Eataly: Silicon Valley “Must Do”

Recently, we had the pleasure of going to Eataly located at Valley Fair Mall in Silicon Valley. It is an easy drive not far from our home in Danville. This location opened in June of 2022.

This is a “foodie paradise” with 3 floors of Italian foods, 5 restaurants and a wine floor that will satisfy any palate.  

The Eataly format resembles a foodie-fantasy of an Italian village, complete with restaurants, cafés, and market stalls. Give yourself a couple of hours to explore this special Italian food experience. 

We especially enjoyed the cannelloni and took some home with us along with fresh pizzas, cheeses, cannoli’s, ravioli’s and a bottle of Blood Orange Mimosa.

We had lunch at La Pizza and La Pasta enjoying raviolis and great drinks. I enjoyed the Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA and an Aperol Spritz made with Aperol, Prosecco, Soda Water and Orange. 

The most unique part of the lunch was the dessert. I ordered the 

cannoli‘s which were presented on a platter-make it yourself style. A tube of cream and all the toppings came out on a board. (See picture below) Needless to say it was a very fun dessert experience as we filled our shells with cream and topped it with pistachios, chocolate chips and nuts

Eataly is the creation of Oscar Ferranetti. In just six years, this son of a Piedmont pasta maker has built an epicurean empire. From its base in Turin, Eataly has expanded across Italy to New York and Tokyo, with 20 locations opened and 17 more on the drawing board. 

Eataly is open 7 days a week and a ‘must do’ to add to your bucket list. We look forward to returning soon.

For more information, go to:

https://www.eataly.com/us_en/stores/silicon-valley/silicon-valley

 

LIFE IS A CABERNET: SILVER OAK'S 2018 RELEASE PARTY

Recently, we had the pleasure of attending the 2018 Silver Oak Release Party at their location in Napa.

Besides the release of the 2018 Silver Oak, patrons enjoyed live music, fantastic food from 2 famous pitmasters, Truth Barbeque and Trudy’s, picture booths and much more.  To better manage this popular event, there was a morning session from 10 to 12:30 and a afternoon session from 1 to 3:30

The release day featured the 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Ruby in color the wine has notes of strawberry, carnation, black pepper and vanilla with a blackberry finish and a cherry return. We enjoyed several tastes of this lovely wine.

The Silver Oak elegant Cabernet has been satisfying wine enthusiasts for over 50 years, founded by Ray Duncan and Justin Meyers in 1972. We had the pleasure to meet David Duncan, Rays son, who is the current proprietor/chairman of Silver Oak. He encouraged us to visit Silver Oak's new winery located in Alexander Valley. We plan to do that soon,

To schedule a visit to this exclusive winery for a private tasting, go to: https://silveroak.com/visit/

 

Pebble Beach 2023

”

For many years we have been celebrating 2 special days at the iconic Spanish Bay Inn during the ATT golf tournament.  We celebrate our Hall-of-Famer son, MJ’s Birthday, who was born on the Super Bowl, and our wedding anniversary.

We love everything about Spanish Bay. Roy’s Restaurant, superior service and the Bagpiper playing on the ocean at sunset is an experience that is a ‘must do’ and never gets old.

The smell of the wood burning fireplaces and sight of the ocean vista’s when you check into the iconic Inn is a remedy to immediately ‘soothe’ anyone’s soul.

This year was extra special as we were introducing MJ’s autobiography ‘Life Of A Champion’.

The book is a chronicle of many great experiences.  48 Gold Medals, multiple State and National Championships, playing golf all over the world, meeting many famous people, and being inducted into 3 Hall of Fames for his ‘many‘ accomplishments on and off the golf course has resulted in a full rich life. In this book, MJ has shared these wonderful memories.

His book is in great demand by many families and friends. Autographed copies will only be available from MJ and in the Blackhawk Country Club Pro shop. As parents, we are extremely proud of our ‘Hall-of-Famer’ son.

Congratulations MJ. You have ‘inspired greatness’ to many all over the world.

Since you retired from golf, we are impressed with your new chapter of life helping to make the world a better place with your involvement with the Danville Rotary, Wheelchair Foundation and your successful annual MJ Gift Of Life Red Cross Blood Drive held at Blackhawk CC. We are also looking forward to your new venture with Pride Mobility.

To request an autographed copy of

“Life Of A Champion”, send an email to lmccol3525@aol.com.

 

Dakota Shy Winery: Commitment To Excellence

Recently, we had the pleasure to visit Dakota Shy Winery.

Founder Todd Newman was raised in Minot, North Dakota.  He and his partner Tom Garrett brought a wealth of experience working with many famous winemakers  to create their world class Napa wines.

Their passion and commitment to excellence resulted in the creation of Dakota Shy Winery.

Our knowledgeable gracious host today was Alisha, who presented Cabernets in their comfortable and cozy tasting room.

We especially enjoyed their 2020 Cabernet Franc and the Shy Series 2020 Volume 3 Cabernet Sauvignon. We took a bottle of each back home to Danville.  

We would highly recommend to put this winery on your ‘must do’ Napa list.

