Carpe Diem - Downtown Napa

My day off falls on Saturday. Which ends up being interesting because I consider it Tourist Day here in Napa. I've come to notice that on those days I am not treated like a "local". The vibe is more of what someone would get that day here on vacation. That has it's pluses and minuses. Allison, a good friend I've made out here, and I had earlier in the day gone to Rubicon for a glass of sparkling and ended up starving. I suggested Carpe Diem, as it's the new kid in town and neither one of us had been. The vibe when we walked in was really courteous and warm. The menu is full of delicious sounding foods, from apps to flatbreads and deserts. I would consider it more of a small plates bar. Allison and I got the works cheese and charcuterie board and harissa fries.




Let me just say that this was the best cheese/meat board I've had in the valley so far. Better than Auberge even, well the cheese at least. Everything was a really good price, especially for downtown. I will be reccomending this place all the time!

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Mumm Napa

Since I am going to the city for new years eve, I've decided to pick up a bottle of sparkling. Mumm Napa has been one of those places I've always wanted to try, especially sine I work right next door.
In retrospect, picking the eve before NYE may not have been the best of ideas to visit a big sparkling wine producer. Mumm Napa was BUSY. The servers were off and on, some were great and others were mediocre. But that's expected when you go into a tasting alone and on a "trade" visit. In the business, those visits are usually comped and most trade doesn't end up buying anything.
I decided the try the Mumm Napa Classics. A Blanc de blanc, Brut prestige, and Brut Rose.


Please ignore the fact that I'm a total dork with my USB drive attached to my keys, I lose things easily.

The Blanc de Blanc was very nice. With hints of green apple and a bit of tart. It also wasn't as fizzy as the other two, which I liked.

The Brut Prestige was sweeter than the first with tones of honeysuckle. It also had a bit more alcohol on the nose and mouth.

The Brut Rose was sweet like the other Brut. It felt a bit meatier with more of a mouthful feel.

My personal favorite was the Blanc de Blanc. Which also means it is what I will be taking to our friends house for NYE.

Happy New Years everyone! Sorry I haven't written on here recently, but I'm making it a goal to make an entry at least weekly. Napa valley has too many wineries and food places to offer to not share them with everyone!
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