I'm about to head off for another relaxing week in Napa and Sonoma. Anybody have some favorite restaurants to recommend? My wife and I adore Domaine Chandon, Celadon, ... oh, really, too many to list! But we're always looking for somewhere new.

I haven't been anyplace new. My favorites remain French Laundry, of course, (big,big) if it's reopened and you can get in, La Toque, Bistro Jeanty, Tra Vigne.

Have you tried Don Giovanni's? It is located on the main road north?? of Napa, about 3-4 miles after the shopping Outlet mall.

This is my favorite place for lunch, have not tried dinner.

Have a wonderful trip!

Rita

There really is no contest, it is the French Laundry (by far). Otherwise better to go to Oregon and the Willamette valley which is slowly wresting the great wine/food mantle away from Napa. Quite an accomplishment given the much lower funding there (it also means you get thrice the food/wine in OR).

Tra Vigne, I love that place. Someday I'll even order something other then the risotto. We get reservations every time we head out there.

For breakfast, while the place is a dive, the food is great, and they give you a ton of it, the Schenville Diner just as you enter the valley by the triangle the firestation is on.

Auberge du Soleil

http://www.aubergedusoleil.com/html/restaurant.shtml

Request a table on the terrace.

Mustard's Grill

http://www.mustardsgrill.com/main.htm

General's Daughter

http://www.thegeneralsdaughter.com/

There have been some Napa/Sonoma restaurant ideas posted in the San Francisco Forum which is below in the section titled: “Travel&Dining : Featured Destinations”

Some mentioned are: Restaurant at Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in Napa Valley, Mustard's Grill, Tra Vigne, French Laundry.

As well as threads on which vineyards to visit.

Enjoy.

We love Bistro Don Giovanni. Last time we were out there, I remember seeing Jerry Rice come over from Raiders' training camp, which was happening nearby. It was very funny. Anyway, thanks for all the tips -- the French Laundry is high on my list as a must-see place. I've wanted to go there so badly. All these suggestions are making my mouth water at the prospect of this trip!

And going to Oregon's wine country is a trip I desperately want to make. I prefer the style of Pinot Noir they make there.

So many good things to look forward to ... thanks FTers!

This probably isn't what you're looking for, but I absolutely love to take a basket and a blanket to V. Sattui, select some fruit, cheese, bread and perhaps a little something-something (pasta salad? roasted garlic?) from the prepared foods case in the delicatessen, choose an appropriate bottle of wine, and then head for the lawn.

Spread out the blanket and spread out the goodies. People can pick and choose, grazing their way through the picnic arrangement It's simple and tasty, and if the weather is pleasant, all the better. I've done this twice with a group of co-workers, and it was a hit both times.

We always do a lunch at Sattui, it's a great place for a picnic. We are usually lucky enough to get a table. Then across the street, pay the five bucks at Prager Port and have ports for desert.

It can get a bit crowded though.

Julias at Copia was quite nice - and the gardens are pretty and educational as well ;)

This probably isn't what you're looking for, but I absolutely love to take a basket and a blanket to V. Sattui, select some fruit, cheese, bread and perhaps a little something-something (pasta salad? roasted garlic?) from the prepared foods case in the delicatessen, choose an appropriate bottle of wine, and then head for the lawn.

Precisely what we're looking for! Last trip out, we missed V. Sattui, and we're making it a point to go back to enjoy a picnic there. We love grabbing sandwiches at the Oakville Grocery or another place and just sneaking a quick lunch before continuing on our merry tasting way.

I've also heard that Julia's at Copia has really turned the corner in the last year under the new chef.

Had a great meal on a beautiful courtyard at: Della Santina's Trattoria -just off the plaza at 133 E. Napa St., Sonoma.

While in Sonoma be sure to buy some dry jack at Vella Cheese Company, 315 Second Street East, Sonoma, CA.

Love Tra Vigne, but spouse says we've gotta try someplace else next trip to wine country. Lagniappe: Merryvale tasting room next door is open later than most tasting rooms.

Never been to Bistro Don Giovanni despite repeated encouragement from tasting room staff - maybe I'll take spouse...

I like to buy olives, meats, cheeses & bottled water at Oakville Grocery or Dean & Delucca and snack between stops rather than "do lunch".

For a wild!! ride try the Oakville Grade over the mountains separating Napa & Sonoma vallies. It ends at the Oakville Grocery on Hwy 29.

