Vallerga's reincarnated, sweet treats, and other news 💼🥮
issue 030
NEWS (TO US)
All the latest scoops
Maria Concetto. They have a robot sommelier.
We don't ordinarily report on wine stuff, but we ALWAYS report on robot stuff.
Violetto. New restaurant in St. Helena opening May 15.
Featuring an all-robot staff...
Regiis Ova. Now "RO Restaurant & Lounge."
Keller's caviar joint has gotten a makeover.
Annie's Lunch Box. New food truck near BofA
Do you miss Vallerga's deli sandwiches? Well, you're in luck...
Calistoga Wine Stop. Closing after 38 years...
May 31st is the last day. Sad.
The Green Door. Not named one of the top 50 bars in the world.
There's always next year.
Napa County Historical Society. Walking tours are BACK, baby!
Slide on those Hokas and get ready for some HISTORY!
Napa Pride. Tons of events being announced for June.
Sleep is what July is for.
Hollywood Room. Endless events.
Comedy, music, WELDING -- how do they do it??
Napa County Library. Even. More. Events.
Movie nights, book clubs, matcha, and free comic books? You've done it again, Library...
Napa Bowl. Kids Bowl Free registration open
Does it count if we're young at heart?
The Valley Villager (that's us!). It's official, we have a jingle
You've really outdone yourself this time, AI.
Over the Hill:
Valley. Go to Oaxaca with the Valley team!
Owner/operators Emma Lipp and Stephanie Reagor want to take you on a magical trip to Mexico. Let's go!
Edge Esmeralda. A "pop-up village" prototype for a permanent new town
Do they need a newsletter?
COMING IN HOT
Events and happenings
May 6: Kitchen Pop-up with Marigold Kitchen (South Indian Cuisine). Folklore, varies
May 8: Houtskool Dumpling Pop-up. Molti Amici (Healdsburg), varies
May 9: Trivia Night. Naysayer Coffee, free
May 9: Rancho Gordo Posole Cookbook Signing. Valley Swim Club (Sonoma), with purchase
May 10: Sober in the Valley: Mocktail Mixer. AMP Skin Wellness Studio, free
May 11: Geek Out Napa Valley. Napa County Library, free
May 11: Community Barrel Painting Day. di Rosa & La Onda, free with registration
May 11: Joint Open House Party (live music + tasting). Sonoma Court Shops, $30
May 11: Mother's Day Celebration + Plant Sale. Oak Hill Farms (Sonoma), varies
May 11: Spring Craft Fair. New Tech High, varies
May 11: Sol Flamenco: Spanish Guitar & Dance. The Hollywood Room, $25
May 11: NIMBASH. Charles Krug Winery, TBD
May 11-12: Mill Valley Music Festival. Mill Valley Community Center, $135
May 12: Mother's Day!
May 12: The Frog Prince (puppet play) [rescheduled]. Fuller Park (1pm), free
May 12-30: Helping Heads (art exhibit). Personal Space (Vallejo), free
May 14: Caroline Rose (live music). Gundlach Bundschu, $55+
May 16: Bright Starts in the Valley (fundraiser). Monticello Vineyards, $75
May 16: Rockout/Knockout Cancer (fundraiser). Charter Oak, varies
May 16-19: Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience. Various locations, varies
May 18: Climate Friendly Garden Tour. Las Flores Community Center (Napa County Resource Conservation District), $5
May 18: Art, Sip & Stroll. Yountville, $40
May 18: Gipsy Kings. Meritage Resort, $69+
May 18: "S'Paw Day" Pet Spa and Benefit. Carneros Inn + Jameson Humane, $10 donation
May 18: Winds (Poetry Readings). Winslow House (Vallejo), free
May 18: Ramblin' Jack Elliott & Butch Hancock (live music). Welcome Grange, $40
May 19: Waxahatchee with Good Morning. Gundlach Bundschu, $62+
May 19: Dwight Yoakam. Meritage Resort, $69+
May 20: Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones (screening + Q&A). Cameo Cinema (St. Helena), free
Advance Notice:
May 24-25: Salty Sundays: Salty Bottlerock After Hours. Wilfred's Lounge, $35
May 26: Slam Clam's Disco with Stud Country (dance party). Valley Swim Club (Sonoma), $20
Jun 1, 2: Big West [Natural] Wine Fest. Solarpunk Farms (Guerneville), $80-140
Jun 2-30: Edge Esmeralda "Popup Village". Healdsburg, varies
Jun 9: Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser. Nature's Way Montessori, $10+
Jun 30. Potluck Dinner. Charter Oak, $125
Jul 13: Taste of Napa festival. Meritage Resort, $150+
Aug 17: Earth Night Festival [rescheduled]. Connolly Ranch, $5+
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COMMUNITY CORNER
We'll admit it, we have a bit of a sweet tooth (sorry, Dr. Gittings). But when your town is filled with a bevy of delicious treats it can be hard to say no. A while back we asked some of our favorite local bakers to tell us about their 'Favorite Comfort Treats' - you know, if we were in a position to bake something for them. Here's the first piece in that series:
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Little Hollywood Baking Co. | Nina Abusharkh
We've seen your treats around town and had the pleasure of meeting you at the Napa Farmer's Market. Tell us a little bit about your bakery...
Little Hollywood Baking Co. is a Napa-based small batch bakery that brings together diverse culinary influences from my Palestinian, Italian, and Maltese heritage. With a touch of magic from my Culinary Institute of America training, I create delectable gluten-free and vegan treats using premium ingredients so everyone can experience a taste of home.
What would you consider to be your signature item?
The Gluten-free Baklava Bars are the signature item at Little Hollywood Baking Co. They have a gluten-free shortbread crust filled with a luscious blend of maple syrup, fragrant orange blossom water, spices, crunchy walnuts, and pistachios. Topped with a sumptuous honey drizzle and a delicate touch of flaky sea salt and dried rose buds.
(we can vouch, they're delicious)
What is one of YOUR favorite comfort treats, and why? You know, if we were to bake something for you.
One of my favorite comfort treats is Rocky Road Fudge. It’s a simple recipe from the back of a Nestle chocolate bag but it’s always a hit especially for last minute holiday get-togethers. This Rocky Road always evokes memories of my late Grandpa John Sant because this was one of his favorite things I used to make for him.
We love that. Thanks for sharing!
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Since we last spoke to Little Hollywood, the bakery has gone 100% gluten-free - which means there's something for everyone to enjoy. Also, this past weekend they turned 1! If you missed their celebration at Napa Yard on Saturday, do yourself a favor and stop by the Napa Farmer's Market this week to grab some treats and say congrats to Nina. Cheers!