How to Prepare for the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines Exam - My Tips for Passing the Test
NJ IN LA Blog
by Natalie James
1M ago
This morning I received an email with my WSET Level 2 Award in Wines exam results—I passed, with Merit. My score was an 84%, making it one point shy of receiving a Distinction honor. As my husband woke up, I ecstatically shared this news with him and he squeezed me tight and expressed how proud he was of me. I started to go on about this 1% off from Distinction and he politely reminded me of the call I made from my rental car outside of Rutherford House on that stressful rainy day in Napa, expressing my fears that I potentially didn’t pass. I was thankful for his words and we continued to cel ..read more
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A Stylish Escape: Wine Tasting at Scribe Winery, Understated Elegance in Sonoma
NJ IN LA Blog
by Natalie James
1M ago
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Sonoma, California, Scribe Winery offers a serene wine-tasting experience steeped in down-to-earth elegance. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the stunning views synonymous with the property. The Scribe team exuded a welcoming vibe that resonated with the values and interests that are important to me. In California’s wine region, many experiences feel out-of-date and far from inclusive, but at Scribe, an inviting atmosphere is a priority. Known for producing vibrant, terroir-driven wines, Scribe Winery is managed by fourth-generation California farmers and ..read more
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Indulge in Excellence: Dining at Bear at Stanly Ranch, One of the Best Restaurants in Napa Valley
NJ IN LA Blog
by Natalie James
3M ago
Ensconced among 712 acres of picturesque Carneros vineyards, the Auberge Stanly Ranch is one of the latest additions to the hotel chain’s distinguished global portfolio. Embodying understated elegance, the sprawling resort and its fantastic restaurant, Bear, have emerged as beacons for the new Napa Valley, introducing a modern essence to the iconic yet sleepy California wine region. Bear has a gorgeous open-air kitchen that comes alive for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a menu focused on elemental California cuisine served in a convivial family-style setting. Seasonal dishes, many prepare ..read more
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Taste the Legacy: Wine Tasting at Stags' Leap Winery in Napa Valley
NJ IN LA Blog
by Natalie James
4M ago
Napa Valley, lovingly referred to as America’s wine country, is a region renowned for its picturesque vineyards and world-class wineries. It is a necessary destination for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs in the Western Hemisphere. Among the many gems that grace this scenic valley, Stags' Leap Winery is a Napa classic that offers an intimate wine-tasting experience. On a recent visit to this historic estate, I was transported into a world of sensory delight and oenophilic wonder as I sipped from the diverse collection of Stags’ portfolio. The legacy of Stags' Leap Winery runs deep. The estat ..read more
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Savoring the Finest Artisanal Bread: A Culinary Journey to Troubadour Bread & Bistro in Healdsburg, California
NJ IN LA Blog
by Natalie James
6M ago
Nestled amidst the scenic vineyards and charming streets of Healdsburg, California, Troubadour Bread & Bistro stands as a beacon for food enthusiasts seeking artisanal provisions. During my recent trip to this charming bakery, I was impressed by their unique selection of sandwiches, and I was truly amazed by the exceptional quality of the bread on which they were prepared. One casual lunch at Troubadour left me feeling completely inspired by the culinary scene of Sonoma County and I cannot wait to return. As you walk into this stylishly cozy bakery, the inviting aroma of freshly baked bre ..read more
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An Elevated Experience: Wine Tasting at the Stylish Miller House of Frank Family Vineyards
NJ IN LA Blog
by Natalie James
7M ago
Nestled within the enchanting landscapes of Napa Valley, the newly revitalized Frank Family Vineyards beckons wine enthusiasts seeking a refined and stylish setting to savor their favorite vintages. Among the array of delightful tasting experiences awaiting guests, the Miller House stands as a true gem. Designed by the renowned American architect Howard Backen, celebrated for his mastery of creating airy farmhouses and modernist retreats, this exquisite edifice provides a gorgeous backdrop for wine aficionados looking to transcend the ordinary Napa experience. With an architectural portfolio ..read more
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The Salk Institute: A Masterpiece of Brutalist Architecture Overlooking San Diego’s Coastline
NJ IN LA Blog
by Natalie James
8M ago
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is a world-renowned research institute located in the stunning coastal neighborhood of La Jolla in San Diego, California. It is also my favorite building in Southern California. The history-making institute was founded in 1960 by Jonas Salk, the developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine. Salk selected one of the most celebrated architects of the 20th century, Louis Kahn, to design the research facility. Considered one of the most important modern American architectural sites, the Salk Institute is a brutalist masterpiece. The buildings a ..read more
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Loreto: A New(ish) Mexican Seafood & Margarita Destination in Frogtown
NJ IN LA Blog
by Natalie James
8M ago
Loreto is a vibrant new Mexican seafood restaurant in the evolving Frogtown neighborhood of Los Angeles. Located a few blocks away from the L.A. River and down the road from Lingua Franca (which I reviewed earlier this week), this arrival marks that this once-industrial stretch of land is now home to the city’s hottest new restaurants. Loreto is the latest installation from Mexican restaurant group Grupo Almares and chef Paco Moran, best known for his talent as the executive chef at the lively LA Cha Cha Chá in Downtown L.A.’s Arts District. The gorgeous Loreto specializes in refined mariscos ..read more
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Frogtown’s Lingua Franca: A Modern American Restaurant Overlooking the L.A. River
NJ IN LA Blog
by Natalie James
8M ago
Lingua Franca is a modern American restaurant in Frogtown, Los Angeles, that has quickly become a favorite among Eastside dwellers. Owned and operated by Lauren and Peter Lemos, the husband-and-wife duo behind the beloved Wax Paper, the restaurant offers a new take on classic American dishes, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu changes regularly, but you can always expect to find something deliciously inventive. Situated at the end of Allesandro Street along the bike path overlooking the Los Angeles River, Lingua Franca mirrors the chill vibrations of the surrounding area. The d ..read more
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Lunch at LaLou, an Effortlessly Cool Natural Wine-Focused Restaurant in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
NJ IN LA Blog
by Natalie James
8M ago
While in NYC I met up with friends to catch up over lunch in Brooklyn. There's something invaluable about arriving at a restaurant with the assurance that a friend's refined palate will ensure an excellent dining experience. I walked into LaLou and knew I had arrived at a gem in Prospect Heights. This charming wine bar and restaurant offers a carefully curated selection of natural, biodynamic, and small-production wines from around the world, paired with market-driven fare from Executive Chef Ian Anderson. The wine list at LaLou is the work of co-owners Joe Campanale and Dave Foss, both of wh ..read more
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