Pacific Blues- Napa Valley

This trip was literally our last stop before starting our “eat healthy and go back to the gym” kick.  And we really did it to the max with all our epic eating (especially in Napa).  By the end of the last day, we just wanted a salad before heaing to the airport.  We were recommended to go to Pacific Blues which is in the same complex as Bottega.  It was very casual.

I went with the Cobb salad and it was just what I wanted.

Mike went with the Taco Salad and seemed to thoroughly enjoy.

Tough to judge a place on salads, even if they hit the spot.

Total Nom Points: 6.5 out of 10

Taylor's Refresher- Napa Valley

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

Bottega- Napa Valley

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

Mustards- Napa Valley

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

Cafe de la Presse- San Francisco

One of my coworkers recommended that we go to Cafe de la Presse since we were in the area (Union Square).  We had popped in one night looking for dessert… but nothing struck us.  Then on Friday night we were home a bit early and had little desire to wander far after a long day on our feet, so off to Cafe de La Presse we went again.

The meal began with a little amuse-bouche that I believe was a take on “ham and swish.” Delish!

We ordered the special “tarte” (crispy flatbread) with arugula, cheese, apples, and dates.  It was SENSATIONAL.  Dates on flat bread with cheese are one of my favorite combos.

Mike chose the squash risotto.  It was just okay. Was a bit more like rice than risotto in my opinion.

I went with my fave… Boeuf Bourguignon (really I just LOVE beef stew no matter what nationality it comes from).  It was very tasty, but somehow… lacking.  The meat just lacked depth of flavor.

Zuni Cafe- San Francisco

When I asked one of my favorite foodie friends (Noa) where to eat in San Francisco, she immediately said we had to eat at Zuni.  The only day we could squeeze it in was for lunch the day after Christmas. 

I had read a LOT of reviews to determine what to order and quickly realized it was a hot debate.  Eating the roasted chicken at Zuni was nominated as number one item on the list of top 100 things to try before you die..  Some people agreed that this was THE. BEST. CHICKEN. however, others mentioned that it was good… for chicken.  I knew what to expect… an hour wait… so we ordered a Caesar salad to split while we waited.

The restaurant was actually quite beautiful and set up very well.  Nice atmosphere while you wait.  Mike got another glass of his new favorite beer, Anchor Steam.

Then finally… IT CAME!  It is listed as served over a “bread salad.”  Mike and I speculated exactly what a “bread salad” might be, however, we severely underestimated how delicious this was.  It was really great homemade bread chunks that was browned (char grilled?) and then soaked in dressing (though not at all soggy).  It was DELICIOUS!

The chicken?  Ehhh… don’t get me wrong. It was REALLY… REALLY good… but in the end it’s still chicken.  (And I have a place in my heart for the roasted chickens that came out of a gas station restaurant near my college.. Yes… I am TOTALLY serious).

Completely delicious.  But I wouldn’t say it’s one of the things I would demand you must try before you die.

I think that list really hurts this place, as I probably would have ordered something different had I not heard SO MUCH about the chicken.  And it’s really hard to rate a restaurant on a caesar salad and chicken… but…

Total Nom Points: 7 out of 10

First Crush- San Francisco

I heard so many good things about the food in San Francisco (especially from one of my fave bloggers, Feisty Foodie).  I was incredibly excited when I was asked to travel there for business (I had never been) and extended the trip to include leisure travel with Mike over Christmas week.  I was so excited to try so many different restaurants in SF (plus I knew it was prime artichoke growing territory… MMM!) and we planned the last 2 days in Napa where more wonderful nomming was to take place.

It was just my luck that I came down with a wicked case of food poisoning or a stomach bug about an hour before leaving for the airport.  (I do not wish having stomach problems like that on an airplane to my worst enemy!)  It actually had me completely in bed for 24 hours after the trip and sans food for the first two days.  I somehow dragged myself to work on Day 2 but it wasn’t pretty (I was so bad off that I never would have gone in had they not paid for me to fly out there and I knew I actually had to SHOW UP or risk them not reimbursing me).  By the end of that evening, I was finally feeling semi-capable of nourishment and went with chicken soup from Westin’s room service.  It was actually quite tasty and I’m pretty convinced it was slightly magical as that was the turning point.

By the next night I convinced myself I was well enough to eat again.  We were staying in the Union Square area and used our Urban Spoon iPhone app to pull up a convenient restaurant.  First Crush sounded like a good place so we went for it without much research (very uncommon for me!)

We started with something that sounded right up my alley: roasted winter squash with chestnuts, pearl onions, squash puree, and pomegranate reduction.  It was really, really good!  I was a bit dissapointed that there weren’t more (and bigger) chestnuts since I love them, however, I got over this very quickly with the amazing flavor combination and freshness of the ingredients. 

Mike went with the pistachio crusted wild hawaiian walu with rainbow carrotes, roasted fingerlings, fried shallots, and glace de veau. The crust was perfect and the fish was moist and flavorful.