Wow! Nobody mentioned Brix. You can have a wonderful meal sitting on the patio as the sun goes down eating nothing but appetizers from the menu. And their wine list has a load of values. :) Just reminded myself of this last weekend!

Tra Vigne is good, but their pizzaria in the Inn at Southbridge (next door) could use some work; I found it better as Tomatino.

-Dan

Precisely what we're looking for! Last trip out, we missed V. Sattui, and we're making it a point to go back to enjoy a picnic there. We love grabbing sandwiches at the Oakville Grocery or another place and just sneaking a quick lunch before continuing on our merry tasting way.


So kind of you to say! :)

You can, of course, cheat a little by visiting a grocery or farmer's market beforehand, and choosing some key items as opposed to throwing caution to the wind and assembling a picnic just from whatever Sattui has on hand. But hey, it's your picnic!

I've always liked the low-pressure, laid-back attitude of the Sattui folks, and the open invitation to picnic on their lawn.

I've always liked the low-pressure, laid-back attitude of the Sattui folks, and the open invitation to picnic on their lawn.

The "open invitation" isn't all it once was. Two data points in the past month and a half suggest that they're cracking down on outside food. They've been "policing" more and more to protect their "patrons".

Personally, I find Sattui to be a bit of a Disneyland experience. I'd much rather be at a more secluded spot on the Silverado trail or up toward Calistoga for my picnic. I just like the serenity over the masses.

***

But back to restaurants - grabbed some lunch from Tra Vigne Pizzaria this weekend while at the spa next door. GREAT food (I had a risotto and my friends had salads) and decent prices :D

A bit "standard", but I love Brix. Mustard's is also great!

Terra in St Helena. http://www.terrarestaurant.com Their sake broth fish is still one of the best I've ever had in my life. Hmmm.

Back from Napa and the only regret is that we didn't have enough time to sample all the restaurants we wanted to go to! Ended up at Tra Vigne one night, which was a great new experience. I think it's supplanted Don Giovanni as our favorite Italian.

Terrific meals at Celadon, Domaine Chandon, and Pearl -- Pearl's a new favorite now, as well. Great short ribs!

We ended up at Bistro Ralph and Ravenous, two great places in Healdsburg, if anyone's every up in Sonoma. And now my mind is escaping me on the lunch and breakfast front ... oh, Alexis Baking Company (ABC) is great in Napa for breakfast, as is Gillwoods. Shoot, there are so many ... so so many! And thanks for all the wonderful suggestions. I need to go back for more food ...

Back from Napa and the only regret is that we didn't have enough time to sample all the restaurants we wanted to go to! Ended up at Tra Vigne one night, which was a great new experience. I think it's supplanted Don Giovanni as our favorite Italian....


I went in May to both:
Don Giovanni, Napa, has a nice decoration. The food was so-la-la. And the place had a little "fast-food-ambiance", like part of a chain... :td:

Tra Vigne, St. Helena, is also nice, good food and better run, better management, service etc. ^

I also liked Bistro Jantry, Yountville. Nice restaurant good food, good service. ^

I never tried French Laundry - not my price range :(

In Yountville:
Gordon's for lunch.
Bistro Jeanty.
Everyone should eat at F. Laundry once but that's enough.
Wappo Bar in Calistoga is kinda neat.
Martini House is a newish place in S. Helena by Pat Kuleto.
I miss the Brava Terrace between S. Helena and Calistoga--their duck confit was the best.

Help me choose :)

Last year, we went to Tra Vigne. We tried to go to Bistro Don Giovanni -- but the wait was too long.

We are returning in a couple of weeks. Right now, my short list is Bistro Don Giovanni, Bistro Jeanty, and the CIA's Greystone.

If you were going to choose two of these for dinner and one for lunch -- which would you choose for dinner?

Also, Bistro Jeanty and Bistro Don Giovanni aren't "too similar" are they?

