Draeger’s Market 100th Anniversary Wine Tasting

Recently, we had the pleasure of attending Draeger’s 100th Anniversary Wine Tasting, hosted by Wine Manager Michelle and her knowledgeable assistant, Ryan, at the beautiful Draeger’s Cooking School in Blackhawk.

For the past year, Draeger’s has delighted guests every Saturday with complimentary wine and cheese tastings at the wine bar, featuring selections from around the world. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., loyal patrons have gathered to sip thoughtfully chosen wines and champagnes, paired perfectly with cheeses from Draeger’s renowned wine and cheese department. To make the experience even better, guests enjoy exclusive discounts on their favorite bottles.

In celebration of Draeger’s centennial milestone, the anniversary tasting was elevated to an elegant, invitation-only affair. Michelle and Ryan curated a star-studded lineup of exquisite wines and artisanal cheeses, creating a memorable day  that showcased Draeger’s legacy of quality and hospitality.

A heartfelt thank you to Draeger’s Market for marking 100 years of excellence with such a special celebration.

If you haven’t yet experienced the Saturday tastings, we highly recommend stopping by. It’s the perfect way to enrich your shopping trip—and perhaps discover a new favorite wine. We look forward to raising a glass with you soon!

Le Petit Chef: San Francisco’s Smallest Star with the Biggest Show

San Francisco has no shortage of memorable dining experiences, from Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy to hole-in-the-wall gems serving cult-worthy bites. 

But tucked among them is something entirely different—a dinner where your table transforms into a stage, your plate becomes a screen, and your chef is just 58 millimeters tall. 

Welcome to Le Petit Chef, a theatrical dining adventure that blends storytelling, technology, and international cuisine into one dazzling dinner located at the Hyatt Regency SOMA in San Francisco.

Created by Skullmapping Studios in Belgium in 2015, Le Petit Chef uses 3D projection mapping to bring the world’s tiniest chef to life. 

Before each course, diners watch the animated character scurry across the table, chop imaginary vegetables, and sometimes fumble through comedic cooking mishaps.

It’s part theater, part cinema, and part fine dining. And while the performance is lively and lighthearted, the artistry is remarkable—every gesture is perfectly timed to the arrival of each dish.

Guests can choose from four menus—Grand, Classic, Vegan, or Kid’s—making it accessible whether you’re indulging in a gourmet evening out, keeping it plant-based, or bringing the whole family.

While the show is identical across all menus, the food reflects the Classic base menu, meaning no one misses out on the chef’s vision. Think vibrant Burrata Salad dressed with avocado Green Goddess, a seafood-rich Crab Cioppino Bisque, and a hearty Grilled Prime Striploin with confit potato and roasted Thumbelina carrots. Dessert is playful and nostalgic: a towering Ice Cream Sundae layered with devil’s food cake, vanilla ice cream, and salted caramel. This was the dinner we experienced.

This isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s about how the entire evening unfolds. Families find themselves laughing together, couples lean into the whimsy, and solo travelers quickly realize they’ve stumbled into something unlike anything else in the city.

San Francisco has long embraced the blend of innovation and art, and Le Petit Chef feels right at home here. It’s as much about memory-making as it is about dining, which is why it has become a global phenomenon, delighting audiences from Dubai to Paris before landing in the Bay Area.

The Takeaway

Yes, the food is refined and flavorful, but the true magic is how the performance amplifies the meal. It’s not trying to outshine Michelin-starred kitchens; it’s offering something different—an experience that’s joyful, surprising, and utterly shareable.

If you’re looking for one of San Francisco’s most unique dining adventures, don’t look up at the skyline. Look down at your plate, where the smallest chef in the world is ready to take you on a journey you won’t forget.

For more info go to:

lepetitchef.com

Prestigious Pine Ridge Vineyards

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting Pine Ridge Vineyards, nestled in the sensational Stags Leap District of Napa Valley.

Founded in 1978 by Gary Andrus, Pine Ridge has grown into one of Napa’s most respected wineries. Now part of the Crimson Wine Group, it continues to honor its legacy while expanding its reach, crafting wines that showcase the unique terroirs of the region.

The estate operates vineyards across five premier Napa appellations—Stags Leap District, Howell Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford, and Carneros. With a strong commitment to sustainable viticulture, Pine Ridge proudly holds Napa Green certification and embraces water- and soil-conscious farming practices, as well as wildlife-friendly land stewardship.

Estate winemaker Josh Widaman, alongside Colleen Fitzgerald, focuses on producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition to their acclaimed Bordeaux-style blends, Pine Ridge is also known for its distinctive and highly popular Chenin Blanc + Viognier blend—a refreshing and unique white wine that has developed a loyal following.

Our visit began with a cave tasting experience guided by our passionate and knowledgeable host, Enrique. We started with a chilled glass of 2024 Sauvignon Blanc and the famed Chenin Blanc + Viognier. Both were excellent, though the Viognier in particular stood out, living up to its reputation for elegance and vibrant character.

From there, we moved deeper into the impressive cave tasting room to enjoy an array of red wines, including the 2022 Malbec, 2022 Carneros Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022 Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2022 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Each wine reflected its appellation beautifully, but the Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon was especially memorable—rich, layered, and structured, a true standout of the tasting.

We left with a few bottles of the Howell Mountain Cabernet and the Chenin Blanc + Viognier to bring back to Danville and share with friends.

In conclusion, Pine Ridge Vineyards is an experience not to be missed—a perfect blend of history, craftsmanship, sustainability, and world-class hospitality. It truly deserves a place on your Napa Valley bucket list.

For more information or to book your own tasting experience, visit:

👉 www.pineridgevineyards.com

Sensational Edgewood Tahoe Lodge ✨

Recently, we returned to the Edgewood Tahoe Lodge for some well-deserved fun in the sun. This place holds countless special memories for us, especially after playing in the American Century Golf Tournament for 15 years. It’s no wonder Lake Tahoe is known as “Heavenly Valley.”

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of playing—and even winning—with some amazing celebrities, including Joe Theismann, Mark Mulder, Mardy Fish, and Tim Brown, to name just a few. Having teed it up on world-class courses across the globe, Edgewood still remains one of our absolute favorites.

There’s nothing quite like lining up a 15-foot putt while gazing at snow-capped mountains standing guard over the lake. The course is designed for every level of golfer, with tees thoughtfully set up for all skill levels. Even my wife Linda found the forward tees to be welcoming and enjoyable—making the round that much more fun.

And of course, no day at Edgewood is complete without a stop at the legendary Brooks Bar, perched beside the picturesque 18th hole. With its sweeping views of Lake Tahoe, Brooks Bar has earned its reputation as the #2 “Best 19th Hole in the World”—a well-deserved honor.

The lodge itself is every bit as exceptional, with a wonderful restaurant, balcony rooms overlooking the deep-blue lake, and an atmosphere that feels both elegant and relaxed.

When it comes to dinner traditions, ours always leads us to Friday’s Station atop Harrah’s. This fine-dining gem offers spectacular food, impeccable service from waiters in black tuxedos, and panoramic views that make every evening unforgettable.

In the end, Edgewood Lodge & Golf Course truly is a slice of heaven—a destination that belongs at the very top of any golfer’s bucket list.

To book a reservation go to

https://edgewoodtahoe.com