Seriously Ready for a Break?! Covid Safe Travel
SERIOUSLY...READY FOR A BREAK!? TRAVELING SAFE DURING COVID HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER AND MORE FRESH!
BRINGING IT HOME PRESENTS OFF THE MENU; FRESH MUST STOP DESTINATIONS THAT COVER PEOPLE, PLACES, AND EVERYTHING FRESH… AND COCKTAILS TOO! THE MOTHER AND DAUGHTER TEAM BEHIND BRINGING IT HOME AND JOIN JULES HIT THE ROAD TO SHARE WITH YOU WHAT’S FRESH, SAFE, AND FUN.
DAY #1: TIME FOR A BATH
We started with a refresh, so needed, in Calistoga, Ca. We called it the mud train…not the wine train. Kathy Quast is 3rd generation proprietor who continues the soaking traditions of Europe (her in-laws tradition) to Calistoga, Ca. This is because, back in the day many San Francisco society “folk” would clammer to the warm, natural therapeutic minerals of the hot springs and Mud baths in Calistoga. We were very impressed with the COVID friendly environment. Basically, if you have any concerns rest assured they have moved mountains to not only comply with new regulations but offer many options for the guest. First, the Mud bath warm and soothing, comprised of their special recipe of all-natural ingredients (Volcanic ash, Natural Peat, and warm geothermal water). Once you relax and soak in the mud (it takes a minute, so new so fun) you rinse off and soak again in the naturally warm mineral baths. We could actually feel our skin plump up ( like lip plumper but this for your body) and soak up the natural minerals. This made for a lush, warm, and therapeutic experience. Now that we were prepped, relaxed, and “plumped up” from the nourishing minerals we were taken to our massage. After a delightful massage( from names here) and spa experience, we were tempted to sit at the mineral pools ( distance designates in the pool areas) and relax even more with a glass of wine but off to St. Helena we go. Again, we can’t say enough about the steps taken to adhere to the new Covid regulations. We felt relaxed, confident, and refreshed every step of the way.
The Spa has been in the family for 3 generations so it has been looked after with much love and care. You definitely feel the pride of ownership and gratitude for each guest. The Mud bath was fun and the geothermal baths/pools are just as relaxing as you can get. Bonus play here, the therapeutic benefits are obvious but don’t overlook the total experience from the spa experience(health and wellness) to the quaint and lush grounds able to accommodate individuals, couple, and families (great bbq area too) you will want to book several days or recharge, rest and relaxation.
From the Mud to the chocolate! that’s right we hit the road, masks in hand and travels from Calistoga to St.Helena about 15minutes. This charming town is a show stopper and one of my favorite places. While low-key, St. Helena is quaint and inviting, hosting some of the best restaurants, resorts (Romans Spa just up the road) wine and shopping. This holiday season they are offering a list of safe and inviting things to do for the entire family (https://www.sthelena.com/holiday-in-st-helena/) Must stop? Woodhouse chocolates. The chocolate is as good as the chocolate art! A new store alert Trick Pony on Main Street, you must walk in as the store is so fresh and new with amazing proprietors and unique and hand selected items. Hit the St. Helena’s Farmers Market (Check season). There are also great art galleries and fun consignment stores with hidden treasures. Wine and olive oil tasting abound so take your pick there. Plus, one of my favorite stores is the sunshine food market. Great finds, Covid ready and delicious. You will have tons of fun in St. Helena. Like us you however, you won’t want to stop there… continue south to Napa.
The River Terrace Inn will but your mind at ease as they offer the best in preparedness and safety. Once you check in you will not want to leave. Plan on at least two days here minimum. The peaceful downtown riverfront retreat offers walkable and bike ready experiences. What I was so impressed with, the added attention to safety and detail making each guest feel at ease. Staying here is easy, allowing you to recharge or use the property for a workday/workweek getaway. It’s easy inviting and so relaxing. While Alba Restaurant is on property (try the burger!) steps away Oxbow market, the wine train depot, Copia and a beautiful stroll along the river or to down town await. They crushed it!
