NapaLife · • Desserts include loukoumades, Greek beignets, and of course baklava • Hummus with...
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1 NapaLife NapaLife For those who live in Napa Valley– and those who wish they did An Insider’s Look at Napa Valley Volume 15, Number 24, June 15, 2020 New restaurants open despite Coronavirus Nick the Greek opens In spite of Covid-19, eating places continue to open. Nick the Greek has finally opened in the space that was once destined to be Nostimo, another Greek fast-food concept, at Soscol and Lincoln. Nick the Greek is a small but fast-growing chain based in San Jose and yes, there is a Nick the Greek, though he’s not the famous gambler. I’ve been anxious for it to open, even though Small World and Tarla both offer similar or the same treats. The food seems authentic to that I’ve had on treasured trips to Greece, including rolled (not split) pitas of slices of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie (gyro) and pork souvlaki (shish kebabs) rather than the lamb we often regard as traditional. Here are some of the treats: • Gyros and pitas are $9.95; they include a seasoned beef and lamb mix, chicken, pork, falafel, veggie, chicken and pork souvlaki. • Gyro bowls are a choice of any meat or falafel, basmati rice, romaine lettuce, onions, tomatoes, English cucumbers, feta and red wine vinaigrette topped with tzatziki and spicy yogurt $10.45 • Chicken or pork or souvlaki gyro plate $13.95 • Kids plate $7.95 • Soups and salads are $8.50- $9.95 • Avgolemono soup $5.50 • Fries (they make great fries in Greece) • Desserts include loukoumades, Greek beignets, and of course baklava • Hummus with pita is $6.50 The website for the menu is www.nickthegreeksj.com and you can call 927-5802. They don’t seem to sell beer or wine but there’s a liquor store next door. The address is 721 Lincoln Ave., Napa. It’s open Saturday, Sunday and Monday from noon to 7 p.m., closed Tuesday, and open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.
Transcript of NapaLife · • Desserts include loukoumades, Greek beignets, and of course baklava • Hummus with...
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NapaLife For those who live in Napa Valley– and those who wish they
did
An Insider’s Look at Napa Valley Volume 15, Number 24, June 15, 2020
New restaurants open despite Coronavirus Nick the Greek opens
In spite of Covid-19, eating places continue to open.
Nick the Greek has finally opened in the space that was once destined to be Nostimo, another Greek fast-food concept, at Soscol and Lincoln.
Nick the Greek is a small but fast-growing chain based in San Jose and yes, there is a Nick the Greek, though he’s not the famous gambler.
I’ve been anxious for it to open, even though Small World and Tarla both offer similar or the same treats.
The food seems authentic to that I’ve had on treasured trips to Greece, including rolled (not split) pitas of slices of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie (gyro) and pork souvlaki (shish kebabs) rather than the lamb we often regard as traditional. Here are some of the treats:
• Gyros and pitas are $9.95; they include a seasoned beef and lamb mix, chicken, pork, falafel, veggie, chicken and pork souvlaki.
• Gyro bowls are a choice of any meat or falafel, basmati rice, romaine lettuce, onions, tomatoes, English cucumbers, feta and red wine vinaigrette topped with tzatziki and spicy yogurt $10.45
• Chicken or pork or souvlaki gyro plate $13.95
• Kids plate $7.95
• Soups and salads are $8.50- $9.95
• Avgolemono soup $5.50
• Fries (they make great fries in Greece)
• Desserts include loukoumades, Greek beignets, and of course baklava
• Hummus with pita is $6.50
The website for the menu is www.nickthegreeksj.com and you can call 927-5802.
They don’t seem to sell beer or wine but there’s a liquor store next door.
The address is 721 Lincoln Ave., Napa. It’s open Saturday, Sunday and Monday from noon to 7 p.m., closed Tuesday, and open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.
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First & Franklin Marketplace adding tables, umbrellas and delivery
I’ve heard more interest in the new First & Franklin Marketplace than almost any eatery I’ve mentioned in almost 15 years. People were really ready for a deli, particularly after the only one, Subway, closed — even if it was mediocre. I’ve heard many raves over the sandwiches and service at First & Franklin.
First & Franklin replaces the old Tourist Information Center, the store visitors
often confused with the official Visit Napa Valley site, which is moving to First Street Napa this year.
First & Franklin is still in its soft opening phase so only offers food to go right now but will be adding about 16 tables, umbrellas and planters on the wide sidewalk outside in the next week to help further a lively (and comfortable) street dining scene in downtown Napa.
They’ll add delivery soon, too. Check out the menu at firstandfranklin.com. They offer named sandwiches from $10 to $14 or build one for $11.
They also have side salads for $4 plus Cobb, Caesar, garden and the inevitable kale salads from $10 to $15.
The Marketplace is owned by Chuck Meyer, one of the owners of Napa Palisades Saloon, and developer/broker Michael Holcomb and his wife Claire.
It sells wine and beer and will add tasting from a number of wineries soon.
The website is firstandfranklin.com. Call 252-1000 to order. The address is 1331 First St.
Bar Lucia open in Oxbow Public Market
Bar Lucia will open in Oxbow Public Market on June 18 with a limited menu, and full menu starting in July.