I ordered the artichokes braised a la barigoule with toasted barley, flageolets, sunchokes, and lemon oil.  It was good but I was expecting a bit more robust artichoke flavor.  (I think I expect too much of my favorite veggie).  I really enjoyed it, however, and I’m glad I ordered this dish.

Overall, for a random restaurant in the middle of an unknown city, I thought we found a gem.  None of the desserts sounded especially appealing (which was surprising for a wine place… I always expect those 2 to go together) so we skipped.  What we ordered, however, was especially fresh and very tasty.  We enjoyed this first meal at First Crush very much.

Total Nom Points: 6.5 out of 10

Shake Shack in Madison Square Park

I’ve been fortunate enough to try Shake Shack in Citi Field (the new Mets stadium) a few times.  Everyone always seemed a little disappointed by the menu options, however, I had never been to the original in Madison Square Park, so I was none the wiser.

The original is located in the park at the corner of Madison Ave and 23rd Street.  It has a line so long that there is an online streaming video camera set up so you can determine if it’s even worth showing up!  I have never braved the line before, however, one cold wintery day, my coworker and I decided to take advantage of the short line and make a go of it.  Boy was it worth it!

She recommended I order the Shake Stack, which is a Shake Shack cheeseburger with their Shroom Burger on top (crispy portobello FILLED with melted muenster and cheddar cheeses with lettuce, tomato, and Shack Sauce.  It was one big (and tasty!) burger.  We also got a chocolate peanut butter malt and decided to forego the fries.  Oh was that heavenly!

Overall, I’d even wait on line for this thing if I want to be indulgent! Though I’m sure it’s a heart attack and a half!

Total Nom Points: 7 out of 10

Soho Eats: Crepes and Cupcakes

One day while running all over SoHo looking for new office space, I decided to take a side road until I found a place for lunch.  I have a soft spot for crepes, so once I saw a little place that specialized in crepes, I couldn’t help but go in.  I was confused about the name since there were little stickers that covered part of it on their crepe cones, so I decided not to photograph the ugly side.  Turns out it’s in the news! I guess I will refer to this as the crepe place formerly known as La Crepe Parisienne.  Turns out I had also left SoHo for NoHo.  Who knew!

I ordered the prosciutto, raclette cheese, and sliced potato crepe since potato just sounded splendid. It was… fair.  Kinda boring actually.  The potatoes should be a wee bit crisped or something… it just tasted like mushy nothing really.  The cheese and prosciutto wasn’t anything special either.  Disappointing.  I did enjoy the handy holder though.

I left the creperie feeling as though I really wanted something sweet but was too full to get a sweet crepe.  That’s when I happened on just the right thing…

I’ve read about these a few times, but the Baked by Melissa miniature cupcakes being sold out of a “store” the size of a closet was too amusing to pass up.

When they say miniature… they mean it.  They were about the diameter of a quarter.  Three for $3 sounded worthwhile and I went with PB&J, S’Mores, and Peanut Butter Cup.  The chocolate cakes were excellent, though the PB&J one was somehow lackluster.  A great little snack if you’re in the area (Spring between Mercer and Broadway).

Charles Restaurant- ::EDIT::

When Mike and I went to Taste The West Village a few weeks ago, I entered into a raffle where you bid on a gift certificate to certain restaurants (it went to charity for the schools). After tasting the awesome braised short ribs at the Charles (234 West 4th Street on the corner of West 10th Street) stand, I decided it was totally worth it to bid $60 for a $75 gift certificate.  I really didn’t expect to win but it was my lucky day.

It said on the reservation email itself that photos were not allowed in the restaurant. Bummer!  I snuck some on my iPhone, however, until the light couldn’t hold out any longer. (Sorry for some of the blur)

We started the meal with some delicious flat bread and olive goo (aka tapenade).

For an app, we decided on potato gnocchi with squash, spinach, and pecorino romano. It was great.  The gnocchi was at a perfect consistency and flavor and the squash, cheese, and spinach gave it such a great, earthy flavor.  

We decided on the brussel sprouts as a side dish and they were okay, but nothing like the now infamous ones Mike and I make with pancetta (inspired by both Babbo and Guy Fieri).

I was tempted to go with the short ribs again, but when Mike said he was also leaning in that direction it opened me up to try something different. So I went with the Braised Lamb Shank which came with Israeli couscous.  It was a really marvelous dish. Great flavor to the lamb and the couscous was delicious.  I savored every bite.

The short ribs were just as good, if not better, than at the tasting.  I still think the celery root puree is too soft for the soft texture of the meat, however, it was definitely tasty.

For dessert, Mike made a good call and said the molten chocolate type cake sounded right up my alley.  WOW was it!  Perfect.

Mike went with the homemade ice cream sandwiches.  See that little bowl of warm liquid? I’m pretty sure that was nutella.  I wanted to put my entire face into that little bowl.

Overall our meal was very good.  That lamb was absolutely worth going back for.

Total Nom Points: 7.5 out of 10

EDIT:
Funny… the same day this posted, Charles was in GrubStreet: http://newyork.grubstreet.com/2009/10/charles_names_jason_zukas_as_t.html