I thought we’d have fun exploring gold country, but I never expected to hit gold in the dining category. Yet, after dining at Taste Restaurant, located in the one-horse town of Plymouth (which we learned about from our affable host at the Days Inn) I stand corrected!
We were completely blown away by the hip ambiance, sophisticated seasonal menu, knowledgeable service and the food is utterly FANTASTIC-rivaling San Francisco’s finest!
Highlights of our dinner: Everything!
From the fresh Brentwood Corn Soup with “corn truffle” flan, to the Alaskan Black Cod with shitake mushrooms and fuji apple, followed by an exquisitely prepared Roasted Guinea Hen flavored with pancetta, black mission figs and an ambrosial Amador port reduction.
Tip: I’d highly recommend that when you make reservations tell them to be sure and hold a couple of orders of the warm Blackberry Gallette: fresh blackberries, cream cheese crust, warm brandy sauce, vanilla bean gelato. Sheer perfection.
(I later found out that the owners Tracy and Mark Berkner are the former owners of highly regarded St. George Hotel in Volcano. No wonder it was packed on a chilly Monday night.)
Taste Restaurant A: 9402 Main Street, Plymouth, CA 95669 T: (209) 245-3463 Taste serves dinners starting at 5 PM on Thursday-Monday. Directions: Take CA 49 into Plymouth. Turn north onto Main Street. Owners Tracy and Mark Berkner are the former owners of St. George Hotel in Volcano
Couldn’t put it more succinctly myself. It would make a perfect fortune cookie line or even a better culinary event.
Culinary events in New York are getting bigger and badder all the time, but this puppy is so HUGE that it’s going to require all of Pier 94. Cook. Eat. Drink. Live. to be held October 26-27th, will be a combo of a giant trade show (think the Fancy Food Show) as well as a giant dining event (à la Taste of New York), adding in fifteen cooking classes a day, five wine-tasting classes, and five mixology classes too, taught by celebrity chefs such as alumni of Bravo’s “Top Chef” program, Ilan Hall and Sam Talbot, and by Gotham’s top restaurant chefs, including Brad Farmerie of Public, and Amanda Freitag of Gusto.
Want more? There will also be opportunities to sample wines and spirits from around the world, and seminars on sushi-making, and caviar tasting. Younger visitors can develop their palates at the Children’s Pavilion, where there will be cooking demos targeted at the elementary school set. The Make-A-Wish Foundation will receive 5% of proceeds from the sales of tickets.
Normally, this orgy of A-list epicureanism would cost $325 a day, but buy tickets with the NYMAG code for a reduced rate of $175 a day or $350 for the weekend, including all demos.
Thursday, October 25–Saturday, October 27, Pier 94, Twelfth Avenue at 55th Street,
And saying “Charge It!” that I often miss the fine print… and this is one detail you won’t want to overlook. Thank you Visa.
Complimentary Wine Tastings at Sonoma County Wineries Visa Signature cardholders enjoy year-round benefits at 50 select Sonoma County wineries, including*: • Complimentary tastings • Savings on non-wine merchandise • Savings on wine purchased same day in Tasting Room • Savings on Reserve tastings or special wine-and-food pairings • View all participating wineries
*Benefits vary by winery
• Pricing Visa Signature cardholders will receive two (2) complimentary tastings per cardholder. Discounts must be purchased with a Visa Signature card.
Some people cross off the calendar days until Christmas or their Birthdays but I’ve always X’d out the days until “Beaujolais Nouveau” (first wine of the year) hits town. And there is no “Funner” way to take advantage of this opportunity than to:
Come and celebrate the launch of the First French wine of the year at the annual fundraising event organized by the French-American Chamber of Commerce, San Francisco. This is a time to celebrate the harvest in a grandiose atmosphere of Food and Wine tasting. If you can’t make it to France in time for the traditional celebration of the uncorking of the first wine of the year, join 1000 avid party-goers for an evening of celebration right here in San Francisco.
Schedule: La Journée Bleu Blanc Rouge Saturday, November 17th 2007 — three great events taking place in the majestic Hyatt Regency Hotel, 5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, which is so festive at this time of the year.
1) French Food and Wine Tasting: 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm Silent Auction: Over 100 items last year!
2) Le Marché: 1 to 6 pm A Holiday Market showcasing products with a “French touch”. (Perfect for stocking up on unique holiday gifts.)
3) La Before: 2.30 to 4.30 pm A Professional French sparkling wine tasting open to professionals only. Music and dance with a DJ who will spin French and American tunes.
Purchase tickets at www.faccsf.com or call: (415) 442-4717 Member: $50; Non-member: $60; At the door: $70.
You will never guess who I ran into at the Cathay Pacific Roadshow in San Francisco the other day! My former student, Vanessa Chan, all grown up and working as a flight attendant on this glorious airline. I was astounded–hadn’t she just been a teenager fixing her make-up before class in a little wooden desk using a little compact mirror?
