Restaurant Review – March 2011

Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine Restaurant Review March 2011

Like being in Tuscany…
Cantinetta Piero in the Hotel Luca in Yountville

By Dorothy and John Salmon

We had a delightful dinner at Cantinetta Piero in the Hotel Luca in Yountville with our good friends David and Donna Mendelsohn. It was the first visit for all of us to the Hotel Luca and Cantinetta Piero. For the locals, you might remember this location as the former Luigi’s Pizza, which has been replaced by the fantastic new hotel and restaurant.

As we walked into Cantinetta Piero through the hotel courtyard, it was as if Yountville’s Washington Street faded away and we were instantly transported to Tuscany. The hotel is small and lovely and feels like it was designed to replicate a romantic Tuscan getaway. It seems to succeed at that in all ways. As with most Yountville hotels, The Hotel Luca is not inexpensive, but it is beautifully appointed with old world charm with 200 year old tiles on the roof contrasting with interesting contemporary design. The Hotel Luca has a lovely pool, outdoor seating areas and a very Tuscan courtyard, complete with fountain and a magical ability to transport guests to Tuscany in a moment.

The hotel also offers fully furnished residences. If you can afford to stay for 30 days or more, you will live in style with a fireplace, radiant floor heating, a full kitchen, an enclosed balcony and a cozy and classy spa complete with a salt water lavender pool and a workout room. After our dinner at Cantinetta Piero, we wondered why anyone staying at the Hotel Luca for 30 days would ever choose to cook in their room!

Cantinetta Piero has about 75 seats and offers amazing Tuscan style food with friendly service in a lovely setting. We were greeted by Danielle Kuzinich, the Assistant Manager and Sommelier who was extremely friendly, helpful and welcoming. We immediately decided we liked this lovely place. The food is fresh, seasonal and regional and we all thought that it was the best Italian food we had eaten in a while. The room feels larger than it is because of its 15-foot vaulted brick ceiling, massive beams, large wine display, pizza bar with the essential wood-burning oven and an open kitchen with a salumi curing room.

We had dinner at Cantinetta Piero in the winter, but if you choose to dine in the late spring, summer or early fall, you can dine outdoors in a lovely area ringed by olive trees. You won’t want to miss either lunch or dinner. But, if you only have time for a cocktail or a glass of wine, you can do that too in their lovely cocktail bar area that serves wines from Italy and from local wineries.  This is the perfect place for a romantic dinner or to celebrate something special..

Cantinetta Piero has a world class chef in Executive Chef,, Jason Balestrieri, who began his career in Wisconsin and quickly moved to southern California, where he worked at Pinot Bistro, Twin Palms in Pasadena and Valencia, was executive chef at Pinot Hollywood and Nick and Stef’s Steakhouse in southern California before moving to Yountville to become the chef/partner at Cantinetta Luca. The night we dined at Piero, Daniele Kuzinich was the chef, and her talents are remarkable. Tom our waiter was lots of fun and very knowledgeable. The menu includes Antipasti’s, house made Pasta and Risotto, Soups and Salads, Pizzas, and Meat, Fish and Poultry Selections, along with the famous Salume Plate and killer Dolce desserts.

We began our evening with a bottle of 2008 Tenuta Sette Ponti, an amazing Sangiovese Merlot blend from Crognola, Italy ($78)  and their Salume Board, with spectacular house made Salume, including Finnochiona, Coppa, Red Wine Pistachio, Salume Cotto, Bresaola, Mortadella, Speck from Sudtirol, Italy and Prosciutto from San Daniele, Italy ($24). The Salume are hanging in a large case for everyone to admire. The house made breadsticks with sea salt made everyone comment that these were the BEST breadsticks any of us had ever had.

Danielle brought us the Alici in Salamoia white anchovy-eggplant caponata-saba and red wine vinaigrette ($12) that had a soft taste that was VERY unique. We ordered the Fritto Misto with fried calamari, sweet shrimp, fennel and lemon romesco sauce ($10) which was among the best Fritto Misto in the Valley.

Dave ordered the Funghi, seasonal wild mushrooms, melted onions, Fontina cheese and thyme ($16), Donna ordered the Brasato di Angnello Gambo, braised Sonoma lamb shank-crispy polenta and Tuscan kale ($28), John had the Pappardelle alla Bolognese, pork, beef and veal and porcini ragu ($17) and Dorothy enjoyed the Risotto del Giorno, a fabulous saffron risotto with parmesan cheese ($18). Both Donna and Dorothy ordered the Zuppa del Giorno, which was an amazing sweet potato soup ($8).

We completed our feast with the Gelato of the day, Vanilla, nutella (chocolate and hazelnut) and pumpkin ($6), and the Sorbetto of the day (pear, lemon and huckleberry) ($6) and the Chocolate budino, butterscotch and
maldon salt (INCREDIBLE).  You could go on and on with the Dolce selections of tarts, fromaggio, with choices of 4 selections ($16), five ($20) or six ($24). The cheeses are remarkable too, from Bufala Mozzarella to Truffled Tremor, Gorgonzola Dolce or Ubraico.

We waddled out of Cantinetta Piero singing its praises and remarking that our dinner was amazing. You can skip the flight to Tuscany and feel like you are there by just taking a short ride to Yountville.

CANTINETTA PIERO HOURS

Lunch: Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Dinner: Sunday-Thursday: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00p.m.; Friday & Saturday: 5:00p.m. to 10:00 p.m.www.hotellucanapa.com (707) 944-8080 6774 Washington Street, Yountville, CA

http://www.napavalleymarketplace.com

Restaurant Review – February 2011

Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine “Restaurant Review” February 2011

Bistro Sabor
By Dorothy & John Salmon

We have loved Amelia and Pedro Ceja and their remarkable kids since the minute we met them several years ago. We have watched the Ceja children grow into successful young adults, as they prosper by never saying “no” to new adventures, especially in downtown Napa. For a couple of years they have had their wonderful Ceja Wines Tasting Room on First Street, just a few feet away from the Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Shop. The Ceja’s embody the heart of the Latin kitchen, home, vineyard and gusto for life.

Amelia and Pedro’s son, Ariel, owns Bistro Sabor and is blessed with his Mother’s enthusiasm, sales style, incredible energy and creativity, plus his Father’s strong work ethic. Before opening Bistro Sabor, Ariel not only helped out in the family’s vineyards and in the tasting room, he also taught salsa lessons at the tasting room prior to opening Bistro Sabor. So, guess where you can take a salsa lesson now?