Bar Lucia is created and designed by Napa Valley resident Kara Haspel Lind, founder of Kara’s Cupcakes.
Located adjacent to Kara’s in the south end of the main market hall, Bar Lucia features rosé and sparkling wines with a menu of seasonal light bites designed to pair with local wines.
Bar Lucia’s menu will include a selection of artisan salads and panini sandwiches, with
many of the garden greens, herbs and stone fruits on the menu grown in Kara’s Napa Valley backyard.
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Lappert’s Ice Cream comes to the Oxbow
Just in time for summer, the Lappert’s Ice Cream cart will be available to customers at Oxbow Public Market. It’s on the Live Fire Pizza open-air deck on the east side of the market.
A fixture in Sausalito since the 1980s, Lappert’s will offer 16 flavors, including cones, dipped waffle cones, sundaes, hand-packed pints and ice cream sandwiches.
Lappert’s Ice Cream will be open from noon to closing from Friday through Sunday, with additional days added soon.
For more information, visit www.oxbowpublicmarket.com.
All Seasons Bistro and Archetype closing permanently
All Seasons Bistro & Wine Shop in Calistoga won’t re-open after 37 years announced owners Alex and Gayle Dierkhising in the Calistoga Tribune. It was another victim of Covid-19. Their Hydro Grill will remain open.
A notice on Open Table says that Archetype in St. Helena is closed permanently, too.
Roadhouse 29 in St. Helena and Reddwood in Yountville have also closed for good.
Redd in Yountville is being used to deliver take-out food for Ad Hoc/Addendum next door, but the owners (including chef Thomas Keller) are reportedly seeking someone to open a restaurant in the space.
The Merryvale Burger experience is back
The Merryvale Burger Butler experience has returned in St. Helena. Avoid the crowds at Gott’s Roadside by reserving a burger and wine tasting in Merryvale’s Cask Room.Details are at www.merryvale.com.
Morimoto reopens for take-out
Morimoto has reopened for takeout and curbside pickup seven days a week, from noon to 8 p.m. The menu offers a variety of hot and cold appetizers, sushi, sashimi and maki.
Napa Valley restaurants slip off Chronicle radar
The San Francisco Chronicle’s relatively new restaurant critic, Soleil Ho, is applying new standards to judging restaurants, including social responsibility and diversity as well as innovation, and she also admits that she hasn’t had time to evaluate many of the hundreds of restaurants in the paper’s implied territory.
Her first list of 100 Top Bay Area restaurants is very different from earlier ones. The only restaurants she blesses in Napa Valley are The French Laundry, The Restaurant at Meadowood and The Charter Oak from Christopher Kostow, also chef at the Restaurant at Meadowood.
I think a better approach might be for the Chronicle to stay closer to home. Napa and Sonoma are really very different places. After all, Napa County doesn’t even front San Francisco Bay. It’s easy to argue that it’s not part of the Bay Area.
After all, the list already mostly ignores Santa Cara County, which is larger than San Francisco. Maybe its critics should approach Napa like it does a trip to another dining destination, like Paris or New York.
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Explore our backyard
Visit Napa Valley and the Napa Valley Vintners are inviting the Napa Valley community to support local businesses by rediscovering their own backyard.
As part of their #NVSpirit campaign, hospitality-related businesses, including hotels, wineries, restaurants and retailers, have created an “Explore Your Backyard” offer for residents. Valid through July 31, it includes more than 60 offers with savings of 20 percent or more to inspire us to “dine, sip, shop, and stay” in Napa Valley and support the people who work in wine and tourism. The offers are posted on www.NapaValleySpirit.com.
The website also includes a chance to enter to win a Napa Valley Staycation for two guests. The package includes a two-night stay at Vista Collina Resort in Napa, a picnic breakfast basket with sparkling wine, a wine tasting at Trinitas Cellars, dinner at Olive & Hay, a tour and tasting at Inglenook, a Gourmet Express lunch on the Napa Valley Wine Train, a gift certificate for $200 to Coqueta in Yountville and a Mercantile 12 gift tote filled with locally made items.
Applicants must live or work in Napa County. Entries will be accepted through June 30.
Suggested itineraries for American Canyon, Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga are posted on the website.
First Street Napa introduces discount card
First Street Napa has introduced the FSN Recovery Card loyalty program, a new #WeLoveYouNapa art wall and the chance to explore new retail offerings.
The FSN Recovery Card provides cardholders with access to perks, promotions and discounts at First Street Napa businesses. All benefits are listed on the First Street Napa website at www.firststreetnapa.com, and 100% proceeds from the purchase of the card will go to Ole Health. The card is valid in July and August, and costs $50 at donorperfect.com.
Napa-based contemporary artist Mikey Kelly is creating the new mural with a heart and “#WeLoveYouNapa” message.
New tenants have opened recently, including I-Elle, a contemporary women’s clothing store, and a pet boutique, Milo & Friends.
In the coming months, Copperfield’s Books and specialty children’s boutique Cupcake will open.
Planned fall openings include the official Napa Valley Welcome Center and Spaces co-working hub.
