After a long day of wine tasting, a good dinner is in order. Our friend recommended we eat at Brannan's Grill, a classy restaurant on the main street of Calistoga. It easily stands out on the street as one of the nicer buildings, and inside is just as lovely. The lighting is low, the staff are quiet and polite, and the smell of good food lingers from the kitchen.

I dined on the forever roasted pork ($19), served with russet mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts, all drizzled in a light citrus sauce. I started with a generous bowl of seasonal butternut squash soup ($7), garnished with fresh cream and cinnamon. All three of us ordered and shared the seared gnocchi starter with mushrooms and crispy basil ($11). Gnocchi, if you've never had it are little Italian potato dumplings served like pasta. I tasted each delicate morsel with delight.

The romantic lighting and rich wood throughout the restaurant created the perfect date ambiance. I felt perfectly welcome, however, at a large table with chatty girlfriends sipping nice wine and enjoying conversation with our handsome waiter.

Brannan's Grill Website