Napa, Forno Rustico, San Francisco and Tartine Bakery

[texassourdough]

I took my wife to Napa for her birthday. I didn't even let her know where she was going until she got to the airport and was checking in!

We arrived at Oakland on Wednesday about 6 pm and I had reservations for Chez Panisse which was our first visit and was well worthwhile.

Next day we visited a couple of wineries and shortly after noon we headed for lunch. When we arrived at Forno Rustico she said, "This looks like someone's house! Do you know these people?" To which I said "No!" For those of you who have had classes with Lea Bergen at Forno Rustico you know what was about to happen. For those of you who have not experienced classes with Lea, we highly recommend it! Since I feel quite comfortable with my bread and pizza skills, I had arranged an oven cooking class based on Tapas and paella. The whole thing was fabulous.

Friday was her birthday and we started with another winery. Then off to lunch at The French Laundry. We found the entire experience "perfect" though we will no doubt opt for Bouchon or Ad Hoc next time! This restaurante deserves its reputation in our opinion. The food was sublime!

On Saturday we were to have a hot air balloon ride over the valley but rain interfered so...off to another winery and a deli to buy makings for a drizzly picnic. Then off to San Francisco pick up a half loaf of Country bread from Tartine (ordered and reserve that morning by phone). Tartine makes some of the best bread in North America and it was a real treat (see photos). Finally to Pizziaolo in Oakland for dinner - very good in our opinion!

All-in-all an amazing food weekend which we survived with only a one pound gain - each. But a much lighter wallet! (Ouch!)

Now back to simple food!
Jay

[lwood]

Sounds fabulous, you definitely hit most of the best spots, especially for food. I grew up in the Bay Area and school in Berkeley and love the wine country. There is no ad hoc when it comes to The French Laundry, I here it's booked solid 6 mo ahead. Chez Panisse is one of my all time favorites. No Sourdough in SF?

[lwood]

I guess Tartine is all about sourdough. Will have to go there.