Napa Recap, Part Two: The Food

Recapping our trip to Napa without discussing the food would be amiss. Especially since one of our dinners is in the running for best meal of my life.
I enthusiastically vouch and highly recommend every restaurant listed below.

Hog Island Oyster Co. at Oxbow Market, Napa

I am huge oyster fan, and it just doesn't get any better than Hog Island. They have six (or so) different oysters to choose, from all over the world (or country?). I go with the sampler platter and sit at the raw bar because I like to watch the shucking take place, and learn a bit about the different types. We typically also order the clam chowder and grilled cheese, since both are out of this world. Oxbow Market is a foodie's paradise- restaurants, gourmet food stands and other food related paraphernalia  enclosed in a giant warehouse (there is probably a better word than warehouse, but I'm going blank right now).  You can eat in at Hog Island or the Corner Door (I've heard great things, but haven't been able to tear myself was from Hog Island to try it) or get sandwiches, gourmet cheeses and charcuterie to have a picnic. Gott's Roadside is located next door if you're in the mood for a burger and killer onion rings. This is my top lunch pick for Napa Valley! (Also, the Hog Island San Francisco in the Embarcadero is just as phenomenal.)

The French Laundry, Yountville
Dining at The French Laundry has been a dream of mine for years. I ventured so far as to say it was my goal to eat there before I turned 30. Apparently I made an impression on my managers, who surprised Sean and me with a gift certificate for our wedding. I was so stunned when they handed me the card that I cried. (It was also my last day at work before our wedding so emotions were running high.)
Nonetheless, it took us eight months to use the gift (including making our reservation exactly two months prior, when the "books" open). Thanks to the godsend that is Amex platinum we were able to phone in our request early, and they did the heavy lifting to get our ideal time. French Laundry offers two dinner seatings, 5:45 & 9:30. It is a three to four hour dinner, so I was really hoping to get the earlier time. Luckily Amex came through for us again, and we ended up with my ideal slot on Friday evening. This was more than just a meal, it was the destination- we planned our trip around the experience.
So, after all that build up, how did it measure up?
Beyond words.
I can be a tough critic, especially when I have high expectations, and to be perfectly honest- I was a little worried that a restaurant with such a reputation wouldn't live up to my fantasies.
The good news is, it did! I quickly realized that when my imaginary BFF, Anthony Bourdain, calls a restaurant the "best in the world," along with Restaurant Magazine, and they maintain 3 michelin stars year after year- they know what they're doing. Every single bite of the nine course + meal was exceptional. However it is not just the food, it is the service that makes this restaurant truly brilliant. The space is small and extremely charming, housed in a stone cottage surrounded by gardens where they grow the majority of their vegetables and herbs. I was surprised by how intimate it all was. There were about sixteen tables (max) on two levels, and we were waited on by an extremely knowledge staff. We sat down at 5:45 and finished around 9:45- during the four hours, there was not a second of discomfort. It was pure pleasure. For some a four hour long dinner sounds like torture (my brother), but for me it was pure paradise.
At the end of our meal, as we were headed out, I asked the host if he would mind taking a photo of us. He said, why don't you guys come in to the kitchen and take a picture with the chef.
He escorted us through a hallway and in to every foodie's dream land- the kitchen of French Laundry. I tried to take it all in, but I think at that point I was just overwhelmed with happiness.
We were introduced to the chef de cuisine, David Breeden, and then posed for a photo.
And then I died of happiness. All in all, a perfect night and without a doubt the best meal of my life.

 

 

 

French Blue, St Helena

Great brunch spot. The patio has a beautiful fireplace and heated seats. I had the puttanesca baked farm eggs and a grapefruit mimosa. Sean had an epic Bloody Mary. I stole his pickled cauliflower!
This is a great place to fuel up for a day of wine tasting with a hearty breakfast and bit of a booze. 

Auberge du Soleil, Rutherford

There are quite a few great wineries up in Rutherford, but not many places to eat. The Auberge du Soleil is a fancy hotel with a Michelin star rated restaurant and less fancy (but still pricey) cafe with an unbelievable view. We stopped in for an afternoon snack. The weather was unbeatable and we sat outside with our friends, enjoyed a seafood platter, some flatbread with dips and a carafe of wine.  

Our friends, Heather & Ryan

Mustards Grill, Yountville

Sean has declared the Mongolian pork chop at Mustards to be on his list of last meal on earth foods. We can't come to Napa and not go to Mustards. The food is hearty and flavorful, the atmosphere is relaxed. It is the perfect spot to refuel after a long day of wine tasting. I particularly enjoy the crab cakes, the pulled pork sandwich and the onion rings. I’m not a pork chop fan, but I steal bites of Sean’s- it’s that good.