First Street Napa is also home to Archer Hotel Napa, Brown Estate Wines, Charlie Palmer Steak Napa, Compass Realty, Compline wine bar + restaurant, Cyclesociety, Eiko’s Sushi, Kalifornia Jean Bar, lululemon, Macbella, Makers Market, Mayacamas Downtown, Mecox, Milo & Friends, Napastäk Napa Valley, Napa Valley Jewelers, Overland, Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar, State & First by Maris Collective, Tommy Bahama and the John Anthony Family of Wines office, Silicon Valley Bank office and Wayfarer, Wade Cellars and Newfound Wines office.
Crocker & Starr local food and wine special
Crocker & Starr offers Napa Neighbors a keepsake bento box with a built-in bamboo cutting board and filled with cheeses and charcuterie for two. Sip estate wines from Crocker & Starr logo glasses and enjoy the St. Helena vineyard view. This plus a carryall Crocker & Starr bag is complimentary with the purchase of four or more bottles.
They need 48 hours’ notice for pickup. See www.crockerstarr.com
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What’s open in Napa Valley?
Napa Valley tourism and wine groups as well as NapaLife are compiling lists of businesses that have or are about to reopen following the shutdown for the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes hotels, restaurants and wineries.
NapaLife has lists of wineries open at www.napalife.com/wineryreopening.pdf
The NapaLife list of restaurants serving on premises is at www.napalife.com/dinein.pdf.
Visit Napa Valley has multiple extensive lists at www.visitnapavalley.com.
Napa Valley Vintners lists the wineries that are open at napavintners.com.
The Napa Downtown Association has a list of businesses open at donapa.com
The Yountville Chamber of Commerce list of open businesses is at yountville.com.
The St. Helena Chamber of Commerce list of businesses and their status is at www.sthelena.com.
The Calistoga Chamber of Commerce has a list of businesses open at visitcalistoga.com
Nevertheless, I’d call, email or check the website before heading out. Wineries require reservations and most restaurants do, too.
Lang & Reed tasting salon now open
The new Lang & Reed tasting salon is open at 1200 Oak Ave. in St. Helena.
See langandreed.com, call 963-7547 or email [email protected] to make a reservation.
Hotel news Beazley House to become boutique hotel
John Anthony and Michele Truchard, who bought Napa’s historic Beazley House in 2019, have announced plans to turn it into a boutique hotel.
Beazley House, at 1910 First St., was founded by the Beazleys two decades ago.
It’s now closed and the new hotel property is slated to open in early 2022. Details on the renovation will be available in the coming months.
Hotels reopening
Most hotels have reopened or will imminently. These have told us their plans:
In Napa, Andaz and Carneros Resort and Spa are open. Napa River Inn and Meritage Resort and Spa, which stayed open for necessary travelers, have reopened to recreation travelers. Vista Collina Resort plans to reopen on June 19.
In St. Helena (thanks to St. Helena Chamber of Commerce), open are El Bonita, Harvest Inn, Meadowood, Napa Farmhouse Inn, Wine Country Inn and Wydown Hotel.
Vineyard Country Inn will reopen June 15, Salvestrin Inn will reopen June 19 and Las Alcobas will not reopen until Aug. 1.
Mount View, Solage and Calistoga Ranch in Calistoga are also open.
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Community news Two interesting properties for sale in Napa
Broker Michael Holcomb’s team at Strong & Hayden has two interesting properties for sale downtown, one a four-unit 1864 Mission Revival unit that was Napa’s first multi-unit apartment and one a surprisingly large commercial complex on First Street designed by famed Napa architect Luther Turton.
The apartment building is the pink beauty at Seminary and Calistoga streets, steps from downtown. You’ve surely noticed the pink building with the crenelated parapets. It contains three two-bedroom and one three-bedroom apartments full of period details including working fireplaces and 12-ft. ceilings.
See www.1415calistogaavenue.com.
It is priced at $2.5 million and you can contact Diana Gelow at 337-8427 or [email protected].
The other property for sale is deceptive from the street.
It’s an 1893 American Anne Tudor Revival that looks like a modest house but is zoned commercial non-conforming and comprises nine private offices in 3,200 sq. ft. plus a 500-sq.-ft. garage converted into an office and a 400-sq.-ft. barn with a spiral staircase.
The address is 2033 First St. and it’s priced at $1.5 million.
Contact Michael Holcomb at 294-2944 or [email protected].
Large resort development planned in southeaster Lake County
David Stoneberg, the editor of the St. Helena Star, who lives in Hidden Valley in Lake County, alerted us that once again an ambitious plan has emerged for developing Guenoc Valley.
The last proposal was from winery mogul and former owner Bill Foley, who sold most of the property but retains the operational and historic buildings that comprise Guenoc and Langtry estates.
This time, it’s a big resort with many hotels Click on map to see large version containing up to 400 rooms, 1,400
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residential estates, restaurants, 450 resort residential units and commercial space for a part of 16,000 acres in southeastern Lake County 24 miles from Calistoga.
