37402 Mon Jun 27 18:01:36 -0700 2005 7 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 174190 Hello! Have any of you been to Tra Vigne recently? It's been couple of years since I went there with my husband and been thinking of arranging a company dinner party/meeting at Tra Vigne. Is the food still good there? Do you have any other recommendation of restaurant around St. Helena, Napa area which has a private dining room? Thank you!! Mon Jun 27 18:01:36 -0700 2005 0 Kamyu 1 174204 went there last May with a large group and was just okay overall, no substitute suggestions though, sorry! Mon Jun 27 18:46:31 -0700 2005 174190 0 Noodles 2 174330 Just went last weekend, and had a very good experience... highlights included the lobster salad, milk-braised pork, alaskan halibut and the panna cotta, which is revelatory. http://www.travignerestaurant.com/menu.html I think it's difficult to continue to continue to "wow" an audience that's been familiar with the Tra Vigne style for 15+ years. Part of the reason I still love the place is their consistency, and the fact that the setting continues to be one of the most beautiful places you can eat out... I've never eaten in their private room downstairs, though - it looks a bit gloomy. I think the patio, under the tree lights, would be much nicer. I think it's a good choice for a large group, especially if they're from out of town. We locals are probably a bit jaded. Also had a very good meal at Cindy's Kitchen in St. Helena, which does have beautiful private rooms upstairs. I go there just for the mushroom tamales, and had a really nice slice of coconut cream pie last week. Tue Jun 28 14:26:25 -0700 2005 174204 0 Jennifer 1 174213 Was at Tra Vigne last month also, and the food was mostly average (burrata appetizer was fantastic though). Check opentable for other places that you can reserve in the area. I don't know about private dining rooms, but given what I know now I would rather try Domaine Chandon (if I had more $ to spend), Bouchon, Bistro Jeanty, Terra. Tra Vigne has a separate restaurant that serves pizza (Tra Vigne Pizzeria) which seemed more interesting that Tra Vigne restaurant. Mon Jun 27 19:14:35 -0700 2005 174190 0 KK 2 174256 The Cantinetta at Tra Vigne has reopened. I haven't tried it yet, but in its previous incarnation, the food was better and more interesting than at the restaurant. Here's a link to Jennie's post. Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/36217#166747 Mon Jun 27 22:00:33 -0700 2005 174213 0 Melanie Wong 1 174251 The only time I was there the food was good, but not remarkable. What was memorable was being seated in direct view of an overweight lady in a sloppy t-shirt and thongs on her feet. When you pay $18 for an appetizer, management should enforce even an unwritten dress code. Mon Jun 27 21:34:48 -0700 2005 174190 0 Bill 1 174415 Yes, I had the salmon which was wonderfully prepared. I love this restaurant and it is my local Napan father's favorite. Some complain about the lack of selection. Another idea is Brix, just down the road from Tra Vigne. It has a gorgeous view of their garden and vineyards. Someone mentioned Cindy's in St.Helena which I enjoyed but was not really all that impressed. The room upstairs would be private, perhaps a bit cramped. Tue Jun 28 20:06:30 -0700 2005 174190 0 Kate 1 174749 Tra Vigne seems to have made a lot of changes. A new chef was hired, he comes from Campanile in Los Angeles. The menu has completely changed in the main restaurant, and their Cantinetta/wine bar has a casual menu again. Thu Jun 30 15:54:47 -0700 2005 174190 0 kitchen tool