"Dreams Do Come True"....Italics Winery

In an effort to dine at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants(800 and counting) and visit all 600 Napa wineries (300 and counting),my wife Linda and I recently had the pleasure of visiting Italics Winery. Our wine and food associate from Michigan Karen Halip joined us for this special Napa  wine experience.,

The winery is currently under construction proving "Dreams Do Come True." Our hosts managing partner Andy Wilcox and his wife Paige are involved in every detail of this project and exhibit an abundance of  joy and passionate energy. 

Located on 73 acres of pristine beauty in Coombsville, this labor of love will officially open Spring of 2016. It will have an elaborate tasting room, 17,000 square of caves and a large house overlooking the pastoral and  peaceful property. The 7000 square foot house proudly sits on the top of the property and features  360 degree  heavenly like views, 5 bedrooms, a state of the art kitchen and high tech meeting room. It is perfect place to entertain wine club guests or corporate executives looking for a special place to escape from the rigors of business and recharge their batteries. 

Our tasting began with Andy showing us a movie about their wine "dream" with the main characters being long time friend and winemaker Steve Reynolds, Andy and Texas investor and partner Mike Martin. 

While watching this movie we enjoyed a 2013 White Blend of 60%  Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Chardonnay that was brilliantly blended. From the tasting notes, " the wines rich mouth-feel vibrates with tart green apple, caramel and smoked almonds finishing with wet stones and flint."  It sells for $55.00. 

We then sampled the 2011 Fifteen Appellations. It is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petite Verdot. It is their proprietary blend of vino from 15 of the most famous vineyards in Napa. It retails for 95.00 and per the tasting notes "silky and inviting entry introduces cocoa and dark red fruit that keeps the wine open for youthful pleasure from start to finish. "

After enjoying these wines, we went to do some barrel tasting with winemaker Steve Reynolds.  

We enjoyed some Rose and Cabernet Franc from their French Oak barrels that were both very unique and very fun to explore in their pure and young state. 

We then drove to their massive wine caves, under construction but nearly completed. that will store the Italics great wines and also have a tasting area that will be elegantly appointed. 

The grand finale was a taste of the 2012 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon that is 99% cab and 1% Cabernet Franc.  We loved this wine and  we took some home with us along with a bottle of their white blend. It retails for $125 and per the tasting notes" the first vintage of our Estate Cabernet offers aromas of plum, black currant and pomegranate which giveaway to black licorice and cocoa powder. It can stand alone but will stand up to the most robust meals."

When officially opened, this winery is sure to be a "must do" for people who enjoy great juice, pure beauty and excellent attention to detail. We enjoyed the wines so much that we also joined their wine club so we could be a part of their "Dream Come True." 

http://www.italicswine.com/

"Family Owned Hidden Gem In The Napa Hills Near Yountville"

In an effort to to dine at all 3000 SF restaurants(700 and counting) and all 600 Napa wineries(300 and counting), my wife Linda and I recently visited Keever Vineyards and Winery located in the majestic hills of Yountville.

Our trips to Napa usually begin at Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bakery in downtown Yountville. This bakery is a heavenly experience of sugar delights that is well worth waiting in line. The pecan rolls are my favorite and large enough to share on their outside picnic tables with a cup of their fresh brewed coffee in the movie like setting of charming downtown Yountville. Linda's favorite is the Quiche.  She claims it is the best she has ever had and not to be missed.  They also have an assortment of freshly made macaroons, muffins and special sandwiches to take with you to enjoy as you visit the many world famous Napa wineries nearby. 

Keever Vineyards is located on the top of a winding road that makes you feel very special as you drive thru the gates. Their tastings are by appointment only. 

Our host was Olga Keever, wife of Bill, who own the winery. After both retiring from successful careers in telecommunications, their dreams came true finding this hidden gem property that keeps them very busy. As they say with satisfying smiles, "we are not retired but just happily tired proudly producing some world class wines for the world to enjoy."

Today we had Karen Halip joined us who is an associate foodie from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. 

We began our tasting overlooking the green hills of Napa with the 2014 Sauvignon Blanc. It was refreshing and the flavor spectrum has enough base notes of toast and vanilla that could pair with an array of entrees. Linda told Olga "This is the best Sauvignon Blanc I have ever tasted." It is priced at $32.00.

