Our philosophy for this vacation has been to take our time to get the full experience of Napa Valley. With no clear itinerary on either of our days we decided today to visit Coppola's vineyard.
Rubicon is positioned a mile from Robert Mondavi's vineyard along HWY 29. It does a great job of mixing in enough of Coppola's biography with display cases filled with awards and pictures but not so much that you forget that you are there to experience the wine. It was a great tour and the entire atmosphere was a phenomenal experience.
Chateau St Jean was next on the list. The stop at this vineyard included a picnic lunch in the vineyard followed by a stroll around the grounds.
From St Jean, Ash and I drove through the hills to get to Sonoma. The drive included a view of vineyards that stretched the horizon.
After resting at the cottage, it was off to Chef Michael Chierelllo's Bottega Restaurant. Chef Chierello was on Bravo's Top Chef Master's Series. Tom Colicchio is a judge on the program and a leader in culinary world, Gail Simmons is also a judge. I mention these names because our visit to the restaurant was based solely on seeing the program. While we were waiting for our table both judges walked in to the restaurant and as our fortune would have it, dined at the table next to us.
What a great day!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Napa: Day 2
So after catching up on some zzzz's, Ashleigh and I got an early start on a rainy California day. After taking advantage of complimentary pastries, we set out to explore downtown Napa. After walking around we settled on having breakfast at the Napa General Store Cafe, nothing too exotic eggs, potatoes, and sourdough.
Frommers tour book led us in the direction of the Hess Collection, an art gallery and winery. The mission style vineyard was the perfect starting point for our day as it provided a unique experience filled with tranquility and excitement. After walking around the vineyard, taking pictures and tasting wine Ash and I headed to Clos du Vol.
Clos is a French owned winery that was off the beaten path and provided a less commercial vibe. The last vineyard that we experienced was unique in that it produced "sparkling wine". Chandon was difficult to find but worth the hunt.
Red Hen was next on the agenda and if I am being honest the Carnitas Nachos left little to be desired. Bouchon, however knocked it out of the park, Ash had Scottish salmon and I enjoyed a nice clean pan seared halibut.
Tomorrow we tackle Francis Ford Coppola's Rubicon.....
Frommers tour book led us in the direction of the Hess Collection, an art gallery and winery. The mission style vineyard was the perfect starting point for our day as it provided a unique experience filled with tranquility and excitement. After walking around the vineyard, taking pictures and tasting wine Ash and I headed to Clos du Vol.
Clos is a French owned winery that was off the beaten path and provided a less commercial vibe. The last vineyard that we experienced was unique in that it produced "sparkling wine". Chandon was difficult to find but worth the hunt.
Red Hen was next on the agenda and if I am being honest the Carnitas Nachos left little to be desired. Bouchon, however knocked it out of the park, Ash had Scottish salmon and I enjoyed a nice clean pan seared halibut.
Tomorrow we tackle Francis Ford Coppola's Rubicon.....
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Napa: Day 1
It is no surprise to me that on the very day I return to California, the Oakland Raiders pull off the biggest upset of the season. Raiders over Eagles 13-9......yeah baby! They better do the same thing next week when Ash and I are cheering them on against the Jets.
After making the 90 minute drive from SF to Napa, Ash and I checked in to our quaint little cottage. After recharging our batteries we headed up CA HWY 29 to Yountville and ate at a local restaurant (Pacific Blues). Ashleigh nibbled on typical California fare (BBQ Salmon sandwich) and I devoured a French Dip.
After strolling down Washington St through Yountville, experiencing a few local shops as well as our first official CA wine testing, the totality of 12 hours of travel hit us like a case of Napa Valley wine. While it is only 5:30pm local time, we are wiped out and look forward to starting out fresh tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Soda Tax
A potential health care overhaul has the "bean" counters' gears spinning, as quickly as a seven year old under the influence of a couple of root beers.
The latest proposal, recently passed a congressional committee, has a price tag of about $829 billion. The plan will be paid for by reductions in spending (must be that scalpel Obama talked about) and TAXES! Whether the out of pocket expense for the typical American household nets out to zero is irrelevant for this particular post. Hopefully it does, hopefully this is a case of cutting inefficient spending and redirecting it towards areas that will be more productive for Americans.
Regardless of whether health care is reformed or not the idea to tax soda or any "sugary" drinks seems rational? Is it that much different than taxing tobacco or alcohol? Obviously health problems vary between products but the principal is the same. Taxing those products has not led to their downfall. Consumers still buy the products, maybe business has dipped a bit but profit margins are still more than respectable.
An objective decision cannot be made until you know how the funds will be used. Skepticism about taxes is overwhelming and until there is a formal proposal that outlines where the funds would be directed, effectiveness is too speculative.
Where would it stop? Would this open up the flood gates for a series of frivolous tax programs? A penny here and a penny there adds up and before you know it, you are being taxed on all junk food.
The latest proposal, recently passed a congressional committee, has a price tag of about $829 billion. The plan will be paid for by reductions in spending (must be that scalpel Obama talked about) and TAXES! Whether the out of pocket expense for the typical American household nets out to zero is irrelevant for this particular post. Hopefully it does, hopefully this is a case of cutting inefficient spending and redirecting it towards areas that will be more productive for Americans.
Regardless of whether health care is reformed or not the idea to tax soda or any "sugary" drinks seems rational? Is it that much different than taxing tobacco or alcohol? Obviously health problems vary between products but the principal is the same. Taxing those products has not led to their downfall. Consumers still buy the products, maybe business has dipped a bit but profit margins are still more than respectable.
An objective decision cannot be made until you know how the funds will be used. Skepticism about taxes is overwhelming and until there is a formal proposal that outlines where the funds would be directed, effectiveness is too speculative.
