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Auberge Du Soleil
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172 reviews for Auberge Du Soleil
Must come here for lunch and sit in the balcony area, the view is spectacular! I recommend this to every person that visits Napa. Very romantic and soothing. I recommend the Potato Gnocchi, Wild Mushrooms, Pea Shoots, Parmesan Nage,
Seared Ahi Tuna, Crispy Soft Egg, Savoy Spinach, Tapenade and the
Day Boat Scallops, Sweet White Corn, Snap Peas, Vanilla Nage, Crispy Onions
I would have given this place 5 stars but the last time I was there it was a bit disappointing. There was some construction work going on so it was a bit irritated having to listen to the hammers and drills.
Having dined at Gary Danko for our 5th anniversary, I thought I'd just update this to say we enjoyed Auberge a bit more. The service was a smidgen better at GD, but the food and setting at Auberge was more interesting for a similarly-priced meal. Auberge was more like 4.75 stars, GD more like 4.5.
Since our anniversary meal last year, we've been back to the bar at Auberge once and had yummy drinks and light (if spendy) eats. I look forward to going back again sometime soon!
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/30/2008
My wife and I dined here for our wedding anniversary blow-out meal this year. We did the regular… Read more »
This was my first visit and we had a great time. The view is mesmerizing and spectacular. The service was fantastic and super attentive.
The brunch was so much fun. We started off with a Kir Royale and the most amazing bread and muffins. I had the heirloom tomatoes and burratta, which was so delicious. The entree was Seared Ahi Tuna, Crispy Soft Egg, Savoy Spinach, and Tapenade. The presentation was amazing and it was all super tasty.
We shared 4 different deserts and they were all great, especially the peaches and cheesecake.
I can't wait to come back!
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Took the wife here after she ran the San Francisco Marathon. Good job babe! To say the food is great is a bit of an understatement. We had the tasting menu with wine pairings and the chef and somelier really did their homework. Several Foie Gras dishes, sweetbreads, and Wagyu beef were all done to absolute perfection. We could only pick at the desert because we were so stuffed, but it was also delicious.
The only negative is the price, which is up there, but you have to pay for perfection and you get it here.
Hands down one of the most romantic spots with the most breathtaking views...that along with impeccable service earns 5 yelping stars!
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*Review for the bar/bistro only.*
So I'm spending the day in Napa with a friend and we are already all the way up to Rutherford, when we need some lunch. I didn't want to head all the way back downtown, and a restaurant in the area had been recommended to me by winery staff when I was visiting last year.
I thought I remembered where it was and that led me here. Turns out I was wrong -- they had suggested Rutherford Grill -- but no matter. We really didn't know what we were getting ourselves into until we reached the door and I spotted the Relais & Chateaux monogram, at which point I thought "Oh, sh*t." We weren't exactly prepared to splurge on lunch, but we had already handed over our car to the valet, so we headed inside.
After looking over the menu and deciding we could split an appetizer and that's about it, we asked for seating and discovered there is also a bistro with a lighter-fare menu. Thank the lord!
We were seated right away on the amazing patio overlooking the valley, and from that point on had a fantastic experience. They brought us water (much needed during a day of wine) and a plate of olives. We weren't super hungry, so we decided to split a burger ($18).
They brought it out after only 10-15 minutes, perfectly cooked, very well-seasoned and they even split it for us on two plates and gave us our own fries. And they didn't charge us extra to split it, either! Some places do that.
So I think it's important for people on a budget to know that it's possible to visit this place without blowing the bank. We walked out with a $22 check, plus a few more for the valet, and the great food aside, the view was totally worth every penny :)
Woke from the wine/food coma around 10 and headed up to Auberge du Soleil around 11:30 for lunch. Made reservations for the terrace (highly recommended, incredible view looking west above Silverado Trail @ HWY 128). Only people midweek. Great bar menu we looked at while waiting for the restaurant to actually open, will have to go back just for that. Started with a white peach bellini, endured mocking from the wife, but it was worth it, very tasty. We opted for the 2 course lunch because we are hog asses.
Him:
Starter: Sautéed Foie Gras, Cherries, Pain Perdu, Pistachio, Foie
Gras Torchon, Hibiscus Gelée
- I am an unapologetic foie gras slut and this was a great
dish. The hibiscus gelee was a perfect ballance to the
foie gras.