For locals who remember Chino Yip’s First Squeeze Restaurant, that’s where you will find Bistro Sabor today. Ariel jumped into his first restaurant endeavor with Bistro Sabor and it is a whopping success. Drive down First Street any weekend and the place will be packed with young entrepreneurs, great looking young adults, many who are NOT all that young, and an assortment of folks who want an urban Latin flavor to their food and their environment. Bistro Sabor is bright, VERY urban, cool, funky and full of fun.

John and I were lucky enough to dine at Bistro Sabor with Ariel’s remarkable Mother, Amelia. All three of Amelia’s children have her spark, and Ariel REALLY got her enthusiasm. The food is very good, interesting and reasonably priced. It is a cool place to hang out and experience what today’s young people are like, what they like and how much more sophisticated they are, in many ways, than their parents’ generation. If you want to experience the world of food and wine today, especially for the 20 something’s, what’s not to like about a Latin restaurant with bright colors, amazing and varied Latin food owned by a film graduate from a well-known wine family while taking Salsa dance classes on Saturday nights from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 A.M.?

There is no cover charge and you don’t even need a partner. Who knows, you might meet one there! Irish chef, Jeff Murphy, teamed up with Ariel after meeting him at Salsa Dance Classes up the street at the Ceja Tasting Room. Chef Murphy has lived in New York, Silicon Valley, Hawaii and France, prepped for Jaques Pepin and opened 13 California Café Restaurants along with opening his own restaurant in Oakland. When he decided to take salsa lessons from Ariel, that was it. They became great friends and the rest is history. Getting Amelia Ceja’s advice and experience with the menu helped seal the deal.

Bistro Sabor offers a unique ethnic experience that’s fun & affordable and it is all served with wonderful Ceja wines, an assortment of great beers and Sake. Ariel is a homegrown product of Napa with years of experience in his Mother’s kitchen, with tutoring from Amelia, who is a gourmet chef, cookbook author and terrific hostess.

Chef Jeff Murphy and Ariel Ceja offer varied Latin comfort food originating from many Latin American Countries, taking typical street food to new heights. The bigger than life “Tacos and Sake” sign outside Bistro Sabor lets you know right away that this is not your typical place to go just for tacos. The menu prices range from $6 and $12 and include both lighter and heavier fare. Since this is the cool hangout in town, there is a bar with a large flat screen TV and salsa music going night and day.

Since we were with Amelia, she made sure we tried everything! For starters Amelia ordered the Shitake Mushroom and Braised Onion Quesadillas with Oaxaca cheese and salsa verde ($6) and the Chorizo Sausages and Spinach Quesadillas with Oaxaca cheese and salsa verde ($6). Next came the Marisco’s (Seafood) and the Salmon Ceviche Tostada ($10). They were really good! Next, the Salad “Nuevo Mundo with organic romaine, avocado, Roma tomato, red cabbage, pepitas, cotija cheese, kalamata olives and cilantro vinaigrette ($9). We were drinking, of course, Ceja Carneros Pinot Noir ($48), which we think is one of the best in the Valley. For diversity, we also tried the Watermelon Wheat Beer from San Francisco ($5), which John liked and thought was very interesting.

After catching up with each other’s lives and having fun watching all the young people in the restaurant, we took a short break before eating the Torta, a Mexican sandwich served with a side of sweet potato fries ($9) and the El Pollo Loca with grilled chicken, spicy guacamole, refried beans, red onions, Swiss and Cotija cheese ($9). We were really full by this time and would have been happy to call it a night, but Amelia convinced us to try the Pupusa Plates, a Salvadorian dish of hand-made corn, stuffed
with cheese and cabbage curtido and salsa fresca ($9) and the Pulled Tinga Pork ($8). They were delicious too!

We completed our meal with some great desert sampling (Fresh Churros with chocolate salsa ($5) and Almond Flan with raspberries ($5). Both were amazing, but we struggled a bit to finish the fresh made churros. After Dorothy’s years of managing the Town and Country Fair, with churros on every corner of every Fair in California, these churros were MUCH better, but we were too full to finish everything.

Dishes from Cuba, Mexico, Central and South America are served in this 50-seat eatery. Bay Area graffiti legend Estria dropped by before the opening to tag a wall with colorful Latin- American references, ranging from street scenes to dancers, La Lucha (the struggle) to colorful Mexican superhero parody, Chapulin Colorado.

Stop by Bistro Sabor and give it a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Bistro Sabor is open from 11:00 a.m. to midnight
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and
Sunday and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Tuesdays is locals’ night with happy hour all night.
Draft beer is $3, wine specials are $5 and quesadillas are $3.
For information and take-out, call (707) 252-0555.

http://www.napavalleymarketplace.com

Restaurant Review – January 2011

Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine “Restaurant Review” January 2011

PRESS…
on Hwy 29 in St. Helena
By Dorothy and John Salmon

We had heard good things about PRESS, but we didn’t know quite what to expect. The outside is simple and the entrance is sheltered, but gardens surround the restaurant on three sides and the inside is airy and spacious. Although we always enjoy doing these reviews with our friends, we chose to have a quiet dinner out alone to celebrate our Anniversary. It has been six years since we were married in the South Garden of Copia. We hope that next year we will be able to celebrate our 7th Anniversary at a newly reopened restaurant in the Copia building. We will keep our fingers crossed that good things will return to that property soon.

We arrived early for dinner on a Saturday night and found the place humming with activity. The crowd was very fashionable and it seemed like a good place to spot local celebrities. From the name, recalling a wine press, we weren’t sure if it would be “agricultural.” Apart from the barn-like dimensions and massive wooden beams, everything is posh. Even the “powder rooms” are large and elegant!!

The large dining room feels rustic, but cosmopolitan … lively, yet relaxing. The interior is the size of a big old barn, with lots of wood and an enormous fireplace, but somehow it feels cozy and incredibly comfortable. That result is obviously the product of thoughtful design and extraordinary attention to detail.

As we sat down and began to relax, our server arrived to advise us of the specials. A wood-fired grill is king of the kitchen here, and the cuisine is based on bringing in (and sometimes growing) the finest, often local, ingredients, and preparing them to bring out the essence rather than adhering to any ordained style. PRESS specializes in dry-aged beef and other grass-fed meats, accompanied by a terrific list of Napa wines. The ambiance & the cuisine, headed by chef Stephen Rogers, showed that meticulous attention was being paid in the kitchen.

