My husband and I will be visiting San Fran. Aug 13/14 then on to Napa. We will stay at The Meadowood Resort for 4 days, Wed-Sat. Been there once for 1 nite only at Auberge and ate there. We'd appreciate any comments on restaurants to avoid or must-try...we don't really go for over-the-top French cuisine like duck,buttery sauces, however, we like simple French like "steak-frites" etc. We like italian, and California cuisine.Bouchon looks good, as does Tra Vigne,Brix...Bistro Don Giovanni.Any comments on these? We do not want to even try to do the French Laundry..sounds way too "over the top french",too hard to get a resv. Also, what about our hotel, the Meadowood restaurant..it sounds a bit heavy on the french as well.We like EXCELLENT service tho...and will expect it..we like nice ambiance..and even FUN.

Dear Gay,

I posted a similar question and received some helpful feedback from some lovely ladies. Look at mine, which is just a few before your posting. Have a great time with your husband. Meadowod is a real treat!

A terrific locals' place in the city of Napa is Cafe Lucy, serves a changing menu of fresh, delicious California cuisine at moderate prices. Open for lunch Tues-Sat and dinner Thurs-Sat.

gay,

we went to bouchon about two weekends ago and had a wonderful time. i believe that many of the restaurant staff from other restauarants go there quite a bit because it's open till 2 a.m. i had fish and my dining companion had chicken. both dishes were wonderfully prepared and flavored, not too heavy. i saw others order "steak-frites" and they looked like they were enjoying them. the atmosphere is very nice yet still casual. i've heard some complaints from others about the service there, but i thought it was top notch.

we originally had reservations at bistro jeanty, but the service there was so bad that after sitting around for 45 minutes, we ended up leaving, which was a first for me. people say the food there is good, but try it only if you want to take chances with your evening. fortunately, bouchon down the street was able to accomodate us with a smile.

Bouchon is wonderful,,,calls itself a french bistro. More casual than french laundry.

Bouchon was started( and I beleive is still owned) by an owner of french laundy. Great Wine list, too.

Reservations required

Try Bistro Jeanty in Yountville. Really wonderful bistro food- great ambiance. Have fun!

Tra Vigne is very good Italian with a bit of California thrown in for the mix. Mustard's is a fun rather casual place but when busy the service can slow a bit. Greystone (CIA) might be a place you'd like--they have a very pretty patio. And, if you want silly roadside Mexican, try the Red Hen Cantina. Oh---probably the place you'd like the best is the cafe at Domaine Chandon winery--French food but not "over the top", champagne by the glass and excellent service.

Gay, while in San Francisco go to L'Entrecote over on Union Street for the best steak and frites west of Paris!

Definitely try Terra. The food, ambience and service is fantastic. The head chef and his wife (the pastry chef) have a cookbook out by that name. If you are at a bookstore, check it out. You'll see how creative they really are.

You've gotten good advise so far. I thought Bouchon was a wonderful French bistro-type place with attractive atmosphere, excellent food and good service. Terra in St. Helena is very wonderful-one of the best places around. Tra Vigne is an attractive Italian place that is usually very busy.