Tag Archives: napa valley

Taylor’s Refresher- Napa Valley

12 Feb

We woke up so stuffed from the day before, that our last day of vacation left us without much desire to eat.  We were drinking, however, so we decided we should fill up quickly and then continue our wining.  We saw a very long line at Taylor’s Refresher the day before and when I looked it up, it was #1 on TripAdvisor… so we stopped.

It’s a little highway burger joint that (thankfully) has some heat laps on their outdoor tables.

We went with the garlic butter and parsley fries.  They were better than I even though! Totally delish.

I went with a special “burger” that had either chicken or pork and apple slaw.

Mike went with the patty melt that had a burger with swiss cheese, grilled onions, mayo, and dijon on grilled rye.  I heard no complaints from him.

As a fast food joint, Taylor’s is definitely a winner.  Definitely worth a stop for a quick bite if you’re in the area.

Total Nom Points: 6.5 out of 10

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Bottega- Napa Valley

10 Feb

Well… we’ve finally made it.  The #1 question I was asked upon my return to the East Coast was “How was Bottega??”  Well… in case you didn’t get it from the Top 10 Noms of 2009, Michael Chiarello’s restaurant did NOT disappoint.

The ambiance was beautiful, though Mike and I were both surprised that the restaurant was in the middle of what we would term a “strip mall” (though much nicer).  I guess land there is so valuable that all of the places have to be on the same space!

We ordered Burrata Creamy mozzarella burrata with roasted butternut squash, caramelized mushroom & shallots, brown butter vinaigrette, balsamic caviar.  Um… HELLO!  I would like to go back in time so I can eat this again.

But then the entrees came.  Mike got the short ribs.  The flavor of these was so incredible that I had a tough time not asking for additional bites!  They were sensational.


I went with Wood Grilled Grass-Fed Lamb Rib Chops fresh figs with tarragon, fennel seeds, white balsamic vinegar, California olive oil, creamy ancient grain  .  OH SO GOOD! 

The hotel (which made the dinner reservation, and that we REALLY liked) had asked me if we were celebrating anything.  I tried to think of a good thing to say and mentioned we were celebrating our 2 year anniversary (it was 2 weeks prior).  I guess they really took it to heart and even told Bottega who did a lovely yet reserved nod to our celebration on our dessert plates (see photos below).

Looking at the menu is conflicting with my memory and the picture.  I THINK I ordered the chocolate and caramel tortino with espresso stracciatella gelato and milk chocolate peanut butter bar.  But now I see bananas in the picture below.  Hmmm.  Either way, it was REALLY good. If I hadn’t just had the tart at lunch from Mustards, it probably would have shined even more.

Mike got the apple and honey panzerotti with apple grappa mash, vanilla bean gelato, and pink peppercorn apple pearls.  Another hit!

Overall, this meal was just so enjoyable from first bite and every bite there after right up until the very sad moment when it ended.  They took such care with every little detail and it showed in every morsel of their food.  If you go to Napa, go to Bottega.

Total Nom Points: 9 out of 10

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Mustards- Napa Valley

8 Feb

When I said I was going to San Francisco on Facebook, it was pretty unanimous that I should also go to Napa.  I had no idea they were so close, but I sure am glad they are!

On our second to last day, we rented a car early in the morning and drove up to Muir Woods (INCREDIBLY beautiful!) and then to Napa.  Our first stop was for lunch at Mustards Grill (recommended by Randi and Chris).

Our waiter was incredibly knowledgable about not only the menu but WINE!  As soon as I told him what kind of wine I liked, he said he had something perfect and he hit the nail on the head! Amazing wine.

He also recommended the “onion rings” which were more like onion straws.  They were actually quite tasty, but I probably wouldn’t order them again.

Mike and I both went with the special.  Mike got the lamb burger special with arugula, fontina, onions, and paprika aioli.  I couldn’t eat it due to the spicy factor, but Mike seemed to enjoy.

One of the specials also called to me as it had a number of my favorite ingredients in it.  Petrole Sole with brussel sprouts, chanterelles, golden beets, bacon, and blood orange vinaigrette.  It was delish!

This was a place that just screamed “get dessert here!”  Oh am I glad we did. Mike went with the rum golden raisin ice cream

But I chose right with a dessert that sounded absolutely irresistible: warm chocolate hazelnut truffle tart!  HOLY CRAP! This was probably one the best desserts I have EVER had. 

I almost picked this plate up to lick it.

Overall, the food was sensational and this was my favorite meal of the trip (up until our dinner that same night!)  The wine and entrees were great but that dessert just shot it over the top.

Total Nom Points: 8.5 out of 10

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