Napa Valley Ride
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We got a little bit of a late start on our Napa Valley ride today, so it was cut a bit short. The morning started out chilly and foggy, but the fog cleared before noon. The original plan was to head out towards Healdsburg and have lunch at the Jimtown Store, but we decided to turn around in Calistoga and just head back. We had a nice little bike tour of the Meadowood Resort in St. Helena, and then a lunch stop at the Model Bakery in St. Helena.
If you find yourself in St. Helena, do stop by the Model Bakery and try their English muffins. These are AMAZING.
I first visited the Model Bakery in the mid-late 1980’s. This is where I first discovered scones. The funny thing is that because they weren’t too sweet, and they were dense, I thought I was eating something healthy. Years later when I learned how to make scones, I realized most really aren’t that healthy because they’re loaded with fat. They are a delightful treat, and I was tempted, but then I saw the homemade English Muffins. I used to make homemade English Muffins and have never had anything comparable, until today. I humbly acknowledge that these are superior to my own.
Pesto and Tomato Pizza
Model Bakery is also famous in certain circles for their pizza, so I hear it sells out quickly. We were quite surprised (and pleased!) to find that there was some left by the time we got there. We tried the pesto and tomato pizza and it was wonderful. It was a little rich for me for cycling food, but if you are one of those cyclists who can eat anything and ride, this would make a yummy lunch.
We had one of the best espressos I have ever tasted, but the double espresso barely filled half of this demitasse cup. The gentleman serving coffee did not actually look in the cup when I asked, but insisted that this was indeed a double. Perhaps another guest grabbed our double espresso by mistake? Alas, it was smooth and delicious, and a perfect pairing with a peanut butter chocolate chip cookie.
A little caffeine ...
Now that will get you home!
Cycling the Silverado Trail, Napa Valley
The Model Bakery is located on Main Street in St. Helena, in the beautiful Napa Valley.