PlumpJack Blog | Wine, Restaurant, Hotel Lifestyle Management Blog | PlumpJack Luxury Life

January: Napa Valley Restaurant Month

2012-01-10T14:03:00.000-08:00

It’s Restaurant Month in Northern America’s most celebrated food and wine destination. And we are very, very happy. For the month of January, whether you live in Napa or plan on visiting, PlumpJack has the inside scoop on great offers and culinary delights that you won’t want to miss. 50 of Napa Valley’s restaurants and hotels welcome the New Year with Restaurant Month, including our two restaurants at The Carneros Inn.

The Boon Fly Caf é will feature a special three-course prix-fixe dinner Monday- Thursday for $20.12.

FARM will feature a selection of half-priced wines by-the-bottle on Wednesdays and a special three-course prix-fixe dinner on Thursdays for $20.12. Talk about an amazing deal!

We’ve put together a list of our favorites from our very own PlumpJack foodies below. Be sure to tell us about your favorites!

1. Special Wine Offer: Fish Story. PJ employees love Fish Story and for the month of January they are offering half price on every bottle at brunch, lunch and dinner.

2. For soup that will leave you speechless? Visit Bistro Jeanty and try Chef Philippe’s famed Crème de Tomate En Croute (this dish alone is worth the trip). For the month of January, they are offering a special three-course prix-fixe lunch menu for $55 for two and a special three-course prix-fixe dinner menu for $70 for two.

3. For an intimate restaurant experience, visit Angele Restaurant. We love the rustic, yet elegant dining room and riverfront terrace for warmer nights. During the month of January, enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine when you dine at the restaurant.

Check out all Napa Valley has to offer during Restaurant Month here.

To book your reservation at FARM, please call: 707.299.4880
To book your reservation at The Boon Fly Café, please call: 707.299.4870

Hilary's Hit List

2012-01-05T09:34:00.000-08:00

PlumpJack's President, Hilary Newsom's Guide to a Ski Town

For those of you, who can’t possibly think of Squaw Valley for anything other than skiing, think again! I am living proof of this since I have skied maybe 9 hours in the last nine years. In those 9 years I still manage to travel to Squaw frequently for both business and pleasure. While my husband and kids conquer KT 22, I take this time to rediscover what I love most about North Lake Tahoe and especially Squaw Valley. Here is my “Hit List,” I hope you find the time to experience some of my favorite things.

Always Time to Shop – Shopping is my weakness. I covet the latest ski and après ski wear, because even if I am not technically on the slopes, I still want to stand-out in the crowd with the latest fashion-forward gear. You can always find the best in mountain accoutrements at PlumpJack Sport. If your toes are feeling a little frost bitten, a nice pair of Uggs will remedy that and we have the best selection. If you’re feeling a little frumpy after being in your ski clothes all day, Sara can find you the perfect outfit for dinner and cocktails. Of course, they have all the essentials, too, like goggles, ski jackets and cozy socks.

Winding Down: Who says relaxing is not an activity? With so many obligations year round, relaxing is a treat for the mind, body and soul. I tend to be drawn to the cozy fireplace with a glass of wine in the Bar at the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn. If I am feeling a little more adventurous, the outdoor fire pit at the base of the mountain is a great place to show off my new après ski wear with my hot tea in hand.

Indulging: Squaw Valley boasts many great restaurants. I like to keep it light with some delicious sushi at Mama Sake, but you cannot beat the Seafood Poke Cones by Chef Wyatt of PlumpJack Cafe- I am a bit of a PlumpJack Cafe cone connoisseur – I have been eating them for 16 years after all, but these are definitely the best I have had. Mmmmmm…

Family Fun: Given that I grew up ice skating every Saturday night in Marin County, the Olympic Ice Pavilion perched at the crest of Squaw Valley's upper mountain is a favorite place for me. I can see all the way to Lake Tahoe while I skate backwards (did I mention that I never learned to skate forwards?). This is a great activity for the whole family and the adults can always grab a pint to quench their thirst after all that skating backwards and of course, the kids can sip hot chocolate to keep the chill away.

Leisurely Morning: With my busy schedule, I love days when I can have a nice sit-down, civilized breakfast. I like to venture out of Squaw Valley to Truckee to one of my favorite spots, Squeeze In. Their menu is insane, even the pickiest eaters will find something they’ll love, and my husband loves the special house sauce that goes with almost everything savory. And if you’re so inclined, when you return to Squaw, the adults should check out Sunday Bloody Sunday at PlumpJack Cafe where you’ll find a creative selection of some of the best-tasting Bloody Mary’s around. Guaranteed!

Celebrate the New Year Dining with PlumpJack

2011-12-29T16:52:00.000-08:00

Need to make last minute plans for New Year’s Eve? Whether you’re in the San Francisco Bay area, Napa or Tahoe, we’ve got just the place for you…

NAPA:
New Year’s Eve Dinner at FARM

The first seating will feature a six-course menu and will begin from 5:30 to 6:30pm. $125 per person. The first seating is a two hour seating.

The second seating will feature an eight-course menu and entertainment. The dinner will begin from 8:00pm to 9:00pm. Entertainment and dancing featuring Dizzy & Grover: 8:30pm- 12:30am. $175 per person. Click here to view the menu.

To make a reservation, please call: 707.299.4880

New Year’s Eve Dinner at Boon Fly Café
In addition to our dinner menu, we are also offering a 4-course prix-fixe menu for only $59 per person. Click here to view the menu.

