My dearest blog readership,
When I started this blog so long ago (last Friday), I never could have imagined the joy it would have brought so many people. I know that I have changed many of your lives and that is the greatest accomplishment of my life so far.
Though I may have changed your life, the toll it has taken on me has been great. I am not sure you can imagine the pressure I have faced to entertain the masses of people who read this (one time there 61 page views in a day!). Because of this and the second job I will have to get to buy a new Iphone and to support my newly expensive wine drinking habbit, I will have little time to continue blogging in everyday life. Also, I was expecting book deals and movie offers, but those offers have not started rolling in yet.
What I can tell you (truthfully and sincerely) is that Mike and I had a great vacation exploring Yosemite, Wine Country and San Francisco. It was a perfect break that both of us needed and we are equally excited to get back to the routine of our every day life. Having the opportunity to share some of the experiences with all of you has been fun way to document the trip and even allowed me to reconnect with some olf friends. I am glad you guys enjoyed it!
Until my next vacation or until I feel like blogging again -
Yours,
Scott
PS. 6.5 hours to dessert and french fries.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Absinthe + Truck = No Iphone
Well here it is folks, the sad end to a storied vacation. As you can tell by the title: it ain't gonna end well.
We headed out to the Hayes Valley area of San Francisco to have some dinner at Absinthe. Since we arrived about an hour early, we decided to look for a bar to have a drink or 2. Note to all of you: there are no bars or restaurants with bars in Hayes Valley. OK maybe one. And we finally found it. But it wasn't even a real bar. I wish I could explain it you better but I am cranky, on a delayed flight home and without my Iphone. I hate to ruin a good story but you all knew it was coming.
Dinner at Absinthe was great. Food was well prepared and presented. But for some reason, I felt the need to end the meal with a shot of Absinthe. The last time I had absinthe was in the Czech Republic and I don't remember 3 days of the trip. Also, I don't like black licorice on crack so it took a while to get it all down -- even with the water, sugar cubes and Mike's obnoxiously girly raspberry lambic. I left Absinthe feeling good and with my Iphone. We caught a cab near the restaurant and headed over to Truck on Folsom Street. Now I have been to Truck one other time with my good friends Kristy and Scot. Truck is the type of place where if you straight doctor friends hang out in his boxers, you will drink for free. Not saying that happened, just saying it could happen.
Mike and I grabbed a beer and chilled in the back. Ok, Mike chilled I jittery acted absinthefied and probably very annoying. I do remember continually trying to be inconspicuous and pouring my beer in Mike's glass so I wouldn't have to drink it. I also remember taking a picture of the Truck logo on our table and texting it to Scot and Kristy WITH MY IPHONE. Within a short time we were ready to go. We walked a little and found a cab and headed back to the Hilton for our last night in Cali.
One thing I don't remember very clearly is where the heck my Iphone is right now. So I am leaving San Fran phoneless and cranky. A few thoughts:
We headed out to the Hayes Valley area of San Francisco to have some dinner at Absinthe. Since we arrived about an hour early, we decided to look for a bar to have a drink or 2. Note to all of you: there are no bars or restaurants with bars in Hayes Valley. OK maybe one. And we finally found it. But it wasn't even a real bar. I wish I could explain it you better but I am cranky, on a delayed flight home and without my Iphone. I hate to ruin a good story but you all knew it was coming.
Dinner at Absinthe was great. Food was well prepared and presented. But for some reason, I felt the need to end the meal with a shot of Absinthe. The last time I had absinthe was in the Czech Republic and I don't remember 3 days of the trip. Also, I don't like black licorice on crack so it took a while to get it all down -- even with the water, sugar cubes and Mike's obnoxiously girly raspberry lambic. I left Absinthe feeling good and with my Iphone. We caught a cab near the restaurant and headed over to Truck on Folsom Street. Now I have been to Truck one other time with my good friends Kristy and Scot. Truck is the type of place where if you straight doctor friends hang out in his boxers, you will drink for free. Not saying that happened, just saying it could happen.