Second: Seared Ahi Tuna, Crispy Soft Egg, Savoy Spinach,
Tapenade
- Seared perfectly, the egg and spinach were great
company for the ahi.
Her:
Starter: Potato Gnocchi, Wild Mushrooms, Pea Shoots, Parmesan
Nage
- Incredible mushroom aroma, the parmesan added just
the right salt kiss.
Second: Basil Crusted Rabbit, Farro, English Peas,
Broccoli Rapini, Red Wine Jus
- Sooooo jealous of the wife for this one. Lucky she shares.
Go for the view, and a drink if nothing else but the food is definately worth checking out.
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So, we went here on Super Bowl Sunday and thank grapes we did! Otherwise, who knows if we would've been sat at a table overlooking the Napa Valley, immediately upon arrival. Now, everyone's raved about the view, so I won't waste my time re-hashing it, so I'll move on to the food.
My friend and I decided to stop there on our way home for a lite lunch. We had the smoked salmon pizza and the mushroom pasta. Now, I know what you're thinking - how much different can a smoked salmon pizza and mushroom pasta be from place to place. Let me tell you!
These guys had the best quality smoked salmon (wouldn't put it past them if they house-smoked it, but it wasn't detailed). It was a cold pizza with lavosh as the "crust", layered with arugula, the heavenly salmon, capers, super thinly shaved red onion and a drizzle of lemon aioli. IT WAS THE BEST!
The mushroom pasta was wonderfully seasoned and not over-salted (which is how most places turn out mushroom pasta). The noodles were slightly al dente +, which is exactly how I like my pasta and the mushrooms were the best variety.
Can't say any more about this fabulous place, other than, I can't wait to come back for a full dinner experience!
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I would like to give this place 3 1/2 stars because the food was okay but not great, well at least what we had.
The prices were very reasonable considering where the restaurant was. We sat out on the deck and wow what an amazing view. Loved the view.
Now the food. I ordered shrimp risotto, my husband filet mignon, and my mother had the halibut. For dessert we shared two desserts but I only can remember their signature dish - chocolate in phyllo pastry.
Mom loved her halibut. My husband said the filet, even though they cooked it like he asked (medium rare), was just okay and came luke warm. He's had better elsewhere. My shrimp risotto came hot but was too rich. They had some kind of cheese in it, parmesan on top of it and then a rich sauce around the risotto. The shrimp was slightly overcooked. There was a lot of risotto but too rich and not a lot of flavor.
Mom's dessert was good. It was some peach thing and the chocolate in phyllo pastry was very ordinary.
The service was impeccable. Since it's not our local haunt and we do have to drive an hour and half to get to it I don't think we will be back since there are other restaurants we would love to still try.
This has to be the most swank (or what I like to say BOOSHI) resort that I have stayed at. It's ridiculously expensive, but you get what you pay for. Everything is pretty much provided for you when you walk into the room, so if you forget to pack your toiletrie bag, you're good.
The standard rooms are HUGE, beddings are plush and super comfortable, and the turn down service.. who does that anymore?
Can't ask for a better bathroom! I felt so "Godfather-esque" chillin' in the over-sized tub (for two) with a swivel TV to keep me entertained. All I was missing was a cigar.
This place is top notch!
Auberge du soleil is yet another of those high end Napa restaurants associated with a resort/hotel. The view from the restaurant terrace is sufficiently spectacular to make a believer of a confirmed atheist. You will be hard pressed to find a more lovely dining destination. Service is professional, spot-on and helpful. I was permitted to eliminate dessert from a four course dinner in favor of an additional appetizer.
I started with white corn soup with chervil oil that was poured over rock crab. The star of the plate was the crab as the taste of corn in the soup was elusive. As second appetizer of generously portioned lobster over white asparagus was nice, but here it was the taste of the nicely poached lobster that was somewhat elusive.
Things picked up considerably with onion crusted halibut accompanied by english peas in a fava bean sauce. A complex and tasty plate that was assertively spiced.
A generous portion of bacon wrapped veal was served over three foie gras filled ravioli and mushrooms in a salty reduced sauce. The veal was tender, the foie gras ravioli oh so rich, and the sauce allowed one to salt the meat as desired.
