We (three women) are going for a wine country weekend for 3 nights (friday to monday) in early March. We're staying in St. Helena (at Meadowood). So far, we have planned dinner at the French Laundry on Saturday night (we are all foodies), and about 4 hours of winery touring on Sunday. We are thinking about a cooking demonstration at the CIA on Saturday morning, followed by lunch there (at Greystone restaurant). Has anyone done this and do you recommend it? Also, can anyone offer some good suggestions on restaurants for other lunches and dinners? We need a dinner spot Friday night and Sunday night. Perhaps something good but not as pricey or "fancy" as French Laundry? Has anyone eaten at the Meadowood restaurants? Or is there something else nearby (maybe in St. Helena) that would be a good choice? Thanks for any information!

Martini House in St. Helena is wonderful! I highly recommend it. We also really like Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen.

Was in Napa two weekends ago for a girls' trip. We also really enjoyed Martini House, and Bistro Jeanty as well. Domaine Chandon was fun. Also highly recommend Copia, the food and wine museum.

What no spa-ing in Calistoga ?

Any who, I was north there the 1st week of Feb, and agree with yale-dinner at Martini House and lunch at Cindy's.
Highlights at our meal at Martini House:
Braised shittake Mushroom w/
fried leeks,mirin,sake and ginger.
and MrR5's entree of Venison,
wild mushroom piroshiki,cabbage,sauerkraut and sauce
moscovite.
We enjoyed a lovely 2000 Paraduxx with our meal.
At Cindy's you might consider the Chinatown Duck Burger w/housemade shittake mushroom ketchup.

Now, if you are touring Copia I would
advise you consider Budo in Napa town.
www.restaurantbudo.com for a dinner
before the crowds find it.
Bon appetit!
R5

Bistro Jeanty and Domaine Chandon are both excellent suggestions. I also like Terra and Tra Vigne in St. Helena. If you get a chance, stop by Auberge du Soleil and have an appetizer or lunch on the patio, it's a gorgeous view!

I have been hearing great things about La Toque, but haven't tried it myself yet. Maybe soon! ***kim***

I've heard that you better be ready to go to McDonald's after the French Laundry, because you may still be hungry. Rutherford Grill offers great food and relaxed atmosphere. Wapo in Calistoga has a beautiful patio with food to match. You can always hit a mud bath while in Calistoga. St. Helena offers great window shopping, even the hardware store is worth a stop.

Yes, Wappo Bar & Bistro is very nice. We have enjoyed lunch out under the wisteria vines, I would like to try dinner there sometime, when we're in the area. Has anyone been to Stomp yet in the Mt. View Hotel? We loved Catahoula! ***kim***

Yes, we've been to Stomp.
R5

> STOPPIT, r5!!!!
First you DRAG us away from our annual November Anniversary ressie at Martini House and now you're making me drool over my k'board!!!! NO FAIR!!!
O

Pere Jeanty (Jeanty's other restaurant), Napa Valley Grille and Hurley's, all in Yountville, still kick my arse.

Pere Jeanty, huh? Kal, how does that compare to Bistro Jeanty? Would you say better? Do they serve skate there? That was what I had that I enjoyed so much my last visit to Bistro Jeanty. ***kim***

They'll serve anybody there, kimmer.

Oh yeah....
We <<<dragged>>> you
over to Cindy's.

I'll go call Taxi Cabernet and send them by.

Where would you and Mrs.Kal like to dine this evening?
Yes,yes Napa Valley Grille-
always gooooood!

R5

I just just checked their website, no skate. The Sole Meuniere and the Thyme Roasted Monkfish both sound like very interesting entrees.

europhile, I would give this place a look-at. I may have to try it myself in May! Thanks for the tip, Kal! Your suggestions have been very helpful.

You may also want to post your inquiry on the Chowhound board, europhile. www.chowhound.com Cheers! ***kim***

<<<They'll serve anybody
there, kimmer.>>>
Thank you, Kal for my daily
ROFLMAO.
R5

europhile, please report back on your stay at Meadowood, I'm interested in opinions on this place for a stay in the area this May! ***kim***

Wow- thanks for all the replies, everyone! I will definitely report back on Meadowood. We are looking forward to some great meals!

I hope you already have your reservations for French Laundry. It gets booked up quickly.

The hot new restaurant in St. Helena is Cook on Main Street, much more reasonable than the Martini House Also good in Calistoga is Fuentes (Used to be Wappo Taco). Stomp is iffy, have had some great meals and some not so great. The restaurant at Greystone is good the cooking classes are OK. I agree about getting a mud bath or spa treatments in Calistoga especially if it's a girl's weekend. The mud and jazz festival is in Calistoga the weekend of 3/5. If you are there then I highly recommend it. Have a great time!

R5 and Kal~if you have nothing nice to say, come sit by me!

Thanks for the hot tip about Cook! What did you have there that you liked? ***kim***