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Restaurants

Houston
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133 posts
13 reviews
20 helpful votes
Restaurants
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Hi there,

We've been doing quite a bit of research re which two restaurants to choose for our trip and are having a hard time deciding. Since we only have 2 nights, we really want the standouts. The only thing we're ruling out is French Laundry due to price. There are 8 of us and we love good food, but would not classify ourselves as "foodies." So far Bistro Giovanni and Bistro Jeanty are sticking out as good choices but I'd love more suggestions for places good for groups. Thanks in advance, I know restaurant questions are frequent.

San Francisco...
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60,973 posts
137 reviews
119 helpful votes
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Chowhound.com is the place you should go for restaurant reviews and recommendations. Also check out zagat and the http://sfgate.com/food for reviews.

The 2 you mention are great choices and have been there for a long time as favs. Solid Italian and French places and you wont go wrong

Have a look at the forums for restaurant discussion as well

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g32766-i258-k4748389-Dinner_recommendation-Napa_Napa_Valley_California.html

Seaside, Oregon
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45,399 posts
1,000 reviews
1,708 helpful votes
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Ad Hoc, Redd & Bottega all in Yountville are a few of our favorites. :)

Napa, CA
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jcg-

We need your help. Tell us at least what the folks in your party do NOT like-- that will allow us to narrow it down.

(there are waaaaaay too many great Napa Valley restaurants-- more than 50!)

Cheers,

-The Innkeepers

Napa Old World Inn

Houston
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133 posts
13 reviews
20 helpful votes
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Napa Old World,

We are really not a picky bunch! We are probably going to weed out traditional steakhouse type places as we have so many good ones in Houston, it would seem like less of a treat. We also have a couple that would prefer we avoid sushi. None of us are vegetarians. Other than that, we are open to any type of food! Thanks so much for your help; getting personal recommendations really help!

Houston
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133 posts
13 reviews
20 helpful votes
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I forgot to mention I found out that Ad Hoc is closed during our visit, so we have to rule that one out. Thx.

Fremont, California
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That helps. That helps as it rules out Morimoto (excellent Japanese food); Cole's Chop House (good steaks), and Ubuntu (fantastic vegan food).

I think you might like Michael Ciorello's place - Bottega Restaurant

http://botteganapavalley.com/index.html

Houston
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133 posts
13 reviews
20 helpful votes
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Thank you! The carbonara has my mouth watering! My only reservation about Bottega was that I read a review indicating some believed the quality of the food was dependent on Chiarello being in house or not. Have you found this to be the case? I am assuming not, since you recommended it. Again, I appreciate the input, it is so helpful.

Napa Valley...
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2,486 posts
9 reviews
12 helpful votes
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Bistro Jeanty is one of my favorites. Where are you staying? Did you want another Yountville place? I think with a group it's fun to go to the Oxbow Market in Napa. Everyone can get what they want and meet at one of the communal tables.

Houston
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133 posts
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Thanks, Segway. We are staying in downtown Napa and aren't really too concerned with where the particular restaurant is located. How long would you say the drive is from downtown to Yountville?

Napa, CA
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jcg-

We were concerned about Bottega as well, but the consistency problems went away, and they've been serving top notch grub for at least 8 months-- whether Chef Chiarello is there, or not. Five of us dined there a month or so ago, and actually had to re-order a few dishes, because we loved them so much we had to have *more*! (can't think of the last time this happened). It wasn't that the servings were small (they weren't)-- we ordered shared appetizers (calamari, and another dish-- slips our minds)-- both were so outstanding that the plates were clean within minutes.

The rest of the meal (entrees especially) was also outstanding.

We would have sent you to Morimoto, since only about 30% of their menu is sushi-- the rest is what we'd call "Iron Chef"-- incredibly creative and wonderful tastes/flavors. But mini has a point-- if there are some in your party who object/don't care for asian spices, then Morimoto may not be the right fit.

Here's a review of Morimoto-- remember that they can do their Omakase (taster's menu) to be completely sushi-free, if needed:

http://bit.ly/MorimotoNapa

We think you're smart to forgo steaks-- Coles Chop House has GREAT steaks/chops, but Houston has its own great steak houses, too!

We also love Bistro Jeanty, if you're looking for a country French style Bistro. Great food, and wonderful ambiance.

You don't mention when you'll be here. If you need/want a Thomas Keller fix, the only place of his open between now and March 1 will be Bouchon. We're hoping Bouchon Bakery opens shortly thereafter-- the locals are starting to go through withdrawal! :)

BTW, you will find so-so reviews for both restaurants and lodging properties in the Napa Valley. That is, in part, b/c prices are high, and folks go in with extremely high expectations. Sometimes those expectations are not met (= mediocre review). Bottega *did* have consistency issue w/its service and food quality, but we have not personally heard of any problems for months and months (we have had close to 100 of our guests go there during this time, and they've all raved).

Hoping this helps!

Cheers,

-The Innkeepers

Napa Old World Inn

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