This place will treat you like the king or queen you are.
Spectacular view from the patio, well prepared food, an excellent wine list, and top notch service make the cafe here a pleasure. I can't wait to try the accommodations!
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We had been told about Auberge before we left Portland so after leaving Domaine Chandon, we make our way to the Silverado Trail. As we get close to the Trail we can see the Inn on the side of the hill. Complimentary valet parking took care of the car while we ventured inside.
The restaurant had just closed so we made our way to the bistro/bar. Hoping to sit outside, we were told the wait was 45 minutes. No worries...we would just sit at the bar and have a drink. We took our seats, ordered drinks and an appetizer and before anything even arrived were told our table was ready. The views are amazing!! You can see for miles.
Normally when frequenting a place that charges $15 for a margarita, I feel like I'm way in over my head. But I didn't here. Sure, the food and drink was expensive, but it was worth it. The servers were great and I didn't feel like they were looking down their noses at us.
The $74 tab for two drinks and three appetizers was much more than I would have paid elsewhere but the stunning views from the balcony and the unpretentious service was well worth the cash.
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The View: 5 stars. The restaurant sits on the side of a hill and therefore allows for an amazing view of Napa.
The Service: 5 stars. Absolutely top notch. Very attentive without being too intrusive. Friendly and personable.
The Food: 4 stars. It was good, really good in fact. Expertly prepared using the finest ingredients. Every bite would melt in your mouth.
The Price: $$$$. Yeah, thank god hubby and I are seasoned professionals making a decent buck. And even then, the bill still took a bite out of our wallet. Ouch!
Overall: 4.5 stars. Yeah, a must visit if you are in the Napa area and feeling a little spendy.
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Auberge is a beautiful, quintessential Napa Valley hideaway and restaurant. The accommodations are plush bungalows scattered along the side of a hill and the main building, which houses the restaurant, looks down on a scenic portion of the Napa Valley. If you want a view with lunch or dinner- THIS is your spot.
The last time I was here, Auberge was renovating certain parts of the hotel, including the pool. Although the resort is nice, the renovations were somewhat necessary as parts were getting outdated. I imagine the construction is slowing down by now, if not over.
I've known multiple people who've gotten married here- it's definitely a popular spot. The wedding needs to be small, but I've heard they're wonderful about working with private parties. Also, there's a great little art gallery and gift shop in the main building, which you can come check out after lunch. Auberge is classic Napa Valley, so if you want to stick with a traditional vacation experience and are willing to part with at least $500 per night, you'll probably like it here.
NB. The food at the restaurant is good, although lacks consistency. It's best to come here for the view and be pleasantly surprised by your food, rather than the other way around.
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For starters this place is not for the faint of heart as far as your wallet is concerned. If you have reservations and don't have a problem paying for fine dinning then you should be fine.
The drive in Napa to the restaurant is romantic. The restaurant is perched on a hill and does offer beautiful scenic views of Napa valley. You won't get the view of the sunset but it is still pretty awesome. They offer both outdoor and indoor seating and do have heated lamps overhead but I could tell that some of the women even with their closely draped exquisite shawls were still not feeling cozy enough.
The service is friendly and pleasant without being intrusive or fast paced. I had the six course dinner here and we were there for four hours but it never felt dull. The food here is good but not the best when compared to other fine restaurants where the avg bill can easily go upwards of $400 for two. The desert however was something else. It was just AWESOME! It would be smart to bring your best bottle of wine and pay corkage since the markup on the wines is ridiculously high.
Overall a great dining experience but not 5 * for the price. However, I would go there again to enjoy the view and their absolutely awesome desert plate.
What can I add to the 141 reviews of Auberge? My 2 cents - skip dinner and go for appetizers and wine on the deck at sunset.
But since we spent over $300 for dinner not writing about it would make me sick...so here we go.
First course - Corn & lobster soup with table side presentation. Seasonal and strong balanced flavors.
Second course - Rock crab salad with tomato gel. I would rather have gel in my hair than on my salad - very unappetizing to the eyes and the palate.
Third course - Halibut on a bed of beans with green puree. Simple and good. The tomato risotto on the bottom was a little heavy on the tarragon.
Fourth course - He had the prime rib that had a unique Asian twist. I had the lamb with gnocchi that was well cooked.
