Hotels & Wineries

San Francisco - I have stayed at the Mandarin Oriental- spectacular views, luxurious rooms- wonderful but in the financial district so a little off the beat & path but I would go back there anytime! A 4 star luxury Hotel with a "boutique" feel.

The Four Seasons, beautiful & in a GREAT location- large, full hotel amenities, great health club, etc. I also would return.

The Fairmont- I booked this for this trip as friends were joining us and had never been there or stayed there. This is the quintessential SF hotel- High up on the hill- where the 70's TV SHow "HOTEL" with James Brolin & Connie Selleca was filmed & mimicked.

Just old world charm,elegant, magnificent surroundings. My ONLY complaints about this beautiful spot was that they charge for internet service, and I found this to be a bit offensive when you are spending that kind of money for a hotel, and they charge you for headsets & water in the health club. The Four Seasons gives it complimentary, as do most.

This is not a Budget Motor Inn or Motel 6- so, that said, all else was wonderful. The rooms were lovely, large and very nice amenities.

The Clift- A very upscale, trendy, funky boutique hotel on Geary Street. Also a charge for internet, but a very fun place, with a lounge & bar with music all night- a fabulous bar menu for late night- unusual items and great & very creative speciality drinks. We spent our last night there after returning from Napa. They have a very lovely breakfast buffet- especially on Sundays.

Napa- A slice of Heaven.

I have stayed at the Villagio in Yountville, which is just one of the most magnificent places. There is also the Calistoga- luxurious, but way more money- I mean, pricey. However, this trip, every place I called was booked!! So, the Villagio was kind enough to recommend a place that would be "similar" in style, price, and surroundings. It was the Harvest Inn in St. Helena.

A beautiful 4 Diamond resort in the Heart of Napa Valley. The rooms are all furnished with large stone fireplaces- & they light them for you each evening when you return. Very romantic. There is a bottle of wine waiting for you as well. Complimentary.

2 Lovely pools- hot tubs, outdoor bars filled with chilled water bottles, fresh towels, a bar serving wine (of course- It's Napa!) and in the early evening, they host a wine & cheese reception, with tastings from local vineyards. Very nice. Large rooms- very nice amenities.

Just wonderful, relaxing, and a definite place to return to.

All the wineries are all along the way and it is almost directly across from V. Sattui- one of my favorite spots to stop- a large picnic area- gourmet deli, cheese shop and vineyard- all rolled into one, with large grills outside grilling oysters, portobello mushrooms to serve with fresh mozzarella & roasted organic tomatoes with 90 year old old balsamic on their crusty grilled bread, a pizza station, ribs, sliced italian cured meats, and so much more. Just incredible & delicious!

This is a great place for lunch. Many of the wineries do not allow food to be brought in, so check. There is also the Oakville Grocer- a smaller spot- strictly a gourmet deli & cheese store, but V. Satuii is a must stop! The do tastings as well and also have a tour of their barrels . Very interesting & very good!

San Fran & Napa

A note about Crustacesan- just to be fair.

They are known for their Dungeness Crabs & Garlic Noodles. They are actually coked in a "secret kitchen" in a separate area of the restaurant. Pretty cool. The wait staff must sign waivers of secrecy. The noodles were incredible.

One other side note: Boulette Larder : My husband ordered, in addition to the smoked salmon, the spicy fried rice with scrambled eggs- beyond words!! They had pork belly meat, shitake mushrooms and cabbage. I know it sounds strange, but they were unique, just delicious and perfectly cooked and served along with toasted bread with Italian fruit jam and sweet butter to compliment the spiciness of the eggs. Magnificent!

Okay- Napa. After Thomas Keller helped put Napa on the map with his very upscale restaurant French Laundry in Yountville and Chef Michael Chiarello opened Napa Style, the others followed suit. Dining in Napa is just wonderful.

My first stop for dinner- Mustard's. They pride themselves by calling Mustard's a "deluxe truck stop classic" . There for 27 years , with local celebrities dining there on a regular basis, including Tom Seaver (Mets) and Rusty Staub of MLB fame.

The Onion Rings- sliced beyond paper thin, piled high, crispy, not greasy served with the house made tomato apple ketchup is a great starter.

The serrano ham, also sliced translucently thin, served wit grilled figs over garden picked arugula- amazing!!

I had the Three Green Salad with Maytag blue cheese and spiced pistachio nuts. Yum. From their wood burning grill are selections including the Fresh Fish of the Day, and The Ever popular Seafood Tostada (also changes daily), BBQ Ribs, Hanger Steak, Don Watson Lamb, Sonoma Rabbit, Roasted Lemon & Garlic Chicken, and so much more.

Sides include Cheddar-Jalapeno Corn stix with farm honey butter, 3 cheese mac & cheese, grilled sweet potatoes (which I had luckily) with tomatillo-avocado salsa & creme fraiche- OMG!

