A transplant to California in the early 1990s, Dennis McIninch, born in New Jersey and raised on Italian food, never anticipated that marriage, a daughter and a pandemic would set him on the path to perfecting a famous French sweet, macarons. “La Vie en Rose: Madeleine’s Macarons: How a Valentine’s gift, fatherhood and a pandemic […]
Category: Food
iPOKEshack brings a taste of Hawaii to Napa
Mazotti began his research for a to-go restaurant where he could offer underrepresented cuisine like poke, ramen and dim sum. His family pushed him to pursue this possibility. He said his children told him, “Dad, you make the best poke and soups. You need to do this,” and friends chimed in, “Napa needs a full […]
Five Food Stories
This is a first for me. Today five of my food stories were published on the same day in Napa Valley Life Magazine and the Napa Valley Register. I hope you enjoy reading them over the holidays. If you are in the Napa Valley, please consider ordering takeout or delivery from these restaurants during our […]
Napa Valley Life Magazine Fall 2020 Issue
I am thrilled to share my second and third stories for Napa Valley Life Magazine in the Fall 2020 issue: “Locals and Tourists Enjoy Free Rides in Downtown Napa” on page 83 (digital frames 84-85) and also at this link. “That’s Amore! Napa Valley’s Best Pizza” on pages 100-104 (digital frames 102-107), and also at […]
The Beer Guys in Wine Country
Chuck Meyer began his culinary and beverage career washing dishes at the Chart House in Westwood in Southern California. Fast-forward to today. Meyer, the co-owner of Napa Palisades Beer Company and Saloon, is an entrepreneur, restauranteur, and self-proclaimed “beer guy in wine country.” *CLICK HERE TO READ*
Food Trucks: Napa Valley’s Street Food
I am thrilled to share with you my first story for Napa Valley Life Magazine, “Food Trucks: Napa Valley’s Street Food” (slides 42-43 digital; pages 80-82 print). *CLICK HERE TO READ THE DIGITAL EDITION**CLICK HERE TO READ THE ONLINE EDITION*
Matt Parish: Balancing the art, science and business of winemaking
There are winemakers, then there is Matt Parish. The former director, officer, and chief winemaker at Constellation U.S., Treasury Wine Estates Americas, and NakedWines.com, Parish has come into his own with a professional life he describes as “a return to my hands-on winemaking, doing it myself instead of managing process and people.” *CLICK HERE TO READ*
La Cheve: A little piece of Mexico in Napa’s Old Adobe
Cinthya Cisneros describes La Cheve Bakery and Brews as “a little piece of Mexico that marries our passion for beer, food and baked goods.” *CLICK HERE TO READ*
Take a SIP
“Most impactful was that regardless of circumstances, human connection matters most. Madrigal’s wines are the threads that unite people, whether it be during a pandemic, a celebration, or everyday life. Chris Madrigal and his family personify ‘Nuestra Sangre,’ the bond that holds everyone together, especially in this unprecedented time of challenge.” *CLICK HERE TO READ*
Chefs at Home: The authentic Mexican dishes of Mercadito
Chef and co-owner Valentín (Nes) Atayde of Mercadito Food Truck hails from Mexico City, but moved to the U.S. in 2006. The business recently celebrated its fourth anniversary in Napa on April 16. He and his partner decided a food truck was an ideal “stepping-stone” due to the high cost of restaurant rental space. *CLICK […]