Thanks!!!

~~~I am also interested in feedback on the Glen Ellen Inn restaurant or Syrah.

FWIW, we are staying two nights in Sonoma and three nights in Santa Rosa this trip -- and possibly one in Napa (undecided).

This site is fairly interesting (jmho) -- restaurant ratings

http://www.ilovenapa.com/visitors_restaurant_home.php

Located in St. Helena, it was a great place. Try the smores!!!

Help me choose :)

Last year, we went to Tra Vigne. We tried to go to Bistro Don Giovanni -- but the wait was too long.

We are returning in a couple of weeks. Right now, my short list is Bistro Don Giovanni, Bistro Jeanty, and the CIA's Greystone.

If you were going to choose two of these for dinner and one for lunch -- which would you choose for dinner?

Also, Bistro Jeanty and Bistro Don Giovanni aren't "too similar" are they?

Thanks!!!

~~~I am also interested in feedback on the Glen Ellen Inn restaurant or Syrah.

FWIW, we are staying two nights in Sonoma and three nights in Santa Rosa this trip -- and possibly one in Napa (undecided).

Bistro Jeanty and Bistro Don Giovanni are nothing alike. I'd do Brix or Mustards before Giovanni. Go to Jeanty and do have the tomato soup. Also go to Bouchon, Kellers other Yountville place. Jeanty is French farmhouse bistro, Bouchon is French Paris bistro. Very different styles of cooking.

St. Helena: Martini House for sure. Skip Pinot Blanc, service is bad every time we eat there.

In Santa Rosa, try Syrah, Cafe Lolo, and Mixx. All are excellent. Syrah is a favorite of mine. Josh Silver is a great up and coming chef. For a locals kind of place, try Capri in Railroad Square. Luigi will make you feel like you've been coming in for years.

Petaluma or Sonoma: The Girl and the Fig is wonderful.

We are returning in a couple of weeks. Right now, my short list is Bistro Don Giovanni, Bistro Jeanty, and the CIA's Greystone.

If you were going to choose two of these for dinner and one for lunch -- which would you choose for dinner?

If anything, Tra Vigne and Bistro Don Giovanni are quite similar. I've never found myself a fan of Brix or Mustard's -- we've just not had any luck with them and avoid them now.

Bistro Jeanty is superb. Greystone might feel like a letdown afterwards, but it is a fun place. I like eating at cooking schools.

One place you might consider for lunch is Angele, located in downtown Napa, right along the river. Fantastic place. The lunch menu is virtually identical to the dinner one, but the portions smaller and prices lower.

You might think about what wineries you plan on going to when considering which place you want to hit for lunch -- if you're going to be farther up Highway 29, you might prefer to do CIA/Greystone for lunch. That way you minimize driving -- always a plus!

We just came back from a long weekend in Napa two weeks and ate dinner at the following:

Tra Vigne-a large disappointment. We've had lunch there a few times and were always pleased. The service at dinner was lackluster (waiter seemed a bit miffed that I wanted beer with dinner after tasting wine all day). The food that we has was OK/good, but the menu was terrible. It didn't have a lot of selections and it hardly seemed like a Mediterranean/Italian restaurant. Next time, I'll go back to Don Giovanni's

Brix-Very nice meal. As someone else noted, it's very pleasing to sit outside watch the sun go down while dining.

Cole's Chop House-an excellent steak house that rivals some of the best in NYC. A strip steak is what you want here. It always amazed me that Napa/Sonoma didn't have a decent steak house until Cole's opened a few years ago. All that cabernet and not a decent steak to be found then.

Some notes:
1. We did the picnic thing for lunch one day. We picked up some goodies at Dean & DeLuca and then ate at the picnic grounds at Rutherford Hill. It's just up the hill from Auberge Soleil so you can the view for a >slightly< less expensive lunch. Typically, I'm not a fan of Rutherford Hill, but did stop by their tasting room. I ended up buying six bottles of an amazingly good Petit Verdot! Apparently, they (and a few other wineries in Napa) bottle all five of the Bordeaux varietals.
2. If you venture into Sonoma, you must stop by the Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa. In an warehouse/commercial area, it has by far the best selection/pricing of Napa/Sonoma wines of any wine store in the area. Prices are 15-20% less the wineries and they will ship to any state. I was quoted a price of $23/case to ship to VT plus the cost of the shipper ($7). Obviously, that is ground shipping (to be avoided in the warmer months), but they will take phone orders and publish a newsletter.

2. If you venture into Sonoma, you must stop by the Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa. In an warehouse/commercial area, it has by far the best selection/pricing of Napa/Sonoma wines of any wine store in the area. Prices are 15-20% less the wineries and they will ship to any state. I was quoted a price of $23/case to ship to VT plus the cost of the shipper ($7). Obviously, that is ground shipping (to be avoided in the warmer months), but they will take phone orders and publish a newsletter.