To make a reservation, please call: 707.299.4870

SAN FRANCISCO & MILL VALLEY:
Celebrate at Balboa Cafe in San Francisco or Mill Valley

The elegant bar and festive holiday décor makes the Balboa Cafe the perfect place to celebrate the New Year with friends and loved ones. Enjoy specials in addition to our regular menu at both locations.

Reservations at Balboa Cafe San Francisco are only taken for parties of six or more, call 415.921.3944. For reservations at Balboa Cafe Mill Valley, please call 415.381.7321.

LAKE TAHOE:
Dine with PlumpJack Cafe

Enjoy a special prix-fixe menu for $120 per person. Click here to view
the menu.

Call to book your reservation: 530.583.1578.

Soup Night Social: Clam Chowder

2011-12-28T16:35:00.000-08:00

We are excited to share PlumpJack Cafe Executive Chef, Ben “Wyatt” Dufresne’s Clam Chowder which is a perfect comfort food for a cold Winter day. Whether you plan on serving it at your next gathering or plan on cooking this for a loved one during the holiday season, this is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Below find Wyatt’s flavorful recipe that you can make at home:

INGREDIENTS
1 cup carrot, medium dice
1 cup celery, medium dice
2 cup yellow onion, medium dice
1 cup green bell pepper, medium dice
1/8 cup garlic, chopped
½ pound bacon, pasted
1 ½ pounds canned diced tomatoes
1 pound chopped clams plus juice
1 pound baby clams
2 ounces bourbon
¾ tablespoon tabasco sauce, to taste
1/8 cup worcestershire sauce, to taste
1 cup russet potatoes, medium diced
½ tbsp angostura bitters, to taste
½ tbsp kosher salt, to taste
¼ tbsp ground black pepper, to taste
5 each bay leaf, in sachet
¼ bunch tarragon, in sachet
¼ bunch thyme, in sachet
¼ bunch parsley stems, in sachet

DIRECTIONS
1. Put bacon in blender or food processer and puree to a paste
2. Render bacon in large pot - when brown add garlic and cook 5 minutes
3. Add carrots, celery, onion, bell peppers and cook until tender
4. Add tomatoes, sachet of herbs and simmer 30 minutes
5. Add bourbon and cook 10 minutes to cook out alcohol
6. Add clam juice from cans and potatoes, cook about 15 minutes till potatoes are tender
7. Remove sachet and squeeze out excess liquid then season with tabasco, bitters, Worcestershire, salt and pepper
8. Remove from heat and add clams then readjust seasoning

* Serves 20 people

Too busy to cook during the holidays? Visit PlumpJack Cafe at Squaw Valley Inn to try his delicious soup for yourself.

Address: 1920 Squaw Valley Road Olympic Valley, CA 96146
Call to reserve a table: 530.583.1578

Paul's Pick: Vine Hill Ranch Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

2011-11-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

Over the years I have been fortunate to taste many, many California Cabernets, and there have been many that are truly excellent, but it is rare (like not in the last 12 years) that one crosses my path where the only way I can describe it is 'extraordinary'!

Vine Hill Ranch has just released its first ever estate Cabernet Sauvignon. The property is located in the southern corner of the Oakville appellation. Bob and Alex Phillips began cultivating fine winegrapes here in 1959 and with the founding of Phillips Family Farming. Vine Hill Ranch continues to produce exceptional fruit for a collection of premier Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon vintners. Their vineyard is divided into 7 blocks, and each is picked, vinified, and aged separately. The blocks are then selected and blended for the finished wine. The label indicates which blocks were used and gives their date of harvest, as well as other technical information. Only 300 cases were procuced.

Extraordinary wines usually come with a hefty price, and this wine is no exception ($150 a bottle), but I compare the wine to other Napa Cabernets that sell for 2 to 3 times the price, and I like this one more! This is a world-class Napa Cabernet that is delicious now, but should be put in the cellar next to the great Bordeaux. If you are looking for that "extraordinary" gift this year, don't overlook the 2008 Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon. Needless to say, supply is very limited!

Call 415.346.9870 to order or visit our store located at: 3201 Fillmore Street SF, CA 94123

Holiday Guide: PlumpJack Fantasy Gifts

2011-11-08T10:18:00.000-08:00

Are you looking too add some extravagance to your holiday season? We've compiled a list of fantasy gifts to inspire below...

3 gifts that are outrageous, fun & distinctively PlumpJack:

1) Vertical of Cult Cabernet, Spottswoode, featuring 2003- 2008 vintages. Very limited. $975
2) Surprise and celebrate with a Magnum of Dom Perignon and a Magnum of Cristal. $1,300

3) Party basket with Champers, hats, glasses and chocolate, including Krug, Dom Perignon, & Cristal. $1,000

Call 415.346.9870 to order.

Holiday Guide: Give the gift of membership

2011-11-03T09:54:00.000-07:00

A personal favorite for many is giving a gift membership to one of our many PlumpJack monthly clubs such as: Monthly Wine Club, Red Rogues Club, Beer of the Month Club, Scotch Club and The (new!) "Just In Case" Club. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

The Monthly Wine club features unique wines from around the world are hand-picked by Paul Birman, our proud wine expert who has been with PlumpJack for 15 years! This is a great opportunity for those who love to explore new varietals.

Alternatively, the Red Rogues Club was created specifically for the red wine connoisseur, offering the opportunity to taste three superb red wines every quarter - delivered right to their home. Recipients will experience the unique flavors and components of distinct red wine flavors, components and food accompaniments that make red wine so appealing.

