Redd

Last year Reid and I dined at Redd for my birthday. It was one of the best meals I've ever had - no exaggeration. Since then, I recommend Redd to anyone and everyone venturing to the Napa Valley to wine and dine. I love the modern, minimalist décor (think Room & Board) and if the weather is nice, you can sit on the patio, near the fireplace (Romantic? Yes.).

Thus, when I asked my mom to meet me for lunch in Napa, it was any easy decision. Let’s go to Redd! She had never dined at this culinary hot spot so she was definitely excited, especially after I had hyped up the restaurant. To make the most of our experience, we opted to share multiple appetizers so we could taste a little bit of everything. And of course, ladies who lunch can’t lunch without a glass of champagne! A glass of Schramsberg Brut Rosé, anyone? While sipping champagne, we started with the asparagus soup with lemon cream and a petite smoked salmon Gruyere panini (the restaurant split the order into two servings - the presentation was impeccable). The soup and panini: delicious, rich and creamy! 

Next came the yellowfin tuna and hamachi tartare, with avocado, chili oil, fried rice and cilantro. I think this was my favorite of the three dishes just because I love tuna tartare. 

We finished the meal with lettuce cups filled with stir fried chicken, eggplant, and scallions.

The lunch was obviously delicious; more than satisfying the taste buds, just as it had done a year ago. So try Redd or try their new sister restaurant, Redd Wood, an upscale pizzeria located on the Northern end of Washington Street. Redd Wood combines one of my favorite restaurants with my favorite food (pizza, of course!) – what could be bad about that? These restaurants are culinary staples in the Napa Valley dining world.  Be sure to try one or both next time you’re in Yountville. I swear you’ll fall in love!

Redd, 6480 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599.

Oxbow Public Market

We spent the weekend in Napa recently, celebrating a friend's birthday. On our way out of wine country, we stopped at the Oxbow Public Market to check out the upscale "food court" I have heard such good things about. It was so much fun walking around this expansive warehouse, perusing the restaurants, gourmet foods, gifts and wine. Since it was early AM, we opted for brunch at C Casa, a Mexican eatery. We both ordered the Huevos Rancheros, two white corn tortillas smeared with black beans, 2 eggs over medium, pico de gallo, roasted corn relish and chipotle aioli. Order, pay, find a seat and wait for them to call your name. It's a simple, no fuss way to grab some gourmet eats. 

Ritual Coffee (location in SF, as well), had quite a line, with everyone in need of their early morning java kick. If it had been later in the day, we could have taken advantage of Hog Island Oyster Company and Oxbow Wine Merchant & Wine Bar...sample some cheese, have a glass of wine, maybe order some oysters. I guess we'll save that for next time.

In case you are craving sweets, Kara's Cupcakes set up shop in the Market. Kara's is a cupcake staple in SF, so for those who can't venture to the city, now you can sample them in Napa!  I was tempted to have dessert for breakfast. I mean how yummy do these look?

Check out Oxbow if you are planning a visit to Napa anytime soon. If not to eat, you can always buy food gifts for friends and family. I was tempted to buy some olive oil from The Olive Press for my mom. There were so many different olive oils to choose from...who knew? 


Oxbow Public Market, 644 First Street, Napa, CA 94559.