Next was the 2011 Keever "Inspirado." It is a Bordeaux inspired blend of 51% Cabernet, 25% Merlot, 12% Petite Verdot, and 12% Cabernet Franc. As the name suggests, Winemaker Celia Welch has created a balanced and elegant wine that definitely will inspire your wine tasting experiences .It is priced at $68.00.

Finally, we tasted the newly released dynamite 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon composed of 93.5% Cabernet, 4.5% Malbec, and 2% Cabernet Franc.  The 2012 was rated 95 by Wine Spectator and this vintage promises to be rated the same or higher. It will sell for $135.00.  All 3 wines were so good that we took one of each back home to Danville with us. 

For lunch there are a lot of great choices in Yountville.  You also can't go wrong with the Ruththerford Grille's famous corn bread, knife and fork ribs or enchilada served with a fresh egg on top. They also have no corking fee so you can bring a bottle of your wine that you just tasted for lunch or dinner. 

 For more information and to schedule a wine tasting go to:

http://www.keevervineyards.com/index.html

 Click here: Bouchon Bakery | Yountville

 Click here: Rutherford Grill

"Must Do" Dirty Habit In The Great City By The Bay

In an effort to dine at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants and having been to over 700 and visit all 600 Napa wineries and been to over 300, my wife Linda and I recently traveled to the "City By The Bay" for food, wine and fun. We began by attending the famous Beach Blanket Babylon Christmas show in North Beach. A musical review that has been sold out since 1974, this show is always fun and updated yearly to include the latest local and world news. With the election next year, the show included all the Presidential hopefuls. The singing is first class and the Christmas headpieces and singing trees are special to see. The show also involves the audience in songs that everyone enjoys. This show is great anytime of the year but extra special at Christmas. 

There are two shows every night and we went to the 5 o'clock show and then went to Dirty Habit on 4th and Market. Formerly, the 5th floor this restaurant has roof top views, great food and specialty cocktails. Chef/Owner David Bazirgan's menu is full of great items and the craft cocktails are unique.

We began with an "In Hindsight" cocktail made with Hine Cognac, Luxardo bitter and Moscato that was fantastic. The cognac was barrel aged in Rye casks that previously held Tequila and Ancho Chili for 3 months. 

For food we started with a waygo beef tartar seasoned with red curry and fried shallots that went well with a warm baguette and smoked honey butter. 

David, the chef and owner, recommended his chicken wings with sweet soy and chili vinaigrette that were cooked to perfection. Quite possibly the best wings we have ever had!  For dessert we enjoyed Churros, flan, spiced chocolate and passion fruit that was a fabulous ending.

The place is very contemporary and bubbles with excitement fueled by the interesting drinks and very attentive, knowledgeable and friendly service staff. It is a great place to go for small plates.

After dinner, we took a cab to nearby Union Square to enjoy the Christmas tree, ice skaters and Christmas music. It is like being in a live movie with the backdrop of Macys and their classical lit up Christmas wreaths in all of their windows flanked by the famous St. Francis Hotel. 

For a night cap, we went to the famous John's Grille that has been in operation for over 100 years and served many celebrities, politicians and world renown figures. Many pictures decorate the walls of this iconic place.  Oh if only the walls could speak. It is also where a scene from the famous movie Maltese Falcon was filmed.

John's Grille is an excellent old school dinner house great drinks, generous dinner plates and reasonable prices.

For more information and to make reservations at these great places go to:

Click here: Beach Blanket Babylon - Outrageous musical revue in San Francisco | Beach Blanket Babylon

Click here: San Fran Craft Cocktail Bar, Restaurant & Lounge | Dirty Habit

Click here: John's Grill seafood steak salad pasta restaurant in San Francisco

Meadowood-Casual Elegance in Napa Valley

In an effort to dine at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants(700 and counting) and visit all 600 Napa wineries(300 and counting), my wife Linda and I recently had the pleasure to experience the magnificent Meadowood Resort in Napa Valley.

Located only an hour drive from our home in Danville, Meadowood offers a magical, memorable world class experience that defines excellence.

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The resort offers a variety of luxurious guest rooms, a 9 hole recently renovated golf course, tennis, spa and a 3 star Michelin rated restaurant.

We enjoyed playing golf at the 9 hole 2000 yard perfectly manicured and recently renovated course. The course reminded us of the pure beauty of Lake Tahoe courses with stately pine trees flanking the Par 3 Golf Course. There is also a high tech learning center that offers lessons and a unique hickory golf experience. You can choose to play the course with a set of hickory golf clubs just like the golfers originally used in Scotland.