Do you have a beer enthusiast in your life? The finest craft beers will be delivered and recipients will surely enjoy the hard-to-find, interesting and unusual beers hand-selected from the US, Belgium, the British Isles and more.

Scotch Club members will receive a single bottle of top-flight Scotch. The focus of the Scotch Club is to explore and discover the intricate differences between whiskies of the various regions of Scotland, from the Lowlands to the Highlands, and all the far-flung Islands of the Orkneys and Hebrides. This unusual yet special gift will wow.

If you have a family member or friend that works too hard and doesn't have time to shop then they will appreciate a membership to the "Just In Case" Club. A mixed case of wine will be delivered to their doorstep ($15- $20 per bottle) every other month so they will never be caught without a bottle of wine!

You can't go wrong with any of these options.

Visit us online for more information about our monthly clubs or call 415.346.9870.

Holidays with PlumpJack: Gift Cards

2011-10-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

Do you feel like every year the holidays sneak up on you? We've put together a holiday guide to help you get a head start on your shopping, party planning, holiday dining reservations and more! Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be giving you helpful hints on what to do this holiday season.

PlumpJack has several gift giving options that are easy, fun and affordable. First up on the shopping list: the PlumpJack Gift Card. The best part? The card is redeemable at any of our 14 locations in San Francisco, Mill Valley, Napa and Tahoe. Choose from a variety of card designs, compose an (optional) gift message and then we will ship it to your lucky recipient.

10 PlumpJack Gift Card Ideas...

- Ski weekend at PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn
- Dinner for 2 at Balboa Cafe Mill Valley
- Spa Day with the girls at The Carneros Inn
- Sunday brunch at Balboa Cafe San Francisco
- A new winter wardrobe from PlumpJackSport SVI
- Membership to our Wine of the Month, Red Rogues and Beer of the Month
- A Winemaker dinner at PlumpJack Cafe
- Wine Tasting with friends at PlumpJack Winery
- A VIP Tour and Tasting at CADE Winery
- A bottle of our famous PlumpJack Cabernet Sauvignon

Click here to order your gift card now!

Stay tuned for more gift giving options and ideas over the next couple of weeks…

Belvedere Intense Unfiltered 80 Vodka

2011-10-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

I'm not a vodka drinker, but love to play with gin. As a wine drinker gin makes more sense-it has flavor. I can appreciate using vodka for it's potency in cocktails, but by itself? I have never understood until now.

I recently had a chance to sample a new vodka-Belvedere's Intense Unfiltered 80 Vodka. Made from 100% Polish rye, Belvedere Unfiltered is distilled similarly to the traditional Belvedere, but it’s not filtered or polished . This preserves more of the flavor and characteristics of a rye-based spirit while still maintaining an easy drinkability and clean finish.

Belvedere Intense Unfiltered 80 Vodka has a very soft nose with subtle vanilla notes backed with slightly yeasty tones. The entry has some nice flavor with the vanilla from the nose carrying through and accompanied by a slightly salty caramel. The spice from the rye really comes out in the mid-palate, but it’s not overly aggressive or out of balance with the rest of the flavors in the vodka. The finish has some subtle, toasted creamy caramel notes and finishes clean. This is not a “gimmicky” infused vodka. The flavor comes from the high quality rye, and the texture is a result of not stripping the finished product by over filtration. It would be hard for me to give up my gin martini, but an ice cold Belvedere Intense Unfiltered 80 Vodka served up a with a twist seems mighty tasty to me as well.

Call PlumpJack Wines Fillmore to order at 415.346.9870 or visit us at the shop: 3201 Fillmore Street.

Fall Into Fall

2011-09-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

Fall will be here before we know it. And with the changing seasons, comes weather that calls for cozy sweaters, chic boots and soft scarves. With fresh cashmere, detailed sweaters and tailored dresses are arriving here daily at PlumpJackSport, you can build your wardrobe for the coming months that won’t only turn heads, but will last for seasons to come.

Tory Burch has done it again for fall – this season’s accessories include soft-leathered classic bags and wallets and even signature iPad cases! Neutral toned cardigans and sweaters, and suede and leather combo footwear create effortless style and make it easy to pair with your favorite accessories.

We also have your classics covered – like Nicole Miller’s signature tucked dress, Tory Burch Reva flats, feminine blouses from Joie, the softest sweaters and cold-weather accessories from Autumn Cashmere and coats from Laundry and Ted Baker.

We also have some new brands you will love: Heartloom offers retro meets modern tailored coats and vests with fabrics like wool and fur, complete with fun buttons and collars. Kuhl is a brand we picked up a la our sister store in Squaw Valley for the casual customer that wants comfort and detail. Simple, staple pieces for men and women from Kuhl make a great addition to any style and wardrobe.

The latest for fall from Tory Burch is the Corey Mid-Calf Flat boot. Leather and suede combine a phenomenal, functional boot that is not only an ideal height, but perfect for your leggings to tuck into or with tights and the perfect sweater dress.

The Corey Mid-Calf Flat Boot

Stop by PlumpJackSport at The Carneros Inn and we’ll help fit you for fall- 707.299.4858 . We are more than happy to ship too!

Written by: Manda Heath

Retail Supervisor

Wine for Wheels 2011

2011-09-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

Biking for a Better World and PlumpJack are teaming up for the 3rd annual “Wine for Wheels” dinner and live wine auction on Saturday, September 10, at 7:00pm in the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn Conference Center. The dinner includes a delicious four-course menu from Chef Wyatt and the PJ kitchen team paired with some spectacular wines from the generous winemakers who have donated for the event (see list below).