A basket of warm housemade breads got the ball rolling with rosemary-garlic breadsticks, slightly sweet, white rolls and cheesy gougères (cheese puffs). For a starter, Dorothy chose the Roasted Oysters ($15) seasoned with leeks, bacon and watercress and topped with crisp breadcrumbs. John tried the Lobster and Dungeness Crab Cake ($18) and found it to be delicate and lush. Then, we both had the emerald green, Bibb Lettuce Salad ($10) with individual leaves dressed with mustard vinaigrette and fines herbes, then piled into a small pyramid.

We both ordered the house specialty, wood-grilled, aged steaks, for our main course. John took the challenge of the 20-ounce “Cowboy” Bone-In Rib Steak from famous purveyor, Bryan Flannery ($49) and Dorothy had the more lady-like, 10-ounce Kobe Flat-Iron Steak ($42). Both were rich with smoky flavor and texture. They really didn’t need sauce, but we ordered the Truffle Butter ($5) anyway and weren’t a bit sorry.

With that much food, we didn’t get a chance to try the special Day Boat Scallops with Yuzu Beurre Blanc and Roasted Cauliflower Puree, or the filet of wild Loch Duart Salmon ($29). We did try some of the special side dishes (Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon ($11) and Rainbow Chard with Pine Nuts ($10).  They were tender and perfectly seasoned and the portions were large enough for 3 or 4 to share.

By this time, there was no room for dessert.  Had there been,  we would have tried autumn’s Pumpkin Moon Pies (soft sandwich cookies) and warm cider, and shared the signature Scharffen Berger dark chocolate soufflé.  We expect that they would be heavenly!

Manager, Allison Yoder, stopped by and told us that, in addition to serving organic produce from owner Leslie Rudd’s garden, they are now growing their own winter greens and herbs behind the restaurant’s back terrace, and they are getting ready to add fruit trees, including Meyer lemons and an exotic Buddha’s Hand citron.

The service was friendly and efficient.  Sommelier, Scott Brenner, was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about Napa wines, and also tactful about suggesting those in our price range. We tried a Soter, 2007 Pinot Noir ($90). Okay, so we were really celebrating!

PRESS is a great place to go when you feel like celebrating. While it can be a bit pricey, portions are large and the quality is especially good. PRESS aims to please all and also has a 3 course menu for $55 on Sundays and a Blue Plate Special served at the bar on Wednesdays for just $10.

PRESS Restaurant, 587 St. Helena Highway/Highway 29, St. Helena (next door to Dean & DeLuca). Dinner, Wednesday-Monday 5:30-10:00 pm; Sunday Lunch/Brunch from 11:30-2:30. Bar hours: 5:00-10:00 pm. Closed Monday & Tuesday. For reservations call
(707) 967-0550.

http://www.napavalleymarketplace.com

Restaurant Review – December 2010

Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine Restaurant Review December 2010

Fish Story…
Napa’s Latest Catch is a Keeper!
By Dorothy and John Salmon

When your name is Salmon, every story that you tell is a fish story. So, it was not surprising that we had the good fortune to be selected in the “Best Fish Story Contest” and to dine at Fish Story Napa River before it officially opened. Our fish story now proudly hangs on the wall with our fellow winners. It includes photos of the whale that circled our boat and swam away to sea under the Golden Gate Bridge (I know, I know, a whale isn’t a fish, but they eat fish, don’t they?)  .
Doing the pre-opening tasting test run at Fish Story was not a hard gig. The restaurant is lovely, with plenty of inside and outside dining on the Napa River.  It’s the only place we know that has fish hooks hanging from the ceiling as décor. This is the newest restaurant in the Lark Creek Restaurant Group, joining successes at Tavern at Lark Creek, Yankee Pier in Larkspur, Parcel 104 in Santa Clara, Bradley Ogden at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, and One Market Restaurant, just to name a few. www.larkcreek.com Lark Creek Founders Michael and Leslye Dellar live in Napa, and they are two of our favorite people in town. With Fish Story they add yet another first class restaurant that is elegant, serves amazing food and brings more life to the banks of the Napa River.

While you can guess that Fish Story is a seafood restaurant, you should know that it only serves fresh, sustainably-harvested fish under the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Guidelines, which is a serious commitment to the healthy future of the oceans and the seafood it provides. Together with wonderful food, you get a lesson in sustainability with people who walk their talk. Fish Story is beautiful and upbeat.  You enter through a fence-line of trees in large pots, and a humorous octopus fountain.  Inside, is a beautiful U shaped bar next to two huge stainless steel brewing tanks for Fish Story’s signature Ale. (We were back at Fish Story this weekend and the bar was packed as was the restaurant inside and out!)  Good news…

We live on the Napa River and spend as much time as we can on our boat, so Fish Story feels like home to us. Before dinner, stop at the bar and have one of their signature drinks, such as Autumn Leaves made with Flor de Cana 7 year rum, Veev acai, quince jam and lemon ($10) or a Blond Saint made with Junipero gin, Lillet blond, St Germain elderflower with an orange slice ($10).  Fish Story has great beers and wine on tap, plus signature lemonades, if you are taking it easy at the bar or have children with you.

On your way to the main dining room, you will pass a beautiful wine cellar and, of course, the “Fish Stories” from and about local folks you probably know. If you want to dine on Dungeness Crab or Maine Lobster, you can see them swimming in large tanks before they are served on your plate. When you get to the dining room, you will see that there is plenty of outside seating to enjoy the best of the Napa River and the bustle of Third Street. That area is well protected by space heaters, awnings and umbrellas.  In the adjacent Riverfront room is space enough to host your next birthday party for 30 of your best friends.

When we walked into Fish Story we were greeted by Michael Dellar and General Manager, Treg Finney, both old friends. Treg has more than 25 years of experience in the restaurant business, even though he looks only 30. Fifteen years before opening Fish Story he was part of the team that opened One Market, and he spent many years as the manager at Angele just down the street.  Before that, you might have known him at Martini House in St. Helena. We are delighted to see him at Fish Story! Another familiar face is Chef Stephen Barber from BarbersQ in Napa and Tartaglia. Chef Barber grows the restaurant’s organic vegetables at Copia’s chefs’ garden and purchases poultry and other products locally as well.

http://www.napavalleymarketplace.com

Restaurant Review – October 2010

Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine Restaurant Review October 2010

The Oxbow Crawl with Pals from New York
Tuesday Local’s Night
By Dorothy and John Salmon

Our friends, Ross and Kevin, were back in Napa for a week’s vacation and, hoping to move here before winter weather descends on New York, to look at buying property. We invited them to join us for Local’s Night at the Oxbow Market and participate in the Napa ritual “Oxbow Crawl” through the entire property. If you are visiting Napa and want to know what real “Napkins” look like, go to the Oxbow Market on Tuesday night. The locals are there in all their resplendent glory!

