March With The Guerillas in the 20th Annual Napa Valley AIDS Walk

Come march with the Napa Guerilla Gay Bar during the 20th annual Napa Valley AIDS Walk.  This year's event takes place on Saturday, October 29th and starts at Veterans Park in downtown Napa.  Proceeds will benefit HIV/AIDS prevention services provided by Planned Parenthood.

Visit our on-line fundraising page at http://www.active.com/donate/nvaw2011nggb.  There you can make a donation, or better yet, "enlist" to walk with us (just use the "Become a Fundraiser" link at the top of the page).  Raise $100 or more and you'll receive a coveted Napa Guerilla Gay Bar cap!

We're also in the process of planning some FUNdraising events including another round (or two) of Big Gay Bingo at Alexis Baking Company.

So, join us today and start raising money to prevent HIV/AIDS.  Remember - for now, prevention IS the cure!

Four Groups For More Fun!

Four great groups! Two wonderful venues! One fabulous evening!

Join the crowd on Saturday evening, September 10, 2011 (that's 9-10-11) when the Napa Guerilla Gay Bar, Sonoma GayDar, Solano-Yolo Gay Men's Alliance (SYGMA) and the Vallejo Gay Network come together for what the Napa troops would call "Mission: Mega Meet-up and Maneuvers"

From 5:30 to 8:30 pm, we'll drop in on the folks at Valley Gate Vineyards (1 Kirkland Ranch Road - just off Jamieson Canyon Road in Napa) for wine tasting and general "mixing" and merriment.  Valley Gate will have wines available for purchase by the glass or by the bottle.  Their horseshoe pit and croquet set will be available for a little friendly competition.

Following wine tasting, we'll head over to BarBersQ (3900 D Bel Aire Plaza, Napa) for a little al fresco dining on their patio.  The Q's fabulous full menu will be available until 9:30 pm.  Then, starting at 9:30 they'll roll-out a special late-night dining menu just for us consisting of lots of fun stuff to share, including:

• Joey Ray's Famous Fish Sticks with Habanero Tartar Sauce
• Full Racks Of Baby Back Ribs
• Platters of Sliders, by the half-dozen or dozen with your choice of Pulled Pork, Fried Chicken or Q Burgers - you can even mix it up a bit!
• Spicy Chicken Wings
• Hand Cut Fries
• Beer Battered Onion Rings

So join us for a great evening of wine, food, friends and fun on Saturday, September 10!

Malaysian Independence Day Mission

How much do you know about Malaysia? Well . . .

• It has land borders with Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei and is linked to Singapore by a narrow causeway. It also has maritime boundaries with Vietnam and the Philippines.
• It's official language is Bahasa Malaysia and its currency is called the Ringgit (worth about 34 cents)
• The largest city is Kuala Lumpur
• It has a population of about 28 million
• On August 31, 2011 Malaysians will celebrate the 55th anniversary of independence from the United Kingdom

So, what kind of food is served in Malaysia? Well, we're about to find out!

Join the troops of the Napa Guerilla Gay Bar (as well as our friends from the Vallejo Gay Network) when we invade Asian Wok & Grill (110 West American Canyon Road, American Canyon) on Saturday, August 27 from 1 to 3 pm for a Malaysian Independence Day lunch celebration.

The event will be hosted by Chef Eddie Chong - a Malaysian ex-pat and his partner Gregg Liebgold. They're working with the owners of Asian Wok and Grill to put on a spread worthy of celebration. Here's the planned menu:

• Rojak Tanjong (Mixed vegetable and fruit salad with Malaysian sweet soy dressing)
• Hainanese Crispy Chicken with spice salt
• Melaka Chicken Rice (Chef Eddie says "you will be surprised"!)
• KL Hotpot Vegetable Deluxe
• and maybe some additional surprises!

And how much does this afternoon of international delicacies cost? Just $10.00 In addition, wine, beer, coffee, tea and soft drinks will be available for purchase.

The celebration will be a family-style sit-down affair. Please RSVP by Thursday, August 25 so we can make sure the restaurant has enough food for everyone. You can either use the Facebook event page or let us know through the Napa Guerilla Gay Bar RSVP email address (rsvp(at)napagaybar.com)

How do you dress for such a celebration? You can always come casual but if you really want to get into the swing you might consider pulling that sarong, batik or Hawaiian shirt out of the closet!