After golf, the nearby newly constructed spa, offers a peaceful surrounding and a variety of treatments to relax you before your 3 star dining experience.

The Restaurant at Meadowood is one of five 3 star Michelin rated restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area. French Laundry, Benu, Saison and Manresa are the other 4. We have been to Thomas Keller's French Laundry and also to famous  Michelin chef Alain Ducasse's Jules Verne restaurant located at the top of the world renown Eiffel Tower in Paris. As a result, we were looking forward to Chef Christopher Kostow's creations as he also crafted his cooking skills in France.

We were not disappointed as we enjoyed a heavenly experience of excellent service and passionate presentations from the 13 course price fixed menu.

The Restaurant at Meadowood has the privilege of being surrounded by hillsides that include creeks, woodlands and a lot of natural bounty. The food is prepared with an element of surprise and engages diners with a progression of dishes presented from cold courses to warm courses.  The thirteen-course meal begins with an okra flower stuffed with an okra paste inside, served on a beautiful piece of pottery.

Textures are a common thread that runs through all the dishes.  Diners are engaged with an orchestrated progression of dishes. No menus are provided until the end of the meal. Each dish is a "surprise".

The pottery was amazing. A local artist provided the dishes with unique shapes and textures that perfectly complements the food and makes it magical.

A poussin prepared inside a round bread loaf as a cooking vessel was a favorite.  Prior to being cooked, the dish was brought to our table on a bed of multi colored corn kernels. The waiter explained the cooking process which made us eager to see the result.  The poussin was clean and beautifully flavored and a highlight among the courses.

By the 6th course we gave ourselves away to the experience... and we were somewhere over the rainbow.

The staff was very well trained and delightful to talk with.  They all have a variety of experiences and come from many different locations in the world.  They took the fine dining experience over the top. We had the opportunity to tour the kitchen where all the staff welcomed us in unison as we entered. Each station was displayed as artists at work.

In conclusion, we would definitely recommend you put Meadowood on your bucket list.

Meadowood is a Dream...........

The experience will be an eternal joy to add to your foodie and fun memory bank. For more information and to make reservations go to:

www.meadowood.com

Joseph Phelps And Auberge du Soleil "World Class Wine And Food"

In an effort to dine at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants(700 and counting) and visit all 600 Napa wineries(300 and counting), my wife Linda and I recently traveled to famous Joseph Phelps Winery and had lunch at Michelin star rated Auberge du Soleil. From our home in Danville, both places are located near each other and only a one hour drive to experience "world class wine and food."

Recently, we were in France and met Elizabeth Neuman,  granddaughter of Joseph Phelps, at a private wine tasting in the famous wine region of Bordeaux. Elizabeth was kind enough to arrange a private tasting for us at their newly renovated winery in St. Helena. Their famous Insignia is one of my favorite wines. Her legendary grandfather passed away earlier this year.

Famous wine critic Robert Parker says, "Joseph Phelps was one of the great visionaries of Napa Valley. His legacy is one of extraordinary quality. He was one of  the first to see the merit in blending,which his legendary Insignia, first debuted in 1974, has proven year after year. It remains one of the world's finest Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blends. He also wasn't content just to stay at home in Napa, but branched out with cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards on the Sonoma Coast. Joe Phelps was a leader, and one of the greats of the wine world."

Our private tasting at Phelps was in the newly renovated Backus room. Our host Missy was very personable and a wealth of wine information.

The tasting began with the 2013 Sauvignon Blanc and 2013 Viognier that were both soft and refreshing. Both were aged for 7 months in French oak puncheons. 

Next was the 2012 Pinot Noir from their Pastorate vineyard and 2012 Pinot Noir Quarter Moon Vineyard that are both located on the Sonoma coast and aged for 14 months in French Oak barrels. Both were spectacular, but we preferred the Quarter Moon vineyard. 

2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley was the next selection. It was rich and flavorful with 91%Cabernet, 6%Merlot, 1%Petite Verdot, 1% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc from 100% estate grown vineyards. It is a full bodied wine with great value at a price of 70 dollars  per bottle.

The highlight of the tasting was the famous 2012 Insignia and 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon from Backus Vineyards. 

