Here’s to Auction Napa Valley Week!

In honor of Auction Napa Valley this week, a great video visit to the iconic Robert Mondavi Winery, which is a must-stop on every Napa visitor’s agenda. I am a huge fan of the Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc, which created the entire Fume Blanc category and remains one of the best American white wines, period. Reserve ahead for one of the special educational tastings, or plan your visit around their summer concert series–dates just announced. I have seen India Arie, K.C. and the Sunshine band (does that take you back?), and Chris Botti there. The amphitheater among the vines is a magical venue!

Auction Napa Valley raises millions for our local community programs supporting farm worker health care and housing, public education, and more.  Cheers to that! Before the Friday barrel auction, I will be hosting a “How to do Barrel Tasting” for about 100 would-be barrel bidders. I hope to see you there!

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Atlanta’s James Beard-winning Chef Linton Hopkins’ Restaurant Eugene

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!

Wine, Food, People & Places in this Episode:
I am so excited for Chef Linton Hopkins, who won Best Chef Southeast 2012 at the James Beard Awards. Right after the awards, I traveled to Atlanta for their 2nd annual food & wine festival. I’m sharing this video so you don’t miss Restaurant Eugene on your next visit.
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Atlanta: Breakfast at Silver Skillet

Grits and red-eye gravy? You know you’re in the South! Breakfast at Silver Skillet was awesome and worth the trip to Atlanta itself!

Wine, Food, People & Places in this Episode:

Click here for more info on the Silver Skillet.

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Make a Great NY Steak at Home

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!

Wine, Food, People & Places in this Episode:

Click here to learn more about Lobel’s Meats.

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Atlanta: Lunch at Taqueria del Sol

Wine, Food, People & Places in this Episode:

Click here for more info on Taqueria Del Sol.

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Atlanta: Breakfast at The Flying Biscuit Cafe

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!

Wine, Food, People & Places in this Episode:

Click here for more info on Flying Biscuit Cafe.

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Atlanta: Dinner at Bacchanalia

Bacchanalia is Atlanta’s restaurant jewel. It’s been a favorite of my husband John’s for years while he lived in Atlanta, and also enjoys national acclaim as a James Beard Award winner.  Needless to say I was thrilled to finally be able to go. You will be, too. It’s fantastic!

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Atlanta: Botanical Garden

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.

Wine, Food, People & Places in this Episode:

Click here for info on the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

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Atlanta: Peidmont Park

Channel your inner 8-year-old and watch this video to see how the city of Atlanta rolled out the green carpet for me at Piedmont Park!

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Atlanta: The Georgia Aquarium

Every real foodie loves fish right?  We were too wussie to swim in the shark tank, but otherwise we did it all at the Georgia Aquarium, which is simply the best we’ve ever seen.  The beluga whales are amazing, and if you don’t have lunch reservations at one of our foodie recommendations, the casual Cafe Aquaria is pretty tasty, too!

Wine, Food, People & Places in this Episode:

The Georgia Aquarium website’s virtual tour is a great way to plan your visit.

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