DAY #2: LET’S MEET OUR FARMERS
Back on the road, we drove to the coast toward Tomales, Ca and the famous Dillion beach. Tomales you say, no way? Well, do we have some surprises for you. Our first stop was to our dear friends at Valley Ford Cheese Creamery. So what’s amazing about this place is well, the cheese of course but it’s a family affair. Karen Bianchi Moreda and her son Joe Moreda Jr. having been in the dairy industry for over 4 and 5 generations respectively began crafting Italian style artisan cheeses made from 100% Jersey Cows. The cows have access to pasture 365 days a year, are never treated with growth hormones or antibiotics, and the land is certified organic. To top all that off, during the closures and with extra time on there hands they developed more cheese and an amazing chocolate and vanilla soft serve ice cream. Whats more is they have outdoor seating and a great outdoor area to eat, unwind or send off a couple emails. The deli and the store offer everything you need from snacks and wine to cheese and ice cream, what more could you want.
While many have asked about the fires and safety protocols, I can assure you at Valley Ford Cheese and Creamery they have taken every measure to ensure safety and supported the community after and during the fires. It’s as beautiful as ever and as inviting.
Two more quick stops on our route to the the William Tell House in Tomales. Next Toluma Farms and Tomales Farmstead creamery a Family owned Grade A Goat dairy and organic farm. A quick tour of the farm and an introduction to the main characters was all we needed to rate this farmstead creamery an amazing representation of making the best cheese while respecting the land, community and animals. while meeting our featured guests we notice that the names of the goats were names of various mountains. We also discovered that the name tags were gathered in a pile and upon the goat gathering in the same area each goat grabbed a name tag thus choosing there own name. Learning more and due to their immense respect and commitment to this amazing land they have given the cheese nicknames. Covid friendly and a great place to take kids (and adults) as education is a key element to the farm offering urban youth an experience to learn and discover where there food comes from. One more item to note the airbnb on the farm is stunning and yes, Covid ready. Oh, did I mention the cheese was outstanding!
Next but certainly not least, The Stemple Creek Ranch was up. What an amazing place and an amazing story. If you think farming comes easy and is something given… guess again. Loren Angelo Poncia and his family have step by step made this one of the finest 100% grass fed beef, lamb and Pork ranch! After graduating from Cal Poly and working his day job for years, Loren decided to go all in on the farming “ Beef or Bust”. His mission is to take the guess work out of 100% organic and the ability to provide the best life for his animals. “Born and Grazed. The best life for our animals makes the best meat for your family. No antibiotics, hormones or growth promotants. Just organic pasture forage, wide open fields, and plenty of sunshine. The best meat direct to your door.” He goes on to say, “Our Animals Eat Grass. Pure & Simple.” What Loren and his family are doing is setting the standard. With no safety net, just belief, integrity and grit he built and is still building the finest display of a rancher any of us can ask for. Don’t believe me …head that way. His 5 star ranch for animals host weddings, private events, community gatherings, tours and amazing places to stay right on the ranch.
We are almost there our last stop to the highly anticipated William Tell House in the very small but inviting town of Tomales. Stop the press, what a gem, this historic renovated hotel has history galore and a amazing proprietor that has brought years of experience and style in the restaurant space to Tomales using the freshest best local ingredients. Ted, know for his acclaimed Metal and Match and Alice collective was introduced to the Tell House and it’s need for some tender love… a makeover. This only in restoration and cuisine as the history of the Saloon and restaurant run deep in Tomales. Truth be told this passion project for Ted was three fold in my opinion. To preserve the history and value of the historic Willam Tell House and Salons (circa 1877: the county’s oldest continually open saloon). Second to help the community and preserve jobs and Third to bring in local fresh ingredients that surround Tomales. The project while met with many obstacles has unfolded to be the heart beat of the town. Ted is passionate about preserving jobs and helping support the local community not only in amazing cuisine but also a true gathering place of years past. His dedication and passion to this project is unparalleled and it shows. The food is amazing, the hotel has been preserved and is as warm and wonderful as Ted and the town. Now with more obstacles in recent months ( thanks Covid) Ted is working even harder. Ensuring all safety standards are met and elevated to ensure guest a real hometown experience for today and generations to come. What is amazing is that Ted supports his community through these difficult time keeping staff going and fresh offering available to all. Not to mention Ted respects the small home town feel of the Tomales community but is one of its biggest fans. Spreading the word of the farming families, community while highlighting the farmers fresh food offerings available no where else! Be sure to check out the honor farmers stand next to the hotel also covid approved!
