must read: local pairings

"there are many pleasures in life that must be savored + enjoyed, like a good glass of wine, delicious food prepared from fresh, local produce + sharing the flavors of life with family + friends." - local pairings

i am happy to be posting about a delicious new site called local pairings. perfect for the most discerning epicurean, local pairings is written by two local ladies, linzi gay + karen grimes along with their resident chef emily buller. they feature excellent tips on interesting wines, savory new recipes {love their wild mushroom risotto!}, their favorite restaurants + seasonal local foods.

when you visit, be sure to sign up for their weekly newsletter.

enjoy! nm

drink: 20% off ALL wines @ whole foods napa!

who doesn't love a discount? + especially a discount on spectacular wines?! well, whole foods in napa is offering 20% off all of it's wines from now until january 1st 2009! they have an incredible selection of wines + bubbles {perfect for new years eve}...i think i need to go back again.

whole foods is located in the bel aire plaza

cheers! nm

drink: santa lucia pinot for $12.99!

i heart bubbles. i heart cab. i heart sancere. i heart syrah. actually i heart vino in general...but my most beloved varietal is hands down pinot noir. particularly williams selyem, el molino, muira, peter michael, siduri + pisoni {just to name a few}. 

unfortunately, i don't drink pinot as much as i would like to...mostly {actually only} because $50+ a night on a bottle of wine isn't in my budget. until today that is, when i fortunately came across a fantastic bottle of santa lucia pinot for only $12.99 at trader joe's! it's not siduri, but it is a great bottle of wine for $12.99. 

i believe they have a limited quantity, so be sure to hurry on over asap.

trader joe's

3654 bel aire plaza, napa

707.256.0806

cheers! nm

recycle: your christmas tree {sat 3, 2009}

i don't know about you, but i just got used to the idea that christmas is {was} here! so to sit down + write this post makes me feel a bit gloomy. for me, there is something about the holiday spirit that eases the pain of this super chilly + wet weather we have been having. perhaps, come january i should display a pair of skis in my living room to keep those happy thoughts coming.

skis or not, the tree has got to go! + the napa valley boy scouts of america have kindly offered to take it away for us on saturday, january 3rd.

if you would like to participate in the 34th annual christmas tree pick up + recycling day, leave your tree on the curb by 9 am on saturday, january  3rd {please refrain from setting it out early...don't want to upset your neighbors!}. a $5 donation would be greatly appreciated. the boy scouts will come to your door, so please do not leave the $ on the tree.

oh + its very important that your tree be free of all ornaments, nails, tinsel, stands, + metal spikes.  

if you would like to keep your tree a little bit longer {or miss this event} you may put your tree out for collection on your normal service day beginning the following monday. wreaths, pumpkins +  other holiday greenery go in your yard waste cart. napa recycle + waste will turn all your holiday greenery into compost, mulch or fuel for alternative energy!

cheers! nm

event: toys for tots + napa food bank benefit

billco's in napa is hosting the 2nd annual toys for tots + napa food bank benefit this sunday, december 14th from 1 pm until midnight. there will be a silent auction + raffles as well as 8 live bands!

please come + support our local community by bringing a gift + or food for the napa food bank. if you can't attend but would like to donate please contact april anderson at aprilandseron319@comcast.net  

billco's billiards + darts 1234 third street, napa 

$3 at the door with a gift or $5 without a gift