28742 Fri Apr 09 12:35:49 -0700 2004 9 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 120595 I'm considering a lunch at Martini House...[it will be my first time there]...the most recent posts I found on the board are nearly a year old...anyone have any current thoughts or observations on this place?...if not Martini House, where else in the vicinity? Thanks for any help you can offer. Fri Apr 09 12:35:49 -0700 2004 0 Paulie 1 120604 I had dinner there about six weeks ago and it was excellent. The other "big name" restaurant in St. Helena is Terra, which has many fans, although I was not blown away the one time I ate there. Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/28146#117271 Fri Apr 09 13:49:57 -0700 2004 120595 0 Ruth Lafler 2 120654 Also, I think Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen in St Helena is a winner, especially for lunch. Not as pricey as Martini House, but with lovely service and ambiance, and first rate eats! Sat Apr 10 01:23:11 -0700 2004 120604 0 Deelish 3 120657 The pastry chef at Martini House is often the creator of many things innovative and delicious. And Backstreet Kitchen had an oyster appetizer that my mother and I talk about as our eyes glaze over---excellent. you may not want to share it! Sat Apr 10 03:02:00 -0700 2004 120654 0 sailorbuoy 4 120714 Yum, oyster appetizer? do tell more... details, please so I can salivate till the next trip to St Helena. Sat Apr 10 21:31:47 -0700 2004 120657 0 Deelish 5 120731 oysters set atop a heat source with cream, spinach and bread crumbs. almost raw but also warm and sexy. it is like a whole meal, this. and fantastically seasoned with the salt of the sea. maybe we need a chowdown in napa? Sun Apr 11 00:00:11 -0700 2004 120714 0 sailorbuoys 1 120632 I have been there many times (I grew up in the area) and Martini House has been a favorite. My last visit, however (2 weeks ago for lunch) was not quite as good as usual. The fish special I had was fairly dry and my companion's cheeseburger was overdone. Other than that, the calamari was amazing (as always) and the french fries are the best around. I would still go back given that this experience was an anomoly. I'd love to know your thoughts if you end up going. Fri Apr 09 18:44:19 -0700 2004 120595 0 Cameron 1 120754 I did a lenghty review in February, check the older threads. I had a fantastic dinner. Sun Apr 11 11:11:49 -0700 2004 120595 0 MikeW 2 120760 I eat there a lot....for what its worth, I think the magic of that place is really the dinner hours or evening time....the place comes alive and is stunning. Lunchs have been fine, but not worth the $$.....food is almost identical to evening menu, as is price. for dinner, Id go in a heartbeat, but for lunch, id prefer somewhere else like Cindys already mentioned. Or frankly, Market is great, and cheap too...right around the corner. Sun Apr 11 13:19:52 -0700 2004 120754 0 ra 1 120811 the kid most responsible for the kitchen (kelly) is leaving to become the personal chef for coppola winery (and the family). Sun Apr 11 22:49:19 -0700 2004 120595 0 rich