Mike and I grabbed a beer and chilled in the back. Ok, Mike chilled I jittery acted absinthefied and probably very annoying. I do remember continually trying to be inconspicuous and pouring my beer in Mike's glass so I wouldn't have to drink it. I also remember taking a picture of the Truck logo on our table and texting it to Scot and Kristy WITH MY IPHONE. Within a short time we were ready to go. We walked a little and found a cab and headed back to the Hilton for our last night in Cali.
One thing I don't remember very clearly is where the heck my Iphone is right now. So I am leaving San Fran phoneless and cranky. A few thoughts:
- For those of you that are empathizing with me, I appreciate it.
- For those of you that may be getting rid calls and texts from my number right now, it is not me.
- For those of you that want to offer up suggestions like "Did you call the bar?": "What Taxi company did you use?"; "Maybe they can trace your phones whereabouts", thanks for the suggestions but I tried those.
- For those of you that are thinking, God that was the most amazing blog I have ever read, I should buy Scott a new phone, that can be arranged.
So we are on the plane after a 2 hour delay and heading back to NYC. I sprung for wireless since I don't have an Iphone or its many apps and songs to keep me busy. I will save my trip wrap up for my closing post. Oh and if you are still unclear, I lost my phone. And I will never drink absinthe again (until someone dares me to).
Friday, April 22, 2011
Sorry I have been gone so long
I haven't posted since yesterday and I apologize to the faithful followers.
Just a quick update...after a great dinner at Hurley's in Yountville we hung out at Luca with some of the Hotel folk. There was a local couple and two friends from Vancouver Island in Canada. We shared stories and some drinks by the outdoor fire. Cool night. I had kinda hoped for more hotel commoradie on the trip--you know like camp or something? This was our only dose and still very enjoyable.
We left Napa early this morning and started the drive to San Francisco. We took the least direct route opting to stop for some photos of the Golden Gate and Alcatraz. We then drove to the Hilton Union Square where we parked the car and did some touristy things around the area (City Lights Bookstore, Union Square shops, the Castro). We decided to have lunch some where in the Castro with our "family". There were plenty options - Catch (seafood) and The Sausage Factory (Italian) but we opted for Squat and Gobble (Sandwiches). Now for those of you who read that and think dirty thoughts, how dare you?!? I was just literally telling you our lunch options. Now if I told you the name of the nail salon/spa we saw, you could rightfully be offended.
Needless to type, we are both exhausted. It has been a great week but we are ready to get home, see Cody and head back into our routine. We rested a little this afternoon but headed out to Chinatown to look for Alcatraz for nieces. Ha.
Went to the gym (seriously yesterday I had huevos rancheros, In and Out, 5 Wine tastings, several glasses of wine, an appetizer pizza, blue cheese salad, Risotto...with healthy spring vegetables).
Headed out to Absinthe for dinner now and maybe back to the Castro to see the "family" again. Can anyone say "Truck"? They aren't requiring a password tonight but its still worth the show.
Until tomorrow where I will make sure you all get a great wrap up from the trip. I also will make a decision regarding my blog retirement. Stand by.
Just a quick update...after a great dinner at Hurley's in Yountville we hung out at Luca with some of the Hotel folk. There was a local couple and two friends from Vancouver Island in Canada. We shared stories and some drinks by the outdoor fire. Cool night. I had kinda hoped for more hotel commoradie on the trip--you know like camp or something? This was our only dose and still very enjoyable.
We left Napa early this morning and started the drive to San Francisco. We took the least direct route opting to stop for some photos of the Golden Gate and Alcatraz. We then drove to the Hilton Union Square where we parked the car and did some touristy things around the area (City Lights Bookstore, Union Square shops, the Castro). We decided to have lunch some where in the Castro with our "family". There were plenty options - Catch (seafood) and The Sausage Factory (Italian) but we opted for Squat and Gobble (Sandwiches). Now for those of you who read that and think dirty thoughts, how dare you?!? I was just literally telling you our lunch options. Now if I told you the name of the nail salon/spa we saw, you could rightfully be offended.
Needless to type, we are both exhausted. It has been a great week but we are ready to get home, see Cody and head back into our routine. We rested a little this afternoon but headed out to Chinatown to look for Alcatraz for nieces. Ha.