The Lake County Community Development Department has released a 728-page draft environmental impact report for the Guenoc Valley mixed-use project. It requires much rezoning plus amendments to the county’s general plan. Lake County is a lot more anxious for development than Napa County, but it still tries to encourage residential development in its small cities. (It does encourage resorts.)
The applicant is Lotusland Investment Group, based in Hong Kong, San Francisco and Guenoc Valley. Development partners are Adrian Zecha and Jonathan Breene.
The project is composed of 49 parcels totaling 25 square miles at 22000 Butts Canyon Road near Middletown.
Initial phases don’t envision restoring the defunct 18-hole golf course, with some of that land targeted for employee housing.
The project also plans housing for employees in Middletown, a total of 500 workforce units in all.
The first phase is expected to take 10 years to build. It will include five boutique hotels with 127 hotel units and 141 resort residential units, 401 residential estate villas and up to 100 workforce co-housing bedroom units.
The resort will include outdoor entertainment area, spa and wellness amenities, sports fields, equestrian area, a golf course and practice facility, camping area and 865,395 square feet of commercial and retail facilities, along with two wineries and support facilities.
Essential accessory facilities include a hotel with 50 temporary workforce hotel units, emergency response and fire center, float plane dock and helipads and supporting infrastructure.
The Guenoc Ranch property is approximately 22,000 acres mostly in Lake County but some in Napa County, though the proposed development is solely in Lake County.
Most of the site is now used for cattle and sheep grazing, but about 990 acres are planted in vineyards and another 970 acres have been leased for potential vineyard expansion.
Needless to say, this project could have a huge impact on Lake County, which remains isolated and was terribly affected by recent wildfires, which burned some of this land.
There is provision for a float plane terminal and helipad but I’m surprised that there’s no airport proposed. The closest airport is Lampson Field near Lakeport and Kelseyville. There may be some prohibition on what could be a very big amenity for the remote
Lillie Langtry’s mansion in Guenoc Valley location. Having flown to Lake County in helicopters and a regular airplane, I can highly recommend that over driving!
Late owner Orville Magoon offered to donate 1,000 acres for a college. I assume that proposal has faded into dreams.
See exhaustive details on the proposed project at www.lakecountyca.gov
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Bookstores reopening Copperfield’s open for shopping
Napa’s Copperfield's is open for curbside pickup seven days a week and inside service, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 252-8002 or email [email protected] for curbside requests.
The Calistoga store is open for curbside pickup seven days a week and inside service, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 942-1616 or email [email protected] for curbside requests.
Napa Bookmine is open
Napa Bookmine is open to the public again at 964 Pearl St. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Call 733-3199 or visit www.napabookmine.com.
Arts and entertainment St. Helena Drive-In
St. Helena’s Summer Concerts Series is on pause this year but the Cameo Cinema Theater, St. Helena Chamber of Commerce and the city of St. Helena will present the St. Helena Drive-In on June 25. More details will be announced soon at www.camerocinema.com.
Latest schedule for the Uptown Theatre
Here’s the latest schedule for the Uptown Theatre:
• June 20: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, postponed TBD
• June 21: An Evening with David Sedaris, postponed TBD
• July 8: The Beach Boys, postponed TBD
• Aug. 7: John Hiatt & Jerry Douglas Band, postponed TBD
• Aug. 15 and 16: The Mavericks
• Aug. 28: The Wailers
• Nov. 17: Michael W. Smith
• May 15 and 16, 2021: Boz Scaggs
Get details at www.uptowntheatrenapa.com.
Food and cooking classes online Napa Valley College online food and wine enthusiast classes
As Napa Valley College transitions most of its classes online for the summer as a result of social distancing protocols, you can still sign up for food and wine enthusiast classes.
Participants will be provided with recipes in advance so they can have all ingredients pre-measured prior to the start of class.
The online classes are also offered at a lower price than the in-person classes and available to anyone with internet access.
Food and wine enthusiast classes include:
• Breads at Home: Saturday, June 27, noon to 2 p.m.
• Cookies with Kids: Saturday, July 11, 11 a.m. to noon
• Desserts at Home: Saturday, July 11, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• Make Your Family Recipes into High Quality Videos at Home: Saturday, July 18, 1 to 2 p.m.
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• Techniques for Making Delicious Cocktails: Three Essentials: Friday, July 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• Perfect Pizza at Home: Saturday, July 25, noon to 1 p.m.
• How to Taste What We Eat & Drink for Adults, Teens & Tweens: Saturday, July 25, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Food & Wine Enthusiast programs are taught by professionals including Derek Corsino, Traci Dutton and Clayton Light.
Pastry Chef Derek Corsino has been involved in the culinary arts for more than 20 years as an educator, competitive baker and professional pastry chef. He leads the culinary arts program at Healdsburg High School.
Traci Dutton is a beverage, food and hospitality expert. She works with the CIA while consulting, writing and running her own vintage cookery and libations store, Heirloom Variety, in Calistoga.
Clayton Light is an award-winning producer and editor with an extensive background in the wine and food industry.
Register at www.napavalley.edu/CommEd.
Napa Valley College is also looking for people to teach community education classes. You don't need a teaching credential – just expertise, passion and ability to share with community members of all ages. Download a course proposal form at www.napavalley.edu.