Eat, drink and be merry! The event supports local non-profit Biking for a Better World by helping to fund its programs and administrative costs. BBW programs directly improve peoples’ quality of life through bicycles by distributing equipment to children, disabled athletes and other communities in need of bicycles.

Get your tickets at http://www.bikingforabetterworld.org/ as soon as possible, as seats are soon to sell out and you don’t want to miss this fun evening of great food, wine, friends, and philanthropy!

Wine For Wheels
September 10, 2011

First Course
Heirloom Melon Salad
Arugula, Basil Gelee, Toasted Cashews, Grapefruit Vinaigrette

Honig Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2009 Rutherford

Second Course
Wild White Mexican Shrimp
French Butter Pears, Rainbow Chard, Potato Confetti

Soda Rock Chardonnay 2009 Alexander Valley

Entree
Slow Roasted Pork Loin
Black-Eyed-Peas, Blue Lake Beans, Szechuan-Currant Reduction

Esoterica Pinot Noir 2009 North Coast

Dessert
Chocolate & Cheese

Syrah Cake, Beecher’s Flagship Reserve, Black Mission Fig, Sixteen 600 Olive Oil

Sixteen 600 Syrah 2007 Sonoma Valley

***

BBW would like to give a special thanks out to our generous donors for the auction:

Chris Pittenger and Skinner Vineyards
Phil and Arden Coturri, Sixteen 600 Wines
Brian Harlan and Dr. Loosen Wines
PlumpJack and Cade Wineries
Anthony Truchard, Truchard Vineyards
Astrale e Terra Winery
Ramey Wine Cellars
Barrel 27 Wine Company
Bjorn Larson
Robert Biale Vineyards
Steven Honig, Honig Vineyard and Winery
Mauritson Wines
Chappelet Vineyards and Winery
Chambers and Chambers Wine Merchants
Kali Kopley and Uncorked Squaw Valley

Paul's Picks: 2010 Castello di Ama Rosato and 2009 Etna Rosso

2011-08-30T10:39:00.000-07:00

My wife and I were out to dinner the other night at one of my favorite Italian restaurants (SPQR). We ordered a diverse combination of plates starting with fried surf clams and Branzino crudo with citrus and nuts. We shared a carafe of 2010 Castello di Ama Rosato, that was incredibly delicious and the perfect choice. We both marveled at the deep pink color and were surprised by the crisp, subtle, tart cherry fruit flavors.

We then had squid ink tagliatelle with red wine-braised octopus, followed by rabbit wrapped in pancetta. We tried an Etna Rosso from Sicily (my wife had never had one before). The spiciness of the wine reminds me of Aglianico and Nebbiolo. It has the weight of a French Pinot, some of the herbs of the Rhone, and was a delicious wine to pair with the rich flavors of the pasta, and its wonderful complexity surfaced with the rabbit.

We carry both of these wines, so do yourself a favor, enjoy them at home and save a few dollars!

2010 Castello di Ama Rosato $16.99

2009 Graci Etna Rosso $24.99

To order please call 415.346.9870 or visit us online.

Paul's Pick: 2010 Chateau de Pennautier

2011-08-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

I am always on the hunt for a bargain, but with wine it can be challenging. I'm not willing to sacrifice my standards for quality just to save a buck, so I'm thrilled when a wine like the 2010 Château de Pennautier crosses my palate. I've never heard of the appellation Carbadès (pronounced Cab-bar-dezz) until now, maybe because it only received its own Appellation d’Origine Contrôllée in 1999. Located in the most western section of the Languedoc, it is a place where Bordeaux varieties slam into the Rhone, meeting in Carcassonne.

The wine is roughly equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, combined with 20% Grenache and 10% Syrah. The wine displays the earthy, leafy character of Bordeaux when you first taste it, but then, once it breathes, the classic spices and garrique, typical of the best wines from the Languedoc, surfaces to create a delicious combination.

The wine is perfect with grilled and roasted meats, rich poultry dishes such as cassoulet, and mild to strong cheeses. It’s always very exciting and gratifying when you can share a wine of this character, and then boast about what a bargain it is. Try it for only $12.99!

To order this wine please call 415.346.9870 or visit us online.

Peaks and Paws Returns to Squaw

2011-08-25T16:03:00.001-07:00

Squaw Valley’s summer of fun continues this weekend with the annual Peaks and Paws celebration. Bring yourself and your four legged-friends up to the mountains and stay at the areas only pet-friendly hotel, the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn.

Activities begin Saturday at 11am with the “Mutt Strut”, a three kilometer walk or run with your pup beginning in the Village. Top finishers will win Squaw lift tickets and apparel.

Sunday’s “Fetch Fest” is sure to draw a crowd as dozens of tennis balls will be dumped into Cushing’s Pond to find out which dog can fetch out the most balls before the clock strikes zero. To the winner goes a Squaw Valley Pet Pass and to the winner’s human parents go more free lift tix.

Guided “Hike with your Pup” hikes will depart from the base of the cable car at 1pm both days. Music will play from 2-8 each day as well. The Dead Winter Carpenters, North Tahoe’s “Rollicking Americana Roots Rock Band” will headline Saturday from 6-8pm on the main stage in the village. Come, and be ready to move your body. And, since it's a summer festival at Squaw Valley, beer and wine tasting will be ongoing throughout the weekend.

Drive up the hill and spend a carefree late summer weekend in Tahoe with your best friend. PlumpJack will take care of the details.

