So you're headed to Napa?! The air is crisp, the grass vibrantly green and the skies are azure blue. Add to that the deep embedded feeling of relaxation, mixed with exploration and a refined palate. The flow here is gentle and meant for the kindred spirit, much like a tasting of fine wines. You take in the aroma, swirl your glass, taste gentle notes of fruit, wood, nuts and sometimes oak or butter. It's a place to enjoy life, experience the craft of wine making and of course delectable cuisine prepared by some of the finest chefs in the world.

Upon a recent visit to Wine Country, we stopped at Davis Estates. The stunning property, which officially opened to the public in May 2016, is elegant, jaw droopingly gorgeous and each facet of the experience is expertly thought out with pride and precision. 

One of my friends works at a well-known restaurant, and lucky for us, we had the VIP treatment; complete with wine tasting, menu pairing and tour of the grounds and facilities. 

Family-owned and operated in Calistoga, Napa Valley, the attention to detail is precise, artfully landscaped and abundant with impressive talking points, gracious hospitality and world-class experiences/wines. 
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"In 2011, Mike and Sandy Davis purchased the century-old estate winery and began their ambitious restoration project to create a distinguished winery. Mike and Sandy are intricately involved in the fabric of day-to-day operations and, together with their world-class team, are committed to building a sustainable property while crafting premiere Napa Valley wines to be enjoyed today and for generations to come. " - Davis Estates

So... when people from Hawaii visit other places they tend to migrate and latch-on to other people from Hawaii. Of course a group of us Hawaiians had to try "Modern Hawaiian" food served in the Dogpatch of San Francisco; think of it as our version of Kakaako. Needless to say this former pop-up eatery has hit the dining scene with its own brick and mortar location famous for serving Hawaiian/Asian inspired brunch and now dinner. 

Headed to SF? Ask anyone from Hawaii and they will recommend you eat at 'aina and celebrate the culture, history and Hilo essences in the decor, cuisine and cooking. 

Our experience was mediocre overall. The plating of the dishes is exquisite but the highlights end there. I would not go as far as saying this is Hawaiian food. There are elements that are uniquely Hawaiian which include Spam, pipikaula, luau and haupia but the cuisine and price-point is elevated-fusion using Hawaiian-inspired ingredients. 

The open kitchen allows you to see the chefs (who never come out) the co-owner and GM seemed in a rush to jump on his motorcycle and leave to go meet his band or something. Service is attentive, ambience is simple, modern and a bit on the noisy side. As with everyone else in SF dishes are meant to be shared and artfully presented using farm fresh ingredients. I left full and glad we went, but perhaps next time I would return for brunch and not for dinner. 

Some dishes stood out to me in a bad way and a couple stood out to me because they were tasty. In the end, the pork was the only saving grace, oh and the beautiful plates bright with color and vibrant in presentation. Props to the chef for the use of molecular gastronomy and showcasing Hawaiian flavors in a new and creative way. 

In Vegas and craving something delicious, affordable and open late? My go to is Secret Pizza in the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Don't let the crystal chandelier fool you this place is a casual New York-style pizza joint complete with pies, salads, beers and no signage. That's right who would open a spot that serves food and beverage and have the audacity to hide it down a hallway with no sign? Secret Pizza that's who! 

Open 11am-4/5am this place is hands-down the best New York pizza I have ever had west of New York. The crust is thin, the ingredients are pure perfection and even the service mimics that of the New Yorker attitude. 

Cosmo is chic and having this secret pizza joint with no tables or chairs just adds to the quirkiness of it all. Drunkards can be seen on the 3rd and 2nd floors red faced, eyes blood shot devouring pizza on the hotel couches and cushions. 

How to find it? Well head to Boulevard Tower 3rd floor where most of the eateries are, it's nestled next to Jaleo Tapas. You'll know you've found it when you see a line, vinyl records on the walls and the red light on the left of the hallway. Blink and you just might miss it. 

Cost: about $4-5 a slice and .50 more for extra toppings. You can also order drinks here too, but who cares about the drinks. Just give me the PIZZA, SECRET PIZZA.