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March 5, 2012

Eating Your Way Through Napa, CA

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I know you think that if anyone is going to write anything about Napa Valley in California that they would make it a point to immediately highlight what Napa is best known for: wine. I promise I have that coming, but that which is closest to my foodie heart is the agricultural community here which goes beyond spirits and demonstrates its equal commitment to food, specifically that which serves to celebrate the farm to table traditions.

I was in Napa for a short three days, not even remotely enough time to give you an overview of all you can experience here. But, as a guest of the Wine Sisterhood, I was introduced to the best of the best and that is what I want to start with as I share my adventures through Napa.

Kitchen Door

Located in the lovely Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa, chefs Todd Humphries and Christopher Litts offer a variety of tasty dishes with a bit of an ethnic flair, while staying true to the local and seasonal products of their region. Everything is fresh and flavorful, yet surprisingly non-complex and very familiar to the diner. There is nothing more exciting than eating a dish so delicious that you are inspired to try it at home, and then realize that all you need is right there in your local market. Service is quick and friendly, but take your time to enjoy the food, the gorgeous space, and all the busy action going on behind the counter and near the brick oven.

Before I proceed with fabulous food shots, I want to thank all my dining companions who patiently waited till I got the right shot to feature here. While we were there, some of us enjoyed the following dishes:

Shaved Celery Salad with candied pecans, dates, gorgonzola creamy white balsamic vinaigrette

Herbed Flatbread with buratta cheese and olive tapenade

Roasted Chicken with green peppercorn gravy, mashed potatoes, and mirepoix vegetables

Grilled Loch Duarte Salmon with warm asparagus salad, fried capers, and Hollandaise sauce

Walking through the Oxbow Public Market, I felt like a kid in a candy store – an artisanal candy store. From spice shops to coffee shops, baked goods and more, the market displays an endless supply of treats offered by merchants dedicated to the concept of sustainable agriculture and local harvest making this an experience worth having when in Napa. Whether you choose to dine in, out, or even carry away, I would allot a good chunk of time to this market – and yes, you can even purchase your favorite local wines here as well.

Chef John Sorenson’s Lobster Feed

This traditional and festive dining experience is one that is often celebrated in the region, and the expert behind it all is Chef John Sorenson – also known as “The Lobster King” – who travels all over to bring the Napa Valley Lobster Feeds to many high-profile events. On this particular evening, our group was the recipient of this wonderful feast.

I confess, I have never been to a lobster feed before and was quite surprised to see our lovely table, in the exquisite Barrel Room at the Black Stallion Winery (which is available for private events) suddenly covered with Maine lobster, prawns, corn, assorted fresh vegetables, and sourdough bread. The supply of butter for dipping was endless as was the serving of wine.

Not ever having to crack open my lobster, this was something I needed some assistance with. I’ve never seen a bunch of women dig in to lobster with such passion and tenacity in my life! It was so fun and so unique, not to mention – once I was able to get to the lobster meat – delicious! I would definitely look out for a lobster feed, often hosted in various places throughout Napa. Needless to say, the lobster didn’t stand a chance.

Tarla Grill

This was one of my morning breakfast spots, and I have to say I immediately loved it because it was so similar in feel to any one of my many favorite brunch spots in NYC. But unlike NYC, don’t expect the service to be fast especially with larger crowds. I don’t think this is a fault of the restaurant as much as it is the nature of things in Napa in general – slow and laid back.

Speed in service aside, the food was a great way to start my morning. The Mediterranean influence in every dish, along with the fresh fruits were delightful. I found the small sunny space welcoming in the morning light and had I not been on a schedule I could have easily enjoyed some more time there. The bar had an endless supply of wines which leads me to believe that the night scene might be a tad more energetic than what I experienced and a fun night out in downtown Napa. Chef Gerardo Castro led the team the morning we were there and I can’t think of one dish that I didn’t want to try, but in the end I went with the Mediterranean Breakfast Platter, as well as with the fresh season fruit plate served with homemade cottage cheese (even if you don’t like cottage cheese, you will LOVE Chef Castro’s homemade version -so good).

Chef Gerardo Castro preps breakfast for our large morning group

Fresh fruit plate with homemade cottage cheese

Mediterranean Breakfast Platter, with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, olives, honey, butter, feta cheese, hardboiled egg and toast

Bottega

Located in Yountville, this locale initially tends to draw visitors looking to get a glimpse of Emmy-winning Chef Michael Chiarello. I didn’t see him at all when I was there, but I wasn’t the least disappointed. It all started with the salad. I know, you’re wondering, “A salad, really?” Well, yes. The antipasto, in this case a salad, to every meal is a clear indication of what is most likely to follow. Get a generic, ordinary salad with no attention to detail or creativity, and chances are the same will follow in every dish. This salad, the Insalata del Bosco was so complex in flavors, I kept going for more and would have been more than satisfied had this, and the wine, been my lunch.

