Dear Friends,

It's fall, one of my favorite seasons. The days are shorter and I'm looking forward to building a fire, curling up and reading a good book.

My canning is complete, another harvest has been put to bed, and some of my favorite foods are coming into season - including wild mushrooms. It would be great to live in Umbria and forage white truffles, but our wild porcini and chanterelles are delicious enough to keep me home. Plus, our beautiful quinces are ready to eat. This month's recipe is a wonderful quince sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes.

November's Supper Clubs at  Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen showcase two fall classics: mushrooms and maple syrup. John Trunk and I are creating wonderful three-course 'suppers' for just $33 every Wednesday and Thursday. Next week features Curried Pumpkin and Mushroom soup, Roasted Chicken with coconut milk, mushrooms and basil, and Maple Panna Cotta with lemon huckleberry sauce. You are more than welcome to enjoy these satisfying dishes as a complete lunch or dinner, or order any course a la carte. Just be sure to come on in for some irresistible fall comfort food.  

Cindy Pawlcyn's Wood Grill & Wine Bar, aka CP's, is turning into quite the family spot. We have lots of young diners, which I love. Watching kids gobble up our pizzas, pastas, chicken and milkshakes is such a joy. Grown-ups continue to rave about the menu and our popular Vintner Splash on Saturday nights. We sincerely appreciate all the local support, and to keep you coming in, we are extending our Locals' Special through winter. Just show your Napa Valley driver's license to receive 15% off your entire bill Wednesdays and Sundays anytime. Get in here!

Mustard madness reigns at Mustards Grill this month. Every Thursday's Pour-Off Pair-Off will feature awesome wines paired to delectable dishes prepared with our favorite flavor, MUSTARD. Think Braised Local Lamb Shoulder with wild mushrooms, roasted peppers and housemade mustard seed pasta, Classy Fish & Chips with caper-mustard sauce, coleslaw and matchstick fries, and Warm Molasses Cake with cranberry-mustard compote and Chantilly cream. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Check out the menus here. Never a dull taste bud, I promise!      

With the holidays approaching, we'd love to help with your large parties and catered events. Choose your favorites from all three of my restaurants, and you and your guests will be treated to our signature warm hospitality. Contact Christine at  christine@cindypawlcyn.com for expert advice and bookings.

For great holiday gifts, how about my cookbooks? I'm happy to sign them with your personal message, turning each into a one-of-a-kind treasure to savor for years to come. We can ship them for you, too. What could be easier?

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

P.S. All three restaurants will be closed Thanksgiving day. Hope all you have a very happy one!