Some wineries that remain closed So many wineries have reopened that it’s almost more useful to list some that haven’t – yet. They include some of the biggest names in Napa Valley. I wouldn’t be surprised to see some more of them open very soon, however.
AXR Napa Valley, 302-8181, reopens June 15
Ballentine Vineyards, 963-7919, reopens July 2
Beaulieu Vineyards, 257-5749, reopens June 19
Burgess Cellars, 963-4766
Del Dotto Winery, reopens June 18
Elizabeth Spencer Wines, 963-6067
Louis M. Martini, 968-3362
Mumm Napa
Nichelini Family Winery, 963-0717, open for picnics only
Orin Swift Cellars, 967-9179
Provenance Vineyards, 968-3633
Robert Mondavi, (888) 766-6328
Sutter Home Family Vineyards, 963-3104
Trinchero Napa Valley, 963-1160
Vineyard 29, 963-9292
Yao Family Wines, 968-5874
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Young Inglewood Estate, 200-4572, reopens July 1
This week in Napa Valley With this issue, as time begins to seem more relevant, we return to listing events by day of the week starting with those that extend over many days.
Wine Styles with Jean-Charles Boisset
The Wine Styles series on Boisset’s distributed wines airs on the JCB Live YouTube channel every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 4 p.m. See www.boissetcollection.com for all the topics. Some aren’t about Napa, not surprisingly.
On Thursday, June 18, Adventures in Grilling features Raymond Vineyards Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 1881 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and Napa Cut Cabernet Sauvignon. In a cook-off, Jean-Charles Boisset and chef Rafael Molina will throw down their best burger creations, though Jean-Charles doesn’t seem like the burger-grilling type.
JCB Live Happy Hour
Jean-Charles Boisset also leads online JCB Live Happy Hour sessions four times a week on his YouTube channel. The shows air each Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. Click here for details but here is one on Napa subjects:
On Friday, June 19, at 5 p.m. the JCB Collector Preview features JCB “Surrealist” Sparkling Wine and JCB “Surrealist” Red Blend from Napa.
Mike Greensill livestreams afternoon concerts
Local favorite Mike Greensill hosts an online concert of his piano jazz daily at 3 p.m. It’s at that time so his fans in England can enjoy it, too. Just tune in on www.facebook.com. You can tip via PayPal to [email protected]. “Like” his Facebook posts to get details.
Duo Gadjo concerts nightly
Duo Gadjo’s music celebrates the sounds of the ‘20s and ‘30s, when jazz was the thing and Paris was the place to be. Duo Gadjo plays French café music, Gypsy jazz, New Orleans Jazz and great American songbook standards in a live stream every night at 6 p.m. from their Facebook page (www.facebook.com). Tip at Venmo, @Duo-Gadjo or PayPal. Email [email protected] or see www.duogadjo.com.
JaM Happy Hour
During the free live JaM Happy Hour beginning at 4 p.m. daily, local artists present JaMSessions to go with your favorite glass of wine. They sometimes list acts at www.facebook.com. Visit zoom.us for the performance.
Films from the Cameo Cinema online
The Cameo Cinema is closed for now, but it has arranged to show special films online to benefit the theater. You can watch any time while they’re available, not just at specific showtimes. Get details and buy tickets at www.cameocinema.com.
Monday Virtual wine tour of Chablis
Compline’s next virtual World Tour class with Master Sommelier Matt Stamp goes to Chablis on Monday, June 15. They'll be tasting all four levels of the quality hierarchy, from Petit Chablis all the way through Grand Cru. They include Raveneau, a superstar domaine.
The price of $100 includes a small meal (chicken pâté, crudités, cheese and crackers) and eight wines in small vials. These wines will be available at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 15.
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The class is a 1½ -hour interactive session on Zoom at 6 p.m. See complinewine.com.
Tuesday Napa Tuesday Farmers Market on West Street
The Napa Farmers Market is open both Tuesday and Saturday at the West Street parking lot, the former Cinedome location.
See details at the listing for the larger market on Saturday on page 14.
Clif Family Tasting Kit
Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m., Clif Family Winery presents Clif Family Tasting Kit featuring wine, food, recipes and tutorials on how to host an interactive and engaging Virtual Happy Hour.
Wine educator and host Brien O’ Brien will guide you through steps on how to make your gathering a delicious and memorable event for friends, family or co-workers.
They’ll cover food and wine happy hours created by Clif Family executive chef John McConnell and Clif Family winemaker Laura Barrett. And they have partnered on a few themes with La Quercia, Olive and Poppy, Rustic Bakery and Miir.
