2 nights/ 1 day in Yountville

[cambridgeMike]

I know these restaurants get discussed here a lot and I apologize for adding a new thread but it seems like people's opinions of Napa restaurants vary through the season.

I'll be spending two nights in Yountville and while I won't be able to afford The French Laundry I still want some great dining experiences.

Here are the restaurants that we're considering. Ad Hoc, Bottega, Bistro Jeanty, Bouchon, Brix (thinking about doing lunch here), and Mustards.

Any restaurants that I'm missing? We'd prefer not to drive too much. Also, the nights of the week are Sunday and Monday (not sure if that matters, though this is getting me to think we could try the fried chicken at Ad Hoc)

Thanks for the input

[cambridgeMike]

Thanks again for all your suggestions. Just made reservations. Decided to go with Redd on Sunday night and Ad Hoc on Monday night. It's not Fried Chicken night but the bbq sounds pretty good too. Still stuck on Monday lunch. We wanted to do Brix but it's closed on Monday's in march. We'll be biking a bit north of yountville that day in rutherford and heading up towards St. Helena. Any other places? I can't get a reservation at Mustards but I could always just try walking in. I was also thinking of finding a great take out sandwich shop and having a picnic lunch. An recs? Thanks again.

[bobpantzer]

Redd is an excellent choice. Here's a link to the San Francisco Chronicle's restaurant critics blog for today which, coincidentally, gives his current opinion of Redd. Check out the one from yesterday, as well.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/m...?

[arlenemae]

Agree that Redd is a great choice. I was just there last month and it was great! My husband and I both ordered the 5-course tasting menu and we each got different preparations so we actually got to try 10 dishes! I thought the wine pairing was very well done too, with decent pour sizes. You're very lucky that you will be staying in Yountville and can just walk back to your hotel after this! It's definitely an excellent value at $75/pp plus $45/pp for the wine pairing.

I had lunch at Bottega last August and would also recommend that very highly for lunch. It might a good change to have some Italian food too since you are having French/California-type food for both your dinners. Their rabbit pasta and chocolate cake are excellent! I also like the fact that they let you order wine in quartinos, which is more than a glass but much less than half a bottle...it's the perfect sized portion for lunch.

[trvlcrzy]

Also choosing between Redd and Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen. Ad Hoc's out as it'll be on a Wednesday night (closed). Ate previously at French Laundry, twice Bouchon..but there's always room for Bouchon bakery for breakfast. Never mind if the hotel has free breakfast..go to Bouchon instead. I'm also with the previous poster hating Bardessono's architecture. It just doesn't seem to belong in Yountville amongst the vines.

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The French Laundry
6640 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599

Ad Hoc
6476 Washington St., Yountville, CA 94599

Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen
1327 Railroad Ave., St. Helena, CA 94574

Bardessono
6526 Yount Street, Yountville, CA 94599

Bouchon
6534 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599

[Paris Dreamin]

My favorite restaurant in the area other than The French Laundry is Redd, which has already been recommended. Great tasting menu at $75 per person, although I usually order a la carte there, because I love the foie gras tasting trio (torchon, mousse, and terrine), and I like the petrale sole, duck breast, and beef (NY steak and short ribs) entrees. My wife loves the risotto appetizer. The peanut butter chocolate gianduja dessert is outstanding.

Mustards Grill, as has been mentioned, is not that long of a drive from Yountville, and has one particular dish that is a must-try, Cindy Pawlcyn's grilled Mongolian pork chop. You'll never find a grilled pork chop anywhere else that retains its juiciness like this one. I'd suggest this for lunch instead of Brix.

Ad Hoc and Bouchon are both pretty good, although won't rock your world (except Ad Hoc's fried chicken, as already mentioned.

Biustro Jeanty, I feel, has fallen off somewhat in quality in recent times, although does some very traditional French bistro classics, if you are a fan of that.

If you are willing to drive up the road a little into St. Helena, I also would recommend Terra.

[LynninMarin]

One other place that I love is Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen which is owned by CIndy Pawlcyn who also owns Mustard's. The restaurant is in nearby St. Helena - a nice place to stroll after lunch or before dinner. The patio at Cindy's is a charming place to enjoy a her food. We've never been disappointed.

If you make it to St. Helena, check out Woodhouse Chocolates. Their beautiful chocolates are a much fun to select as they are to eat.

[cortez]

If you're in Yountville, you may wish to check out the restaurant at the new Bardessono hotel. It's a beautiful setting: zen chic in the central courtyard. Water, rocks, peaceful. Had lunch there yesterday: Oyster Po Boy sandwich -- delicious with home made potato chips; delicate gnocchi with crispy artichokes. Wine list -- excellent but with very aggressive mark-ups. Nevertheless, very relaxing and fun lunch in the courtyard.

Bar area is beautiful, stylish as well.

[rworange]

I wasn't that impressed with Bardessono. There's nothing really wrong with it but I just thouht the other restaurants in that area were much better ... at least in terms of dinner. While the bar is nice, I found the outside more hotel-ish than zen. I also hate ... hate the exterior architecture.

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Bardessono
6526 Yount Street, Yountville, CA 94599

[LarryW]

Hit up Bouchon Bakery before you leave town. You can't get out of town without something Keller in your pocket. It's not just a good idea. It's the law.

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Bouchon Bakery
6528 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599

[mick]

You would need to drive to either Brix or Mustards although only a few minutes 3-5 away. In town walking I would do Ad Hoc (there fried chicken is every other Monday so check for that night) but regardless still a great option. If you want Italian/med= Bottega, French= Bouchon more of a city vibe with excellent food or Bistro Jeanty=french country standards,simpler but recently got bad review in the chronicle although I still enjoy it. Redd is more upscale, awesome food some people find the interior too stark or minimalist in the dining room, I love eating at the bar there if your into that style.

[BigMeatBoy]

Bottega would be my recommendation.
Good luck getting a reservation.

[nicedragonboy]

I'm a big fan of Ad Hoc, but make sure you check their website to find out which days they are open. They are still on limited schedule I believe.

[toofacetious]

I second Ad Hoc. Even if it's not Fried Chicken night, it should still be on your list. Their Sunday Brunch is great too and might be a better option.

[skwid]

You are also missing Redd which is toward the south end of town but still easily within walking distance of all the other restaurants except Mustards which will require a car if you are staying in Yountville..

[wolfe]

About 1/2 miles covers all the restaurants you mentioned except Mustards so no driving needed. Search for the most recent threads on them for a broader view.