Sorakan!

Napa IPA Day Celebration to Benefit V.O.I.C.E.S.

"Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza."  (Dave Barry, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist)

On Thursday August 4th, thousands of craft beer lovers across the globe and across the social media sphere will raise pints in a collective toast to one of craft beer's most iconic styles, the India Pale Ale, during International #IPADay 2011.

And don't think that just because we're in the middle of wine country that we'd miss out on the opportunity to toast with hops instead of grapes!  What is being billed as "the largest IPA Day celebration in Northern California (and quite possibly the whole west coast)" will take place at the Marriott Napa Valley Hotel & Spa (3425 Solano Avenue, Napa) on August 4 from 5 to 8 pm.

Tickets are just $10 per person.  For that sawbuck you'll enjoy a myriad of delicious IPAs from over 10 local craft breweries.

And as if delicious beer wasn't enough, all proceeds from the festival will be donated to V.O.I.C.E.S. Napa to support their work empowering under-served youth in our community.  Tickets are available on-line at :  http://ipadaynapa.eventbrite.com/

CHEERS!

Pre and Post Porchfest Functions

It's out of the garage and onto the porch!  It's Napa Porchfest 2011!

What is Napa Porchfest?  A different group of Napa musicians will be performing on the front porches of homes throughout Downtown neighborhoods on the same day (Sunday, July 31) at the same time (2 to 5 pm).  You pick and choose the ones you want to go hear. You "bike, drive, walk, skip, roller skate, skate board, pedibike or fly from porch to porch much like you would cruise from studio to studio during the Open Studio events".  Bring beach chairs and coolers . . . and be prepared for a great afternoon of music from Alta Heights to the alphabet streets!

Here's the plan - we'll meet at Alexis Baking Company (1517 Third Street, Napa) for a delicious brunch (including Alexis' famous Huevos Rancheros and baked goods) starting at 12:30 pm.  While there we'll compare notes and create our mission plan.  Some of us may pick one artist and head toward that porch around 1:45.  Others may want to experience a potpourri of musical magic and plan a route to follow during the three hour event.

At the conclusion of Porchfest at 5 pm we'll head over to Carpe Diem Wine Bar (1001 Second Street, Napa) to compare notes, share pictures/videos and enjoy Carpe Diem's outstanding food and beverages (we'll even be there in time for Happy Hour!)

It's going to be a great afternoon of music, food, beverages and good ol' Napa Guerilla Gay Bar camaraderie.  Join us!

Wine Country Weekend for Equality

Spend a sweet summer weekend supporting equality and having a great time!  It's two fabulous events both supporting Equality California!

First, enjoy "Mental 99" as they "Rock Out"  at a private concert at the exquisite home of Jen Rainin & Frances Stevens on Diamond Mountain in Calistoga.  In addition to the music, wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served at the estate's outdoor amphitheatre.

This event is proudly sponsored by Sweet Cruises, Whole Foods, Wine Tasting Network and our friends at Out In The Vineyard.  You can register today at www.eqca.org/wineconcert

Then, on Sunday, July 24, Bardessono will host the 2nd annual "Get Wet!" Wine Country at their gorgeous rooftop pool.

At this pool party you'll enjoy "hosted bites" (we're assuming that they're talking about appetizers) and an open vodka bar.

 This event is sponsored by Bardessono, Blue Angel Vodka and the boys of Out In The Vineyard.  Register today at www.eqca.org/getwetwinecountry

You can purchase a "Wine Country Weekend" pass on either website for a $50 donation.  That'll get you into both events!

Thanks to the generous sponsors, 100% of the proceeds from these events will benefit Equality California.

Beginners and Burgers

Join the troops of the Napa Guerilla Gay Bar as we once again head to the Cameo Cinema (1340 Main Street, St. Helena) for a Ewan McGregor film.

This time Ewan is paired with Christopher Plummer and Melanie Laurent in "Beginners". The comedy/drama by Mike Mills tells the story of a young man who is rocked by two announcements from his elderly father: that he has terminal cancer, and that he has a young male lover.