But it wasn’t. There was also a serving of creamy mozzarella burrata with walnut perso, house cured coppa, watercress and truffle vinaigrette, and Monterey calamari, crisped with Arborio rice flour and aioli nero.

Insalata del Bosco Organic green, balsamic vinaigrette, sliced pear, candied hazelnuts and pecorino

Creamy mozzarella burrata with walnut pesto, house cured coppa, watercress and truffle vinaigrette

The main dish that was every carnivore’s absolute favorite was the short ribs dish. I listened as people tried it and commented on it. The common compliment throughout was how tender the meat was and how it so easily fell off the bone, like butter.

Smoke and braised natural short ribs, preserved-lemon spinach, and smokey jus

Reservations at Bottega are a must.

Bouchon Bakery

I was able to sneak out a bit and get to check out a couple of other foodie favorites right in the area. Across the street from Bottega, is another very popular eatery, Bouchon Bistro. But instead of heading into the French bistro, I went right into their pastry shop, Bouchon Bakery. Pastry Chef Janine Weissman is a family friend of a twitter friend of mine (small world). Upon his suggestion I just had to check it out, and honestly now that I have seen, smelled, and tasted their variations of cookies, macaroons, quiches, brioche, and well so much more, I can only suggest you check it out too.

Not too far from that, is Napa Style, which is not so much an eatery as it is a purveyor of culinary items, whether they be cookbooks,  utensils, cookware and gadgets to spices, oils, and wines. It’s a nice place to stop and shop for gifts to give that foodie in your life or just for yourself.

Farmstead Restaurant

Last, but by no means least, I dined and wined at Farmstead in St. Helena, CA. This was my last evening in Napa and I decided against photographing my meal and instead just connect with my newly found friends over the satisfying dishes served here. Satisfying not only to the palate, but also to the consciousness as the very purpose of this eatery, headed by Chef Stephen Barber, is very much farm to table.

It is casual and comfortable, without loosing sight of elegance and sophistication in the experience it delivers those who dine there. The Southern-style dishes are prepared with ingredients sourced from local purveyors and features Long Meadow Ranch’s – the restaurants own farm – all-natural grass-fed beef, vegetables, extra virgin olive oil, and honey.

I was told that their absolute-all-time-must-have-best dish is fried chicken. I was also told that when they put it on the menu it sells out within the half hour. Bummer, but doesn’t it make you just want to try it?

And there you have it, a list of how I ate my way through Napa and how you can too while experiencing some of the best culinary spots the area has to offer. I was most impressed with how true the chefs and restaurants are to the agricultural community of the region. Yes, it’s wine, but they are proud to tell you it’s about a lot more than that as well and will happily showcase it in their food, all of which put Napa on my list of favorite spots.

Disclosure: I was a guest of the Wine Sisterhood Gathering 2012 and their sponsors during my visit to Napa, CA. I received no requirements or requests to review any particular experience. All the opinions expressed here are my own.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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7 Comments
  • Rachel
    March 5, 2012

    Good god… I've wanted to see Napa for its beauty and wine and now food. My my my… Beautiful photos Carol.

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      Rachel
      March 6, 2012

      Thanks Rachel, glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  • Shelli Martineau
    March 6, 2012

    I am reliving it. OMG was that amazing! I have to say I am craving another Shaved Celery Salad from the Kitchen Door. That was one of my faves.. Also, ANYTHING from Bottega. 😉

    Reply
  • Danielle Smith
    March 6, 2012

    My friend, you captured the culinary bliss of Napa beautifully…was a joy to make the journey with you. Note: I see no incriminating lobster pictures 🙂

    Reply
  • Carol Cain
    March 6, 2012

    @ Shelli Martineau:

    Yes Shelli, ANYTHING Bottega!

    Reply
  • Carol Cain
    March 6, 2012

    @ Danielle Smith:

    Loved experiencing it with you Danielle, blackmail pictures are on their way ; )

    Reply
  • Wrap Up of Gathering Wrap Ups | Wine Sisterhood
    March 9, 2012

    […] wine event in Napa! (Actually, I SHOULD hate to rub it in, but it was so fun I just HAVE to share!) Eating Your Way Through Napa, California (NYCityMama.com)I know you think that if anyone is going to write anything about Napa Valley in […]

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

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If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a des If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a destination for you. This list of good eats were all within close proximity to each other and spots we made time for during our short weekend visit. So definitely note that this doesn’t even begin to cover the tip of the iceberg, but makes a good starter list!

