Known globally as the California winery that surprised the world when it won the white wine blind tasting at the historic “Judgment of Paris” wine competition back in 1976 with their now fabled Chardonnay; Chateau Montelena is a must visit when exploring Napa Valley. This long shot victory put the winery, California wines and Napa Valley in general on the global wine map, forever changing the way people viewed wines that were being produced in the New World. Upon arrival to such a storied place and just walking through the front gate, one feels as if they are instantly transported thousands of miles away from California’s Napa Valley to the sprawling French countryside.

After passing through the magnificent courtyard, visitors climb a long set of stairs and enter the opulent chateau, which is where the Tasting Room is located. Visitors have the opportunity to select between two types of tastings: the Current Wine Tasting and the Library Wine Tasting. The Current Wine Tasting includes a rotating mix of red and white wines from their Current Library (usually a Chardonnay, a Cabernet Sauvignon, an Estate Cabernet and a Zinfandel), while the Library Wine Tasting includes some of their special reserve wines, which are sampled in their intimate Library Room. During either of the wine tastings, friendly servers are on hand to provide detailed and intimate knowledge of the grape varietals. While visiting, be sure to check out Jade Lake with its beautiful Chinese Pagoda and footbridge located on the premises. |Chateau Montelena|

1429 Tubbs Lane
Calistoga, CA 94515
(707) 942-5105

Tasting Room Hours of Operation:
Mon-Sun: 9:30am – 4pm

The cuisine is an amalgam of several regional dishes and Indian street food, which offers diners the chance to try several different dishes from across India. Be sure to order the Butter Chicken, which is their signature dish. For those with more experimental tastes, try the Palak Chaat, which is an appetizer with flash fried spinach, yogurt and tamarind chutney, and the Awadhi Lamb Qorma, a lamb leg curry with cashew nuts and an assortment of spices. Be sure to accompany your meal with some of their fresh Naan and Roti, which are the perfect complement to soak up these hearty dishes. Their lunch buffet, while slightly more than average Indian buffets elsewhere, is definitely a great value and offers a wide variety of tasty options for both meat eaters and vegetarians. |Amber India|

25 Yerba Buena Lane
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 777-0500

With its sleek concrete floors, contemporary decor and bold signage, some would not have guessed that such a sleek establishment began as a more humble roadside diner in St. Helena years ago. Gott’s Roadside’s San Francisco location inside the Ferry Building shares little resemblance to its Napa siblings except for its menu, which features fairly straightforward American classics like burgers, fish tacos, hearty salads and sandwiches. My favorites include their Ahi tuna burger, fish and shrimp tacos, beef burgers, and of course their beer-battered onion rings. On warmer days, I enjoy visiting Gott’s for their outdoor patio, which is a perfect place to take in the views, bask in the sun, and people watch. For those craving something on the sweeter side, Gott’s also has a nice selection of milk shakes, ice cream, and Straus Organic frozen yogurt.   |Gott’s Roadside|

Hours of Operation:
Mon-Sun: 7am-10pm

Situated on the edge of Sonoma Valley, Nicholson Ranch is one of those hidden gems that not only offers the visitor an opportunity to visit a fabulous winery away from the crowds, but also some very tasty wines that you won’t find in any retail store. Nicholson Ranch is a beautiful place to enjoy some elegant wines, its grounds a brief refuge from the rest of the world. I love visiting on a warm sunny day, taking in the magnificent country views. The winery hosts tours of the vineyard, their fermentation facilities and even their wine cave. Their bright tasting room features local artwork and seating, a comfortable place to sample their pinot noir on those chilly trips. For those warmer days, a glass of their rosé wine while lounging on the terrace is time well spent.

I had the opportunity to go to Nicholson Ranch last year for a good friend’s wedding (talk about a great place to have a wedding!) and tried all of their amazing wines (it had been a while since I had found a chardonnay that I liked!). At the end of the night, I made sure to purchase a couple of bottles of their rosé to take home.

