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

Rombauer: Spring Release Party

Recently, we had the pleasure of attending the Rombauer Spring Release Party with some wine friends.

Rombauer is a favorite libation at happy hour in many Blackhawk resident homes. 

KR Rombauer and his attentive staff rolled out the red carpet on this sun splashed Napa day.

The Release Party was filled with ‘joy’ tasting these great wines and enjoying Hog Island Oysters, barbequed shrimp and beef kabobs, assorted desserts, picture booth, and a New Orleans style band on their pristine property.

The real stars of the day were the great bottles of perfectly blended wines.

Everyone received a Rombauer glass and multiple tasting stations were set up to avoid waiting to taste these wines.

Current releases of Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon were served.  

You could also purchase these wines at a discounted price. We took home some Chardonnay and Zinfandel.

If you have not been to Rombauer, it is a ‘must do’ to add to your wine bucket list.

For more information and to schedule a tasting go to:

https://rombauer.com

AuburnJames Winery: St.Helena Gem

 

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting AuburnJames Winery and Tasting Cottage in St.Helena.

Matt Ospeck and his sister Mary Ann Cope had their dreams come true in 2005 with the first crush of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the Raywood Vineyard in Napa Valley with Winemaker Jim Frost.  In 2015, the winery relocated to a historic property nestled between the Napa River and Silverado Trail in the heart of Napa Valley.

 

Matt loves cars and worked over 20 years in the automotive industry. Auburn was a beautiful, stylish and sleek vehicle produced in Indiana from 1900-1937. 

James is AuburnJames winemaker. As a result, the name AuburnJames.

  

In addition to the winery, you can enjoy these ‘great’ wines at Auburn Lounge located in Downtown Danville.

 

Today we had the pleasure of tasting this award-winning juice with Matt. We especially enjoyed the 2017 Reserve Chardonnay, 2014 1001 Napa Valley Proprietary Red, and 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Rutherford. Several went back to Danville with us.

 

For more information and to make an appointment go to:

https://www.auburnjames.com/ or call 707 967 9100 open for tasting 7 days, 10am-5pm.

 

Aperture Cellars: Spring Release Party

Recently, we had the pleasure of attending Jesse Katz’s new winery Aperture Cellars Spring Release party in Healdsburg.  Jesse Katz is a brilliant young winemaker who has traveled all over the world with his famous photographer father Andy Katz. Andy has traveled to 90 countries and has also written 14 books

Andy’s pictures grace Jesse’s bottles of wines thus the name Aperture. He has also done album covers for many famous rock groups like the Doobie Brothers and many others. His pictures also are displayed on the walls of this new winery that was completed in 2020.

Jesse learned his winemaking craft working for famous wineries like Petrus in France and Screaming Eagle in Napa.  He made the wedding wine for his friend Justin Timberlake and sold the most expensive bottle of Cabernet at the Napa auction for $350,000.

The 2022 Spring Release featured these great wines with food bites perfectly paired with these works of art in a bottle.  We especially enjoyed the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, 2019 Red Bordeaux blend, and 2019 Oliver Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon.  You can also purchase these “sensational” wines at Draeger’s Market in Blackhawk.

Healdsburg is a slice of “wine heaven” with many great restaurants, hotels and wineries. The Healdsburg Square also has many tasting rooms to enjoy.  You can also just go for the day as it is an easy 1.5-hour drive from Danville. It is a “must do” to add to your wine bucket list.

To make an appointment to visit and taste his wines go to:

https://aperture-cellars.com/

 

Napa Gem: Sequoia Grove Winery 

Recently we had the pleasure of visiting Sequoia Grove in the heart of Napa,  They have a wide selection of Bordeaux styled wines and a fantastic food pairing experience.

The winery and its 24-acre estate vineyard were part of the original Rancho Caymus land grant given in 1836 to George Yount, changing owners many times until it was purchased in 1978 by James and Barbara Allen. The following year, the duo opened a winery in a 100-year-old barn beneath a grove of Sequoia trees, and so Sequoia Grove was born. The property is today 100 acres of vineyards and nine different grape varieties in total.

Our host Kenny poured the 2018 Chardonnay, 2016 Merlot, 2016 Syrah and 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

We especially liked the 2016 Syrah and took some back to Danville with us.

After our tasting, we enjoyed a great lunch at the iconic Rutherford Grill and dessert at the newly remodeled bar at Brix.  Their Expresso Martini is a ‘must do’ and a great way to end the day.

“Napa Rocks.”

Napa Silver Oak Release Day: 2022

Recently, we had the pleasure to attend the Napa Silver Oak 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Release Day party. This grand event is a ‘must do’ Napa tradition. The Silver Oak motto “Life is a Cabernet” is perfect for their world class wine.

