The Restaurant at Meadowood ... The Best Dinner of 2009

By Dining Detectives

Meadowood is a World Class Resort which exudes casual sophistication, nestled in the hills of St. Helena just off the Silverado Trail It is very woodsy and secluded and our dining experience was much like being on a country estate. We enjoyed an exquisite perfectly paced fine dining experience at The Restaurant at Meadowood. This evening we had the choice of two Tasting Menus. We ordered both the Eight Course Chef's Tasting Menu and the Fall Menu. Executive Chef Christopher Kostow's creations were so unique, both menus were fantastic almost beyond words!

The Chef's Tasting Menu featured the following:

Cold Smoke Toro
Osetra Caviar, Crème Fraiche and Warm Brioche

Barely Cooked Foie Gras
Oyster, Romaine and Asian Pear

Lobster roasted in Lime Salt
Squash, Apple and Vadouvan

Pressed Local Chicken
Red Abalone, Matsutake and Broccoli

Poached and Roasted Beef Tenderloin
Chanterelles, Parsley Root and Truffle

Beignet of Blu Del Moncenisio
Dried Apricot Puree and Nasturtium

Toast and Jam
Silverado Strawberries and Toast Ice Cream

Pain Perdu,
Plum, Candied Bacon and Corn

We enjoyed the surprise each unique course would bring; the presentation, the textures and the medley of flavors. We chose the menus with optional Wine Paring, so our wines were perfectly paired with each course taking into consideration our personal preferences. The service was attentive, relaxed and the staff was very knowledgeable. Executive Chef Christopher Kostow, Sous Chef Chris Dettmer and their hard working team in the kitchen created cuisine that is worthy of their Two Star Michelin Rating, which they have earned for the past three years! Only three other restaurants in Northern California earned a Two Star Michelin Rating.

Meadowood Napa Valley
900 Meadowood Lane
St. Helena, CA. 94574
800-458-8080
www.meadowood.com