Viader Vineyard, Napa - Excellent View, Delicious Wine

Perhaps one of the most scenic vineyards in Napa Valley, California, Viader is home to some great tasting wines.

My first visit was somewhat of an accident - much thanks to Faith of Stags Leap in Napa. Cante was my host that day and he did a wonderful job of ensuring I will come back for more. And when I had the opportunity to return to SFO, I had to make a return. Look at this view!

It was a sunny and warm July morning and Connie welcomed us this time around. Located in Deer Park, CA just off the Silverado Trail, the drive from SFO was pleasant and rather free of traffic - as long as you leave like 9am in the morning.

The tasting room is warm and inviting.

The vineyard is clean and on a day like that, I could spend time sitting around the area enjoying the view and atmosphere.

Connie showed us the cellar - rows upon rows of wine barrels kept in the cool cellar built under the grounds of the vineyard.

Even though it was a warm sunny summer morning, there was a cool breeze and I could just sit in there and soak in the wonderful view.

Connie showed us some grapes and in this case, a bunch of the Syrah. Most of the grapes are grown on the vineyard. Viader is famous for their Cabernet Franc.

I thoroughly enjoy my visits to Viader and will do it again if I have the chance to go back to SFO. I will have another part coming up but you can find more information at this website Viader Vineyard.. Stay tuned for part 2 of the coverage.

The Black Sheep Cafe - Ratha's Back!

The Black Sheep Cafe is BACK!. Chef Ratha is back with his signature dishes albeit in a newer location off Upper Thomson Road.

After shutting down his previous restaurant in Mayo Street, Chef Ratha has reopened The Black Sheep Cafe in Thomson V One on Sin Ming Road. Our family was there for dinner on Thursday night and it was well worth the trip.

The restaurant is significantly larger than Mayo Street although Chef says it only sits ten more. Although Mayo Street had the old world charm, the new restaurant also has its own charm - a window seat at the basement level!

The food menu is the same as previously but there has been a change in the wine list. Chef recommended the Graham Beck Sparkling and I have to say that we liked it a lot. Now back to the food menu. My favorite the duck confit and pork cheek are still on the menu.

Business was good that day - the lobster bisque sold out for dinner. So we went straight for the mains instead. By 7pm, the restaurant was already three quarters full.

My son Justin had the Seafood Carbonara. The cream sauce mixed well with the seafood. The prawns were sweet and firm to the bite while the mussel is succulent. Definitely fresh.

Timothy had the rack of lamb and he liked his medium rare. Cooked to perfection. That's what he said (I don't eat beef and lamb). The hint of bloodiness was just nice for him.

Gina had the pork cheek - again, my favorite whenever I visit Chef Ratha. Well crisp on the outside and soft and tender on the inside!

I had wanted the Duck Confit but Chef recommended the Coq Au Vin - the chicken in red wine. I had not tried it done this way before. The chicken thigh and drumstick was well braised in red wine and accompanied by two mushroom filled with pork. Nice but I would have preferred the way it was done before - in bowl with a pastry top.

To Gina's favorite part of dining - dessert. Signature the Kahlua Soufflé. Ensure you pre-order as it takes at least 20 minutes. Baked to perfection, the soufflé puffed up above the ramekin and was well browned on the outside.

And soft and moist on the inside…The sweet dessert version is exactly how I like it. Chef used to make another version - The Grand Marnier. I have to have that again the next time I revisit.

The boys shared the crepe which was rather normal. I'd say stick to the soufflé.

And my friend Peter, his wife Kin and son Edward was there too. And seated an the next table too. What a coincidence! It was a nice dinner overall and by 7.30pm, the restaurant was full. So go on! Go down to Black Sheep Cafe for your fix. Ample parking available in the basement parking lots.

The Black Sheep Cafe

11 Sin Ming Rd, Thomson V, B1-30, Singapore 575629

Please call 6459 5373 (11.30a.m-10.30p.m) or 92721842

Happy 48th Birthday Singapore!

As the nation celebrates our 48th Year of Independence, may I wish Singapore and all Singaporeans Happy National Day and may we continue moving forward with better things to come.

Life as they say is all jumbled up...

But if we can organize them appropriately, it becomes a lot more meaningful.