A MOVE TO PARADISE THAT CREATED A VISION

The Napa Table is a dream that I never thought would become a reality. Three years ago, I found myself deep in the obsession of the slow food movement, mindful-eating culture and the amazing world of artisanal and farmstead cheese. Book after book, late-night internet searches and long, philosophical conversations couldn’t satiate the passion and excitement I felt toward this long-time-coming calling. As a life-long francophile, my travels in France (and reading, researching and talking endlessly about it!) always focused on the culinary world and the pure pleasure and passion the French derive from the simple act of preparing and eating meals.

This fascination eventually led me behind the cheese counter, where I mongered for one of the greatest cheese shops in the country, Antonelli’s Cheese Shop in Austin, Texas. Commuting from San Antonio, I brought home bites of knowledge (and so much cheese!) to share with friends and family each week. This turned into teaching small groups about cheese in their homes and sharing as much as I could about the slow food movement in a town that otherwise was filled to the brim with BBQ, burgers and queso.

Life eventually landed us in Napa, California and into my gastronomic heaven. From bounties of produce at the Farmer’s Market, to cheese shops, local grocers, world-class restaurants, rolling hills and vineyards, I felt right at home. In our first year here, we’ve seen the fig tree, then the apple tree, and then the pomelo tree all blossom right in our backyard. All I could picture was sharing this love of mine around the table, under the trees and bistro lights in the crisp Napa air.

So whether you’re in town for vacation and want to learn from a local, or live near the valley and want to dive deeper into the world of mindful eating: I hope you’ll join me at the table. I can’t wait to connect with you.

Bisous,

Hayley Pingree

Founder and Owner