Tag Archives: Napa

Jun25

St. Helena – California

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Tales and Travels of the Tin Man

The City of St. Helena is located in the center of the world famous wine growing Napa Valley, 65 miles north of San Francisco. The area was settled in 1834 as part of General Vallejo’s land grant. The City of St. Helena was incorporated as a City on March 24, 1876 and reincorporated on May 14, 1889.

The St. Helena area was home to the Wappo people, a Yukian-speaking group who were the area’s earliest inhabitants. The local Callajomanes tribelet village was called Annakotanoma or Anakanoma and was located where Sulphur Creek meets the Napa River. The earliest white settlers in St. Helena were John York, who lived on what is now Dean York Lane, and David Hudson, whose house is still located at Beringer Winery.

We loved the quaint feel of the town and so appreciated that the old buildings were kept in their original manner

We were planning to have lunch at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone

….but alas…..they were closed!!!!

We came upon COOK and decided that the place was perfect for a lunch break..

We loved the décor and found the wait staff to be relaxed and friendly..

The Menu was quite lovely and promised all sorts of delights…

The Kitchen was open so the Tin Man went to investigate the happenings…

A cozy table was found and the culinary journey began…

The faux trophy in the lobby was beautiful…

Of course then it was off to the streets to find a sweet something…….

Oh look…….The Model Bakery……..

It is lovely here in St. Helena ……but we must get back to Napa and have dinner….

Beautiful Vineyards ……..

So……….finally some food!……….Dinner in downtown Napa..at Celadon..in the Historic Napa Mill

Lovely rustic environment and first class service…..

Sangria…….Soup………Crab Cakes……….Mussels……..ah perfection…

It has been a day filled with culinary delights…….hope you are ready for a nap……..I am!

Jun18

Acacia Winery – Carneros Valley

Posted on June 18, 2015 by Tales and Travels of the Tin Man

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Our travels to Acacia began with a text from a friend in the wine business.

He informed us that he had obtained passage on a private industry only tour and tasting of the Acacia Winery as a surprise for us on our visit to the wine country of California!

We drove through some of the most beautiful vineyards on our way to Acacia…

The beauty that surrounded us was so very peaceful and serene..

We came upon the Acacia Winery, quietly tucked onto a hillside…Acacia Vineyard is located in the heart of the Carneros district off “the beaten path” very close to the Napa/Sonoma Marsh Wildlife area. The one thing you notice when you step out of the car at their parking lot is how absolutely quiet it is, especially when you compare this to the main part of Napa Valley where we spend considerable time. In this part of the Carneros, the roads are small but there is usually little traffic – bicyclists love the Carneros for this very reason, not to mention its scenic postcard views. You are surrounded by rolling hills – a sea of vineyards.

Headed by general partner Mike Richmond and winemaker Larry Brooks, Acacia debuted in 1979 and quickly distinguished itself as one of the first California wineries to offer vineyard-designate Pinot Noir. Fruit was sourced locally from Carneros growers until the mid-1990s, when Acacia began acquiring properties surrounding the winery. Today these holdings comprise the 150-acre estate that produces Acacia Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

In 1986, Acacia was sold to Chalone. Since the 1990s, Acacia has focused on Chardonnay wines, as well as some sparkling wine.

Acacia also bottles under the Caviste label. The annual production is around 55,000 cases.

In 2005, the Chalone Wine Group was purchased by beverage giant Diageo.

When we arrive the vineyard workers were filling barrels with Pinot Noir

We were given a tasting of all the wines produced by Acacia

Our host allowed me to roam about the barrel room to explore on my own and take a few pictures…..It was delightful being the only people in the winery!

I love the smell of French Oak and fermenting grapes…..that heady fragrance that promises delightful wines in the future….

The Acacia visit was as calm and peaceful as the drive to the vineyard. Their name comes from a single Acacia tree which is still growing in between the rows of grapes in one of their vineyards. This tree is located just down the road

May26

Bouchon Bistro – Napa

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Tales and Travels of the Tin Man

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As the Tin Man prepared for his trip to the wine country, French Laundry was at the top of his list…..oh, then this news……….

“The iconic French Laundry in Yountville has confirmed dates for a planned closure and major renovation, and the plans are a fair bit more ambitious than originally hinted at. As chef-owner Thomas Keller tells the SF Chronicle, what began as some modifications to the restaurant’s entry and an expansion of the kitchen blossomed into a major overhaul and reconstruction of the kitchen which will begin the week after Christmas and won’t be complete for about six months.

You see the reason for this desire is because Thomas Keller (born October 14, 1955) is an American chef, restaurateur, and cookbook writer. He and his landmark Napa Valley restaurant, The French Laundry in Yountville, California, have won multiple awards from the James Beard Foundation, notably the Best California Chef in 1996, and the Best Chef in America in 1997. The restaurant is a perennial winner in the annual Restaurant Magazine list of the Top 50 Restaurants of the World.

Timing is everything!!! But wait, there is more…….

In 2005, Keller was awarded the three star rating in the inaugural Michelin Guide for New York for his restaurant Per Se, and in 2006, he was awarded three stars in the inaugural Michelin Guide to the Bay Area for The French Laundry.