Went to the gym (seriously yesterday I had huevos rancheros, In and Out, 5 Wine tastings, several glasses of wine, an appetizer pizza, blue cheese salad, Risotto...with healthy spring vegetables).
Headed out to Absinthe for dinner now and maybe back to the Castro to see the "family" again. Can anyone say "Truck"? They aren't requiring a password tonight but its still worth the show.
Until tomorrow where I will make sure you all get a great wrap up from the trip. I also will make a decision regarding my blog retirement. Stand by.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Fake Francis Ford Coppola Sighting
We are sitting outside our room having a beer and a the bar next to us I spot a guy who I was sure was Francis Ford Coppola. I know realize he looks nothing like Francis Ford Coppola and a whole lot like George Lucas. Now I can see why FFC would be here but Lucas, nope. Bummer. I love famous people sightings.
Getting our Wine On: Day 3
And what a day it was....this was our "let's go to every winery we haven't hit but we don't want to miss and who cares if they are no where near each other" day. You know everyone has one of those.
The day started early as usual...I actually slept to the extra late time of 5:15 AM. We decided to head out to breakfast towards Healdsburg because we had a winery appointment at 11 AM there. We found this little breakfast place in Calistoga called Sarafornia. The name comes from Samuel Brennan. When he settled the town in the late 1800's he wanted to make the town similar to his home in Saratoga, NY. Get it. Saratoga - toga + California - Cali = Sarafornia. If you need some extra help with the naming I can meet with you separately. Though our food was great, our favorite part of the visit was the guy sitting next to us with the handlebar mustache. He was like 80 and he definitely spent his life perfecting it. Unlike his date who had a horrible time drawing in her eyebrows this morning.
After breakfast, we ran to Seghesio in Healdsburg. If you know Seghesio, it is probably for the Zins, but we found some other unique Italian like vintages that we loved - including another Barbara. Even better the place had bocce courts on premise. Bottle Count: 3.
Next we went to a winery that was recommended to us by several friends - Michel-Schlaumberger. They do organic reds and we took a tour of the grounds. It was really cool to see how they do things so differently than most vinyards to produce the wine organically. The tour would have been great if we didn't have to be with the other couple. Mike had passsed these people driving into the Dry Creek area. They were going 15 miles below the speed limit and swaying to some music. Of course when they showed up for the tour, you could say we were both estatic. The male portion of the couple could be described in so many ways but none of the ways would be positive. I hated how he asked questions that he knew the answer to but just wanted to ask so he would prove to all of us that he knew. He also talked about his Greenhouse and chickens that he has in his house in Brooklyn. Yes, Brooklyn NY. He mentioned his greenhouse 5 times (I literally counted.) and his wife showed us a picture of their chicken. I can't even tell you how much we wanted to leave them. Luckily we tasted an awesome Cab Sav from 1998 and bought 2 bottles. It was the best we tasted in the area.
On the way into the Mic-Schlaum ( That is what us wine geeks call it, and by us, I mean me), we saw a sign for a winery called Williamson Wines. For those of you who do not know, my last name is Williamson. Just in case I was some how related to these people, I felt I had to go. Of course, I told them immediately upon entering that my last name was Williamson and just as immediate they told me that they get countless Williamson's coming through he door. They had a great little set up though and they paired all the wines with a dessert or cheese. The Williamson's in my life are getting these wines as gifts. Hope they enjoy. Bottle Count: 4
The wine hostess asked if we would like lunch recommendations at one of the little restaurants in town and we weren't the least bit embarrassed to tell her that we were driving to the nearest In and Out Burger. You can't come to Cali and miss In and Out. We ordered off the secret menu because we are just that cool.
We then headed to Gundlach Bundschu, a winery I came to the last time I was in town. We had a great visit through the caves and our visit today was quick but we tasted some good reds. Bought a Cab Franc that we both liked.
Our final winery of the week was Elise outside of Yountville. We had a great bottle at Redd from here and wanted to try to fit it in. The wines did not disappoint. We really enjoyed Elise's little brother's label (Jacob Franklin)and bought the two wines in that label - a Petit Syrah and a Charbono. Of course we ran into some folks there from Canada and sadly we hated them too. Why would some one find it appropriate to say: "Your not like other New Yorkers. We like you." and then wrap it in a bow with the statement: "This is a compliment." Luckily Mike didn't get in to his aggressive stance since this was our 5th winery of the day. But really people of the world: It's probably best not to open your mouth at a winery unless you are tasting or you say "boy Scott, you are handsome, smart and funny".
