Paella Party!

I'll talk more next time about the food and wine fantasy that's been bugging me of late, but for now I wanted to share... paella!

Yesterday evening went to the Inn at Occidental's 20th anniversary celebration. They had a great crowd of guests and local friends, and of course -- of course -- yours truly helped put together (I thought) a fantastic food and wine experience: a paella party from local wonder-chef Gerard Nebesky (that's him with the head band) and wine from Clos de Bois.

The paella was fantastic -- an eclectic mixture of rice, vegetables, and meat. Gerard prepared three specific ones: a chicken, a seafood, and a vegetarian. I tried the chicken and seafood -- wonderful!

Anyway, happy anniversary, Jerry and Tina, and many more!

Where to Stay: Napa Valley

There are a plethora of wonderful places to stay in the Napa Valley. Here are my completely subjective selections of where I would stay (and thus, where I recommend that you stay).

The Wine Country Inn

Country charm with a dash of splash. The Wine Country Inn is located two miles north of St. Helena. It's definitely quiet and off-the-beaten path, with beautiful grounds, a garden, and a vineyard as a next door neighbor. The Inn has about 25 rooms and five luxury cottages. Complimentary goodies included with your stay include a gourmet breakfast, afternoon wine tasting, and an evening restaurant shuttle service to and from St. Helena restaurants. The Innkeeper, Jim Smith, is a good friend of mine and frequently pours wine at the wine tastings, so if he's there, be sure to introduce yourself and say "hi". (And here's an insider's tip: When you call to book your reservation, ask for Deniese, and ask for the "Every Meal A Feast" discount. She'll probably pretend that she's never heard of this, but that's O.K.; press her just a bit, let her know you're "value" shopping, and there might just be a discount in it for you.)

The Wine Country Inn

1152 Lodi Lane

St. Helena, CA 94574

(707) 963-7077

Enjoy...

Where to Stay: Sonoma County

Living in Sonoma County, I of course have my list of favorite inns or hotels which I recommend to friends and family members...and stay at whenever I can. My top two favorite Sonoma County overnight "treats": the Sonoma Coast Villa & Spa, and the Inn at Occidental.

Sonoma Coast
Sonoma Coast Villa & Spa


Tuscany without the passport! Nestled on 60 goregous acres near the coast, close to the towns of Bodega and Bodega Bay, the Sonoma Coast Villa & Spa is truly a destination resort: wonderful rooms and grounds, a full spa facility, and a professionally trained chef for breakfasts and dinners. And did I mention the 10-page+ wine list? Warning to all yee who enter: yee may not want to leave!

Sonoma Coast Villa & Spa
16702 Coast Highway One
Bodega, CA 94922
(707) 876-9818

Coming soon: The Inn at Occidental...