16056 Sun Jul 05 13:01:06 -0700 1998 8 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 43136 Will be in Napa Valley for a long weekend in Sept. Any "must eat at" restaurants to recommend? Thanks Marshall tatem@ohsu.edu Sun Jul 05 13:01:06 -0700 1998 0 Marshall Tate 1 43140 Everyone will tell you to go to the following perennial favorities: Tra Vigna; French Laundry; Mustard's; Pinot Blanc. They are all excellent (especially the French Laundry - the Chef, Thomas Kelleher, is world renowned,and for good reason). However, some of the less well known places are just as good, and you don't have to put up with the hordes of people. Following are some of my favorites: In Calistoga, there is a great place called Wappo - they have a beautiful little garden in the back, and it is a really great place to stop in for lunch. Very creative and delicious food. Also in Calistoga is All Seasons, which has a great wine shop attached. There is also a cajun influenced restaurant that is great, although the name escapes me. In Rutherford, the Rutherford Grill - comfort food for when you are tired of the "serious" californian food. Some of the best ribs I have ever tasted. The Diner - you must go there for breakfast, it is an institution. In Yountville - Bistro Ralph Greystone, which is part of the Culinary Institute is a fun place to visit. Watch aspiring young chefs sharpen their skills, and taste the product of their work. That should get you started. Mon Jul 06 11:18:55 -0700 1998 43136 0 Alex 2 43142 Alex -- that's a great idea sending Marshall to lesser known (but still wonderful) places. The Cajun influenced place in Calistoga is called Catahoula (at 1457 Lincoln Ave.) I would also like to add Brix, and Bistro Don Giovanni (both in town of Napa). Bistro Ralph is actually in Healdsburg, not Yountville. And the owner just opened a second place called Felix & Louie's just down the street. The only place I would caution going to is Tra Vigne. The food has really gone downhill the past few years. My last 2 times there were big disappointments. Mon Jul 06 15:15:05 -0700 1998 43140 0 Gary Cheong 3 43143 I totally forgot about Brix until Gary mentioned it in his post. I had diner there last year and it was phenomenal. It is definitely one of the "in" places in Napa valley, and when I heard the words "fusion cuisine" associated with the restaurant, I was preparing for yet another trendy, overrated flash in the pan. But everything from the service, quality of ingrediants, setting and execution was great. I also agree with Gary's assessment of Tra Vigna, it has gone downhill in the last few years, although it can still be quite good. If you go, sit outside, near the "spilled pitcher." Tue Jul 07 09:16:42 -0700 1998 43142 0 alex 4 43144 Actually I never really liked Tra Vigne even when it was supposed to be great. Two Napa tips: 1) There's a new, very old-fashioned bistro in Yountville that has SF foodies buzzing like no place in years, owned by a guy who was the chef at Domaine Chandon for a million years (sorry, can't remember the name); 2) Make your reservations at the French Laundry NOW--it is a very tough ticket. Of course, you could always just show up on their doorstep the night you want to eat and pray for cancellations, but sometimes it's better to know. Tell the maitre d' you used to be a regular at Rakel or something. Tue Jul 07 12:58:33 -0700 1998 43143 0 jonathan gold 5 43145 I did a search for that new bistro you mentioned. It's called Bistro Jeanty -- 6510 Washington Ave., Yountville. Phone : (707) 944-0103 ** Marshall -- if you are following this thread ... If you go to the French Laundry, make sure you drive by during the day and have the EXACT street address, just to familiarize yourself. There is no prominent sign that says this is the place. You don't want to be driving around in the dark trying to find it. Tue Jul 07 13:37:08 -0700 1998 43144 0 Gary Cheong 5 44842 Looking for really good restaurants in Napa and Sonoma. Some can be expensive, some not. Ideas? Sat Oct 08 12:54:41 -0700 2005 43144 0 Candace and Adam 5 44843 Looking for really good restaurants in Napa and Sonoma. Some can be expensive, some not. Ideas? Sat Oct 08 12:55:14 -0700 2005 43144 0 Candace and Adam 2 43165 Bistro Ralph is in Healdsburg, Sonoma County not the Napa Valley. Not bad, though. regards, georges Tue Oct 13 14:04:59 -0700 1998 43140 0 Georges