MrAndrewBradley

Although it was a lower key birthday this year, having dinner with a friend at Red Robin , there was no shortage of amazing food and world-class wines over the last few weeks. My time started with a day trip to Newport Beach for meetings . Although I spent less than 12 hours in Orange County , watching the sunset over Newport Harbor never gets old and made the trip worth it (as did some popcorn with bacon, pizza fries, and a beer or two ). My birthday was officially celebrated with a burger at Red Robin, but there was also my favorite wrap at Chick-Fil-A , fajitas and Texas fries at Chili's , holiday mini-golf at Golfland-SunSplash , and a few much needed runs. Then it was time to meet with a few colleagues from out-of-state that had never been to Napa . It was my challenge to help them experience everything that The Meritage had to offer, while also showcasing the beauty that is the Napa Valley. Not one to shy away from challenges, I gladly accepted, and put together a two...

My birthday celebrations began a little early this year with a trip to the Bradley Lodge . After using a coupon from Dickey's BBQ Pit for a free meal on Thursday, I headed up to the Bradley Lodge Friday evening with my parents and grandma. My dad and I were able to help the Big Trees Village Rec Center prepare for winter (and spring) by helping to rake pine needles and do other pre-winter preparations, then we all went to dinner at Sarafina's , our favorite Italian restaurant in Arnold. As always, dinner did not disappoint. When we got back to Sacramento we did yard work at my parents house' and went to Florez for Mexican food and a margaritas. Now, off to Newport Beach for the day before heading to Napa later in the week. Pictures for those with iPads .

For the first time in all my Napa visits, I actually went wine tasting and it wasn't as part of a tour. I was able to go with my parents and aunt to Robert Mondavi , Trinitas Cellars , Round Pond , Artesa , and Castello di Amorosa as we traveled up and down the Napa Valley.  The experiences at each were truly memorable from looking at the beautiful vistas and mountains at Robert Mondavi, to enjoying a wine and food pairing at Round Pond, and exploring the castle that is Castello di Amorosa. Beyond the wineries we had a spectacular dinner at Siena and saw the history of wine openers at the C ulinary Institute of America, Greystone . There was also a trip to Kenzo Estate , one of the most pristine vineyards and wineries I have ever been too, everything was perfect from the manicured vines to the barrels in the cellar and even the ground below the olive trees. The wine as great too and it was interesting to learn that a majority of their wine is shipped and sold directly to ...