22821 Fri Jan 31 09:36:45 -0800 2003 4 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 85316 We are getting ready for our annual trip to SF. Last year we ate at Niebaum-Coppola and the Mexican place in the Cannery while in SF. In Napa we hit Rutherford Grille and a Chinese place (the name escapes me). I would love your ideas for the best places to eat... we like all types of food and wine. Any winery recommendations as well? Last year we hit Rosenblum, ZD, Niebaum, Bouchaine, and Paradise Ridge. I've heard good things about Vincent Arroyo, but have never tried any of their wines. We can't wait to get out of the deep freeze in Cleveland! Thanks. Fri Jan 31 09:36:45 -0800 2003 0 Shelley 1 85324 Two small wineries off the beaten track, both near Calistoga: Chateau Montelena, a French chateau style winery with adjacent Chinese gardens with paths and islands and Clos Pegas (Dunaweal Rd) Michael Graves designed winery in the style of a Cretan temple with a lovely sculpture garden. Also the Culinary Academy in St. Helena is housed in a huge former Franciscan monastery and has a restaurant and great views. Fri Jan 31 13:38:52 -0800 2003 85316 0 Steve 2 85390 Thanks Steve! Those sounds like wonderful wineries. We are going to try to include those in our trip. Sat Feb 01 07:47:45 -0800 2003 85324 0 Shelley 1 85359 Was at "TRA VIGNE" at the end of December. Nice place. Good wine. Great Ceasar's Salad. Mondavi Winery puts on a nice tour of their BEAUTIFUL new place. Check out their WEB site. Saji's near Chestnut or Lombard in S.F. has great Sushi. Sit at the counter. Went into the CIA culinary school the previous chowhound wrote about. Very impressive. Has a reasonably priced gift shop for cooking supplies. Link: http://www.robertmondaviwinery.com Fri Jan 31 18:35:59 -0800 2003 85316 0 Wisc. Chili Pepper 2 85371 The chef from Tra Vigne (Carmen Quagliata) just moved to the Vault in Boston recently....any word on their new chef? Fri Jan 31 21:09:42 -0800 2003 85359 0 Limster