The Napa Release Day is always in February and Alexander Valley in August. There is a morning session and afternoon session to satisfy the loyal patrons of this world class wine.

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

The release day is full of fun with photo booths, food, music, and generous pours of their great wine. The 2017 Napa is full bodied and promises to be highly rated.

“Life is a Cabernet.”

For more information and to make a tasting appointment go to:
 https://silveroak.com/visit/

Historic John’s Grill: San Francisco Landmark Since 1908

Recently, we had the pleasure of dining at historic John’s Grill located in the heart of the city at San Francisco’s Union Square. John’s Grill has been open since 1908 and has been rated in the top ten restaurants in America by Esquire magazine.

Pictures of movie stars, celebrities from all walks of life, Presidents, world leaders, Industry Titans and foodies grace these famous walls.

The bar serves a variety of wine, beer and classic mixed drinks. The Perfect Manhattan’s are a treat to enjoy in this cozy atmosphere. They will warm your heart for a start to a great dining experience.

An extensive menu of lamb chops, fish, steaks and a seafood salad for 2 named after patron and famous old time health guru Jack Lalane will satisfy any foodie desires.

There is also a tribute to the movie Maltese Falcon on the second floor.  The movie starring Humphrey Bogart as detective Sam Spade was filmed in San Francisco. The Sam Spade Lamb Chops are still offered on the menu and a great recommendation.

In conclusion, John’s Grill is a ‘must do’ when you are in the ‘great city by the bay’. It’s timeless excellence and first class service since 1908 is a ‘special‘ experience in our fast paced high tech world.

> For more information and to make a reservation go to:
> https://www.johnsgrill.com/

Cultivar:Napa Winery and SF Restaurant Gem

 

Recently, we had the opportunity to visit Cultivar Winery located in the heart of Napa.

This Napa Gem is owned by Jody and Gingy Harris Gable.  Jody and his sister Gingy grew up on their family’s picturesque property.

From the web site, “the word Cultivar means a variety of a plant that has been deliberately selected for specific desirable characteristics.”

Jody also has a great restaurant in San Francisco called Cultivar that serves all of their wines.

 
We had the opportunity to dine at his restaurant in the great ‘city by the bay’. We enjoyed great service and a variety of ‘perfectly prepared’  dishes in a warm and cozy atmosphere buzzing with excitement from many happy patrons.

At the winery, Hospitality Manager Deborah Evans shared her vast wine knowledge and led our wine tasting with Jody and our good friends from Marin Pete and Louise Petri.  It was a joy to experience Winemaker Julien Fayard’s wide array of ‘sensational‘ creations.  We especially enjoyed the estate blend Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet.  

All of these great wines can be tasted at his great restaurant in the Marina District in the ‘great city by the bay’.

To make reservations at the restaurant go to 

www.cultivarsf.com

Ken’s Table- Wine Appreciators Luncheon

Recently wine appreciators Tony Giovanzana, Mike L. McColgan, David Behring and Jeff Behring enjoyed a special luncheon in the Blackhawk Lakeside French Room which was a favorite place to dine for Blackhawk founder Ken Behring.

The wine appreciators enjoyed a four-course wine pairing with fabulous food prepared by Chef Miguel and professionally served by Jessica and Ono. 

Tony Giovanzana organized the wine appreciators to bring some great wines from Spain and Portugal. This was the second Ken’s Table-Wine Appreciators luncheon. 

We began with an interesting 2017 white wine from Spain called El Zarzal. It was an elegant and refreshing blend to prepare our palates for this special luncheon.  In addition, these wines we tasted are available for purchase at Draeger’s in Blackhawk. 

The first course was a White Bean Fabada with Pork Belly Olive Crostini. It was paired with a 1996 Vega Sicilia Unico Ribera del Duero and a 2016 40th Anniversary Keenan Syrah.

Course 2 was Chorizo and Mozzarella Flatbread with Green Olives, Roasted Red Peppers and Cilantro. We enjoyed this with a 2006 Muga Prada Enea Gran Reserva Rioja and a 2009 Muga Prada Enea Gran Reserva Rioja. 

Course 3 was Grilled Lamb Chops with Hint of Rosemary and Goat Cheese Sauce. It was paired with Portugal varietals 2014 Luis Duarte Rubrica and 2015 Prats Symington Chryseia. 

Course 4 was Braised Oxtail, Red Wine Reduction and Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes. It was paired with a 2015 Chateau Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape and a 2018 Rene Ristaing Cote-Rotie Ampodium. 

Ken’s spirit was definitely felt as many stories of his interesting life were shared by his sons David and Jeff. 

We concluded this luncheon with Chef Miguel’s sensational Grand Marnier Soufflé.

We look forward to planning another Ken’s Table-Wine Appreciators Luncheon in 2022.