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.

Piccino

Oh Piccino, I heart you so much. I remember before you moved and you were a mere hole in the wall, hidden in Potrero Hill. Now you have blossomed into a beautiful new space, with an expanded menu, maturing ever so graciously.

After multiple recommendations from Potrero Hill locals, Reid and I tried Piccino, a small, crowded, no frills pizza spot. The pizza was awesome. The space could have used some work. The next time we went, they had moved into a bright yellow building on Minnesota. With high ceilings, loft-like beams, lots of pine, bright lights, an open kitchen and spacious bar, the restaurant had done a complete 180. Now I adore this place even more because I am a stickler for great ambiance. It makes the dining experience just that much more fabulous.  

Reid and I visit this restaurant, at the very least, once a month. The menu does not change very often and each time we can’t help but order the same things and then rave about how delicious the roasted cauliflower with farro and almond gremolata is or how brussel sprouts can actually taste good if made by Piccino and cooked with lemon, garum and roasted garlic. Recently we added a third app into the mix; toma della rocca (Cheese! In case anyone was wondering…), hen of the woods mushroom and caramelized onion bruschetta. Yes, we devour all three apps and still have room for the two pizzas that won us over many moons ago; the funghi: roasted mushrooms, stracchino and shaved garlic and the salsiccia: house made sausage, mozzarella and red onion.

Last night we shared this special gem with Reid’s dad, Rick. Rick took cues from the veterans and let us chose the appetizers and he ordered a salsiccia himself. Wash the meal down with a Scrimshaw or a glass of Nebbiolo and you’re set. Taste buds are alive and satisfied. If you aren’t happy with their wines, walk next door to the very conveniently located, Dig, and pick out a bottle. Corkage is $20.  

Piccino, 1001 Minnesota Street, San Francisco, CA 94107.

Don’t forget to try their coffee bar, which adjoins the restaurant. Start that morning off right with a warm cup-o-Joe and a fresh pastry. The coffee bar is open daily from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Luella

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I love, love, love Luella! It’s definitely one of my top 10 favorite restaurants in the city. I feel like it’s an untapped gem in the San Francisco restaurant scene. I constantly recommend this restaurant to people looking for a low-key evening with good food and good wine because every time I dine here, I’m never disappointed. Reid had never eaten at Luella so I was dying to take him - my treat! We walked into Luella and instantly Reid said, “I like this place.” It just has a warm vibe and just like Bacchus, not ostentatious at all. We wanted to try almost every appetizer on the menu but settled for two: the ahi tuna tartate tacos with lime vinaigrette and mango salsa (I’ve never not ordered these…they are amazing!) and the burrata with wildflower honey, toasted hazelnuts and grilled bread (who can pass up fresh burrata?).  

Ahi Tuna Tartare Tacos via Luella

Polenta Fries via Luella

Lasagna via Luella

Entrée choice for me: Roasted polenta cakes with wild mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan, arugula and champagne vinaigrette. If you love polenta, I also recommend the crispy polenta fries with spicy tomato vinaigrette - pure polenta deliciousness. Entrée choice for Reid: Short rib lasagna with Parmesan béchamel and tomato puree. Reid will never pass up lasagna. It’s one of his favorite dishes (of all time) and we all know I’m not whipping up any gourmet lasagna at home so he had to take advantage of the option.  No dessert for us, we were way too full.

Luella, 1896 Hyde Street, San Francisco, CA 94109.