Watch the trailer here:



We'll attend the 5:30 pm showing of the film on Sunday, July 10. You can buy advance tickets via the Cameo Cinema's website at:

http://www.readyticket.net/webticket/webticket2.asp?WCI=BuyTicket&WCE=BEGINNERS,071020111730,1,25954,R,0

Following the film (around 7:15 pm) we'll head down the street to Gott's Roadside Tray Gourmet (933 Main Street, St. Helena) for Bleu Cheese Burgers, Ahi Poke Crispy Taco, Sweet Potato Fries and Gott's amazing wine list!

You Can Leave Your Hat On TOO!

Hold On To Your Hats!

Get ready for a fabulous time as the Napa Guerilla Gay Bar, along with Clos Du Val Winery presents "You Can Leave Your Hat On Too!" on Friday, June 17th from 7 to 11 pm on the grounds of the beautiful Clos Du Val Winery in the Stags Leap District of the Napa Valley.

Here's what we have planned:

• Music and dancing directed by the one-and-only DJ Rotten Robbie including the amazing "human jukebox" (the more you donate, the sooner your request will be played)

• Celebrate your "vindependence" as you enjoy amazing wines from our host, Clos Du Val
• Firevine Pizza will be on hand selling a selection of their delicious hand-made pizzas cooked right before your eyes in their authentic Italian wood-fired oven
• Celebrate Napa Valley LGBTQ Pride 2011 by donning your favorite hat.  Prizes will be awarded in various categories
• Bid on terrific silent auction items donated by fabulous businesses
• Find out more about the 5 worthy organizations that will receive the net proceeds from the event based on your votes!  The beneficiaries are:
• Napa Valley Hospice & Adult Day Services
• Napa Valley Education Foundation
• CARE Network at Queen of the Valley Medical Center
• V.O.I.C.E.S.
• Napa Emergency Women's Services

Tickets are just $ 20.00 if purchased by May 31.  Prices will jump to $ 35.00 on June 1 and at the door.

Buy yours on-line today using the PayPal link at napagaybar.com

Another way to help and to vote for your favorite organization - consider making a donation of goods or services for the silent auction.  If you donate an item valued at $100 or more you'll receive a "vote" . . . and the more you donate, the more votes you'll receive!  Download the donation form at http://www.napavalleypride.com/2011%20YCLYHOT%20Donation%20Form.pdf

Fabulous Wine for the Queer Guy (and Gal)

"All Things Just Keep Gettin' Better!"

This is the fabulous Mr. Ted Allen.

You've probably seen him most recently on television shows like "Chopped", "The Best Thing I Ever Ate", "Top Chef" and "Iron Chef America".  He's also a best-selling cookbook author ("The Foods You Want To Eat - 100 Smart, Simple Recipes").

Well, we all got to know him as the Food and Wine Connoisseur on "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy".

Why are we telling you all of this?  Because Ted will be co-hosting the "Discover Wine Day" at Robert Mondavi Winery on April 16 with Margrit Mondavi herself!

Here's what's on the agenda:

• Complimentary wine tasting from 10 am to 5 pm on the lawn
• Live music and food vendors from 11 am to 4 pm on the lawn and in the vineyards
• Ted and Mrs. Mondavi will offer an official welcome and toast from noon until 12:30 pm
• Ted will sign copies of his cookbook from 12:30 to 1:00 pm

In addition, there is a multitude of special events:

• "Tasting the in Vineyard" with Matt Ashby & Mark DeVere from 10:30 to 11:30 am ($15 per person)
• Food and Wine Pairing with winery chef Jeff Mosher from 11:00 to 11:45 am and again with Chef Jeff and Ted Allen at 1:00 to 1:45 pm ($15 per person, per session)
• Reserve Tasting and Q&A with winemaker Genevieve Janssens from 1:30 to 2:30 pm ($35 per person)
• 2008 I-Block Fume Blanc Release party hosted by Margrit Mondavi & Ted Allen with food pairings from Chef Mosher from 3:00 to 5:00 pm ($50 per person)

Tickets for the paid events can be purchased in advance by visiting http://www.robertmondavi.com/discover_wine_tour/38.

There's no admission charge, except for the special events.  Let's just enjoy spring in the Napa Valley together in one of the most beautiful spots - the Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville!

Fundraiser for World Vets in Japan

Sometimes we forget about the fur-babies.

