Hi friends!
Sorry I didn’t post last night but we didn’t end up getting in until 12:30 and I was so tired by that time that I couldn’t even see straight, let alone even open my laptop! I did, however, sleep like a total ROCK and now feel very caught up and on par with California time. I think my real saving grace yesterday was the fact that right before I went to my tasting I chugged down some Berry SuperFood AND a packet of Emergen-C. Honestly, I felt like I just took a double espresso…I had so much energy despite my tired raccoon eyes.
The tasting went very well and I was so honored to meet some AMAZING blog readers and friends!
These girls are awesome for coming and supporting!!!! Thank you SO much! Brianne even brought me some delicious vegan baked goods that I can’t wait to dive into! š
I poured wine for about two hours and mingled with all the guests. It was so fun and different to be on the “other side” of the wine tasting because usually I’m the one who is drinking the wine….not working! I met a lot of great people though and sported my purple Murphy-Goode shirt proudly!
After the tasting was over we all quickly headed back to our hotel rooms to get ready for dinner. Half of us cooked last night and the other half (including yours truly) will be cooking TONIGHT for the group of 25. We were at the actual house that the “winner” will live in and it was very, very cute!
We all sipped on some chilled Fume, played some tunes and chatted while dinner was being prepared. I love the laid back family-style mentality of Murphy-Goode and the town of Healdsburg as well. Everyone is so friendly and honest; it really makes me feel at home and welcome!
Dinner was great too—Annie, Hardy, Rocky, Nick and Todd made delicious goat cheese bruschetta for appetizers and then chicken schnitzel, goat cheese stuffed hamburgers, grilled veggies, pasta salad, cucumber salad and ginger-honey infused cantaloupe slices for dessert! Wow!
My plate:
Lots of wine tastings!! š
Gillian, a wine educator in Sonoma, came in and taught us her method of wine tasting. It totally blew me away!!!!! She was basically a wine tasting rockstar and taught some very interesting ways of looking at wine, to say the least. At the end of the night we all tried some amazing Murphy-Goode Terra a Lago Cabernet and for the first time, I think I really “got” it—thinking of wine is terms of how it enters your mouth, what it feels like when its there and how it leaves. This Cab was 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and, basically, was like a party in your though. At first its all sweet and innocent but then it just explodes with flavor and tannins and, boy oh boy, you can still feel it goin’ all the way down. Definitely a wine to be savored and full of passion with unexpected mind-blowing, tongue prickling sensations. Wooheee!
After wine tasting and dinner, we all sat round the table and played some Liar’s Dice. I lost but I wasn’t the first or second person out of the game so I got to keep my hotel room. The first two out had to switch hotels!
Dave won. Surprise, surprise.
I literally passed out into my bed a little after midnight and for the first time in DAYS, slept like a rock until my alarm sounded at 7:30. I jumped in the shower and raced downstairs to grab a bite to eat before my interview–-I was first!!
My appetite came back! Yay!! I had a big bowl of yogurt with granola, strawberries and banana with grapefruit juice and green tea on the side. I LOVE Hotel Healdsburg’s granola. It must be really bad for you because it just tastes totally delicious and has a crunch and sweetness that I am addicted to. š
My interview went well. I’m not a person at all that cracks under pressure; instead, I thrive under it! I actually think the time I shine the most is when people fire questions at me and I secretly enjoy it. I was very happy to go first and now I have the entire day to explore Healdsburg. At 2:45 I am meeting my group to go grocery shopping for tonight’s dinner but other than that, I’m on my own. Originally I was going to work out but since I’ve already showered and everything and its such a gorgeous day, I think I might just walk and explore the town instead. I don’t have too much time here and I can work out at home, right?! haha š
More pictures to come from our dinner tonight (for 25 people!!!), wine tasting and Texas Hold ‘Em. I can’t believe I have to go home tomorrow…..I’m in denial. I think I could live here forever!
Meghann
July 20, 2009 at 1:58 pmSo glad the interview went well!! Have fun exploring the town š
Jess
July 20, 2009 at 1:59 pmSounds like a great time – goode luck with everything! š
Sarah
July 20, 2009 at 2:01 pmOhmigawsh that dinner looks so, so tasty! Honey ginger-infused cantaloupe?! Ay yai yai!
I’m glad the interview went well! Have fun exploring today š
Deva
July 20, 2009 at 2:01 pmLooks like you are having a blast – sounds like your interview was rockin!