On June 16, the theme is Backyard BBQ. Find the sessions at www.cliffamily.com
Wednesday Street Food Napa Valley – Baja of Mexico
Clif Family presents food from Baja of Mexico (I assume they mean Baja California, based on the menu) at its Street Food Napa Valley menu on Wednesday, June 17, from noon to 7 p.m. The patio is open from noon to 4 p.m. Here’s the menu:
• Fish tacos (two per), batter fried, chipotle mayo, shaved cabbage and cilantro slaw, lime crema $14.50
• Aquachile of Gulf shrimp – lime-marinated Gulf shrimp with avocado, cucumber, radish, red onion, cilantro and green chiles with tostadas $13.50
• Guacamole and chips – smashed avocado with corn, onion, lime, jalapeño and cilantro, served with house-made organic corn tortilla chips $11.50
• Caesar Salad – The salad invented in Tijuana. Romaine leaves, Caesar dressing, freshly grated Parmesan, sourdough croutons and black pepper $9.50
It is a Sip & Support for Feeding it Forward, donating 20% of sales for the day on all wine and food orders. Feeding It Forward works to reduce waste and alleviate hunger in Napa County. They rescue excess fresh food from donors and deliver it to organizations fighting hunger in our community.
All orders must be placed at 301-7188, online square.site, by phone, or at the Food Truck and paid for before pickup. Pickup is outside Clif Family Kitchen at 1284 Vidovich Ave. Food ordered at the food truck will be brought for patio pickup.
Inglenook virtual tasting
Inglenook will continue with virtual tastings and experiences throughout the year. The next one Wednesday, June 17 at 3 p.m., is a virtual tour behind the scenes with the winemaking team.
From vineyard to bottle, the Inglenook team will chat about the growing season, cellar operations, and they’ll taste Inglenook’s 2018 Sauvignon Blanc.
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Guests can register at zoom.us.
Thursday Napa Bookmine Book Club: Pride edition
Napa Bookmine Book Club: Pride edition will be held online on Thursday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m.
This month's pick is Subject to Change: Trans Poetry & Conversation and was chosen by bookseller Olivia, who will be leading the discussion. Buy the book at napabookmine.com. Email [email protected] to RSVP and receive the meeting link.
Make fettucine with clam sauce like a pro
Make fettucine with clam sauce Like a pro - with the kids. Chef Nash Cognetti of Pizzeria Tra Vigne shows you how with Eva and Nico Leonardini (9 and 6) from Whitehall Lane Winery on Thursday, June 18 at 6 p.m. on Facebook Live.
Also tune in to find out how you can cook along on camera with Nash on June 25.
Order a kit of ingredients to make the dish for $26.95 and feed two at www.pizzeriatravigne.com or 967-9999.
Tra Vigne Pizzeria and Restaurant, 1016 Main St., St. Helena
Friday St. Helena Farmers’ Market
The St. Helena Farmers’ Market is held every Friday from 7:30 a.m.to noon, rain or shine, until Oct. 25.
Pending the reopening of Crane Park, the market is in its temporary home at Napa Valley College’s Upper Campus parking lot, 1088 College Ave., St Helena.
In accordance with the county orders, vendors are limited to those who provide essential items, including local growers with fresh produce, meats and seafood, specialty food vendors (with grocery items and cold prepared foods) and a few artisans who sell personal hygiene products such as soap, hand sanitizer and masks.
Growers include Arceo Ranch, Bera Ranch, Devoto Gardens, Encina Farms, Far West Fungi, Gavel’s Farm, Gotelli Farms, Long Meadow Ranch, Neufeld Farms, Thor Farms, Triple T Ranch & Farm, Tu Universo Farms and V&M Farms.
Bring knives and gardening tools for sharpening by The Perfect Edge.
The market’s General Store handles all CalFresh EBT transactions. There are no hot foods, hot drinks or nonprofit organizations. All educational activities, including lectures, demos, kids’ programs, live music and product samples have been suspended until further notice.
The market has only one entry and one exit. No more than 50 shoppers are allowed in the market at any time. Social distancing of 6 feet is enforced. Patrons should wear masks.
For the most up-to-date information about the St. Helena Farmers' Market, visit www.sthelenafarmersmkt.org, on Facebook and Instagram, or check out their newsletter.
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Except for bona fide service animals, dogs are prohibited at the market.
Duckhorn food and wine pairing series
Join Duckhorn and Chef Natalie Niksa of La Saison, Napa Valley every Friday at 5 p.m. for their food and wine pairing series.
Learn simple, seasonal recipes with pairing suggestions. They’re featuring a selection of seven wines in full (750ml) or half-size bottles (375ml) to pair with Chef Natalie’s creations.
On June 19, the recipe is chicken enchiladas with Rancho Gordo beans, paired with Paraduxx Red Wine.
Download pairings and list of ingredients at www.duckhornwineshop.com
Buy wines at www.duckhornwineshop.com. Use code WFH5 at checkout for $5 shipping.
View on Duckhorn’s channels on YouTube, Instagram or Facebook.
Get food from Sarah Scott
Local chef Sarah Scott, who was formerly the chef at Robert Mondavi Winery, prepares elegant food for each weekend. Main courses of this week’s menu, which serve four, are:
Braised chicken thighs with preserved lemon and green olives over sautéed spinach $50
Chilled rainbow beets and haricots verts, carrot hummus, feta and toasted almonds -$40 (vegetarian)
Get details and other items at mailchi.mp. Order by Monday at 6 p.m. via email to [email protected]. She offers pick up in Napa and delivery.
Virtual tasting with Hugh Davies & Celia Welch
Vintner Hugh Davies and consulting winemaker Celia Welch will taste Davies Cabernets in a virtual event on Friday, June 19 from 5 to 5:30 p.m.