Did you know that I used to be a high school English teacher? Well, it was one of the best jobs I ever had, and though I didn’t end up in the field, I will always be a teacher at heart. The only reason I’m not at Vanessa’s school today is that there were lots of politics at work in the urban public school district, and a young, unseasoned teacher like me with new-fangled ideas just out of Teachers’ College didn’t stand a chance. It’s like I always say: "The problem with teaching isn’t the kids; it’s the adults!" I adore all my former students and hope to run into each and every one someday! :)
How time flies! That’s her there on the Roadshow’s Website. You’ll notice, too, that the Roadshow is coming to a city near you this fall:
Vancouver Oct 16 - 17, Calgary Oct 19, Toronto Oct 24-25, New York Oct 30 - Nov 2, Dallas Nov 6.
And what is all the hubbub about? Cathay Pacific has spent a mint on revamping their cabins, revealing utterly new Economy, Business and First Classes. The flat-screen tv’s are huge, and you can lie all the way down in Business Class. They also boast a second non-stop flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong, and daily non-stops to Hong Kong from LA, SF, NY, Vancouver and Toronto.
Safe travels to you, my dear Vanessa! If you find yourself on one of her flights, do say ‘hello’ from me. She will know me by the name Miss Block.
One man, one vision, and one trip to Nepal changed the world. John Wood, Founder and CEO, launched Room to Read after a trek through Nepal. He visited several local schools and was amazed by the warmth and enthusiasm of the students and teachers, but also saddened by the shocking lack of resources. Driven to help, John quit his senior executive position with Microsoft and built a global team to work with rural villages to build sustainable solutions to their educational challenges.
Since its inception in 2000, Room to Read has impacted the lives of over 1.3 million children by:
* Constructing 287 schools * Establishing over 3,870 libraries * Publishing 146 new local language children’s titles representing over 1.3 million books * Donating over 1.4 million English language children’s books * Funding 3,448 long-term girls’ scholarships * Establishing 136 computer and language labs
I had the pleasure of meeting John at a fundraiser in San Francisco, and just being in the same room with him is inspiring. My favorite program that he has launched is the The Grow Girls’ Scholarship.
Room to Grow Girls’ Scholarship Program has an immediate and direct impact on the lives of thousands of girls in the developing world. An education provides security and support to girls who often grow up in very uncertain environments and empowers them to make informed life decisions. A solid education beginning in the early years is the key ingredient for improved status for women, which provides a ripple of positive effects throughout society.
* For every year a girl remains in secondary school, her wages increase 10-20% * An educated woman has fewer children, so population growth is slowed in resource-scarce countries * Infant mortality decreases by 8% for each year a woman stays in school * Family health and nutrition rise in the home of an educated woman * An educated woman is more likely to educate the next generation
The Furnace Creek Inn, a popular destination for couples since it opened in 1927, is offering the "Romantic Escape" package October 19, 2007 through May 8, 2008.
The Romantic Escape package includes three nights in a luxury room with a king bed and spa tub, fruit and cheese welcome basket, bottle of Mumm Cuvee Napa Brut Blanc Champagne, two Furnace Creek Inn terrycloth bathrobes, a pre-arranged tour of Scotty’s Castle - not otherwise available - and a horse-drawn carriage ride at sunset. The package, including tax, costs $1,500 per couple. The package represents a savings of 14 percent off individually priced package components.
The Furnace Creek Inn is a AAA Four-Diamond resort offering elegant accommodations in a spectacular natural setting. The Inn overlooks desert salt pans with the Panamint Mountains in the background. With its mission-style architecture, oasis garden and spring-fed pool, the Inn offers a timeless quality reminiscent of the time when the automobile was first making it possible to explore the remote areas of California’s desert in comfort.
The Inn is open mid-October through mid-May. It features 66 rooms, fine dining, tennis courts, gift shop, conference rooms and massage therapy. All rooms at the Furnace Creek Inn are non-smoking rooms and have air conditioning, televisions, data port telephones, pay-per-view movies, free HBO, Nintendo games, refrigerators, irons, ironing boards, hair dryers, bathroom amenities and terry robes. Most rooms have decks or terraces. Some rooms have spa tubs.
Located a short drive away is the Furnace Creek Ranch. Situated adjacent to the golf course and open year-round, the Ranch features 224 rooms in a casual setting, general store, spring-fed swimming pool, tennis courts, horseback riding and the Borax Museum.
The "Romantic Escape" package can be booked by calling toll-free at 1-800-236-7916. For more information about facilities in Death Valley National Park or to make reservations at in-park lodges, call toll free at 1-800-236-7916 or 1-303-297-2757 or go to www.furnacecreekresort.com.
