San Francisco, Napa, Sonoma restaurant recommendations....
 

My husband and I will be in California in October. 3 nights in SF, 2 in Sonoma, 3 in Napa. Looking to splurge a few nights; good lunch destinations; any "must" places. Thanks!

In SF proper, I think having cocktails at the gorgeous Compass Rose room in the Lobby of the St. Francis is a great finish to shopping at Gumps and around. Top dinner experience is Fleur de Lys..bring money. Across the bay in Berkley is Chez Panisse, ground zero for foodies like me, the cafe upstairs has a larger menu (not a set dinner like downstairs). In Napa, many rave about French Laundry but I still like Michael Chiarellos Tra Vigne in St. Helena and sitting outside having lunch on a sunny afternoon at Auberge de Soleil is just about it for me. Also Domaine Chandon...champagne with every course! Salud!

I highly recommend Boulevard (415) 543-6084 and Jardiniere (415) 861-5555. <BR>Both have a great ambience (designed by Pat Kuleto)and superb chefs. Both are hot draws in the Bay Area. Call now and try to get reservations. They may be booked, especially if it's on the weekend, but ask to be put on their cancellation list. Occasionally you can even get a table if you just show up at the door without reservations but it's iffy at best. <BR> <BR>If you go to Boulevard, request a table in the back of the restaurant with a view of the Bay Bridge. <BR> <BR>If you go to Jardiniere, ask for a table upstairs next to the railing. <BR> <BR>In Healdsburg/Sonoma, try Chateau Souverain. The restaurant overlooks the vineyard. Try to time it so you watch the sunset. <BR> <BR>Good luck. <BR>

The Waterfront is currently a very popular fusion restaurant and everyone loves Farallon. Rose Pistola is very popular (Ligurian cooking in Little Italy). There are so many good ones in SF, nobody can tell you all. You will need to book any of these at least a week ahead. In Sonoma I would agree with Chateau Souverain and also the Madonna Manor dining room. John Ash & Co. is in Santa Rosa. In Napa, I still like Mustard's for lunch and Tra Vigne is very good as well as Terra. Domaine Chandon does a lovely lunch. I personally think the French Laundry is a bit tortured, but people will probably jump on me for that. A totally silly suggestion is the Red Hen on Rt. 29 on the west side of the highway south of Younteville and north of Napa. Go for great huevos rancheros for lunch. Yum! <BR>

We spent our October 1997 honeymoon in Napa/Sonoma. Please check out our honeymoon wedsite which is loaded with recommendations and links of our "top picks". It is at <BR>http://www.sarong.com/honeymoon.htm <BR> <BR>Make your reservations ASAP or you will miss out! If you have more specific questions, please email.