This is a terrific wine store. Heitz Martha's Vineyard Cabernet 1999 for $91.47, anyone? It's also just around the corner from Siduri Winery -- yes, yes, located in an industrial park; you've got to believe it to see it! They're a terrific Pinot Noir producer. Their assistant winemaker loves the Bottle Barn, too. Great California selection with some outstanding prices.

Tra Vigne, I love that place. Someday I'll even order something other then the risotto. We get reservations every time we head out there.

For breakfast, while the place is a dive, the food is great, and they give you a ton of it, the Schenville Diner just as you enter the valley by the triangle the firestation is on.

Here's another vote for Tra Vigne, and also for their risotto!

My husband and I go to Sonoma about 4 times a year. We like Deuce, Cafe la Haye, and Girl and the Fig. Deuce I find to be greatly underrated. There is a nice courtyard if you want to eat outside, and the interior is beautiful---lovely woodwork and metalwork. Excellent service, terrific wine list (no surprise there). Cafe la Haye may have the best food of the three. Girl and the Fig has very good bistro-type fare (in the winter, their cassoulet is fantastic!). I think their desserts are a bit lack-luster, generally. They also have nice outdoor seating.

In case you are interested, the best coffee shop in Sonoma (hands down, IMO) is the Barking Dog Coffee Roasters. They do indeed roast their own. It's a nice place to sit and read the paper (many available, even the NY Times).

I'm opening myself up to ridicule by saying this, but my wife and my favorite restaurant there is Carneros at the Renaissance Lodge. Granted that's where we always stay, but the atmosphere, service, food quality, and wine list are all simply outstanding. It is a favorite among locals, so it must have something going for it!

The "open invitation" isn't all it once was. Two data points in the past month and a half suggest that they're cracking down on outside food. They've been "policing" more and more to protect their "patrons".


Hmmm....I didn't know outside food is not allowed in the picnic area at Sattui. Is there a sign somewhere???

Ate at a new (to us!) restaurant in Sonoma this weekend: La Poste, on Broadway right next to the (you guessed it!) post office. Tiny bistro, more seating outside than inside. The food was wonderful, and it was obvious that it is a local favorite. I think it's about to become our new favorite here, too.

Deuce was a disappointment this time. La Haye was on vacation.

Bouchon in Yountville...just down the street from the French Laundry. And V. Sattui is always a great choice when there's nice weather.

I keep repeating myself here: Mirepoix, Mirepoix, Mirepoix. I've been to pretty much every place in the county and Mirepoix is currently at the top of their game and on top of the other places around.
Flavor is a new place in downtown Santa Rosa. The food is good, nothing extraordinary. However, they feature Moonlight Brewing on tap. Brian Hunt is an extraordinary brewer; particularly his various Lagers. Russian River BRewing Company is a few blocks away. Vinnie Cilurzo is in a league of his own (well Phil Markowski is there too). I've been going to Sonoma County 6-8x per year for several years. I love the wine. In truth, however, its the three top breweries out there that get me most excited these days (Bear Republic in Healdsburg, being the third

Bistro Ralph in Healdsberg is a very nice little restaurant.

The deli at the Korbel winery is also quite acceptable for lunch.

This probably isn't what you're looking for, but I absolutely love to take a basket and a blanket to V. Sattui, select some fruit, cheese, bread and perhaps a little something-something (pasta salad? roasted garlic?) from the prepared foods case in the delicatessen, choose an appropriate bottle of wine, and then head for the lawn.

Spread out the blanket and spread out the goodies. People can pick and choose, grazing their way through the picnic arrangement It's simple and tasty, and if the weather is pleasant, all the better. I've done this twice with a group of co-workers, and it was a hit both times.

This was an awesome stop on our recent Napa day trip (and we definitely needed some food by the time we got there). The wine for purchase is decent, but the free tasting definitely is skipable.

Glad you liked it, Kersie. :)

Help me choose :)

Last year, we went to Tra Vigne. We tried to go to Bistro Don Giovanni -- but the wait was too long.

We are returning in a couple of weeks. Right now, my short list is Bistro Don Giovanni, Bistro Jeanty, and the CIA's Greystone.