To book a room with us visit us online or call 530-583-1576.

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

2011-08-18T15:07:00.000-07:00

“If Music be the Food of Love, Play On!”

The 39th Annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival enters its final weekend of the 2011 season, and will present “Twelfth Night” Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30pm at Sand Harbor. Come watch a wildly lavish production full of great dancing, swordplay, mischief-causing, music, and overall revelry in an alpine-lake-peninsula-theatre that has simply been called, “the most beautiful venue in the world.”

Shakespeare packages are still available at the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn which will get you tickets to the show along with a picnic basket of wine, cheese, crackers, and a blanket for when the stars come out overhead to shine down on the stars of stage. (Don’t forget that our namesake, PlumpJack, was the Queen’s nickname for Henry V’s and The Merry Wives of Windsor’s, Sir John Falstaff, and we love all things ‘Speare'.)

Make a day of it and head over early to the beautiful beaches and innumerable magical coves of the east shore near Sand Harbor and find yourself in an exotic land like Viola – just try to avoid any shipwrecks, and only dress up like a member of the opposite sex if you really want to. Watch out for those, who like Sirs Toby Belch and Andrew Aguecheek tip back too many ales and act ridiculous. And welcome any encounter with those like town funnyman, Feste, who indeed are “wise enough to play the fool,” cloaking sage advice in silly tongue.

And perhaps on your hike around the shore you might come to the next inlet, peer ‘round one of the massive boulder-caves, or glimpse through the foliage Viola’s twin brother Sebastian for whom she took for dead, and all can come together for a raucous triple marriage.

After some beach time get to the theatre early and dine in Shakespeare’s Kitchen. I’d highly recommend the Southern Burger comin’ with a half-pound of meat, pulled pork, grilled onions, and cheese on a delightful bun. Buy some wine or bring your own. It’s all very casual, as Tahoe Shakespeare is just out to provide “cultural benefit and enjoyment to all residents and visitors to (the) region… to plan, produce, and advocate the finest cultural events… while educating future generations on the importance of including theatre, music, and art in their everyday lives”. Job well done.

* * * * *

And if you can’t make it up in time for this wonderful Lake Tahoe event, don’t fret. There are literally activities all the time up here. Hop online or just wait ‘til you get up to PlumpJack and ask any one of our knowledgeable and approachable employees. Music, food, the arts, wine, beer – there are festivals of all kinds up here and the opportunity for a “nature and event day” is always possible. That is how we do it by this lake in the mountains, a place that Mark Twain once simply called, “the most beautiful place in the world.” Come on up and form your own opinion; and as always let the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn take care of your mountain getaway.

Visit us online or call: 530.583.1576 to book your stay with us.

Wanderlust: Squaw Valley

2011-07-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

Wanderlust returns to Squaw Valley this weekend with four days of yoga, music, nature and good vibes. A good time is promised for all, and tickets are still available here or at the door of most venues.

The village will be infused with beautiful minds and bodies as dozens of the world’s top yoga instructors, hundreds of their students, and innumerable musicians join together to create a peace army of thousands for a weekend of active and present living. Ideas will be exchanged, friendships formed, lives elevated. It’s like the meeting of caravans on the way to Mecca, a series of spectacles in Ancient Rome, a Midsummer’s Day gathering, the Super Bowl. This Wanderful meeting of the minds continues with the long human history of annual comings together to celebrate and spread knowledge learned over the past year. And like our ancestor’s parties, Wanderlust will feature plenty of music, art and discussion.

Headlining on the main stage (located just across the creek from PlumpJack) will be the Wailers, Michael Franti and Girl Talk. Five other stages will be set up throughout the village for music all day, with late-night DJ sets as well. And the best time may just be had in the gypsy tent set up behind the Funitel where a travelling troupe of musicians and dancers and bards and merrymakers will welcome you with open arms and lively potables -- just the place where our namesake, Jack Falstaff would have plumped down on some cushions for a weekend of revelry.

The art will mostly be of the body as yoga classes begin bright and early and continue all day. PJs’ Conference Center will host many classes, ranging from “Flowing with the Five Elements”, to “Sweaty, Intelligent, Ecstatic”, to “Radiant Body” to “Shakti Flow”, to “Juicy Assisting” to name a few. And all are led by legendary gurus. Attending would be like sending your kid to a pitcher’s and catcher’s camp led by Lincecum and Posey.

And when we conscious-thought Homo Sapiens Do, we must Reflect. Thus the Om Speakeasy will hold court on topics from “Dancing with the Divine” to “Authentic Connections in a Networked World.” Meditation hikes and films in “The Spiritual Cinema” will also add depth to the weekend.

Traders and vendors will make plenty of worldly wares, instruments, clothing and trinkets as well. And for those who just want to party, that possibility abounds as well. We wanderers, ever seeking the lonelier path, don’t often get to coalesce in such a beautiful and grand manner. I suggest taking advantage of the opportunity if at all possible.

Visit us this weekend at Squaw Valley Inn located at 1920 Squaw Valley Road.

*Blog post written by Jon Grant.

Paul's Pick: 2009 Macon-Villages "Chameroy"

2011-07-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

Over the years, I've noticed a trend in the habits of Chardonnay drinkers. It seems that initially people are drawn to the big, oaky, buttery style Chardonnays that fill the mouth with loads of tropical fruit combined with sweet oak. As time passes, the trend is to migrate towards more subtle wines such as Viognier, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, etc. Sometimes this shift in taste is so profound that on more than one occasion I've had people declare they hate Chardonnay! That seems a little severe, and I would prefer if it was stated more subtly like, "It's not to my taste." But Chardonnay can be as varied in style as any varietal, ranging from big, oaky, buttery, to un-oaked, lean and crisp.