He is the only American chef to have been awarded simultaneous three star Michelin ratings for two different restaurants. He currently holds 7 Michelin stars total:

3 at Per Se, 3 at The French Laundry, and 1 at Bouchon.

Bouchon it will be then……reservations were made…

Delightful and Delicious was awaiting us within these walls…..

Marvelous atmosphere………

We were seated at a lovely table and then the magical culinary symphony began….

Of course, we must begin with wine….

My palate was all a tither at the delights that awaited….

First, the Foie Gras de Canard ……….oh swoon….

Then the Möelle Rôti…..Roasted Bone Marrow……

The table covered with delights………the wine, the tasty morsels …..it was culinary nirvana …

Sitting in Thomas Keller’s restaurant surrounded by laughter and the aromas of saffron….thyme…roasted meats….

Then the mains came…Boudin Blanc ……..white sausage with dried French plums and mashed….

….Truite Amandine….Idaho rainbow trout with haricorts verts, toasted almonds and beurre noisette…

Absolutely Delightful……amazing service and delectable food….

….perhaps a bit of coffee….

Then off to the Bouchon Bakery next door……

What a delightful evening……….hope you enjoyed the visit

The Bouchon was such a delight, Tin Man was quite pleased the French Laundry was closed…hope you enjoyed the visit!

May12

The Napa Valley Wine Train

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Tales and Travels of the Tin Man

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The Napa Valley Wine Train’s track is part of the what was originally the Napa Valley Railroad founded by early California pioneer Samuel Brannan in 1864. Brannan established it to bring tourists to the resort town of Calistoga, California which he also founded. The railroad’s 42 miles (68 km) of track ran from Calistoga to Vallejo, California where it connected with San Francisco Bay Area ferry boat service. California Pacific Railroad Extension Company purchased the Napa Valley Railroad Company at a foreclosure sale on June 9, 1869. Later that same year on December 23, the railroad was renamed the California Pacific Railroad. The track was leased to Southern Pacific Railroad on April 1, 1885 and was soon connected to their main line in Suisun, California. California Pacific Railroad was acquired by Southern Pacific on April 14, 1898. The line was extended to Benicia, California in 1904.

The line was electrified and renamed San Francisco, Napa and Calistoga Railway in 1905 and carried passengers until 1929. The track was utilized by Southern Pacific as a freight branch line for the following 58 years until 1987 when the railroad petitioned for abandonment.

The NVRR operating company was formed in 1987 by local entrepreneurs and headed by Vincent DeDomenico. DeDomenico was a veteran of more than 50 years in the food business and was formerly the president of Golden Grain, a company founded by his father and famous for its Rice-A-Roni. DeDomnico purchased the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company in 1964 and sold both it and Golden Grain to the Quaker Oats Company in 1986.

The NVRR acquired the right of way after Southern Pacific notified the Interstate Commerce Commission in 1985 of its intent to abandon the line. The new company’s plans to create a tourist-oriented Wine Train were strongly opposed by local community activists and several city governments. Some people disliked the noise and pollution of an active passenger train line in their midst, while others felt that the train would attract even more visitors to the Napa Valley, which they saw as already over-saturated with tourists…………well too bad….the Napa Valley Wine Train has been in operation since September 16, 1989 and has now carried more than 2 million passengers, the Tin Man being one of them.

The Napa Valley Wine Train is one of the most distinctive Napa restaurants, offering an authentic, memorable experience that echoes the glory days of train travel, with fine dining service, multiple course meals, Napa Valley scenery and ultimate relaxation aboard exquisitely restored vintage rail cars.

This top dining establishment is housed in a museum quality, antique train that runs on 25-miles of track in the heart of the Napa Valley. The train itself has two engines, three kitchens on board and a collection of early 20th century Pullman rail cars faithfully restored with Honduran mahogany paneling, brass accents, etched glass partitions and plush armchairs that evoke the spirit of luxury rail travel in the early 1900s.

The Tin Man booked passage in the Vista Dome Car. With promises of dining in elevated splendor.

The observation style dining car is expertly refurbished using Honduran mahogany paneling and brass accents, perfect for the Tin Man.

Upon arrival……….a glass of bubbly and an exquisite menu….

Our 1952 Pullman domed railcar provided the most private dining experience as only guests with reserved seating are allowed in the dining area of this two-story car.

We had the most delightful server, Froy, ….who made the experience even more fantastic…

The Hors d’Oeuvre arrived….Grilled Shrimp on Crispy Wonton with Sweet Pea Pesto and Endive….

…..with Raymond Estates Vineyard Private Reserve Chardonnay….

The beautiful scenery passed us by as we noshed on these delights…

First Course…..Red and Green Apple Endive Salad with Cambozola Cheese, hazelnuts and Mustard Vinaigrette…yes, yes…..

…my companion had the Crème of Cauliflower Soup (regrettably so, me thinks……hahhaha)

…..more Raymond Estates Chardonnay….of course..

We so loved the Cambozola Cheese and our delightful server surprised us with some extra slices!!!