On this Local’s Night the place was packed at 6:00 p.m. There were almost NO parking places in sight. We each chose to have dinner from a different Oxbow restaurant. When we walked up to the Hog Island Oyster Bar, people were lined up against the wall eating oysters, laughing and having a great time. Ross and Kevin stopped there first for ½ dozen Coast and Kumamoto’s ($17), an order of classic Oysters Rockefeller ($12 for 4) and Ross ordered the Oyster Po Boy for dinner ($10) along with a glass of Hogwash Rose ($9). Ross thinks the Hog Island Po Boy’s are the best anywhere and, since he is originally from Seattle the Oyster Bar is always his first stop,.

Because he loves the way he can custom blend his coffee, Kevin headed to Ritual Coffee We all met up again at the Oxbow Wine Merchant where we shared a bottle of Ancien 2009 Pino Gris from the Sangiacomo Vineyards ($26). Kevin decided to dine at the Oxbow Wine Merchant, which moves into the Main Market in November, along with its partner the Oxbow Cheese Merchant. Kevin ordered an elegant Caprese Salad made with Heirloom tomatoes, Burrata cheese, basil pesto, Balsamic glaze, and Olive Press Oil. ($13) and the Smoked Salmon BLT ($12) made with Norwegian smoked salmon, Niman Ranch bacon, butter lettuce, tomato, basil aioli, that comes with a cup of soup or a small salad. Before leaving, Ross and Kevin purchased their favorite cheese and a bottle of wine to take back to their river condo.

We  stayed and laughed with friends at the Wine Bar while John and I made our decision of where we would stop for dinner. As is always the case, we ran into people we had not seen in a long time, laughed with friends and found out what’s new in town.   (Watch the news for the announcement of the NEW and exciting signature destination restaurant moving into the Oxbow Wine Merchant spot). Also new to the Oxbow Market is Graham’s Take-Away Foods, which will be located in the main Market Hall, offering innovative, locally-sourced, quality,  breakfast, lunch and dinner items for take-out or dine-in. Graham’s Take-Away Foods is designed for locals who want amazing fresh food without having to slave over a hot stove. Owners Graham and Andrea Zanow are graduates of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and Chef Graham Zanow worked at the world renowned French Laundry in Yountville. Also new to the Oxbow Market is Ca’ Momi; three Italians making wine in the Napa Valley have opened a classic Italian pizzeria, pasticceria and enoteca wine bar with retail. In the new enoteca you can order all kinds of authentic treats: real pizza – the classic Neapolitan style we like to make in our wood burning oven; tramezzini, crostate and crostatine di frutta, baci di dama, zaetti, tiramisu’, cantucci and biscotti from the pasticceria…. And, of course, great wines.

The Oxbow Market is THE place for local news and catching up with everyone! While you are doing the Oxbow Crawl, don’t forget to visit the Model Bakery and the Fatted Calf; each has incredible sandwiches and great food. Our boat trips are the best when we have Fatted Calf Sandwiches onboard. The pork sandwiches at the Fatted Calf are legendary!  (That’s samiches for the locals) Model Bakery has fabulous breakfasts; in fact, their amazing English Muffins were featured on the September 20th episode of the Food Network as “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” with Michael Chiarello.  That’s how good they really are!

We headed off to C Casa and Pica Pica for our dinners.  Dorothy ordered the Grilled Garlic Citrus Prawn Taco ($6.50) and the Corn Edamame Salad with zucchini, red bells, cotija cheese and Meyer lemon olive oil ($4). C Casa is FABULOUS, with inside and outside dining. John headed down to Pica Pica Maize Kitchen at the south end of the Oxbow Market for the Pulled Pork Cachapas Pernil with pulled pork, tomatoes, avocado and aioli ($8.99). Pica Pica has two locations adjacent to each other including a great bar with an assortment of beer, terrific sangria and interesting drinks. John topped off his Pulled Pork Maize Cachapa with Meatballs a’la criolla ($5) and a Napa Smith beer ($3) on Local’s Night.

We ran into Lee Hudson who is the proud owner of the Oxbow Produce and Grocery. That’s the place where you will find locally grown, organic fruits and veggies. Support our local farmers and hang out with Lee at the best market in town. Of course, everyone knows that Gott’s Roadside Tray Gourmet is outside the Oxbow Market and it’s busy from the time it opens until it closes. Noted wine critic Robert Parker claims that Gott’s double cheeseburger is his “Most Memorable.” Don’t forget Five Dot Ranch for the best meat in town, Kanaloa Seafood Market for the best fish, Whole Spice Company for rare spices, Anette’s Chocolates for homemade treats that are famous in the Napa Valley, the Olive Press, Tillerman Tea and Heritage Culinary Artifacts for really cool gifts.

Outside, you can rent a kayak from Napa Valley Adventure Tours if you want to see the Napa River up close and personal. The Oxbow Market even offers Up-Valley deliveries if you are willing to pick up your order from the parking lot where the Napa Valley Grille was located or at Gott’s Roadside parking lot in St. Helena. For more information about delivery schedules and vendors who will bring your Oxbow Market fantasies to your up valley neighborhood, call (707) 226-6529.

Oxbow Public Market is located at 610 & 644 First Street, Napa. The Market is open 7 days a week and only closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Most tenants of Oxbow Public Market are open a minimum of 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday through Friday, with later hours on Tuesdays for Locals’ Night and on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, please visit www.oxbowpublicmarket.com or call the market office at 707-226-6529.  Here’s the link to their amazing vendors: www.oxbowmarket.com/artisans.php#merchants

http://www.napavalleymarketplace.com

Restaurant Review – August 2010

Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine Restaurant Review August 2010

Farm
By Dorothy and John Salmon

After our enjoyable visit to Moore’s Landing last month, we decided to move significantly upscale to review another Carneros area restaurant. John and I had the honor and pleasure of dining with John’s dear Chicago friend, Steven Bandolik, at FARM on an exquisite Napa summer evening. Spending an evening in Carneros for a Chicagoan, whose arrival that day had been delayed by Midwestern thunder storms, was a very special treat for Steven. While we all love Chicago, it’s hard to beat the Napa Valley no matter what time of year.

