Little trip to Napa

We have been having fun in Napa. My sister and I had a conversation in the car yesterday about how Yontville may be the center of the food universe on this planet. Of course I have not been to Italy and can't compare, but after our Paris trip last summer, I think it may be a front runner. We did quite a bit of research for the Paris restaurants and only one dinner blew me away (Frenchie restaurant), and it was a french chef who had spent considerable time in San Francisco. Last night we ate at Bouchon, one of Thomas Keller's restaurants. It was perfect. The black truffle french fries were the best I have ever had! The night before we ate at Redd, and we did the 5 course tasting menu paired with wine. It was a splurge we are all glad we decided to try. Lovely and perfect. Everything was spot on.

Here are some photos of the last couple of days...

We are staying at Avia Hotel...there are bathtubs in the room!

Had to take a photo of the bathroom...it was great

 

Bouchon where we ate dinner...

Bouchon Bakery

The wild mustard is already blooming here!

 

Merry Christmas 2009

It was a great day! The hit for M was definitely the American Girl Doll her grandma gave her. She has never been a doll kind of kid, but she has been changing her mind about that for the last half year.
Here are some random photos of Chrismas Eve and Christmas Day.
Tomorrow I am heading to Napa with my sister to celebrate our birthday.
From now on, seaweed snacks photos should be greatly improved. Santa gave me a brand new Nikon yesterday morning!

Almost There!

Little M and her friend on the way to the movies today.

 

My sis and me...

Went to town today. Saw a movie, went grocery shopping, picked up some Prosecco for Christmas day. Little M woke up with the dreaded croup cough this morning, but does not seem too phased by it. Hurray for honey homeopathic cough syrup.
Well, to all of you reading this, I am wishing you light, love and a magical holiday!

Cookie Day

Wow. Only 4 days until Christmas. I am really happy my shopping is finished and almost all of my wrapping is finished. I am so happy we have a bigger family to celebrate the holiday with this year.

Today I made sugar cookie cutouts with butter cream frosting. My personal holiday favorite. Here are some scenes into our holiday wonderland....