Dessert - Chocolate dumplings with vanilla ice cream and lemon cake with huckleberries.
Although the service was exemplary (they offered me a pashmina, showed me a photo album of the grounds); it was a little too pretentious for me. There was no music and we had to whisper when we talked (very hard for me after a glass of wine).
The food didn't wow me - it all seemed overly complicated and overworked. Nothing stood out. When I go to restaurants with this much hype I expect "I can die now" type of dishes. Didn't happen here.
It was a nice place to enjoy nature; but you can do that at a state park. Again, my 2 cents is to skip dinner and go for appetizers and wine on the deck.
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Wifey and i spent a day in Napa for part of Memorial Day weekend. we stayed in nearby Santa Rosa so we could hit up other cities like Bodega Bay and Sonoma. Napa can be a real clusterf*ck during long weekends, and this one was no different. Auberge was a great way balance out the gluttony from a day of wine tasting. We ate about 3 hours ago, and the post-meal contractions are still going strong!
We each went with four courses rather than the tasting menu. Among the highlights:
* sauteed foies gras (melts in your mouth - but not enough of it!);
* seared ahi tuna with glazed pork belly;
* spiced local lamb;
We also had dessert, a few glasses of pinot grigio and a bit of champagne.
Bottom line is that the food is very good, the view is awesome (if you sit outside) and great service. Sure it's a fancy place, but pricing is a bit high. Even in SF you can get food of similar quality at lower rates - and more of it! Napa winery acreage ain't cheap though, and this place is definitely worth a visit. And i shouldn't complain about portions if the blood flow to my digestion has hijacked my thinking (and typing!).
This review is for the restaurant. This was my fourth dinner at Auberge du Soleil, and I've had drinks there many times.
I had dinner there on Easter Sunday with three other friends -- one of which was a vegan. We didn't order food from the menu and just asked the kitchen to cook for us. If you include the amuse bouche and the intermezzo, we had a total of six courses. The food was great, and the kitchen handled the vegan issues exceptionally well and created a separate menu to accommodate. Chef Robert Curry is doing a great job keeping the quality and consistency of the food very high, year after year.
There are plenty of pictures of the plates here, as well as detailed examples of the dishes, so I'll skip over all of that. (Except that I WILL mention one particular dish that included dashi broth and a soft poached hen's egg was particularly magical.)
On par with TFL, the service from the captain, manager/sommelier, and food runners/backwaiters was warm and friendly and technically impeccable, down to the smallest cues.
The wine list is extensive and global in scope, and the quality of their by-the-glass offerings are a several notches above the norm. (If you're interested in a detailed description of the food and great wines we had, just send me a message.)
This is one of the few places that truly deserves their Michelin Guide and Relais & Châteaux/Gourmand status.
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Over the past twenty years, hotels in the Napa Valley have zoomed up into the sky in terms of design, amenities, restaurants, service, and finally, price.
Auberge is the king of those hotels because it can boast a long history. I have always loved Auberge because it is simply beautiful. There are Tuscan colors everywhere and the whole resort is beautifully landscaped. You actually feel warmer and like you're in the middle of Italy somehow.
In recent years, Auberge has been overrun by celebrities and young people with cash to burn. As a consequence, there are weddings going on every weekend and people lounging around the pool with cosmos in hand. All perfectly fine. Auberge has become its own tourist destination.
I highly recommend this place because there is simply no hotel like it in the Napa Valley. It will dazzle you. It is peaceful and beautiful. For first timers, it is ideal. For Napa Valley regulars, it is somewhat passe. If this is your first time in the valley, by all means, go to Auberge even at their steep prices. It's a great introduction to wine country lifestyle. For regulars, try the newer hotels like Meadowood and even Bardonasso (which I'm dying to try out). Life is too short not to explore.
Having been to a few Relais & Chateaux establishments already, I must say, I still have not been disappointed yet... This was a birthday get-away for me from my hubby. We happened to run across this place while going over the list of Relais & Chateaux locations.
The service is just amazing!! I was warmly greeted by everyone the minute I stepped out of my car. The last time this happened was when I went to the country side Ryokan in Japan!! People knew we were coming and they addressed us by our last name.
