I've just returned from my hometown of Minneapolis to see my mom and celebrate her 95th birthday. I wish we lived closer but she's deeply rooted in the Midwest, and Napa Valley stole my heart more than 30 years ago, so we are grateful for every moment together.

Harvest time reminds me just how happy I am to call Napa Valley home. The rhythm of crush is in my heart. Trucks laden with bins of grapes roll up and down the valley. Floodlights illuminate vineyard rows and gondola tractor-trailers toting their precious cargo rumble through the night, rocking me to sleep. It's a very social time of year, so come on in, mingle with the locals, and hear about the crush first hand.

Mustards Grill is pouring big, beautiful, bossy red wines by the glass for "Big Red October" - this month's Thursday Pour-Off Pair-Off theme. Look for classics like beef and lamb prepared in the luscious styles of the big red wine producing countries: France, Italy, Spain, America & Argentina. Don't miss it.

Curry lovers unite! Supper Club at Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen will showcase the tastiest curry dishes from India, China, Thailand and more every Wednesday and Thursday this month. Enjoy a 3-course meal for $33, or order a la carte. Dustin has gathered a lovely selection of bright Rieslings to pair with the fragrant dishes. On the main menu, we have a delicious new Flatbread with Maitake mushrooms, Brussels sprouts leaves, Romesco sauce and cumin, plus a Grilled Pork Tenderloin with parsnip and pear mash that is out of this world. Join us at our "Don't Worry Be Happy" hour (3-6pm daily) for satisfying small bites like crispy fried chicken sliders, $5 cocktails, and $3 beers.

With the warm days of Indian Summer, the patio at CP's Wood Grill is the place to be for lunch, happy hour (3-6pm daily), drinks or dinner. It's so pretty under the mulberry trees, and well-behaved canines are welcome. I'm testing the restaurant's new fall menu as I write. It will launch this month; to find out exactly when, check our Facebook page.

Cindy's Shout-out -There are so many great restaurants in the Twin Cities, you can hardly go wrong. But the highlight of our recent trip was The Bachelor Farmer with its inspired cuisine that honors Minnesota's Nordic roots. The Marvel Bar downstairs is the perfect place to start or finish.

The holidays are around the corner! Book your parties, large and small, in the charming event venues at Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen and CP's Wood Grill. Or, let us cater at the place of your choice with your favorites from Mustards, Cindy's or CP's.

Happy Harvest,