FARM is the elegant main restaurant at the Carneros Inn. It also seems to be a hangout for some of the Bay Area’s most attractive Generation Y, Millenials or Echo Boomers, (i.e. 21 to 40 year olds). They, as we Baby Boomers, love the outside, covered living room/patio area, complete with its large, constantly glowing, rectangular, table-top fireplace. Surrounded by the beautiful hills of the Carneros, everything about the Carneros Inn is comfortable, elegant and, at the same time, simple. Even the cows and horses ambling along on the hills seem happy. Could this be where the “happy California cows” live?

Dining at FARM is lovely and sophisticated. After passing through the inviting bar, then past its revolving glass wall panel that changes from pink to green to purple to blue, guests enter the beautiful dining area with its Cathedral ceilings, two fireplaces and views to the outside.

This summer, through September, you can hang out at FARM in the Pavilion and listen to live music and DJ performances by local artists. FARM will feature small plates from the outdoor grill. The bar and Pavilion at FARM are open daily from 4 pm to 10 pm.

Enough about the atmosphere. We came for the food, which is fabulous, organic, sustainable and local. The wines are both from the surrounding area and around the world. The staff is attentive, attractive, young and talented. We were greeted by our old pal, Daniel Sarao, FARM’s manager. We know Daniel from his time at Ubuntu. He has brought the same warmth, hospitality and style to FARM. Our waiter, Matthew, is a graduate of Justin Siena. The “local flavor” of FARM is everywhere.

Service was superb as staff went from table to table making sure everyone was happy.  Ryan Jette serves as Chef de Cuisine, overseeing the changing seasonal menus and managing all aspects of the kitchen’s day-to-day operations.  Chef Jette has spent time in Florida, London, New York, and here in Napa Valley at the French Laundry. We can assure you that you will not be disappointed by the food or by the service!

We began the evening with a bottle of John Anthony “Church Vineyard Carneros” 2007 ($42) in honor of Dorothy’s son, who is the winemaker, and because we are big fans of John and Michelle Truchard. Needless to say, the wine was perfect! The wine list at FARM is extensive, with a mix of local wines, such as John Anthony, Godspeed Chardonnay from Mt. Veeder and a great 2007 Pinot Noir Sobella from Los Carneros, Caymus 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes Domaine Janasse Rhône Valley 2006, and many more incredible wines. FARM’s wine list is amazing, as are their unique servings from the bar, including Blood Orange Margarita’s, the “Perfect Pear Hibiscus” Margarita and their famous Carneros Cooler. If you would like a non-alcoholic drink with your dinner, you can order the Rainforest Iced Tea made with tropical infused green tea, kiwi, and Agave Nectar, or the Hibiscus Refresher with Mighty Leaf Island Breese Tea, Rhubarb and dry soda.

FARM has a $25 corkage fee for each bottle brought to the dinner table; however, they gladly waive one corkage fee if you purchase an additional bottle from their wine list.

The crunchy, fresh-baked French bread was a big hit with John and Steve, and the bread plate was replenished several times that evening. The Chef sent a small serving of melon soup with salt, and Nicoise olives as a starter. It was wonderful. For an appetizer, Steve ordered the Wood Stone Oven Flatbread with Maine Lobster, Manchego Cheese, Caramelized Onions, Arugula, and Meyer Lemon for the three of us for ($15). It was thin, crispy, elegant and delicious. Dorothy ordered the Chilled Sweet Pea Soup with Watercress Pain Perdue, Hearts of Palm, Radish, Carrot and Crème Fraiche ($9), which was the best chilled pea soup she ever had. John enjoyed the FARM’s Market Salad with Sweet Gem Lettuces, Heirloom Beets, Laura Chenel’s Chevre, Candied Cashews and Mint-Mango Vinaigrette ($13). Also on the menu are Hog Island Sweetwater Oysters, Crudo of Hamachi, and a salad of Grilled Lettuces, Portobello mushrooms, plumped raisins, crispy shallots, with a bacon-Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing.

For our meals, Steve ordered the Duo of Prime Beef comprised of Seared Filet Mignon, Braised Shortrib, Potato Purée, Asparagus, Royal Trumpet Mushrooms, and Sauce Bordelaise ($46) which he said was a terrific combination of the two meats that cut like butter. John ordered the Olive Oil Poached Alaskan Halibut with Fava Beans, Morel Mushrooms, Romaine Lettuce, Niçoise Olive, and Saffron Shellfish Broth ($32). Dorothy ordered the Liberty Farm Duck Breast and Confit Leg with Toasted Couscous, Apricot Purée, Charred Spring Onion, Celery, Aromatic Duck Jus ($29). All were happy with their choice.

For dessert, we ordered only one selection of the House-made Peach Prosecco Sorbet with raspberry ice cream and a honey Marsala ice cream served with a sugar cone Tuile ($9). Dorothy will admit that she ate most of that and that it was fabulous. The desserts at FARM are remarkable … if you have room for anything after dinner.

FARM is delightful, elegant, and near downtown Napa. Our breakfast favorite is the Boon Fly Café located in the same resort. If you want to get away for a romantic few days close to home, try one of the 86 unique cottages at the Carneros Inn complete with outdoor showers. You can eat at great restaurants, spend time in their world class Spa and enjoy the Hilltop Pool and hot tub.  What could be better?

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Restaurant Review – July 2010

Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine Restaurant Review July 2010

Moore’s Landing
The Best Ruebens on the Napa River
By Dorothy and John Salmon

How many times have you passed the sign on Hwy. 12/121 about a mile west of Hwy. 29 that says “Napa River Resorts”? Well, if you have wondered what that is, you will find out if you go south on Cuttings Wharf Road until you arrive at a place where we love to go to lunch with friends. Its Moore’s Landing and it’s on the Napa River at the southern end of Cuttings Wharf Road.  It’s a funky, local’s hangout that we can get to on our boat, which is our favorite way to “land” at Moore’s Landing. The staff is friendly, down-home and the food is great. If you come by boat, you can dock at the Napa County Cuttings Wharf Boat Launch. The County completely rebuilt the boat ramp, parking area and docks, a few years ago.

