Taylor's Refresher

Guy's Dives, Diners and Drive-inns on the Food Network has been going around toting that Taylor's Refresher in St. Helena has the best burgers in the US. I have been to Taylor's in St. Helena 5 years ago and I remember it been a fabulous burger. The line to order was long but you could smell the burgers and garlic fries a mile away.

D discovered that Taylor's has a location at the Ferry Building in SF so we decided to try that one instead since we ran out of time in Napa. We took MIL D shopping at Union Square at the new Bloomies at the newly restored Emporium Building. We worked up an appetite ready to devour out food. Of course my eyes are bigger than my stomach. I ate until I was clutching my tummy. Best. Dam. $9 Burger. Ever.



Black & White Milk Shake - made w/ Double Rainbow Ice cream
Chili Bowl - House made beef & chili bean topped w/ cheddar and green onions
Wisconsin Sourdough - A burger w/ grilled mushrooms, bacon, cheddar cheese, mayo & BBQ sauce on grilled sourdough
Fish & Chips - Fresh Mahi Mahi battered and fried, served w/ fries, slaw, tarter sauce, lemon wedge and green onions
Garlic Fries - Tossed in garlic butter and parsley

Everything was my favorite. The mahi mahi was so fresh that when I bite into it, the juices came out. It was moist and juicy. I dipped my garlic fries into the chili. Two things that go so well together. Just heaven. The burger was juicy and huge. So.Dam.Good. Yep, I'm coming here again.

Sonoma/Napa

D planned a weekend getaway to Napa/Sonoma for our anniversary. He did such a fantastic job where I didn't have to lift a finger. Everything was taken care of. He's such a great hubby. We flew into San Jose (long story) and got into our rental car; drove to IL's house for the night.

Next morning we drove up to Sonoma for brunch at The Girl and the Fig Cafe. We sat in the patio area. It was really nice and beautiful out back. The only downer were the flies buzzing around. EW.

The food was fabulous and heavy. Nothing like the American fare of pancakes. See for yourself.





We ordered:

croques madame consisting of 2 slices of brioche, “St George” cheese, Niman Ranch jambon, mornay sauce, poached egg

leek & chevre tart with a side salad


We had some time to kill so we walked around the town. D knows how much I love cheese that he steered me to the Sonoma Cheese Factory. They had different variations of jack cheeses for you to try. But I was more interested in the brie. Plus full from breakfast, my stomach couldn't hold anymore. It's a great place to pick up sandwiches and cheese if you plan on picnicking in the area.

D has made an appointment for a couples and massage at Lavender Hill Spa in Calistoga. It's a cute little refuge. We lounged by the garden before our Volcanic Ash Mud bath for two. We were led to a suite where two tubs were side by side. After our bath, we laid down on the bed for a cool down and foot rub. Ahhhhhh, such bliss.

After our muscles had a chance to loosen, it was time for our couples massage. The only thing that sucks is that it's across the street. In our robes, we crossed the busy street and entered another suite where our masseuses were waiting for us. My masseuse worked my back and turned it to jello. He said there was so many knots that he kept asking me if the pressure was ok. His magic fingers dissolved the knots and I have never felt better.



Passing through Napa we stopped at Beaulieu Vineyard and Beringer for some tasting. We walked out w/ some sparkling wine and couple bottles of chardonnay and pinot noir. Eventho we're not much wine drinkers, we loved the taste and would enjoy it at home.

D did such a wonderful job of planning our anniversary trip that I think he should plan all our vacations from now on.