California Dreamin'

We've been on a week-long trip to Napa Valley and San Francisco. In Napa we stayed in the very posh Auberge du Soleil - probably the most expensive place we've been (business friends arranged it). It is beautiful, peaceful and surrounded by gorgeous countryside loaded with flowers and landscaping to die for. The food was excellent and served with great service and terrific views.

Our room was less impressive - although with a private terrace (complete with a hummingbird in the early morning). Even with all the lights on it still seemed too dark to read and our hardwood floor had a big buckle in it at the end of the bed.

The most interesting perk was that our bellman said "You have already bought all the accoutrements here, so don't hesitate to take them." Which, in perversity (or something) led us to leave stuff in the refrigerator - including two servings of Chinese food which would need to be microwaved in a non-existant microwave.

I recommend the Auberge du Soleil if you have the money and time to enjoy the setting.

We had great wine tastings, arranged by friends - VineCrest, Ggrich Hills and Duckhorn. We didn't get to the French Laundry but those who did had two comments: $550 per person seemed a little high, each bite was delicious but there were not enough bites and the staff was pretentious and condescending.

In San Francisco we stayed at the Fairmont, which is close to the cable car junction at Powell and California, but not much else. It is a nice, efficient convention-type hotel and across the street from the Mark Hopkins. We ended up most nights at the Top of the Mark for after dinner drinks and dancing.

Yesterday I went to see Jersey Boys. When I originally looked on line there were good seats for one, so took my chances at the box office. Mistake!

First, I either misread the web site or the info wasn't up-to-date, but I ended up at the Opheum Theater not the Curran (after walking through a seedy neighborhood), then not finding a cab driver who knew where the theater is. (It's about a block from Union Square). A security man finally gave me directions.

Second, it was almost a sell-out, and my seat, of course, was behind the tallest, wiggliest man available! Even with that handicap,the show was great! The actors/singers were outstanding and it has a good story line (Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons rise to fame). I not only recommend it, I'd go see it again!