Even though the hotel is 20 years old, all the amenities have kept up to the newer technology. The "Nespresso" machine in the room is great! My hubby enjoyed a cup of latte and espresso immediately after we checked into our room while munching on some of the nice little snacks. While hubby worked via wifi that's available throughout the property and including the pool area, I took a nap by the pool.
We made reservation at the hotel restaurant and food was very good. Again, the service was just impeccable!! Even though there were various waiters and waitresses, they were all informed of anything and everything that have been served to our table. You have to get an outdoor seating because the view of the Napa hill is amazing. We also enjoyed a different morning scenery the next morning with our complementary breakfast. Not your buffet breakfast, but a real order from the menu breakfast.
While hubby worked more the next morning, I got a chance to hit the spa and had a 'grape seed' spa treatment. Be sure to book your spa treatment early!! This place is packed!! The spa is very nice with an outdoor hot tub and cold tub for your relaxation after your treatment. In every treatment room, there is an outdoor shower in the little 'garden' that's attached to each room.
Of course, with such excellent service comes a hefty price tag. It is definitely not cheap... but if you ever want a nice get-away, this is definitely very highly recommended!!
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Was there for Valentine's with the now-ex. It's an hour's drive from San Francisco... but well worth the drive. Sure, it's in the middle of nowhere - especially when driving through rain at night - but well worth it.
Decor's nice. Well lit. Comfortable seating. Everything was well executed. Portions, textures, flavors and temperatures. Even the plates and silverware were top notch. And the wait staff take care of things before you even have a chance to ask.
The prix fixe menu was $150 per person, without the wine pairing, which is comparable to other restaurants in wine country (French Laundry's more, but that's a Michelin 3 star restaurant - the only 3 star in California, if memory serves me correctly).
Whether it's for a special day or for a romantic night out, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Auberge du Soleil never disappoints. I've been visiting Auberge for years. The setting is understated elegance, the food is always splendid and the service always attentive (albeit not always perfectly executed). Even if you can't afford to stay overnight (who can?), a trip to Auberge for lunch/brunch during an outing to Napa Valley is a MUST for locals and visitors alike and, weather permitting, there is nothing more romantic and pleasant than eating at a table on the deck with a gorgeous sunlit view of the southern end of the valley.
Open Table Review: 02/15/09
i cant decide between 3 and 4 stars because their arrogant, stuck up attitude really degrade the serene, calm environment provided by the luscious scenery. and the amazing food. the last few times i walked into auberge it has left a weird taste in my mouth. my first experience here, was a long time ago, but i still remember it as being the best restaurant i ever visited. the scallops mmmm. i dont know what happened.
last time we came here. we just wanted to walk around and visit the site. we drove by and i remembered how picturesque it was and wanted to show the bf. we didnt even cross the entrance when we were greeted by the manager i think. no dogs allowed and no non-guests allowed. ok fine ..
this time we came for dinner. we were early thinking, again we could walk around and take some pictures. dip our feet in the pool? dont know. but there was a sign saying private party. we asked if we could take a look downstairs. the hostess just said no. i mean it wasnt just the no's. it was their attitude. even my mom was like who do they think they are? arrogant french people?
onto the meal. we decided not to do the four course meal and just order a la carte. turns out cost was more so i would recommend just doing the 4 course. i really feel like the waiters job is to educate us on the menu and pricing. halfway into the appetizers we had to ask them for clarification. a bit awkward. at restaurants of this price point, service really shouldnt have to be thought about. or complained about.
we shared the hamachi sashimi appetizer, asparagus soup, lobster tail, and caviar. i think i missed the fine print where the caviar was an extra $150. all the appetizers were super
for entrees we had halibut, ahi, shrimp risotta, and prime rib. again everything was pretty good.
in the middle of the meal, my little sister said she was cold so my mom got the idea to move outside. i had requested indoor seating at the time of reservation. they gladly obliged and moved us outside provided we give them back the table by 8:15. since it was around sunset time. which is beautiful, ALL the bugs started coming out. i think i got bitten a good 8 times. not to mention they were flying around our food. a bit annoying.
i guess im a mixed review. the food was really good. the hostess and manager were not so much
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I can't believe I don't go to this place more often!!
The food is fabulous, the service is wonderful, and the view is great!!! The price for lunch is totally reasonable.
There was a wedding going on downstairs the day I was there, and it did not disrupt the rest of the diners at all.