Insignia is a perfect blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Verdot, 10% Merlot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc from 100% estate grown vineyards and aged in French oak for 24 months. This wine has always been a favorite of ours and as usual lived up to it's regal reputation. 

Finally, it was a real treat to taste for the first time the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon from Backus Vineyard. This spectacular wine is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec and 3% Petite Verdot from their estate vineyard in Oakville and aged 2 years in 100% new French oak. This wine is sensational and was so good that we made sure we took a bottle back to Danville to share with our wine and foodie friends.

After this elegant tasting, we had lunch at Auberge du Soliel located very close to the winery.

 From the web site, "Auberge du Soleil restaurant began in 1981 nestled on 33 acres overlooking the lush vines of Napa Valley. The cuisine has evolved with a wine country theme where innovative menus inspired by the bounty of the vine are paired with food in ways that delight and inspire guests and long time devotees. The restaurant presents luxury at its finest while overlooking some of Napa's most renowned vineyards. Offering more than 40 of the Valleys finest wines by the glass and boasting a cellar of nearly 17,000 wines, our guests can enjoy a full sensory experience of the California wine country."

We ate on the terrace that had heavenly views of the peaceful and powerful Napa Valley. For the entree Linda ordered the stuffed squash blossom, ratatouille, ricotta, white corn, romano beans, and basil broth that was served picture perfect, light and lovely. 

I began with the white corn soup with Maine rock crab and chervil oil that was heated to perfection and sensational. For my entree, I had the mushroom mille feuille, slow cooked farm egg, snap peas and watercress purée that was unique and very good. To cap off this meal, it was recommended by our attentive waiter to share the garden mint ice cream, valrhona bahibe cremeux, devil's food cake and peppermint meningue  that was a fitting ending to a wonderful day in Napa.

In conclusion, we would highly recommend this world class wine and food experience.

For more information and to make reservations go to:

Click here: About Us : Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Click here: Napa Valley Hotel, Restaurant & Spa Resort | Auberge du Soleil, Rutherford CA

Inglenook...one of Napa's best since 1880

In an effort to visit all 600 wineries(300 and counting) and dine at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants(700 and counting), my wife Linda and I recently visited Inglenook winery.

Inglenook is the third oldest winery in Napa. Only Krug and Beringer are older. Inglenook began in 1880 and has a rich history. The winery is currently owned by Francis Ford Coppola, a Detroit  born genius and director of the classic Godfather movie.

The winery is an elegant display of wine and movie history and sits on 1700 acres of beauty across from the famous Rutherford Grill.

Our host  Kenton was a wealth of wine information and explained Inglenook was a Gaelic word that loosely translates into "warm, cozy fireplace"

The fire burns strongly at this historic winery and we enjoyed a Heritage tasting of Inglenook Blancaneaux,  Edizione Pennino Zinfandel, Inglenook Cask Cabernet and their famous Rubicon. Our favorite was the Zinfandel. The 2012 Edizione Pennino Zinfandel pays tribute to Coppola's maternal grandfather Francesco Pennino. From the website, "born in Italy Francesco emigrated to the United States and started a music publishing company known as Edizione Pennino. The estate Zinfandel bears the music company's logo in its original form and a picture of the Statue of Liberty. To add to the nostalgia, each vintage has one of Pennino's music titles printed on the cork."

Besides having an elegant label, this wine was impressive and very smooth on the palate. We enjoyed it so much that 2 bottles went back to Danville with us.

After our tasting, we went to the famous Rutherford Grill and enjoyed the iron skillet corn bread, knife and fork pork ribs and cole slaw. There are no reservations but there is usually room at the bar to enjoy their great food. The place always bustles with high energy and many happy foodies taking a break tasting at one of the many great Napa wineries.

We would highly recommend both places for a fun wine and food experience.

To make reservations at Inglenook call 707-958-1161 or go to www.inglenook.com

Absinthe...Rockin Strong in Hayes Valley

In an effort to eat at all 3,000 San Francisco Restaurants(700 and counting) and all 600 Napa Valley Wineries (300 and counting), my wife Linda and dined at Absinthe Brasserie & Bar in the Hayes Valley area of  the "City by the Bay".

We were recently in France and our foodie friends recommended this San Francisco restaurant claiming the Croque Monsieur as the best in the world! Since we were rather disappointed with the Paris version of the dish, Absinthe was high on our "to visit" list.