Jenna
July 20, 2009 at 2:03 pmSOOO COOL!!!!! your whole experience just sounds down right perfect!!! š I hope your interview went well!! Enjoy your day exploring!!
amanda
July 20, 2009 at 2:04 pmgo to snow bunny across the square from the hotel. oh so yummy!!! i wish i had been in town so i could have some out and supported you!!! good luck and enjoy the rest of your visit!!!
Whitney
July 20, 2009 at 2:04 pmYay, glad the interview went well! Have a nice time exploring!
Maggie
July 20, 2009 at 2:08 pmSo good to meet you yesterday! Good luck!! Enjoy the rest of your day š
VeggieGirl
July 20, 2009 at 2:13 pmExcellent interview + meeting Maggie = true highlights!!! š
Safe travels tomorrow!!
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
July 20, 2009 at 2:14 pmGirl, I am so happy to hear you are having such a fabulous time and that your interview went well!!! You are a ROCKSTAR!!!
Quite the food and wine spread. I must admit I am extremely jealous =)
Enjoy your last day there…savor every second!
alex @ happy go lucky
July 20, 2009 at 2:16 pmWow- what a positive experience! I am so happy and excited for you- thinking good thoughts and sending good vibes your way!
Ali
July 20, 2009 at 2:22 pmcongrats on the interview! it looks like you’re having a really great time and i hope that the rest of your trip goes well. have fun cooking for everyone tonight!
Jen, a priorfatgirl
July 20, 2009 at 2:23 pmthis is an interview! Man, sounds like a vacation, full of fun stuff! Glad you got some well needed sleep!
JT (the faux foodie girl)
July 20, 2009 at 2:23 pmwhat an amazing experience. Enjoy the rest of your day…
katie s
July 20, 2009 at 2:24 pmThis all looks truly amazing, Jenna!! I am so excited for you and can’t wait for your video!!! Good luck and enjoy exploring!!!
Chloe
July 20, 2009 at 2:26 pmSo glad your interview went well – I’m hoping you get the job so we can follow you on some more wine adventures!
The food looks amazing, I can’t wait to see what you guys cook tonight!
brandi
July 20, 2009 at 2:27 pmit looks like such a great trip! I’m glad to hear your interview went well!
enjoy your day sightseeing, and I can’t wait to see pics from dinner!
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
July 20, 2009 at 2:28 pmCongrats on the interview! Your dinner from last night looks so gourmet! Is everyone a gourmet cook? š I love the idea of honeyed cantaloupe – fresh and sweet.
Daria (Summer of the CSAs)
July 20, 2009 at 2:31 pmHave fun exploring! That’s definitely the right choice when you’re in a new, beautiful place. š
Sarah (LovIN My Tummy)
July 20, 2009 at 2:33 pmWhat a good feeling to know that it’s now all out if your hands and you can just sir back and enjoy (the wine…)! I’m pulling for ya!!!
Rebecca
July 20, 2009 at 2:34 pmI’m glad you had a great interview! I’m the same way under pressure! That dinner looks fabulous! Can’t wait to see what you prepare for tonight!! Have fun exploring!
Andee (Runtolive)
July 20, 2009 at 2:35 pmThat dinner looks delicious! Congrats on the interview
Sheri
July 20, 2009 at 2:35 pmSo glad your interview went well! The town looks so cute…have fun exploring today! š
Angharad
July 20, 2009 at 2:40 pmIt sounds so fabulous! That granola looks like awesome on a stick! The town just sounds so adorable. Must feel so weird to think about coming home!
K
July 20, 2009 at 2:40 pmI glad the interview went well!! I’m sure you charmed the pants off of them š
Have fun cooking tonight – can’t wait to see what you all create!
Julie
July 20, 2009 at 2:41 pmWow, it looks like you are having fun! I’m glad the interview went well, enjoy the rest of your day!!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
July 20, 2009 at 2:45 pmSo glad to hear that you’re enjoying your time. You definitely fit in well there!!! Glad everything went well with the interview!
Holly
July 20, 2009 at 2:47 pmCongrats on the interview success!!
why on earth would they make 2 people switch hotel rooms? MG all of a sudden decide they can’t afford to put you guys up?!
jenna
July 20, 2009 at 5:29 pmHolly,
Hahahaha no it was all in the game. The hotel was overbooked and we are split up in two different hotels anyway.
