razzle-(may I call you razzle?). Very funny. You are right, to a point. Many times when a chef leaves a restaurant its demise is eminent.

The food obviously is more important than charm (there is nothing charming about Mario Batali), but it didn't hurt his reputation when I heard that adorable Todd English sing happy birthday to his son at a supperclub dinner. You just really wanted to take a bite out of HIM!!!

And it is a spectator sport if you just watch and don't eat. : - )

Just called to make a reservation and got through --1st try. Unfortunately, they are booked for the 2 nights we will be in Napa in August. Oh, well, I'm sure I can find another good alternative based on the recommendations here!

KathyM, when we stayed in a B&B in Napa, the owner was able to make reservations for us at several then-sought after places. Could someone where you're staying perhaps try to get you in?

They did encourage me to call back several days before, because that is when people need to reconfirm their reservations and sometimes places open up.

I've eaten at FL and enjoyed the food very much. On the other hand, I didn't think it was far and away better than other restaurants in the SF Bay Area, including Masa, Charles Nob Hill, Gary Danko, Chez Panisse, Boulevard, or Michelin 2 and 3-starred restaurants in France. If you get a reservation, great. If you don't, there are so many other restaurants to choose from.

You had my fullest respect bugswife until you mentioned Todd English....truly icckky IMHO, have seen, met and spoken with him...wouldn't be my first or fifth choice as a guest at my dinner party. And his places in Boston have a bad rep for consistancy in the kitchen and overall poor training of all staff.