I did this fun wine train last year, and was asked to come back and cook with the fantastic chef Kelly McDonald. The first time I rode the train it was a bright sun filled day, but this day it poured rain. The Bay Area was having a pounding storm that lasted 3 days and Napa Valley was hit the hardest, with over 11 inches of rain. But I always make lemonade out of lemons, so for me doing this event in the rain was just what the doctor ordered.
Baby Lettuce Salad
With candied walnuts and smoked goat cheese in a honey cider vinaigrette. This salad is very fresh with a lovely dressing.
Roasted Beef Tenderloin
On potato-fennel gratin topped with Fried Lotus Root and Red Onion Marmalade in a Red Wine Cabernet Reduction.
The meat is unbelievably tender. Cooked rare, it just bursts with flavor.
Ahi Tuna with coconut milk risotto, this dish is so luscious, I learned how to make this one with Kelly Mac Donald, the video with be up soon.
The wine train is such a nice way to spend the day. It’s like Disneyland for adults. Really, everyone must ride this train when they’re in Napa Valley.
Napa Valley Wine Train
1275 McKinstry St, Napa, CA 94559
(707) 253-2111
http://winetrain.com