537029 Wed Jul 09 11:18:57 -0700 2008 8 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 3852778 The Martini House was an unexpected pleasure! The converted home, unlike many others of its ilk, was dining (and patio) ready in a very unique-eclectic style. My husband and I sat in a booth by the open kitchen, and while not so romantic, we got to see a lot of what was going on and we enjoyed that. The eclectic decor was wonderfully married with the formality of the food. Not stuffy or overthought, just formal and professionally presented. Delicious as well! I wish I could describe more about the food, but we ordered the same dish, quail, and it was perfect. I've had some wonderful dining around the states and in Europe, and the quail dish, the amuse bouche, wine service and pairing were outstanding. Please give it a try when you're up valley in St. Helena. Wed Jul 09 11:18:59 -0700 2008 136591 Konacucina 1 3852836 It seems to appeal to locals and visitors. Wed Jul 09 11:28:56 -0700 2008 3852778 105235 wolfe 1 3853035 That's one of the things I love about Martini House -- the converted Craftsman bungalow is both beautifully done and evocative of the California lifestyle. Many restaurants you could pick them up and put them anywhere (or a wide variety of places), but Martini House has a very strong sense of place, which is why I like to recommend it to visitors who, presumably, come to California to experience California. Wed Jul 09 12:12:43 -0700 2008 3852778 10159 Ruth Lafler 2 3853154 As I recall, Martini House also has a very nice bar downstairs with a separate bar menu. Wed Jul 09 12:37:39 -0700 2008 3853035 82741 kresge86 1 3854256 I went there years ago.... it is so lovely. My ex does the garden there, which is odd but true. It is incredibly lovely. The inside blows my mind. Cannot remember anything about the meal due to stars in my eyes at the time.... and the sommelier. A very young gent who was my first introduction into non pretentious wine stewards. No longer are the days of the clamshell wearing, mustachioed person drinking half your bottle. He was friendly, real, and talked us out of a 180 bottle down to a 65 one that was simple, "better" refreshing. Wed Jul 09 17:08:11 -0700 2008 3852778 200575 pavlov 2 3854805 I think the sommelier you are describing may be the gifted and lovely Rob Renteria. Martini House's wine list is among the most unusual, and very fine. I adore the patio there in the summer. Wed Jul 09 20:15:36 -0700 2008 3854256 18222 maria lorraine 3 3857634 PHENOMENAL... you have it. He was quite young at the time. I adore this new trend... sort of blue collar or "verite" wine people. Very earnest and real about 1) creating the perfect pairing, at all costs (even the upsell) 2) that good wine goes with good food and makes the overall experience so much better (hence padding entree cost a bit more, bringing the wine mark up down a bit... allowing and encouraging purchasing wine with the meal to enrich the experience. I know the sommelier at Cavallo Point is maybe... 28? Dan put together a ridiculous wine list. Thu Jul 10 15:58:34 -0700 2008 3854805 200575 pavlov 4 3857697 Rob Renteria does have a non-elitist, "everyman" manner, though he can dance with the most elite, most expensive pairings as well. He is down-to-earth, charming, easy to speak with, respectful of any budget range, and knows which wines go best with each menu item at Martini House. He's such an asset to the place. Thu Jul 10 16:22:23 -0700 2008 3857634 18222 maria lorraine 5 4654910 the dinner i had here with friends last summer was delightful! unpretentious, as others have mentioned -- they weren't snooty, the sommelier (also, very young but i can't recall his name) was helpful, and the best part for me was that they were so accommodating for me as a vegetarian. my friend and i had the tomato and mushroom tasting menus, respectively, with wine pairings, while our bfs ordered off the menu and shared some bottles of delicious wine suggested by the sommelier. we had a late dinner at 9ish and were there until almost midnight, sipping and chatting in the garden. i am looking forward to returning to martini house in a few weeks to celebrate the same friends' wedding. they live in l.a. and decided to honeymoon in napa. we are also going to chez panisse for the first time the night before! i have lived in the east bay for over 4 years and i still haven't eaten there. Mon May 04 23:39:26 -0700 2009 3857697 88053 fiacrackaBANG