We already expounded the rustic virtues of Michael Chiarello's NapaStyle: a place that helps you get that Napa Valley look, feel, and taste. (Speaking of Chiarello, what happened to his show on KQED? Did he make the move over to the Food Network? While he's no Joanne Weir -- who is, really? -- we enjoyed watching him at times.) What's nice about the place is that it won't overwhelm you in the way that......

Okay, so when we first saw this store open on our beloved 4th Street in Berkeley, we were horrified. Judging a book entirely by its cover, we wouldn't even go near the place. Napa Style. Seriously? Like, can't we just drive to Napa and buy stuff? We need it packaged, sorted, and Disneyfied for us? This had to be a tourist trap. We, even when we travel, never ever consider ourselves a tourist. Sniff.......

Today's gift giveaway is for gift certificates at NapaStyle. According to the site, NapaStyle is style that makes one think of Napa! No, it doesn't say that. What it does say is "Founded in 2000 by Napa Valley chef and culinary pioneer Michael Chiarello, NapaStyle is a media-driven lifestyle retailer inspired by Michael's passion for seasonal and sustainable living...." Whatever that means. But we're sure people can find plenty of cool stuff amongst the food, wine, furniture, and general kitchen stuff. And a new story has opened in Berkeley. ...

Since it's March 15, the Ides of March, commemorate the death of Caesar by getting Caesar Salad right for a change....