The focus will be J. Davies Estate 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, J. Davies Estate 2017 “jd” Cabernet Sauvignon and J. Davies Estate 2016 Malbec, plus a special tasting of the upcoming J. Davies Estate 2016 “Jamie” Cabernet Sauvignon.
To join, see www.schramsberg.com, Schramsberg’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com or www.youtube.com.
BottleRock “(re)LIVE BottleRock”
BottleRock presents (re)LIVE BottleRock, a weekly series of past BottleRock performances and new musical and culinary programming online on Friday at 5 p.m.
The featured performers on June 19 will be Phantogram, Thievery Corporation and Bishop Briggs, hosted by Allison Hagendorf.
(re)LIVE BottleRock features a combination of favorite BottleRock headliners and artists and culinary and celebrity mashups from home, like one would experience on the BottleRock Culinary Stage.
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Charles Tan - Phantogram at the Pacific Festival Proceeds from the series benefit Crew Nation, NAACP Defense Fund and Napa Valley Food Bank. www.bottlerocknapavalley.com.
Saturday Napa Farmers Market at West Street
The Napa Farmers Market takes place Tuesday and Saturday at the West Street parking lot – the former Cinedome location.
This week, coffee vendors will be set up and serving shoppers outside the market.
Bright summer produce, seafood, meat, eggs, cheese, and artisanal products are also on offer, as well as stylish handmade masks at the market operations booth near the market’s single entrance at the southwest corner of Pearl & Yajome.
Get there early it’s very popular.
The configuration of stalls maximizes the aisle space available for social distancing, and improved crowd
control measures to create a more efficient experience for shoppers.
Six-foot intervals are required for queuing with extra space between vendors and limits on how many shoppers are in the market at any one time. To help maximize the number of households who can get their shopping done, send one person per household to shop, and do not attend the market unless you are shopping.
Hours both days are 8 to 9 a.m. for “senior” (65+) hour, and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for the general public.
Several vendors take orders on their websites to expedite the shopping experience.
If you are 65 or older, consider sending someone in your place, and/or order ahead and send someone else to pick up your orders. If you must go in person, shop during the smaller Tuesday market or during senior hour to minimize your risk.
If you are sick, or have medical conditions that make you high risk, do not attend the market; send a healthy friend or family member to shop for you instead. If you’re well, offer to shop for your grandparent or elderly neighbor.
Except for bona fide service animals, dogs are prohibited at the market.
The Market’s CalFresh match and collection of donations for the local food bank continue as usual, but live music and Story Time remain suspended until further notice.
See www.napafarmersmarket.org for a list of the vendors, see a map of their locations, get more information and sign up for the weekly newsletter.
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Calistoga Farmers Market
Calistoga Farmers Market continues from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays at the Sharpsteen Museum Plaza and Community Center across from City Hall, 1311 Washington St.
The market operates year-round. It offers vegetables and fruits, free-range eggs, honey, dried fruit and nuts, herbs, olive oil and cut flowers, as well as fresh seafood, meat, smoked salmon, crepes, quiches and fruit pies. See www.calistogafarmersmarket.org.
Clif Family Winery weekend curbside menu
Clif Family Winery offer a weekend curbside menu from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Each week there will be a new menu. This week, it’s Summer Solstice. Place orders by phone or online in advance of pickup. Call 301-7188 or order at cliffamily.com. Pickup is outside the Clif Family Kitchen at 1284 Vidovich Ave. in St. Helena.
Makers Market
The Makers Market outdoor craft market returns to Napa on at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 20 in First Street Napa between Makers Mart and the Archer Hotel.
It’s a curated marketplace of local makers and artisans) selling U.S. handcrafted goods such as jewelry, handbags, ceramics, glassware, soaps, succulents, candles and more. Enjoy live music and stop into the shop for libations and more locally handcrafted goods.
They need volunteers for assistance with event management and provide a $50 store certificate for your assistance for a half day. Email [email protected] If you are interested in being a vendor, apply at makersmarket.us. If you’re interested in joining as a musician. email [email protected]
Bookmine’s Pride Month
Bookmine’s Pride Month author events continue online with Emily Quint Freeman on Saturday, June 20, at 5 p.m. They'll discuss her book Failure to Appear: Resistance, Identity, and Loss. This is a free event but a $5 donation will help cover costs. Buy book at www.napabookmine.com. Email [email protected] to RSVP and for the link.
Live music at NapaSteak
Here’s the first announced music in months: Kevin Daniels and the Kevtones will be playing with BBQ for $19 at NapaSteak on Saturday at noon.
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Alpha Omega Father’s Day online wine tasting and BBQ
Alpha Omega Vintners Robin and Michelle Baggett hold a virtual Father’s Day wine tasting and BBQ experience via Zoom, featuring four Alpha Omega wines and a BBQ demonstration from the Baggett Ranch BBQ Team, on Saturday, June 20, from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Alpha Omega’s winemaker Henrik Poulsen, Master Sommelier Bob Bath and virtual ambassador Barrett Spiegel will lead a tasting of four wines while dads Robin Baggett and chef Jesse McQuarrie of Feast will show how to prepare a BBQ meal fit for a king to pair with each wine.
