Gabrielle J.'s Profile
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Listed in: Napa Valley wedding tips
We had a year-long engagement and from the get-go knew our focus was going to be food. As we are locals in the valley, we'd heard fabulous things about PJC. We quickly booked our tasting and promptly had our socks knocked off. We knew we wanted a typical French Mediterranean menu along with a classic seafood Paella. Throughout our year-engagement, all we could think about was how excited we were for our wedding food. Everyone told us "don't worry, you won't have time to eat at your wedding"-- when we made our entrance, we looked at each other and told the waiter- we are not moving or talking to ANYBODY until we've eaten. Boy did we eat and boy was it DELICIOUS.
Our families and friends are huge foodies- half of my family is from the South of France and said the food was better than what they would find/make in France. mission accomplished.
If you are looking for a caterer in the Napa Valley whose focus is on great quality food and service and sources locally to boot, please look no further than PJC, you will not be disappointed. Take the word of a happy bride.
Listed in: Napa Valley wedding tips
After some research, I decided to book Beau the provide shuttle transportation at my wedding. I requested the shuttle come by the private site a few months prior to wedding so we could coordinate drop off points etc... from the get-go, Beau was accomodating.
When the site checkout came around, Kas was driving the shuttle. She not only was prompt and so incredibly sweet, she gave us some stellar ideas for drop-off/pick-up points we had not thought of.
One of our worries with having a shuttle and therefore the gate to our home open was that in the Napa Valley, many tourists come down our driveway looking for a winery...I shared this concern with Kas. Lo and behold a few weeks after our run-through, Kas drops off a custom-made sign that read "No Winery This Lane." Talk about above and beyond.
Fast forward to the wedding- we had a group of friends who were kicked out of their lodging (something about too much partying) Kas was able to change her plan and adapt to their new location no problem and still get everyone to the wedding on time. +
It has now been a few weeks since the wedding and literally, everytime I see someone who attended our wedding, they comment on the wedding and how great it was blablbahlh, but also, how amazing our shuttle driver was.
Kas is a gem, Beau Wine Tours is lucky to have her- you are luckiest if you book them and get Kas. Worth. every. penny.
Listed in: Napa Valley wedding tips
To boot, she has a very laid back and approachable attitude which is a welcome change from the heady yoga speak so often paired with some of the "hardcore" yoga studios/yogis. Not all of us are on a mission to achieve nirvana or the craziest poses known to mankind- I'm still trying to find my damned chakras.
If you are looking for a mentally grounding and physically challenging practice in a welcoming, accepting environment, attend one of Jenna Leigh's classes or contact her for a private session. I promise you won't regret it.
San Francisco, CA 94111
Caroline Jordan Fitness
Category:
Trainers
Neighborhood: Financial District
Her creative and constantly changing workouts focus on strength, flexibility, and balance--a combo which my body has graciously noted and accepted in the time I've been working it out with her.
I have also witnessed the most impressive personal training story I personally know. Caroline started training a close friend of mine who was in desperate need to get back into shape. In a matter of WEEKS I could see a difference in my friend's both physical and mental state of being.
Personal training is expensive- but I do find value in a phenomenal instructor. Invest in a membership at a club this girl teaches at- you will NOT regret it.
Caroline will go far in her profession- she is simply the best at what she does. I said it before, and I'll say it again- watch your back Jillian Michaels.
Listed in: Polk a- dot these off your…
1 Previous Review:
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1/6/2010
Passion.
That is what this girl has. Her passion for her profession is hands down what makes her the best instructor I've ever had. Period.
Although she is half my size and probably under half my weight, she could definitely kick my butt and give that Jillian Michaels a run for her money.
If like everyone and their mom, your resolution is to "get fit," start by attending one of Caroline's classes. Just attend. Don't even work out. Sit there and watch. I dare you- you will be up and moving, and before you know it ADDICTED to the next class.
For those of you who can't or refuse to shuck out the exorbitant fees of the clubs she teaches at, make sure to attend one of the monthly bootcamp classes she'll be coaching at SF Lululemon.
Your bulging pants buttons will thank you!!!
