1:15 to Napa, Four Times The Birthday Binge (Double Issue 1 of 2)

“I have to decide between these two menus?”

There’s a certain rhythm when I post content and many of you are probably accustomed to it by now. Revealing a progression, as I visit each establishment and each topic goes by. Over the past two years, I’ve noticed a revealing trend within my personal preferences in dining. I’m still a n00b when it comes to pairing wine and food: I know it’s an art and I’m definitely not a prestigious sommelier from a Michelin Star studded background.

Time to change all of that because the lady in my life created a weekend agenda to fulfill my crash course in wine country just before the next milestone of my existence. The much-needed break came at a timely manner, allowing some recuperation and reflection that was essential given the curveballs I endured through this last stretch of 2013. After some last-minute packing, we were finally off, and after an hour or two, we began to see the fruits of Napa’s labor.

Photo Reel and Food Porn ensues you were warned:

Enter the fields of Napa

Now the obligatory Vineyard shot

Surprised at Sunset: First Panoroamic Shot: Robert Modavi Winery Central Courtyard

Robert Modavi Winery Underground Wine Barrels (Painted with leftover grape fermentation for color)

Robert Modavi Wine Tasting: 2011 Chardonnay Carneros, 2011 Pinot Noir Reserve Carneros and of course 2011 Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Style Tasting w/ Sommelier Stephanie (L-R) Progression (all N.V,): Chiara Bianco 2012, Chiara Rose of Zinfandel 2012, Roux Old Vine Petite Sirah Vintage 2011, Qiana Zinfandel Vintage 2011 and Bambino Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage 2010

After our numerous liberating wine, dine (extrapolated further in part two) and snack bingeing we fast forward to the evening before the official birthdate…

For those of you who follow my Instagram, you were already teased with the appetizer on the feed. Now, we will now commence with the rest of the menu at Allegro Romano (evening dinner before my actual birthday):

Homemade Lobster Ravioli w/ (Pink Vodka Sauce)

Filetto Ai Porcini and Barolo Sauce (Black Angus Filet Mignon w/ Porcini Mushrooms & Barolo Red Wine Sauce)

Risotto w/ Scallops in Black Ink & Aged Fig Balsamic Sauce

Evening Special: Custom Risotto topped w/ Shaved White Truffles & Scallops

Dessert #1: New York Style Strawberry Cheesecake

Dessert #2 (Birthday Dessert 1): In-House Tiramisu

After thoughts on Allegro Romano: Truffles, Garnish and a cozy vibe. Great for a personal date on the peak of Russian Hill, but it is not the wisest choice for a medium-large group outing unless you’re a local to the area.

The Gluttony just doesn’t end there considering, the final (and actual birthday) dinner with another set of close friends came to a close at Baywolf Restaurant:

Grilled Duck Liver, Arugula, Bacon and Balsamic Reduction

Grilled Shrimp w/ Green Bean Salad and Smoked Pepper Sauce

Coho Salmon w/ kabocha-fennel tian, dandelion greens and herbed beurre blanc sauce

My Final Birthday Entree: One-Pan Chicken w/ spinach. fingerling potatoes, parsnips and red wine

Final Birthday Dessert (1 of 2): Chocolate Souffle Cake

Afterthoughts on Baywolf: The Customer Service was excellent, similar to Allegro Romano. Dishes were created with simplicity and reinforced a farm-to-table agenda. The chicken dish almost gave a certain restaurant a run for their money (revealed in part two of this back to back issue).

Stuffed to my heart’s content, all of this wasn’t enough, of course I wasn’t ready for what was in store next.

To Be Continued…