Valentine's Day Getaway to Napa Valley

 Views from Domaine Carneros Winery

My husband and I decided to take a impromptu to Napa Valley.  That's what I love about T so much, he's up for anything and he's the best partner in crime when it comes to travel.  It wasn't necessarily the best idea considering it was both Valentine's Day and a President's Day long weekend, but as always we make the best of everything despite the restaurants being fully booked- although we were able to snag an awkward table near the hostess' check-in desk at Hurley's Restaurant meaning lots of people on standby surrounding our table, 30 minute wait at Bouchon Bakery that was totally worth it, and the 2.5 hour drive back to the City.  I still had an amazing time.

We were even able to fit in a morning of shopping at the Napa Valley Premium Outlets and bought the most crisp, button-up shirt  in light blue from Brooks Brothers.  When it comes to button-up shirts for work, Brooks Brothers is my go-to especially if they're non-iron shirts.  

After lunch in Younteville, we headed to Domaine Carneros Winery which is known for their sparkling wines.  I first came here for my bachelorette party two years ago and fell in love with this winery.  I like how it's not as busy, you get beautiful views of the rolling hills of Napa while sipping champagne on their terrace, and getting a bite of their delicious, rich cheese plates.  

The chateau of Domaine Carneros

Hiding among the hedges

Souvenir goodies of chocolate eclairs, lemon tarts, 

almond croissants, and macaroons

 Gotta love the heart-shaped gold leaf on the eclair from Bouchon

In the domain of Napa Valley's vineyards

Clement Street in San Francisco

Schubert's Bakery - it's been around since 1911.  I love love love the Opera and Princess cake.

For special occasions we get the St. Honore cake.  If you've never tried it before, it is the best!

Located on Clement and 6th

Clement Street in the Inner Richmond was the first neighborhood I lived in when I first moved to San Francisco over 7 years ago.  Clement Street is a wonderful mix of everything, literally.  Burmese food, Thai food, Chinese bakeries, Japanese shabu restaurants, Mediterranean food, cozy coffeehouses, boba or bubble tea cafes, rowdy pubs,  modern lifestyle boutiques, fabric stores, and so much more.  It's hard to believe all of this is covered in what is probably about a mile-long street; it's what I imagine to be a modern day Silk Road trading post.  

Can't wipe that goofy grin off my face.

I love coming here for Vietnamese food.  There's a cute tiny cafe called Little Vietnam Cafe on Clement and 6th, run by the friendliest owner who we see every time we come and visit.  I usually get the noodles with pork and fried egg rolls and make plans to head over to Genki's for their blueberry and cheesecake crepes but I'm too full by then.  If I'm craving a boba tea, I'll grab a mango smoothie drink to take home with me.  We also love coming to Clement to shop for veggies - there are small grocery stores everywhere you look and they carry the most exotic looking fruit imaginable.   

 Chinese pastries and buns fresh and warm off the oven

 There's a line out the window for these goods.  

Nope, I didn't make the cut-  I'm not tall or curvy enough.

 Trying my best to fit the line-up - fail.  Major fail

 Star of the Sea Church

Homes in the Inner Richmond