3 Must-Visits in New Orleans, Napa and Boston

Caution, proceed on a full stomach...

Over the past month, I've added quite a few restaurants, bars and destinations to my favorites list. While, admittedly, I told myself I'd be hibernating for the winter, I've been the busiest in the past two months than I've been in the last two years... but I wouldn't change it for the world.

This issue I'm spotlighting a few of my favorite stops in New Orleans from my pre-Mardi Gras trip in February, favorite eateries in Napa from my most recent shoulder-season trip, and highlighting three of my favorite restaurants around Boston, which I realized I haven't shared with you all... ever.

Don't say I didn't warn you, this newsletter may trigger cravings! 

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New Orleans

Bacchanal Wine
My associations, like many, of New Orleans are jazz, sunshine and outstanding cocktails—Bacchanal ensured they added good wine to that list during my latest visit. Though the wine shop is the first thing you'll see, walking into impressively stocked shelves with unique varieties including orange and natural wines, jazz is the first thing you'll hear, confirming you're in the right spot. Bacchanal truly encompasses all of New Orleans' strongest associations with its backyard jazz venue, hosting live music in the evenings and weekend brunch. Pick up a bottle or two, and feel like you're at a personal concert, all served up with some sunshine and perfectly arranged charcuterie board.

Miss River with a pitstop at Chandelier Bar
There's no shortage of mouthwatering eateries in New Orleans, but newcomer, Miss River, part of the Four Seasons New Orleans stands up to some of the longstanding favorites around town. Their take on Southern comfort food are creative as the play on words that comprise the name. The blue grab au gratin, gumbo, and oysters en brochette are not-to-miss on the dinner menu. They're also open for brunch and lunch, which may give you better appreciation of the decor; a celebration of feminine sophistication, they say. Regardless of when you go, build in time for a drink at Chandelier Bar, you can't, and won't, miss it! 

The Will and the Way 
This is the opposite of what I think of when I think of New Orleans, in the best way possible. Though there are a few southern favorites on the snack menu (pickle plate, anyone?), the intimate bar is renowned for their craft cocktails'; unique concoctions featuring lesser known spirits and flavors to offer variety to the classic Sazerac or French 75 one may tire of after a few days in the Big Easy.

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Napa

The Charter Oak
On the afternoon that I touched down in Napa a few weeks ago, everyone told me I had to try the burger at Charter Oak. The next day, three or four more people told me not to miss the burger... I was eating at Charter Oak that second evening, and to say it was a build up was an understatement. That evening, I sat down with high expectations and a very hungry tummy; I attempted to not fill up on the raw vegetables with fermented soy dip... which to a skeptical palate may sound particularly unappetizing, but I can assure you was a treat of crispy, fresh garden radishes and root veg with this salty goodness of a dip. It prepped me for the double-stacked burger that soon came my way, gooey but not greasy, and expertly seared to highlight the savory meat flavors you never want to cover up. It lived up to expectations and more; I'm still dreaming of that burger and am a bit defeated in knowing that I have to travel cross-country in hopes of satiating that craving. Though, I'm also hopeful that I'll find one to compare to its goodness in my upcoming travels (burger fiends, send your recommendations my way!). Now, I'm one of those people telling you to go to Napa and get the burger at Charter Oak; and when you do, dedicate a bite to me!

ACME Fine Wines
In an unassuming downtown St. Helena storefront, ACME Fine Wines awaits to flaunt the exclusive world of Napa Valley wines to visitors who book a tasting experience. How exclusive? Founder Karen Williams refers to her bottle-lined gallery wall as the IPO of wines, and that's exactly the experience you can book if you're in town. Expect to learn about cult brands you may have to join a waiting list to ever taste again, but that's why ACME has a wine club—to ensure you have access to their future small-batch producers who emphasize that quality truly trumps quantity. 

Bouchon Bistro
An institution in Yountville, Chef Thomas Keller's Bouchon presents itself in two forms: the bistro is an intimate stop for dinner, but can be challenging to snag a reservation. Opt for arriving early and snag a seat at the bar where Chef Keller himself may just pull up a seat beside you. Here, the moules frites, with a side baguette to soak up the saffron and Dijon broth, will transport you to Parisian bistro. In the morning, prepare to stand in line for the bakery, where pain au chocolat are a coveted item throughout the Valley.

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Boston

Woods Hill Pier 4
This true farm-to-table restaurant sources from Chef Kristin Canty's farm in Bath, New Hampshire. That means, regardless of what I eat here, or how much I eat, I always leave feeling healthy. Duck? It was farm raised and noticeable in its tenderness. Bread? It's created with semolina which leaves you less bloated than a traditional table slice. And what's not sourced from the farm, like the seafood and raw cheeses, are from other local, family-run farms. Fresh is always to be expected here, and it truly raises the bar every time I dine here.

Krasi
If you follow me on Instagram, you may think I live here... like actually, I don't live far from it but in all seriousness, I could probably move in if they let me. Opened just before the pandemic, I came to the narrow wine bar on a side-street off Newbury for the Greek mezze and stayed for the Greek wine list; one of the biggest in the U.S. That was amplified when the restaurant introduced Wine Wednesdays, or Symposium Wednesdays as they brand it, and well, that's why I'm always there. Expect four pours of varieties you've likely never heard of, yet alone can't pronounce, but will undoubtedly leave an impression. And since the food menu rotates with the season, there's always a reason to go back to see what's new. 

Grana
Located within the old federal reserve, which is now The Langham Boston, Grana breathes life into Boston's stale weekend brunch scene with the offer of a three-course Italian-inspired menu. If you're into smaller bites, diners can also order a la carte from the unique line-up, including mortadella, arugula, fontina breakfast sandwich; braised short rib benedict; and zucchini bread french toast. Spice-fiends, like myself, will love the Tomato Tomahto with ancho verde (their take on a Bloody Mary) and Java-goers will opt for shareable pot of beans, coffee with vodka, Kahlua and your choice of house-made flavored foam.

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Xo,
J