Cooking with JulieA Celebration of Wine Country Flavors

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"The most exciting part of my trip to Napa all week." ~Brittany B.

Favorite Places and Things in Napa

Favorite Links
Foodie Favorites
Atlas Peak Olive Oil -This is one of my favorite olive oils. This 100% virgin olive oil is made in small batches to retain its fresh potency. The olive trees on the land have been producing since 1882. Today, the 5th generation Hammond family (Jeff, Cathy and J.J.) still farms figs, apples, and olives.

Fatted Calf-Charcuterie sausage, pate and salumi. The tastiest confit of duck this side of Bordeaux. Hurray they are now open at Oxbow Public Market.

Napa Valley Olive Oil Manufacturing Company-All things Italian can be found at Napa's "little Italy". You'll find this store at the end of Charter Oak Street in St. Helena.

Five Dot Ranch-It's been ages since I've seen meat this beautifully marbled. And the taste is pure natural beef as it should be sweet, earthy, savory and rich. You can find them at Oxbow Public Market.

Long Meadow Ranch-They produce wonderful red wine, olive oil, grass fed beef, eggs, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. You can visit them at the St. Helena farmers market, at their garden center in Rutherford or in the Mayacamas mountains above Rutherford.

Kitchen Library-Steven has spent most of his lifetime traveling, photographing and collecting. He has just opened the Kitchen Library, in Oxbow Public Market. Here you’ll find a gallery of photographs that will etch into your mind; surrounded by exquisite food and wine related antiques, paper goods, and books that evoke the spirit of adventure. He has beautiful ceramic pieces from local artisans, be sure to ask him about the “Julie” bowl. The bowl is handsome and practical, and my favorite bowl was the archetype for it!

Oxbow Public Market- Napa's newest market place for all things culinary. Located next to Copia it has a wonderful cheese shop the Oxbow Cheese Merchant. Plus spice shop plus some of my favorite places to browse the Kitchen Library, Fete and culinary antiques.

Favorite Wineries
Back Room Wines-Dan has an excellent selection of wines from California and Europe. He is does a terrific job pairing food and wine.

Bourassa Vineyards - One of Napa's most distinguished boutique wineries welcomes you! Born from a family tradition of wine making, our wines are lovingly hand-crafted in small lots.

Groth Vineyards - Established in 1982 and produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay from Napa Valley's Oakville AVA. In special years it will make a "Reserve" bottling of Cabernet Sauvignon from a small lot in their 121 acre Oakcross Estate. They also own and operate 44 acres Hillview Vineyard south of the winery, a prime source for the Winery's Chardonnay and Merlot. From its inception the winery has been family owned and operated.

Restaurants

  • Alexis Baking Company, Napa - My favorite breakfast spot in Napa. Seasonal egg dishes with great pastries.
  • Annalien, Napa - Vietnamese Restaurant
  • Angele, Napa -Nestled along the Napa river this French bistro cooks up French food with California accents.
  • Auberge du Soleil, Rutherford -Michelin one-star.
  • Bistro Don Giovanni, Napa -My favorite Italian restaurant.
  • Bistro Jeanty, Yountville -The food here will transport you to France. It is my favorite French food in the valley. Michelin one-star.
  • Boone Fly Cafe, Carneros -Great for breakfast or lunch.
  • Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen, St. Helena -Enjoy comfort food with Cindy's personal twist to your favorites.
  • Julia's Kitchen-Try Jeff Moshers take on Julia's classic French dishes. Most of the ingredients come from their gardens.
  • Folio-Whether you are in the mood for a comforting soup, a perfectly composed salad or a grilled panini this is the place. You can also pack a bag to take home for later. They feature Michael Mondavi's portfolio of wines to accompany the food.
  • French Laundry-You need to indulge yourself at least once in a life time. Michelin three-star.
  • Martini House, St. Helena - Show casing the seasons best from Napa, he has a knack for finding rare ingredients and a wonderful way with wild mushrooms.
  • Market, St. Helena - Homemade comfort food.
  • Mustards Grill, Yountville-Don't miss Annie's desserts.
  • Pizza Azzuro, Napa- Great wood oven cooked pizza, and pastas.
  • Redd, Yountville - Contemporary food using global flavors, the menu changes daily and has an elegant and sophisticated air.
  • Silverado Brewing Company,St. Helena-Organic local ingredients and great beer.
  • Ubuntu Restaurant, Napa-Chef Jeremy Fox prepares dishes using bright sparkling produce from local farms and Ubuntu's biodynamic gardens. Clear delicious flavors.

    Other Favorites
    CulinaryForum.com- for great ideas and information.

    ChefsLine.com- for all of your culinary questions.

    The Vanilla Company- for all things vanilla.

    Penzeys Spices- delicious and fragrant spices.

    LocalWineEvents.com- calendar of food and drink events is where all the world's food, wine, beer and spirits events are listed in one place.

    Nat Decants FREE Wine E-Newsletter - Wine picks, articles and humor from Natalie MacLean, named the World's Best Drink Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia. Natalie is also the author of Red, White and Drunk All Over: A Wine Soaked Journey from Grape to Glass. For more details on this book and to sign up for the newsletter, visit www.nataliemaclean.com.

    BusinessLinksList.com - Business Directory

    COOKING with JULIE
    (707) 227-5036
    julie@cookingwithjulie.com