Risotto with Braised Short Ribs at Bistro Don Giovanni in Napa.
Taylor’s Automatic Refresher: A Little Taste of Heaven
Last Saturday we were making our way back from the coast, and we found ourselves at Taylor’s Automatic Refresher in St. Helena. While much of the free world associates Napa with its world-class wines, we credit Taylor’s as being the real gem of the Valley. The grass really is greener on their back lawn; the sky more blue, the burgers more tasty and the milk shakes? Well, let me just paint the picture….
On this day we ordered a trio of chocolate, coconut and pistachio shakes. Each more tasty than the former, and it really didn’t matter which one you started with. They were fine, fine shakes. As I was relishing every last drop, I was thinking to myself that if an angel on high could mix up a milkshake, it would taste exactly like the glorious example I was so enjoying.
As I was elevating my shake to the status of divine, a fellow diner walked by our picnic table, and while glancing at my son, made the off-hand remark: “He’s in heaven.”
Coincidence? I think not.
Oxbow Public Market
If you happen to find yourself in Napa and are in need of a foodie-fix, definitely hit up Oxbow Public Market. Located right next to COPIA, it is on First Street, just a few blocks from downtown Napa, and centrally located for a nice pit stop while wine tasting in Napa Valley.
If you love San Francisco’s Ferry Building Marketplace and the Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market (and who doesn’t?!), then you’ll love Oxbow Public Market, which has the feel of a mini-Ferry Building Marketplace. When I visited Oxbow a few months ago I thought it was wonderful then, but I’ve heard there’s even more to see now. Plus, the produce stands open tomorrow!
Shops in the market sell everything from olive oil to spices, and of course, my personal favorite … CHEESE. Each shop has the incredible selection and variety that market-going foodies have come to expect, and the home-grown and hand-made feeling that we appreciate. The staff are friendly, and above all, knowledgeable about their food. Ask the gentleman at the cheese counter anything cheesy (about cheese, that is), and he’ll have an answer! He was able to tell us the differences between the various 3 to 12 month aged Manchego cheeses, so when we got our slice of 6 month Manchego home, it was exactly what we were looking for.
Check out today’s Daily Candy San Francisco to read their Oxbow Public Market recommendation.