Someone wrote: : I'm spending a long weekend in Napa Valley next month. Any : restaurants I shouldn't miss? : Thanks. : Vicki C. Daughtry I've been to Auberge du Soleil a few times and thought it was excellent.
California
Restaurants in Napa Valley
I've eaten at three of the "notables" in wine country and I strongly recommend Mustard's Grill. One of the best meals I've ever had. Following, I'd recommend Domaine Chandon, but it's very crowded and almost has a cafeteria feel. Lastly, I'd recommend Auberge Du Soleil. The view is fabulous, but the food did not meet my expectations especially for that price!
> >I'm spending a long weekend in Napa Valley next month. Any >restaurants I shouldn't miss? > >Thanks. > >Vicki C. Daughtry The French Laundry in Napa. This restaurant has mastered the art of creating a true gourmet experience. Unhurried but extremely attentive service, creative and delicious courses, and a beautiful and peaceful setting (sit in the garden if at all possible). I had the nine course (yes, nine) tasting menu, and my wife chose from the regular five course selections. We were there for three and a half hours of culinary bliss. The wine selection is not the best in the valley, but it is quite good, and they do have an interesting listing of half-bottles so you can more easily mix and match with the different courses. It is a rare treat to find an establishment so dedicated to exquisite food and none of the 'get em in, feed em, rush em out' feeling common in so many supposedly fine restaurants today (as I step firmly upon my well-worn soapbox). The tasting menu is $75, and the five course prix-fixe is $59. Enjoy your stay in Napa!
Vickie M. wrote: >Vicki D. wrote: >> >> I'm spending a long weekend in Napa Valley next month. Any >> restaurants I shouldn't miss? >> >> Thanks. >> >> Vicki C. Daughtry >The CIA (Culinary Institute of America) Restaurant at Greystone. >It's just North of St. Helena on the West side of the highway, located >in the old Christian Brother's winery. Great place, wide open spaces, >colorful decor, open kitchen. Prices are amazingly affordable and >the atmosphere is not too fancy. The food is fabulous - mediterranean >inspired - which includes everything from Spanish to Greek inspired >items. The Wine Spectator is/was a major partner in this venture as the >wine choices reflect. If the wine choices reflect the influence of the Spectator, I'd beware. You may find some good selections, but I'd expect it to be quite hit and miss, but heavy on the products of advertisers, if it mirrors the often incomprehensible (and disgustingly varietally chauvanistic) notes from the tasting panel. I'd recommend All Season's quite highly. Great food and an even better wine policy as you can open any bottle from the attached wine store for $3 over the shop's price. The shop is arguably the best in the Valley, as well. Mike - Griffin, GA [email removed]