One cool meal in SF and one mind blower in Napa
I know all you local Chow Hounders are saying "yeah yeah this isn't the millionth time we've had this post" but I will simplify it down, and many many thanks in advance.
In SF I am looking for a place not too formal with amazing food (obviously) where I will be surrounded by fellow locals like yourself, a place where you would be on a Friday night if you had the choice. I don't mind spending the money for great food but I love a lively ambience as opposed to quiet and formal.
In Napa (and i open it up to the surrounding areas) It will be my wedding anniversary and I would love a place that is elegant with beautiful natural surroundings and mind blowing food(and by the way TFL is booked solid). I don't believe the food has to be complexed to be amazing but not opposed if it all combines together for an amazing night out. I was thinking of Bottega or La Toque but I was interested in locals infinite knowledge.
Also a casual dinner amongst locals in Napa for an off night.
I appreciate your thoughts on the matter.
S
-----
Bottega
6525 Washington Street Suite A9, Yountville, CA 94599
La Toque Restaurant
1314 McKinstry Street, Napa, CA 94559
-
Martini House, Jole in Calistoga, or Cindy's. Bottega isn't all that great and the service is a bit snooty. Martini House is pretty and has the best service, tied very closely with Cindy's unless Michael Hill is serving you, then you cannot get better in Napa.
-----
Martini House
1245 Spring St., St. Helena, CA 94574Bottega
6525 Washington Street Suite A9, Yountville, CA 94599 -
-
As much as I wish Ubuntu were tucked away on some remote road in the middle of nowhere surrounded by pristine forests, it's unfortunately in downtown Napa, which is pretty bleh, and lacks the "beautiful natural surroundings"
Haven't been to Meadowood, but from what I hear, it'd seem to fit what you want.
-----
Ubuntu Restaurant & Yoga Studio
1140 Main Street, Napa, CA 94558 -
I was in the area a few weeks ago and join the chorus that Ubuntu's food remains at a high standard (despite the change in chefs).
We also had a very nice meal at Bottega, not necessarily mind blowing, but very solid cooking with excellent service. I will definitely return, but for your purposes, I'd imagine that Cyrus would better fit the bill.
-----
Ubuntu Restaurant & Yoga Studio
1140 Main Street, Napa, CA 94558Bottega
6525 Washington Street Suite A9, Yountville, CA 94599 -
ThirstyReader
Apr 15, 2010 10:25 PM
If you want a certified "mind blower" and you can't go to TFL (but you tried), then the obvious Plan B is Meadowood in Napa (or Cyrus in Healdsburg).
›4 Replies-
re: ThirstyReader
JasmineG
Apr 15, 2010 10:35 PM
Yes, agreed. I think that the suggestion of Ubuntu for your casual night in Napa is a good one, and I'd add Ad Hoc to that. For San Francisco for your lively meal, I'd say Frances, Delfina, Flour + Water, Fish and Farm, or Nopa
-----
Ubuntu Restaurant & Yoga Studio
1140 Main Street, Napa, CA 94558Ad Hoc
6476 Washington St., Yountville, CA 94599Delfina Restaurant
3621 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110Nopa
560 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117Fish and Farm
339 Taylor Street, San Francisco, CA 94102-
re: JasmineG
RichInMV
Apr 16, 2010 10:56 AM
My wife and I just had lunch last weekend at Ubuntu, and I can affirm that the food still stands up to previous reports - the only problem we saw was an inexperienced server, but the other servers were very professional and covered for her. I think it's an interesting and innovative place, and it still seems to be holding up the quality level in the kitchen.
-----
Ubuntu Restaurant & Yoga Studio
1140 Main Street, Napa, CA 94558 -
re: JasmineG
Just ate at flour/water and wasn't that impressed. Certainly lively - but I HIGHLY prefer A16 for food :) If you want REALLY lively the bar at A16 has always been hopping when I've been there (usually early on a Sunday evening)
-----
A16
2355 Chestnut St., San Francisco, CA 94123
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
re: wolfe
Hey Wolfe, thank you, yes it is my third anniversary and we are revisiting our old stomping ground. We went to Cindys Backstreet Kitchen for lunch the day before our wedding and it was fantastic and after our wedding we hired out a room at First Crush in SF which someone mentioned on here, that was fun, the food was alright but the place was lively. Overall we decided to get married and planned it in 5 days and it was a wonderful experience.
-
