634781 Tue Jul 07 21:10:48 -0700 2009 3 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 4838388 After our planned dinner with another couple at Ubuntu blew up due to sudden illness, we had dinner at Cook in St. Helena, instead. It was on a whim--we had no personal references, and sparse reviews on-line. The town itself is lovely, and we had eaten at Market across the street a few years back. No reservations available on short notice, we showed ourselves in and sat at the counter. The place filled up rapidly at about 7:15, and we were quickly served. Small menu, but packed with really lovely plates. Excellent choices of wine-by-the-glass, as well. I don't eat pork or shellfish, so I opted for a beautiful mozzarella salad and risotto with halibut. The salad was interesting. Three large chunks of homemade mozzarella with some baby arugula, on a bed of small, delicate capers, roasted peppers, and diced ripe tomatoes and red onion. Balsamic reduction as a dressing. Very nice. Great flavors and textures. The risotto was wonderful. A seared halibut filet sat atop a nice, firm risotto with green onions and a pesto. The fist was crisp on top, perfectly seasoned, cooked through--thick, tender, and clean-tasting. The pesto perfectly complimented the fish and rice, and every bite seemed to contain some crisp, pungent green onion. This dish was a keeper. My wife had a roast chicken "chop," with braised greens. The chicken was crisp-skinned, tender, and generously portioned. The greens were pungent, tender, and a great side-dish for the chicken, as a textural counterpoint, and as flavor contrast to the herby but more neutral chicken. Finished off with a dessert of berries and shortcake. The cake was warm when served, with a lemony bite. The berries were tender and full of flavor. Service at the counter was enthusiastic and friendly. There is a very high order of cooking being done at this place. Reasonable prices, decent portions, and a nice room. I highly recommend it. Tue Jul 07 21:10:48 -0700 2009 27748 rruben1 1 4838458 Thanks for the report -- Cook flies under the radar a bit. Tue Jul 07 21:50:54 -0700 2009 4838388 10159 Ruth Lafler 2 4839416 At last although Mick I think the place information is wrong in that the price of $1625 for the main dish is a bit high. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/578301#4799739 Wed Jul 08 08:45:41 -0700 2009 4838458 105235 wolfe 1 4839318 Cook is excellent. I was there 2 nights ago. I had the risotto of the day w fennel crusted cod and my friend had the fazzoleti bolognese. Both dishes were spot on - esp the risotto. We may try to squeeze in another meal tonight before driving down to Carmel. great prices - friendly service. Wed Jul 08 08:20:17 -0700 2009 4838388 271969 MonkeySeeMonkeyEats