It's been a long time since I've posted...I've been very busy, but I couldn't stay away for too long. Speaking of too long, have you ever returned to a place and wondered why you ever left? I recently had that experience in the Napa Valley. Great wine, wonderful food...why am I not here every weekend? I thought I'd share some of my favorites. 

The highlight of my experience was dinner at the French Laundry. I am now a believer. It was, and remains, the best meal I've ever had. The service was phenomenal, from beginning to end. There was a caviar course with a cream based sauce and tapioca pearls. Then, there was a poached lobster course--the most flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth lobster I've had in my life. There was squab, which was tender and delicious (and I'm not a huge fan generally). I'm forgetting a few courses, because there were too many to count. For the main course, I had bacon wrapped veal, and my husband had waygu beef with lobster sauce. Both were unbelievably good. We had a half bottle of champagne, followed by a half bottle of pinot noir, which turned out to be the perfect pairings for the meal. Oh, and there was an amazing cheese course. Followed by the desserts...wow. They just kept coming...and coming. There was coffee and donuts, reinvented--coffee ice cream with delightful donut holes. Salted caramel ice cream (one of my vices). We were sent home with the most amazing shortbread cookies. Shortbread cookies! How a shortbread cookie can be transformed into a life-altering moment, I'll never know...I do know that this meal was the greatest culinary experience of my life, thus far. Seriously, no exaggeration. That good.

Of course, there are wineries also. One of my favorites was Round Pond, in Rutherford. They make great reds, and the grounds are exceptionally beautiful. Schramsberg Vineyards was equally fantastic. I had no idea that the United States produced such special sparkling wines. It is worth making an appointment and taking a tour here. I'm a fan of all of their sparklings, though I'd suggest the Blanc de Blanc if forced to choose.

Finally, I really enjoyed the Hess Collection Winery. It was my second time there, and this time we decided to do the tasting menu in the private cellar. It did not disappoint. The tuna and skirt steak were standouts. For wine, I highly recommend the 2011 Artezin Mendocino Zinfandel.

Is it time to go to Napa again? If not, it really should be.

I just returned from an amazing trip to Colombia. It was my first time, and it definitely won't be my last. I fell in love with the people, the landscape, and the food. The country embraces you like an old friend, making for an unforgettable vacation.

My trip began in historic Cartagena. My husband and I stayed in the heart of the walled city, at a gorgeous boutique hotel. From there, we walked...walking is the best way to really take in Cartagena's warm air, yummy smells, and multiple cultural influences (Indian, African, Spanish, and Caribbean). On our first evening, we had dinner at La Cevicheria, where we had two of the most amazing ceviches we'd ever tasted. 2015 NOTE: Unfortunately, a return visit to La Cevicheria before New Year's was beyond disappointing. The first was made with the catch of the day, and the second with shrimp. The shrimp ceviche was the freshest I've ever had, by far. We also shared the paella, which was delicious. We then headed across the street to the Sofitel Santa Clara, where we had drinks and listened to live music at their El Coro bar. The cool interior was made slightly creepy by the crypt just a few steps below, a reminder of the hotel's previous life as a convent. We ended the perfect night with a carriage ride through the walled city.

From Cartagena, we took a four hour bus ride to the beach community of Santa Marta. We spent a day at Parque Tayrona, a treasure of a national park. After a few hours of rough hiking, visitors are rewarded with some of the most beautiful, unspoiled beaches I've ever seen. If you're up for a little work before you get your reward, it's more than worth it.

We spent a few days in Medellin before heading to the countryside a few hours away. My favorite experience in that area was visiting the hot springs in nearby San Vicente. The road there is partially unpaved and a bit of a rough ride, but the natural thermal pools are soothing and relaxing. 

There is one other thing I absolutely loved about Colombia. I'm kind of embarrassed to admit it to my readers, because I am not one to tout chain restaurants. However....Crepes & Waffles was life-changing. Everyone I'd talked to about Colombia mentioned this place, and I honestly thought it was a little cult-like. I am sorry that I was ever a doubter. In addition to their ridiculously good crepes and waffles, this Latin American institution has great salads and soups. I had Crepes & Waffles three times over our nine day trip. My drug of choice? The coffee caramel mini waffles with a glass of prosecco. Yep, it was as good as it sounds. If only I could convince them to open up a U.S. location...just one more reason to make a return trip.

I am now in the process of recovering from what I can only describe as a holiday hangover. I love the holiday season. Before you write me off as a generic holiday enthusiast, I have to stress that I absolutely LOVE the period of the year between Thanksgiving and January 2nd...it is pure holiday bliss. Beyond the obvious good cheer and obligatory gift giving, there is the FOOD...and the healthy doses of alcohol accompanying said food. For someone who really enjoys eating and drinking, there is no better time of year.

I had the good fortune to spend Christmas in New Orleans. Beyond beignets, po'boys, and gumbo (which I do adore), I consistently have the most amazing seafood and baked goods in the Crescent City. I always have to stop at Upperline for dinner, and Fiorella's Cafe for fried chicken and fried pickles. The icing on the cake? My husband's family puts together amazing holiday spreads.

As far as drinking goes, I drink much more than I normally do in New Orleans, because the people there drink all the time. It's like a party all day long! One afternoon, I realized that I'd already had four glasses of wine...and it was 3:00. In my normal LA life, I don't drink more than a glass, two if I'm celebrating something.

Upon returning to California, my marathon of overeating and excessive imbibing continued. Holiday happy hours, Korean BBQ, and Mexican food galore. Good times were had by all. I am a little disappointed that it all abruptly came to an end at the beginning of this month, but at least I have the memories--and the extra 10 pounds to prove it.

The thing I truly enjoy about the holidays is the feeling of letting go. I don't worry about exercising or "eating right" for more than a month. Although I am paying for it now with carrot sticks and two-a-days, it was all worth it. I'll guess I'll try to be good until Thanksgiving 2013 rolls around.