RunToFinish
July 20, 2009 at 2:49 pmso fun!!!
Christie @ Quit Your Diet
July 20, 2009 at 2:56 pmGlad the interview went well. Can’t wait to see what you guys cook tonight!
Travel safe tomorrow.
Maria
July 20, 2009 at 2:58 pmMmm all that food looks absolutely delicious!
So glad to hear your interview went well š Haha, I’m the exact opposite and get a nervous break down!
I hope you enjoy your walk around town! Healdburg sounds amazing!!
Still Life in South America
July 20, 2009 at 2:59 pmWhat a beautiful dinner prepared by friends. This Murphy-Goode event sounds more like a foodie retreat than an interview. Very fun.
So glad you got your interview accomplished early and have time to really relax and see the town. I’m happy you got to have this experience–you deserve it.
Stephanie
July 20, 2009 at 3:01 pmYou go girl! Make sure to check out the cheese shop in Healdsberg. Also, I think there is a small bakery around the corner, which is an excellent pairing. There is also a place in town where you can make small tastes of other area wineries that are not big enough to host their own tastings. š
Ada
July 20, 2009 at 3:19 pmI’m glad your interview went well! I hope you enjoy the remainder of your trip:)
ShutupandRun
July 20, 2009 at 3:24 pmWow good for you doing so well under pressure! Glad the trip is going smoothly and that the other candidates are so nice and open.
EatingRD
July 20, 2009 at 3:32 pmYou go girl! Looks like a great time, and wow all that food looks amazing! That’s so neat you get to try all those different wines and really how they taste, feel and pair with other foods. SO FUN!! Hope you continue to have a great time š Love Napa/Sonoma and wishing I could go back. Good luck with the dinner!
Shannon (The Daily Balance)
July 20, 2009 at 3:41 pmFirst of all, so glad to hear your appetite has returned! There are way too many opportunities for deliciousness over there, I wouldn’t want you to miss out!! Enjoy the rest of your trip š
Kyle
July 20, 2009 at 3:43 pmI’m so happy for you!! I’m glad you’re enjoying CA, I love it here. Despite the costs of living (!!)
I really hope you get the position, and your posts kind of make me wish I was 21 already! I don’t plan on ever becoming a “drinker” but I think for my 21st bday I’ll have to go try some wine. I’ll look like a total newb, but hopefully it will be worth it!
Beth @ CrossBorderCravings
July 20, 2009 at 3:49 pmeverything looks so yummy and the house looks great! glad the interview went well. hopefully that means good things!! :O)
Eve
July 20, 2009 at 3:51 pmLooks like you’re having a blast! Glad the interview went well. That’s great that you strive under pressure, it’s great to channel the pressure into a positive way!
Joelle (The Pancake Girl))
July 20, 2009 at 3:55 pmWooohoo, congrats on a good interview!! When do you find out who gets selected? So exciting! PS. walking around town is totally exercise!
Cait (Cait's Plate)
July 20, 2009 at 4:02 pmCongrats on the interview being over and going well! Enjoy your last few hours over there! š
Tess
July 20, 2009 at 4:14 pmCongrats on the interview. You know you did your best when you come out feeling positive. Enjoy the rest of the trip!
lexi
July 20, 2009 at 4:16 pmLooks like you’re having an amazing time. I can’t wait to see your mini movie.
Also, I received my cook book today. Thank you so much. I will also be ordering my first Amazing Grass today!
Thanks for all your help! Have a wonderful day!
Danielle J.
July 20, 2009 at 4:21 pmI’m glad that you slept better last night because you sure are busy there! It all looks so wonderful!
Have a wonderful time cooking dinner tonight! You know you’ll rock it!
Leah Triplett
July 20, 2009 at 4:34 pmHey Jenna–
So happy everything is going so well! It’s been so much fun this weekend to read/look at your Murphy-Goode posts and pics. I LOVE Headelsburg !!!! My favorite places there were a really cute bookshop and a soap store–the pinot noir soap is delish. Anyway, just to say I’m glad the interview is going well and that you are having such an amazing time. I’m going to a dinner party tonight and I think I might just bring the fume you guys tried….:) Visit me in NYC! xo, Leah
Mary
July 20, 2009 at 4:35 pmWhen do you find out??? the kitchen in that house is nice!! everything looks wonderful! Good Luck! š
Carolyn (sandyfeeteats.wordpress.com)
July 20, 2009 at 4:41 pmi just want to send a note to say GOOD LUCK! I really feel like you have it in the bag!