A group of folks here in Napa is sponsoring a fundraiser to support the work of World Vets in Japan.  World Vets is a "non-governmental organization providing veterinary aid around the globe in collaboration with animal advocacy groups, foreign governments, US and foreign military groups and veterinary professionals abroad."  Right now they're "on-the-ground" in Sendai - an area affected by the recent Japanese earthquake and tsunami working with a large coalition of Japanese animal welfare groups.  They were deployed just 4 days after the horrific tsunami as a first responder to the animals of the region.

The fundraiser will take place Sunday, April 10 from 2 - 8 pm at Billco's Billiards (1234 Third Street, Napa).  "Oh, for Pet's Sake" will feature:

• Martial Arts Performances
• Taiko Drumming
• Performances by Pion 2 Zion and 21 Gun Saloon
• Silent Auction & Balloon Raffle Items
• Delicious Food
• Japanese Beer
• AND FREE POOL!

100% of the net proceeds from this event will benefit World Vets International Aid for Animals - Japan Relief as well as the American Red Cross.

Admission is just $3.00!  See you there!

* The picture above is of World Vets first responder Adrien Zap scanning what used to be the city of Sendai for animals impacted, displaced or injured in the tsunami.

It Gets Better!

It gets better!  There's no doubt about it!  Let's make sure that the kids attending Napa Valley's high schools know that too!

The Napa Guerilla Gay Bar is starting a project called "It Gets Better - Napa Valley".  Our aim is to put a copy of "It Gets Better:  Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living" in every high school library in the Napa Valley.  In fact, we want to place at least one copy on the shelves for every 150 students.  With 7,500 kids attending the Valley' high schools that means we'll need at least 50 copies.

So, here's how you can help.  Just follow this link:

It Gets Better - Napa Valley

That will take you our wish list.  Buy one or more copies and either have them shipped directly to us or bring them to any Napa Guerilla Gay Bar event.  We'll gather them all up and deliver them directly to the schools - all the way from American Canyon to Calistoga!

April in Carneros . . . by Limo!

Imagine this!  Imagine spending an entire day enjoying fabulous wines and wineries in the Carneros region of Napa and Sonoma counties with fellow troops from the Napa Guerilla Gay Bar.

We'll start the day on Saturday, April 16 at 9 am at Riverpointe Resort (500 Lincoln Avenue, Napa) with coffee and bagels.  At 10 we'll jump in our limos from American VIP Limos & Wine Tours and head to a group of specially selected wineries that are participating in the April in Carneros event.  After enjoying our fill of outstanding wines, we'll jump back in our limos and head back to Riverpointe at about 7 pm for light refreshments before going home.

The cost for all this fun and camaraderie?  Just $105 . . . and includes a Napa Guerilla Gay Bar cap.

But here's the deal - you must buy your tickets by 11:59 pm on Thursday, March 31.  This event WILL sell out - don't get left out.  Buy your tickets TODAY using this link:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=9PFR87VBMF78S

And here's a deal for any troops coming from out-of-town.  Marilynn at Riverpointe has secured a deal at the Gaia Hotel.  You'll get a standard room or a room with two queens (insert joke here) for just $60.00.  You'll be picked up the morning of the event and brought to Riverpointe and returned to your hotel at the end of the day.  Just call the hotel at 1-888-798-3777 and mention "Hotel.com" when you make your reservation.

Japanese Relief Fundraiser at Oxbow - Sunday, March 20

The devastation in Japan due to the earthquake, tsunami and on-going nuclear crisis is horrific.  The images on television and on-line are heartbreaking.

Our friends at the Napa Valley Unity League are working with the fine merchants and purveyors at the Oxbow Public Market (610 & 644 First Street in Napa) to help raise funds to assist with the Japanese relief efforts.

So, here's the mission troops - come to the Oxbow Public Market on Sunday, March 20 between 3 and 7 pm.  Here's what will be happening:

• a number of fine Oxbow merchants will be donating a portion of their proceeds to the American Red Cross on behalf of Japanese relief efforts.  Signs will be posted to let you know which merchants are participating.
• folks from the Unity League will be soliciting donations to help the people of Japan.
• there will even be raffle prizes and some live entertainment!

