razzledazzle - - yes, well aware of the lay of the land there, this will be our 5th or 6th trip down there in 10 years. A great dinner at a great restaurant is worth the drive. We have friends we'll be visiting in Sebastopol one evening, so will consider your Sebastopol recommendation too. Thanks much!

razzledazzle -- I think you mis-understood what I meant when I said we were staying in Sonoma, and understandable that you might. I meant that we are based out of Sonoma County (which is where we prefer to stay each trip) People are so wrapped up with Napa, that I always seem to feel the need to specify that we are staying on the "Sonoma side" not the Napa side.

Do any of you have recommendations for restaurants in Calistoga?

We go to Café Sarafornia for breakfast, which I like, http://cafesarafornia.com/ but never know what will work for dinner, and things seem to change frequently.

I liked Bottega a lot. Michael Chiarello was cooking when we were there.

and Nancy-I am saying that a GREAT dinner does not have to
be driven to. It is of course your choice
if you do not choose to explore some terrific alternatives
to the mass marketed.

Have fun !

R5

Kailani,

Consider JoLe or Solbar in Calistoga
http://www.jolerestaurant.com/
http://solbarnv.com/

I have a few other faves in the ares if these are not your cuppa.

R5

Thanks, Razzledazzle, those look great! I see you're off for the Big Island! I just got back, so have a wonderful time.

We are now back. Another great trip to Sonoma. Stayed in Santa Rosa, had a fun visit with our friends close by in Sebastapol. Based on so many recommendations here, went to Syrah for dinner. NOT good. 2 in group had very fishy fish (should have sent it back) and mine was just okay, but nothing to write home about - not typical of past dining experiences down there. Jackson's, on the other hand (his other place) was EXCELLENT. Maybe just an off-night for Syrah, but I won't go back. If you're going to drop coin in Wine Country for a great dinner, Syrah doesn't seem to be the place.