Napa Food Part Two

I didn’t plan it, but the inn we stayed at in Yountville happened to be right next to Bouchon Bakery! I knew it was nearby, but I didn’t realize just how close. Two mornings in a row, we started our day with good coffee and delicious pastries from there - the almond croissant and sticky bun were especially memorable.

Right next to Bouchon Bakery is Bouchon Bistro, and just down the street is the French Laundry.  While we were in town, I overheard someone refer to Yountville as "Kellerville" and I'd have to agree.  My husband and I debated going to the French Laundry, but we couldn't justify the splurge - I'm sure it would have been an unforgettable experience.   

We did, however, enjoy dinner one evening at Bouchon Bistro.  They sent out a little bread, butter, and pistachios while we sipped our (once again) negronis.  Who goes to wine country and orders cocktails?  Apparently, we do.

Comically, once again we couldn't quite make it to our 8:00 reservation but luckily snagged a spot outside at 6:00.  Unfortunately, we were sitting under a red awning and a heat lamp so my pictures are beyond terrible.  

We began with the Salade Lyonnaise with escarole, frisée, bacon lardons,  poached egg & Palladin croûtons with bacon vinaigrette.

Followed by the Poulet Rôti - roasted chicken served with pommes Lyonnaise, caramelized onions & chicken jus.

Shortly after came the Steak Frites -  pan-seared flat iron steak, caramelized shallots & maître d’hôtel butter, served with French fries.

I know, I'm making your mouth water with this amazing food photography. 

Everything was delicious, but unfortunately I didn't have much of an appetite because I was missing our boys so much.  This was my first time away from them and I was not well.

Another standout meal was at Gott's Roadside, which I cannot recommend enough.  Think: the burger of your dreams, cheesy fries, and a relaxed outdoor setting.  They had milkshakes, chicken sandwiches and salads; everything looked amazing.  

The morning we left Yountville we drove through downtown Napa and stopped at the Oxbow Market, which was really cool.... I could have spent a few hours in there just shopping and eating.  We had everything bagels from Loveski with fermented onion cream cheese, and coffee from Ritual.  I've never had a fermented onion before, have you?

Afterward, we strolled through the gardens at the CIA at Copia, right next to the Oxbow Market.  It looks like much of their produce is grown on-site.  How fun would it be to go to school there?