“Until the coronavirus disrupted life, most Napa County residents never knew of The Hen Pen Farms or Emma Rasmussen because she and the farm sold directly to bakeries, restaurants and other retailers. However, over the course of the past year, Rasmussen — ‘the Egg Lady’ — has become a household name.” *CLICK HERE TO READ*
Media and Writing
Recent Posts
La Vie en Rose: Madeleine’s Macarons: How a Valentine’s gift, fatherhood and a pandemic created a career for one Napa Valley family
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 […]
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 […]
The many wines of Roussillon
I had a “Roussillon moment” that haunted me for more than six years. *CLICK HERE TO READ*
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 […]
California Brandy House brings the state’s “native spirit” to Napa
E. & J. Gallo’s California Brandy House, which opened in November in Napa’s First Street Complex, offers tastings and bottle purchases of premium California brandies, Argonaut and Germain-Robin. *CLICK HERE TO READ*
Team Madrigal — unlikely first-responders
Chris Madrigal didn’t know how many more hits his family-owned winery could take. Little did he know that 2020 would also find him fighting fires but, he said, “My family, friends, and community come first.” *CLICK HERE TO READ*
2018 Foris Vineyards Dry Gewürztraminer
For as long as I can remember, I have been in love with Foris Vineyard Dry Gewürztraminer, Rogue Valley (sample facilitated by Preston-Layne & Partners); SRP for the 2019 vintage is $15). With its sweet floral and citrus aromatics, a luscious and spicy palate reminiscent of Asian pears and ginger, it begs for for food, […]
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*
