After all my trips to San Francisco, I always mention Miette - home of my favorite cupcake (the "Old Fashioned"). I was able to visit their Hayes Valley location and it was as cute as a button. I heart the giant peace sign in the park right across the way.

My sweet-toothed bro and I also splurged on a $20 Baked Alaska "Bombe" from the delicious Berkeley ice-cream shop, Ici.

In sampling some of their flavors - I was truly impressed with Rose-Vanilla.

On the same street is the beautifully appointed boutique, Lola. There are so many delicate trinkets in this store - it's a lovely browsing experience.

After leaving the city and before being swept away in Big Sur, we spent some time in wine country where we had the privilege of spending an afternoon with the co-owner of Deerfield Ranch Winery, PJ Rex. Her husband, Robert, is the winemaker for their certified organic boutique winery.

PJ explained that they hand-pick through the grapes thoroughly in order to make the wine as "clean" as it can be. As a result, the wine is lower in histamines and sulfites (beneficial for those who generally experience headaches with their red wine). Among my favorites are the Shiraz Cuvee, Old Vine Zinfandel and Late Harvest Botrytis.

Deerfield also produces grapeseed oil in eight different varieties - the Black Truffle is divine!

While in Sonoma Valley, we dined at The Fig Cafe. Simple and delicious food in a cafe-setting where you are allowed to bring your own wine with complimentary wine corkage! I'd like to purchase the book of recipes by Chef-Owner Sondra Bernstein.

Needless to say, I was very sad to be on the plane traveling away from such an enchanted land.

One of the perks of having a brother who works in the boutique hotel industry is access to fabulous accommodations. I've sampled quite a few properties and my hands-down favorite is from this week's stay at the Ventana Inn & Spa in Big Sur, California.

What more could one ask from a stay then close encounters with deer, wild turkey, quail and blue jays by the dozen. Mexican sage and lavender are abundant and fill the air like lace - soft and intermittent. The morning and evening fog is matched in beauty by the spotlight-type light breaking through to the forest floor. Your vehicles for viewing pleasure are hammocks, rocking chairs in the middle of redwoods or wooden lounge chairs overlooking a vanishing bluff.



Truffle-infused pumpkin-ravioli from Chef Matt Scherer keep you at the resort while a leek tart from Big Sur Bakery tempts you away.

Ventana, and Big Sur in general, is truly befitting of the late Elliott Smith's refrain, "some beautiful place to get lost".

Returned from a magical week with my brother in soul-nourishing Northern California. So much beauty to share with you in the next couple of posts...

The best part of a visit to San Francisco is a trip to the Ferry Building Marketplace - a wonderful collection of vendors representing a wide spectrum of flavors and talents. A stay at the Hotel Vitale (right across the street from the Ferry Building) during our honeymoon allowed for four visits over the span of two days!

The main attraction for me is always Miette - a "cake boutique" and bakery.

Miette is a fantasy-land come true of whimsical sweet treats. There is one treat in particular that always wins my hard-earned cash:

For a salty treat, Boccalone cannot be missed. The slogan "tasty salted pig parts" isn't the most appetizing tag-line, but the artisan-quality, sustainably-raised meats are indeed super tasty.

The Muffaletto Panini is the ideal combination of flaky bread, thin layers of freshly cut meats and a delicious olive spread.

While devouring my sandwich, I discovered the unique goodness of Dry Soda and have been hooked ever since.

I'm always trying to find a U.S. rival for my favorite French chocolates and I think I finally found it at Recchiuti.

If you need a sweet treat to send a far-away friend, these chocolates will not disappoint. The Peanut Butter Pucks are perfected with the slight addition of fleur de sel that becomes apparent only after the chocolate is melting in your mouth. YUM.

If pastries are your passion, Frog Hollow Farm will not disappoint. My favorites were definitely the Pear Frangipane Button and the Mini Risotto Tartlet (sweet risotto pudding with candied orange zest, currants and vanilla!).

McEvoy Ranch has a lovely outpost at the Ferry building as well. They offer artisan gifts and a finely crafted line of body care items (the Verde Body Balm is amazing). The front table is decorated so beautifully with produce and flowers that you begin to see food as art and craft.

From talking with the "shop girls" (who also have exposure to the Ranch in Petaluma), I learned that Ranch tours happen in the summer. The dream of attending will definitely motivate a return to Northern California. In the meantime, I will just have to enjoy the story of Andrea's (aka Superhero Designs) amazing harvest experience!

Don't miss a visit to the Saturday Farmer's Market which brings together a spectacular array of farmers, food artisans and feasters.