If you are a fan of the latter style, seeking a Chardonnay without oak, that has subtle hints of apple and pear fruit, finishing with hints of almonds and minerals, I have just the wine for you. Louis Latour is a world-renown Burgundy producer, with an awe-inspiring portfolio of wines. His 2009 Macon-Villages "Chameroy" is a perennial PlumpJack favorite, and has been a staple of our Chardonnay selection for years. I sometimes refer to it as "poor man's Meursault" because it reminds me of a classic Meursault with its crisp and subtle fruit.

So if you are looking for an alternative to the big, rich Chardonnay style, this wine is a must! And (saving the best for last) it only costs $12.00!

Visit Paul at Fillmore Wines or call 415.346.9870 to order a bottle now!

PlumpJack Summer Winemaker Dinner Series

2011-07-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

Re-cap with Barrel 27 Wine Company:

With the Fourth of July come and gone, midsummer has truly set in up here at Squaw Valley. Along with good times on the lake or by the river, it also means that PlumpJack’s Winemaker Dinner Series is in full swing. On Thursday, July 14 the PJ Chefs teamed up with Barrel 27 Wine Company to create a summer dining experience par excellence.

Shrimp and Corn Ceviche
Pickled Green Papaya, Sopes, Chili Oil

“High on the Hog”
Grenache Blanc & Viognier 2009 Paso Robles

Like dawn on a tropical beach, the meal began sweet and light; we were treated to a playful, Mexican-inspired dish served upon sopes. For those like me who don’t know much about sopes, they are basically tiny tortillas with big flavor and were probably a delicacy for the Aztecs, or should have been. And PJs are fried to order and receive a nice kick in the a** from the perfect amount of chili oil.

And if the sopes were like the beach, the ceviche on top provided zest, the senoritas in all their reds and greens and yellows and hips sauntering down to the playa to spice things up a bit. The wild white Mexican shrimp and corn definitely led the fiesta, but the citrus – lemon, lime, orange, and cilantro – brought it all together for a perfect summer taste.

And the vino for this sunny occasion was perfecto. Given its seductive nose and fresh balance of acidity and density, “High on the Hog” lifted any fog. Drier and crisper than I expected for a Grenache Blanc and Viognier, it was a bold selection that the senoritas were sure to respect – a perfect contrasting blend to the ceviche not unlike the meeting of sand and wave, sol and soul.

Paella
Smoked Pork Shoulder, Pacific mussels, Bresola

“Rock and a Hard Place”
Grenache 2008 Santa Barbara

From the shores of Mexico this dining experience now traveled me to the Mediterranean. A little Paella and Grenache brought me to the old country of Spain, but with a daring mountain town twist.

The saffron rice and pork shoulder were smoked in PlumpJack’s outside wood stove and the “Rock and a Hard Place” hinted of cured meat, pepper, and woody smoke and I was imbibed by images of summer campfire and smiles. And the earthy taste lingered on my palate, the silver smoke of this taste fuego enduring long after ignition. Any preconceptions I had that the smokiness of the cuisine would overpower the drink were laid to rest, and I just wanted to bathe in all of the smoky goodness.

And I think that Barrel 27 winemaker Mac Myers might just have joined me in the Native American ritual of smoke cleansing, or even boar hunting, because by all accounts that is just the type of guy he seems to be: a renaissance-enologist, a man’s winemaker who wears a flannel shirt over broad shoulders and calls his wines like he sees ‘em. He and the crew at Barrel (chested) 27 are a blue collar winery who works hard to produce good, inexpensive wines with aim to give hardworking America “a minute to relax, to take a load off, and remove their nose from the grindstone for a while.

Five Spice Braised Beef Short Rib
Maifun Noodles, Sugar Peas, Plum Sauce

“Bull by the Horns”
Petit Verdot, Syrah & Tempranillo 2007 Central Coast

The five spice braised beef short ribs combined with the “Bull by the Horns” took me by the horns and rode me right round baby, right round indeed. I was spinning with flavor delight. Food and drink danced in bold steps to a strong and mellifluous beat. And the food’s sweet plum sauce and the wine’s hint of liqueur and cocoa dressed the dancers in charming summer colors. The ribs were butter-knife tender, and to eat the entree you didn’t so much use your jaw muscles as merely relax the roof of your mouth a bit. I enjoyed it so much, that had it not been for the delicious wine next to me I might never have swallowed completely.

The maifun noodles – perhaps the thinnest noodles I have ever seen – and the sugar peas provided the perfect intermission between acts of this titanic drama playing out before me. This meat and this wine were Ali and Frazer, Maris and Mantle – heavy hitters who spurred each other into realms of mountain man hardiness rarely achieved in our dainty modern world – PlumpJack and Barrel 27 going fifteen rounds for taste.

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Join us for our next Thursday Night Winemaker Dinner on July 28th when Skinner Vineyards and Gros Ventre Cellars winemaker Chris Pittenger will be pouring, and stay for only $145. Or take advantage of the Inn’s recent offer of stay two nights and get a third night free until September 1st. Shakespeare Tahoe packages are also available.

Our regular summer menus are fantastic. Try Jack’s Chicken Enchiladas in the bar or Pan Roasted Pacific Snapper in the Cafe.