After recapping, it now makes sense why my pants are tight. It was worth it, but I should probably hit the gym! Everything in moderation, right? 

Top Ten Favorite Restaurants of 2012

In the spirit of reflection, here is a list of my top 10 foodie favorites of 2012: Restaurant Edition.

There are few things I love more than going out for a delicious meal. One of my goals (err, resolutions?) is to cook more and try new recipes. However, there is something to be said for perfectly paired courses, prepared by chefs who are truly excellent, have access to the finest ingredients and a beautiful wine list. No dirty dishes, distractions of home or stress of over cooking. Luckily my husband (Sean) shares my love of food and dining out. We constantly discuss new restaurants, read reviews and plan trips around dinner reservations. I joke that our honeymoon was basically one big foodie fest. For that reason, all ten restaurants on this list could easily pay homage to France. For the purpose of accurately remembering 2012 and not just a two week span, I tried to expand my horizons, not be biased by my Francophile ways, and remember that there is more to a great meal than cheese and fresh bread. Actually, I take that back. Cheese and fresh bread make an excellent meal.

WP24, Los Angeles, Feb. 2012
Located on the twenty-fourth floor of the Ritz Carlton in downtown LA is Wolfgang Puck’s modern take on Chinese flavors. I have mixed feelings about Wolfgang Puck, revolving mainly around him being a sell out, but the man basically invented “Asian fusion” fine dining. And I can’t help but love every flavorful bite. I took Sean here for his birthday, and it is one of his favorite meals of the past year as well. It is a modified tasting menu, you select either three or four courses, and then choose which items you want from any category. If you want four noodle dishes, that's fine, two meat dishes and two desserts, etc. While Wolfgang Puck's flagship restaurant "Spago" is synonymous with LA fine dining (and people watching), I find WP24 to be much more exciting. The views are spectacular and the food is truly exceptional. 

NY Times

Artisan, Paso Robles, CA, Feb 2012
Paso Robles is one of our favorite Central California wine tasting towns. It has an old Wild West feel, a quaint town square and 250 wineries.  This was our second time eating at Artisan, and it sealed the number one spot for our favorite restaurant in Paso. It’s elevated American fair, with a focus on seasonal, locally grown ingredients. They have an excellent paella on the menu with fresh scallops, shrimp, mussels, chorizo and saffron. It is the perfect meal after a full day of wine tasting. Unsurprisingly they have a great wine list.

American Farm to Table Website

Sushi Samba, Las Vegas, June 2012

I’m not really a “Vegas” person, and I was taught to generally avoid chain restaurants (support independent chefs). However, dinner at Sushi Samba was one of my favorite nights of the year. It was my bachelorette party. I was surrounded by some of my best friends. And the food. Holy smokes, was it good. Sushi is my last meal on earth food. And I tend to really like fusion type restaurants, I’m big on flavor. Who knew Latin and Sushi was such a great combo? Since we were a big group, the server simply asked how much we wanted to spend per person, and we didn’t have to make a single decision. They customized each dish so that everyone had a piece. No trying to split or cut items or fighting over the last roll. It was all a surprise and every single bite was delicious. Of course the amazing company and conversation only added to the experience, I will definitely be returning.

Amaya, London, UK, August 2012

When I travel I like to enjoy meals I could not get at home. LA has a ton of great restaurants, but our Indian food is really lacking. Amaya is unlike any Indian restaurant I have ever experienced. Not only do they have a Michelin star, but the majority of their food is grilled. They utilize the three core Indian grilling methods; tandoor, sigri, tawa (just referenced their website for that tidbit). The dishes are simple, highly seasoned and are meant to be dipped in one of four sauces. The plates were small and meant for sharing, sort of like Indian tapas.  While the menu is very “meat heavy” my absolute favorite dish was the eggplant.

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Veranda, Menerbes, France, September 2012

We spent a week in the Luberon region of Provence for part of our honeymoon. It was one of the best weeks of my life. I can’t wait to return, and someday make the region “our place” for annual family vacations. The food, the wine, the lifestyle. I love that you can explore one of the many picturesque hilltop towns, find yourself in an unexpected rain shower, and run in to a little restaurant for one of the best meals of your life. This happened at Veranda. We showed up early (due to the rain), and received the best seat in the house with a view of the entire valley. Vineyards and walled cities as far as the eye can see. The food was phenomenal; I couldn't help but take pictures.

 La Table de Pablo, Villars, France, September 2012

A fun twist on classic French food with a hint of molecular gastronomy, located in the middle laverndar fields and vineyards. Sitting on the patio under the stars eating foie gras is my idea of heaven. After our hotel was unable to get through on the phone to make us a reservation, we decided to take a leisurely drive over and chance it for lunch. Upon arrival it was closed. However we tried calling from the car (after getting out and yelling “Pablo” in to the gates), and someone answered and took our reservation for dinner. It was worth making the long drive twice in one day.