Shannon, The Healthy Beach Bum
July 20, 2009 at 4:45 pmso proud of u! š
jennifer c
July 20, 2009 at 5:33 pmyouve really made me want to try?the goode stuff! where do they sell it in VA?
kailey
July 20, 2009 at 5:36 pmglad to hear that you are having so much fun!!
elliebelle
July 20, 2009 at 6:01 pmWow, what an amazing experience you are having. It’s really fun to read about it. Actually I feel nervous for you!!! š But it’s great that you feel so empowered during the stressful interview. I REALLY hope you get the job. Can’t wait to hear about what your team creates for dinner tonight.
HeatherBakes
July 20, 2009 at 6:13 pmDefinitely drooling over your dinner photos…
I’m so excited for you!! This is such a cool opportunity and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you get the job. Can’t wait to hear!
Kelly
July 20, 2009 at 6:26 pmYou are totally living the dream right now! Enjoy every minute of it!
Vanessa (Last Night's Leftovers)
July 20, 2009 at 6:33 pmGlad to hear the interview went well! Have fun exploring š
leslie
July 20, 2009 at 6:58 pmthis is so exciting. i’m glad you’re just soaking in every minute of it!
Becky@I Heart Running & Food
July 20, 2009 at 7:29 pmWhat an awesome experience! Enjoy it š
Sarah
July 20, 2009 at 7:37 pmSounds like you are having a great time! Lovely food and wine pics š Can’t wait to hear more!
Johanna
July 20, 2009 at 7:54 pm“Iām not a person at all that cracks under pressure; instead, I thrive under it!”
Beautifuly said! Such an inspiration! Good Luck Jenna!!
Emily (A Nutritionist Eats)
July 20, 2009 at 8:06 pmSounds amazing!!!
Mrs. Myers @ Eat Move Write
July 20, 2009 at 8:12 pmYes, enjoy Cali. You can work out when you go home!!!
Emily (Healthy Fit Mama)
July 20, 2009 at 8:19 pmSounds like things are going well and you’re having a great time! Safe travels home! š
andrea
July 20, 2009 at 10:09 pmoakville grocery is one of my all time favorite places in the world. the weekend sounds amazing…good luck!!
-andrea
Kathleen
July 20, 2009 at 10:30 pmWhat an experience! Glad you’re enjoying it.
Kathy (Moving Beyond Perfection)
July 20, 2009 at 10:46 pmAww I’m really glad you’re having such a fun time!! That’s amazing that you do so well in interviews. I always get so nervous for them! Public speaking, I’m fine with- but getting fired at question after question.. ack , that’s nerve racking!
Lizzy
July 20, 2009 at 11:11 pmJenna the place looks beautiful! i’m crossing my fingers for you!!!! š good luck dear!
Jessica
July 21, 2009 at 3:25 amI’m so glad you’re having fun! Wooo hooo!
keep it up, i really hope you get the job!
-muffy
Suzanne
July 21, 2009 at 4:51 amThat place looks stunning! What an experience. Good luck!
Holly
July 21, 2009 at 9:04 amgood vibes to you my dear – looks like SO MUCH FUN š
megan
July 21, 2009 at 9:04 amGood luck Jenna! I really hope you get it š
Renee
July 21, 2009 at 9:06 amJust wanted to let you know that I referenced you in my Baltimore Food Examiner column article about the Green Monster today!
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-10966-Baltimore-Food-Examiner~y2009m7d21-Have-you-tackled-the-Green-Monster
Mel @ She Runs Brooklyn
July 21, 2009 at 9:11 amI’m so happy for you!!
I secretly thrive under interview pressure too š
Jean Mitchell
July 21, 2009 at 10:27 amJenna!
Your trip looks fantastic and I think it’s great that you thrive in the interview process!
You’ve inspired me to drink 3 glasses of wine in the past week…and I don’t ever drink anything during the weekdays…but you make it looks so good and tempting! š
See, Murphy Goode…she’d be a great choice! š
~carolyn~
July 21, 2009 at 10:40 amOK I live in the area and never heard of Murphy-Goode. I am inspired to try it now and visit the winery…but only if you get the job!!!
Lauren
July 21, 2009 at 11:05 amCrossing my fingers for you!