Emma Kruch is a photographer, stylist and creative director based in the Napa Valley. A dynamic visual storyteller, Emma uses her lens to document and support local projects and passionate makers and doers throughout the North Bay and beyond while working with larger national clients such as the New York Times. Her most recent book project, WINELAND: Celebrating the Heart of Sonoma by Charlie Palmer with Matt Villano, profiles 20 local chefs, growers, vintners and entrepreneurs and will be released this June from Artisan Publishing. A solo exhibition of her work, INTERSECTION: Photography by Emma Kruch, opens at Carter & Co. in St. Helena on May 30, running through July 6.
eat
I live in downtown Napa, which is very walkable. I walk to my favorite bakery Moulin, whose owners once cooked at Bouchon and The French Laundry. Known for their pastries, I often go for their egg sandwich which is generously slathered in tangy aioli. Their head barista Dan makes seasonal housemade syrups like fig leaf. I also love Winston’s Cafe, which is right downtown, where I get their Breakfast Don Bowl with tofu (at right), rice and pickles. For lunch, the falafel platter at Small World is classic and never misses. For dinner, I love Angéle. When I first moved to Napa in 2013, my sister and I sat at the bar and ate a (literal) bucket of French fries paired with Champagne. They always have beautiful salads highlighting seasonal fare and a rotating vegetarian pasta option that’s delicious.
stay
If money is no object, I’d suggest Appellation in Healdsburg (at left) or Stanly Ranch in Napa—both have wonderful spa and epic food programs as well as culinary gardens on the grounds. On the coast, I love staying in Philo, at my friend Mary Zeeble’s historic property called the Knotty Oak.
play
Once a week I hop on my bike and go to the Napa Farmers Market, where I hit all my favorite vendors— my microgreens guy at Living Microgreens plus Long Meadow Ranch, Sun Tracker Farms (for the best melons) and Umbel Roots (for their incredible herb selection). I also hit up the plant-based cheese company Nova Terra Creamery (their Greek-style feta is a favorite) and pop by microbakery De Canela. The owner, Minerva, is so kind, and she’s known for her “Lunar Latte.” Next, I might also feed my floral addiction at nearby T Beller’s Tomgirl Farms (at right). I also get my eggs from her lovely chickens and any additional produce I need, before heading over to Napa Bookmine to pick up whatever books I have on order.
drink
I love a good cocktail. In Healdsburg, Lo and Behold is the place to be— I’m obsessed with their team and the whole vibe. Their lead bartender, Marilyn, comes up with some truly inventive spins on classics (at left). In Sonoma, I enjoy the wine list paired with small bites at Valley. And in downtown Napa, I love Chispa, where they specialize in tequila, but I go for whatever seasonal rum or gin cocktails they’ve dreamt up.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY EMMA KRUCH; EMMA’S PHOTO BY TIM CARL
