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 Winemaker's hangout |
4110 Howard Lane At Highway 29 Napa Valley, CA 94558 United States +1 707 224 3300 http://www.bistrodongiovanni.com |
This relaxed, cozy eatery is popular with local vintners, a great recommendation for excellent food. No wonder, as its owners are Giovanni and Donna Scala who also own Scala's Bistro in San Francisco. The wood and tile dining area, adorned with lots of fresh flowers and pottery, features a huge fireplace and glassed-in kitchen. Outside, a sprawling patio overlooks adjacent vineyards. The traditional Italian cuisine is impeccably prepared. Recommended dishes include the Trenne Pasta with Lamb, Artichokes, Olives, Roasted Tomatoes and Ricotta Salata. The wine list features local and Italian vintages and the service is first-rate. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Fernanda Botelho Roza Morrison |
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Culinary delight |
6534 Washington Street Napa Valley, CA 94599 United States +1 707 944 8037 http://www.frenchlaundry.com/ |
Chef/owner Thomas Keller continues his commitment to local, fresh, seasonal foods. At Bouchon, in quaint Yountville, the focus is on the art of casual Parisian bistro, home cooking. The decor, in bistro fashion, is simple and yet elegantly modern. The dinning room is dimly lit, complementing the vibrant burgundy color-palate of the décor. The atmosphere is warm, inviting and always lively. The staff works in unison, leaving no glass empty. Bouchon, is where locals, and tourists crowd on weekends, flock for a good time and meal - always filled with laughter and joy. The zinc bar is ever so crowded with patrons waiting to be seated and those seeking for a cocktail. The food and plating have no frills or fuss, instead the concentration is on the meal. Presentation accentuates technique. In other words, the focus is how precision in technique brings to life ordinary food, like chicken in the Poulet Rôti. The roasted chicken is lightly seasoned and basted in its own juice -after it is roasted, adding moisture to the already tenderized skin. The chicken skin, a sun-kissed golden brown, is crispy and flavorful. The kitchen excels on comfort foods like French onion soup, quiches and French fries. The Pommes Frites are perfectly fried, while the interior of the French fry remains moist. The magic here is the ability to turn everyday ingredients into refined meals through the attention to deal. Profiteroles are the best way to end your meal: golden-flaky puff pastry is filled with homemade vanilla ice cream drowning in chocolate sauce – served table-side. Reservations are required, especially on weekends when the entire Napa Valley is overwhelmed with tourists. In 2007, the inaugural year of the Michelin Guide San Francisco, Bay Area & Wine Country, Bouchon was awarded a Michelin Star. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Pastry Pleasures |
6528 Washington Strret Napa Valley, CA 94599 United States +1 707 754 4123 |
Providing freshly baked breads and deserts for Chef Thomas Keller's Yountville restaurants: French Laundry (The), Bouchon and Ad Hoc, Bouchon Bakery delights its customers with many of the same treats. The bakery is small and quaint. Inside you'll find a small display case filled with macaroons, tarts, cookies and Chocolate Bouchons. The delicacies of sweets doesn't end there, though, more often it starts with Chocolate Bouchons. Chocolate Bouchons are up-right, moist brownies with a warm chocolate center that bursts into your mouth with the first bite, all lightly sprinkled with confection sugar. On weekends, the bakery serves decadent donuts. The TKO, Thomas Keller Oreo, is an unusual treat of two buttery chocolate cookies with a white cream filling sandwiched in between. The bakery also serves ready-made sandwiches on baguettes. Prices may seem high, but sweets are so rarely made or packaged with so much detail and passion. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Rustic charm |
1250 Lincoln Ave Napa Valley, CA 94515 United States +1 707 942 4101 http://www.napabeer.com |
In an area best known for highbrow tastes and attitudes, this gem offers a welcomed touch of rustic reality. Located inside the Calistoga Inn, this restaurant and brewery is a clandestine retreat from the heavy flow of tourists in Napa. Its patio overlooks the banks of the Napa River and during the warm months, the kitchen staff can be seen cooking outdoors over wood-fired grills. The menu harvests a wide range of global influences, including Spanish, Mexican and Jamaican. Starter plates are diverse and perfect for sharing. The Country Paella - saffron rice with imported chorizo, chicken, shellfish and vegetables - stands out in a menu of meats, fishes and pastas. An adjacent brewery serves award-winning micro-brews. Visit on the weekend for live acoustic music in its pub. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Eclectic California fusion cuisine |
