Golden treasures at SF's Asian Art Museum

Who says diamonds are a girl’s best friend? I say, go for the gold. That’s why I’m at San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum, the only West Coast stop for Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul (through Jan. 25).

Graphics help tell the story of how these amazing 238 artifacts—long thought stolen or destroyed—were rediscovered and saved, along with brief sketches of the history of Afghanistan (which has Greek, Roman, Persian, Indian, Chinese, and Siberian influences). Maps, drawings, and a neat digital display of one of the early cities weave the country’s history into the archeological digs which saved these priceless treasures.

The carved ivory, delicate painted glassware, and mysterious bronze discs are magnificent. And the opening National Geographic video, narrated by the author of The Kite Runner, (Khaled Hosseini), sets up the show nicely.

But, at the risk of sounding shallow, let’s face it—I am dazzled by all the bling. Gold necklaces, gold earrings, gold bracelets, a massive golden belt, and an awesome crown—all shine in spotlit cases. And it seems my friends also have a touch of gold fever.

“You can tell its pure gold,” says my friend Francoise, “its so yellow and soft looking.”

“The jewelry looks so contemporary,” notes JoAnn. “I feel like I’m window shopping.”

“It’s a treasure trove,” says Linda.

We spend most of the day at the show (and, okay, at the Asian Art Museum's amazing gift shop), before walking up Larkin Street to a little Vitenamese restaurant, oddly named Bodega Bistro. Over steamy, hot bowls of pho, we can't stop talking about the golden treasures of Afghanistan.

Details: The show is free with museum admission ($12/$8 seniors/$7 ages 13-17). Hurry—the show closes in a little over two weeks. Call 415/ 581-3500 or click on www.asianart.org

PHOTO: One of a pair of pendants depicting the "Dragon Master" (Tillya Tepe, Tomb II) 1st century BCE. Photo by National Museum of Afghanistan,©Thierry Ollivier / Musée Guimet

Obama's Inaugural bubbly

I'll have what he's having.
If you can't attend the Presidential Inaugural but want to feel like you're there, now you know what to toast the new president with. I just got word —it's now official (and as I hinted at in my earlier post). On January 20th, Korbel Russian River Valley Natural Champagne will be served at the Inaugural Luncheon (immediately following the Swearing-In Ceremony) and raised in toasts to the new Obama administration. 

This will be the seventh Presidential Inauguration in which Korbel Champagne Cellars has been selected for this honor—from the 1985 Ronald Reagan inauguration through the inaugurations of George Bush, two for Bill Clinton, George W. Bush twice, and now Barack Obama.

This one may be the most historic event yet.

How to get reservations at Napa Valley's French Laundry

After my earlier story on Yountville's Michelin-starred restaurants (see below), I heard a few more insider tips on booking a table at one of the Napa Valley's (and California’s) most famous and honored restaurants. The nice folks at Yountville's The French Laundry, shown at right (photo by Deborah Jones) sent me a follow-up note. Kristine Keefer, of the French Laundry’s team, offers some help on booking a table at this famous (and famously busy) landmark.

First, know that they only book two months out. “We do release several tables to opentable.com to help guests from overseas and other time zones to make a reservation without having to wait for 10 AM pacific time to do so,” Keefer notes. 

She adds that, if a caller does not get in initially, you should have your name added to the waitlist and leave the best number to reach you while traveling. “We get cancellations all the time—from cancelled flights to changes in plans,” she says, “and this way, if we get a last minute cancellation, our reservationists will be able to reach you immediately.”

Finally, Keefer recommends checking cancellations/availabilities WITHIN the two-month window and to call and make these inquiries later in the day when the phone lines are lighter. “That way, our reservationists will be able to spend more time with you to search for available tables,” she says.

Thanks, Kristine. You’ve given us all hope!

Let the corks pop for Obama's Presidential Inauguration

Champagne is made to celebrate life’s big events and there is no bigger American event this January than the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama (Jan. 20). But what drink should you use to toast the event (or this coming New Year's)? Try one champagne that’s been featured in each of the six past Presidential Inaugurations (since 1985’s Reagan Inaugural): Sonoma County’s own Korbel. 

