Business Trip in Napa

[jess524]

I'm planning a business mtng w/ a 1 day trip out to Napa. I need to find a spot for a quick lunch (about 1 hour) but need a place to sit down. I'm more familiar w/ the grab and go (Oakville Grocery, etc.) but the business execs aren't into eating on their laps. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

[Junie D]

Are you looking for somewhere to both have the meeting and lunch? Or just lunch? Prefer Napa, St Helena, or other town? How many people?

[jess524]

Just lunch, about 1 hour (busy day planned). Will be mostly in the Rutherford area.

[Carrie 218]

The only restaurant that Rutherford really has going for it is the Rutherford Grill. It is owned and operated by Houston's Restaurant Group but because the Napa valley does not allow chain restaurants, it couldn't be called "Houstons." It is mostly a Houston's with a few wine-country twists here and there.

I have always found Rutherford Grill to be tantamount to a chain restaurant in feel, service, and especially the wait required (think Cheesecake Factory-kind-of-wait). But a lot of locals hang out at the bar and there can be some good meals to be had - I just never liked the scene.

[singleguychef]

I agree that the scene at Rutherford Grill is a bit much, but the meals I've had there have always been good. The ingredients were pretty fresh and tasty and didn't necessarily have a chain-like feel like Olive Garden or TGIF. But this was two years ago so can't speak for the quality currently. Still, it's right in Rutherford where you'll be. However, if you don't want to deal with the wait, you might want to make reservations at a restaurant on Washington Street in Yountville, which is the nearby town just south of Rutherford. Several good restaurants and bistros there. Not sure which one's serve lunch. Bouchon might, since it also has the bakery.

[jess524]

Far Niente just recommended having a picnic catered at Diamond Oaks Vineyard overlooking the Valley. It looks beautiful. Anyone been there?

[maria lorraine]

It was just written about on these boards. Please see
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/37898...

[maria lorraine]

Otherwise, a big roomy leather booth at Don Giovanni's might work nicely.
Always wonderful food. Great atmosphere. Good wine list. Right off Hwy. 29
about 10 minutes south of Rutherford.

[jscarbor]

Pilar Excellent food.

[Carrie 218]

Concur - Pilar.

[lizziee]

Absolutely Pilar.

[jess524]

Excellent - will check it out.