36706 Wed Jun 01 20:52:10 -0700 2005 7 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 169858 We're heading out next week with two other couples for a few days in the above area. I know of the romantic, expensive restaurants; would appreciate opinions on the the more reasonable, nice ones that one can't go wrong dining at. All opinions appreciated!! Lschu Wed Jun 01 20:52:10 -0700 2005 0 Lschu 1 169919 I have a couple of recommendations on where to eat in that area: in St Helena I've eaten twice at Market on Hwy 29. It's run by ex-Gary Danko and Ritz Carlton Dining Room staff and does affordable american comfort food type stuff--pot pie, pulled pork sandwich, warm chocolate cake, maker's mark manhattan. I really like it. I also think Oakville Grocery in Napa and Healdsburg has yummy cheap takeout and prepared foods, great cheese selection. There's also a good bakery on the plaza in Healdsburg. Thu Jun 02 01:39:28 -0700 2005 169858 0 Nato Green 1 169941 My vote goes to Martini House in St. Helena. One of the nicest dining experiences we've had lately. No attitude, good food, innovative dishes, comfortable atmosphere but probably very busy now that it's "the season"... Thu Jun 02 05:38:16 -0700 2005 169858 0 RWCFoodie 1 169948 I've posted before about one of my favorite lunch places, but I'll mention it again for you. It's Olive & Vine in Glen Ellen, a short distance north of Sonoma (14301 Arnold Drive, 707-996-9150). It's in the complex just south of town that also houses the Olive Press (worth visiting also). Olive & Vine is a catering company that also has this storefront cafe. I've been pretty well stunned by the food each time, from the best French onion soup I've ever had to great sandwiches and much more. The menu changes often, maybe daily. But don't miss whatever soup they have. Thu Jun 02 10:40:54 -0700 2005 169858 0 Mick Ruthven 1 169961 Garden Court for breakfast. In Sonoma La Sallette, Girl and the Fig, Deuce,Della Santina's , Depot Hotel, Meritage. Hard to find a bad meal in this town. Link: http://www.gardencourtcafe.com/ Thu Jun 02 11:42:47 -0700 2005 169858 0 Bruce Frigard 1 170017 Try Zuzu in Napa (downtown on Main St.). Spanish & Latin-inspired small plates that are fun to share in a group. Love the flat iron steak with chimchurri. Lively atmosphere, no reservations, and the most I've ever spent there was $75 for a lavish meal for two, tax, corkage and tip. Up in St. Helena, you'll get all the romantic atmosphere of lunch in the Tra Vigne courtyard without the price tag if you stop at their Cantinetta for lunch. Stick with the paninis, which come with a small side of mixed greens and are under $7. Thu Jun 02 14:47:35 -0700 2005 169858 0 Jennie Sheeks 1 170080 Bistro Jeanty in Yountville is usually pretty good and their patio is very nice on wonderful warm Napa evenings. Cole's Steakhouse in Napa gets very good reviews most of the time. Thu Jun 02 20:42:19 -0700 2005 169858 0 Monty 2 170083 Here's a link to Pssst's post on Cole's and Napa Valley and the outcome of her quest for a great porterhouse. Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/35025#159482 Thu Jun 02 21:26:12 -0700 2005 170080 0 Melanie Wong