If you were going to choose two of these for dinner and one for lunch -- which would you choose for dinner?

Also, Bistro Jeanty and Bistro Don Giovanni aren't "too similar" are they?

Thanks!!!

~~~I am also interested in feedback on the Glen Ellen Inn restaurant or Syrah.

FWIW, we are staying two nights in Sonoma and three nights in Santa Rosa this trip -- and possibly one in Napa (undecided).

I liked Bistro Jeanty, nice little Bistro, food is quite good, former chef from Domain Chandon.

I also liked Tra Vigne, bigger, food also OK.

I didn't care for Don Giovanni - food was a little like fast food and overcooked.

In St. Helena is a Dean & DeLuca .. very nice stuff for a picnic!

BTW, I did not find a nice restaurant in Santa Rosa, nor a nice hotel. The Hilton was lousy ..

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/04/04/CM100REST_INDEX.txt

In St. Helena is a Dean & DeLuca .. very nice stuff for a picnic!

BTW, I did not find a nice restaurant in Santa Rosa, nor a nice hotel. The Hilton was lousy ..

Don't forget the Oakville Grocery for picnic stuff. I prefer it strongly to D&D.

Were you at the Hilton pre-renovation or more recently? And for restaurants in Sonoma, while there are some options in Santa Rosa proper, I've found the real treasure trove to be in Healdsburg. Bistro Ralph was just mentioned, which is very nice, as well as Ravenous. There are others, such as the Farmhouse Inn in Forestville, too. But, for the most part, I'm inclined to say that the dining for my taste is more attractive in Napa, although I think that might be changing slowly but surely as Sonoma gets more and more excellent restaurants.

Bistro Jeanty is great -- the chef who built Domaine Chandon into greatness. Bistro don Giovanni, I've found, has been disappointingly inconsistent. I prefer Tra Vigne at the moment, though sometimes in the summer some of the dishes can feel a little heavy.

Try Cyrus, a new restaurant in Healdsburg which is giving the French Laundry a run for its money.

www.cyrusrestaurant.com

Don't forget the Oakville Grocery for picnic stuff. I prefer it strongly to D&D.

Were you at the Hilton pre-renovation or more recently? And for restaurants in Sonoma, while there are some options in Santa Rosa proper, I've found the real treasure trove to be in Healdsburg. Bistro Ralph was just mentioned, which is very nice, as well as Ravenous. There are others, such as the Farmhouse Inn in Forestville, too. But, for the most part, I'm inclined to say that the dining for my taste is more attractive in Napa, although I think that might be changing slowly but surely as Sonoma gets more and more excellent restaurants.

Bistro Jeanty is great -- the chef who built Domaine Chandon into greatness. Bistro don Giovanni, I've found, has been disappointingly inconsistent. I prefer Tra Vigne at the moment, though sometimes in the summer some of the dishes can feel a little heavy.

My room was a newly renovated, large, bland room at Hilton.

I had seen Farmhouse Inn at Zagat ... didn't go, was a little too far.
Went to two restaurants at the depot/railway area (?) both had overcooked food. There is also a breakfast joint, which was very good ... long lines.

Dean & Deluca is fine, but a little expensive .. they had a (middle sized) bread for $8.00! I used my D&D $100 cash card, which I got from Lexus for test driving a car. ;)

Dean & Deluca is fine, but a little expensive .. they had a (middle sized) bread for $8.00! I used my D&D $100 cash card, which I got from Lexus for test driving a car. ;)

Now that's some top-notch FTing, USAFAN! The way to travel. Good move.

John Ash & Co. (in the Vintner's Inn) in Healdsburg is lovely...the dining room is literally plopped down in the middle of a vineyard.

Kenwood Restaurant in Kenwood is great for lunch.

John Ash & Co. (in the Vintner's Inn) in Healdsburg is lovely...the dining room is literally plopped down in the middle of a vineyard.


John Ash is in Santa Rosa

Also posted this in the other Napa/Sonoma thread that's gone around. There are a couple interesting pieces that have appeared about Sonoma, in particular Healdsburg, in the past couple days:

From the NY Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/03/dining/13sonoma.html?

There's also this piece from this month's Wine Enthusiast:

http://www.winemag.com/issues/aug05/sonoma.htm

Cyrus in Healdsburg is absolutlely top notch !! (Chef and Maitre d' are ex-Gary Danko). IMO, as good as French Laundry, without the "attitude".

Other favorites are Terra in St. Helena and Mirepoix in Windsor


.

