NeoPatrick

Looking for an update on places for a nice dinner. We'll be staying two nights at Vineyard Inn in St. Helena, so would like to be close. I haven't been to Napa in years now, so probably a little out of touch. TraVigne was always a favorite, but not sure what else is new. Open to type of food (so long as it's good), but ambience is just as important. Not looking for noisy, loud, crowded places. Outdoor if nice, candlelit, and "romantic" is nice, or if inside a place where you're not packed into a screaming mass of people. Oh, and we really don't want to drive far as we'll be drinking.

The good part is we'll be there on a Wednesday and Thursday night, but it's just a few weeks away from now!

Oh, and lunch suggestions are welcome too. Even something really good at a winery. Normally, we'd probably grab things at Oakville Grocery or somewhere and picnic, but that's not a requirement.

toncasmo

ad hoc for fried chicken

NeoPatrick

OK, toncasmo, I think they only serve the "life changing" fried chicken on Monday nights. I do see that they sell it for lunch from Addendum -- but I don't get if that's strictly a carry out, or a sit down lunch place. Or maybe we can pick up some fried chicken and eat it at some wonderful near by picnic spot? Suggestions?

elnap29

For lunch, try La Condessa in St. Helena. We ate there two weeks ago and enjoyed the lunch special which included salad, dessert and your choice of tacos for $15. The food was very unique and fresh. For a picnic lunch, you might prefer going to Sunshine Foods in St. Helena for greater selection and less expensive and less crowds than Oakville Grocery. Also, Giuni's on Main St. Is a popular deli and has been there many years.

Rastaguytoday

Terra restaurant is my favorite in St. Helena. It's been there for a while, and is Michelin starred. Hiro Sone is an excellent chef, to say the least.

I believe you will find this a serene, quiet restaurant.

http://www.terrarestaurant.com/

NeoPatrick

Oh wow, rastaguiytoday, I've been to Terra. Somehow I think I had it and Tra Vigne wrapped up together in my head. I think those two might be the two to hit on this trip for dinners.

Meanwhile, any comments on Graystone at the Culinary Institute for dinner? Friends rave about lunch there, but I don't think we want to do that kind of big deal lunch.

gabrielle4cb

For lunch I recommend Gott's Roadside in St. Helena, a favorite of locals and tourists. It gets packed, but there's plenty of outdoor seating. Their ahi burger is fabulous! You can also get take away picnic fare (and a lot of other gourmet goodies) at Dean and Deluca, in St Helena. Press next door to Dean and Deluca is a good steakhouse, but pricey. My favorite town for eating is Yountville. So much to choose from and I am always satisfied. Redd and Redd Wood, Bouchon and Ad Hoc, even if it's not fried chicken night. Bottega is great and is chef Michael Chiarello's restaurant, the former owner of Tra Vigne.
Bon Appetit!

toncasmo

at addendum , they have a nice grassy area that you can eat your chicken right there...just like being in a park. or there is park nearby, at end of street that we have picniced at with our dog---who was also welcome at ad hoc! and liked the life changing fried chicken too!

Underhill

For lunch, head right to Mustards Grill, a long-time standby with excellent and interesting food.

elnap29

Sitting on the outdoor terrace at Greystone CIA with drinks on a warm evening is a lovely Napa Valley experience. We had a great dinner inside but our time on the terrace was truly memorable.

I agree that Press is excellent. DH and I have eaten twice at Bottega, which is good, but we are not compelled to go back. It does have nice seating on an outdoor deck, though.

Farmstead has a lively outdoor patio for drinks and tasty appetizers, but the inside menu is too cardiac- unfriendly for us.

We have had fabulous dinners at Alex's Italian Restaurant in Rutherford, and the outdoor patio has a romantic flair.

Terra's reputation has always been stellar.

I'm sure you'll enjoy whatever you choose.

TerryLFred

One of our favorites is Cook St. Helena (Italian) http://www.cooksthelena.com/ It is great for lunch or dinner. This place is small so it doesn't fit your ambiance requirements but if you want something good and close, you might consider it.

NeoPatrick

What does anyone know about Cindy Pawlcyns Wood Grill? I love the food at Mustards, but this is closer and sounds like a lot more atmosphere,especially if on the patio? Right now I've booked that one night and Tra Vigne the other.

I'm hoping we can make it up from Carmel in time for picnic chicken at Addendum for lunch our first day.