For more information and to make a tasting appointment go to:

https://www.dakotashywine.com/

The Yellow Chilli: A New Danville Restaurant

Recently, we went to the new Indian Restaurant, The Yellow Chilli, located in the Rose Garden Shopping Center and former location of Maria Maria. Famous Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor offers a wide variety of freshly made Indian recipes with all its eccentricity and diversity.

The restaurant has the feel of traveling across India with an elegant bar, great service, high ceilings and lots of space and tables to enjoy this ‘special’  dining experience.  It is open for lunch and dinner and there is also ample seating at the elegant bar offering a wide selection of wine and drinks.

We enjoyed a variety of food recommended by Gina our knowledgeable server and specifically enjoyed the garlic naan bread, tomato basil shorba soup and tandoori lamb chops to name a few.

This restaurant is a ‘great’ addition to our Danville community. We would highly recommend trying this world famous chef’s perfectly seasoned recipes. We will definitely return soon.

For more information and to make a reservation and to learn more about the history of the chef, go to:

https://www.theyellowchillidanville.com/

The Lodge At Torrey Pines: Celebrating 20 Years Of Luxury

Recently, we went to the iconic Lodge At Torrey Pines to celebrate a friend's birthday at this 5 star Diamond Resort.

It is a special place located on the ocean and famous Torrey Pines Golf course that recently held the US Open in 2021 won by John Rahm.  John Rahm and many other golfers as Rory McIlroy also stayed at The Lodge during the tournament.  We were told that Rory loved the Sloppy Joes served on the lunch menu.  We did too.  The service staff prides itself to attention to detail and The Lodge features great rooms, restaurants, pool and spa for the perfect retreat from the stress of modern-day life.

From the Oakland airport, it is a short direct flight to San Diego known as “America’s Finest City.  It is a 30 minute ride from the airport. You are welcomed at the front door by friendly gentlemen dressed in green kilts. The fresh smell of the ocean and wood burning fireplaces is very soothing.

We checked into our 600 square foot room with a balcony overlooking the ocean and famous 18th hole on the Torrey Pines South Course. We had a great lunch at the lodge grill and enjoyed the calamari and the famous Sloppy Joe sandwich.  After lunch, we picked up some souvenirs at the nearby Torrey Pines Golf Shop. The following day The Lodge arranged a tee time for us to play the South Course.

We all played very well. Halloffamer MJ rode with us and was asked to sign a scorecard that was displayed with many other famous people in the starter shack on number one at the famous Torrey Pines South Course.  My round was highlighted with a par on the signature par three hole overlooking the ocean and another par on the famous final 18th hole.

We concluded this fabulous golf trip with a sensational.dinner at nearby ‘Jake’s On the Beach’ in Del Mar enjoying fresh ahi, ribs and a spectacular ocean view sunset.  The famous Hula Pie dessert was a perfect ending to a great Torrey Pines experience.

We would highly recommend putting Torrey Pines on your golfing ‘bucket’ list.

For more information and to book a stay go to:

https://www.lodgetorreypines.com/

Life is a Cabernet: Silver Oak 50th Anniversary Celebration

Recently, we attended the 50th Anniversary celebration of one of our favorite wineries, Silver Oak. On a sun splashed day at the Napa winery, loyal supporters of this great wine enjoyed photos, food, music, and fun.

The winery was founded in 1972 by Ray Duncan and winemaker Justin Meyer.

In addition to the culinary offerings of Chef Dominic Orsini, cuisine was prepared by Bay Area chefs from Little Saint, Le Saison, Bottega, Cocina Milonga and 4 Seasons Napa Valley.

Patrons also enjoyed Live music and entertainment performed by legendary Lee Field and The Expression.

In addition to the ‘fabulous’ 2018 Alexander Valley Release, various library wines were also poured.

In conclusion, it was a ‘special day’ for everyone in attendance celebrating 50 years of Silver Oak Excellence.

“Life is a Cabernet.”

For more information and to make a tasting appointment, go to:

https://silveroak.com/visit/

Mike Grgich:Hall of Fame Winemaker

Recently, we attended the Grgich Hills Annual Release party. Hall Of Fame winemaker Mike Grgich made wine history in 1976 when the Chardonnay he crafted won the Judgement of Paris tasting. Now 99 years young, he continues to make world class wine. His daughter Violet now runs the winery. 

 We have been attending this release party for 30 years. On a sun-drenched afternoon, we enjoyed music, dancing, photo booths, bocce, great wines, and a variety of sensational Croatian food appetizers.   Mike is originally from Croatia and also has a winery there. 

Attending this party is like being at a live movie.  The backdrop of the vineyards and heavenly smell of barbecued Lamb and Fried chicken was a sensational combination that became a heavenly experience when paired with the ‘great ’Grgich wines. 

Today there were many tasting stations and each table had bottles of 2019 Essence, 2019 Chardonnay, 2017 Zinfandel and 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Guests also enjoyed dancing to a live band. In conclusion, it was another special afternoon enjoying the pristine and picturesque Napa Valley.

We would highly recommend you add Grgich Hills to your Napa bucket list. 