It is no wonder that loyal patrons have come to this Hayes Valley Gem for many years. With its lively, informal décor evocative of turn-of-the-century France, Absinthe Brasserie & Bar is the perfect place to dine. The restaurant is full of energy and tables outside provide for a fun way to enjoy this vibrant section of the city. It is a great area to people watch and has the feel of an European village with a mixed crowd, everyone from “young hipsters” (from nearby Twitter) to “Civic Center” attendees.

We were not disappointed as the Croque Monsieur was presented eloquently with crunchy bread and a fresh egg on top. We also had the French Onion soup and ceviche that was very fresh. The ceviche tasted like it was just pulled out of the deep blue sea and quite possibly the best we have ever experienced.  To top it off, the Foie Gras was smooth and every bit as good as our French experience.  It is no wonder that loyal patrons have come to this Hayes Valley Gem for many years.

Manager Brian Gavin runs a first class show. He gave us an elaborate explanation and demonstration on how to drink Absinthe which is a licorice tasting liquor.   It is no wonder the restaurant is buzzing with energy as this drink is 65 per cent alcohol and very good. The drink menu is also extensive with many choices of fun and creative concoctions. If you want to bring your own wine the corking fee is $25.

Absinthe Brasserie and Hayes Valley rocks with great food and excitement. We would highly recommend that you put it on your "foodie must do" list.

Experience "Paris in San Francisco" at this Hayes Valley French-Med Brasserie!

We will be going back often!

For reservation:  Click here: absinthe.com

Paradise Beach Grille--Capitola's Best

In an effort to eat at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants(700 and counting) and visiting over 600 wineries(300 and counting), my wife Linda and I recently traveled to the Beach and Capitola's finest Paradise Beach Grille.

Owner Gary and Leslie Wetsel  have been serving great food to many happy patrons for 17 years. From the web site:

 "From day one, we have not wavered from our original concept of providing quality service and food in a fun environment for our customers, employees and owners. Paradise has become a popular meeting place for local patrons as well as a favorite restaurant for tourists. We also have many regular patrons from over the hill in the Bay Area. We have been voted the Best Restaurant in Santa Cruz County for five years and in Capitola for the last seven."

Linda and I loved the energy that you felt the minute you entered the restaurant. There is live music playing and happy customers enjoying a large selection of local beers, wines and fabulous ocean views.

Monday thru Friday from 4-6 there are happy hour drinks and half price on all the appetizers. Monday is Gary's Rib night and you can get a full rack for $20. For $30 you can enjoy lobster and filet mignon ala surf and turf on Wednesday nights.

We sat on the patio and met some fun people from San Jose who were celebrating a birthday. They have been loyal patrons for many years and brought an almond butter birthday cake from Dick's Bakery in San Jose. It was also my birthday so they shared a generous piece with us. Since we started with this fabulous dessert, we decided to just order appetizers. We enjoyed the famous coconut shrimp and mussels as we watched the sun set over the deep blue Pacific.

For dessert, we were talked into some fabulous Mud Pie that we shared with our new San Jose friends.

We stayed close by at the Capitola Venetian Hotel. It is a boutique hotel with ocean views. Our room also had two balconies, fireplace and view of the action going on at the patio of Paradise Beach Grille.

We highly recommend this restaurant.  It is no wonder that it has been selected the "best" in Capitola for the last 7 years.

 For more information and to make reservations at the restaurant or hotel go to:

Click here: Restaurant Capitola Village | Lunch, Dinner, Full Bar and Happy Hour

Click here: Capitola Venetian Hotel - Capitola - US

CordeValle "World Class Charm and Comfort"

In an effort to eat at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants(700 and counting) and visit all 600 Napa wineries(300 and counting), my wife Linda and I recently traveled to CordeValle in San Martin, California.

CordeValle derives it's name from the Spanish phrase "el corazon del valle" meaning heart of the Valley. It is about an hour drive from our home in Danville and sits on 1700 acres of magnificent beauty protected by the surrounding Santa Cruz mountains.

Since it's opening in 1999, travelers have come from all over the world to enjoy this hidden gem. It is a refined refuge from the hustle bustle of everyday day life and and the stress of Silicon Valley business located nearby. The resort features golf, spa, tennis, fitness room, outdoor pool, restaurants, art collection and a winery on the property. Clos LaChance winery exists alongside the resort on 85 acres and guests can ride to the winery in a golf cart for wine tasting, attend a summer concert or play bocce ball. We enjoyed the wine tasting and took back to Danville the 2013 Reserve Meritage to share with our friends.