Total Bottle Count:11
Grand Total bottles:29
The day started early as usual...I actually slept to the extra late time of 5:15 AM. We decided to head out to breakfast towards Healdsburg because we had a winery appointment at 11 AM there. We found this little breakfast place in Calistoga called Sarafornia. The name comes from Samuel Brennan. When he settled the town in the late 1800's he wanted to make the town similar to his home in Saratoga, NY. Get it. Saratoga - toga + California - Cali = Sarafornia. If you need some extra help with the naming I can meet with you separately. Though our food was great, our favorite part of the visit was the guy sitting next to us with the handlebar mustache. He was like 80 and he definitely spent his life perfecting it. Unlike his date who had a horrible time drawing in her eyebrows this morning.
After breakfast, we ran to Seghesio in Healdsburg. If you know Seghesio, it is probably for the Zins, but we found some other unique Italian like vintages that we loved - including another Barbara. Even better the place had bocce courts on premise. Bottle Count: 3.
Next we went to a winery that was recommended to us by several friends - Michel-Schlaumberger. They do organic reds and we took a tour of the grounds. It was really cool to see how they do things so differently than most vinyards to produce the wine organically. The tour would have been great if we didn't have to be with the other couple. Mike had passsed these people driving into the Dry Creek area. They were going 15 miles below the speed limit and swaying to some music. Of course when they showed up for the tour, you could say we were both estatic. The male portion of the couple could be described in so many ways but none of the ways would be positive. I hated how he asked questions that he knew the answer to but just wanted to ask so he would prove to all of us that he knew. He also talked about his Greenhouse and chickens that he has in his house in Brooklyn. Yes, Brooklyn NY. He mentioned his greenhouse 5 times (I literally counted.) and his wife showed us a picture of their chicken. I can't even tell you how much we wanted to leave them. Luckily we tasted an awesome Cab Sav from 1998 and bought 2 bottles. It was the best we tasted in the area.
On the way into the Mic-Schlaum ( That is what us wine geeks call it, and by us, I mean me), we saw a sign for a winery called Williamson Wines. For those of you who do not know, my last name is Williamson. Just in case I was some how related to these people, I felt I had to go. Of course, I told them immediately upon entering that my last name was Williamson and just as immediate they told me that they get countless Williamson's coming through he door. They had a great little set up though and they paired all the wines with a dessert or cheese. The Williamson's in my life are getting these wines as gifts. Hope they enjoy. Bottle Count: 4
The wine hostess asked if we would like lunch recommendations at one of the little restaurants in town and we weren't the least bit embarrassed to tell her that we were driving to the nearest In and Out Burger. You can't come to Cali and miss In and Out. We ordered off the secret menu because we are just that cool.
We then headed to Gundlach Bundschu, a winery I came to the last time I was in town. We had a great visit through the caves and our visit today was quick but we tasted some good reds. Bought a Cab Franc that we both liked.
Our final winery of the week was Elise outside of Yountville. We had a great bottle at Redd from here and wanted to try to fit it in. The wines did not disappoint. We really enjoyed Elise's little brother's label (Jacob Franklin)and bought the two wines in that label - a Petit Syrah and a Charbono. Of course we ran into some folks there from Canada and sadly we hated them too. Why would some one find it appropriate to say: "Your not like other New Yorkers. We like you." and then wrap it in a bow with the statement: "This is a compliment." Luckily Mike didn't get in to his aggressive stance since this was our 5th winery of the day. But really people of the world: It's probably best not to open your mouth at a winery unless you are tasting or you say "boy Scott, you are handsome, smart and funny".
Total Bottle Count:11
Grand Total bottles:29
No dessert for you
Last night we went to Michael Chiarello's Bottega in Yountville. I almost didn't want to go because he was such a jerky pants the times I have seen him on Top Chef. And we all know that reality TV portrays everyone completely accurately so I knew had to be a poo head to all his staff too. But because I will always throw aside my values and morals for food, I went.
