Every once in a while we get blessed by the babysitting angels. This is especially the case when we visit my family in the Bay Area. They always offer to watch James if we want to go on a date, and it was long overdue! Jason and I decided to celebrate our 4 year anniversary a little early with an enjoyable day trip to Napa Valley, California.
Only about an hour away from Oakland, it’s the perfect spot for mommy and daddy to eat, drink and indulge. We have some great memories and favorite places in Napa. It’s actually where we first talked about me starting a food blog, and now three years later it has come to fruition and I’m having a blast sharing my recipes, science tips and life stories with you!
Our first stop was to grab some lunch at Oxbow Public Market, a great meeting place with gourmet treats, fabulous food, and fun foodie gifts. We decided to grab some burgers, fish tacos, and root beer floats (made with Three Twins Ice Cream) at the famous Gott’s Roadside restaurant, delicious!
Then we were off to beautiful downtown Napa because I was in search of some freshly baked homemade pies to bring home to my family. My cousin Taryn recommended Sweetie Pies, and it was a treat! I got a seasonal apricot blueberry and cherry pie piping hot from the oven. Our car was perfumed with freshly baked pie all day, and I couldn’t wait to get back and dig in!
It was then time to kick back and enjoy some vino. We headed to St. Helena and visited Alpha Omega Winery for some white and red wine tasting. We loved the view of the fountains and highway, as we sipped and chatted away. We also checked out Robert Mondavi Winery, definitely a great place to host a big event!
It was nice to reflect on the past year with so many great life changes and what we both want to accomplish in the next 10 years. There are some exciting ideas we are noodling with, so stay tuned!
After our little time in the sun, we headed to the town of Yountville. I wanted to check out the new renovations going on at The French Laundry restaurant kitchen. Looks like they are expanding and I’m sure it’s going to be awesome!
Dining at The French Laundry three years ago inspired me to start cooking more often at home and start journaling my food experiences. This Thomas Keller restaurant is the apex of food innovation and fine dining. If you ever get the chance to go, it’s a bucket list item for sure. I’m trying to convince Jason to take us back soon!
Of course I had to pick up treats from Bouchon Bakery, my favorite pastries being their almond croissant recipe, simply divine.
Our last stop was dinner at Ad Hoc. I love making recipes from this restaurant’s cookbook, so I had to finally try the food from the source. It’s Thomas Keller’s hearty family-style restaurant and everything there was delicious. We especially enjoyed the grilled marinated skirt steak with fresh beans and homemade coleslaw, more please! Jason even got to play around with some food photography with each course, looking good babe!
With our bellies and hearts full, it was the perfect afternoon date for Jason and I. We know how important it is to keep working on our relationship and friendship, and it’s wonderful to have some cuddle time with my sweetheart every now and then.
Writing this post is making me hungry, I can’t wait to go back to Napa Valley again, cheers!
Andrea | Cooking with a Wallflower says
I haven’t been to Napa yet, even though I live in SF! We’re planning a trip up there next month and this little tour of Napa is a perfect guide! Thanks for sharing!
Jessica Gavin says
No problem Andrea! There are so many great places to eat, drink and explore, you really can’t go wrong in Napa!
Jack Wilson says
I have enjoyed almost all of the spots you mentioned — you definitely hit some highlights. Inicidently, we live closer than your parents do to the Napa Valley.