Feedback on Napa itinerary (Jeanty vs Cindy's)

[caraely]

Going to Napa for the fourth time this Labor Day. Past meals have been at Bottega, Solbar, JoLe, Bouchon, Mustard's, the taco truck outside that dive bar in Yountville, a few other lunch spots that escape me. Never gotten in to TFL but are on the waiting list once again for both lunch and dinner.

Dinner reservations this time are at Bottega (my husband really really wants to to again, I was neutral), Redd, and Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen. I'm wondering if we should replace Cindy's with Bistro Jeanty (never been). We will have a rental car, but we typically use these vacations to sit by the pool, ride bikes, and walk to dinner, so not sure we'll want to drive 10 miles to Cindy's.

Any input is welcome. I chose Cindy's based on some posts here, it's really the location I'm doubting at this point.

[caraely]

Wanted to follow up on my original post now that we're back.

Had a great trip! Bottega was fine, probably won't return though. Food was good, not "whoa." Gelato was our favorite part (strawberry basil). Redd was lovely for dinner but the find of the trip was Redd's bar menu! We stopped by on Sunday on a whim and were blown away by the fish tacos. Great potstickers too. BIG portions, delicious, we definitely preferred the bar to the main restaurant (however, the butterscotch pudding at dinner was amazing). Liked the bar menu so much we returned the next day for more fish tacos and a burger (yum). Final dinner was at Bistro Jeanty. Fun people-watching but the menu and food were...tired. Felt like the kitchen was just churning it out. Got the feeling it's "old reliable" but I would not return based on our meal (tomato soup, onion soup, salads, baguette). Maybe I missed something. ?

[Robert Lauriston]

You missed bone marrow, pig's feet, lamb's tongue, steak tartare, veal kidneys, and depending on which salads you ordered maybe salade Lyonnaise and salade Perigourdine.

[caraely]

Since both soups were consistently recommended here and elsewhere, I expected them to be representative of the restaurant/menu overall. Just not our favorite spot in Yountville.

[cherie]

I went to Bottega and Redd last week on my vacation too. We had a fun time at Bottega and enjoyed our evening and the food. But Redd we LOVED. We found everything to be spot on.

[cortez]

Caraely,

Great report. Thanks so much. I agree with you completely.

For me, Bottega is fine but a little corporate and canned. Given other choices, why bother?

Jeanty is indeed tired. Robert, you are a dogged defender of Jeanty. I admire your doggedness and near nostalgia for French bistro classics. But, the Jeanty star has faded.

Redd is terrific. Bar, patio and main room. Enjoy them all!

Thanks again.

[Robert Lauriston]

I don't think Jeanty has changed in any way that matters to people who go there for those classic old-school dishes. It's hard for me to understand why anyone else ever went there in the first place.

[Sarah]

Jeanty has changed its menu -- had lunch there yesterday -- no more pigs feet salad -- the waiter felt my pain -- I'm too distraught to go further...

[CarrieWas218]

My heartfelt condolences on your loss, Sarah...

I hope the tomato soup (assuming) was able to heal some of the pain.

:-(

[Sarah]

Well, actually, the fried smelt did help somewhat...

[HoosierFoodie]

We had a great meal at Jeanty in May of this year.

[jaiko]

Maybe it's just me. I'm not in love with any of Pawclyn's restaurants. I'd go back to Brix, now that Chris Jones is ExeChef. He left Girl & Fig late last year and we had a superb lunch there in May this year. Don't know if you want to drive out there, though.

I adore Jeanty's roasted marrow, but I don't like his salads as a rule, and overall his food is on the rich/heavy side, especially in summer when it's hot. It's one of my favs for cold weather dining, but not when it's 90+ degrees out.

[pinotho]

I would stay away from Brix, as I ate dinner there on a Friday night about 3 weeks ago. I can't think of a single reason to go back. It is a very comfortable restaurant with very average to below average food.

[CarrieWas218]

Concur with Pinotho - the best thing about Brix is their happy hour which has "decent" food at half-price. Beyond that, meh.

[cortez]

For the town of Napa, you might consider Oenotri, a highly successful Italian addition on 1st St. Lively, fun sharing pizzas, pastas and salads. Outstanding cocktails and terrific wine list from their top sommelier.

Also, a new place just opened on Main St, Fagiani's . In a beautifully restored brick building which had been shuttered for 40 years, this 3 floor stunner has a ground floor old fashioned bar, a second floor main dining room and a third floor bar/patio overlooking the Napa River. Exquisite design. Terrific brunch (eg wagyu burgers, heirloom tomato salad, fresh homemade cocktails). Open till 2am.

[cortez]

for Yountville, I prefer Ad Hoc at the bar (can order a la carte), Redd, Bouchon and Reddwood to Bistro Jeanty. To me, Jeanty stopped innovating several years ago. To be sure, it offers French bistro comfort food (coq au vin) which indeed can be comforting. But, new dishes with fresh seasonal ingredients? Not so much.

For lunch Th-Sat 11-2, consider Addendum. It's the shack behind Ad Hoc in a beautiful garden with picnic tables. It offers two meals only: fried chicken or a BBQ platter. Both include the sides for a modest $16.50. Eat there or take away. A bargain.

Have fun!

[Robert Lauriston]

Innovation is definitely not the point of Jeanty's menu.

[Robert Lauriston]

I'd eat at Jeanty all the time if it weren't so far away from home. If I were staying nearby that would be the first place on my list.

[philbert]

We'll be in Napa in two days. What other rest. would recommend, besides Jeanty? Under $40/person + drinks.

Thanks!

[pinotho]

Redd and Mustards.

[CarrieWas218]

Brassicas - it is a Cindy Pacwlyn restaurant which I like better than her Cindy's Back Street. Also, Zuzu in downtown is a great place for $40 a person; small plates and fabulous food that has never disappointed in over a decade...

[Robert Lauriston]

Per the Chron, Brassicas is closing Sunday and reopening Wednesday with a new name (Cindy Pawlcyn's Wood Grill & Wine Bar) and menu.

http://www.sfgate.com/food/insidescoo...

[CarrieWas218]

Yeah - I got the news via some Napa locals earlier this week. I should say I'm not surprised.

Tourists here want their Cal-Italian, Cal-French, and Cal-California cuisine. Nothing else survives...