By Carol & Joe Davis
Dining Detectives

We always enjoy the breathtaking ride north on Highway 29 through the Napa Valley Wine Country and frequently go to Saint Helena to dine and shop. We have driven by Gott's Roadside Tray Gourmet which was formerly known as Taylor's Automatic Refresher and seen people lined up to order and dining at picnic tables but had never stopped to eat.

Traditional American Food has always been served there since 1949 but once the new owners Joel and Duncan Gott rebuilt the restaurant in 1999 with the help of Chef Rick Robinson they have added more artisanal ingredients and a more garden inspired menu. As one might expect, the parking lot had quite a few Classic American Cars which fits the style of a roadside diner and added to our experience. We ordered and were told that our name would be called when our food was ready in about 15 minutes and then seated ourselves at a picnic table in back. We enjoyed the cool breeze and sunshine and soon heard "Carol D. your order is ready" and were about to see what Tray Gourmet was all about.

We started out with the Chocolate and Vanilla Bean Shakes. They were thick and rich and perfect....made with Double Rainbow Ice Cream. Next, we had a healthy Chinese Chicken Salad which tasted very fresh. It was made with shredded cabbage, crunchy wontons and rice noodles, tossed with grilled chicken breast, peanuts, green onions, sesame seeds and spicy Asian vinaigrette. Of course, we had a Cheeseburger which we ordered rare. Rick told us that they use Niman Ranch Beef and developed a custom grind which makes the burger more flavorful and juicer. It is ground fresh daily and contains no antibiotics or growth hormones. We also enjoyed both the Sweet Potato Fries which are dusted with chili spice and served with house made ranch dressing and the Onion Rings which were thick, beer battered and lightly salted. The highlight of our meal was definitely their newest creation which is the Crispy Ahi Poke Tacos which consisted of Hawaiian style raw marinated Ahi, avocado, green cabbage, cilantro and spicy mayonnaise in crispy taco shells. They were stellar.... and we loved the texture which juxtaposed the Crispy Taco and the smooth Ahi!!

The wine list features a reasonably priced selection of wines by the glass, half bottles and full bottles from local Napa and Sonoma wineries including Duckhorn, Rombauer, Frog's Leap, and Schramsberg. You can also bring your own Wine as corkage is only $1.00.
Gott's has three locations including the San Francisco Ferry Building, in Napa Oxbow Market and the original in Saint Helena. It is a great for a Burger, Fries and a Shake or Salad, Ahi Poke and a half bottle of Napa Valley wine. Now we know why it is so busy. It is Tray Gourmet!!

Gott's Roadside Tray Gourmet
933 Main Street
St. Helena, CA 94574
707-963-3486
www.GottsRoadside.com