Do you know what's more difficult than choosing a hotel in San Francisco? Picking a dinner spot. With just two nights to play in the city, I had to pick carefully. As such, I decided to book a table at one of the hottest restaurants in the Bay Area: The Progress SF. … [Read more...] about Review: The Progress SF
California
Review: Hyatt Regency San Francisco
After our too-brief stay at the Alila Napa Valley, it was time for us to head into the city. I long vacillated over what hotel to stay at and eventually settled on the Hyatt Regency San Francisco on Embarcadero. … [Read more...] about Review: Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Review: La Calenda Mexican
After our extravagant pre-dinner, it was time to head to the main event at another Thomas Keller establishment - La Calenda. His first ethnic concept, the restaurant serves up authentic Mexican cuisine in downtown Yountville. … [Read more...] about Review: La Calenda Mexican
Review: Regiis Ova Caviar and Champagne Lounge
After our wine tasting and tour at Schramsberg Vineyard, we decided to pre-game (food) before dinner at one of Thomas Keller's many establishments in Yountville - the Regiis Ova Lounge. And why not? A couple of snacks couldn't hurt, and actually served us well, given how the rest of the night went. But more on that later. … [Read more...] about Review: Regiis Ova Caviar and Champagne Lounge
Wine Tasting at Schramsberg
The last time we were in Napa Valley, we didn't do any wine tastings at all. This time, though, I made doing at least one a priority. Being that we both enjoy The French Laundry's Modicum sparkling wine, I decided to book us a wine tasting at Schramsberg Vineyard. … [Read more...] about Wine Tasting at Schramsberg
Olive Oil Tasting at Long Meadow Ranch
When most people think of Napa Valley, they think of vineyards and wine tastings. Heck, there's a train that'll take you on a tasting journey throughout the valley. But being the olive oil lover that I am, I just had to try the olive oil tasting at Long Meadow Ranch. … [Read more...] about Olive Oil Tasting at Long Meadow Ranch
Review: Press Napa Valley
After checking into the Alila Napa Valley and settling in, it was time to head to dinner. On this night, I chose Press Napa Valley as our dining destination. And, boy, this was one of the best eating experiences of our whole trip. … [Read more...] about Review: Press Napa Valley
Review: Alila Napa Valley
As you'll recall from my intro post, the whole reason I booked our Living it Up in California adventure is because I was able to secure award nights at the Alila Napa Valley. That stay was in the middle of our trip and is where we headed after checking out of the Hyatt Carmel Highlands. … [Read more...] about Review: Alila Napa Valley
Exploring the Pebble Beach 17-Mile Drive
After our time at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we couldn't really figure out what to do. After a quick search, we decided to go check out the Pebble Beach 17-Mile Drive, since it was nearby. … [Read more...] about Exploring the Pebble Beach 17-Mile Drive
Outstanding: Aubergine Carmel
You know that I'm always on the lookout for great eats where ever I go. So, in Carmel, I knew from early on that I wanted to check out the iconic Aubergine Carmel. Yeah, our previous dinner in the area was an utter disappointment, though that was NOT the case at Auberge Carmel - quite the opposite, actually. … [Read more...] about Outstanding: Aubergine Carmel