There is no other game where drinking, while playing, is such a good combination…
A few years ago my dad became infatuated with the game of bocce ball and decided to build not one, but two bocce ball courts at our Ceja Vineyards headquarters in Carneros. It’s a fun and addicting game, especially when you put two highly competitive and energetic teams together. The only major rule {that we really enforce} is that you have to have a glass of {Ceja} wine in your hand when you play. Pretty simple, right?
I came across these two bocce ball sets, and they’re the prettiest I’ve ever seen. The $2800 Chanel one, of course, is for serious players and would take your bocce ball game to a whole other level. With Spring only a few months away, which outdoor games are you looking forward to playing?
Last year I was approached by television producers to co-host a mini web series called ReDiscover for Msn.com. The web series focused on 12 major cities throughout the U.S., highlighting the “secrets” of each city. Honored and excited about this fun work opportunity, I agreed immediately and got to work rediscovering Napa. As a local, I loved picking my top hidden gems that tourists might not have the chance to experience {outside of wine tasting and restaurant hopping}.
Drumroll please… and here are my top five secrets of the Napa Valley:
1. Napa Valley Balloons- Take an early morning balloon ride over the mystic Napa Valley & enjoy a nice glass of bubbles for breakfast as the sun peaks over the Mayacamas Mtns. It was one of my most breathtaking & memorable experiences.
2. Clemente’s at Val’s Liquor Store- Craving some traditional Italian comfort food? Clemente’s is the place to pick up your dinner. It’s a mom and pop local shop and is know for it’s Malfatti, which are cheese/spinach dumplings served with their famous marinara sauce. These homemade dishes will have you begging for seconds!
3. Indian Hot Springs- Take a swim in the natural mineral pools and follow with a juicy mud bath or massage. My favorite time of the year to go is during the fall/winter months when it’s so cold outside you can marinate in the hot pools and relax with a bottle of wine. A sexy getaway for couples or a group of friends.
4. Betty’s Girl Boutique- Talk about a clothing store with character! I’m obsessed with dresses and Kim {the store owner} has a vast collection of vintage style dresses that she can custom fit or design. For all of you ladies out there, there is no other clothing store like this in Napa.
5. Bistro Sabor Salsa Saturday nights!- {And no, not just because I’m family}- Let’s face it, Napa isn’t known for its night life but Bistro Sabor offers complimentary Salsa dance classes from 10pm-1am every Sat night. It’s fun, it’s unique {the food rocks} and it’s bringing culture to downtown Napa. Need I say more…
As I had hoped, we filmed a second segment flying in a hot air balloon. It was such an amazing experience! The video ends at our Ceja Vineyards tasting room in Carneros cooking and feasting on Chilaquiles!
This past weekend was all about eating, drinking and catching up with friends & family. It was a much needed extended weekend perfect for BBQ’s, laying pool side with my lovely girlfriends, and picking up last minute items for our upcoming trip to Mexico this week! {Stay tuned for some exciting Mexico posts! We will be traveling to the Yucatán Peninsula… can you guess where?!}
Here’s a little peek of how I spent my 4th of July weekend… Ole!
Cooking has always been a passion in my life {eating too!}. Ever since I was a little girl I’ve been in the kitchen, cooking alongside my mom, Amelia Ceja. I remember standing on a stool next to the stove, using both hands to stir the pot of Mexican hot chocolate, while sweet aromas of chocolate and cinnamon filled the kitchen. From that moment on I knew that food would always play an integral role in my life and now, more than twenty years later, I’m still cooking and learning from my mom.
Last week my mom and I had a wonderful opportunity to host the Chefs cooking demonstration at the Napa Downtown Chefs Market. This weekly event is what I consider to be the ultimate street party, with food trucks, wine/beer booths, crafts & cool art.
We decided to prepare one of my favorite dishes, “Camarones con Cebollitas Rojas y Ajo” {shrimp with shallots, garlic, lime juice & a dash of spice}. This recipe is simple to make and is a delicious appetizer to share at a fiesta! This particular day also marked the 2nd annual Chardonnay Day so we paired our Ceja Vineyards “Vino de Casa” Chardonnay blend with the dish. This flavorful and semi-spicy dish paired beautifully with the Chardonnay blend because the wine cut through the spice component of the shrimp leaving your taste buds begging for more!
Click here for the recipe and short cooking video. Ole!
This Spring I’ve been living in dresses despite the temperamental Northern California weather {not that I’m complaining}. Today was no different and I decided to brighten up my day by wearing this 50’s inspired melon colored halter dress paired with nude colored pumps. This is my idea of dressing for a relaxed Sunday afternoon, spending time with the familia {eating way too much yummy homemade Mexican food}, catching up on home improvement projects and lounging around our comfy and sunlit apartment. Don’t you love how the simplest things can bring you the most joy?