The restaurant was in the Villagio/Vintage Inn complex where Andy and Leigh Blum were married and had a cool rustic feel to it. We had a great server who have us some cool recommendations but I think we already knew what we wanted. We decided that none of the Secondi looked that great to us so we would just do starters and pastas. I had the brussell sprout and egg salad with a citrus vinaigrette and Mike had the some crab salad that I refuse to describe on grounds that I officially still hate seafood. We also split the burrata and spring pea dish as well. I love the brussell sprouts and was very disappointed with the burrata dish. For dinner we had a Bolognese pasta and a potato raviolo filled with ricotta, spinach and black truffle. Notice I said raviolo because that sucker was the size of my head. Both were great and we each became a member of the clean plate club.
Mike did a sweet thing where he ordered for us. He did a great job but I he had some help since I had been studying the menu for 2 days and talking to him about every dish. The ordering for me produced the most awkward moment of the dinner though when he brought out dessert menus. Mike loves Panna Cotta so he ordered a really good looking one on the menu. When the waiter turned to me to ask if I wanted any dessert, I just said "I wish" in a depressed and heartbreaking voice. Somehow this came off really wierd and uncomfortable. The waiter looked at me then looked at Mike like "Can't you let this little guy have some dessert. He behaved." He walked a way and shook his head thinking that I was a prisoner and was probably going to have to go back to my dungeon after dinner. He brought one spoon and was careful not to put it near me. I guess I could have mentioned I gave up dessert for lent but what the heck?
More wineries today. More dangovers. (Has that word caught on yet?)
The restaurant was in the Villagio/Vintage Inn complex where Andy and Leigh Blum were married and had a cool rustic feel to it. We had a great server who have us some cool recommendations but I think we already knew what we wanted. We decided that none of the Secondi looked that great to us so we would just do starters and pastas. I had the brussell sprout and egg salad with a citrus vinaigrette and Mike had the some crab salad that I refuse to describe on grounds that I officially still hate seafood. We also split the burrata and spring pea dish as well. I love the brussell sprouts and was very disappointed with the burrata dish. For dinner we had a Bolognese pasta and a potato raviolo filled with ricotta, spinach and black truffle. Notice I said raviolo because that sucker was the size of my head. Both were great and we each became a member of the clean plate club.
Mike did a sweet thing where he ordered for us. He did a great job but I he had some help since I had been studying the menu for 2 days and talking to him about every dish. The ordering for me produced the most awkward moment of the dinner though when he brought out dessert menus. Mike loves Panna Cotta so he ordered a really good looking one on the menu. When the waiter turned to me to ask if I wanted any dessert, I just said "I wish" in a depressed and heartbreaking voice. Somehow this came off really wierd and uncomfortable. The waiter looked at me then looked at Mike like "Can't you let this little guy have some dessert. He behaved." He walked a way and shook his head thinking that I was a prisoner and was probably going to have to go back to my dungeon after dinner. He brought one spoon and was careful not to put it near me. I guess I could have mentioned I gave up dessert for lent but what the heck?
More wineries today. More dangovers. (Has that word caught on yet?)
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Getting our Wine On: Day 2
And get it on we did. I am just saying, we visited 4 wineries before lunch. Here is the run down:
Kevin our driver picked us up right at 10 AM. He actually ended up being pretty cool and really did want to take us to wineries we liked and introduce us to some small, family wineries
Arger-Martucci - This was a small winery that was in back of a family house. We actually sat out by the pool. We tried several wines but really enjoyed the Cab Franc and Cab Sav. We also enjoyed Cinnamon, the boxer dog. She hung out with us by the pool. Fun fact about Cinnamon - she is Ms. February in the 2010 Wine Dog calendar. Bottle Count: 2
Peju - Sadly this was a our least favorite winery of the trip so far. Nothing special. We talked the server to let us taste the Zinfandel Port. It was good so we bought it but the Cab Sav was boring. Bottle Count: 1
Rubicon - This was our fast food visit. We ran in and ran out. Great property and owned by Francis Ford Coppola. We did taste the famous 150 dollar Rubicon and enjoyed it but not enough to splurge. Instead we loved the Pinot Noir and bought that. Bottle Count: 1
Cakebread - This was one we were really looking forward to. And we enjoyed. Everything we tasted was great and James, our host, really liked us because we got to taste a lot of extra wines. We also hung with four fun ladies from Southern California. So we might have needed to take a break tasting at this point because I actually poured my left over tasting in the community water jug rather than the spit jar. This poor woman went to drink it. Glad she had a good sense of humor. James told me to put it there. Oops. Um, we ended up with 5 bottles (two are gifts) and BONUS - we joined the wine club.