Whether you drive there by car, or ride your bicycle, you will enjoy a lovely scenic drive through Carneros and will pass Etude Winery. Just before Ceja Vineyards, you turn down Cuttings Wharf Road to Moore’s Landing. Far from presumptuous, Moore’s Landing is a good-old-fashioned riverfront hangout. The comfort food and friendly atmosphere, together with the opportunity to see and enjoy the River, make it a well kept secret in the Napa Valley. John believes that the Rueben sandwich at Moore’s Landing is one of the best he has ever had, especially with their onion rings. The food is plentiful, and Dorothy usually ends up bringing half of her meal back on the boat for a snack later in the afternoon, or dinner that night.

Moore’s Landing has a booth and counter and a diner-style indoor set up that can accommodate about 40 guests. While you are eating, you can talk to the cook, or chat with the many locals who are in the restaurant, probably as often as they are in their own kitchens. The place takes you back to the 1950’s with a funky backroom bar and pool table, and old style pinball games. To give you the flavor of the place, you enter the back room through a split Mylar Coors Beer ad.  We just love Moore’s  Landing for a change of pace and atmosphere from our better recognized great Napa County restaurants.

When you go into the back room, be sure to look at the photos of the old riverboat that now sits abandoned outside of the restaurant. The before-and- after images of this redwood hulk will give you an idea of what commercial boat traffic on the Napa River used to be.

If it’s a beautiful day, you will be lucky to get a table outside on the patio with views of the Napa River and the beautiful hills above the river.  The Appetizer Menu offers Chips and Salsa ($3.50); Calamari Rings ($9.75); Golden Prawn ($9.75); Jerked Tiger Shrimp ($9.50); Chicken Strips ($6.95); Mozzarella Sticks ($6.95); and Jalapeno Poppers ($6.95). Okay, we admit that it is not a lo-cal, low cholesterol place, but it does have its own brand of welcome.

The Appetizer Menu and the website for Moore’s Landing proclaims that “We are committed to create a fun and casual atmosphere. Patrons who insist on being rude, obnoxious, (Or just generally being a pain in the a**) will be subject to a PITA surcharge or a cold dip into the river –server’s choice.” All that they need to add is “Have a nice day” to leave nothing to the imagination!

Moore’s Landing always an assortment of pretty good beer. Just ask Debbie (everyone’s favorite waitress) what is on tap that day and you can sip a brew with your cheeseburger or Rueben. The wine list is pretty sparse, but they typically carry some Lake County red and white wines from Shooting Star Vineyards. We usually order a $13 pitcher of Fat Tire beer and a round of onion rings to start. If you want to be a bit healthier the, there are salads on the menu too. In fact, the Grilled Salmon salad is terrific ($14.50), as are the Jerked Tiger Shrimp on a large Mixed Green Salad ($13.50) or the Pink Shrimp or Grilled Chicken Salads ($13).

We go to Moore’s Landing with our pals to have fun on the boat, laugh and watch the fishermen, pleasure boats and Jet Ski’s go by. It’s the perfect place to fill up and sit outside on green plastic chairs at tables covered by a mixture of unique stapled plastic tablecloths. You can always hang out and read the “Trivia Page” encased in plastic on every table.

Our good friends, Kevin and Ross, who mostly live in New York, but more and more are finding time to be in Napa, love coming with us on the boat to Moore’s Landing. On a recent, sunny Saturday, we took Ross, Kevin, Kevin’s sister and her boyfriend on the boat with us for another Moore’s Landing Rueben and Fat Tire adventure. We hopped off  the boat, grabbed 6 empty green plastic chairs and pulled a table together. We needed two pitchers of Fat Tire ($13) and Rueben’s ($9.50) for everyone, except Ross and Dorothy, who had the Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich ($13.50). Amanda, our waitress, did a great job while Debbie, was rushing around like crazy trying to serve everyone at the outside and some  inside tables on a very busy day.

If you want a lazy day on the river in a funky setting, don’t miss Moore’s Landing. It’s the other Napa Valley that most of us love and hold close to our hearts. Moore’s Landing’s is located off Hwy. 12/121 on Cutting’s Wharf Road at 6 Cuttings Wharf Road, Napa, CA 94559  (707) 253-7038

Moore’s Landing is open Monday thru Thursday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. They stay open late on Tuesdays. On Fridays they open at 11:00 am, serve food until 8:00 pm and close when they feel like closing. On Saturdays they open at 8:00 am, serve food until 8:00 pm and close when they feel like closing. Sundays, they open at 8:00 am and close at 3:00 pm. www.mooreslanding.com

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In Our Own Backyard – June 2010

Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine “In Our Own Backyard” June 2010.

Grace and Music
By Julia S. Smith

Here, in our own backyard,  for those seeking an education in dance,  you can find the only non-profit,  classical ballet school in Napa. Discover the world of dance at Napa Valley Ballet! The organization is funded and operated by local families,  which is unique in itself, but  the professionalism you see in the  performances is most surprising.  A myriad of classes is designed for the serious student seeking a career in dance or teaching, as well as for the student who merely wants the benefits of ballet training. Classes are held at the Napa Women’s Club, 218 Franklin St., Napa, CA

At Napa Valley Ballet, each of the instructors is a professional dancer or choreographer with an impressive background. These instructors enrich their programs by bringing their dance and choreographic skills from such companies as San Francisco Ballet, the Chicago City Ballet, Peninsula Theater Ballet, the American Festival Ballet, the Long Beach Ballet and The Royal Academy of Dance, with an emphasis on providing a positive environment for establishing a solid foundation in classical ballet and dance.

As a testament to their dedication, two NVB students, Michele Biale (age 17) and Olivia Mason (age 16) have auditioned for summer intensive ballet programs and have made their way into the world of professional ballet. Michela was accepted into American Ballet Theater’s summer intensive program in Michigan, and Olivia was accepted to Kaatsbaan International Dance Center in New York. Congratulations to these young ladies.  We look forward to hearing more about their journey!

If you have an appreciation for grace and music, then the production of the Napa Valley Ballet’s spring performance is not to be missed.  “Vive” la Danse! Celebrating the Arts” with “Swan Lake”,  and four other works will be presented by the students.  Other pieces of the program will include an original ballet written exclusively for NVB by local composer, Kurt Erickson.  This work will feature the composer himself at the piano, surrounded by a corps of lively dancers in a series of five, playful vignettes, choreographed by professional dancer, Isabelle Sjasham.

