We’ve been having such fantastic weather that Christian and I decided to take an impromptu trip up to Napa this past Saturday…we brought our bikes, hit the Oxbow Public Market for lunch and then rode around to a few wineries. I’ll warn you though…starting your day in Napa at the Oxbow Public Market may risk you never making it to any wineries at all!
If you haven’t been to the Oxbow Public Market you should check it out, it’s fabulous. If your from the Bay Area, upon arriving it will be no surprise to learn that the founder, Steve Carlin, has 20 years of experience with the Oakville Grocery Company and was a project manager of the San Francisco Ferry Building Marketplace. It’s right across the river from downtown Napa where other fabulous foodie outposts are as well, such as the Fatted Calf Charcuterie and Model Bakery.
For lunch Christian and I divided and conquered. I got a Pabellón Cachapa (a what? Hold on!) at Pica Pica Maize Kitchen. Luckily for those of you in San Francisco there is one of these on Valencia Street as well because this food is AMAZING and reasonably priced! A Cachapa is a 100% sweet corn pancake , folded and filled with a filling of your choice. In my case, it was filled with shredded beef, sweet plantains, black beans and queso fresco. Holy Yum Batman! And get this…all of Pica Pica’s food is glueten free…enjoy gluten intolerant bellies! I also got their special side of the day, Garlic Tostones (fried green plaintins) but they were a bit greasy for my liking and with some biking ahead of me I only ate one or two.
Christian headed over to C Casa. Apparently we were both feeling the latin food vibe, which is probably not the best pre-bike ride food on a hot day, but ya know sometimes you just have to listen to the your belly. Christian ordered a spiced lamb taco and a cilantro beef taco…both were delish. We consider ourselves tortilla connoisseurs, and C Casa’s fresh white corn tortillas were some of the best we’ve had since living in San Diego.
After our delicious lunch sitting on the outdoor patio of the Oxbow Public Market we wandered over to Fatted Calf & Model Bakery to ogle their beautiful displays of meat and baked goods. Then we pulled ourselves away, jumped on our bikes and enjoyed wine country at it’s best. Sun shining, good wine flowing and full bellies. A perfect day in my book!