I'll be back for sure!
I'm writing a VERY tardy review.
This is about my one and only visit here, in the summer of 1990.
I was taking my girlfriend (long since, now my wife) out to a fine lunch during a day of wine tasting. We were somewhat under-dressed in jeans and t-shirts (clean, no holes), but were seated and served, if somewhat slightly snottily.
The meal was good, and the setting was great (on the terrace with magnificent views).
However,
At the end of the meal when I went to pay with a credit card, a bit of a production was made about my credit card being declined (it had just been accepted at a winery not an hour before, and had over $5,000 in credit remaining). I offered another card, that was similarly declined. I was forced to ask my girlfriend to pay with her card, and was very upset about it.
After getting home and calling both credit card companies, I found that there were no problems with either card. I can only surmise that I was being "punished" by the staff for being under-dressed/under-wealthy/under-class.
I have since returned to the area dozens, if not hundreds of times, eaten at the finest the valley has to offer, and gone to the best spas, but....
I WILL NEVER, EVER GO BACK HERE.
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esperanza breakfast is to die for. i stay at auberge for a weekend once a year and every time for breakfast its the esperanza breakfast
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I loved the outdoor seating on a warm summer night - great view of the sunset and surprisingly, no bugs flying around.
We each did the 4 course for $85, though a la carte is available, as well. Food was well flavored, with a variety of textures. Presentation on our dishes as a bit more traditional, but the food was very solid.
Impeccable service in a beautiful setting.
This review is for the bar only.
The view is spectacular. I'll give ya that. The service was also good.
But OY. CRAMPED. Both inside and out.
That did not add to the experience in the least.
Gorgeous, but I can't say I'd go rushing back. Maybe if it was a weekday and it was less crowded?
Went here for lunch a while back and it was pretty awesome. The food was all prepared as specified and delivered promptly.
The view here is amazing and such a great low key romantic/chill spot to eat at.
If you are looking for a place to take a date for lunch whilst in the wine country .. this is it.
Want to feel like a celebrity, or possibly the leader of a small country/dynasty/corporate entity? Auberge du Soleil is your place, my friends. I'm telling you, this restaurant (didn't stay at the hotel, which would have been only slightly less expensive for one night than a rent check) is THE special occasion place. The event locale to end all event locales. Seriously, and I shit you not, Auberge makes the Driskell look like a drive-thru Wendy's.
So my bf and I were in Napa for a couple of days for my birthday, which happens to fall felicitously on Labor Day weekend (built-in holiday for vacation - YES! Go mom and dad on that conception!) and we decide to go somewhere nice. Since I was turning 31, which I have heard described as "the Delaware of birthdays - nothing to see here, keep moving please," my expectations weren't extremely high, and I had no idea this meal would consist of the most pricey food I have ever had the good fortune of funneling into my mouth.
First of all THE VIEW, PEOPLE. It's unreal. Couched atop a steep, terraced hill overlooking the beauty of Napa, I felt whisked away to another time and place. Say, provincial Italy in the 1800s, but without all the fussy corsets or rheumatic fever. Anyway, let's just say that if you have or plan to have "f**k you" money, this would be an ideal spot for your wedding or special event. I mean.
Secondly, let's talk gastronomical delights. Now, my stomach has never greeted a great, well-prepared gourmet entree that it didn't like, but I don't think any amount of refinery could prepare it for what it got. I chose the Vegetarian menu and my bf chose the regular menu, and we both agreed that I came out on top. My starter was a goat cheese-filled beignet with crunchy vegetables in a yummy tapenade sauce. I don't even LIKE goat cheese and these little pockets of heaven blew me away. But the real kicker was my third (or main) course: potato gnocchi with black summer truffles, wild mushrooms in a creamy parmesan sauce. Gawwwwwww. By that time I had reached orgasmic food nirvana and was considering levitating out onto the terrace and over the slope into the trees below. Unbelievable quality.
For dessert, because we had called ahead and alerted them it was my birthday, my dessert - a coconut lime gateau with pomegranate sorbet - was flanked on the dish by a lovely "Happy Birthday" written in chocolate calligraphy, and a slender red candle lit when it appeared at the table. Needless to say, my birthday wish entailed packing up this restaurant and taking it with me on the plane back to Austin. Unmatched quality on every level.