Ze Kitchen Galerie, Paris, September 2012

After a week of eating French food, it’s fun to mix it up a bit in Paris.  There are a ton of incredible, traditional French restaurants in Paris that have been around forever. This a new(ish) seafood restaurant with an Asian flair. The menu is exceptionally creative and the service was impeccable yet young and friendly.

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, London, September 2012

The last, and dare I say best, dinner of the trip, and perhaps the year, was enjoyed at the appropriately named restaurant, Dinner. Every foodie worth their salt knows about Heston Blumenthal. He is kind of a big deal. Dinner gained a Michelin star within a year of opening, and was listed as number 9 on the list of World’s 50 Best Restaurants. The “meat fruit” chicken liver mousse that looks like an orange is something I will never forget. The menu is a journey through British history, with dishes ranging from the 14^th to 19^th century. I made the reservation months in advance, and still was only able to get a 9:30 slot on a Tuesday. In the end it was for the best because it was the perfect ending to our honeymoon.
They also make ice cream table side by "trolley" using a hand crank, liquid nitrogen and custard. Mind blown.

Dahlia Lounge, Seattle, November 2012

Sean spent the week in Seattle on business and I flew up to join him for a weekend of fun and food. I had heard great things about all of Tom Douglas’ restaurants, so we opted for the original favorite, Dahlia Lounge, to get the quintessential Seattle experience. It totally lived up to the hype! It was Northwest Cuisine (fresh seafood) with a bit of a Moroccan/ sometimes Asian feel. The oxtail ravioli and roasted five spice duck were my favorite.

Mastro’s Steakhouse, Los Angeles (Beverly Hills), December 31, 2012
I’m not sure if this was really a top 10, but I wanted to include another LA favorite. It was my last meal of 2012 and an amazing one at that. We rang in the new year with good friends and amazing food. I’m not a huge steak person, but I love all the side dishes. We were completely decadent and ordered both the King Crab black truffle gnocchi (which blew my mind) and the lobster mashed potatoes, wedge salad, steaks, and topped it all off with Mastro’s famous warm butter cake with vanilla ice cream.  It was a decadent meal, but a very appropriate farewell for a truly fantastic year. 

Upon completion I've realized 10 isn't nearly enough. I've left out so many of my favorite LA restaurants! So that will be a list for another day... Top 10 LA restaurants to follow!

Have a great weekend! And please share some your favorite meals of 2012. Can you tell I like to talk about food?

2012 Favorites

The Best of 2012

(Borrowed & slightly modified from one of my favs JGIWC.)

Favorite trip? My honeymoon! Two glorious weeks spent in South of France (Luberon region of Provence), Paris & London. 

The Bridge of Avignon

Favorite book? Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter. Highly recommend it. 

Favorite movie? I am dying to see Les Miserables… but I didn't quite make that happen in 2012. I also want to see Zero Dark Thirty and Silver Linings Playbook. Of the movies I actually saw in 2012, I really enjoyed Lincoln and Argo. I found This is 40 hilarious, although slightly depressing. I’m probably blanking on some movies from earlier in the year?

Favorite TV show? Downtown Abbey is definitely my number one. Followed by The Newsroom and The Mindy Project.

Favorite play/ musical? I saw Wicked, The Book of Mormon, American Idiot & an adaptation of Helen of Troy in LA and Jersey Boys in London. Jersey Boys was my favorite, and I listen to the soundtrack far too often.

Favorite purchase? I was pretty ecstatic to purchase a china cabinet to hold our beautiful wedding gifts.

Favorite meal out? I’m going to do a separate post with my top 10 favorite restaurant experiences in 2012. There were just too many great ones. Tippy top favorite is probably Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at the Mandarin Oriental in London.

Favorite new recipe? I received six new cookbooks for Christmas. I think the people in my life are trying to send a message to mix it up a little. Cooking Light’s Chicken Tamale Casserole is one of my favorite week night meals. And I won a little “bake off” contest at Sean’s work with this cookie recipe. (I didn’t realize I was entering a contest when I made these, Sean just said he needed to bring in a baked good for a Halloween party.)

Favorite day? July 21, 2012. My wedding day. 

Favorite development? Marrying Sean!

Favorite outfit? Oh lord, I don’t know. I loved my bachelorette party outfit (White Parker dress, coral and gold earrings, black patent peep toe Louboutins, that I splurged on after a few cocktails in Las Vegas on the first day of my bachelorette party).

Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving & Fourth of July.

Thanksgiving 2012

Please feel free to play along and link below! I'd love to read your 2012 favorites.