Each virtual tasting four-pack contains one bottle each of the following:
• Rosé Reserve Napa Valley 2019
• Chardonnay Napa Valley 2015
• Proprietary Red Napa Valley 2017
• Sunshine Valley Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
The cost is $350 at www.aowinery.com and if you live in Napa Valley, they can deliver the wine to you in time for the event.
Larry Vuckovich online
Internationally famed jazz pianist (and Calistoga resident) Larry Vuckovich will present streaming broadcast from his home Saturday, June 20, at 1 p.m. and following Saturdays
Get more information and subscribe at www.youtube.com. You can “tip” him through PayPal at www.paypal.me/larryvuckovich
Also see www.larryvuckovich.com for more information.
Sunday, Father’s Day (whoop di di)
Greek feast for Father's Day
La Saison is preparing a special Greek-inspired menu for Father's Day:
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• Chicken gyros & chickpea falafel
• Served with flatbreads
• Fresh herb tabbouleh with cucumbers and couscous
• Feta, grilled lemon, pickled vegetables
• Tzatziki, hummus, baba ganoush, muhammara
• Dolmas, spiced carrots, pistachios, olives
Each portion will feed four. Order by Wednesday.
Pick up between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at La Saison. They will also deliver the feast for a fee.
See www.lasaisonnapavalley.com. Email [email protected]
La Saison, 748 California Blvd. at Third St.
Clif Family’s Summer Solstice Concert goes virtual
Clif Family Winery’s ninth annual Summer Solstice Concert is going online on Saturday, June 20, at 5 p.m.
It features music from artists introduced by CLIF GreenNotes, a community of musicians and nonprofits committed to environmental justice. Musicians Cat Clyde and Michaela Anne will headline the show.
They’ll also be sharing cooking tips from executive chef John McConnell and guest appearances from winemaker Laura Barrett, general manager Linzi Gay and winery owners Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford.
Buy a Summer Solstice Concert Kit at www.cliffamily.com. It includes wine, food and recipes and a link to the event. The Summer Solstice Kit is $100 and includes 2019 Mendocino Rosé of Grenache, 2019 Rte Blanc Sauvignon Blanc, 2017 Gary’s Improv Zinfandel, classic hazelnut dukkah, organic strawberry preserves and solar-grown ginger honey spread with recipes.
Chef John and the Clif Family Bruschetteria will share a Summer Solstice menu, available for pickup at the kitchen on Saturday, June 20.
For information, contact [email protected] or 968-0625.
News for the wine community Wine Business Institute Research Summit
Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute Research Summit returns for a second year on July 15 as an online event from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The three-hour summit is expected to draw wine business professionals from throughout the world. It will feature 15-minute sessions exploring a range of macro and micro topics.
Stephen Rannekleiv, global sector strategist beverages from Rabo AgriFinance, will look at macro trends in a session titled “Rethinking the Route to Consumer.”
Samual Riewe, professional economics faculty member at Sonoma State University, will drill down to the micro level of wine club data in a talk titled “The Connoisseurs’ Guide to Collecting and Analyzing Fine Data.”
In addition to Rannekleiv and Riewe, confirmed speakers and topics include:
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Kat Stark, director of Wine.com experiences, on Live Stream Tastings
Dr. Steven Cuellar, SSU professor of economics, on Pricing in the Digital World
Dr. Armand Gilinsky, SSU Korbel Professor of Wine Business, on Sustaining the Wine Industry During and After the Pandemic: Go Local? Go Social?
Pierre Costa, founder of Somm Digital and SSU professional wine business faculty member, on An Altered Landscape for Digital Marketing
Dr. Robert Eyler, SSU professor of economics, on COVID-19, the Economy in 2020 and 2021: How Can the Economy Rebound?
Terry Hill, partner in BPM's Advisory Practice, on Managing Cash Flow and Deciding to Sustain or Chart a New Course
Dr. David McCuan, SSU professor of political science, on 2020 Politics and Wine: Red, White and the Unknown Amidst a Pandemic
Aegistration is open for the wine community for $45 at wbiresearchsummit.sonoma.edu.
Best Practices of Wine Industry Accounting
Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University presents the Best Practices of Wine Industry Accounting course online, beginning on June 18.
It is led by Maria Dillingham, CPA. Get details and register at sbe.sonoma.edu.
Wine Business Institute, www.sbe.sonoma.edu, [email protected], 664-3235.
Wine Summit Piccolo
Join a virtual, half-day event capturing the essence of the Sovos ShipCompliant Wine Summit on June 25, from 1 to 5 p.m. This free, half-day, online event will feature highlights from what would have been the 2020 Wine Summit. The agenda includes a regulatory panel, Steve Gross’ annual keynote.
Get more information at sovos.com.
NapaLife is published 50 times a year. The subscription rate is $50 per year for email delivery.
Publisher and Editor: Paul Franson [email protected]
Telephone 326-0797. Website NapaLife.com. ©2020 by Paul Franson.
Proofreading by Betty Teller and Rosemary Gafner.
