Yountville in the Napa Valley continues to be the center of the universe for fine dining in California. A new contender for world class wine country cuisine, Bardessono, opened in 2008 with talented veteran Executive ChefSean O’Toole and Sous Chef Roger Eggleston. They use the best fresh, sustainable, organic ingredients most of which comes from their own garden, local purveyors, and the farmers market where they go twice weekly. Bardessono is located in the center of town just one block off of Washington Street and has a 62 Room Luxury Hotel, Spa and Restaurant. The complex exudes Napa Valley charm and has also received the Platinum LEED rating for their Green Program since it is 70% solar and uses geothermal wells for heating and cooling. The entire property is non- smoking which is great for those who want to breathe clean air or are hypo allergenic.

As we entered, on this cozy, rainy night, we could see that their festive Holiday lights were already up. We were escorted to our table next to the windows which gave us a view of the outdoor courtyard, which has a lovely lit water pool. We appreciated that the tables were nicely spaced which made dining more private and so civilized. We started out with signature Cocktails. The Cosmopolitan made with fresh lime juice was perfectly tart, which is just how we like it. We also enjoyed their Moscow Mule, which was made with Vodka, fresh ginger, mint and California sparkling wine. Both were an excellent way to settle in as we looked at the menu and listened to light jazz in the back ground. The menu offers flexibility as it is set up by categories which are Field & Forest, Ocean and Pasture & Range and features both appetizer or entrée sized portions with options for a Six Course Tasting Menu with Wine Pairings.

Star Route Farm Beet Salad

 

Sparking water and a Warm Bread Basket with Bouchon Bakery epi baguettes, Della Fattoria Petaluma organic Meyer lemon rosemary and whole wheat breads were soon at our table. Our first course consisted of Tomales Bay Oysters on the half shell, with lemon and mignonette. They tasted cold, fresh and so luscious. The La Quercia Organic Prosciutto with Ed George figs and sherry honey gastrique was also fabulous. Next, we enjoyed the Hale Farms Apple Salad with heirloom apples, Haas avocados, Orchard Farm lamb’s lettuce and Meyer lemon vinaigrette dressing which tasted very fresh and healthy. The Star Route Farm Beet Salad with burrata cheese, pistachio, argula, sherry vinegar and grilled bread was also delightful and was the best Beet salad we had to date.

Our next course was delicious Little Farm Potato Gnocchi with red kuri squash, golden chanterelle mushrooms, lardon, and parmigiano reggiano and from the White Truffle Menu the Vialone Nano which was dwarf risotto with parmigiano reggiano organico, mascarpone, white truffle, regina extra virgin olive oil. After enjoying this dish we understand why truffles are the rage. The entrees were both exceptional. The Liberty Farm Duck with Hale Farm apple, radish, Sonoma coast matsutake mushroom, artisan foie gras and cider jus was luscious. The Marin Sun Farm grass fed Beef filet was exquisite and very different from most grass fed beef. It was extremely tender with the perfect consistency. The accompaniments were also spectacular consisting of short rib stuffed artichoke, crushed little farm laratte potatoes and beef jus.

Marin Sun Farm Grass Fed Beef Filet

There is an extensive Wine List which features many organic, sustainable and biodynamic wines from California and around the world. We ordered wines by the glass and enjoyed the 2007 Hartwell Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc from Carneros which paired perfectly with our starters and the 2006 Rocca Family Bad Boy Red from Yountville which paired perfectly with our entrees. Our desserts were both wonderful as well. The K & J Farm Pear Soup consisted of delicious Bartlett pear vanilla soup with beignets and Hill Family Farm verbena sorbet. We were also impressed by the Bittersweet Chocolate Cake with tongan vanilla caramel, carmel ice cream and fleur de sel which was served molton hot. A Blue Bottle Coffee double espresso was the perfect finish to our delicious dinner.

Bittersweet Chocolate Cake

 

Bardessono Restaurant is definitely a World Class dining destination and will rightly have stars in the future! They have created elegant cuisine using artisan ingredients that made our taste buds come to life! We were delighted by the incredible freshness of the food and the simplicity with which it was prepared. The ingredients selected for each dish were extremely comp-limentary and never overpowered the main focus of the food. This was truly a delightful dining experience!

Bardessono Restaurant

6526 Yount Street

Yountville, CA 94599

707-204-6030

www.Bardessono.com

By

Carol & Joe Davis

Dining Detectives