Now, since I recognized a certain former MLB layer at the bar, the manager was so impressed, he sent over the most unbelievably amazing lemon-lime merangue pie. Normally, I must admit, I only eat chocolate, but I finished the entire thing! It was about 12-14" high, with a buttery graham cracker crust, lemon filling & the topping was just eye rolling good! This place is a MUST go!!

By the way, the wine list has a great cover- "WAT TOO MANY WINES" which is true- clever, and filled with 'all the wine that is fit to drink' from all over the Napa Valley and beyond.

Lunch the next day was a find- Gott's.

This place appears to be a burger drive in joint. It is Most definitely NOT. Taking old classics and using artisanal ingredients, this place is a MUST stop! I had one of the best Gazpacho's ever! There are 10 different burgers, hot dogs, fries with many toppings, salads including a great Cobb, Ahi Tuna burgers, shrimp tacos, Calamari , fish & chips, and so much more. Then, of course, are the shakes. not just your ordinary ones , like vanilla or chocolate.(they do has those also) but, they have blueberry, espresso bean, white pistachio, vanilla bean, mint chip, etc. There is a long list of wines and beers as well. Now, where can you find a burger joint with all that, plus picnic tables, long bars with stools, and lines that are miles long but go quickly and efficiently & the food is INCREDIBLE! (they now have 2 other locations in the area) A fun place!!

Cole's Chop House- Always a great place to dine- lovely sophiticated surroundings, classic good steaks & chops.

Now, lets not forget the winery's. Next Post.

Northern California

Well,, after being back almost a week, I have caught up wit all my work & now, I can tell you about all the places I was in when I went to San Francisco, Sausalito & NAPA.

Of course, San Fran to me means Gary Danko's restaurant. Just a one of a kind gorgeous, fabulous place for a special dinner. See my post for that separately.

So, that said, San Fran & Sausalito was:

Piccolo Teatro- a little Italian Bistro with great Sandwiches, Salads, Pasta and Entrees including Rabbit, Fish, and Steak. This place was once (a long time ago) a Speak easy & possibly a Bordello frequented by nobles.

Next, Crustasean. Now, I will say that the one in Los Angeles (Beverly Hills) to be exact) is a much different venue - decor wise. More contemporary- glass floor with fish swimming beneath you, etc. but the menu is the same.

However, I will say that I was a bit disappointed- not in the food, for the most part, but for the fact that the waitress should have informed my friends & I of how LARGE the Dungeness crabs were, (HUHE actually) as we really would have done with 2 for the 4 of us, since we had already ordered 4 appetizers- all of those were wonderful. The dumplings, the ravioli, the giant "drunken" prawns and the lobster salad with wild field greens, fennel and a thai ginger dressing- all excellent.I think they felt badly, as they sent over a delicious baked alaska for dessert, on the house.

On the border of San Fran & Sausalito- at the Ferry Building- Boulette Larder- a wonderful unique spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The menu changes daily and the place is just fantastic. Dining outside on a perfect morning , I had poached eggs with organic chick peas- outrageous. The rest of my crew had the cured smoked salmon, sliced paper thin, over whole wheat crispy wafers, capers, cream cheese, organic tomatoes & onions & just mouth watering. The french press coffee was also excellent.

Of course, we did go back to Dotties on morning as well. You will my July Post- this place is NOT to be missed!! Ignore the location & the lines- all worth the wait!!!

Napa:

What can you say about a place that is 8o degrees most of the time, has clear crystal blue skies, vineyards every 20 feet and marvelous places to eat!

See my next post- coming later on this week.

I left my Heart- at Gary Danko's in San Francisco

I returned last night from one of my favorite vacation spots in all of the US- Northern California & my most favorite restaurant there- Gary Danko.

I have lots to write about but this one post and sensational dinner could not wait.

The decor- the food- the service- Outstanding on every level.

Upon our arrival (we took friends this time), we entered the sleek contemporary space with our taste buds already salivating from anticipation.

Just as beautiful as always, with gorgeous vibrant flowers, candles, a bustling bar and its incredibly attentive staff, who then ushered us to our table to begin our gastronomic tasting.

As I mentioned in my July post, this is a unique dining experience with a choice of 3 , 4 or 5 courses- and YOU get to customize & select all the items, from appetizers to the fish course, to the Meat & Game entrees, to the Artisan cheese course and finally, last, but certainly not least, the dessert course.

I promised my self I would choose new items this time around, even though I was dying to re-order what I had in July.