Where would it stop? Would this open up the flood gates for a series of frivolous tax programs? A penny here and a penny there adds up and before you know it, you are being taxed on all junk food.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Two Rings Better than One?
Saturn vs. Stonehenge
Which is more significant? Saturn's new ring made up of ice and dust particles that stretches over seven million miles wide or the new stone circle discovered near Stonehenge?
While both are interesting, the probability of either of this week's discoveries having a significant impact in our lifetime is slim. The argument can be made that Saturn's new discovery could potentially help unlock deep dark secrets to the universe but it's unlikely. It took the world 400 years after Galileo's death to set foot on the moon. Forty years later and Neil's "leap" for mankind remains on a short list of accomplishments as far as space exploration is concerned.
Which is more significant? Saturn's new ring made up of ice and dust particles that stretches over seven million miles wide or the new stone circle discovered near Stonehenge?
While both are interesting, the probability of either of this week's discoveries having a significant impact in our lifetime is slim. The argument can be made that Saturn's new discovery could potentially help unlock deep dark secrets to the universe but it's unlikely. It took the world 400 years after Galileo's death to set foot on the moon. Forty years later and Neil's "leap" for mankind remains on a short list of accomplishments as far as space exploration is concerned.
As far as Stonehenge is concerned, it's a 4500 year old burial ground. Interesting, that it is but significant....I don't think so.
Greetings from Around the World
Cheers! Bonjour! Bongiorno!
Hospitality refers to the relationship process between a guest and a host, and it also refers to the act or practice of being hospitable, that is, the reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers, with liberality and goodwill.
The topic of American Hospitality vs European Hospitality is brought up regularly enough for most of us to have an opinion on the subject. Whether you agree with the stereotype that most Europeans are rude or that all Americans are arrogant, it is still only a stereotype, right?
Ask yourself how many other stereotypes that you know NOT to be true.
My direct experience has led me to the conclusion that it's all about mutual respect. A little humility goes a long way in most cultures and as an individual you can only directly influence those that you come in contact with.
What most of us don't realize is that you CAN potentially indirectly affect (good or bad), everyone that they come in contact with depending on their experience. Changing an opinion of any adult is difficult especially when there are so many variables involved but if you don't even try then you're just adding to the problem. Is it better to solidify the stereotype by not even trying, or give someone a reason to think twice about what they currently believe and how they came to that conclusion to begin with.
As far as my personal experience is concerned, I'll put it to you like this: I Bonjoured and bongiorno-ed my mouth dry when I was in France and Italy and never had a problem with anyone being curt. When Ash and I went to Brooklyn, I tried to acknowledge two or three people and I was ignored flatly. Brooklyn might be a bad example, and as far as reciprocal hospitality is concerned it's all hit and miss.
At the end of the day it comes down to two variables; your upbringing (either it was an advantage to your prospective or an obstacle), and the current standards that you hold yourself to?
Hospitality refers to the relationship process between a guest and a host, and it also refers to the act or practice of being hospitable, that is, the reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers, with liberality and goodwill.
The topic of American Hospitality vs European Hospitality is brought up regularly enough for most of us to have an opinion on the subject. Whether you agree with the stereotype that most Europeans are rude or that all Americans are arrogant, it is still only a stereotype, right?
Ask yourself how many other stereotypes that you know NOT to be true.
My direct experience has led me to the conclusion that it's all about mutual respect. A little humility goes a long way in most cultures and as an individual you can only directly influence those that you come in contact with.
What most of us don't realize is that you CAN potentially indirectly affect (good or bad), everyone that they come in contact with depending on their experience. Changing an opinion of any adult is difficult especially when there are so many variables involved but if you don't even try then you're just adding to the problem. Is it better to solidify the stereotype by not even trying, or give someone a reason to think twice about what they currently believe and how they came to that conclusion to begin with.
As far as my personal experience is concerned, I'll put it to you like this: I Bonjoured and bongiorno-ed my mouth dry when I was in France and Italy and never had a problem with anyone being curt. When Ash and I went to Brooklyn, I tried to acknowledge two or three people and I was ignored flatly. Brooklyn might be a bad example, and as far as reciprocal hospitality is concerned it's all hit and miss.
At the end of the day it comes down to two variables; your upbringing (either it was an advantage to your prospective or an obstacle), and the current standards that you hold yourself to?
Let's Get Started
My only goal for this blog is that it be interesting.
I'll keep the parameters of "interesting" fairly liberal to achieve this goal because there is nothing easier than fitting a square peg in to a round hole, right?
The main catalyst for this web log, I must admit was Fantasy Football Posting. The posting and the unfortunate slow down in business, together created a curiosity and an opportunity to put my thoughts (or lack thereof) on the screen for the world to see. The proverbial "world" in this case is my family and close friends and if you know me, you know that my close friends are my family too.
Outside of family and friends there are few topics that I am passionate about which may be a detriment but on some level aides me in being open minded and objective.
So, my wish is that you find this interesting and if I fall short of that goal I hope it is mildly entertaining.
I'll keep the parameters of "interesting" fairly liberal to achieve this goal because there is nothing easier than fitting a square peg in to a round hole, right?
The main catalyst for this web log, I must admit was Fantasy Football Posting. The posting and the unfortunate slow down in business, together created a curiosity and an opportunity to put my thoughts (or lack thereof) on the screen for the world to see. The proverbial "world" in this case is my family and close friends and if you know me, you know that my close friends are my family too.
Outside of family and friends there are few topics that I am passionate about which may be a detriment but on some level aides me in being open minded and objective.
So, my wish is that you find this interesting and if I fall short of that goal I hope it is mildly entertaining.
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