Delicious Foodstuffs: Dining Like a Queen

 

I always tell my friends I only spend my money on food.  This weekend definitely confirmed that statement, thanks to San Francisco and Napa Valley.  It's very easy to splurge when you're on vacation and I gotta say, I don't regret it one bit.  I know I'll have to be on a tight budget for the next couple weeks, but man... SO worth it.

FRIDAY
Breakfast...

Squat & Gobble
http://www.squatandgobble.com/
Various locations

Lox Benedict.  LOVED their hollandaise sauce (for once not too rich and leaves you feeling stuffed)

Wine Tasting...

Del Dotto Caves (Historic Winery and Tasting Room)
http://www.deldottovineyards.com/
1055 Atlas Peak Road, Napa

• My favorite from the trip
• Very exclusive. They do not distribute
• Limited bottle production per year
  
• $40 for 12 different wines, port, cheese, chocolate and olive oil

Most of the wine I tasted included:

• 2006 Zinfandel
• 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (American Oak)
• 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (French Oak)
• 2007 Giovanni's Tuscan Reserve
• 2006 Sangiovese
• 2006 Cave Blend
• 2007 Cinghiale Vineyard Pinot Noir
• 2007 Lot ST Cabernet Sauvignon (American Oak)
• 2007 Lot ST Cabernet Sauvignon (French Oak)
• 2007 Cabernet Franc **this was so good I bought it knowing it hasn't even been bottled yet!

If you go, ask for Ed.  He's a great tour guide. 

Darioush Winery
http://www.darioush.com/
4240 Silverado Trl, Napa

• $20 tasting flight with 4 types of wines 
• Not too memorable
• Loved their pistachios, but I won't pay $9 a bag for it
• Reminds me of Las Vegas
• Still willing to try this place out again
  

Dinner...

Ristorante Allegria
http://www.ristoranteallegria.com
1026 1st St., Napa

• The outdoor patio was perfect for the summer weather
• Prices were reasonable considering the quality and portion
• The waitress was a tad slow, but it was nice to sit, unwind and sip on some wine.

Fried Calamari


N.Y. Steak with Mushroom Risotto (yes, that steak is rare)

SATURDAY
Wine Tasting...

Merryvale Vineyards
http://www.merryvale.com
1000 Main St., St. Helena

• They offered different tastings within $10-$20
• The white wines were a lot better than their reds
• If you ask them for an extra tasting they won't charge you (maybe it was our luck)

I also want to have a birthday dinner in their Cask Room.

ZD Wines
http://www.zdwines.com
8383 Silverado Trl., Napa

• Great choice in music (indie rock for life!) 
• For $15, they offered tastings upstairs on their patio with all you can eat cheese (another plus) 
• Some wines we tasted were over $100 and the cheese were at least $33/pound

Domaine Chandon
http://www.chandon.com
1 California Drive, Yountville

• $29 prefix lunch, which came with 2 dishes and 1 glass of wine to pair with your meal 
• Overlooks a nice lawn and pond
• Full menu offers a wide variety of dishes to go with any type of wine or bubbly they serve
• Bubbles and Oysters tasting for $62, but I'll have to wait till next time

White Corn Soup with Dungeness Crab


Foie Gras with Strawberries


Star Anise Braised Duck Leg


Fresh Oyster with Shallots


Palate Cleanser (ice and champagne)

Elizabeth Spencer Wines
http://www.elizabethspencerwines.com
1165 Rutherford Rd., Napa

• A very small store, but it made for a nice change from the big tasting rooms 
• $20 for 6 tastings 
• Their tasting menu changes daily, so it's worth checking out multiple times

Alpha Omega Winery
http://www.aowinery.com
1155 Mee Ln., St. Helena

• The winery itself was exceptionally beautiful.  The architecture was fitting for their name and the patio and fountain area was great to chill as the sun sets 
• $15 for 4 wines
• If you buy a bottle of wine, they apply that $15 into your purchase! 

Dinner...

Nopa
http://www.nopasf.com
560 Divisadero, San Francisco

• Typical late night eats calls for fast food or 24-hour diners, but this place was a classy joint 
• Not too much to offer on the menu, but when it's late you don't really want to think anyway
• Nice vibe and made me want to stay out all night

Warm Goat Cheese, Pickled Beets, Frisee and Crostini

Olive Oil Coated Cherries with Sea Salt

Grass Fed Hamburger (rare), Pickled Onions and Fries

SUNDAY
Breakfast...

Grove Cafe
http://www.yelp.com/biz/grove-cafe-san-francisco
2250 Chestnut St., San Francisco

• Love their woodsy, cabin feel inside
• Lots of random breakfast/lunch items to choose from
• It doesn't seem like there's ever a down time in the cafe, so seating may be a little tough (you order first then find your own seat)

French Onion Soup

Mac n Cheese

Comments

[Smitty]

Everything looks scrumptious! I want it...all.

[Sasha Milena]

The Cask Room inside Merryvale Vinyards looks amazing! Did you try any vintage wines?

[Bernadette]

I am so jealous! The Lox Benedict looks so good! I went to Domain Chandon but only did a tour and a tasting. I will definitely have to go back to go to the restaurant and will for sure keep all of your suggestions in mind.