Mikuni – Sushi in the Village at Northstar

I recently stumbled across this fantastic sushi restaurant in the heart of Northstar California. I wasn’t planning on doing an article about the sushi restaurant that we accidentally came across Saturday in the Village at Northstar. After heading to a neighboring restaurant that happened to be closed for an event, we reluctantly walked to Mikuni Japanese Restaurant &…

Visit to Duckhorn Vineyards – Saint Helena

A Visit to Duckhorn Winery and Vineyards – Saint Helena Last Saturday, a few friends and I decided to go for a wine tasting after breakfast at the Meadowood Grill.  I hadn’t been to Duckhorn Vineyards in quite a while and figured it was early enough to get a reservation.  I used Open Table through the link from Duckhorn’s website…

Harvest Table – 2011 Wm. Harrison Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

Dinner at Harvest Table Saint Helena with a Pinot Noir Harvest Table is relatively new to Napa Valley. It is located in The Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer just south of downtown Saint Helena. Harvest Table opened a little over a year ago and boasts a full bar, inside seating and patio dining. It also offers…

Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen – A Dessert Pairing

Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen – hidden off of Main Street in Saint Helena Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen is one of my go to places in Saint Helena. The staff is friendly, they have a nice happy hour and its two blocks from my house. The locals tend to go more for the happy hour which goes from 4-6pm….

Visit to Hourglass Winery – Calistoga

On May 10th, 2016 I got the privilege to visit and taste wines at Hourglass Winery. I was at Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen in Saint Helena enjoying happy hour at the bar.  As always, I was perusing their ever-changing wines by the glass when I asked about the Hourglass Blueline Estate Merlot. Normally I would never…

2009 LaFond Pinot Noir – Blue Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates

Since I am not currently in the Napa Valley, I have found myself cooking more and more. One of my favorite, quick appetizers is bacon wrapped dates stuffed with blue cheese. I have prepared several versions of these, including goat and gorgonzola, but the harder blue cheese seems to work the best. I chose the…