Happy Wednesday! One day away from the big day! Let’s get into the celebratory spirit by celebrating food with Jenn.
This is probably the best WIAW I’ve ever had. I’m on vacation in Napa right now, and to say I’ve been eating well is an understatement. I’ve really been embracing balance this trip-I’m not worrying about eating decadent foods, but I’m getting in enough of the good stuff at well that I still feel great, healthy, and happy.
This morning, I slept WAY later than planned. I somehow ended up with a king size bed to myself-I’ve never slept in one before, and I’ll probably never sleep in one again, but it was glorious. Anyways, a later morning meant a light breakfast was necessary before my run, so I had some cranberry bread and blueberries.
I also had a bit of pannetone. We get this every year around Christmas-we don’t exactly like it but we always end up eating it. We got a mini one this year, but it was a bit dry.
Then, it was time for a run! It’s interesting to run in a place I’ve run once every year-I used to think a 3-4 mile loop was crazy long!
I have to make a note about this picture-this is around the spot that I ate pavement a few years ago on a run (luckily I made it through this run in one piece!). The best part? I was running to a restaurant to meet my family for breakfast. My mom snapped this gem of me before she realized I had blood streaming down my leg. Oh, memories.
After cleaning myself up post run, we drove to a small town nearby, St. Helena.
My parents felt lunch was a priority, and after walking through downtown looking at menus, one place in particular place caught our eye. This was SUCH a good choice. My gosh, this was by far the best food I’ve had in a LONG time. We ordered some appetizers to start-grilled artichokes plus brussels sprouts.
These brussels sprouts were mouthwateringly amazing. I have no words. They were by far the best I’ve ever had. They were cooked to perfection, and so, so flavorful.
For my entree, of course I ordered the avocado salad.
The ingredients were so fresh-all this salad was was fresh mozzarella, tomato, avocado, lettuce, olive oil, and salt and pepper. All the flavors were perfect together.
Then, we stopped at one of our all time favorite places-Woodhouse Chocolate. These candies are amazing-the flavors are just so fresh and spot on. The mint tastes just like a mint leaf. And they’re beautiful as well!
Confession: this whole box is for me.
We also tasted some olive oil and picked some out to bring home with us. Then, we stopped in a coffeeshop so I could do some studying. My mom and I both ordered decaf cappuccinos.
The milk foam was good! Not like the amazing cappuccinos I get at school, but a close second, and definitely better than Starbucks!
Before dinner, we stopped in another small town to explore a bit-check out these adorable shops in old train cars!
Then, it was off to dinner at an Italian restaurant that we always go to. We started off with fresh bread and their signature dipping sauce, made with caramelized onions. I haven’t had this much quality olive oil in so long!
For my entree, I ordered the salmon, which came with polenta and steamed spinach. Everything was cooked to perfection. I have to confess, I’m a big salter. But the food this weekend has been just so good and perfectly seasoned that it just doesn’t need anything! It’s amazing to have well cooked flavorful food, a big contrast to dining hall food!
And since it’s vacation, dessert needed to happen. We shared bread pudding with maple rum sauce and a brownie a la mode.
This bread pudding was nearly as good as our family recipe, which is saying a ton! Definitely by far the best restaurant bread pudding I’ve ever had-hot, custardy, with plenty of delicious sauce.
That’s all I have for you today! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
What do you eat on vacation?
Looks like you had an awesome day!! And all of the food (esp that chocolate hehe) looks so delicious!! Happy (early) Thanksgiving!
Thanks-you too!
This looks like a fabulous vacation so far! My dad seems to plan out our meals which is great because dinners are always researched restaurants. Breakfasts and lunches are usually hodgepodge sandwiches we find because my dad seems to want to eat a sandwich every day 😉 I don’t mind because lunch usually isn’t my favorite anyways. Gorgeous run!
Haha my dad is the opposite-he’s weird and hates sandwiches, so he’s always trying to avoid them at all costs!
Aw so lucky! Then you probably get to experience a wide range of cuisine 🙂
Haha that’s true!
What beautiful weather you’re having!! I’m so jealous (: Those brussel sprouts look really good! I’ve never tried them but I jussssst bought some and can’t wait to make them. Looks like you’re having a great time with lots of great food!!
You need to make them ASAP! I hadn’t tried them until a few years ago because I always assumed I wouldn’t like them, but I was so wrong!
I had them and they were delicious!! ❤️
Yay!
I have family that lives in Napa and I’ve been to that chocolate place that you’re talking about! They are just delicious! What was the Italian restaurant that you went to because my cousin is the manager of one there?
It’s called Ristorante Allegria!
Nope, not the same one. But the food looks amazing! Hope you have a great vacation 🙂
Aww too bad! Thank you!
I LOVE Napa. I live about an hour south of there and we go whenever we get the chance. Hope you enjoy the rest of your time and continue to give in to all the chocolate, mwuahaha! 😉
Haha thanks-and that definitely won’t be a problem!
Isn’t it weird how a distance that once seemed like forever is now your short run?! I think that’s so crazy! PS- that brownie a la mode looks to die for!
It’s so amazing to see how much difference a few years makes!
One of our family friends is Italian and gives us a huge panatone EVERY. YEAR. Seriously, its the driest thing ever…yet strangely tasty? But that could be due to lathering of butter. I kind of want to faceplant that chocolate…is that bad?
Have a great thanksgiving!
Thank you! Faceplanting into chocolate is never a bad thing. Ever. Speaking of which, I’m pretty sure panatone would be 1000x better smothered in chocolate.
Wow it looks like you are having an amazing time! I have only ever driven through Napa, but it is somewhere I would so love to stay. All the food looks so delicious, Napa is gorgeous, and of course there is the wine tasting!
The food really is amazing there! You should definitely stay there if you get a chance!
So many beautiful photos! Imthink I need a cappuccino now!
Thank you! Mmm now I need another one!