As part of this performance, we also have Olivia Mason,  one of the youngest ballerinas to ever appear as Odette (the white swan) who is a Justin-Siena sophomore,.  She will be partnered by Vintage High School graduate William Luippold as Prince Siegfried. Both are students at the Napa Valley Ballet and are being coached in the original Petipa/Ivanov choreography by former ballerina and Napa Valley Ballet Mistress, Milissa Bradley.

In addition, a whimsical Chopin ballet, inspired by Isadora Ducan, will be choreographed by Connie Vaughan and accompanied on the piano by Martin Mansell.  Rounding out the program will be a medley of familiar songs, commemorating fifty years of “Beatlemania”,  and spotlighting local songster Doug Houser, as he accompanies Napa Valley Ballet dancers in a piece of nostalgia set by choreographer Vivian Aragon.  All original ballets will be accompanied by live musicians.

For more information or tickets to the June 15th, “Vive la Danse! A Celebration of the Arts”, call 707-294-8820 or visit www.napavalleyballet.org.  Performance, silent auction, art showing and reception is included. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for children, (children 5 and under are free).

Ballet classes are now forming a 3-week summer session.  Call 707-294-8820 for more dates and pricing.

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Restaurant Review – June 2010

Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine Restaurant Review June 2010

Long Meadow Ranch Winery
& Farmstead in St. Helena
By Dorothy and John Salmon

John and I spent a delightful evening at Farmstead in St. Helena, catching up with our friends Todd Zapolski and Diana Nelson. Farmstead has only been open for a few months, but it has had a steady stream of eager customers who can’t wait for farm-to-table dining. The restaurant is set within a wine and agricultural center that has a tasting room, fruit and vegetable garden, and an organic nursery that offers seasonal fruits and vegetables for sale. What’s not to like about a completely sustainable, multi-dimensional business that is solar powered, organic and architecturally beautiful? The décor has a country charm that makes you feel laid back in a funky, but upscale, barn with great food, outdoor fire pit and bar. Welcome back to the homey feel of what it must have been like in the Napa Valley at the turn of the century!

As we sat down to dine, Dolly Parton was singing in the background and she was followed by Patsy Cline. Down-home country music was playing in the background all evening, creating a friendly but classy atmosphere, complemented by great service. We dined at Farmstead on a weeknight when there were plenty of locals in the place. Our server, Alaina, was gracious and exuded the best of what we hope our visitors and locals experience as Napa Valley’s warm and friendly hospitality. The seating inside opens with a view of the kitchen, a large family style dining table, table and booth seating,  and a full bar for that scotch that John orders after a long day. In warmer weather, diners can sit outside, next to the bar that looks like a potting table, close to a large wood-fired forge surrounded by a lovely organic garden.

Ted and Laddie Hall and their son Chris, the owners, believe in reusing everything they can, including the original redwood framing from the historic residence that is now part of the Farmstead bar, together with tree stumps that have been reborn as tables. Poultry feeders, hay hooks and forks have been given a new life as light fixtures. Table décor features a candle placed inside of a ball jar next to a 1950’s style glass, milk bottle filled with chilled fresh water. All of that, combined with country music in the background, takes you back to a simpler time.

The Farmstead wine list has a selection of great local and imported wines.  In every aspect of Farmstead, you can see the owners’ passion for sustainable and certified organic growing. Whether you are a local or a visitor, Farmstead is “one-stop shopping” for nursery supplies at Whiting’s, organic fruits and vegetables, olive oil, wine and a great meal at Farmstead. Chef, Sheamus Feely, prepares the food that you wish your mother knew how to make! It’s good old American comfort food fare with a touch of the Napa Valley; such as Farmstead’s meatloaf, short ribs and potato hash, brick cooked Petaluma chicken and flageolets, or a good old chicken fried, steak sandwich.

Wine by the glass at Farmstead offers some of the best selections you will find in the Napa Valley; Jones Family Cabernet, Dutch Henry Zinfandel, Lang and Reed Cabernet Franc, and plenty of Long Meadow white, their Cabernet blend and, one of our favorites, John Anthony “Church Vineyard” Sauvignon Blanc.

If you are brining your own wine, there is never more than a $2 corkage fee. You can visit the 1870’s tasting room, with two private rooms, and have an opportunity to learn about food and wine pairings on a daily basis. Then, if you wish, purchase organic fruits, vegetables, olive oil or wine.

We caught up with Todd and Diana’s busy lives over a bottle of the 2009 John Anthony “Church Vineyard” Sauvignon Blanc ($28) and shared plates of wood roasted asparagus with ricotta and Meyer lemon ($12) and some California dirty rice ($5). The asparagus was fantastic! For our meals, Dorothy started with the caramelized beets with goat cheese and greens ($12) and had the short ribs and potato hash with beets, herbs and fried egg ($26). Diana ordered what she described as, “the best hamburger in the world,” on a potato bun with arugula ($14) and the fried potatoes with herbs ($5). Farmstead serves homemade catsup, pickled cauliflower, homemade mayonnaise and shredded cheese with their hamburgers. All wonderful!

John ordered Hazel’s chicken and dumplings ($16), which he found to be a rare treat hardly ever found in the Napa Valley. Todd ordered the Smoked pork chop with Rancho Gordo lima beans, green garlic and salsa verde ($24). We were all very pleased with our choices. With our dinner, we enjoyed a bottle of Renteria Carneros Chardonnay ($52). We love Oscar and Denise Renteria and their chardonnay is just as special as they are.

Finally, for dessert, we shared the Scharffenberger chocolate pie with whipped cream, the Meyer lemon meringue pie with a graham cracker crust and the olive oil ice cream with fig preserves. YIKES, it’s time to go on a diet! All desserts at Farmstead are between $5 and $8 and they are fabulous! If you have room left, try the Long Meadow Ranch “Ranch House Red” Cabernet by the glass ($9) to complete your meal. Farmstead is yet another bright spot in the Napa Valley’s food and wine world, and well worth visiting over and over again.

Farmstead is open for lunch and dinner daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Call Adam for reservations at (707) 963-9181. Farmstead is located at 738 Main Street in St. Helena across from the Dragon Fly dress shop on Highway 29 next to Whiting Nursery. (Dorothy gives directions by proximity to retail locations!)

