foodie day.

bday celebrations haven't ceased and i have been spoiled by friends and family in the food/booze consumption BIG time this year.  so fun!

some local foodie recommendations:

start the day @ sweet things in beautiful tiburon.
cute lil hole in the wall in a small strip mall near the water.  YUM dark chocolate mocha. kick-start your engine!

bday lunch with/from my bestie! thanks! @ the grove fillmore.
disagree w/ yelp here...if patrons had a greater appreciation for ambience, were aware that they serve the giant-est mimosas in town, and knew the secret i was let in on of ordering the benedict "dave's way" (thanks, ry!)...it'd no doubt have a higher review.

cap off the day with a panini and wine @ paninoteca and wine bar inside napa style's flagship store in yountville in the napa valley.  chef michael chiarello really knows how to make a mean melty sammie and tastes at the wine bar help you chose the perfect vino to pair with your meal.

the waistline is happy to hear that the celebrations and overindulging are coming to an end ;) (for now...) cheers!

anti-depressant.

i spend the past weekend clearing my mind and working my body by getting lost in the woods of big sur. big sur is GORGEOUS! a couple of friends and myself ventured out 12 miles into the ventana wilderness to find peace, some butt-kicking steep climbs, trees galore, and some pretty awesome natural hot springs. we met some great people (as some fun mountain crazies) and re-centenered and humbled ourselves amongst the spectacular scenary.

after about 24 miles of steep hiking in little over 24 hours (and not much other than your standard blah trail food...oh and a bottle of wine! pack ONLY the essentials when backpacking ;) ) we quenched our heard-earned appetite with a stop at Nepenthe. Nepenthe is a casual bohemian eatery with a simple menu, killer winelist, and views that just don't quit! i highly recommend this spot...food for the belly and views for the soul.

souvenir. book about food and the people that eat it.

benedict recipe im dying to make...and attempt to follow (im terrible at following recipes) breakfast anyone?

views. views! VIEWS!

nepenthe: medicine for sorrow, literally an anti-depressant (according to wiki). DON'T FORGET TO TAKE YOUR MEDS! ;)