What a View ….

Any seasoned restaurant goer has no doubt heard or read the cliché the better the view, the worse the food. While no doubt there’s a reason why this cliché exists, it’s been my experience that it is largely a thing of the past. Let’s face it, even if you’re a really popular tourist or local spot, people nowadays aren’t going to come or return to your dining room if it’s serving below average food and expecting the view is going to compensate for it. (Side note: web gal chatted with other guests who were happy to dine here two or three times a week).

So where am I going with all this? Well, last summer the web gal and I were only too happy to accept an invite to dine at Auberge du Soleil’s restaurant. And what a view!!! They could have served me cold beans and rice and I would have been happy just digging that gorgeous view from their restaurant’s balcony overlooking prime wine fields of Napa Valley.

A tour of the resort with the Director of Sales, Renee Risch, was a great opportunity to see why Auberge is the place for weddings, relaxation and rejuvenation. The resort staff made all guests feel welcomed.

Executive Chef Robert Curry ensured we had a fine dining experience as well a great view, with a nice, grilled steak for moi and grilled salmon for the web gal that was finished with a delicious dessert. The Vinoce 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon was a great pairing with the steak. The web gal enjoyed munching on the calamari throughout the meal. Our server Franco was friendly, knowledgeable and made guests happy. Before hitting the grill, chef Curry joined us on the deck and became more and more amused as he did the NSI quiz. Cheers and enjoy…

What was last night’s dinner? My wife made excellent chicken tacos, was out doing a hike and it was wonderful to return to.

What’s your favorite music? I love guitar centric rock n’ roll. Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, just love the sound of the guitar in whatever genre, jazz, blues, rock n’ roll.

What’s your favorite drink? Depends on my mood and circumstance. Love a good Burgundy with a fine meal, Champagne for a kick starter or Rosé for a light summer afternoon starter.

Favorite thing about living and working in Napa? People are going to laugh, but I love the commute. I’m only about a 7 or 8 minute drive from here and I just love doing it every time. Just so gorgeous.

Favorite dining spot in Napa? I hope this doesn’t come off as too pretentious, but I really love the French Laundry. Chef Keller is always so gracious and accommodating that when I get the chance, I take it.

What makes a great restaurant? You got to be willing to challenge yourself and your staff. Combine great food and service, you should have a satisfied clientele.

Any brush with celebrity? I sat beside Iggy Pop on a flight out of Dallas. Nice guy, we had a ball chatting about rock n’ roll.

Any wine, meal, restaurant or country on your bucket list? I’ve been to Paris, lots of Italy. Love to explore Mexico City, Viet Nam, Belgium.

Final thoughts? Nothing too profound, just consider myself lucky to do what I love in Napa.