Restaurants in and around St. Helena | FerrariChat

Restaurants in and around St. Helena

Discussion in 'Drink, Smoke, and Fine Dining' started by nerd, Dec 14, 2009.

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  1. nerd

    nerd F1 Rookie

    Oct 12, 2003
    2,535
    Coronado, CA
    Full Name:
    RSK
    I would appreciate any inputs on the smaller bistros and restaurants in and around St. Helena:

    aka
    Cook
    Market

    We've dined many times at Cindy's Backstreet and occasionally at Martini House and Go Fish.

    Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

    We'll be having lunch at Fatted Calf in Napa on the way north. ;)

    Cheers!
     
  2. LUCCA-7

    LUCCA-7 Karting

    Apr 24, 2006
    121
    California
    Smaller Bistros around St. Helena #1 = Rutherford Grill, end of story!

    Press (expensive, but worth it) Restaurant is over the top. Sit in the bar area for a better value, otherwise just GO FOR IT :)

    Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant is very nice.

    The Grill at Meadowood . . . Meadowood says it all.

    Mustards (on Hwy 29 closer to Yountville) but worth the drive!

    Sunday Buffet Brunch at Brix is amazing. (on Hwy 29, closer to Yountville)

    Check out www.opentable.com for more info.
     
  3. frefan

    frefan F1 Veteran

    Apr 21, 2004
    7,370
    Ad Hoc in Yountville. There is only 1 menu per day so be sure to check it the day before.
     
  4. nerd

    nerd F1 Rookie

    Oct 12, 2003
    2,535
    Coronado, CA
    Full Name:
    RSK
    Thanks for the help!
     
  5. Ferrariguy2

    Ferrariguy2 F1 Rookie

    Apr 5, 2004
    3,092
    Naples, Florida
    Full Name:
    Chief
    The French Laundry
     
  6. John Z. Goriup

    Mar 4, 2009
    49
    Walnut Creek, CA US
    Full Name:
    John Z. Goriup
    Michael Chiarello ( you know, the host on Napa Style, & ex-chef at Tra Vigna ) recently opened a new place in Yountville,.... Bottega Restaurant.

    Wife & I had lunch there the other day......quite nice !
     
  7. nerd

    nerd F1 Rookie

    Oct 12, 2003
    2,535
    Coronado, CA
    Full Name:
    RSK
    I'll certainly go back, but as a collectors item from my last visit I have an apology letter from Keller. ;)
     
  8. vincent355

    vincent355 F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 8, 2003
    6,321
    Wine Country
    Full Name:
    Vincent
    Cook is small, lots of locals eat at the bar. The food is very good. INteresting italian wines.
    Market is also a locals staple, nice varied menu, excellent drinks and a diverse wine list with some offerings that appeal to those who eat out a lot.
    AKA bistro, has very good food but the restaurant feels more like a bar than a restaurant. Can be a bit loud.

    A bit more involved is Terra, though my last experience there was not great.

    Press is good, they are mostly steaks

    Go Fish is one of my favorites in St Helena, the black miso cod is delicious. BUt you've been there done that.

    The above are all in St Helena.

    In Yountville outsited of The French Laundry, Bistro Jeanty is excellent!!!!

    In Napa, La Toque is fantastic.
     
  9. nerd

    nerd F1 Rookie

    Oct 12, 2003
    2,535
    Coronado, CA
    Full Name:
    RSK
    #9 nerd, Dec 15, 2009
    Last edited: Dec 15, 2009

    Thank you Vincent! Interesting that you mentioned a less than satisfactory experience at Terra. Our last visit was probably 5-8 years ago and we were put off by how snooty the staff was....our server even stopped by the table to correct my soup eating technique. "The proper technique is to stir-in the creme fraiche before tasting, sir!" Jeepers! Honestly, I've had more comfortable dining experiences in top restaurants in Paris.

    We're set for dinners at Cook and return to Martini House, no doubt followed by port or brandy by the fire down in Martini House's cellar.

    Thanks again!
     
  10. GranCruBa

    GranCruBa Karting

    Oct 13, 2008
    137
    Bernardsville, NJ
    Full Name:
    Chris S.
    Market is our favorite in St. Helena and Bistro Jeanty in Yountville
     
  11. synchro

    synchro F1 Veteran

    Feb 14, 2005
    9,294
    CHNDLR
    Full Name:
    Scott
  12. MarineVette

    MarineVette Karting

    Mar 1, 2004
    106
    Just got back. Botegga in Yountvile was awesome. Cryus in Healdseburg was awesome.
     
  13. Janzen

    Janzen Formula Junior

    Oct 25, 2005
    420
    Oklahoma/Texas
    Full Name:
    Janzen
    I can vouch for Ad Hoc- Thomas Keller at a bargain prioce
     
  14. forgeahead

    forgeahead F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Sep 16, 2008
    4,408
    Rocky Mount, NC
    Full Name:
    Ray
    Rutherford grill is good with a great selection of just about everything. Brix is good. Tra Vigne used to be good but has lost it's luster.
     
  15. frefan

    frefan F1 Veteran

    Apr 21, 2004
    7,370
    Thats because Michael Chiarello is at Bottega ;)

    This thread reminds me -- I need a Napa fix
     
  16. vincent355

    vincent355 F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 8, 2003
    6,321
    Wine Country
    Full Name:
    Vincent
    You do!

    We've been to Travigne 3 times in the last six months and it has been excellent. We always go at lunch. Seems like less of a crowd and better service. We refused to eat there for a couple of years because is was not pleasant, but it's now back in the rotation. The homemade mozzarella is fantastic and when in season the grilled padrone peppers are a real treat.
     

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