The Godfrey

The Godfrey Hotel is Open For Business! They threw a fabulous ribbon cutting shindig a couple weeks ago. It was exciting to experience the finished modern space including a sleek futuristic lobby with a bustling bar, as well as their plush, calming rooms after the hard hat tour I attended a couple months ago.

There is still more to look forward to as the adjoining George Howell Coffee opens in the Spring and the restaurant details are to be determined.... 

Tiger Mama

A couple Fridays ago after the usual post work drinks and debating where to have dinner, I remembered that Tiffani Faison recently opened Tiger Mama. We arrived to a two hour wait for a table but lucky us, snagged seats at the crowded bar where service was convivial and on point. 

Our cities beloved Top Chef Alum has done it again. Tiger Mama is a GEM. Tiffani's playful take on Southeast Asian food is terrific. Dishes are spicy, crispy, bold, adventurous and inspired. The space transports you - décor is funky and exotic, it gives a vibe in line with the food. 

After some bracingly good cocktails that included an Indo Fizz ($11) old monk 7 year, tumeric-coconut milk, lime, ginger honey syrup, whole egg and the Flushing/Main St ($13) white oak, dolin blanc, chartreuse, cacao, angostura - I made friends with their disco-ball elephant hostess. 

We ate Crispy Chili Potatoes ($6) with a sneaky spicy mayo, Hamachi Crudo ($15) with crispy dosa, viet herbs and a sesame mushroom aioli, and a Crispy Green Papaya Salad ($7) with mint and tomato chili vinaigrette. I was highly impressed with all three! We were planning to order more food but these generous portions filled us right up. I can't wait to visit again. 

Tiger Mama

1363 Boylston St.

Boston, MA 02215

the girl & the fig | Sonoma

 

 

After an incredible day exploring Napa Valley, in swooped The Girl and The Fig (literally! they called us that morning to announce their early re-opening and to book our reservations off the wait list!) A Sonoma dream come true! Serving rustic country fare with a French passion, this is truly the restaurant in Sonoma not to miss. While our waiters demeanor left a little something to be desired, the food and drink far outshine the minor gripe. I don't eat Flounder often but this was by far one of the best versions; in fact, I'd go so far as to say one the most beautifully prepared fish dishes, ever. 

Fig Fashioned ($12) Buffalo Trace Bourbon, fig liquor, fig, orange, cherry, house made bitters

Charred Brussels Sprouts ($11) roasted shallots, braised coppa, chili gastrique

Goat Cheese Sampler ($15) three selections of local artisan goat cheese, fig cake, compote, spiced nuts, lavender honey

 Wild Flounder Meuniere ($27) yukon gold potato puree, cello spinach, lemon caper brown butter

The Girl & The Fig

110 West Spain Street

Sonoma, CA 95476

Napa Valley Wine Tasting

Last week had me exhausted between a busy work week and dealing with a close co-workers death.

I was all set to hit publish on this post and out of nowhere the content deleted on me. I have very rarely had this issue with blogger over the last 6 years, but when it happens, it's frustrating to say the least. I had detailed musings and opinions about each winery and all the photographs just right. I'm sure it goes without saying, loosing a loved one almost out of nowhere to cancer (my heart huts for her family) certainly puts a lot in perspective.

So, Napa Valley with no words will suffice - for now at least. I loved our time here. Please let me know if you have any specific questions about the wineries we visited. If you go - I would highly recommend Intimate Wine Tours. A personal concierge in wine country was a must for us. The company was great to work with from start to finish.

{Domaine Carneros}
 

Domaine Carneros

10 am - 5:30 pm daily // reservations required // tastings start at $30
1240 Duhig Rd, 

Napa, CA 94559

{Artessa Vineyards + Winery}

Artessa Winery
10 am - 5 pm daily // Reserve Tasting: 5 wines for $25

1345 Henry Rd

Napa, CA 94559

{Oxbow Public Market: Lunch at Ca'Momi Enoteca}

Oxbow Public Market

610 & 644 1st Street

Napa, CA 94559

{Caymus Vineyards}

Caymus Vineyards

$30 tasting fee // includes complimentary signature glass

8700 Conn Creek Rd

Rutherford, CA 94573

{Inglenook}

Inglenook

Inglenook Experience // tour of the chateau + infinity caves // seated tasting + cheese pairing // $50

1991 St Helena Hwy

Rutherford, CA 94573  

{Peju Winery}

Peju Province Winery

classic tastings start at $25 in a presentation style setting
8466 St Helena Hwy

Rutherford, CA 94573

  I'm hopeful you could gather a decent amount from my photos anyways: Domaine Carneros to start the morning off with bubbly, Artessa for panoramic views and unique art installations and Inglenook for an infinity caves tour + cheese pairing. The best wines we tasted were at Caymus, Inglenook and Peju!