Thank you SF Chowhounders!

[birdy30]

Birdy30 is exactly two weeks married as of this minute. San Fran and Napa Valley could not have been more perfect. We heard from everyone that the weekend of the 15th was the best weather you have had in months. So perfect that Mr. H2B and I drove around in our rented Mustang convertible with the top down the whole time. We dodged a blizzard the day before our flight into SF and the day after our flight into the snowfilled Bean. Thank you to the applicable weather gods and mostly thank you CH'ers!!!!

Reservation for Zuni Cafe the night of our arrival in San Fran. Holy hills you have! Couple of cocktails in the Tonga Room - who the heck was that lady in the water?!? - then hailed a cab with a driver who nearly clipped a bicyclist. Argument ensued, tummy and drinks prevailed. Onward. Down the hills to the destination. Fun, funky environment awaited. We made it! The hostess had called us the day before to confirm the reservation and congratulated us on making it through the snowstorm.
Beverage anyone? Up the stairs to our table. Oysters and Sparkling to be had! Funny to see west coast oysters at $1.75 a pop and Wellfleet/Duxbury for $3.00, but a selection of oysters and clams were in order along with the bubbles. Our dining companions were not too hungry so they split an entree which I can't recall. My hubby to be (H2B) and I split the infamous Chicken for 2 after asking the waiter if, one who has never in this restaurant or CA for that matter, what should we get. While the chicken was moist and tender and perfect in every way, H2B informed me (after the fact) it was indeed enjoyable but nonetheless, not mine therefore, not as good. He said it needed love. Awwwwwwwwww. Lovely experience and time overall and would highly recommend it.

Traveling on in 53 degree (and climbing) weather with the top down, next destination. Napa. Few stops along the way to some vineyards and tastings. You guys don't have any idea how special it is to be here! Gorgeous!. Amazing. Rolling scenic hills that all H2B and witness#2 wanted to do was run around up there and frolic. Nothing like Back East. Breathtaking.

Reservation next was at Bistro Jeanty. Somehow this place felt sooo much warmer and welcome that Zuni - even though there is no comparison. Napa high perhaps? Loved this place so much that when I left, everyone was clapping and joyful and glee that I was getting married, but I digress, I am getting ahead of myself... Seated near the back in the back room, a bubbly was ordered yet again and duck foi gras, escargot, and tomato soup were ordered for all to shared. Many many people have raved about the soup here in Boston and there as well. Couldn't agree with them more. Escargot reminisce of Paris of this summer past under the Eiffel Tower. The tomato soup? What the heck? That is soooo much more deserving here in Boston than there. This truly decadent dish is what we need on these cold dreary depressing days. So scrumptious that I would in a heartbeat go back (well, besides to taste some more wine) and eat the soup again.
Entrees - H2B - Choucroute, W#1 - Cassoulet, W#2 Coq au vin (devoured within minutes) and I had the steak tartare with frites. All entrees were executed as one would expect of Alsace/France. Service could not have been more impeccable. A chocolate creme brule was delivered to our table at the end. It truly was the most memorable meal of the two. Wait! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!!!!!!!

Skipping Saturday night out , H (not H2B anymore) and I decided to cancel our Bottega honeymoon reservations. Why go out when we still had leftover pizza and wine from the night before. A fireplace and tiny shovel in our room would suffice to heat up our leftovers in the coal and spend some quality time alone.

All of this elopement trip was a whirlwind adventure. Food being a huge part. I couldn't have done that part without you and I need to thank you so... THANK YOU. Mrs. Birdy30 B and the Mr B. :)

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Zuni Cafe
1658 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Bistro Jeanty
6510 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599

Tonga Room
950 Mason St., San Francisco, CA 94108

Bottega
6525 Washington Street Suite A9, Yountville, CA 94599

[mariacarmen]

what a wonderful report! Love that you spent your honeymoon in your hotel with pizza toasted over a roaring fire. you'll keep that memory forever.

So glad you liked Jeanty - they used to have a second restaurant in San Francisco itself, Called Jeanty at Jacks, which closed about 2 years ago. Miss it terribly here, but Napa is a very short drive away, and will have to go soon.

Congrats on your newly wedded bliss, and thanks for the report.

[Ruth Lafler]

Thanks for the report -- I'm glad you had a blissful elopement! I think we do appreciate how special it is around here. If we didn't, we wouldn't put up with the traffic, the high cost of living, etc. I was talking to a couple Friday who had moved out here a couple of years ago from Boston, and they were saying how amazing it was that there were so many different things to see and do within an hour of San Francisco. Also, when recent arrivals complain about how expensive and crowded things are, I suggest that it would be a lot less crowded if people like them who don't appreciate living here would do the rest of us the favor of leaving.

[vulber]

if you're interested, the tomato soup recipe is on their web site and definitely doable with some patience.