Your Package Includes: Roundtrip Airfare, Roundtrip Transfers Hotel stay at the Deluxe Grand Oasis Cancun (Stay at one play at Two!), All meals, drinks, tips and non-motorized water sports Plus stay at one play at two!
Price:
St. Louis: 3 Nights: $399 Nov 7,14,28; Dec 5 & 12. 4 Nights: $479 Nov 3,10; Dec 1, 8, & 15. 7 Nights: $699 Oct 27; Nov 3, 7, 10, 14, & 28; Dec 1, 5, 8, 12 & 15 (Add $49 for the Sat departure)
Washington D.C : 3 Nights: $449 Oct 28, 29, 30; Nov 4, 6, 13, 25, 26, & 27; Dec 2, 3, & 4. 4 Nights: $529 Oct 28, 28, 31; Nov 4, 11, 15, 25, 26, & 29; Dec 2 & 3. 5 Nights: $599 Nov 4, 11, 14, 15, 25, 26, & 28; Dec 2 & 7. 7 Nights: $679 Oct 28 & 31; Nov 11, 12, 13 & 14 or $749 Nov 15, 25, 26, 27, 28; Dec 2, 4 & 10.
Newark, JFK-New York, Albany, Boston, Bradley, Buffalo, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit Indianapolis Knoxville, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Raliegh, Richmond, Rochester, Portland, Providence, Greensboro, Raleigh/Durham, Richmond, Roanoke: 3 Nights: $499 Oct 28, 29, 30; Nov 4, 6, 13, 25, 26, 27; Dec 2, 3, 4. 4 Nights: $579 Oct 28 & 31; Nov 4, 11, 15, 25, 26, 29; Dec 2 & 3. 5 Nights: $649 Nov 4, 11, 14, 15, 25, 26, 28; Dec 2 & 7. 7 Nights: $729 Oct 28 & 31; Nov 11, 12, 13 & 14 or $799 Nov 15, 25, 26, 27, 28; Dec 2, 4 & 10.
Dallas: 3 Nights: $479 Oct 17 & Dec 5. 4 Nights: $549 Dec 1, 8 & 9. 7 Nights: $749 Nov 14 & 28.
Detroit (Non - stop): 3 Nights: $499 Oct 31 & Dec 5. 7 Nights: $779 Oct 31; Nov 14; Dec 5 & 12.
Chicago (Midway): 3 Nights; $449 Oct 31; Nov 14, 28; Dec 5. 5 Nights: $599 Nov 25, Dec 2 & Dec 7. 7 Nights: $749; Oct 31; Nov 7, 23, 25; Dec 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14 & 15.
Appleton, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Milwaukee, Moline, Madison, Omaha & South Bend: 5 Nights: $789 Nov 4, 11, 24, 25, 27; Dec 8 & 10.
Terms: Price per person based on double or triple. Rates do not include hotel charges typically paid by the customer directly to the hotel (e.g., room service, telephone charges, etc.), government imposed international travel taxes of up to $110.90, airport passenger facility charges of up to $18, the September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per person and federal excise taxes of $3.30 which will be imposed on each domestic segment. A flight segment is defined as a takeoff and a landing. Other conditions apply. Total Vacation Package price will always be clearly displayed to you prior to purchase. Limited time offer is subject to (i) change without notice; (ii) availability (advance reservation is required As Always TravelByJen.com Brings you the best Deals Price is only valid until it sells out!
Roundtrip Airfare and Rountrip Transfers, 6 night hotel stay at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort (optional upgrade to the Divi for $179 more per person for the whole week!), all meals, drinks (includes alcohol), tips and non-motorized water sports.
Price:
JFK, Newark, & Boston: $999
Miami, Hartford, & Chicago: $1099
Los Angeles: $1299
Philadelphia, Houston, & Baltimore: $1199
Atlanta: $115
Terms: Price per person based on double or triple. Rates do not include hotel charges typically paid by the customer directly to the hotel (e.g., room service, telephone charges, etc.), government imposed international travel taxes of up to $110.90, airport passenger facility charges of up to $18, the September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per person and federal excise taxes of $3.30 which will be imposed on each domestic segment. A flight segment is defined as a takeoff and a landing. Other conditions apply. Total Vacation Package price will always be clearly displayed to you prior to purchase. Limited time offer is subject to (i) change without notice; (ii) availability (advance reservation is required As Always TravelByJen.com Brings you the best Deals Price is only valid until it sells out!
I thought we’d have fun exploring gold country, but I never expected to hit gold in the dining category. Yet, after dining at Taste Restaurant, located in the one-horse town of Plymouth (which we learned about from our affable host at the Days Inn) I stand corrected! 
Couldn’t put it more succinctly myself. It would make a perfect fortune cookie line or even a better culinary event.
And saying “Charge It!” that I often miss the fine print… and this is one detail you won’t want to overlook. Thank you Visa.
If you answer “No”, that’s perfect because: 
