No matter how badly I wanted to forget my birthday this year, my sweet husband was not going to let that happen. You see, the thing about having a birthday at the end of the year for me, is that I rarely want to celebrate. Whether it be because of residual childhood memories of no friends available to celebrate or the general fatigue we all experience between Christmas and New Years, I just don’t seem to want to celebrate any more. Perhaps it’s my birthday that puts me in a reflective mood, or maybe it’s the end of the year that causes me to be more contemplative. It could be everyone feels a bit like this on December 28th. Either way this is why skipping town the day after Christmas and heading to Napa with my love was the perfect anecdote to a melancholy mood.
Today I’m sharing some stops along the way that helped to make this year’s birthday celebration extra sweet. We’ve decided that getting away just the two of us for a day or two just may be the start of a new tradition between the holidays. I hope this inspires you to spend some time in the beautiful Napa Valley and experience culinary and relaxation bliss in 2015.
We started our getaway in San Francisco at Cotogna. A restaurant we’ve been wanting to try for a while now and finally found the opportunity. A sunny corner spot in Jackson Square, the rustic italian food here is the perfect counterpoint to the adjoining Quince. Don’t mistake the casual eatery for casual food, Cotogna was delicious, well prepared seasonal italian food for the little italian in me! Next stop was Yountville. {image via Cotogna}
We stayed at the Bardessono Hotel as we have many times before. It’s our special occasion getaway home away from home since 2009 when we first stayed their on a Babymoon! It’s in the heart of Yountville surrounded by vineyards, restaurants, country lanes and a creek to walk, run or bike along. We have an unspoken rule to never ever go there with our kids, it’s our special place.
For dinner that night we went to another restaurant we’ve been wanting to try, Redd Wood but hesitated since it’s touted as casual and laid back and this of course was turning into a celebration of celebrations. We’ve walked by before and it is just so gorgeous that it immediately went on our list of must-dos. After asking a friend about it for a celebratory dinner we decided to give it a try. And see that corner spot on the tufted black leather banquette, that’s ours! I want to eat there every time we are in Yountville from now until forever. In that same corner every time. Yes, it is more casual that their sister restaurant, Redd, but don’t let that keep you from tasting the best brussels sprouts, bur rata, pasta, pizza, wine and cocktails in Yountville! {table image via thrillistSF}
Our next day, we took the bikes at Bardessono for a spin before getting an amazing fireside couples massage in our spa room. The last stop before heading over the Golden Gate was at Bistro Jeanty. A mainstay in Yountville since the late 90’s, Bistro Jeanty is a classic. Simple delicious french bistro food with classic cocktails and a stellar wine list.
Well done Bardessono. And for the icing on the cake, a trip over the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset on our way home. This is exactly what the doctor ordered for my 42 32nd year. May you have many happy adventures this year!
Happy New Year friends, it’s going to be a good one!