In addition to attending the event, here are some other ways to help:

• volunteer to sell raffle tickets
• volunteer to walk around the market with a collection bucket
• donate a raffle item

Contact Deb Stallings at (707) 738-4826 for more information or to volunteer/donate.

Can't attend the event?  Here's some other ways to help the people of Japan:

• Make a donation to the American Red Cross by visiting http://www.redcross.org/
• You can also make a donation to the Red Cross through you Amazon.com account.  Just click on THIS LINK.
• Donate $10 for Japan earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief by texting REDCROSS to 90999.

Let's get the word out and help Japan!

Band Geeks Unite!

"I would teach the children music, physics and philosophy, but the most important is music - for in music is the patterns of the arts and key to all understanding."

                             - Plato

Military organizations have always depended upon music.  "Reveille" is played on the bugle every morning while "Taps" is played every evening.  Marches would lead forces into battle and full bands would help troops celebrate victories or comfort them in defeat.

For many of us, including your mission commander (he played bass clarinet in the junior high school band), music played a huge part in our growing up.  We carried our trumpet or trombone to school (uphill, both ways, in the snow).  We stashed our violins in our lockers before lunch.  We'd practice every afternoon or evening when we'd rather be out with our friends.  Most of all, we learned discipline, working as team, commitment and fractions (you can't play a waltz if you don't understand 3/4 time!)

Why are we telling you this?  Well, budget cuts are forcing the Napa Valley Unified School District to make some hard choices.  The Napa Valley Education Foundation (NVEF) wants to make sure that music survives the chopping block.  They're conducting a campaign to raise funds to ensure that over 1,300 school-aged children can continue to participate in school music programs.

So, why is this important?  Studies have shown that students involved in music programs have a higher level of self-esteem, which is the main predictor of resilience to substance abuse and other negative behaviors.  Music programs teach and engage students so they are more successful in learning other subjects.

Here's how you can help - consider making a donation of any amount to the Napa Valley Education Foundation on behalf of the "Campaign to Sustain Music for our Children".  This money will go directly to plug any holes in music program budgets.

You can make a donation using your credit card or PayPal account by visiting:

music.napagaybar.com

The above link will take you to the NVEF's web page for the campaign.  You'll see the "Donate" link in the lower left-hand side of the page.

To make things a little more interesting - for every member of the Napa Guerilla Gay Bar that donates $5.00 or more to sustain music in Napa Valley schools your mission commander will donate $5.00 up to a total of $500.00.  Just drop him a note via this link to tell him that you've made the contribution.  No need to say how much you donated - just donate 5 bucks or more.

The Napa community prides itself on being a world-class destination with world-class wines.  Our kids deserve a musical education as good as that wine!

The Rat Pack Comes To Napa

Well, ain't that a kick in the head?!

Here's an option for all you guys and dolls that want to experience the days of Frank, Deano, Sammy, Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas.

The River School is pulling out all the stops and holding a "50's Style Rat Pack" Monte Carlo evening.  Proceeds will benefit their Visual and Performing Arts Program.  It all takes place on Saturday, March 19 from 7 to 11 pm at the Lincoln Theater in Yountville.

Here's the gig:

• Sip and savor in the Martini Lounge
• Bet, mix and mingle at the gaming tables
• Throw the dice and bid on your favorite items in the silent auction
• Relive the days of the Rat Pack in your black tie or "swanky 50's style" fashion

Tickets are $75 if purchased by March 15 ($85 after and at the door) and include $50 in playing script, 2 wine tokens and delectable tasty bites.  All gifts and donations are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law.

You can purchase your tickets or make a donation by following THIS LINK 

All gifts and donations are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Ride with Rafa to End HIV/AIDS

Just think about it - riding 545 miles over 7 days on a bike - all the way from San Francisco to Los Angeles! Think of the beauty, the camaraderie . . . the saddle sores!

Boy, Rafa REALLY does needs our help!

Join us on Sunday, May 15th at Pancha's (6764 Washington Street, Yountville) as the Napa Guerilla Gay Bar presents "Ride with Rafa - a Wine Country Beer Bust". Net proceeds from this event will be donated to AIDS/Lifecycle on behalf of rider and Napa resident Rafael Hernandez-Pérez.

