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Late Post: Stepping into Wine Country

- Carolyn Chang 7 Comments
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One of the things that I really miss about living in the Bay is the proximity to Napa. Napa is an easy weekend trip with it just being about an hour away. Wine tasting is one of my favorite things to do and food is an added bonus. We started out with breakfast at Auberge du Soleil, a Michelin star restaurant with a view. Even though we had the option of sitting out on the patio to take in the views we opted to sit inside instead because it was a little chilly. Sitting outside is still an option in the fall since they have heaters above each table and offer shawls.
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After dining at Auberge du Soleil, we started our first wine tour at Mumm. I love how you get to keep the tasting glass after the tour! During the tour, you get 4 tastings and an overview of the history of Mumm. I would recommend 3 wineries a day so that you get a chance to explore the grounds of each.

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At the end of the tour, there was a cute little gallery. I loved Mumm’s Sparkling Brut Rosé. Usually I’ll drink rosé just because I like the color pink and not really because I like the taste of it. I bought two bottles and brought them out for Thanksgiving at my Uncle’s.

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Beringer has really pretty grounds and  I would recommend their Cabernet Sauvignon. You can also stop by and get merlot fudge. I’m not supposed to eat chocolate so I can’t say if it’s good or not but I heard good things from my friends.
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Our very last stop was at Hess. Sitting in the garden sipping wine while munching on snacks was a great way to unwind. The shortbread was my favorite and the servers were really generous with pours and even gave me a free refill. I can’t wait to go back to Napa in the Spring.

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Bye Bye Bay

- Carolyn Chang Leave a comment
Last weekend, I decided to check out two set of mosaic tiled stairs in San Francisco- The Hidden Garden Steps and the 16th Avenue Steps. Both set of stairs are community projects set in the Golden Gate Heights neighborhood.  
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I prefer the art on the 16th Avenue Steps more but the Hidden Garden Steps weren’t as populated. I would recommend parking by the Hidden Garden Steps and working your way up to the 16th Avenue Steps. You could continue up to Grand View park or work your way back down. 
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Personally, I would admit that I dread running and avoid it. Pilates, yoga, hiking, anything but running. Stairs are a nice alternative and a good warm up workout. If only Fresno had a hidden gem like this…

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The Hidden Garden Steps, sister of the 16th Ave Steps, are less populated and it’s easier to take pictures and to enjoy. I would recommend climbing both set of stairs early in the morning to avoid the crowd.

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As of today, I end my short chapter in the Bay Area. I spent two years teaching high school in East Oakland, two long but valuable years. Two years that I will always hold near and dear to my heart. My students taught me about love, resilience, and passion. 
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I’ll miss my students. I’ll miss the weather and being able to wear sweaters year round. I’ll miss the food. It finally hit me when I started to unpack, that I’m no longer in the Bay. I’ve been a little emotional lately with missing all the good things that I had and scared of the future. It’s been a good two years, but it’s time to say good bye. 
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This isn’t good bye forever, but goodbye for now. 

Burma Superstar

- Carolyn Chang Leave a comment
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 Sometimes I get tired of eating sushi or pho. I’m rarely adventurous but a nice alternative is Burmese food. Burmese cuisine is influenced by the neighboring countries- India, China, Laos and Thailand. The dishes are flavorful and unique.

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Out of all the Burma Superstars that I’ve tried in the Bay, the one in Alameda is my favorite. The atmosphere is cozy, the lines are shorter, and the food is great. We got Burmese Samusas to share and each ordered our own dish.  The dishes are big enough to split one between two! I would highly recommend ordering their coconut rice as well.

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My dish was the chicken kebat. The chicken was moist and it wasn’t too spicy.  I can’t wait to try making this myself at home.