The waitstaff was impeccably knowledgeable, attentive to every single need (they have the crumb scraper thingy, which I am fascinated by). Here's how peerless they are: a member of a party a table over had run to the bathroom and while he was gone, their next course was ready. The waiter, holding the plates, immediately assessed from across the room that the man was not back and actually waited until he returned to present the dishes to the entire party. Refined subtlety as I have never seen before.
On a side note, and I'm sure he'll wryly thank me for mentioning it, my bf at one point turns to me and asks with all due seriousness, "so...does auberge mean eggplant?" Trying to keep a straight face while working out the full meaning of this (his justification was that "aubergine" the color was an eggplant purple shade), I politely said, "Um..I think it's actually 'retreat' or 'inn'." So, no, honey, this place is NOT called "Eggplant of the Sun."
But you know what? Even if it were, I would scarcely let that detract from one of the most memorable dining experiences I've ever had. Happy birthday to me and my stomach, indeed.
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Came to Auberge back in January for my wife's 30th birthday. To be honest, this was not my first choice for this occasion. However, during the January month, I found out that French Laundry, Redd, and Ad Hoc were either closed or on limited winter hours. Bummer, since I woke up especially early 2 months ahead of the date to call FL up. No worries. I've heard great things about Auberge and was looking forward to it.
The restaurant is located up in the hills of Rutherford, and at night, over looks a completely dark valley, where all you can see are the lights from the roads and houses below.
We walked in at 7pm and were surprised to be the first seating of the night (apparently slow during the winter, and it was a weekday).
We opted for the four course rather than the chef's tasting. Needless to say, we had the wait staff's complete attention, which I'm sure would've been excellent if it was crowded.
The food quality was excellent and the restaurant is deserving of it's Michelin star. I'd definitely like to come back for lunch, as the views are most likely stunning during the day.
This place is 5 star for one reason, the view. You can lose yourself in this place and forget you are with company.
Food is pretty good. Is there better food out there? Yes. But decent food coupled with the view is mind blowing. Mushroom Risotto is superb! .
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In the fall when the evenings are warm and the sun sets around 7/7:30pm there's no place I'd rather be than on the deck of Auberge Du Soleil eating french fries or charcuterie and having a martini. The view from up there is insanely beautiful. My parents live in St Helena and this is probably a 3 time a month destination for them. The service is great (usually) and you will have a relaxing time.
All that being said, the food inside in the dining room is pretty hum-drum. Without the view, this place would drop to 3 stars. The service inside is good also although the bar menu and the inside menu are completely diferent. Inside, it's prix fix with options on a 3 course meal. The options are not paired well and it makes it difficult to pair a good wine with the completely unrelated courses. The appetizer and first courses flow together but the third looks like it's been created in a vaccum.
Chef Robert Curry should take a look at overhauling the menu, getting away from the overly sweet reductions on everything and focusing on more simple food pairings where the food is the star instead of the sauce or reduction of the day. It makes the restaurant melt into every one of the other restaurants in the up valley area. Nothing distinguishing but the view.
So - my advice? If you want to go up, have some bar appetizers and a drink on the deck and experience a great sunset with good freinds, do it. If you are solely into the food experience and you can't get out on the deck, skip it.
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Everyone told me not to expect too much from the kitchen. It's all about the beautiful view (true) and outstanding service (true true).
Well, sub par food my ass!
Get the tomato risotto; surprisingly full of flavor, creamy and satisfying.
The watermelon foam thingy with the crab salad was ok, but my companion's corn chowder with a juicy lump of lobster was silk on the tongue baybee.
But Lord have mercy, the best part of the meal was the tarragon ice cream with freakin delicate filo chocolate dumplings. I didn't want to share. Hellz no~ Somethin about warm crisp chocolate, a little bit o buttah and the sweet, piquant quality of the ice cream had me moaning.
Oh, and our Pacific Islander head-server-dude is tha MAN. Perfect timing, perfect attention to detail and movement, and wonderfully pleasant.
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I've plainly stated in my many ramblings that a trip to Napa represents the atom bomb of dating.
This is not hyperbole.
This is fact.
An eternal truth, like 1+1=2.
Lush, rolling hills. Crisp, clean air. Hypnotic, verdant, and ordered vines stretching beyond infinity into the horizon.