At the past six inaugurations, Korbel Russian River Valley Natural Champagne  has been served at the Congressional luncheon following the swearing-in ceremony at the capitol and at later balls and galas surrounding the inauguration. At our press time, Korbel Vineyards is waiting to hear if Korbel will continue its streak and be served at the Obama Inaugural (the official announcement comes next week). If the brand is so honored, their champagne bottles will wear a presidential inaugural seal on their foil neckbands (see photo of a past inaugural bottle).

Established in 1882, Korbel Champagne Cellars is one of Sonoma County’s most venerable institutions. Not surprisingly, Korbel is one of the top-selling premium methode champenoise-produced champagnes in America. This methode (the traditional French way of making champagne) is the process that the company has used for its more than 120 years of champagne making. It’s time consuming, but turns out the best bubbly (and the tiniest bubbles-the mark of a good sparkling wine). 

So if you're planning your own inaugural bash, you might pick up a bottle of one drink our next president may be toasted with: Korbel Russian River Valley Natural Champagne ($14.99 suggested retail); it’s sold at major chains. 

Or better yet, pay a visit to Korbel Vineyards' Russian River Valley site. Take a tour, learn the story of the founding family, and taste the latest vintages (including their still wines, most of which are sold nowhere else). Tours are given hourly from 10-3 in winter (more often in summer). They’re on 13250 River Road in Guerneville; 707/824-7000. For more travel info, go to Sonoma County Tourism.

In Napa Valley's Yountville: star restaurants (and a hot tip)

Okay, here's a quiz: in which California town have restaurants been awarded more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else on the planet? Sophisticated San Francisco? Nope. Chi-chi LA? Nah. Try tiny Yountville, pop. 3290, in the heart of the Napa Valley.

I remember visiting Yountville years ago (as a kid); it was a sleepy little burg where the best meal available was at a diner. Thank goodness those days are gone. Yountville is still a pretty quiet, laid-back place, but now they're calling it an "epicurean enclave". And why not: the dining scene is something foodies travel from across the globe to experience.

That's because highly-prized Michelin stars have just been announced for the French Laundry (3 stars), Bouchon (1), Bistro Jeanty (1) and Redd (1). The famous French Laundry books up so far ahead, it's practically an impossible dream unless your name is Brad or Angelina. One insider's secret: book a room 2 or more months ahead at Napa's Meadowood Resort, and at booking time, ask their concierge to reserve your table at French Laundry; you'll likely get one of the toughest tables in town—and you'll surely enjoy staying at the comfy-chic Meadowood. 

The other 'starred' restaurants on this list are no longer secrets and can also be pretty tough to get in to. Your best shot: reserve a midweek night in winter—like right now—or try lunch. 

However, if your name isn't Brangelina and you're locked out of those hotspots, fear not. You'll soon have more Yountville dining choices than ever, with five new (or revamped) restaurants. Just last month saw the opening of Bottega, serving farm-to-table style Italian cuisine in the historic Groezinger Winery and helmed by the Food Network's Michael Chiarello. 

In February, Bardessono is slated to debut with Sean O'Toole of the Mina Group set to be executive chef in the 62-room inn, spa, and restaurant complex. Said to be "environmentally inspired", the restaurant will include a teaching/display kitchen and wine concierge parlor. Oh, and a fire fountain (as Paris Hilton would say, it sounds hot).

Set for fall openings: Hotel Luca, a 20-room luxury hotel and 90-seat restaurant, backed by the folks who are behind Auberge Carmel and the Cantinetta Luca in Carmel. Another eatery set to open in fall is Vita, with a southern Italian food. And Gordon's Wine Bar and Cafe is under renovation, set to debut later this year.

For more information and travel inquiries, contact the Yountville Chamber of Commerce at 707.944.0904 or www.yountville.com.