Whew…how is everyone out there? Good?

Not only are we still dealing with a global pandemic after some years, but the airlines are currently still in disarray over the lack of crew stemming from the great resignation, so it looks like extensive international travel is on hold for a bit.

Lido is a Fredrick Douglass Ave. Restaurant Row staple. It’s one of those places that at any time, there’s a high probability that you will see someone you know from the neighborhood. You might even see a celebrity or two trying to be low-key (or HIGH-key like one day when Cornel West was there).

I live in South Harlem close to where Lido is located, and because of that I tend to overlook it since I usually like to focus on higher-end restaurants elsewhere that I don’t frequent.

Brown Estate Tasting Room, located in downtown Napa, is a branch of the black-owned vineyard and winery of the same name.

The vineyard itself was established in 1980 with a wine-making component following in 1996. It is a brand that has been growing steadily in popularity in recent years through word of mouth and social media.

Black Stallion Estate Winery in Napa Valley was the first stop in Napa Valley on a cool, crisp overcast morning in October 2021. We visited the former equestrian center after enduring a lengthy Lyft ride from Silicon Valley, and it was worth it!

In downtown Napa Valley among the handsome boutique shops and various wine tasting rooms resides the Compline Restaurant and Wine Bar.