Postcard from San Francisco

Beefy Blushes Ruby Red

Sweet Dreams

California Dreamin'

Dream a little dream.

Bespoke My Heart

Sol Food

Eh, since I'm on a lil' food kick this morning I thought I'd just roll with this one. When we were down in Napa we decided to partake in lunch at Solage, a gorgeous resort and spa in Calistoga. The setting couldn't have been more lovely or more California. I felt cleaner and more refreshed just walking onto the property.

We started things outside on the patio on the comfy couches before all that California sunshine began to take its toll on certain members of our party so we retreated indoors to SolBar. The photo below doesn't do the place true justice, but the space was a perfect balance of comfort and cool.

And this, ultimately, was the whole reason for this post (though I'd also include with this selection the Sangria and the Green Tomato Salad!). I am an adventurous eater by nature and am willing to give most things a try. I read the entry for this on the dessert menu and was like, "Oh yeah, I gotta." So I proceeded to order the Thyme French Toast with Heirloom Tomato Marmalade and Corn Ice Cream (topped with warm maple syrup). Um...DELICIOUS! At least as far as I was concerned. The jury was a bit mixed in the overall reviews but I applauded the pastry chef for her ingenuity and daring while still delivering on dessert. Bravo!

If you ever get to Napa by all means toodle on over to Solage for a little lunch and a little cocktail. Maybe even a dip in the pool or a decadent night over? At any rate, if you happen to walk into SolBar and see a man passed out on the floor with a little corn ice cream melted near his head and a smile on his face...don't worry, it's just your Uncle...and I warned the management that this might happen. ;)

Napa Style

Georgina actually rides this to school at the CIA. I'd spill my drink if I tried that.

Good morning, Kids. Running around like a crazy person...still. How is it possible that so many things can pile up after only 4 days away? Nuts! But these photos help to immediately place my mind into longing and relaxation.

This is where we stayed during our Napa hiatus for Sarah's birthday. Jon and Georgina have done alot to this 1902 cutie and it was the perfect respite to rest our inflated and overtaxed livers. They bought the house less than a year ago after Georgina was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena. Sadly, she's a talented cook already, attractive, charming, funny, a delightful hostess, with an adorable house in Napa, and a looker of a husband with humor to spare. Don't worry, Kids...we all "hate" her!

Bon appétit!

100+ years and still kickin' it!


I think folding chairs and a rabid pit bull would look more welcoming but whatever.



That's Beefy's bed over by the wall. Beefy slept here. Should I send a plaque?


I couldn't get any work done here. This is daydream grand central!


I seriously hearted the glass canisters below with the vintage tea cups as scoops.


Georgina preparing the outside table for Jon's wine tasting.

I thought we shoulda put out some Cheetos and Pork Rinds. Y'know to keep it "klassy".

Yes, indeed...good times were had aplenty! Sigh. I miss you California...don't forget to write!

The Beefy's Back In Town...

The vineyards at Duck Horn.

Hi Kids! I'm back in town from my delightful Napa weekend! As you know, we all headed down to visit our friends Jon & Georgina, who live in St. Helena, to help celebrate our friend Sarah's birthday. I don't think she could have asked for a better time. Well, I couldn't have anyway. It was glorious! (But we're all lucky to still have our livers intact! Hey....it's wine country!) Lordy, I love me some California! Sarah and I are already plotting a possible relocation. Hmm?

We did tours of some wineries (of course) and just lapped up the warming rays of California sunshine and great friends. Managed to squeeze in a brief day in San Francisco before putting our hangovers onto our respective flights. I was sorry that there wasn't the time to rope Victoria or Melissa in for a little bloggers meet and greet...but maybe next time? 'Cause like it or not California...I'm comin' back!

So Kids, here are a few pics to tide you over for the day and I'll see ya's tomorrow! :)

The Ferry Building in San Francisco where I managed to
leave a little food left over for the rest of the people in the city.

The interior of the Ferry Building...before the food massacre began!

My favorite food moment of the day from Miette...Buttermilk Panna Cotta with fresh chopped strawberries all delightfully contained in that sweet little jar! Delicious! (But not enough to keep me from also consuming a chicken lunch, a custard-filled Bomboloni doughnut, and two Miette cupcakes!!! My crazy druken body couldn't get enough! I think it was just happy to be getting fed something other than alcohol! Oy vey!)

That's Bunz...our mascot. I feel like he looks! (He's Jon & Georgina's puppy dog.)

Jon & Georgina's sweet St. Helena dream! Tres cute, huh?

I guess the place was a serious fixer-upper when they got it but they've done miraculous wonders already. Could I have asked for better Napa-style accommodations? I don't think so! More shots to come tomorrow.

We were actually sober in this photo taken in the wine caves at Schramsberg!

And, I'm takin' a moment to thank all these lovely folks above for their generosity, friendship, outrageously amazing senses of humor, and all their efforts in making this one incredibly phenomenal weekend! You're all loved! (And "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Miss Sarah!" Thanks for lettin' me tag along!)