If you're aching for some play... Napa's where you're gonna get some.
But if you're lookin' to make your honey into a complete and utter love-slave.
Auberge Du Soleil is where you need to go.
Now.
Auberge is a luxury resort that caters to the glamorous and moneyed.
A place where amazing things happen to unbelievably beautiful people.
A place that I have no business whatsoever... especially with wifey in tow.
But we wanted to capture some of the glory, the "halo of perfection" that Auberge radiates. We're not worthy, but we'll take what we can get.
The restaurant is beautiful. Specifically, the VIEW from the restaurant is beautiful. Try your damndest to score a terrace seat to take advantage of this stunning view. gOdALmigGHty!!! It's like lookin' out at perfection. You cannot even imagine such a stunning view.
Don't even try, you'll hurt yourself.
The food does justice to the view.
That's saying a lot.
Really.
Imagine if you will, an orgy in your mouth. An all-out Roman baccanalia happening on every taste bud of your tongue.
That's what happened when I tasted the Maine rock crab with Béarnaise glaçage.
Napa.
Beauty.
Seduction.
For god's sake, don't bring your wifey.
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Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. The bar doesn't take reservations, so you might have to wait a couple of minutes but the stunning views from the deck are soo worth it. Despite the a limited bar menu offerings, I can always find a tasty dish including the heirloom tomato salad, ahi and burger - yum! The spa is also divine and so luxurious. Pricey, but worth it.
Attention fellas...you will score some major points not to mention impress your date by taking her here. Make sure to reserve a terrace table!!! the view and sunset were breathtaking! Extra brownie points if your want to 'wow' her by paying 1K+ for a sweet suite and spend a night.
This is my new favorite restaurant since Mikayla's closed in Sausalito some years ago. This restaurant is pretty fancy when it comes to service without the intimating effect. Everyone was genuinely nice. I swear we had 5 or more staff members wait on us throughout the dinner. Again as always, we were one of the youngest couple there but who cares...the food was great! I ordered the Tasting Menu and the food was never ending...OMG, I thought I was going to explode. While the hubbie ordered from their main menu. We occasionally switched plates due to taste which was nice....sorry I don't do foie gras. The quail egg with caviar was absolute perfection! I've also never seen such a wide range of wine selection, the menu was so heavy. A must but it's going to put a major dent in your wallet. We didn't mind dropping 4 bills for the experience, it was our 4 years anniversary!
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Overall experience was romantic, quiet and lovely. Scored terrace seating for an anniversary dinner last week, though what a shame that table wasn't much of a score in the 80-degree heat and partial shade.
Auberge's vegetarian menu solidly beat those of other Napa restaurants I've tried (Redd, Ad-Hoc, Ubuntu--in my opinion):
- Artichoke beignets, crunchy vegetables, tapenade, arugula
- Asparagus risotto, tarragon, parmesan, yuzu emulsion
- Potato gnocchi, black truffles, pea shoots, wild mushrooms, parmesan nage
- Roasted cherries crusted with crushed pistachio, white chocolate ice cream, pistachio sable
The foam-topped 2nd and 3rd course made me think of foam-o-phile Marcel Vigneron on Top Chef Season 2, but as a vegetarian who's crossed many a permutations of gummy and gluey vegetable risottos, I think the risotto was very, very excellent (and asparagus isn't my thing either). Light, al-dente, gently seasoned, chock full of sumer vegetables, so delicious. My cherry/chocolate/pistachio dessert was great, too, though the lemon verbena in my bf's peach charlotte seemed much too strong for me.
By meal's end, my stomach was stretched to max capacity; my shameless bf with hummingbird metabolism digested everything and asked for more bread.
Good service, a little slow in the beginning, nothing pretentious.
Attire wasn't dressy. I felt overdressed in my little black dress and patent heels next to the man in wrinkly chino shorts and polo t-shirt, sunblock caking off his face and ears. It was more country club casual or dressy-casual, and only during some later reservations did men show up in sports jackets.
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I came here for a wedding (not my own!) so I enjoyed the food and the general feel of Auberge but did not stay here. Overall, the place is wonderful. Beautiful. Peaceful. Tranquil. Understated. The food was delicious, well-presented, by a very professional staff. The views and grounds were amazing.
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