Babymoon in Sonoma

So we decided to take a "Babymoon" to Sonoma and Napa a few weeks back - a mini-trip we could take just before Lima arrives. You know, enjoy those few last moments together before we are a family of 3. Although I couldn't taste wine (Todd did that for me), it was a great retreat for 2 foodies like us.   The weather was amazingly hot - 90 degrees!!

We first stopped of at Bouchon in Yountville for a nice lunch, a Thomas Keller Restaurant.  It was a bustling Bistro, with traditional French fare.  Freshly baked bread awaited at the table from their next door bakery.  Todd had the Boudin Noir, while I had the Roasted Chicken with puff pastry and ratatoille.  We were stuffed silly, but I still had room for a chocolate elcair at the bakery next door.

Since we were so stuffed and delirious from the hot weather and the food, we checked into the Inn at Sonoma, a sweet boutique inn.  It was very country, shabby chic with a fireplace in our room and a resident teddy bear.  They served morning breakfast as well as an afternoon wine tasting for their guests.    For dinner, there were so many restaurants to choose from but we stumbled upon one in downtown Sonoma that was outstanding - The Eldorado Kitchen. I know what your thinking, the name alone would turn off anyone but the food was so delicious.  Everything we ate there was really good, including the rosemary pistachios they gave us to munch on.  So fragrant and savory.  They specialize in using fresh seasonal produce and the vibe was country casual meets contemporary chic.  The Chef was formerly at the French Laundry.   I couldn't resist ordering the truffle fries, but for the main course we had Corn Agnolotti, a  mushroom, corn and truffle pasta, and the pan roastested salmon in tomato water vierge.  The surprising thing was Todd didn't even like tomatos but the way they served this dish was so refreshing.  Of course we topped it off with dessert, a medly of sorbet, cake and everything delicious.

The next day we did some cheese tasting at Vella Cheese.   They know something about cheese there, been making it since 1931!  We took home some greyere and some rosemary jack cheese.   Olive tasting was next at Olive Press and picked up a couple of bottles to bring home and savor.  We went to a couple of wineries, but no wine for me.  I just got to smell the glass- boo hoo.  Another spot we checked out was the Copia Wine and Food Museum.  Never been to a museum that's all about food and wine.  They had some exhibits and of course wine tasting where you buy a card you fill up with money and go to a bunch of machines that automatically pours wine for you.    Our last few stops were at Taylor's for some good old burgers and then a stop at the Napa Factory outlet.  There were some great deals there!    All in all a fun getaway before the big arrival.