The action on our pool patio is heating up with Sunday pool parties featuring mellow beats, chef treats, and tasty cocktails. Our complimentary cruiser bikes are a great way to explore the area, and the Shirley Canyon hike behind the hotel is a yellow-brick road of cascading waterfalls and alpine peace.

Relax, and allow the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn to make your summer mountain getaway come true.

*Blog post by: Jon Grant

Brentwood Corn Gratin

2011-07-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the bounty of Brentwood with Chef Rick’s cheesy corn gratin (the new mac n cheese). We recommend paring this delicious side dish with the All-Natural Flat Iron Steak dinner entrée complete with River Dog Farms Romano and Yellow Wax Beans and rustic mashers ‘with the fixin’s'. We recommend pairing with a glass of 2008 Trenza Tinto- San Luis Obispo County- an eco friendly wine on tap.

Visit us at Balboa Cafe Mill Valley where we serve classic American bistro cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce for lunch and dinner; as well as brunch on the weekends. Alfresco dining is available during the summer months.

Balboa Cafe Mill Valley is located at 38 Miller Avenue Mill Valley, CA. Call now to make a reservation: 415.381.7321.

Paul Mixes It Up

2011-06-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

As much as I love wine, there is nothing like a delicious cocktail. I appreciate the art and skill of bartenders (now known as mixologists) who are constantly exploring new ways to combine spirits and liqueurs to create exciting and delicious drinks. I’m a huge fan of the Negroni. The classic recipe is equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. When I’m out at a bar or restaurant, I use the Negroni as an indicator of the quality of the establishment as others use fried calamari or Caesar salad.

I just discovered a new product that ignited my desire to play the role of mixologist at home. When I last made Negronis at home I substituted pür•likör spice for Campari. Handcrafted in an artisanal distillery, the intensely flavorful pür•likör spice, blood orange liqueur, balances the sweetness of the blood orange with the spice of cinnamon and cloves. pür•spirits is produced according to traditional principles by a 3rd generation distiller in a remote village in southern Germany. pür•likör spice, blood orange liqueur is delicious on its own, but what fun it will be to try out new combinations. Here’s my recipe for the “perfect pür Negroni”:

Just a word of caution-I like large cocktails and this one carries a punch to it!

1 oz pür•likör spice, blood orange liqueur
2-3 oz Tanqueray 10 Gin
½ oz sweet vermouth
½ oz dry vermouth
Stir with ice and strain into a chilled old fashioned glass 3/4 filled with ice cubes. Add a splash of soda water if desired. Garnish with orange peel.

pür•likör spice, blood orange liqueur $30.00/375ml.

Visit our Fillmore Wine Store or call 415.346.9870.

Ski, Play, Make Memories this Weekend at Squaw

2011-05-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Your absolute last chance to ski and snowboard during the epic season of 2010-2011 is this Friday-Monday at Squaw Valley, USA. Celebrate Memorial Day with some bonus turns to your great ski season. We just got a nice 6-8” fresh coat and you will be amazed at how beautiful and full the mountain is in late May!

Blue skies returned on Thursday and the weekend looks to be a fiesta of fun in the sun. Ski hard and emit hoots of sheer joy, and then soak it up at the High Camp hot tub. Ride on down to the PJ Bar for some good après beers on our pool patio watching the spring sun set behind Tram Face.

Then it is time to go inside and watch the Giants game over a Balboa Burger and memories about a heckuva winter. California is a great state offering a multitude of activities, but the most unique day is to ski and golf, or ski and bike, ski and kayak, ski and hike, ski and hang by the lake. In Lake Tahoe in the spring, anything is possible. And for some reason, even with ‘offseason’ lodging rates and reduced cost lift tickets, restaurant deals abounding, Memorial Day events surrounding, not many people journey up the hill to take advantage.

So in addition to the myriad of majestic opportunities at your hotel doorstep, you get a Tahoe devoid of the crowds of summer and winter – you get an even more pure, an even more natural, an even more magical, Tahoe.

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If you choose to spend your Memorial Day with us up here in the mountains I believe that the fun, grandeur, and uniqueness of the weekend will entrench it vividly in your memory; and that twenty, thirty, fifty years down the line it will be one of the few Memorial Days you’re able to recall.

Visit us at PlumpJack Squaw Valley and call 530.583.1578 to make a reservation.

Blog post by Jon Grant.

Paul's Pick: 2009 Attems Cupra Ramato

2011-05-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

Ask a dozen people to name an Italian white wine and I’ll bet the majority of them will offer Pinot Grigio as their first answer. Recently, I tasted a Pinot Grigio that was so unique it caught my attention.

Northeast Italy is home to Italy’s greatest white wines, and within this region Friuli-Venezia Giulia is the best. This cool, hilly area is ideal for Pinot Grigio, Tocai Friulano, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Bianco. Attems wines are world famous and are grown in the renowned Collio DOC region, bordered by the Alps and the Adriatic Sea. The Attems estate was founded in 1106, when the Bishop of Salsbury donated the land to Corrado Attems. In 2000, Attems decided to widen its horizons, and allied itself with one of Italy’s great wine dynasties, Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi. Attems and Frescobaldi, two families united by centuries of winemaking experience, share a deeply-rooted conviction that quality and distinctiveness in a wine are the result of its local terroir.

