Oh traveling… Let me tell you, sleeping sideways in small airplane chairs, drooling and snoring in front of perfect strangers is a good look for me.
I woke up a 3am Tuesday morning to sit on 2-suitcases and curse at them until they closed. My mom joined me as my frustrations escalated. A few pairs of high heels (that I will likely never wear while I am in California) were left behind.
I still reeked of shallots and garlic from the mushroom risotto I had for dinner the night before. I prayed that my fellow travelers would be kind and ignore my scent. My first flight was short– 6-7am. I stopped at Jamba Juice for a strawberry-banana smoothie topped with granola for a healthy airport breakfast.
I snacked on an apple and latte when I landed in San Fransisco but was STARVING by the time I was settled. It was nearly 2:30pm New York time–way past lunch. I found a plaza near the airport and a place called Cafe Grillades. I ordered the Mediterranean Crepe with a buckwheat crepe to go. I quickly inhaled my lunch and drove to my room in Napa.
(FILLED with olives, feta, tomato, red peppers, artichokes–YUM!)
My drive was unreal. In fact, I could not contain myself. I squealed with delight every 15 seconds. I saw restaurants, wineries and destinations that I have only ever heard about or read about online! Bottega, NapaStyle, Yountville (home of The French Laundry), CIA Greystone, Mustards, Robert Mondavi! OH MY! I can only anticipate the knowledge I will acquire in the coming months.
I dropped my bags off and headed to my home away from home:
THE CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA!
I feel honored to be student at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. My time there has been a whirlwind of hard work, friendships and all things food–I have learned SO much and I am forever grateful to have discovered and chased my passion at The CIA.
CIA Greystone is different, but still feels like home. I especially appreciated the lemon trees just growing in front of the school.
I had several errands to run and traveled 30 minutes away to the closest Target. I also paused like a tourist to gawk at the wine aisle.
After a long day, I decided to round out my healthy day of eating with take-out from Whole Foods. I snuggled up on my couch with an Eel-Avocado Roll with a side of Kale-Barley Salad and Banana (not pictured). I bought a bottle of Greystone Cellers Merlot from the CIA and had a glass with dinner. It wasn’t a wine I would traditionally pair with sushi but it worked. The eel was hearty enough with the sauce. The merlot was on the lighter side but had good flavor.
Now that I am in wine country, I plan on posting more about wine. One of my goals during my time here is not only to learn about the connection between food, wine and culture, but also to become more well versed in wine and study the dynamics. I am looking forward to many hidden gems 
.
Bon Vivant,
Nora
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