Napa Trip Part 2: Redd

Continuing with the Napa goodness ... photos from dinner at Redd, run by chef Richard Reddington, who has credentials from Masa's, Jardiniere, and Auberge du Soleil under his belt. The boyfriend and I each got the $80 five-course tasting menu, and were delighted that the chef gave us each a different dish per course, so we basically tried 10 different dishes! 

With the fairly reasonable prices and delicious, contemporary food, this place has landed a spot on my list of fave restaurants in the Napa area!

Our wine for the night -- Jarvis 2007 Merlot

Yellowfin tuna tartare, asian pear, avocado, chili oil, fried rice crackers

 Caramelized scallop, cauliflower puree, golden raisins

Hamachi sashimi, edamame, sticky rice, lime ginger sauce

Sole and clams in frothy broth

Glazed pork belly

Roasted chicken with polenta

Hangar steak

 Duck breast, bean cassoulet, bread crumbs

 Raspberry sorbet and peach shortcake

 Chocolate beignet, caramel ice cream, caramelized banana

Complimentary fruit snacks to finish!

Redd

6480 Washington Street

Yountville, CA 94599

www.reddnapavalley.com

Brunch at Tra Vigne

The last of my Napa posts for now - photos from our brunch at Tra Vigne.

A quiet place for a meal

Ouvo Benedetto All' Italiana - Italian-style eggs benedict with poached eggs, crispy pancetta, and basil hollandaise ($12.95)

Frittata Tra Vigne - smoked chicken, leeks, crimini mushrooms, and fontina cheese ($10.95)

Pasticcio di Costata di Bue - slow braised beef short ribs hash with poached eggs and sun dried tomato pesto ($12.75)

Tra Vigne
1050 Charter Oak Avenue
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 963-4444
www.travignerestaurant.com

Terra - Heaven on Earth

It's hard to stay grounded while eating at Terra. Chef Hiro Sone's classic European dishes, intricately balanced with Asian flavors and impeccably presented, make him a culinary hero in my book. My meal here was absolutely spectacular.

Thanks to Lauren for shooting the photos and noting the names and prices of our dishes. I apologize if the photos are somewhat dark - the lighting in the restaurant wasn't great, and I can only do so much on Photoshop.

Robert Mondavi 2003 Merlot
Always a solid choice for food

Tartar of hamachi with hijiki (a sea veggie) and yuzu (a citrus fruit) viniagrette ($16.50)
Very fresh fish and beautiful presentation

Lobster chowder with sweet corn and potatoes ($14.50)
Beats every chowder and lobster bisque I've ever had, hands down

Grilled quail on sweet corn and chanterelle mushroom risotto with truffles ($29)
Juicy and tender quail, great balance with the texture of the risotto

Grilled Maine lobster and scallops with lemon garlic paisley butter ($32)
Seafood lovers' delight

Liberty Farm Duck "Three Ways" - shredded duck meat crispy roll, seared duck breast, and duck pate with mushroom sauce ($28.50)
A winning trio for the best entree of the meal

Tiramisu ($8)
Not as rich and creamy as I'd like, but very creative interpretation

With such an innovative menu, wonderful staff, cozy ambiance, and top rated wine list, Terra is the perfect place for an intimate and memorable meal in wine country. My only complaint is that the restaurant isn't closer to where I live, so I could go more often!

Terra Restaurant
1345 Railroad Avenue
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 963-8931
www.terrarestaurant.com

Napa Wineries!

I've decided that my ultimate dream wedding would take place in Napa. We'd have the ceremony and read our vows in a pretty vineyard on a warm spring day, then follow up at a reception overflowing with champagne (Chandon seems like a good choice), and finally, dinner at one of the many great restaurants there, or perhaps a winery that could accommodate all the tables. And of course, an impressive wine list at each venue. And flowers. And maybe a mini orchestra, which could include my many musically-talented friends.

Of course, there's only an infinitesimal chance of my wedding actually turning out like this, but it's still nice to imagine.

On my Napa trip a few months ago, I came across several wineries and wines that would be perfect for my dream wedding. One of the things I love about going to wine country is that there's so much more than just wine that's waiting to be experienced. Each winery has its own approach to making the nectar of the gods, as well as its own unique history, architecture, and marketing style.

Our first stop was Darioush, a gorgeous winery reminiscent of a Persian palace (indeed, the owner's first name is Darioush, which is also the name of Persia's most famous ruler). The entrance was bold but inviting, with 16 free-standing columns and water fountains with floating lily pads. The building itself was constructed from some kind of yellow-colored stone, and the interior featured ancient Persian sketches, modern Italian furniture, and a 20-foot-high wall of cascading water. Pretty fit for a king, in my opinion.

The wines were very promising as well. Darioush specializes in Bordeaux reds, along with Shiraz and Chardonnay. Very solid Cabernet Sauvignon from 2004 and 2005.

Silver Oak was a pleasant stop on the trip. The winery only produces Cabernet and had two current releases for tasting - 2002 from Napa Valley and 2003 from Alexander Valley. Ten bucks will get you a generous pour of both wines, along with a complimentary souvenir wine glass.

I always try to stop at V. Sattui when I'm in Napa. The winery reminds me of a quaint little cottage, with a pretty picnic area. Plus I'm in love with their sweet wines, including their Muscat and their award-winning Gamay Rouge (I would really love to have this at my wedding reception). The winery is family-owned without any distributors, so their wines are only available from the winery.

My favorite winery overall for the trip was Joseph Phelps. We attended a personal tasting seminar where the instructor taught us ways to taste and make notes consistently, using a variety of whites and reds from the winery. The Insignia is JP's finest signature wine, with the 2004 release selling for $200 per bottle now. But what really stood out for me was their Le Mistral, which had me chirping to the heavens (in my mind, of course). Delicious blackberry and cherry flavors, balanced amount of tannins, aged in French oak barrels. And it's a great investment at $40 per bottle.

Pine Ridge was another beautiful winery, although I didn't do the tour and tasting because we were a few short on the reservations. While waiting for some of my friends, I walked around through part of their vineyard.

My friends loved the tour, and judging from the photos, it looked like a really beautiful winery. The most amazing part? Naturally-insulated, underground volcanic caves, lined with over 4,600 French oak barrels filled with wine for aging. And the caves are lit and structured in a way that make them pretty romantic, in my opinion.

Now wouldn't that make a nice setting for a wedding dinner?

Our last stop on the trip was the renowned Opus One, the child of the creative forces of Robert Mondavi and Baroness Philippine de Rothschild. Just like its wine, the architecture and interior design of the winery reflect a blend of classical European and contemporary Californian elements.

After a tour, we sat on the balcony level and sipped on their 2003 vintage while enjoying the view.

Overall, a wonderful trip. Even if I won't get my dream wedding in Napa :)

Special thanks to Lauren for some of these photos.