Then we took a break for lunch at Taylor's Refresher. This is a great burger stop in St. Helena. Definitely a must stop.
Feilla - Feilla was recommended to us by Kevin our driver. We told him that Mike really likes Pinot Noir's and this place did not disappoint. The wine maker came in and hung out with us. He was an awesome guy - Aaron Jordan. Great Pinots. And another wine dog. Lola. Guess what? Lola looks exactly like Lolly, my parent's dog. Sisters from a different mother.
Chase - Chase was recommended because we love old vine Zins. They were OK. We ended up buying a Petit Syrah that was great. And some Chocolate Zinfandel sauce. Bingo. I didn't try it because of my dessert deprival. But 4 days and counting.
All in all a great day. We really found some different wineries that were fun. I would definitely recommend going to some of the smaller, mom and pop wineries if you are ever out here.
Sadly other than almost making some lady drink my watered down spit, nothing too crazy happened. Just and enjoyable day
Pics here
http://www.facebook.com/scottjwilliamson#!/media/set/fbx/?set=a.10100967704673891.3369040.2026229
Kevin our driver picked us up right at 10 AM. He actually ended up being pretty cool and really did want to take us to wineries we liked and introduce us to some small, family wineries
Arger-Martucci - This was a small winery that was in back of a family house. We actually sat out by the pool. We tried several wines but really enjoyed the Cab Franc and Cab Sav. We also enjoyed Cinnamon, the boxer dog. She hung out with us by the pool. Fun fact about Cinnamon - she is Ms. February in the 2010 Wine Dog calendar. Bottle Count: 2
Peju - Sadly this was a our least favorite winery of the trip so far. Nothing special. We talked the server to let us taste the Zinfandel Port. It was good so we bought it but the Cab Sav was boring. Bottle Count: 1
Rubicon - This was our fast food visit. We ran in and ran out. Great property and owned by Francis Ford Coppola. We did taste the famous 150 dollar Rubicon and enjoyed it but not enough to splurge. Instead we loved the Pinot Noir and bought that. Bottle Count: 1
Cakebread - This was one we were really looking forward to. And we enjoyed. Everything we tasted was great and James, our host, really liked us because we got to taste a lot of extra wines. We also hung with four fun ladies from Southern California. So we might have needed to take a break tasting at this point because I actually poured my left over tasting in the community water jug rather than the spit jar. This poor woman went to drink it. Glad she had a good sense of humor. James told me to put it there. Oops. Um, we ended up with 5 bottles (two are gifts) and BONUS - we joined the wine club.
Then we took a break for lunch at Taylor's Refresher. This is a great burger stop in St. Helena. Definitely a must stop.
Feilla - Feilla was recommended to us by Kevin our driver. We told him that Mike really likes Pinot Noir's and this place did not disappoint. The wine maker came in and hung out with us. He was an awesome guy - Aaron Jordan. Great Pinots. And another wine dog. Lola. Guess what? Lola looks exactly like Lolly, my parent's dog. Sisters from a different mother.
Chase - Chase was recommended because we love old vine Zins. They were OK. We ended up buying a Petit Syrah that was great. And some Chocolate Zinfandel sauce. Bingo. I didn't try it because of my dessert deprival. But 4 days and counting.
All in all a great day. We really found some different wineries that were fun. I would definitely recommend going to some of the smaller, mom and pop wineries if you are ever out here.
Sadly other than almost making some lady drink my watered down spit, nothing too crazy happened. Just and enjoyable day
Pics here
http://www.facebook.com/scottjwilliamson#!/media/set/fbx/?set=a.10100967704673891.3369040.2026229
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