Foodies from all over the world flock to this romantic jewel in the Napa Valley, considered to be one of the most outstanding restaurants in the world. The exquisite American-French food defies description or convention. Chef Thomas Keller takes care to use as much produce from the restaurant's private garden as possible, as well as making sure no ingredient is repeated anywhere on the nine-course daily tasting menus. The French Laundry's extraordinary food is exceeded only by its excellent service. Patrons are always impressed by the knowledge of the head Sommelier and enjoy the tasteful recommendations. A table at the French Laundry is a heavily coveted prize, so make sure to reserve far in advance.
Providing freshly baked breads and deserts for Chef Thomas Keller's Yountville restaurants: The French Laundry, Bouchon and ad hoc, Bouchon Bakery delights its customers with many of the same treats. The bakery is small and quaint. Inside you'll find a small display case filled with macaroons, tarts, cookies and Chocolate Bouchons. The delicacies of sweets doesn't end there, though, more often it starts with Chocolate Bouchons. Chocolate Bouchons are up-right, moist brownies with a warm chocolate center that bursts into your mouth with the first bite, all lightly sprinkled with confectioner's sugar. On weekends, the bakery serves decadent donuts. The "TKO" (Thomas Keller Oreo) is an unusual treat of two buttery chocolate cookies with a white cream filling sandwiched in between. The bakery also serves ready-made sandwiches on baguettes. Prices may seem high, but sweets are so rarely made or packaged with so much detail and passion.
Locals and tourists alike flock to Brix Restaurant to watch the chef concoct his excellent dishes. With a panoramic view of the Napa hillside and a decor of warm Impressionist tones, the award-winning Brix Restaurant makes for an elegant night out. Featuring classic Californian delicacies with a twist of French-influence, the food severed here is always a delight to the palate. You can order a five-course tasting dinner that comes Japanese-style in a bento box. The on-site wine store offers an extensive and eclectic variety, running the gamut in price.
The Carpe Diem Wine Bar serves delicious local Californian cuisine paired with a variety of the finest wines from around the world. Established by three friends in June 2010, this venue has quickly become renowned as the go-to spot in Napa for local singles, friends, and anyone who enjoys a relaxed dining experience. Although the restaurant section of this establishment closes earlier, depending on the day, the bar remains open and active well into the night.
The citizens of Santa Rosa have reason to be in a continually celebratory mood as their microbrewery of choice takes top honors nearly every year at Denver's Great American Beer Festival. Since its inception in 1997, it has won such accolades as “Small Brewing Company of the Year,” “Innovation in Craft Brewing” and "Large Brewpub Champion Brewmaster." Indeed, gold medal winners include such eloquently named brews as Damnation, Blind Pig and Pliny the Elder. Many of them can be found in pubs throughout the Bay Area, but the headquarters is a must-see destination. Russian River Brewing Company is also credited with inventing the Double India Pale Ale. The entire list of ales is fascinating, each of them unique in blend, texture and flavor. At the tap room, live music entertains crowds as they savor pizzas made thin, crisp and fresh.
Bottega is located in the food mecca of Yountville, in the heart of the Napa Valley. Celebrity Chef Michael Chiarello puts together a seasonally changing menu featuring authentic Italian dishes (following the traditional Italian menu progression) made with local, organic and artisinal ingredients. Almost anything they can make themselves in house, they do. And then there's dessert, which is a whole different story featuring the popular sweet fritto misto with chocolate arancini and crispy fried cream. The ambiance is cozy and elegant, featuring warm colors, a fireplace and a covered outdoor lounge perfect for enjoying warm Napa nights. Bottega is truly one of the Napa Valley's culinary crowned jewels.
The Epicurean Connection is a neighborhood cheese shop and cafe that has gained its popularity through its dedication to quality and friendly service. Not only does the shop sell rare artisan and farmstead American cheeses, but they also offer craft beers, a wonderful selection of wines, olive oils, jams and much more. The interior is reminiscent of a picnic, with benches and baskets of fresh fruits, so indulge yourself in some Southern and Cajun food after you've made your purchases and relax. Located in Sonoma, where they are known for their wine and cheese, it would be a pity to miss out on this gem while visiting.
The dining room is done up in a color that is like nothing so much as the most delicate tomato cream sauce. An apt choice for a restaurant that turns out a superior one over its al dente pasta, but there are other delights, too. Fresh seafood is prepared well here, whether grilled with lemon and rosemary or bathed in a rich sauce and stuffed into temptingly plump ravioli. For fresh air without UV rays, there is patio seating under umbrellas and quick, personable service indoors and out. The wine list is good with excellent California selections. Opens from Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30AM.
Madcap is an elegant restaurant serving American, French and Japanese cuisine under one roof. Headed by Chef Ron Siegel, the tasting menu features a delicious collection of delicacies varying in cuisines. The minimal yet elegant décor stands for the classic approach put forward by the restaurant which also reflects on the menu. Earthen clay pots and plates, floral presentations and shades of grey and brown throughout create an intimate and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant also features a bar housing several wines and cocktails to pair with your tasting or à la carte menu.
Foodies from all over the world flock to this romantic jewel in the Napa Valley, considered to be one of the most outstanding restaurants in the world. The exquisite American-French food defies description or convention. Chef Thomas Keller takes care to use as much produce from the restaurant's private garden as possible, as well as making sure no ingredient is repeated anywhere on the nine-course daily tasting menus. The French Laundry's extraordinary food is exceeded only by its excellent service. Patrons are always impressed by the knowledge of the head Sommelier and enjoy the tasteful recommendations. A table at the French Laundry is a heavily coveted prize, so make sure to reserve far in advance.
This small light-filled space has a nice touch with fusion cuisine. At the bistro-styled tables and chairs or at the green marble counter beneath a trellis of faux grapevines, locals enjoy delicious satay sandwiches, potato pancakes, fresh bass fillets garnished with red pepper salsa, or Thai-style Beef Curry. The other choices are equally good and range equally far afield culturally. The owner loves to cook and it shows in the preparation of the food and the way it is served up. Check the website for cafe, catering and take out timings.