Wine tastings consist of a flight of six wines and the selections are rotated throughout the year. Tours are approximately 1.5 hours in length and are available both as part of a group as well as on a private basis. |Nicholson Ranch|

Hours of Operation:
Mon – Sun: 10am – 6pm

Located on narrow Merchant Street, on the edge of San Francisco’s gleaming Financial District, Alfred’s Steakhouse is a San Francisco institution. This old-fashioned restaurant, which harkens back to another era of time, really feels like it hasn’t changed all that much since it opened up in 1928. With its red interiors, large booths, copious selection of scotches and whiskeys, and tie-sporting waiters, Alfred’s is the perfect place to impress a client or to enjoy a guys’ night out. If you simply want to grab a drink with a friend or a colleague, then head to their posh, dimly lit, mahogany bar and order any one of their single malt scotches, cocktails, beers or individual glasses of wine.

Owned by the Petri Family, Alfred’s Steakhouse serves steaks aged four to six weeks, made from grass-fed cattle that are naturally raised. Their steaks are all hand cut and are cooked without seasonings. Choose from a bevy of broiler options such as the grass-fed Filet Mignon or the Alfred’s Steak, a Bone-In New York cut. For those with more ravenous appetites, try the 30-oz bone-in Chicago Rib Steak. After ordering the entree, the diner gets one free side dish such as fries and some additional complimentary flavorsome sauces (add the Argentinean chimichurri to add some zest to that steak!). For those not into heavy meat dishes, other options such as pasta and seafood exist. A final draw to this place is that with its slightly lower-than-market prices and sizable portions, you won’t have to deal with a large bill at the end of the meal. |Alfred’s Steakhouse|

Hours of Operation:
Tue – Sat: 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Lunch on Thursday: 11:30am – 2pm

Located directly on Highway 29 in Rutherford, Peju Province Winery offers visitors more than just another Napa Valley wine tasting—it offers them a unique tasting experience. Located in a pinkish-tan building more likely to be found in rural France than in Napa Valley, the winery offers visitors the opportunity to taste several different red and white varietals.

What sets Peju apart from its peers is its impeccable service. While they usually group visitors with other guests for the tastings, the winery tries not to overcrowd its tasting rooms so that patrons can actually take the time to savor and appreciate the wines. The sommeliers are not only very enthusiastic and passionate about Peju’s wines, but they also engage the guests by joking with them, asking them where they are from and how they like Napa Valley.

While the actual wines may differ from time to time, they usually offer guests the opportunity to try their Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Be sure to try their proprietary Provence wine, which is a unique red and white blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and French Colombard. The Provence blend is best when consumed chilled, and it pairs really well with barbeque and spicy food!

After the tasting, visitors should stop by the gift shop. In addition to buying some wines, one can sample some of their special food concoctions, which includes a scrumptious merlot chocolate fudge. Peju Province Winery offers several tastings, ranging from the Peju Classic Tasting to the Peju Private Wine Tasting with Artisan Cheeses. |Peju|

Hours of Operation:
Mon-Sun: 10am to 6pm

After reading about Benu’s glowing four star review from Michael Bauer, their two Michelin stars, and Chef David Chang of Momofuku in New York City naming Benu as the best restaurant in America, the time had finally come to see first hand just what I had been missing. It’s hard not to have high expectations for such a lofty dining experience; it’s not everyday that you taste a meal prepared by someone who won a James Beard Award. Immediately upon walking through the gate, the experience begins with the staff whisking you through the zen garden area, transporting you right into the minimalist dining room. After deciphering the menu and snacking on their buckwheat seaweed crackers, we decide upon the Chef’s tasting menu, which consists of seventeen small courses.

The first dish was the thousand year old quail egg with potage and ginger, which initially made me nervous trying since I’ve seen them on Bizarre Foods. Benu’s much less intimidating version is a small savory bite of intense egg and poultry flavor with a gelatin texture. Second course was the oyster with pork belly and kimchi, which was lovely bite and a elegant presentation. The third course was the monkfish liver with sour cherry, pistachio, cauliflower, and cherry blossom brioche, which had the rich liver flavor one would expect, a smooth texture, and a similar preparation to a terrine of foie gras. The eel that came next was a bit surprising as it came looking like a rolled cigar with feuille de brick, creme fraiche, and lime, very tasty none the less. The caramelized anchovy, lily bulb, peanut and pickles was a nicely thought out dish with many layered flavors.

