When I Went: July 7-11, 2011
Was That the Best Time of Year to Go? It was a great time of year to visit California (to escape the Texas heat.) Temperatures in the 60s in San Francisco—pretty cold at night. But it was very warm in the wine country during the day (mid-80s and 90s).
Why I Went There: One of our couple friends had booked a flight to San Francisco and invited us to tag along (and plan the whole trip)!
We Stayed Here: The Clift Hotel in San Francisco. It has a super-cool bar. Clubby feel to the hotel. We got a great rate. Hotel Yountville in Napa Valley. Absolutely gorgeous, convenient, and worth every penny!
[mapimage url=”http%3A%2F%2Fmaps.google.com%2Fmaps%2Fapi%2Fstaticmap%3Fsize%3D200x200%26sensor%3Dfalse%26markers%3DSan%2520Francisco%2CCA%7CYountville%2CCalifornia%26zoom%3D8%26center%3DNovato%2CCA”]You Won’t Want to Miss: A private tour at Keever Vineyards: It’s a small family-owned operation. Lovely tour and delicious wine! Viader Vineyards: Beautiful views of Howell Mountain and overlooking the city reservoir. Cliff Lede Vineyards: Gorgeous gardens. They play rock ‘n’ roll music and have excellent wines. Each vineyard “block” is named after a classic rock tune!
Eat Here: The Slanted Door restaurant in San Francisco. Beautiful people, inventive cocktails, and delicious food (modern Vietnamese served family style). Located in the northeast corner of the restored Ferry Building across the Embarcadero. Great views of the water and extra-large windows that provide tons of natural light inside. Excellent experience!
Tadich Grill in San Francisco. The grand dame of “old school” restaurants in San Francisco (waiters in white jackets), super-fresh seafood, excellent service. (Like Galatoire’s in New Orleans.) Must order the cioppino (seafood stew).
Redd Restaurant in Yountville (Napa). Updated interpretation of wine country cuisine with influences from Asia, Europe, and Mexico in a relaxed and very elegant environment. Absolutely delicious!
Bottega Restaurant in Yountville (Napa). Food Network star chef Michael Chiarello is perfection with this Italian-inspired gem in Yountville! Great atmosphere and wonderful food. Get the sushi on the salt block, and try to sit on the terrace.
Play Here: Great shopping and walking around the Union/Pacific area in San Francisco. Drive down Lombard Street in San Francisco, curviest street in the world! Pretty touristy but cool to see.
If I Went Again: Bring warmer clothes for San Francisco!
How Did You Get There From Dallas? Fly to San Francisco. Rented a car to Napa (about an hour drive).