For more information and to make a tasting appointment. 

https://www.grgich.com/

 

Boston 2022: US Open And More

Recently, we traveled to Boston for the US Open at famous Brookline Country Club. We stayed at the luxurious Encore Casino Hotel on the Harbor managed by Wynn Resort.  

The hotel is close to the airport featuring sensational harbor view rooms, impeccable service, fantastic restaurants, casino, spa and whole lots more. After arriving from our 5 hour direct flight from San Francisco, we checked into our spacious room overlooking the Boston Harbor and prepared for a week of fun highlighted by attending the Us Open at famous Brookline Country Club, city, walking food tours and a private tour of Fenway Park.

We began our trip enjoying famous lobster rolls at the On Deck Restaurant inside the hotel.

After a sound sleep, we enjoyed an informative tour on the ‘hop on hop off‘ trolly bus of this beautiful city on a sun splashed day that was packed with many historical facts dating back to 1600. 

Highlights Included, the Tp Garden, home of the Celtics and Bruins, famous Cheers bar, and Quincy Market for fish and chips at Ned Devine’s Irish bar. Paul Revere’s ride and crossing the Boston Marathon finish line.

Our next experience was an Italian food walking tour that included bakeries, pasta and pizza sampling the best cannoli’s in town at Mike’s Pastries.   We also had a great lunch at The Union Oyster House America’s Oldest Restaurant established in 1826. We enjoyed fresh cape cod oysters and their famous clam chowder.

Nearby Brookline was our next experience that was hosting this year’s US Open Golf tournament.  Our Halloffamer National Champion son gets invited to this great event every year that always ends on Father’s Day.

Brookline also has a rich history of many famous people being born here including founder of Special Olympics Eunice Shriver who was President John Kennedy’s sister. We had the opportunity to meet this “special’ lady when MJ played golf in the World Games held in Shanghai, China.

Defending Champion Jon Rahm was also staying at the Encore Hotel. Brookline Golf course is a magnificently designed golf course with narrow fairways and small fast greens. This years winner was Matthew Fitzpatrick who edged Will Zalatoris and Scottie Sheffler by one shot. Matthew also won the US Amateur in 2013 on this historic course known as the ‘Fairways Of Fenway’. 

The next day we took a private tour of the oldest baseball stadium in the country Fenway Park built in 1912 and home of the Boston Red Sox.

MJ is also an avid baseball fan and really enjoyed seeing this intimate ball park and the impressive, massive and famous left field ‘green monster wall’ up close and personal.  

A bonus to our trip was watching our home team Golden State Warriors win their 4th World Championship In 8 years against the Boston Celtics that was played at the Garden. Amazing Steph Curry led the team to an impressive victory and received the MVP trophy. We look forward to attending another parade celebrating the victory when we return to the great ‘City by the Bay’. 

The final day we took the Encore ferry and enjoyed a great dinner at Joe’s overlooking the beautiful Boston Harbor.

In conclusion, we would highly recommend that you put Boston on your bucket list of places to visit The Encore Hotel and Casino is also a great place to stay. We look forward to attending next years US Open on dad’s day that will be held at the exclusive LA Country Club.

For more information about Brookline go to: 

https://www.tcc1882.org/Club/Scripts/Home/home.asp

 

Sensorio: World Famed Light Art Show in Paso Robles

We recently had the opportunity to experience Sensorio in Paso Robles.  The breath taking experience is art, technology and nature and a wonderful way to enjoy an evening beginning at dusk.

Featured in The New York Times as #6 in  “50 Places to Vis­it in 2020,” Light at Sen­so­rio fea­tures two exhibits by artist Bruce Munro. Field of Light is a 15-acre walk-through expe­ri­ence. Munro’s largest art­work to date, com­prised of more than 58,800 stemmed spheres lit by fiber optics, gen­tly illu­mi­nat­ing the land­scape in sub­tle blooms of  col­or that describe the undu­lat­ing land­scape. The newest instal­la­tion, Light Tow­ers cel­e­brates Paso Rob­les’ exten­sive wine coun­try, fea­tur­ing 69 tow­ers com­posed of more than 17,000 wine bot­tles, illu­mi­nat­ed with glow­ing optic fibers whose col­ors dance to an inspir­ing musi­cal score. Pow­ered by solar, these stun­ning exhibi­ts cap­ti­vate vis­i­tors, invit­ing them to engage with the land­scape and envi­ron­ment through a light based sculp­tur­al expe­ri­ence. Smith­son­ian Mag­a­zine has called Munro’s art  “stun­ning,” while The Guardian noted  “This is art you feel, rather than art you view.”

This art experience is worth visiting on its own but Paso Robles has much more to offer. The wine tasting experiences are very fun as well as interesting. Vintners take advantage of the freedom to blend many different varietals to create noteworthy wine.

We had the opportunity to enjoy wine tasting  at several outstanding wineries. Our favorite wines included McPrice Meyers, Herman Story, Rava and Calcareous. We also enjoyed the views and landscape at Daou.

We highly recommend a 2 day or more jaunt to Paso Robles. Only 3 hours away by car from Danville, it is a wonderful mini vacation.

For Sensorio tickets go to

Sensoriopaso.com