After we were seated, the manager, over hearing we were there to celebrate my birthday sent over a lovely Rose' Champagne with their compliments. Ice cold, pink, bubbly and just fantastic!!! Then, as always, they bring over a "Chef's Complimentary" hor d'ourve, and then, to my surprise, they also sent over a perfectly cooked mini buckwheat blini, topped with melt in your mouth smoked salmon and topped with my all time favorite- CAVIAR!! Happy Birthday to ME!!

The four of us began with the following appetizers: the glazed Oyters with Osetra Caviar, Zucchini pearls and lettuce cream, the Seared Foie Gras with Carmelized red onions and peaches, the lobster salad with avocado, roasted heirloom tomatoes, shaved fennel in a tarragon meyer lemon vinaigrette, and the Sweet Corn Soup with Dungeness crab, creme' fraiche and a chive biscuit.

The next course- Fish & Seafood.

I promised a reader & avid follower I would NOT have the Branzino, but it is just SO good, I couldn't help myself! It was perfectly seared, atop Sorrel Gnocchi, Romano Beans & Fried Capers- OMG! The other three had the Roast Maine Lobster over Potato Puree with corn & chanterelle mushrooms, the Seared Sea Scallops with a zucchini-basil puree, tomato fondue, haricot verts and asian mushrooms, and pan Seared Tuna with Couscous, fennel, olives in a saffron orange emulsion.

Got your attention so far?

Meat & Game course-

My husband had the most outrageous Herb Crusted Loin of Lamb- pink and tender with a Tian of Vegetables and polenta, on my recommendation, my friend has the foie gras stuffed Quail, with mushrooms, cornbread pudding, with a bean and tomato corn relish, her husband had the Braised Veal Breast with Pistachio Crusted Sweetbreads, leeks & chanterelle mushrooms, and I had the Filet of Beef with Yukon Gold Potatoes, Zucchini, mushrooms, chard and a tomato & eggplant confit.

Next, 2 of us had the cheese cart- just fantastic and then, of course......... DESSERT.

I just had to have the baked chocolate souffle- served with two sauces that are poured table side by their wonderful and top notch staff. The other desserts were the Trio of Creme Brulee, A Lemon Souffle Cake with a Creme fraiche Panna Cotta and Raspberry Sorbet.

Then, they always send over a tray of amazing cookies , truffles, and chocolate sensations for all guests.

As you leave, they give you a lovely departing treat- that evening, it was a banana pudding cake.

I can't wait to go back!!!!!

Off to Northern CA

Well, this is it for a week as I am off to one of my most favorite places ever- San Francisco & Napa so lots to come next week!!

Parkside

Parkside Restaurant in Queens has been a landmark for more than 30 years.

A huge celebrity haunt, with traditional Italian Fare.

The food is wonderful- great service and a nice old world style atmosphere.

Be prepared to wait if you don't have a reservation or you can "tip" the Maitre' D & not have to wait as long. This is just the way it is.

Great fish, veal and chicken dishes, sensational pastas, and all the typical Italian dishes- fried calamari, baked clams, spedini, fresh mozzarella & roasted peppers, and more.

Always a treat

Peter Lugers

What can you say abut a restaurant that has been around since the 1800's.

Although they have a place in Great neck, to me, Broklyn is the lace.

Last night, I dined in the Willamburg location, and as usual- superb.

The jumbo shrimp cocktail is outstanding!! Huge, perfectly cooked & chilled to perfection. Next, the salads, which are all good- mixed, caesar, or the standard- large sliced ripe tomatoes & onions with their famed Peter Luger sauce.

Of course, they have many items for entrees, but the STEAKs are the way to go. ALl of them are just melt in your mouth tender- cooked with the best char on the outside & pink in the center-(if that's how you like it) Sides of course are their sensational home fries, baked potatoes, frencf fries, creamed spinach & more.

Then, there is dessert- chocolate mousse cake, (my favorite) deep dish apple pie, pecan pie, (also amazing!) and more- all served with the house "shlag"- homemade whipped cream- rich, dense & sinful. Mounds of it. Oh my!!

No cappuccino here- only the real deal- Coffee.

Jackson Hole

I love Burgers. One of my indulgences is a cheeseburger at Jackson Hole.

While there are many burger joints all over, including Five Guys , which is VERY good (great fries!) to me, there is nothing that compares to JH's burgers!! Just the way they cook them is so great.

Where else can you get 26 - yes, 26 types of burgers!!!!

I mean they have the regular cheese burgers- swiss, cheddar, monterey jack, blue cheese, mozzarella, & of course, american cheese, but in addition to chili burgers, pizza burgers, bacon,mexican, southwestern and santa fe, (just to name a few) they also have incredible combinations with guacamole, portabello mushrooms, goat cheese, blue cheese, bbq and so much more!!

They are big, juicy & delicious!!

The rest of the menu 'ain't bad either! Huge fabulous omelettes- again, numerous choices of fillings & great desserts!

Do enjoy!! They have several locations!!!