# 1. Mo’s Hot Dogs and Jan Kris Syrah Polish Sausage 2020 from Grocery Outlet at River Park Mall

I didn’t think it would be that hard to maintain my food and wine budget Eat This Drink That online. I should have known, I mean it’s not a breaking news that eating and drinking in Napa Valley can get expensive and fast. So, for my first deal today, I’m offering a meal for two with a bottle of wine for less than $ 30. Not bad, and there’s a good chance it’s the best thing you’ve had all day.

We’re at the River Park Shopping Center, where great, inexpensive food surrounds us. There are too many to mention, but I’ll shout out one: La Mexicana Tortilleria. Say goodbye to store-bought tortillas after eating La Mexicana.

But I digress because it is about Mo’s Hot Dogs, where tasty traditional hot dogs are served with generous but sensible toppings. Hot dogs are big, hot in the middle, and cuddled by a soft, solid bun. This is the best hot dog I have had in Napa Valley. Tell me if you think there are better.

I had the Polish sausage with the works, which is yellow mustard, sweet relish, chopped onion, and tomato. I have had Mo’s Chicago, Chili and Kraut style dog in the past. All worthy. For my food and wine pairing, I felt that Polish was my best bet.

Grocery Outlet is two doors down from Mo’s. As my friends and family can attest, I’m a huge fan… maybe as big as the other Register contributor, Betty Teller. A word of advice from both of us: get the Thomas Farms Ground Lamb, a one pound packet. Another great buy is Whey Cool Blue Cheese. Salsa flavored tortilla chips Salsitas, Four Sisters coffee… they often also have King Arthur flour at a great price! Where was I now.

At Grocery Outlet, sift through all the loose wine with the names of mythical vineyards, and occasionally you’ll find a bottle with a legitimate history. Jan Kris is legit, although he’s going through a transition, which is probably why their 2020 Syrah is here, and for just $ 7.99 a bottle. From the cool surroundings of Templeton Gap in southern Paso Robles, the estate owns the vineyard, which implies top quality. It’s new to the shelves so I’m sure it’ll be in stock as you read this.

Here I am back home with a Mo’s Polish, a bottle of JanKris Syrah and lots of hope to have an Eat This Drink That choice for you.

JanKris Syrah is a pleasure to drink. After a few minutes in the glass to shake off its sulfur free, get plenty of berry and plum flavors with black pepper, fresh violets, soy sauce, and smoky jerky to complement. The wine is both supple and robust, a good combination. A great buy for $ 7.99.

And a fantastic pairing with Polish sausage, which is a bit smoky, salty, and well supported by mustard et al. Equally strong in flavor, meaning neither is overwhelmed, and enough assorted flavors to elevate both, this is a really good pairing.

Two polish with tip plus a bottle of JanKris Syrah 2020: $ 28. Get yourself a bag of crisps and even call it $ 30, why wouldn’t you?

Mo’s Hot Dogs and Grocery Outlet are both located in the River Park Mall at 1345 W. Imola Avenue, Napa. Both are open 7 days a week. Monday 11 am-7pm. Grocery store from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

# 2 Garlic Fries and Fries from Gott’s Roadside Napa and Emilie Belgian Beer at Fieldwork Brewing

I guess this is as much of an “experience” suggestion as it is a food and drink pairing. The fact that a top-notch dining room with plenty of outdoor seating (outdoor garden?) Welcomes guests to bring food from elsewhere, even if they have their own menu, is rad.

Add the other fact that the dining options all around, and literally all around them, are fantastic and convenient, it’s double rad. Whatever food you choose from the Oxbow Public Market, of which Fieldwork is a part, it can go well with something on the Fieldwork beer menu.

I chose Gott’s Roadside Garlic ‘Two Way’ Regular Fries. To accompany, the barman served me an Emilie Single Belgian Beer. Classic combination: Belgium reminds me of several things, and fries and beer are at the top of the list. Single Belgians refer to a lighter style traditionally made by Trappist monks in Belgium. Emilie is 5% alcohol and easy to drink, which is fine for me – I prefer lighter, less bitter beers.

I will not break this pairing. In many cases, just saying “this is damn good” and this is one of them.

Fieldwork Brewing is located at 1046 McKinstry St., on the west side of the Oxbow Public Market. Once you arrive, order online from Gott’s, get set up at Fieldwork and then collect your food from Gott’s, three doors down on the corner of First & McKinstry, just when they say it’s ready.

One caveat is that Gott’s closes its order online when it is very busy, so weekend lunch and dinner times may not work, unless a member of your party resists in the long run. queue at Gott’s. Two orders of fries + two beers, with tip = $ 28. Both establishments are open all day until 9 p.m., seven days a week.