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
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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
Living It Up in California – Introduction
As you may recall from my 2023 Outlook post, I don't really plan on traveling this year and may not travel much at all in the mid-term. But before I made this decision, I had booked a stay in Napa and ended up turning that trip into a last hurrah, living it up in California. … [Read more...] about Living It Up in California – Introduction
Model Bakery + Castello di Amorosa
On our last morning in Napa, we decided to maximize what little time we had left. So, we left the hotel and went into the town of St. Helena to grab breakfast at Model Bakery and to go exploring. … [Read more...] about Model Bakery + Castello di Amorosa
The French Laundry Experience
After our blissful in-room breakfast, our pampering session at Atrio Spa, and our brief visit to Beringer Vineyard, it was finally time for the moment we've been waiting for; The French Laundry Experience. … [Read more...] about The French Laundry Experience
A Brief Visit to Beringer Vineyard
After our visit to Atrio Spa, we headed back up to our room. Being that we had a few hours till we needed to head to dinner, though, we decided to pay a brief visit to Beringer Vineyard. … [Read more...] about A Brief Visit to Beringer Vineyard