Here's what we have planned:

• Rose and company will be pouring $10 "bottomless" beer cups
• We'll be grilling delicious Hot Dogs with all the fixin's on the back patio
• Fabulous raffle prizes will be won
• The gang will be "picking up their sticks" and playing pool
• Practically every song known to man (and woman) will be available to play on Pancha's amazing juke box
• and, of course, we'll have a few surprises!

AIDS/Lifecycle is a 7-day, 545 mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles that raises money and awareness for the HIV and AIDS services of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. This marks the tenth year for AIDS/LifeCycle and the eighteenth for the event overall, and during the week of June 5-11, 2011, thousands of Cyclists and volunteer Roadies will come together to do something incredible.

To donate directly to Rafa's ride visit:

http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/rafa

For more information about the 10th Annual AIDS Lifecycle visit:

http://www.aidslifecycle.org/

Volunteer to help out during the event and you'll receive 5 Rafa Tickets.  Sign up at:

http://www.mysignup.com/ridewithrafa

UPDATE: Thanks to Rose and her wonderfully generous friends, we'll be conducting a live auction at 7:00 pm.  Items include:

• One Night in a King Spa Suite and Dinner for Two at Bardessono.
• Lunch for Two at Thomas Keller's 3-Michelin Star Restaurant, The French Laundry
• A Fabulous Package from Villagio Inn & Spa

All The Glitz, All The Glamor . . . and at HALF PRICE!

It is, without a doubt, the most glamorous night of the year.  It's the night that Tinsel-town hands out the coveted Oscar.

Well, we have a glamorous tradition right here in the Napa Valley.  2011 marks the 23rd year of the Napa Valley Academy Awards Gala.  It's an event that can't be missed!

This year's event takes place on Sunday, February 27 from 5 to 10 pm at the beautiful Robert Mondavi Winery in the heart of the Napa Valley (7801 St. Helena Hwy in Oakville).

Funds raised benefit HIV/AIDS and Cancer services provided by the CARE Network at Queen of the Valley Medical Center.

Over 25 of the Valley's finest restaurants will be represented.  In addition, a selection of Napa's finest wineries will feature great wines and spirits.

There will be fabulous silent auction items, balloon raffles, live entertainment (feature Bob Sarlatte) and, of course, the glitz and the glamor of the Oscar satellite telecast on big screen televisions throughout the venue.

The all-inclusive Passport ticket is $99 (just $85 if you're a Mondavi Wine Club member) and provides you with access to all wines, food and a guaranteed seat to watch the awards.  All drinks and food are included in this package.

General Admission tickets are $50 and include food but you'll need to purchase drink tickets for wine, beer and soft drinks.

Now, here's the best option of all!  Just volunteer for a two-to-three hour shift and you'll receive:

• General Admission for just $25, AND
• A 2011 Napa Valley Academy Awards Gala T-Shirt

You can sign up for your volunteer position and time at http://www.mysignup.com/2011nvaa.  After you sign up you'll receive a link via e-mail so that you can buy your 1/2 price ticket.

Don't want to volunteer?  Buy your tickets at http://www.napavalleyacademyawards.org/ or call (707) 738-4040

See you on the Red Carpet!

All Aboard The Big Gay Train!

ALL ABOARD!

It's amazing how many of our troops that have lived in the Napa Valley for a long time but have never taken a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train.  Well, here's your chance!

Join the troops from the Napa Guerilla Gay Bar when we ride "The Big Gay Train" on Saturday, March 12, 2011

Our friends at Out in the Vineyard (that's Mark and Gary in the picture) have pulled out all the stops to ensure an evening of fun featuring delicious food as well as wine from 5 of Wine Country's fabulous gay winemakers and winery owners!

• It all begins with a reception at 5:30 pm with sparkling wines from J Vineyards and Winery
• The train will pull out of the station at 6:30 pm
• While on board attendees will enjoy an "elegant four course dinner" from acclaimed Chef Kelly MacDonald which will pair perfectly with wines from J Vineyards and Winery, Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery, Hesperian Wines, Bjornstad Cellars and Poem Cellars
• The train returns to the station at 9:30 pm

All-inclusive tickets are $125 for the "Gourmet Express" car or $150 for "Vista Dome" seating.  Out in the Vineyard will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the Queen of the Valley to support HIV/AIDS services provided by the CARE Network.

