Recapping our trip to Napa without discussing the food would be amiss. Especially since one of our dinners is in the running for best meal of my life.
I enthusiastically vouch and highly recommend every restaurant listed below.
Hog Island Oyster Co. at Oxbow Market, Napa
I enthusiastically vouch and highly recommend every restaurant listed below.
Hog Island Oyster Co. at Oxbow Market, Napa
I am huge oyster fan, and it just doesn't get any better than Hog Island. They have six (or so) different oysters to choose, from all over the world (or country?). I go with the sampler platter and sit at the raw bar because I like to watch the shucking take place, and learn a bit about the different types. We typically also order the clam chowder and grilled cheese, since both are out of this world. Oxbow Market is a foodie's paradise- restaurants, gourmet food stands and other food related paraphernalia enclosed in a giant warehouse (there is probably a better word than warehouse, but I'm going blank right now). You can eat in at Hog Island or the Corner Door (I've heard great things, but haven't been able to tear myself was from Hog Island to try it) or get sandwiches, gourmet cheeses and charcuterie to have a picnic. Gott's Roadside is located next door if you're in the mood for a burger and killer onion rings. This is my top lunch pick for Napa Valley! (Also, the Hog Island San Francisco in the Embarcadero is just as phenomenal.)
The French Laundry, Yountville
Dining at The French Laundry has been a dream of mine for years. I ventured so far as to say it was my goal to eat there before I turned 30. Apparently I made an impression on my managers, who surprised Sean and me with a gift certificate for our wedding. I was so stunned when they handed me the card that I cried. (It was also my last day at work before our wedding so emotions were running high.)
Nonetheless, it took us eight months to use the gift (including making our reservation exactly two months prior, when the "books" open). Thanks to the godsend that is Amex platinum we were able to phone in our request early, and they did the heavy lifting to get our ideal time. French Laundry offers two dinner seatings, 5:45 & 9:30. It is a three to four hour dinner, so I was really hoping to get the earlier time. Luckily Amex came through for us again, and we ended up with my ideal slot on Friday evening. This was more than just a meal, it was the destination- we planned our trip around the experience.
So, after all that build up, how did it measure up?
Beyond words.
I can be a tough critic, especially when I have high expectations, and to be perfectly honest- I was a little worried that a restaurant with such a reputation wouldn't live up to my fantasies.
The good news is, it did! I quickly realized that when my imaginary BFF, Anthony Bourdain, calls a restaurant the "best in the world," along with Restaurant Magazine, and they maintain 3 michelin stars year after year- they know what they're doing. Every single bite of the nine course + meal was exceptional. However it is not just the food, it is the service that makes this restaurant truly brilliant. The space is small and extremely charming, housed in a stone cottage surrounded by gardens where they grow the majority of their vegetables and herbs. I was surprised by how intimate it all was. There were about sixteen tables (max) on two levels, and we were waited on by an extremely knowledge staff. We sat down at 5:45 and finished around 9:45- during the four hours, there was not a second of discomfort. It was pure pleasure. For some a four hour long dinner sounds like torture (my brother), but for me it was pure paradise.
At the end of our meal, as we were headed out, I asked the host if he would mind taking a photo of us. He said, why don't you guys come in to the kitchen and take a picture with the chef.
He escorted us through a hallway and in to every foodie's dream land- the kitchen of French Laundry. I tried to take it all in, but I think at that point I was just overwhelmed with happiness.
We were introduced to the chef de cuisine, David Breeden, and then posed for a photo.
And then I died of happiness. All in all, a perfect night and without a doubt the best meal of my life.
Dining at The French Laundry has been a dream of mine for years. I ventured so far as to say it was my goal to eat there before I turned 30. Apparently I made an impression on my managers, who surprised Sean and me with a gift certificate for our wedding. I was so stunned when they handed me the card that I cried. (It was also my last day at work before our wedding so emotions were running high.)
Nonetheless, it took us eight months to use the gift (including making our reservation exactly two months prior, when the "books" open). Thanks to the godsend that is Amex platinum we were able to phone in our request early, and they did the heavy lifting to get our ideal time. French Laundry offers two dinner seatings, 5:45 & 9:30. It is a three to four hour dinner, so I was really hoping to get the earlier time. Luckily Amex came through for us again, and we ended up with my ideal slot on Friday evening. This was more than just a meal, it was the destination- we planned our trip around the experience.
So, after all that build up, how did it measure up?
Beyond words.
I can be a tough critic, especially when I have high expectations, and to be perfectly honest- I was a little worried that a restaurant with such a reputation wouldn't live up to my fantasies.
The good news is, it did! I quickly realized that when my imaginary BFF, Anthony Bourdain, calls a restaurant the "best in the world," along with Restaurant Magazine, and they maintain 3 michelin stars year after year- they know what they're doing. Every single bite of the nine course + meal was exceptional. However it is not just the food, it is the service that makes this restaurant truly brilliant. The space is small and extremely charming, housed in a stone cottage surrounded by gardens where they grow the majority of their vegetables and herbs. I was surprised by how intimate it all was. There were about sixteen tables (max) on two levels, and we were waited on by an extremely knowledge staff. We sat down at 5:45 and finished around 9:45- during the four hours, there was not a second of discomfort. It was pure pleasure. For some a four hour long dinner sounds like torture (my brother), but for me it was pure paradise.
At the end of our meal, as we were headed out, I asked the host if he would mind taking a photo of us. He said, why don't you guys come in to the kitchen and take a picture with the chef.
He escorted us through a hallway and in to every foodie's dream land- the kitchen of French Laundry. I tried to take it all in, but I think at that point I was just overwhelmed with happiness.
We were introduced to the chef de cuisine, David Breeden, and then posed for a photo.
And then I died of happiness. All in all, a perfect night and without a doubt the best meal of my life.
French Blue, St Helena
Great brunch spot. The patio has a beautiful fireplace and heated seats. I had the puttanesca baked farm eggs and a grapefruit mimosa. Sean had an epic Bloody Mary. I stole his pickled cauliflower!
This is a great place to fuel up for a day of wine tasting with a hearty breakfast and bit of a booze.
This is a great place to fuel up for a day of wine tasting with a hearty breakfast and bit of a booze.
Auberge du Soleil, Rutherford
There are quite a few great wineries up in Rutherford, but not many places to eat. The Auberge du Soleil is a fancy hotel with a Michelin star rated restaurant and less fancy (but still pricey) cafe with an unbelievable view. We stopped in for an afternoon snack. The weather was unbeatable and we sat outside with our friends, enjoyed a seafood platter, some flatbread with dips and a carafe of wine.
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| Our friends, Heather & Ryan |
Mustards Grill, Yountville
Sean has declared the Mongolian pork chop at Mustards to be on his list of
last meal on earth foods. We can't come to Napa and not go to Mustards. The
food is hearty and flavorful, the atmosphere is relaxed. It is the perfect spot
to refuel after a long day of wine tasting. I particularly enjoy the crab
cakes, the pulled pork sandwich and the onion rings. I’m not a pork chop fan,
but I steal bites of Sean’s- it’s that good.
After recapping, it now makes sense why my pants are tight. It was worth it, but I should probably hit the gym! Everything in moderation, right?
Giirl, you are so gorgeous!! What an amazing and tasty trip.
ReplyDeleteNow I am starving.
I would love to go the The French Laundry someday! My dad actually went with family last year on what should have been my parents' 30th anniversary. And from what I've heard all their food was amazing, but how could it not have been.
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