Anyone tried Elements Enoteca in Napa?
Just read about it in the San Francisco Chronicle and it sounded interesting and wondering if anyone has tried it. The reviewers primary complaint was that some dishes don't pair that well, but he indicated it was more of a function of his trying to try numerous types of things rather than putting small plates together which paired well.
As an aside, the Bistro Jeanty was about the worst review I've ever seen Michael Bauer write. Not sure if others have experienced the same? While it's not my favorite by a long shot, there are a few dishes there I like (maybe it's because I always order the tartare and Bauer's complaint was that everything was undercooked).
Trying Bottega on the 30th and glad to see some new life in the Napa restaurant scene.
By teejaymoore
on Dec 24, 2008 05:02 PM
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I missed the Jeanty review. Will have to look it up. I can't imagine it being worse than what he gave Brix a few months ago.
As far as Elements, I've been a few times. The chef there was the original chef at ZuZu when it opened 5+ years ago. He's very talented and they have quite a variety of small plates. I recommend the calamari with chorizo, the lobster ceviche and the liver and onions (foie gras). To me, service is their downfall, not the food.
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Linkifying:
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Elements Enoteca
1400 Second Street, Napa, CA 94559
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I haven't been yet but I was surprised by the review of Jeanty. We were there in August and very happy with the food. The service was a bit slow but everyone was pleasant and my in-laws loved the food.
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Agree on the Jeanty review. While I think Redd and Ad Hoc may be more worthy of a Michelin star, I haven't had the same experience Michael had at Jeanty. We just stick to the basics and have enjoyed it. I frankly like it better than Bouchon.
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Also agree on Jeanty. We went this summer and it was abysmal.
BUT the star is Elements! A great find in downtown Napa - excellent, seasonal dishes, fun wine list and very reasonable prices. Keep them on their toes with service. It's a problem in general in this Valley.
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Thanks cook4seasons. Look forward to trying Elements and we're hitting Bottega tonight. Will post a review on my original Bottega question you answered (glad you liked it as glad to have Italian in Yountville).
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Went to Elements last night and found it very enjoyable. Service was more friendly than formal (which I prefer). The host/owner(?) was helpful and the wine list was extensive. I also liked that you can buy wine at retail prices from them. That said, my husband was sick with a cold and although we really liked everything and would go back, nothing stood out as amazing. But again temper that with the fact he had a cold and we stuck to the lighter and less exciting things. We had the cured olives, the calamari with chorizo broth. I really liked the beets with crotin although the dressing needed a bit more acid as the oil dominated a bit too much. The lobster ceviche is tiny, but very good and satisfying. We also had the broccoli rabe and the potatoes which my husband really liked. My only other quibble is the no salt on the table. I really prefer it being there because by the time you realize you would like to add some to a dish the server is usually busy elsewhere and it becomes a huge hassle to flag them down and get some. Altogether it was a very nice place and we would try it again.
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