500 Main Street Suite G Napa Valley, CA 94559 United States +1 707 254 9690 http://www.celadonnapa.com/ |
This popular gem opened in 1996. Its celebrated owner/chef, Greg Cole, a graduate of New York's Culinary Institute of America, also has extensive training in winemaking. Chic yet unpretentious, the cozy interior contains brick walls, huge arched windows, high ceilings and colorful paintings. On a sunny day, join locals and tourists at one of the outdoor tables fronting Napa Creek. Lunch includes delectable dishes like the Grilled Tombo Tuna Salad with Macadamia Nuts and the notable Oyster Po' Boy. Specialty dinner items include the Jerked Pork Chop with Black Beans and the daily fish special. There is an extensive wine list (USD15 corkage fee). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul Vineyard |
 Photo: Jack Baxter  |
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The French Connection |
417 Healdsburg Avenue Napa Valley, CA 95448 United States +1 707 433 1913 http://www.costeaux.com/ |
Since 1923 Costeaux French Bakery & Cafe, has delighted the whole of Napa and Sonoma county with delicious French delicacies. The cafe is famed for its artisan breads especially sourdough bread, desserts and cakes. The cafe also caters events like weddings and supplies lunch boxes. If you like to have breakfast the French way, head here. The menu here changes to incorporate the seasons best on the plate, also alfresco dining is available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fiery & tasty Cal-Mex |
1025 1st St Napa Valley, CA 94559 United States +1 707 252 4707 |
Located in the heart of downtown Napa, this quaint stucco restaurant serves authentic Mexican fare. The ample dining area is comfortable but a little dark. The amiable waitstaff keeps the chips coming even when the restaurant is crowded. The shaded patio, with its marble-topped tables and lawn-style chairs, is wonderful for people watching. The menu features gargantuan burritos, a variety of enchiladas, and several combination plates as well as a decent selection of carnitas and seafood. You will find a full bar with great margaritas and a nice selection of beers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Italian Bite |
1550 Trancas Street Napa Valley, CA 94558 United States +1 707 253 8686 |
Genova Delicatessen and Ravioli Factory is well known in Napa for the delicious Italian fare it offers. Though the restaurant has not much to show in terms of the decor, the tasty sandwiches, salamis, ravioli, salads and more along with the extensive wine list make up for the same. The deli is a family run business which does have an open air dining area, however it serves better as a take away joint. Mostly crowded this place will give you a wonderful taste of Italy. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fish in the Middle of Wine Country |
641 Main Street Napa Valley, CA 94574 United States +1 707 963 0700 http://www.gofishrestaurant.net/ |
The brainchild of Cindy Pawlcyn, Go Fish is an elegant restaurant dedicated to seafood. The decor is a breezy and crisp. White is the central color with accents of blue, reminiscent of being out at sea. Tables are plush booths, unless you're at the sushi bar. The sushi bar is large and pristine, a world away from the dining room. Service at the sushi bar is attentive and personalized. Only the freshest fish are handled and served - all with immaculate precision. The menu is large offering traditional surf & turf and fish & chips. The real treats occur in dishes that fuse Californian and Pacific Rim flavors, like in the Chili Lime Gulf Prawns served with egg noodles and a red-curry coconut broth. Whether its lunch or dinner, Go Fish is refreshing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Grilled Specialties |
6518 Washington St Napa Valley, CA 94599 United States +1 707 944 1500 |
This Yountville restaurant is a place to find rich, flavorful barbecue. Its specialty is meats and poultry cooked over a blend of walnut, almond and cherry woods via a grill, rotisserie and smoker. Enjoy lunch or dinner inside an intimate dining room next to the warm fireplace or al fresco on patio overlooking the Wine Country. Some items to try: Housemade Potato Chips with a Blue Cheese Sauce, Grilled Hawaiian Tuna with Lemon Aioli and Baby Back Ribs prepared with Fred's 22-spice BBQ rub. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |