Happy Auction Napa Valley week! I thought it would be great to share some  videos from my neighborhood, in honor of our annual wine auction that raises millions for local community charities supporting health care, education and more.

Chefs Thomas Keller of the French Laundry and Ken Frank of La Toque, and the grande dame Margrit Mondavi herself, can’t be wrong:  they all say that Auberge du Soleil is one one of the not-to-be missed Napa experiences.  They recently expanded their outdoor dining terrace which has the most extraordinary views of Napa Valley from its heart in the Rutherford AVA.  Our locals’ tip:  ask to sit on the bistro side (same views) where there is a modestly-priced menu with fantastic pastas and salads, and the valley’s best burger (sorry, Taylor’s aka Gott’s Roadside Tray Gourmet – I prefer your fish tacos over your burger!).  Say “hi” to the top-notch Somm Chris Margerum and ask what he’s got special by-the-glass.  He’s not shy about pouring the good stuff.  You won’t want to leave!  (And if you’ve got the jack, this is the one of the top hotel experiences, ever.)  And Friday Flights featuring my The One stemware are launching June 22.  Hope to see you there!

Country ham, charred Vidalia onions and sweet Georgia peaches on the same plate? Could we be anywhere but award winning chef Linton Hopkins’ Restaurant Eugene?  Would we want to be? NOooooooo! This video will have you booking your flight to Atlanta.  Come hungry!

Want to know how to choose a great New York-style steak and prepare it at home?  Well, to learn how, I went to the master of meat in New York City, Stanley Lobel of Lobel’s Meats.  Stanley is a real Icon in the food world and a dear friend, too.  Also, if you happen to score tickets to the Yankees, be sure to check out their restaurant and stand at the renovated Yankee Stadium. Best sandwich in the park!

This is the place to get your fix of both southern biscuits and southern charm!  Folks line up outside this one, but the smiles and food are worth the wait.  Have the creamy-dreamy grits, too!

Who knew I had the power to turn a frog into a hunky husband with one kiss?  Move over, Princess Tiana!  Seriously, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is an incredible place to stroll off those foodie weekend calories, exploring everything from rainforests to Japanese gardens.

Click here for info on the Atlanta Botanical Garden.