napa outing

Before the onslaught of the holiday season, my husband took me on a mini vacation to Napa.
The weather was incredible, 90 degrees, cool mornings and evenings.  Our first stop, Mustard Grill, to have our annual bloody mary with grilled shishito peppers and various other dishes.  Later, we stopped and had happy hour at the Hog
Island, where we dined on bubbly rose and kumamotos, hama hama and the local hog island oysters, so fresh.  I did hit most of my favorite stores; my favorite in St Helena is the Napa Valley Vintage store, unfortunately missed their annual tent sale which began friday and lasted through the weekend. Perused the shelves at Dean and Deluca for ideas for this year's Incredible Edibles class at PS stores in November.  Missed a few stores, but next time.  Finished out the day with bubbly at Domaine Chandon, the grounds are beautiful.  Returned to OxBow Market for drip coffee and C Casas huevos rancheros, outstanding

and off to San Francisco.

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Our outing for this trip was lunch at the Slanted Door at the ferry terminal, and of off to SF course Craftsman and Wolves bakery and Dandelion Chocolates on Valencia Street.  Oh my god, the stellar bakery creations are artistically superb.

A treat for the eyes as well as the palate.  Could not decide, chose a boxful of treats and traveled next door to Dandelion, purchased chocolate bars, caramels, peanut tart and a huge s'more to brulee at home.

Nothing better than chocolate.

Unfortunately in traveling these days, we had to chug our sparkling rose at the car rental and leave some behind for the rental staff.  But to top it off, almost missed our flight, confronted by TSA staffer who attempted to enlighten me about the meaning of precheck, which further inflamed the situation, confiscated my Craftsman and Wolves olive oil passionfruit curd and the Coconut butter from Dean and Deluca.  I hope they enjoyed them, as we our names were called on the overhead, we raced to our flightdoor, just in the knick of time. The overwhelming demise of brick and mortar shops, rather than boosting sales in the local economy, I'll have to remember to order online, save myself the agony.