Valentine Weekend in Napa

This picture is a fine example!

I think Valentine’s Day should be a national holiday, I definitely not liking the fact that it was on a Monday this year. For those with a 9 to 5 job, LIKE US can’t really enjoy this romantic day. Of course Chris and I did the dinner thing with the expensive Pre-Fix Menu in an overcrowded restaurant, sitting 5 inches away from the table next to you that feels like they are in your conversation and staring at every move you make. How can I enjoy my romantic dinner in this type of environment?

I was very surprised by Chris’ thoughtfulness, he wrote me 6 cutest little valentine cards that he found at a boutique craft store. The last card says a ROMANTIC weekend in Napa! How cute and romantic is he? He is certainly a romantic type that likes to pamper his girl. I am one lucky girl!!!

Napa is our home away from home, we are very lucky to live only 1 ½ hours away. I have to admit that this was the BEST Napa trip we did; we stayed with Avia Hotel in downtown Napa, this boutique hotel opened 1 ½ years ago, we were welcomed with complementary chair massages (my very first massage, actually not too bad….I’m a very ticklish person), free Hess Winery wine tasting in the hotel, and also 2 for the price of 1 wine taste at Hess Winery. What a great start!!! Our suite was amazing (I am very picky when it’s comes to hotel rooms, I only choose 4 and above star hotels).

Speaking of “great start”, we visited few wineries before we checked-in. Our first visit was to Twomey Cellars down in Callistoga, this winery is a sister winery to Silver Oak, Chris’ favorite wine, and very expensive wine that only makes Cabernets, but Twomey make Merlot which is my favorite type of wine, and of course we bought a bottle of their Merlot. 

Then we made our way down to Castello di Amorosa, I have to visit the castle every time I’m in Napa. Girls love castle because we want our prince…hehe! If you are ever in Napa, DEFINITELY have to pay a visit to this beautiful 14th century Tuscan style castle. Our trip got even better when we were wine tasting, because we met the owner (Dario Sattui)of the castle and he was working/helping out as a wine tasting guide, very humble and down-to-earth. We were able to talk with him, got him to sign our bottle, and he kissed my hand; it’s like meeting a celebrity. Dario Sattui also owns V. Sattui Winery, which we visit also because V. Sattui is the only winery in Napa that has a deli, and a huge picnic ground. 
Dinner was at Ad Hoc, same owner chef as the famous French Laundry. Ad Hoc is a different type of sit-down restaurant, serves 4 course family style one of a kind, never repeat menu that changes daily. We have never tasted anything so wonderful; let’s just say there are no leftovers. I love chefs that have a creative side and love to share their love for food with us.

Our dinner menu: Orange Ricotta Fritters – Bellwether Farm’s whole milk ricotta, blonde frisse, living watercress, smoked duck tenderloin, English peas, mandarin segments,

Grilled Veal Porterhouse – rancho gordo stallard beans, roasted chilis, red onions, fried hen egg, braised romaine, bacon marmalade, oven dried tomato vinaigrette, Carmody, Lemon Bars

Second day we had lunch at Morimoto Napa, when I heard about Morimoto’s first West Coast restaurant opened in Napa in July 2010, this restaurant is definitely in our to try list, and that’s what we did. The Décor of the restaurant is contemporary, when we walked in the door; we had that WOW and welcoming feeling.  We tried something out of our norm, something delicate, something very fresh, and something new. Every entrée, every sushi, every bite and every lick was OMG…freaking good.

Our lunch menu:

• Morimoto Bone Marrow 
• Clam Miso  
• Sushi – Oh-toro (fatty tuna), hamachi (yellowtail), wagyu beef, uni (sea urchin) 
• Chef’s Combination Sushi – Chu-toro (medium fatty tuna), Maguro (tuna), Sake (Salmon), Unagi (fresh water eel), Shira ebi (white shrimp), Kasutera (custard omelette), and Spicy tuna roll 
• Brown sticky rice topped with Buttermilk ice-cream

After lunch we visited Hess Winery, it’s away from all the other Napa wineries. It’s tucked away up in the hills with a gorgeous view of the view. Glad we made the trip up!

We ended our weekend getaway with the BEST OF THE BEST “Egg Tart” in the Bay Area from Golden Gate Bakery in San Francisco China town. Sadly to say…I’m still craving the egg tart from China, but this will do for now. Maybe I just have to make it myself, can anyone share their Egg Tart recipe with me…please???

Our Napa trip was filled with great wines, delicious cuisines, fabulous weather, and breathtaking views. Next time you are in the Bay Area, give Napa a visit, you won’t regret it, and the best time is during summer and fall.