339942 Sat Nov 04 19:44:54 -0800 2006 11 20 General Tristate Archive 0 1997156 Has anyone tried the new restaurant, Napa & Co., in Stamford, CT? Sat Nov 04 19:44:54 -0800 2006 21248 Sheryl L 1 1998183 YES! I was there opening night last Friday and am happy to report that Stamford finally has a "destination". Chef Bill Taibe's menu and Mary & Charlie Morgan's culinary expertise have combined for spectacular results. The space is small, I think I counted about 15 tables, so you get a very intimate ambiance without feeling crowded or overwhelmed by the din. The lighting is soft, and the decor is absolute perfection. Mary has really outdone herself, the highlight being the floor-to-ceiling wine rack which occupies the back wall. Now for the food...For an appetizer I had foie gras, which was exquisitely prepared with apples and a delicious sauce that did not overwhelm the delicate flavor of the foie gras, but complemented it perfectly. Others at my table had the buffalo mozzarella and heirloom tomato salad, served with tomato water, which as my waiter pointed out, is exactly that...water that is strained from a tomato. It had a very crisp, strong but not overpowering tomato flavor that went very well with the salad. I also heard great things about the flatbread pizza and the linguini with clam sauce, which was actually an app, but in this case, double-ordered for an entree. The Sirloin Steak I had for a main course was delicious, served with a chanterelle mushroom au jus reduction sauce and whipped potatoes. I also sampled the other dishes ordered at my table which included Braised Short Ribs and Rotisserie Chicken, both of which were great. The menu also had skate, and scallops for seafood fans, and lamb and duck for those who prefer gamier meats. The wine list, as the restaurant's name would indicate, is largely Napa-centric, but there were also plenty of choices from the Old World as well. As one would expect from the former Telluride owners, it is extremely well-rounded. Desserts at my table included warm chocolate cake served with pistachio gelato, and a delicious custard--can't remember what it was called, but it tasted like a mixture of a Creme Brulee and Flan. Absolutely decadent, and I will order for myself it next time!!! We finished off the evening with a plate of artisinal cheeses, and gourmet coffee from Zumbach's in New Canaan. Service was surprisingly adept for such a new venture...usually it takes a few weeks or even months for a place to hit it's stride. But Napa seems to be an exception to the rule, and it truly was...well...exceptional! Sun Nov 05 12:48:29 -0800 2006 1997156 15055 Fairfield Foodie 2 2206556 I attended a couple of Napa & Cos. pre-opening events and was very impressed. Last night I went with three friends and have officially determined Napa & Co. to be my favorite restaurant in the area. All 4 of us agreed that the meal from start to 'almost' finish was perfect. I had the duck which was superb- the best I have ever tasted. The beet appetizer and, an order of flatbread for the table were equally delicious. Hazelnut custard for dessert and, of course wonderful wines. The service was very good and the only complaint was that the coffee did not live up to the exquisite tastes of everything else. I had tea so, can neither confirm or deny but truly, the evening's repast was exceptional! Fri Jan 19 18:27:55 -0800 2007 1998183 67897 CTcurler 3 2207590 I was there last night too! What time were you there? I had the Striped Bass, which was so delicious. It was prepared with squid, pamelo (our waiter told us it was a South American fruit, kind of like a sweet grapefruit), wax beans and chorizo. The combo was unreal. I also had the hazlenut custard. Aren't their tea selections incredible? I wanted to check out the market to buy some of that wonderful olive oil but there was a private party in there. Next time!!! Fri Jan 19 21:58:40 -0800 2007 2206556 15055 Fairfield Foodie 1 2002001 Both of your reviews lead me to make a res for this coming Saturday - a group of 6 foodies. I'm looking forward to a great meal and will post a review. Thanks for your help! Tue Nov 07 01:18:16 -0800 2006 1997156 21248 Sheryl L 1 2009509 wow. I agree with the poster below... a $17 burger is quite steep... what is special about it? do they claim kobe beef or something? If that was over $17, what kind of stuff was under $15? when those luger burgers are only $6, it's hard to beat (though you end up paying $17 after tolls getting down there, so I guess it is a wash!). Thu Nov 09 20:38:36 -0800 2006 2006274 11120 adamclyde 1 2006870 $17.00 for a burger is pretty steep! Wed Nov 08 21:45:43 -0800 2006 1997156 51521 hungrylikeawolf 1 2010055 Sorry. It's Wagyu beef, that accounts for the price. Should have mentioned that. Under $15 were pretty much all the apetizers and the sandwiches, which included chicken salad, ham, turkey, blt, tuna salad. Saw them on other people's tables and they looked good. Didn't really look at the salads, you can tell I was in Meat Mood. It's expensive but guess you get what you pay for. It's fine dining, something Stamford has been missing at least by most accounts on this site. Thu Nov 09 23:37:40 -0800 2006 1997156 14877 tdchow 2 2013671 I agree... not much high end dining here, so that is good. I figured it must have been wagyu or something. Sounds good. Sat Nov 11 16:28:16 -0800 2006 2010055 11120 adamclyde 1 2019926 I can't wait to try this place. I loved Bill Taibe's food at Relish and I'm glad he has resurfaced. Finally, it appears there's some serious NYC-caliber food going on in Stamford. Tue Nov 14 08:38:22 -0800 2006 1997156 22002 iheartoffal 2 2020470 What happened to Relish? I loved that place!! Tue Nov 14 16:19:36 -0800 2006 2019926 18399 bevoray 3 2023042 It closed several months ago. Apparently there was some beef (no pun intended) between the owners. I actually made to Napa and Co tonight. Phenomenal. The food is New York caliber. The service has a long ways to go, but I'm sure they'll eventually work out the kinks. I'll post more about my meal tomorrow. Wed Nov 15 08:37:23 -0800 2006 2020470 22002 iheartoffal