Though it's easily one of the best Napa Valley restaurants, it's also one of the most unpretentious. During a recent visit with our two young children, the staff were welcoming and friendly, offering crayons for coloring while we perused the Bistro Jeanty menu.
We started out with Chef Philippe Jeanty's world-famous Creme de Tomate En Croute, a delightful blend of fresh tomatoes smothered in heavy cream. It's so popular that they have recipe cards ready for you to take home.
Other homestyle French starters include home smoked salmon, duck foie gras pate with port poached pears, or homemade rabbit pate served with celery root apple salad.
For the main course, I ordered chef Philippe's famous coq au vin with a side of buttered egg noodles. The dish was piping hot and full of flavor, the chicken perfectly complimented by tiny pearl onions, mushrooms, sliced bacon and a dark, rich red wine sauce.
Equally lovely was the Quiche Aux Poireaux, stuffed with ham and leeks and served with a side of butter lettuce.
Approximately 18 California wines are offered by the glass, from sparkling blanc de noirs from neighboring Domaine Chandon, to a lovely Sonoma Cuvee Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. If you're here with a crowd, order the family-style pitcher of Bistro red or white wine. A corkage fee of $15 is required if you bring your own bottle.
Just don't leave without trying the dessert. The chocolate mouse creme brulee is a real standout, in addition to the dinner plate-sized Crepe Suzette. Served with orange butter and mandarin napoleon, it's a sweet ending to a lovely French meal.
6510 Washington Street, Yountville, CA, 94599; 707-944-0103; www.bistrojeanty.com
On a nice day, sup outside on Bistro Jeanty's patio.
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