The world class golf course designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. has been the host of the PGA Tour Fry's Open and many USGA events and college competitions. In July 2016, it will host the US Women's Open. However, it offers a fair challenge for all golfing skills with tees that range from 5385 yards to 7300 yards.

The service staff is very attentive and warms your spirits from the rigors of life as you check into three choices of luxury accommodations. Guests may choose a elegant Fairway Room Bungalow, Villa Suite, or Fairway home. All have goose down comforters, fireplaces, original paintings and breathtaking views of the heavenly valley.

Executive Chef Tim Wetzel creates world class food at their 3 restaurants. Il Vigneto offers classic Italian cuisine. Lions Peak offers casual dining in an outdoor patio setting and One Iron Bar has contemporary cuisine with an extensive drink selection.

The Art Collection at CordeValle is a focus point of the property. From the web site, " the art provides a source of inspiration and the common theme of the collection is the Celebration Of Life--Spiritually, as depicted symbolically in the sacred traditions of Tewa-Hopi tribe in Dan Namingha's works; the profound joy of Relationship celebrated in the John Kennedy bronze sculptures; Vibrancy of life as captured on a city street in William Clutz's oil paintings and expressed as an emotion in John Ferren's works; Reflection of the H. Joe Walfrum paintings of New Mexican morades."

The spa is a great way to unwind after a day of golf and offers a full menu of services. Also, there are 4 tennis courts for the non-golfers and outdoor pool to relax after your spa treatment, golf or tennis.

Linda and I enjoyed the golf course and the magnificent wide open Wyoming like views that are amazing especially being located so close to the heart of modern business Silicon Valley.

We enjoyed dinner at the One Iron Bar. It offers a great selection of drinks and wine. If you choose to bring your own wine there is a corking fee. The menu has a variety of great choices including turkey meat balls, osso bucco, steaks, fresh fish and a smoked pork chop. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and overlooks the golf course. 

For the appetizer, we selected the coconut shrimp that were very tasty. For the main course,  Linda enjoyed the Shrimp Pasta with Zucchini Noodles. I selected the smoked bone in pork chop with barbeque chili beans and rustic mashed potatoes that was cooked to perfection. Linda loved the zucchini noodles and will add it to our home menu
in the future.

A "must do" dessert is the warm beignets with cinnamon sugar, chocolate, raspberry and carmel sauce. It is a fitting ending to a fabulous meal.

In conclusion, we would highly recommend that you visit and enjoy this classy and charming resort located close to many Bay area towns. It is a great way to escape from the stress and strain of everyday living.

The world will be watching next July as this wonderful resort will be the host of the 2016 US Women's Open.

For more information and to make reservations, go to:

Click here: CordeValle, A Rosewood Resort: Northern California Luxury Golf & Spa Resort

Magical Martis Camp with a Silver Oak Wine Dnner

In an effort to eat at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants(700 and counting) and visit all 600 Napa wineries(300 and counting) my wife Linda and I recently traveled to Magical Martis Camp in Truckee, California. We were guests of our good friends Tom and Lisa Morgan for the 7th annual Martis Camp Mountain Muster Golf Invitational.

The 3 day sold out tournament was very well organized with a chance to win a $280,000 Lamborghini, lunch and putting contest for the spouses on the well manicured 1 acre 18 hole putting green and lots of libations food and fun. The final night concluded with a Starship Summer concert on a warm crystal clear star studded Lake Tahoe evening.

The tournament kicked off in style with a elegant Silver Oak Wine dinner on the lighted balcony of their 50 million dollar club house on the Tom Fazio designed signature 18th hole with a stunning views of the Sierras and an unforgettable mystical mountain sunset.   Chef Brett Moseley started the Silver Oak dinner with Alaskan Halibut Cheeks paired with 2013 Twomey Pinot Noir from Alexander Valley that was very refreshing.  Next was Sonoma Duck, buttered corn, sugar snap peas and cilantro paired with a full bodied 2006 Library Selection Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley.  The third course was paired with 2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  It  was perfectly paired with a Wagu Rib eye, smoked carrot purée, grilled rapini and huckleberry Demi-glacé.

The stunning meal was capped off with a Lemon Mousse Tartlet, spiced cake, and smoked honey ice cream. 

Viva Martis Camp!

For more information, go to www.martis.com.