Oh Napa, how I miss thee.

So.  I got into my car yesterday to head to an appointment and turned on the whore.  I mean GPS.  We just call her Whore because she likes to give bad directions.  Moving on.  I was going to a destination that I knew I had previously typed in so I tapped the Recent Destinations button.  Sadly, the first thing to pop up was Viader Winery.  A mere 2355 miles to the west.  Sigh.

Oh Napa Valley, we'll meet again, won't we?

If you recall, the husband and I headed to CA about a month ago (I'm so awesome at keeping my blog updated) for an awards-slash-anniversary celebration.

Since I think that literally all of my followers know me in real life and have heard the stories, I'll spare the details and just hit on the highlights.  Like my pretty green dress.  

Here is husband at the awards ceremony accepting the three (THREE!!) awards he won, from Mark at Sante Magazine.  Service Hospitality, Wine Hospitality and Spirits Hospitality.  Yay Yono's!

We met some pretty fantastic people at the Sante events throughout the week. Now we have new friends with amazing restaurants all over the country. And vacation destinations for a lifetime.

We made sure to teach our new friends the infamous "look-away".  They're now using it in their home states.  Love that we're spreading ridiculous traditions nation-wide! 

A plate like this appeared in front of us no less than three times throughout the week.  Who am I to turn down free dessert?

A winery highlight.  Loved this place.

Nick standing next to Chef Morimoto (pretending he doesn't know me as I'm taking picture after picture) at his new downtown Napa restaurant.

"A vanilla milkshake will make me feel better", said in a 4 year old's drawn-out whiny-voice, was one of the better lines I moaned during our honeymoon last year.  But seriously, these vanilla milkshakes will cure anyone's hangover.  And the shrimp tacos?  So good we tried to recreate them at home last week.  Best lunch spot in town.  Gott's.  Not our house.

Me at a winery.  Too bad I don't recall which.  Reason #3,463 I should update my blog in a more timely fashion.

 Me after too much wine at aforementioned unnamed winery.  Apparently I like to look at myself.  And document it.  I ooze cool-ness.

We got a little bored listening to our tour guide drone on and on (thinking he was the funniest thing alive) at Robert Mondavi.  So we opted for a photo-shoot to keep us occupied.  Awesome room though, right?

The husband, looking all GQ at Viader.

 We even found a dachshund to play with at one of the wineries!  Kiss kiss, Bisou!

 Between last year's trip and this one, I think we spent enough time at the bar at Bouchon to be considered regulars.  The bartender recognized us a full year later.  Not sure if that's a good or a bad thing.  ha

Oh, pretty Villagio.  How I long for your luxurious hopsitality.  And your afternoon tea. 

Until next time, Napa Valley.  Don't forget me.

xoxo

Honeymoon Redo

First of all, I realized yesterday that I never did a honeymoon post. Shame on me. Seeing that it was hands-down THE best vacation I've ever been on, I probably should do a post sometime.

However, that time is not now... would take way too long and I am far too lazy.

On with my original thought...

Once again, thanks to my husband's awesomeness and the hard work of him, his parents and employees, we get to go back to Napa and relive the amazing experience we had on our honeymoon!! And coincidentally we'll be going over the weekend of our first anniversary. Perfect, no?

Yono's, the fine dining side of dp: An American Brasserie, was recognized with not one, not two, but three awards from Sante Magazine. Yono's was named the 2010 regional winner for Culinary Hospitality, Wine Hospitality and Spirits Hospitality. Complete list here.

I'm so proud of my husband and in-laws. The restaurants are truly fantastic and it's nice to see that fact recognized by someone else. 'Cause you know, I'm probably just a little biased ;)

Congrats husband... SO excited that we'll be seeing this same view in just a few short weeks!!

Wine appreciation.

Forgive me for boring you all, but I wanted to pass along the following info. And shamelessly plug the husband's restaurants ;)






The husband is such a smarty-pants when it comes to wine that he's achieved sommelier status. But I prefer to (lovingly) call him a wine geek.



Anyway, my wine geek came up with the most fantastic idea. He's offering weekly wine appreciation classes at the restaurant for the next 9 weeks. Each week features a different varietal. I missed the introductory class last week but am so excited for tonight's class. Champagne!

So. If you're an Albany local, please join us. I promise you'll have a good time. And maybe even learn something! $35, 6:30pm. Below is the lineup for the next 9 weeks. More info available here. Restaurant info available here. And here.

1/20: “Champagne, not just for breakfast anymore”: This class will offer information on sparkling wines from around the world including Champagne, Spain, California & Australia.

1/27: “Life is a Cabernet”: Learn about the king varietal of reds with expressions of Cabernet from around the world.

2/3: “ABC = Anything But Chardonnay”: Enjoy great white varietals from around the world that are great alternatives to Chardonnay

2/10: “Forgive me father for I have Zinned”: In an depth look at California’s signature juicy, jammy unique varietal.

2/17: “Under a Tuscan sun”: Breaking down and exploring the varietals of Italy’s most famous wine region.

2/24: “The Sideways Effect”: Learning all about Pinot Noir all of the world’s major producing areas.

3/3: “I bless the rains down in Africa”: This class will explore the Southern Hemisphere wine producing countries including South Africa, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand & Australia.

3/10: “Que Syrah, Shiraz”: Enjoy the many faceted sides of Syrah from around the world and appreciate the differences in terroir between the Rhone Valley, Australia & California.

3/24: “The Spanish Inquisition”: Exploring the classic regions and not so classic varietals of Spain.