French Laundry and Mustards are great but last evening I experienced a new restaurant in Napa that has the potential to be one of the best, if not the best. Budo is located at 1600 Soscol and it is spectacular for the architecture (it was purpose built for this restaurant) and the food is unbelieveable. Hard to describe but it is something like French/continental meets Asia. Had a wonderful John Dory (hard to find in the US) with ****akke mushrooms and a sake reduction sauce. I recommend this without any qualification. Also, because it is less than a year old it is not overbooked and you will have a good chance to get a reservation. It has great reviews and I think it is going to be featured in this months Food and Wine magazine (Aug 05). Across the parking lot is the River Terrace Inn which is a nice hotel at a reasonable price. Not 5 star but really nice.

Wow! Nobody mentioned Brix. You can have a wonderful meal sitting on the patio as the sun goes down eating nothing but appetizers from the menu. And their wine list has a load of values. :) Just reminded myself of this last weekend!

-DanWe couldn't make it to the restaurant on our visit, but we attended one of the downtown Napa cooking sessions with Brix (http://www.brix.com/)' exec chef, Ryan Jackson. All I can say is, ^ ^

Cyrus in Healdsburg is absolutlely top notch !! (Chef and Maitre d' are ex-Gary Danko). IMO, as good as French Laundry, without the "attitude".

Other favorites are Terra in St. Helena and Mirepoix in Windsor.

It's been a while since I've been able to get back on the forums, unfortunately, and a full Sonoma report (very long) will be coming. But I have to say -- enthusiastic thumbs up to Cyrus for being an ultimate dining experience. Top-notch all around.

Mirepoix, however, I think had the best food of our trip. The place is astonishing!

It's been a while since I've been able to get back on the forums, unfortunately, and a full Sonoma report (very long) will be coming. But I have to say -- enthusiastic thumbs up to Cyrus for being an ultimate dining experience. Top-notch all around.

Mirepoix, however, I think had the best food of our trip. The place is astonishing!


Glad you liked my advice !

(I love it when I'm right !! :D :D )

.

The Girl & the Fig in Sonoma (http://www.thegirlandthefig.com/html-sonoma/index.html)

Not haute cuisine, but one of our favorite places while staying at the Lodge at Sonoma.

Any thoughts on Hurley's or Pilar? And I want to choose between Bouchon and Brix for a lunch - have seen mixed reviews on Bouchon but FTers seem to like (from this thread) - any specific LUNCH insights? Thanks.

I think Bouchon does a great job for both dinner and lunch. Hurley's doesn't really excite me too much. It's good, but not up to Bouchon or the Jeanty establishments.

My favorite is the Martini House in St. Helena. Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen there is also good.

Thanks for the info - will try Bistro Jeanty & Pilar (for dinners), and Brix (for lunch) - and will report back next week!

Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen there is also good.


I have to agree! Had a great meal there last night. I highly recommend the duck! ^

Just returned - all the meals were great - Bistro Jeanty, Pilar (relatively new, near the mill in Napa), and Brix...and Bouchon Bakery is awesome!

tdo-ca, Glad you enjoyed some of the recommendations here. Napa can be a deadly place once you find all of the right places to go.

I think I had foie gras three different times over the course of a weekend one time. Then there was the desert AND cheese course after every meal. And the trips to Dean and Deluca for "snacks". And of course, breakfast at Bouchon - The Grand Plateau (or tower of seafood as we like to call it) washed down with a bottle or two of champagne. I pretty much have to give in to my gluttony when I'm there. :D

I have to agree! Had a great meal there last night. I highly recommend the duck! ^

I seem to remember having a duck hamburger there for lunch one day. Fantastic!

Another suggestion -- definitely not fine dining, but Taylor's Refresher in St. Helena should definitely be a lunch stop. Great burgers and milkshakes.

Another suggestion -- definitely not fine dining, but Taylor's Refresher in St. Helena should definitely be a lunch stop. Great burgers and milkshakes.

A great place - their fish tacos are good too - garlic fries...and beer and wine...a winner!

I seem to remember having a duck hamburger there for lunch one day. Fantastic!

I had a duck breast sandwich at Brix which I truly enjoyed -