More familiar flavors of the night include the foie gras xiao long bao, which was basically a Shanghai dumpling, the salt and pepper squid served on a shrimp chip, the duck served with a black truffle bun, and the beef braised in pear, beech mushrooms, sunflower seeds and leaves. The Hokkaido sea cucumber stuffed with shrimp, cucumber, onion, and fermented pepper was probably the weirdest thing I’ve eaten in a long time, but definitely worth being able to say I’ve now tried it before. The chicken velvet was also a strange dish with its strong poultry flavor but a velvety texture. The “shark’s fin” soup made with Dungeness crab, Jinhua ham, and black truffle custard tasted very similar to the real thing, just minus the guilt. The desserts were all very good, but my favorite had to be the caramel, prune, coffee, cashew, and thyme.

Though I wouldn’t find myself dining here on a daily basis, I can say it was definitely one of the most interesting meals I can recall having in a long time. Benu is successful at creating a unique journey through Asia with every course, encouraging their guests to sample flavors and ingredients they may never get to experience otherwise. Chef Corey Lee is masterful at utilizing Asian ingredients with European techniques and modern cooking methods to create a truly unique dining experience that will leave a lasting impression. |Benu|

Owned by renowned Chef Charles Phan, The Slanted Door features French-Vietnamese cuisine that utilizes seasonal ingredients sourced locally. Menu items range from daikon rice cakes and their signature spring rolls, to organic chicken claypot and barbequed Willis Ranch pork spareribs. Their pork belly and rack of lamb are also worth trying. For those looking for seafood, the raw bar serves up fresh uni, ceviche, oysters and yellowtail. This place also serves up some signature cocktails and a diverse wine list that pairs well with their food. The service is impeccable and this place is perfect for impressing your date or a nice dinner with friends. It’s definitely worth the likely wait. |slanteddoor|

1 Ferry Building #3
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 861-8032

Hours of Operation:
Lunch:
Mon-Sat: 11am – 2:30pm
Sun: 11:30am – 3pm
Afternoon Tea:
Everyday: 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Dinner:
Everyday: 5:30pm – 10pm

When one walks into Le Colonial for the first time, they are instantly transported back to the tropical elegance of the French colonial era. Located steps away from the world-renowned Union Square, this venue, with its opulent and romantic setting, is more reminiscent of places found across Southeast Asia than in San Francisco. Divided into three parts, an open courtyard serves as the entrance to the other two parts: the restaurant, located on the main floor, and the romantic lounge located upstairs.

Whether you are on a date, celebrating a birthday or just out with your family, savor the wonderful restaurant fare by sampling exotic Vietnamese cuisine such as “Suon Nuong,” rubbed Kurobuta pork ribs laden with tamarind-smoked chili glaze. If you simply want to hang out with friends after work, be romantic with that special someone, or just dance the night away, join the well-dressed crowd and head up to the lounge. While you can still order some tasty appetizers, definitely grab a beer or try one of their unique mixed drinks. They have live music Mondays through Thursdays and a live DJ Fridays and Saturdays.

Hours of Operation:
Sun-Wed: 5:30pm – 10pm
Thurs-Sat: 5:30pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun Brunch: 11:30am – 2:30pm
Lounge opens nightly at 5pm

Although it is easy to find a coffee shop to find a caffeinated beverage, it is difficult to find somewhere that strictly serves tea. Nestled behind busy Burlingame Avenue, one can take a break at the new Rue du Thé. The cute shop offers chocolate and other delectable foods, as well as Leland Tea. You can get tea to go or stay and order a pot of loose leaf tea to enjoy inside or outside. There are a variety of teas to choose from and the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. The tea itself is vibrant and beautiful in the clear pots they serve the tea in. The teas are very flavorful and can be brewed longer in for a stronger flavor.

There are freshly baked scones, macarons, and madeleines among other things. Rue du Thé also serves chocolate for those who prefer chocolate with their tea! The staff is extremely helpful, offering suggestions of what goes best with each tea. Personally, I am a fan of the butterscotch scones; they are the least sweet of all the scones and make a great addition to the peach-rose and vanilla flavored tea I’ve had. The madeleines are also moist and dense, just like madeleines should be! Additionally, just like the Leland Tea Company in San Francisco, there is a Loose Leaf Tea bar where you are able to see the tea up close! Rue du Thé is a great place to stop with a friend or with family members to enjoy a nice cup of tea and a piece of chocolate or baked good! |Rue du Thé|