Napa isn’t just about enormous California wines, it’s also about mouth-watering and fresh farm-to-table dining.  On a recent trip to Napa, we not only had lots of wine, but we ate, and ate, and ate…

Having indulged in Redd’s pizza for lunch before, it’s no wonder the owners were inspired to open a “pizza only” joint called Redd Wood, also in Yountville.  We learned that Redd pulled pizza from their menu entirely so you have to get it at Redd Wood.  Our group ordered prosciutto and arugula pizza and a simply divine anchovy pizza. The pizzas and decor both reflected Napa’s fresh style.

Redd Wood’s Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza

Redd Wood’s Anchovy Pizza

Wappo Hill Mailbox from the Mondovi Estate

For dinner, we lucked out and got to enjoy Ad Hoc’s famous buttermilk fried chicken.  Ad Hoc posts a daily singular fixed menu, so the kitchen is focused on making that one meal spectacular.

Ad Hoc – for temporary relief from hunger

Ad Hoc Salad of Iceberg Wedge

Ad Hoc Buttermilk Fried Chicken

from Hawaii with love,

Being a fan of gourmet coffee, I take full advantage of the local coffees in Hawaii.  Besides Kona coffees, we are lucky to indulge in other Hawaiian Island caffeinated pleasures from Maui, Kauai, and even Oahu.  Whole Foods has a nice selection or a weekend jaunt to the neighbor islands will reveal some nice small distribution coffee roasters.

Everyone generally knows about Kona coffee, but only true coffee fans know about Indonesian Luwak coffee.  Toddy cats start the luwak coffee production process by eating coffee berries and passing the coffee beans out their other end.  The beans are collected, cleaned (I would hope so!), dried and roasted.  The result is a delectable cup of joe, sans the bitterness.

My Father-in-law went to Indonesia recently and we didn’t get a t-shirt, oh no, we got the luwak and lots of other fantastic Indonesian coffees!  Coolest omiyage ever!

Indonesian Coffee – luwak bottom center

freshly ground luwak

from Hawaii with love,

On a recent trip to Napa Valley California to restock our wine collection, we lunched at one of my favorite Napa lunch spots – Redd.  Redd is located in Yountville and the food is to die for.  Take a look for yourself!

Sashimi of hamachi, sticky rice, edamame, lime ginger sauce – $14

Yellowfin tuna and hamachi tartare, avocado, chili oil, fried rice – $13

Prosciutto pizza, fontina, arugula and shaved parmesan – $15

from Hawaii with love,