Happy 10th Anniversary to us!

What better way to enter the blogosphere, right?

Thanks to all for the well wishes! I know many of you would like a full report of our 24 hr. Napa getaway. It was made possible by a combination of my fabulous in-laws P and B and our fabulous nanny M. We whisked off to Napa at 3:30pm on Friday, our actual anniversary, for 5:45pm reservations. The reservations were obtained thanks to C and C, who made them for us while we were in Coeur d'Alene for Mr. H's Ironman.

French Laundry was, in fact, THAT GOOD. It was like a show/high art/dinner. It was amazing. I asked for a copy of the menu that said "Happy 10th anniversary", which they gave to us in a folder. I think I'll frame it with the cute French Laundry clothespins we were given from our napkins. Thanks A for making me think to ask for the menu!

With no further ado, starring the food, we got the same of everything or shared:

Amuse bouche #1: Gruyere cheese puff. (YUM)
Amuse bouche #2: Salmon coronette- sushi salmon with chives, some sort of cream, in a cone made of BUTTER, black sesame seeds, BUTTER, and some flour to hold it together.

"Oysters and Pearls" (skipped due to oysters)

We had instead: The Pearls- Caviar on a cauliflower panna cotta. It was quite divine. We've only ever had caviar one other time (on the Seabourn cruise in 1999). This was better. Maybe it was the presentation? Tobiko doesn't count as another form, right?

Compressed Summer Melons with Haas Avocado, English cucumbers, and "Piment d'Espelette". -who woulda thunk? If you compress the melon, pushing out water, the flavor intensifies. YUM.

Moulard Duck "Foie Gras en Terrine" Red Haven Peaches, Cornichon "Lamelles," Frisee Lettuce and Dijon Mustard. -Mr. H found this the best EVER. I enjoyed it.

Sea of Japan Alfonsino "En Escabeche" Chanterelle Mushrooms, French Laundry Garden Heirloom Tomatoes and Young Arugula Leaves

Sicilian Pistachio-Crusted Fillet of Pacific Kahala (Kampachi- we've had it as sushi) Melted Beligan Endive, Watercress and Passion Fruit "Gastrique"

"Aiuillette" of Liberty Farm Pekin Duck Breast. Tokyo turnips, toasted pecans, Bing Cherries, Garden Mache, and Aged Balsamic Vinegar- I thought I didn't like Duck. Turns out, I just like EXPENSIVE lean, non-fatty, perfectly cooked duck.

Herb-Roasted Saddle of Elysian Fields Farm Lamb- Broccolini "Fleurettes," Nicoise Olives, Piquillo Peppers and Panisse "Croutons" (made out of peas-these were ethereal, and insanely good)

"Salva Cremasco"- Spanish cheese course
Globe Artichokes, fine green beans, and sweet garlic emulsion.

Jacobsen's Farm green gage plum -Young ginger "Nuage" and Mirabelle Jelly (yummy, nice and tart and refreshing)

There were 2 desserts. We decided to get one of each and share.

"Delice au chocolat et a la menthe" with Amedei Chuao Chocalote-Mint "Parfait" and Mint Syrup (it had a rollercoaster of chocolate riding the whole thing in a circle- very cool)

Glace aux noyaux d'abricots- Apricot sorbet, Pate de fruits, nutmeg frangipane and streusel

We shared the two desserts and declared ourselves deliciously comfortably full. We had yummy rooibos tea (me), decaf coffee (Mr. H).

Then trouble started. Two more china plates were placed in front of us with silver square plates. Uh-oh. The suspense builds. Now what????

Out comes a tower of handmade chocolates and candies. And another tray brought around of handmade candies. You know, just whipped up in the kitchen.

I also forgot the bread service spread throughout- including brioche with handmade butter, salted and not salted, available. 3 kinds of artisan salts to sprinkle as desired. A walnut bread, a currant bread, a multigrain hard crusty roll. A whole wheat rye crusty roll. Examples of why bread is worthy when it is good.

Oh, and back to MORE dessert, also a bowl of chocolate caramel hardened macadamia nuts.

We were giggling we were so silly and full. Now we were definitely over the top.

I forgot to mentione we shared a half-bottle of Merry Edwards Pinot Noir 2005. Delicious. We don't drink much so that was the right amount of wine for us.

We rolled out of there with bags of shortbread cookies given to us to take home. Because we needed more food. Clearly.

The B&B was perfect. We lay there in a food coma laughing and chatting, the TV and never made it on! The next morning we had breakfast, provided by the B&B, and drove home. We seem to have been the only ones that weren't in a groom's wedding party. Let's hear it for a cancellation that allowed us our 1 night stay! Nobody was yelling "uppee please" when we woke up.

Why do I always forget we are really only 1 hr. from Napa???? We decided it might be related to the fact that we didn't used to drink wine or have any interest in learning to. Now we enjoy it here and there. And Napa is a good place to "practice".

It was the perfect 10th anniversary!

Totally worth the truly obscene bill.

It was the perfect show, orchestrated with a million funky pieces of china. (Which, BTW, are all made for Thomas Keller, the chef, he has his own line, naturally.)

Remind us to go to Napa more to eat, to bike, whatever!!!!

It was the perfect getaway, we actually felt like we'd had a real vacation.