Author: Mapgirl

I eat. I pray. I read. I write. I share. Here.

Just finished…Treasure Island

Enjoyed reading my first Robert Lewis Stevenson novel, Treasure Island. What a bright, lively story! Nothing overworked or old-fashioned- which I confess I half expected. The classics are classics for a reason.  I was hooked immediately when old sea captain, Billy Bones mysteriously takes up residence in the seaside inn  Jim Hawkin’s family runs. He rants, he raves, he drinks rum, and he’s gripped with fear of The Black Spot! The pirating and adventures soon move out to sea! Long John Silver is alive – and both terrible and irresistible to young Jim Hawkins.  A fine, fantastic yarn, “And you may lay to that!”, as Long John would say!  Do I like it even more because it is a story with a map? Of course!

Steve and Dee – San Diego dreamin’

[slideshow]So, yes keeping current with eat,pray,read is a challenge. That’s because life involves all of that and more! Let’s go back to February for today…the past is still with us, and to be cherished.

Visiting Steve and Dee at their home in Carlsbad California was the finale to our wonderful Cali vacation.

Steve challenged me the other day by reminding me that I had neglected to post highlights of the visit – despite the fact that we talked about books and ate wonderful meals, and walked the beautiful, peaceful beaches!

Some of the books:

The Wave, In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean, by Susan Casey

The White Tiger, by Aravind Adiga

Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes

Ahab’s Wife, by Sena Jeter Naslund

We went whale watching in San Diego harbor. Hence Ahab’s Wife was mentioned. Steve was reading The White Tiger on cd while in his car on the lovely drive down the coast to the San Diego Salt Mines called his office.   The Wave is another recommendation from my ‘still surfin’ cousin. And Matterhorn, which is sounding like a man-book being read by a guy who likes man-books as well as great food, wine, and family time!  Wonderful people. Wonderful place! Timeless!

Mise en place in JD’s kitchen

When my niece Angela married JD, I knew right away that the family was welcoming a great guy who will always bring Angela and their young family joy, security, and oh yeah, great cooking skills!  Until our recent visit to their lovely home, I had only heard of JD’s  passion for cooking.  We were treated to a wonderful fish stew on Saturday evening (a secret recipe that does not leave JD’s “iron chef” grip), and some great appetizers including homemade guacamole and bacon wrapped, cream cheese stuffed jalapenos!  I learned that even a “pepper-phobe” can enjoy a grilled jalapeno when the seeds and ribs are removed with good, precise knife skills. 

What impressed me further was the orderly use of what can’t be more than an 18 inch x 36 inch workspace. The man is the master of mise en place,  or”everything in place”.  Good prep makes the meal, and cleaning up as you go allows the chef and guests to relax and enjoy!

So, to all  who whine about needing more counterspace, take a lesson from the great chefs who learn to excel in their humble kitchens while managing to make it look easy and taste fabulous!

JD, you are welcome to cook with us and our “Best West” group anytime you visit!  Bon appetit!

Always talk to a good bartender, like Corey at Hotel Yountville – a 10 year update!

The Hotel Yountville is comfortable, simple, classic. The stone, wood, and bright accents of turquoise fabric are fresh and inviting.  But it was our hotel bartender Corey, who shared his tips for a perfectly lovely way to enjoy the valley that only a local would know.  Here, I share an abbreviated version of his a simple afternoon plan for fun in the Napa sun. Drive North out of Yountville on the Silverado Trail to St. Helena.  Head for Napa Valley Olive Oil Company for their homemade pepperoni, olive oils, dry sausage, cheese and bread. Do you see where we’re going here?  **Caveat time! Orignial post was dated 2012 and the picnic spot at Rutherford Hill Winery now requires reservations and a $30 per person charge plus a bottle purchase. It is still a lovely hillside picnic spot – just not a freebie! After that, for us it was back to Yountville where we rode bicycles provided to hotel guests over to Domaine Chandon Tasting Bar . 11:00 am – 4 pm reservations required.  And finally, back to the hotel for a calm, relaxing swim. Cheers!

Cheers, Corey!

Rainy Tuesday at Coppola’s Rustic

Drove in the mist and rain. Lunch at Rustic which is an inviting restaurant at the Coppola winery in Geyserville. Perfect spot to stop since we were told that Napa Valley wineries don’t serve food – so as not to compete with restaurants.  As if you need another reason to drive north past cute, colorful Calistoga and wind through the roads at the foot of Mt. St. Helena into the heart of Alexander Valley.  Francis, (as every staff member refers to him), also owns another winery down in Rutherford – which has gone by several names.  Originally Inglenook, rercently Rubicon, it will be once again known as Inglenook with plans to restore the name since the quality has always been highly regarded.

Back to Rustic, which features an authentic Argentine grill known as a parrilla giving diners the anticipation of  delicious wood smoke flavor!  We also learned of a featured event called a tavola, which means “to the table.”  The chef prepares a variety of dishes and sends the “to the table.”  No ordering off no stinking menu – trust thy chef (every Tuesday).

Rustic was  preparing to host an “American Mulefoot Pig and Wine Dinner” the following night.  A local Heritage Pig Farmer, Amy Grabish was slated to preside over the night’s feast.  Too bad we had to be on our way.

Four on site Bocce courts, a swimming pool and movie gallery make this place unique.  Although the rain kept any of that from being possible, that is ok.  We came for the wine and food and were treated to a warm welcome.   It’s an offer we couldn’t refuse!

2/7/2012