Barbara Moss

I will be visiting my son in Santa Clara next month and would love some local places we could go. I am sure we will drive up to SF at least once but it would be nice to have somethng local if we just want to visit. French bistro, steak, Italian would all be nice. I would also love some suggestions for Napa as we are going to spend a few days there as well. I guess I am too late for the French Laundry.... should we try for Bouchon?

We are going to St. Thomas next week and I am hoping that someone has been recently.We have reservations at Tage and Stone Terrace but I wuld like some other suggestions. I did not love Asolare the last time(two years ago ) more because of the attitude than the food. I know I can trust you guys so let me know.

Holidays are for togetherness.They are also to provide memories. I mostly make the traditional things that my family loves because they love them. Of course, no one asks me to make the stuff with the cream of mushroom soup but I have made the brisket with onion soup and ketchup for about 30 years and although I do not really care for it, I know many people look forward to it. I do all the Jewish holidays and although I do try to include one new dish every year I mostly stick to the SOS. When we moved out of our house this last summer, one if the boys who is now twenty something was almost in tears over the memories of the things he loved that I cook. Brisket? Yup! It was hard for me to realize that this is not a contest about who is the best cook. Anyway, I know I would win...(LOL)Just some thoughts for the coming holidays.