There is a multitude of Italian Pinot Grigio on the market and the styles and flavors vary as well as the quality. The 2009 Attems Cupra Ramato is distinctive not only in its aromas and flavors but also in its appearance. Cupra Ramato continues a tradition of the Republic of Venice, since “ramato” was the term that referred to Pinot Grigio in contracts. A special vinification practice led to the use of this term: the must remains in contact with the skins for 36 hours, and this practice gives the wine a very distinctive coppery hue.

The multi-layered nose of the 2009 Attems Cupra Ramato is impressively rich, with floral scents of lime blossom combining with fruitier notes of wild strawberry and sour cherry, then tapering off at the end with hints of fresh-picked almond. Although firmly-structured, the palate is remarkably smooth and rounded. It is perfect when paired with fish, delicate or vegetable-based antipasti, is delicious as an aperitif, and the ideal companion to summer dishes. $18.99.

To purchase this wine, please call PlumpJack Wines on Fillmore at: 415.346.9870 or visit us on the web.

12th Annual PlumpJack/LINK Golf Classic

2011-05-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

Last Monday we hosted our 12th Annual PlumpJack/LINK Golf Classic at Lake Merced Golf and Country Club. Many local residents and businesses of the San Francisco Bay Area came together to raise funds for CPIC which focuses on education about treatment choices, managing treatment side effects, family issues, health insurance, employment, family genetics, nutrition, self-advocacy in the medical system, and much more. This great event involved 18 holes of golf, several contests, silent auction, dinner, entertainment, live auction and more.

If you were unable to attend this year, we hope you can help support this amazing cause next May! Be on the lookout for more information here.

The entire day was captured by Dennis Urbiztondo – check it out!

Magical May in Squaw Valley

2011-05-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

As the calendar turns to May and the days become long and sun-filled here in the Golden State, the skiing at Squaw Valley remains great. The most snow ever recorded at Squaw Valley fell in this endless winter of 2010-2011, and the spring skiing is reaping the benefits. Coverage on the mountain is epic, and our legendary Sierra corn snow makes for soft and playful turns down the hill. Follow the inverse rotation of Apollo’s sun-chariot ride across the sky, starting off the day on south facing Tower 16 or KTs East face until they get a bit sticky then ascend up to Siberia Express and Shirley Lake, return to KT for some West Face and 75 Chute, then close out the day on Rock Garden as it soaks up the 3:00pm sun. And after your legs can’t take anymore goodness, take it on down to Le Chamois for some tasty suds with your day’s ski buds and recount how you shredded Squaw as the sun disappears behind Tram Face.

Squaw will once again be the last remaining Tahoe ski resort open, with Friday-Sunday skiing through Memorial Day. Come on up and take a few laps on KT then head up to High Camp and get your hot tub on with other California skiers who aren’t quite ready to put away the boards just yet either.

And if you want to come up midweek for some serious solitude in the spring sunshine rent some snowshoes and hike up Shirley Canyon to see Squaw Creek cascade in torrent down into the valley. Hop in the car and drive to Emerald Bay to see some even more serious water falling. This year’s historic snow fall will drive an even more historic waterfall season – and the melting is really just beginning. And all that snow will cap our peaks through August, leaving the Tahoe mountains looking just like the archetypal snow covered peaks we all instinctively drew in kindergarten.

And don’t forget about the Amgen Tour of California; the biggest bicycle race in the United States and the third biggest in the world speeds into Tahoe May 15 and 16. The overall commencement of the race takes place in South Lake on the 15th as competitors will ride around the lake one and a half times and then head on to the finish line at Northstar. The next day cyclists will bus over to Squaw and start the leg in The Village and then ride on down the hill to the flat land of Central California.

With the warm weather we have been receiving, lounging on the river or on the lake is a great way to spend the day. And after some fun in the sun, come on back to PJs and dine in the bar or cafe and try our new spring menu. The pool will open this week, the ping pong table is set up, the chess board is out, the hot tubs are always great, and our bikes-for-borrow are back for the summer so you can ride around on some sweet blue beach cruisers and tour Squaw Valley in style.

Spring is a great time to get away to Squaw. Let the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn take care of you and yours.

For more information, please call 530.583.1576 or visit us online.
(Blog post courtesy of Jon Grant).

Paul's Pick: 2010 Speare Chardonnay

2011-05-06T14:37:00.000-07:00

The new Speare Chardonnay has finally arrived! After being delayed (due to government cutbacks-we needed label approval), the new bottling of our very own “house” Chardonnay is available. The 2010 Speare Chardonnay is a departure from the past.

I have always been an advocate of blending Chardonnay from both the Central Coast and North Coast of California (something I learned from my good friends at ZD). I love the balance of the rich tropical fruits that the Central Coast offers combined with the bright apple and pear flavors of North Coast Chardonnay. But, 2010 was a challenging year for Chardonnay, due to unusually cool temperatures and a difficult growing season. As a result, I passed on the North Coast Chardonnay that was available and went entirely with Central Coast fruit. Because of the cooler vintage, the 2010 Speare is brighter and more vibrant than what you would expect from a barrel-fermented Central Coast Chard. While it still has the aromatic tropical fruit aromas, the wine also offers high tone citrus notes, is medium-bodied with bright acidity, and a whisper of oak.

It is a wine designed to be enjoyed on its own, or will pair nicely with a variety of foods. The 2010 Speare Chardonnay is made from 100% Central Coast Chardonnay and is a great value at $10.99. It’s the perfect wine for your summer parties or special events. Only 1,000 cases were bottled, and the wine is available only through PlumpJack Wines or can be enjoyed at any of the PlumpJack resorts and restaurants.

To purchase this wine now, call: 415.346.9870 or visit us on online.