Tickets can be purchased on-line at winetrain.com, by phone by calling (800) 427-4124 or at the Wine Train station (1275 McKinstry in Napa)

What Super Bowl? Party II

Will it be the Steelers or the Seahawks?  The Patriots or the Packers?  The Colts or the Bears?

WHO CARES?!

It's that time again . . . time for the Napa Guerilla Gay Bar's 2nd Annual "What Super Bowl?" Party!

Let's face it - not everyone gets into football - especially when the local teams aren't playing.  Instead of feigning interest, why not go some place where the mention of "football" or "the Super Bowl" are actually frowned upon.

So, join us again this year at Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin' BBQ (975 First Street in Napa) for the Napa Guerilla Gay Bar's "What Super Bowl? Party II" on Sunday, February 6.

We'll kick-off our celebration at 3:00 pm (35 minutes before the scheduled kick-off Super Bowl XLV in Cowboys Stadium).

Bounty Hunter has an outstanding wine list and fabulous food including appetizers, soups, salads and sandwiches - not to mention their amazing "Signature Items" which include:

• Beer Can Chicken
• Kobe Beef Sliders
• Chef's Seafood Special
• Smokin' St. Louis Cut Ribs
• The 40-ounce(!) Cowboy Ribeye Steak

And don't forget - Bounty Hunter was named "Best Wine Bar in the Bay Area" for both 2009 AND 2010 by the readers of SFGate.com

For a little added fun we'll make the following rule:

• Every time someone utters the words "Football", "First Down", "Penalty", "Super Bowl" or the names of either team playing in Super Bowl XLV, said utterer will be required to put 1 US Dollar ($1.00) in "The Bucket".
• At the end of the event all monies from "The Bucket" will be donated to The Trevor Project - a group "determined to end suicide among LGBTQ youth by providing life-saving and life-affirming resources including (a) nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention life, digital community and advocacy/educational programs that create a safe, supportive and positive environment for everyone".

This event, like all Napa Guerilla Gay Bar events, is open to EVERYONE - the only requirement is to treat fellow participants (troops), other patrons, the facility and its management and employees with respect.

Fabulous Friday Afternoon at the Movies

Here's a mission for those troops that have a bit of time available during the afternoon.  We're going to the movies!

Our friends at the Cameo Cinema (1340 Main Street in St. Helena) are showing "I Love You Phillip Morris" on Friday, January 28 at 2:30 pm . . . and we're going to be there!

The film is based on the 1980's and 1990's real-life story of con artist, impostor and multiple prison escapee Steven Jay Russell (played by Jim Carrey).  While incarcerated, Russell falls in love with his fellow inmate, Phillip Morris (played by Ewan McGregor).  After Morris is released from prison, Russell escapes from prison four times in order to be reunited with Morris. 

Here's a taste:

Tickets are just $5.00 and can be purchased at the door or on-line at https://www.cameocinema.com/ticketing.php.

Following the film we'll head down Main Street and visit one of St. Helena's popular watering holes for post-cinema cocktails, appetizers and discussion.

Can't make it for the movie but want to join us for drinks after work?  Follow us on Twitter (NapaGayBar).  We'll send a tweet once we've landed at a place after the film.

Hora Feliz at Bistro Sabor

Join the troops from the Napa Guerilla Gay Bar as we invade Hora Feliz (Happy Hour) at Bistro Sabor (1126 First Street in Napa) on Saturday, January 22, 2011.  Drop in any time between 3 and 6 pm.

Their happy hour specials (Tuesday through Saturday from 3 to 6 pm) are:

• $3.50 draft beers
• $5.00 wine specials
• $4.00 Quesadillas

Bistro Sabor serves "contemporary expressions of Latin America's favorite street food and snacks" and "offers and eclectic dining . . . including hot-from-the fryer Churros and savory Pupusas, Salmon Ceviche Tostadas, Chorizo Quesadillas, fresh Tropical Fruit Salads and made-to-order Tacos that feature everything from Roasted Vegetables to Seafood to Carnitas."

Thirsty?  Bistro Sabor offers 20 Mexican, local and international craft beers along with wines from boutique family-owned Napa wineries as well as Sake.

So, come enjoy a Saturday afternoon with the troops!  See you there!