Meanwhile the beautiful vineyards continue to be our vista as we gently roll through the Napa Valley…

But yes, it is time for the Entrée ….Roasted Beef Tenderloin on Gorgonzola Toast with a Sauté of Vegetables in a Cabernet Reduction…

….OH MY……tooo much wine….the Tin Man forgot to take a picture of this course!

Well here we go ….might as well have some more wine….

The dining was marvelous as the dining room was above the kitchen and a dumbwaiter delivered the food directly to us…therefore our dining room was very quiet and peaceful…..it was quite the experience….

I so wished that this train would continue for days and days so that the experience could go on and on and on……

Some delightful sweets to end the journey….a Handmade Chocolate Truffle and White Chocolate Cheesecake with Raspberry….

Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald prepared such unique menu for our dining pleasure, a culinary symphony we shall long remember…

But alas, our culinary journey has come to an end…..

I hope you have enjoyed this trip aboard The Napa Valley Wine Train

and if you are ever going to visit Napa make sure you make reservations aboard this most delightful venue…..

CLICK HERE to visit The Napa Valley Wine Train site

May6

Napa – California

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Tales and Travels of the Tin Man

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Our Journey into Napa was looking to be a great Wine and Food Delight!

We ventured into downtown Napa and found the architecture to be quite charming….

Gold and silver may have been behind the hordes that flocked in the 1800s

But liquid gold – Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignons and Pinot Noirs – is behind the modern migration

Our drive into Napa took us past many wonderful vistas of vineyards …..

We had to stop and get some fresh cherries as a snack….

I guess Google found out that the Tin Man was in town and wanted to get a few street shots…..

Once we arrived in Napa, our exploration began……

Off across the First Street Bridge ……away from the touristy, packed downtown area…

We stopped at a marvelous Olive Oil Shoppe along the way….so many flavors and delights to taste….

The Tin Man took home a bottle of Basil infused and Chocolate infused Olive Oil….oh delights….

The Shop Owner was a great foodie and sent us off to the Oxbow Market…..

The Market has a commitment to the unique character, spirit and content of the Public Market not only as a place to display and sell organic and/or sustainably-produced local crops, other regional specialties, and other high quality and unique food products, but also as a place that actively supports sustainable and organic farming practices, owner-operated businesses, local food producers and the agricultural community of the Napa Valley and surrounding regions…

Just standing and looking down the market makes you swoon with delight….

Okay……..okay………..okay…..We made it all the way to the end of the Market and stumbled upon…..Hog Island Oyster Company…

We were immediately invited to sit out on the deck OVERLOOKING THE NAPA RIVER!!!!!

What a delight ……………wow…..everyone was so delightful and friendly….

We began with some wine……..of course and the delightful bread….

We ordered Steamers and Clam Chowder…..expecting the usual fare….OMG….look what arrived….

We can testify that these were the best clam dishes we had ever eaten anywhere on this planet!

The Saffron filled the air with its marvelous fragrance….

But, alas……it was time to venture on…leaving Napa behind us….

What a delightful day……as we were sitting on the deck we saw the Wine Train pull up to the station…..

….oh yes, we will be riding on that baby…stay tuned for that story….

Apr30

Arns Winery – Napa, California

Posted on April 30, 2015 by Tales and Travels of the Tin Man

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On the Eastern Hillside of the historical city of St. Helena, tucked away in a marvelous forest lies

an absolute gem……….no I am not talking about the rusted up Tin Man!

Everything is covered with moss…….the trees….

The Ground covered with Ferns….

even the stone walls are green with tender moss….

Then we come upon it……….the Vineyard…

Don’t think you will drive up to a big chateau surrounded by tourist trappings……no

Arns Vineyard is by appointment only and it is hidden with no signs pointing the way…..

….. this is not a commercial, hyped up tourist trap….this is a vineyard

John Arns is most delightful and his passion for winemaking is very evident…

He lives in the middle of this paradise in a modest home…

He took us into his winemaking building….and the fragrances were delightful…

French Oak and Fermenting Grapes…..

John poured some of the magical potion into glasses for us….

The Absolute Delight of visiting this Artist was an experience that goes beyond words…

John has a bell in the front yard with parsley growing in the container and lovely artichokes and all sorts of vegetables and flowers surrounding the house

This was an experience the Tin Man shall never forget…

John Arns is one of those amazing people you meet, who are dedicated to their art and to the planet.

This visit made us remember who we are and how we should be living.

Although, I will be honest, The Tin Man was a bit nervous in the forest as I remembered the time I was with Dorothy and those beastly apple trees!

Look what made it back to the Tin Man’s Cellar……now the strength not to open it tonight!

If you are planning a trip to Napa, stop and see John….oh, you must make an appointment…

click here to do that…..CLICK

…..and be careful in that forest….I was sure I saw some of the trees looking at me!

Tales and Travels of the Tinman

Lessons We Have Learned Since Oz

Tag Archives: Napa

St. Helena – California

Acacia Winery – Carneros Valley

Bouchon Bistro – Napa

The Napa Valley Wine Train

Napa – California

Arns Winery – Napa, California

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