Northern CA

The only way to travel Napa Valley!

Posted by foodie on Sep 2, 2010 | 0 comments

Every time I travel to San Francisco, I am compelled to make a trip to wine country. But there are so many wine tours and cars and blah blah blah. Well like most first timers, I didnt know what to do either. But I did find one company that is at least my favorite and have become a returning customer: Beau Wine Tours

I usually travel by myself or with a friend, and for $99/person at this posting, you will travel in a stretch limo throughout Napa with 4-6 of your newest closest friends to 3-4 wineries. The tour is based on the personality of the group with the friendliest drivers. The last time I went, I met up with 6 other great people and we instantly bonded, well after a couple bottles of wine, but still. And, you even get a gourmet lunch at a winery. How cool is that??

So if you are up for suggestions and want to hit wine country, check out Beau Wine Tours. Best $99 of your vacation. (No, this doesn’t include the wine)

It’s all about Persistence!

Posted by foodie on Aug 22, 2010 | 0 comments

I finally broke into my first bottle of Napa wine from the last trip and it’s a bottle of 2005 Persistence from Reynolds Family Winery. This is a unique blend of Cab Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc, Syrah, Petite Verdot that brings some complexity and fullness to the wine.

Typically, I will throw the bottle in my decanter, but this is by the glass tonight. I let it breathe for about 20 minutes before i started enjoying my glass, but I did try a sip here and there to see how it opened up. There is a bit of woodiness to the fragrance with a touch of vanilla.

I will have to admit that I’m not the most knowledgable connoisseur, but what I can tell you is the it is a little tanic on the pallet at first sip, but mellows out on the swallow, which is something that I enjoy. It’s not to overwhelming and is a great stand alone wine to enjoy while relaxing.

Sometimes I hate living on the east coast!

I give it 3.5 out of 5…. um. corks? Help me out here!

Zingari | San Francisco

Posted by foodie on Aug 17, 2010 | 0 comments

Now this was a nice surprise. On our way to another restaurant suggested by the concierge at the hotel, the hike was a little too much, so we stopped at a place just across from the JW Marriot called Zingari.

This place was a little unexpected, its hard not to miss.  You are greeted by these unassuming doors and with just the name as you walk right on by it, but when you travel up the stairs, its a whole new side to San Francisco dining that I am not used to.  I would call it upscale casual, because when you walk in not expecting to eat, you do feel a little underdressed.