The Napa Valley

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The prices are moderate. The highest priced item on the menu, I think, is $21. For two of us, we can get away with two appetizers and main courses without wine for $40. With wine, you are going to add $10 to $50 more.

There is a giant fireplace in the center of the restaurant. And the patio has a creek that runs behind, creating that peaceful sound. When the valley is full and the restaurants are jam-packed, think about this place. It is better than all the rest by far.

It has a large wine shop where you can buy the wines you drink with dinner. The best part of this place is the Sunday Brunch. When in the Napa Valley, finish your trip off with an amazing brunch. It is buffet-style with a price point of $25. This includes coffee and orange juice. They have a variety of cheeses, salads, meats, a made-to-order omelet station, the best waffles in the valley, and a great dessert bar. The staff is always willing to help out with anything you need.

Check it out the next time you come to the valley. Whether it be for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch, don't miss it. Reservations are recommended, but not needed. They are mainly needed at lunchtime.

As you walk into this restaurant, you are greeted by a brick fireplace, where they cook a good percentage of their meats. During the summer months, you will find people enjoying dinner under the night’s sky. Although their patio is small, it is perfect. It is enclosed so that you don’t have the roar of traffic and the cold wind attacking you.

When you enter the restaurant, there is a hostess stand as you first walk in. Beyond that is a one of three dining rooms, all unique in their own way. To the right of the dining area is a cool zinc bar that seats about 12 people. Just beyond that is a stairwell that leads to the second floor, as well as an entry to the second dining room. This dining room has a checkerboard floor with cozy booths large enough for six people. Along the walls are pictures of Cindy and her staff and family in black-and-white. The third floor houses a large dining room and a small dining room. Most of the time during the quiet months it is not open, but during the busy months, the whole place is booming. These two rooms feature vaulted wood-beamed ceilings and can be rented out for private events. The bathrooms are also upstairs. For those who can not climb stairs, there is an elevator in back of the restaurant.

The food - well, what can’t I say? They have the best burgers and fries in the valley - and they serve milkshakes. They use Neiman Ranch beef, which is amazing. Their fries are crispy but not overcooked and seasoned to perfection. Bring your appetite. Their Brutus Caesar has a fabulous South American kick to it. Not too hot. It’s even better if you add chicken to it. And my other favorite is a Crispy Rock Cod Sandwich. It has jicama-slaw on it that adds just a perfect amount of flavor to that spice they rub on the fish. It also comes with those wonderful fries. They have so many items to choose from, though. Cindy makes the best fish dishes around. And if you think the food sounds good, wait till you see the wine list. The management and chefs take pride in this restaurant. And it reflects in the service you receive. Whether for lunch or dinner, don’t forget Cindy’s. It will quickly become a favorite.

There is a staircase that you can climb to look over the entire tasting room. I have taken a picture from here. In the center of this room is a beautiful copper chandelier. The second tasting room is just down a small hall. The tasting bar is smaller here, but there is also a great gift shop where you could drop a fortune on great gifts. Here you can also sample different chocolates and dips. There is a double staircase from this room that leads up to a small art gallery, a catwalk of the storage area, and an observation deck that overlooks the valley. We were the only people out there, so it is one of those hidden gems.

The wines here were great. We purchased a bottle of the 2003 Provence. It is pretty much a hodge-podge wine, but it has the most wonderful flavor. Serve it chilled, and you’ve got a real winner. Their tasting fee $5 per person, but it is waived if you purchase a bottle of wine. With this tasting fee, you receive about six samples, which range anywhere from their sauvignon blanc to their cabernet Sauvignon. This is a family-owned winery that really knows how to make your day wonderful.

They are open from 10am to 6pm daily and closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Located in Rutherford, on the right-hand side, going up 29. This is a do-not-miss if you are coming to the valley. Don’t forget to ask for Alan.

It will include national champions, local favorites, and one-of-a-kind collector curiosities. There will be Packard, Pierce Arrow, Ford, Ferrari, M.G., Mercedes Benz, and more, with more than 100 early and late model autos spanning some 90 years of productions. This year, the event celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Fort Thunderbird. This event is wonderful for the whole family. Come check it out if you are in the valley.

Hotels: Napa River Inn, Napa and Inn at Southbridge, St. Helena

Restaurants: Zinns Valley in Napa and Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen in St. Helena

Wineries: Quintessa, Nichel & Nichel, V. Sattui, and Raymond.

There are so many more. Just let me know what you are looking for.

Email me if you have any questions at LiveinNapaValley@aol.com.

The cost is $30 for adults, plus food- and wine-tasting package, or $35 at the door. Children ages 6 to 12 will be admitted for $5. Students ages 13 to 20 must pay $10, and that includes five tasting coupons.

For further information, you can call 707/944-1133 or purchase tickets at www.mustardfestival.org. Or email me at LiveinNapaValley@aol.com.

Broman Cellars, February 5th 3 to 6pm Robert Keenan Winery, February 12th 3 to 6pm Richard Partridge Cellars, February 19th 3 to 6pm Venge Family Winery, February 26th 3 to 6pm

Let me know if you have any questions at LiveinNapaValley@aol.com

This store is located at 426 First St. in Napa. Their local number is 707/253-2624 or 877/469-9463. Here you are able to purchase bottles of wines that you see throughout the valley, sometimes for less than you get them at the winery. They even carry my favorite wines from Page Wine Cellars. Here you can find a huge selection of wines and a wine-tasting room.

They even have a Wine Discovery Club. With this you will receive two bottles of wine that are hand-selected from the area. You will receive shipments every 2 months. After you receive the bottles, you have a 45 day period where you can purchase more of the wine you sampled for a reduced price. There are two levels of clubs here, the gold level going for $89.99 per shipment and the silver level going for $59.99. You can sign up at the tasting bar at the store or by calling one of the numbers above. Wine clubs are a great way to try something new in a valley that is changing daily. If you have any questions, let me know at LiveinNapaValley@aol.com.

This event is taking place from 11am to 4pm at the winery, which is at 8466 St. Helena Highway in Rutherford. This is a great winery and I have reviewed them before. Check it out if you are in town.

Email me with any questions at LiveinNapaValley@aol.com