Food & Drink
Spring Travels | Napa Valley
Food & Drink, Travel April 1st, 2013
Napa Valley is one of those classic destinations that has somehow managed to trump trends. It’s just always a good idea, particularly during the spring months of April & May. And as a travel advisor, it’s one of the more popular destinations I’ve been getting inquiries on lately. So I thought I’d share a few of my personal recommendations – from where to stay and eat, to the winery that always makes it into my itineraries. Plus the perfect Taigan shift dress to have you touring the wineries in comfort and style.
Get There
Fly into San Francisco, rent a car at the airport. Napa Valley is about 1-hr from the city.
Stay
The Carneros Inn | 4048 Sonoma Highway | Napa
Eat
Redd | 6480 Washington Street | Yountville
Must-Visit Winery
Kenzo Estate for its Bouchon Bakery sandwich pairing on their outdoor patio (Reservation required)
Tip
Start at Schramsburg, sparkling wine, great way to ease into a day of wine drinking (Reservation req’d)
Here are a few Napa-inspired Taigan finds:
Aron Pencil Dress by Antik Batik | $335
Tip: Comfortable, stylish for a day of touring wineries.
Nantucket Wine Carrier by Hancock Baskets | $74.99
Tip: Bring your own wine carrier for that special bottle of wine to take home.
Basil Extra Virgin Olive Oil by St. Helena Olive Oil Co. | $24
Organic Grey Sea Salt by St. Helena Olive Oil Co. | $12
Chardonnay 2010 Napa Valley by VGS Chateau Potelle Winery | $45
Eisch Classic Wine Decanter by Corzine & Co. | $155
Lavender Body Butter by Napa Valley Bath Co. | $22
Happy Travels,
-Lila
Lila Fox is owner of New Orleans-based Constant Tourist Travel, a Virtuoso travel agency & SmartFlyer affiliate, specializing in business & luxury leisure travel worldwide. For more information on Lila’s Napa Valley itineraries and exclusive benefits at The Carneros Inn (upgrade on arrival subject to availability, daily breakfast for two, and $100 Spa credit) contact Lila at lila@smartflyer.com.
Fetch Bar: Another Tequila Sunrise
Food & Drink March 12th, 2013
Our favorite mixologist Brooks Reitz improves on the classic Tequila Sunrise with his artisanal Jack Rudy Grenadine. We can attest that both the grenadine and the delicious Sunrise are the best we’ve ever had!
For years, Grenadine has languished in homes and on back bars as an unloved, one-note sugar bomb that had all but lost its place in the cocktail canon—serving mainly to make the occasional Shirley Temple or Roy Rogers for a very sub-par “mocktail.”
Historically, however, Grenadine has been a central element to a great many classic drinks, including a beautiful class of “Tiki” drinks, as well as such cocktails as the Ward 8, the Monkey Gland, and the Maiden’s Blush. When Grenadine lost its way, so did these cocktails.
And, as I dug into my cocktail books to explore the many drinks I could never properly produce until now, I had the good fortune to uncover one maligned tipple that I hope makes a comeback, kitsch aside: the Tequila Sunrise.
Fairly easy to produce, this four-ingredient concoction (I’ve added some fresh lime juice for balance) is so passe it’s hard not to love—and after you taste it, I’ll stop myself from saying, “I told you so.”
Tequila Sunrise
2 oz. Silver Tequila (100% Blue Agave)
3 oz. Fresh Orange Juice
1/3 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
Quickly shake and strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice.
Add 1/3 oz. Jack Rudy Small Batch Grenadine
-Brooks Reitz
Pictured above: Tequila sunrise featuring Jack Rudy Grenadine in a classic glass from And George.
Taigan welcomes August Morgan, fun designer cocktail napkins!
Entertaining, Food & Drink, Gifts, Home, In the News March 4th, 2013We’re thrilled to introduce August Morgan!
A little over a year ago, founder Kate Hersch began designing this line of quirky cocktail napkins and guest towels. Each piece comes with a hand embroidered critter, often along with a clever one-liner. Cocktail hour will never be the same after these precious cocktail napkins are thrown into the mix!
Why we chose August Morgan:
Not only are August Morgan’s cocktail napkins wonderful hostess gifts, they can also make a statement in any home bar. The tongue-and-cheek quotes on each napkin are also great conversation starters and the perfect accessory for any cocktail. Welcome August Morgan!
Enjoy 10% off your order-enter promo code AUGUST at payment through March 6th!
Happy shopping!
Love at First Sip
Food & Drink February 5th, 2013
Strawberry + Basil Salad
Food & Drink January 1st, 2013
Kick off 2013 with a flavorful bang! Start by adding loads of flavor to any salad with a little help from Sallie’s Greatest Strawberry + Basil Jam.
STRAWBERRY + BASIL SALAD
1 bag baby spinach
1/2 cup toasted pecans (or nuts of your choice)
1 cup fresh sliced strawberries
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
3 heaping teaspoons of Strawberry + Basil Jam
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/8 to 1/4 cup olive oil (to your taste/I like less oil)
Salt & pepper to taste
Put spinach, blueberries or strawberries, pecans, blue cheese together in a salad bowl. Mix Strawberry + Basil jam, vinegar, olive oil, salt & pepper together. Toss salad with dressing. Delicious!
Take the Stress Out of Your Holiday Entertaining
Food & Drink, Gifts, In the News December 5th, 2012
This year, entertaining with ease is a #1 trend. While everyone is hectically running around shopping and getting their decorations together, what better solution could there be than package-to-table serving with nothing but the best homemade flavors?
As you all know, Taigan has nothing but the most scrumptious food purveyors to make your hostess duties easier than they’ve ever been before. Not only are the items below awesome for serving (these are just a few that we offer) but they’re also perfect for gifting as well!
Callie’s Biscuits
Nye’s Cream Sandwiches
Perini Ranch Tenderloin
Sallie’s Greatest jams and marinades
Red Truck Bakery
Notti Toffee
Taigan’s food purveyors focus on nothing but the freshest ingredients. Once items are ordered, they are promptly produced and shipped overnight, so you’re are able to serve or give these fresh foods within days. From homemade biscuits to organic chocolates to prepared beef tenderloins to artisanal cheeses, Taigan features something delicious for every palate that the whole family and all friends will enjoy.
Tell us what your favorite food during the holidays is - Happy Holiday Shopping!
Elusive Find: Blushing Bride
