Ubuntu: sw(eat)ing out west

Months ago upon sharing my idea for sw(eat) with a work colleague over dinner in NYC, the restaurant's sommelier mentioned that I visit Ubuntu, the mecca of yoga for foodies in Napa.

3,000 miles is a bit farther than I'd usually travel for yoga class and a meal, but I just couldn't get it out of my head. After a little research and lots of trips to Ubuntu's website to salivate over the seasonal and organic ever-changing-veggie-based menu, I managed to wedge a day trip to Napa into my vacation to the west coast to visit family and friends. I am so thankful I did. Happy Birthday to me.

Initially unsettled that I'd be driving, documenting and dining all on my lonesome, the 90minute long kundalini yoga class settled my nerves and opened my mind. Nestled among regulars in the bright, cheery studio it didn't matter why and how I was there, I was just grateful I was. I let go.

After the class, Punky, my mat neighbor graciously introduced me to Ubuntu's owner/founder, Sandy Lawrence, who had been practicing in the front row. To my surprise, Ubuntu started out very similarly to sw(eat). Sandy, a yoga instructor and Napa native, started teaching classes to her friends in the backyard. Each student would bring a potluck dish and after class the group would open wine and dine together. Yoga. Food. Community. Like-minded people sharing life. When Sandy's house and backyard became too crowded to accommodate the growing community, Sandy began looking for real estate and Ubuntu was born. She now grows a vast amount Ubuntu's seasonal produce on her property, but lets someone else do the cooking--Executive Chef, Aaron London (back left). And cook he did.I threw on my flip-flops and headed downstairs into the restaurant. I checked with the hostess on the way to make sure it was okay to dine in spandex..."of course," she assured me (bonus...definitely my kind of place).

I eyed my spot, a middle seat at the base of the restaurant's L-shaped bar. I had barely balanced on my stool when Nick, the bartender welcomed me with a big white smile and shiny blue eyes (yet another reason not to be upset about dining solo).

The menu was mind-boggling--I wanted to order one of everything. Seeing the confusion on my face, Nick inquired with the chef about setting out a tasting menu...and within minutes the dishes started rolling out. Concoctions I had never dreamed of...pairings I had not thought possible. Clear cantaloupe blackened melon and sage gazpacho, Fennel pasta with squash and carrot top broth, charred 'purpullete onions' with brioche and turkish figs. Each dish gorgeous, colorful and thoughtfully prepared; unique and surprising with a fresh flavor and texture. Each presented and explained with care and love. Honestly stunning.

Clear cantaloupe and sage gazpacho with blackened melon

Charred 'purplette' onions, roast turkish figs, brioche burnt with love.

I did not meet a dish over which did not spout some over-used exclamation: "amazing!" "delicious!" "WOW." I gushed, I fawned, I ooo'ed, awed. This was such the case that I only slowed down when the bartender noted, "...you housed that.." I took that as a compliment, but soon realized that I was indeed ready to pop. "Two more dishes" he grinned.

The experience in total was phenomenal, but I must say I was most impressed by the soul of the place; the wait-staff, chefs, hosts and yogis were all gracious, graceful and glowing with a pride and joy in their work and surroundings. The message emblazoned on the back of Ubuntu's t-shirts says it all, "practice humanity towards others."

My visit inspired me to continue exploring and sharing my love for whole, real foods alongside a lifestyle of yoga, health and compassion. I am grateful to the staff at Ubuntu for taking such great care of me...If you're ever in Napa stop in for a bite and a glass of local vino! Cheers!

Ubuntu Napa, 1140 Main St. Napa, CA 94559