Spring Greetings!
My friend Doug Shafer of Shafer Vineyards has started a podcast on the winery website interviewing food and wine personalities in wine country. In his first podcast Doug asks me about my childhood, early career and restaurants. It is lighthearted travel through time and I think you might enjoy listening to it.
Check it out HERE
CBK's Sous Chef Spotlight   
Freddy Ambrosio (CBK Sous Chef) and I were talking recently about the great spring weather when I suddenly realized that except for a 2-year absence he has been with me at Cindy's Backstreet since 2003. Freddy and I share many food favorites like bacon, asparagus, Asian and Mexican food. He has a wealth of food knowledge, I am surprised when I find a dish he is unfamiliar with.

Freddy came to the US from Mexico City in 1999 when he was 19 and began working as a dishwasher. He moved up the kitchen ranks quickly and has been in a leadership role since 2003. He is a dedicated father and family man always telling me about great food feasts with his uncle, family & friends on his days off.
Wine & Cheese - what's not to love?!
I loved the cheese class with Janet Fletcher at Trefethen Family Vineyards. We tried cheese with great names like Diet Lover, a sheep's milk cheese from  Green Dirt Farm. The Schoch Family Farm Monterey Jack made in Monterey County was outstanding, it changed my perception of the typical bland varieties around. Pennyroyal Farms' Boont Corners Vintage Tomme made me want to drive to Anderson Valley to see their farm and get more of this delicious goats and sheep milk cheese. During the tasting, Trefethen served 3 delicious wines, my favorite was their 2016 Dry Riesling. Check out the schedule through September HERE
What's happening at Mustards Grill  
Mustards Pair Off Pour Off Friday's features some of my favorite foods from Spain and Portugal paired with delicious Spanish Sherry's, Ports and local wines. The 1982 Krohn Porto Colheita will be poured on May 11 for a special pairing with dessert. It's not often we serve a wine that is older than Mustards.
 
The Kentucky Derby is Saturday, May 5 and on the menu for the day at Mustards will be one of my favorites; Jack Daniels Chocolate Pecan Cake with Mint Julep Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce on that day to celebrate. I made this dessert recently at home for my daughter-in law Tessa's birthday and the recipes can be found in my " Mustards Grill Napa Valley Cookbook."
Heading to BottleRock?
BottleRock Napa Valley is May 25-27, hope you have your tickets! Be sure to visit us at the Mustards Grill booth. We'll be serving lobster rolls, 10-hour BBQ Wagyu beef brisket sandwiches and our famous prickly pear limeade. See you there!
New favorites at CBK
At  Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen  the new crispy fried chicken with cheddar cornbread and mustard slaw is outselling every other item on the menu. It is so good. Jim has added a tuna carpaccio with preserved lemons, fried green tomatoes, roasted Castroville artichokes and for dessert, French meringue with pistachio ice cream and local strawberries. Wow. 
Check out the MENU
A Favorite Place
The 32nd season of the St. Helena Farmers Market  opens on Friday, May 4, 7:30-Noon and every Friday throughout the summer. Please join me at one of my favorite places, supporting our local farmers and vendors. There is nothing like organic and in-season fruits and vegetables.

Jim and I will be at the Market on Friday, May 25 at 10:30 am serving bites during our annual cooking demonstration. Please join us.
Recipe of the Month 
May 14 is National Buttermilk Biscuit Day. A buttermilk biscuit recipe adapted from my book the "Fog City Diner Cookbook" is the recipe for May. It's delicious and an easy way to serve homemade bread at the table. Leftovers are great for breakfast. Recipe HERE
Mother's Day
Sunday, May 13th is approaching quickly, be sure to book your mother's day reservations now. It's one of the busiest restaurant days of the year. Both Mustards Grill and Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen will feature moms day additions, and the full ala carte menu will also be available.

At Mustards Grill, Chef Michael's serving up spring specials to include lobster, crab, filet, petrale sole to name a few. Check out the  MENU HERE .  Come celebrate your mom with us, make your RESERVATION HERE
   
At Cindy's, Chef Jim will serve a celebration of Mother's and the food they inspire, favorite dishes from the Mom's of our staff. Take a look at the
MENU HERE. Treat your mom to CBK , make your  RESERVATION today!
Happy Mothers Day!

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  Cindy Pawlcyn Napa Valley
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