DAY #3: OFF TO THE CITY WE GO
On to San Francisco…Julianna and I have had an amazing discovery of these darling Northern California areas which are easy weekend getaways or day trips. Speaking of day trips, San Francisco is easy, covid friendly and delicious. Lunch was downtown at the Vault Garden. This is in the heart of the financial district and was set up to accommodate all Covid restriction and honestly created with perfection. The outside seating and the warm heaters made for a perfect environment not to mention the beautiful feeling of being outside in downtown San Francisco( very European). They have though of everything, if you still feel the cold or a chill a lap blankets are offered/provided to use to warm you even more. The only other option is to order an amazing cocktail that will warm you right up and there are really great ones to choose from. Our recommendation for warming up with great taste is APPLE-Y EVER AFTER a Four Roses Bourbon, Sage Brown Butter, Spiced Apple Cider, Pecan Bitters~ Served Hot! Our favorite dish without a doubt was the Kimchi Glazed Octopus…order three! They are getting ready for the holiday’s you won’t want to miss that. They are creating a the winter wonderland with a beautiful Christmas tree highlighted in the square.
Speak easy… have you heard of smugglers cove? It’s as San Francisco and San Francisco itself. Yes, it is the speak easy cocktail bar, “Smuggler’s Cove showcases over 550 rums on our shelves at any time, and has had more than 800 varieties pass through our doors since opening.” If the red lights on come on in. However, because of covid restrictions we can’t gather around the water hole but you can grab a “can” of the magical brew. The giant custom cans contain two full cocktails each. You can order on line in advance and pick up is Thurs-Sun 3pm - 8pm All the great usuals like the Jungle bird, Expedition, Tradewinds and so many more. (please drink responsibly). Thanks Martin!
What a beautiful day in the city. I think it’s important to remember that while we are all under restrictions, San Francisco the city by the bay, has ramped up to welcome everyone to come to the city and enjoy the many covid friendly activities around town.
Last but certainly not least this unexpected, dazzling gem was the perfect ending to the “Off The Menu Trip”; The Proper Hotel. Don’t stop at the first floor go all the way at the top to Charmaine’s. It literally is one of the best rooftop bars in the city if not the U.S.. The view at Charmaine’s captures the entire essence of the flavor of the hotel. The idea of staying fresh, energized, focused and inspired is perfectly stated at The Proper. The cuisine matches the design. The staff match the needs of the traveling nomad, proper, uplifting and vibrant. With Jason Fox at the culinary helm he states ““We’re turning to the Bay Area's bounty of influences, as well as our high-quality local ingredients, to help shape our menus and bring unique culinary experiences to the Mid-Market neighborhood.” The cocktail offerings bring homage to San Francisco with a twist of new nuances and traditional style flair. Julianna and I arrived on a Friday and the place was full (covid capacity of course) lively and invigorating. An amazing place to get away if only for an evening on the rooftop. One note, it was so refreshing to be in compliance with all the various the restriction (the proper does that properly) and yet feel like you are getting away from it all.
LAURA’S TOP THREE:
River Terrace Inn and their broken branch cocktail!
Stemple Creek Ranch, 100% grass fed.
Vault Garden, a must order? The Kimchi Glazed Octopus!
JULIANNA’S TOP THREE:
Jamaica Margarita at the William Tell House.
Cocktails at the San Francisco Proper with a gorgeous rooftop bar, a must stop!
Valley Ford Creamery, because who doesn’t love cheese?!
A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE THIS TRIP POSSIBLE.
NOT ONLY WAS IT AN AMAZING AND SAFE WAY TO TRAVEL LOCALLY, IT TRULY IS AMAZING TO SEE EVERYONE WORKING TOGETHER TO ENSURE A COVID SAFE ENVIRONMENT.