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Restaurant Review – May 2010

Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine Restaurant Review May 2010

Bistro Don Giovanni
By Dorothy and John Salmon

John and I love Bistro Don Giovanni and we are not alone. Bistro Don Giovanni is one of the Napa Valley’s most well known and beloved Italian restaurants. On the evening we dined there, we first passed the table of Congressman Mike Thompson and his wife Jan, who were enjoying their dinner in one of the best restaurants in California’s First Congressional District. As we approached our table, we saw that we were going to be seated next to the table of County Supervisor Bill Dodd, his wife Mary and their family. Without this being a political comment, these are folks who we are delighted to know and whose work for the community we greatly appreciate.

We locals get to see each other all of the time at Bistro Don Giovanni because it is upbeat, fun, in the vineyards and a very “Napa” Italian restaurant with consistently great food in an exciting atmosphere. You turn off Hwy. 29 on to Howard Lane, which was named a few years ago by Mayor Ed Henderson and the Napa City Council to honor Howard Lane, the Napa Valley’s beloved, legendary and best known maitre d’ who passed away in 2009.   As you drive into the parking lot you immediately feel a sense of wellbeing as you are surrounded by vineyards. As you leave your car, you walk up the steps past a warm, outdoor, covered terrace, the lovely garden and the jovial fountains and artwork.

Winter, spring, summer and fall, Bistro Don Giovanni is alive and the outdoor terrace is in full swing with a blazing fireplace making the area cozy. In the winter, guests can feel the warmth of summer with outdoor heaters fired up. If you are visiting the Napa Valley, Bistro Don Giovanni offers spectacular views to go with the  great food and wine. If you are  fortunate to live in the Valley, it offers one more reason to be grateful. Bistro Don Giovanni serves really great pizzas, grilled meats, chicken and fish from their wood oven, and terrific pasta and risotto from the kitchen. Owner, Donna Scala, is typically there to greet guests, and executive chef Scott Warner can be seen through the window-like entrance to the kitchen. This night we were greeted by Neno Giovani, one of the Bistro Don Giovanni managers who also took care of our orders and made the evening even better with his big smile.

Bistro Don Giovanni has a great wine list, several beers, four varieties of water and interesting specialty drinks like their Grapefruit Martini made with Charbay Ruby Red Grapefruit and vodka ($9.50) or the Bistro Lemon Drop made with their own garden lemons, Svedka Vodka and Chambord ($9.00)

David Drinkwater from Wingspan Partnerships joined us for dinner. Since we all work too hard, we decided to treat ourselves by jumping into Bistro Don Giovanni’s 29 for 29 on 29. This is a clever idea. The list contains 29 wines, each for $29 and, of course, the restaurant is on Hwy. 29! These are very good wines for excellent prices and the list changes often. To honor our friends George and Elsa Vare, who sometimes join us for these reviews, we ordered a bottle of Luna Vineyard’s 2007 “Freakout.” It was terrific.

With the wine, we had our favorite Antipasti Misti with salame, Mortadella, Provolone, Olives, Pickled mushrooms and garlic toast ($16.00) and John’s newest favorite, Bistro Don Giovanni’s fried olives ($9.00). If you have never had the olives, be sure to try them the next time you dine there. As usual, the upbeat atmosphere made for a lively conversation and an opportunity to say hello to our friends, the Dodd’s, who were dining next to us. In fact, we even got a chance to help them out by taking a family picture for them.

David and Dorothy ordered the Beet and Haricot Verts with avocado-fennel salad and Roquefort vinaigrette ($11.00). John had his usual Caesar salad ($10.00). Perhaps someday John will try something new! For dinner, David ordered the Silk Handkerchiefs made with Gorgonzola, Dolce Sauce, black pepper and walnuts ($15.00) and he enjoyed every bite. Dorothy ordered the Linguine Frutti di Mare with clams, mussles, calamari, tomato, garlic and chilies ($23.00) and John ordered the Seared Filet of Salmon with buttermilk mashed potatoes, tomato-chive butter sauce ($25.00). Everything was perfect!

Bistro Don Giovanni serves dessert wines and liqueurs, lovely ports, grappa’s, Armagnac, cognac, calvados and has a full bar with bourbon, other whiskies and scotch. We forgot to mention that John had a Dewars White Label ($9.50), when we first sat dowxn.

All Desserts are fabulous at $7.00. Since we were doing a review, we felt obliged to try one Gelato e Sorbetto house made ice cream to share. It was a perfect end to a great evening. Napa is blessed to have so many great restaurants, some new and some that have been around for a long time. Bistro Don Giovanni has been open for a while but it is still a place that you should not miss to relax with friends and family and enjoy one of the reasons why we are so blessed to live here!

Bistro Don Giovanni is located right off Highway 29 at 4110 Howard Lane in Napa. For reservations call (707) 224-3300. They are open Sunday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. They accept all major credit cards and are the friendliest people in town.

Roasted Beet and Fennel Salad with Haricots Verts and Avocado Roquefort Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
• 1 lb marinated, roasted Beets (golden, chioggind red beets), diced into 1/2” cubes
• 1 Fennel Bulb, slice 1/8” thick
• 1 lb Haricots Verts, cleaned and blanched until just tender
• 1 each Avocado (ripe but not too soft), cut into 1/2” cubes
• 1/4 head Radicchio, cut into fine julienne (optional)
• 1 bunch Chives, cut fine
• 2 oz. Roquefort, crumbled
• 1 cup Roquefort Vinaigrette
• Salt and Pepper to Taste

Place beets, fennel, haricots verts and radicchio in bowl.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add 1/2 the vinaigrette and toss gently. Add more dressing if too dry.
Divide salad onto four plates or serving platter. Top with avocado and crumbled Roquefort. Sprinkle with chives.

Roasted Beets
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 lb Beets (red, golden or chioggia), evenly sized
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbs. Olive Oil
• 4 sprigs Thyme

Wash beets and dry with a towel. Toss with other ingredients and place in a fitting baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil.
Bake at 375°F until tender when pierced with a tooth pick or skewer. About 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Let beets cool slightly and peel and dice while still warm. Sprinkle beets with some sugar, salt and balsamic vinegar (preferable white balsamic vinegar) Set aside to cool.

Roquefort Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
• 2 oz crumbled Roquefort
• 1/4 cup Champagne Vinegar
• 3/4 cup Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Place Roquefort, vinegar in a bowl, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Whisk in oil slowly

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