Few places on earth have the view, the food, the service and the amazing wine list that you will find at Auberge du Soleil.  It is Nirvana in Napa. I got engaged there, and return often to enjoy the memories and make new ones.

Speaking of new, and one–the Auberge Bistro and Bar has introduced Friday Flights–a white and red flight that changes each Friday.  The flights are the brainchild of Auberge’s gifted and long-time Wine Director and friend, Kris Margerum.  Several years ago, Kris was one of the pro palates I turned to for help in refining my The ONE red stem.  So the launch of Friday Flights seemed like the perfect opportunity for us to collaborate.  You get 2 oz pours of each of 3 completely different wines, served in either The ONE for white or The ONE for red-the choice of flight is up to you, of course!

You will more than likely want to try both, because Kris is creating with these flights the rare opportunity to cherry-pick the extraordinary Auberge list and try wines rarely available by the glass.  For example, the launch week featured Staglin Chardonnay 2009, and bottled-aged Bordeaux from the Fronsac district.  If you are coming to wine country for Labor Day Weekend, here is what’s in store:

White $20
2009 Rudd Sauvignon Blanc-Mount Veeder–happens to be one of my favorite Napa Sauv Blancs
2010 Horse & Plow “Filigreen Farm” Pinot Gris-Anderson Valley–Anderson Valley in Mendocino County is becoming quite well-known for grape varietals from the French Alsace region
2006 Domaine Huet “Le Mont” Chenin Blanc Demi Sec-Vouvray–A geek favorite that Master Somm’s adore

Red $23
2006 Alain Graillot Syrah-Croze Hermitage–Any more, only great somm’s with great wine lists can get this wine. When you taste its abundance of black pepper on raspberries flavors, you’ll see why.
2007 Vision Cellars Pinot Noir-Marin County–Its “in the blood” of visionary vintner Mac McDonald. From his bio: “I was born the son of a Texas Moonshine maker. My Father, Sue, was considered by many to be the finest Moonshine maker in all of Texas, because of the fine grains he used to make his corn whiskey. My Mother Elbessie, along with her brothers and sister, made wine from the various fruit we grew.” I love his Pinots.
2008 Paradigm Merlot-Oakville–Produced by wine goddess Heidi Peterson-Barrett from the estate fruit of Marilyn and Ren Harris, in the heart of Oakville.  It’s aptly named.

Locals’ tip:  Auberge Bistro & Bar doesn’t take reservations which is kind of cool, but of course it will be packed this weekend.  Go between lunch and dinner, or late, to be sure of grabbing a spot.  Leave room for the burger (best in Napa Valley!) or the thin-crust funghi pizza. Here is a video from the terrace to give you a sneak peek.  Enjoy!

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!