St Helena, CA 94574
(707) 963-2233
Martini House - CLOSED
Categories:
American (New),
Bars
'Tis a sad day for Napa Valley gastronomy. Humphrey/Kuleto- though i doubt you would waste your precious moments reading Yelp, perhaps someone in your entourage does. Simple request: you could force your mushroom soup onto the menu of a nearby restaurant? Can't imagine the world without that soup. (Yes I have the actual recipe, and no it tastes nothing like it does at martini house).
RIP Martini House, you will be missed. Your replacement has BIG shoes to fill (and i heard it's the PF Chang guy- insert skeptical face-)
Listed in: A little Napa is good for your…
1 Previous Review:
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3/31/2010
Kuleto and his themes. I love his restaurants- food and decor are memorable, inspired, and coveted (at least by me).
When inquired about theme, our waiter's description aptly describes the feel of this quirky old home "ski chalet, decorated by the dalai lama, plunked in the napa valley."
The perfect way to celebrate a warm Napa Valley day is over lobster rolls and Martini House's amazing french fries on the gorgeous outside patio.
The perfect way to celebrate life and our five senses is to have a long, leisurely dinner inside (preferably in the front covered veranda-esque section of the restaurant separate from din of kitchen and fellow diners) paired with a local bottle of red.
The best way to celebrate our five senses? The mushroom tasting menu. Or any of the mushroom selections off the menu. From the mushroom mousse amuse bouche to the cream of mushroom soupe (opt to sip from the demi-tass portion served piping hot in an espresso cup)- I have been striving to replicate such version at home in vain. Todd Humphries is a genius and turns these fungi into a magical experience (no hallucinations involved).
We have eaten at Martini House for years. Whether it's the evolving and creative menu or "complacency" which cost them their Michelin star, I couldn't care less-- this funky-chic restaurant is a true gem of the Valley that I want all to myself, Michelin-star seeking tourists be damned.
Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 586-4116
Rock Inn Mountain Tavern
Categories:
Music Venues,
Steakhouses
Coolest bartender ever- served us even with the closed sign firmly lit in the window. Served me up some old college favorites (slutty shirley anybody?)
Great live music on the right night and rad local crowd orderin up rounds of shots well past the closing hours.
Listed in: COLORADO
Listed in: COLORADO
Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 586-5421
Estes Park Brewery
Category:
Beer, Wine & Spirits
Free tastings downstairs, chillest staff ever, unique brews (blueberry and rasberry anyone?)
If you like any of the beer, they sell both individual bottles for $2.50/bottle or 6 packs...
Well worth stoppin by for a taste- it's free after all!
Listed in: COLORADO
I love the jogging path surrounding this lake- perfect 5 mile loop makes a nice option to exercise if you're not into the whole hiking thing.
Plenty of benches to rest on or spots to fish the lake.
Do not miss walking a bit of the circular path, it was the highlight of my whole trip.
Listed in: COLORADO
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San Francisco, CA
Yelping SinceApril 2009
Things I LoveSea Salt & Vinegar Kettle Chips
My Hometown650
The Last Great Book I ReadTales of the City by Armistead Maupin- a MUST READ if you live in SF :)
My Favorite MovieWhip It
My Last Meal On EarthMy mom's pesto
Most Recent Discoverypaddle boarding
Current Crushmy foam roller
We were on a high-low hunt for a Napa-Valley local patisserie who could make a traditional French piece-montee (Croquembouche in USA). I got a referral to Dedra from my amazing caterers Piper-Johnson and promptly booked a tasting with her, my husband, and my ridiculously french-dessert discerning parents.
Dedra had prepped three flavors of piece montee for us- classic vanilla creme, grand-marnier, and rhum. Initially we were skeptical on the flavors and wanted classic- the grand marnier knocked our socks off though. We were nervous about having this cake at our wedding- this stands as a 4ft pyramid of profiteroles-like puffs covered in spun sugar. Any sort of humid temperature would destroy these.
We coordinated the delivery of the cake later in the evening and I must say, I turned around when it was cake-time, and it had magically appeared on our wine barrels! The cake freaking delivered! Everyone's minds were blown by the beauty of this cake- our friends are still talking about it.
Dedra did a fantastic job with the croquembouche, I bet her business will boom in the Napa Valley- it certainly deserves it!!