📍@ShortStackEats in the heart of Downtown Madison is clearly a UW favorite. Loved their pancakes! We thought it was a pricey for breakfast, and only offered drip coffee, but the scene was fun, food was good, and service was friendly.
📍@SardineMadison is a waterfront French bistro that has stood the test of time (we’ve been coming here since we lived in Madison!). It can feel very corporate some nights, but their Happy Hour and brunch are definite highlights and it’s a really nice dining experience overall.
📍@EatattheAudrey impressed us! It’s not your usual “hotel restaurant” and I would say it easily stands alone as an eatery worth checking out in Madison. Great breakfast options, cozy vibes, nice bar, and good service!
📍@RamenStation1124 good, affordable ramen.
📍BlindShotSocialClub We really loved this spot for brunch (sorry, was enjoying the company and totally spaced out on capturing food images!). Golf fans will love hitting the putt here (you can reserve a private room too), and what I though was most cool was the delicious and wide selection of non-alcoholic cocktails to choose from. This place is a total vibe!
📍@StringsRamen is a chain, but I have to say it is some of the best ramen I have had in a long time. I especially loved how you can choose your ramen but heat level but also by Japanese region which allowed us to taste a couple of new flavors!
📍@Parthenongyros has been around awhile (hubby recalls coming here during his college years!) and was voted #1 take out in Madison! Though we indulged inside and away from the snow. A delicious, quick bite when strolling around State Street.

And again, this is just a starter list. There is so much more to eat and enjoy in this top foodie city! What other spots would you add to this list?

#madisonwi #foodiegram #foodiedestinations #goodeats @destinationmadison
I love to travel. It has always been important to I love to travel. It has always been important to my family. My parents got my first passport weeks after I was born. They couldn’t afford to travel like I do now, but they understood, as immigrants, the absolute privilege that comes attached to having that shiny blue American booklet and they wanted me to have it.

I was yet again reminded of my privilege when my travel back home on this last trip was delayed over 24 hours. I have a village in place to make sure my kids were ok. Having my own business meant I didn’t have to report in to anyone, and was still able to work remotely so none of my clients were inconvenienced by it. Though the airline covered our hotel and food, we never worried that we couldn’t do it ourselves otherwise. While we were annoyed, we weren’t stressed.

So while I love to travel, and I love sharing my travels with you, I acknowledge that being able to do so, and dealing with the consistent travel disruptions so prevalent today without worries is a privilege…one that started with a little blue booklet that gives me more access to the world than some others do.

And I want us all in this travel space to be reminded of this. Of how lucky we are. Of our privilege to access and time and money.

So let us travel with grace and awareness. Let us remain rooted in reality and perspective. Acknowledging that our escapism isn’t one so easily accessible to others. Understanding that this is also why local stories have as much value as those to exclusive destinations, if not more. And, never forgetting, especially in the travel influencer and media space, that were it not for hosted campaigns and paid-for travel opportunities, most of us wouldn’t be able to afford the lifestyle we so beautifully curate online.

It doesn’t matter how often you travel, or how far. Just that hopefully you will be able to gift yourself the experience of doing so and experiencing something new.

#travel #travelmedia #travelinfluencer #wheretonext
As I work on compiling all the good eats I experie As I work on compiling all the good eats I experienced in Madison, WI, I have to ask: what is your favorite meal of the day, and where did you experience a highlight of the same?

I am a huge fan of breakfast. This beauty was a blueberry pancake order from @shortstackeats. Pancakes are not a big thing for me, but these were pretty perfect. I am craving them still. 🥞♥️

#madisonwi #goodeats #travelingfoodie @destinationmadison
We got back on a plane! Here are scenes from a qui We got back on a plane! Here are scenes from a quick trip to Madison, WI - my first time back in 14 years! Though we were here for family matters, we did take a moment to explore a bit of what used to be a place we called home.

We couldn’t do anything else until we drove around Lake Monona, where we once had a home, and took in the wintery views (there is an epic 13.2-mile trail that loops around the lake that is worth exploring if you visit!). Though our time was limited, we were able to enjoy some of it along State Street exploring the shops, eateries, the FREE @mmocamadison, and the beautiful architecture of the WI State Capitol Building (the Dane County Farmers Market will soon pick up again - Saturdays, April 15 thru November 11, 2023 around the Capitol Building and it is one of the best farmers markets anywhere!). 

We booked a room at the @hiltonmadison Monona Terrace to be within walking distance of all the downtown fun (tip: for a room with a lake view make sure to book at the upper levels above 10th floor for an unobstructed view of Lake Monona). 

Madison, WI is a skip and a hop from the Finger Lakes so this short and sweet visit didn’t feel difficult at all. And we absolutely loved the winter scenery and seeing what has changed (a lot) since we lived here.

Stay tuned for my list of where we ate!

Have you ever been to Madison, WI?

#madisonwi #weekendgetaway #wisconsin @destinationmadison
The joy of that first sip of the day. #randommom The joy of that first sip of the day. 

#randommomentsarethebest
I think my husband enjoys it, but still can’t be I think my husband enjoys it, but still can’t believe how easily I’ve been waking up in the early mornings since our last trip. Not sure how to shake it, or if it’s temporary, but here it is: the rare sighting of me up and moving early in the day. Am I a morning person now? Has travel ever permanently changed any of your habits?

#morningperson #lifeinthecountry #newme <-😂

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