8, 2009
After reading the review from Michael Bauer from the SF Chronicle, I knew I had to try Bottega, Michael Chiarello’s restaurant in Napa Valley. I’ve always been a huge fan of his cooking, having watched every episode of his Food Network show, Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello. But what really sealed the deal was this. I practically had to wipe the drool off my keyboard. Over the 4th of the July weekend I finally made the trip. Upon arrival at the restaurant the hostess said there would be a short wait. Hmm even at 5 o’clock? No problem. Time to go conveniently right next door to his store NapaStyle.
May 17, 2009
Below are my favorites from St. Helena (across from Tra Vigne restaurant) and SF.
Below: Picnic table seating
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 My life is food and I am lucky to experience it in San Francisco. Williams-Sonoma is my 8-5 and more because I dream the store is my kitchen. The Ferry Building farmer's market is my inspiration for baking in my half-sized apartment. When I'm not there, I'm out searching for the city's best eats, with special attention to sweets. I hope in perusing my blog, you are inspired with ideas for cooking, entertaining and tasting new things. Email me
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Inside the bustling shop
Poster in front of the door… don’t forget, Michael’s on Top Chef Masters, Tuesday July 15th, 10pm on Bravo!
I was really excited when I heard Bobby’s book was devoted solely to burgers, fries, and shakes. It’s a combo that can’t be beat and one of my favorite spots to get my fix is Taylor’s Automatic Refresher. They have 3 locations- 2 in Napa, and 1 at the Ferry Building in San Francisco.
Left: Taylor’s Refresher sign in front of the St. Helena location