Napa Valley, California

This past November 1999, we went to Napa Valley, California to celebrate our 6-year wedding anniversary. We were in Napa on our 5th year anniversary when we found a charming Bed & Breakfast and decided to make a reservation for the following year.

Napa Valley, along with neighboring Sonoma, is famous for US wine production. Masami recalls from her viticulture class that 90% of all wine in the US is produced in the California central valley.

What goes with good wine? Good food. In Napa Valley, gourmet restaurants serve a delicious combination of fine wine and quality cuisine.
Among the quality restaurants, one that stands superior is The French Laundry. The exterior looks like a regular house. Reservations start 2 months in advance at 10:00. Wes dialed from Singapore exactly 2 months before our anniversary date at 10:00 PST, or 2AM Singapore time. After repeated dialing for one hour, he finally got through, only to learn that dinner was already fully booked and 2 vacancies remained for lunch. Since our anniversary landed on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, reservations were especially difficult to secure.
When the expectation is high, there is likelihood of being disappointed. Before arriving at The French Laundry, our expectation was raised to unreasonable heights. A friend who's a restaurant owner, chef, and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America told us that of all places he's tried, this restaurant ranks first.

The menu had 3 selections: a 5 course or 9 course French selection, or a 5 course vegetarian assortment.
The dining experience was even beyond our expectations. Each dish was masterfully aesthetic and subtly unique in flavor.

Although each course was bite-sized, by the 7th course we had to take a break. The waiter held the flow of delicacies and we ventured into the garden. Overall, our lunch lasted three and a half hours.
If you happen to be in the San Francisco area, a visit to Napa is worth the trip. The French Laundry contact information is below. Reservations are taken from 10AM to closing.

The French Laundry
+1 (707) 944-2380
In November, the grape vines change color. The reds and yellows of the vines are a beautiful contrast to the green hills surrounding the valley.
Two hours East of Napa Valley is the house we lived in for four years before moving to Singapore. We decided to drive through our old neighborhood and check on the upkeep of our former home by the new owners. The realization that your former house is no longer your own is an odd feeling. We took a snapshot of the house through the trees from the roadside. A closer look is on the Introduction page.
Here's a shot of our former neighborhood. Due to the dry climate, the grass dries and turns brown for 6 months of the year. The contrast between the green oaks and the brown meadows is a beauty we truly miss.