Ciccio is baaaack!
Recently, I had the pleasure of being one of the first diners scoring a reservation at Ciccio on their first night of full service.
I can’t say how much Yountville's neighborhood institution is not disappointing. I absolutely relished in the Caesar salad that had sort of some smoked tuna crumble as croutons and of course the delicious pizzas. The wait staff is very engaging and it was so nice to see so many of my neighbors back where they belong. I loved it so much I dined there again a few days later.
Take out is being held for a few more weeks, but expect that you can bring the pizzas to your home as well. Bravo to Frank Altamura, owner and to Martina and Chef Christopher Kostow, Managing Partners.
New Brunch Find in downtown Napa Valley
You win sum, you dim sum Napa Noodles is an Asian Pacific Rim-style restaurant that fuses the delicious taste of Asian noodles with Napa Valley cuisine. Specialties include house made noodles, savory soups, slow roasted meats, seasonal salads, duck, flavorful rice dishes, Asian beers, Sake, and local wines. Napa Noodles quickly became the locals' go-to for affordable Asian dining. After my trip to Tokyo, I became obsessed with their Tokyo Ramen, made with love, the broth cooks for hours and hours before reaching your bowl.
And now owners, Alli and Spencer Hallum have brought a whole new concept to the Napa brunch scene, Dim Sum. The word #dimsum comes from the Cantonese tim sam, "appetizer," or literally, "touch the heart and my first Dim Sun experience sure did! Every Saturday & Sunday experience an all-day (until 9pm) ‘Dim Sum Brunch’.
From the Brunch bai w egg, avocado, cheese and Fresno chiles in a boa to Shrimp dumplings, vegetable spring rolls to pork & shrimp shumai mai (a type of dumpling) to shrimphar gau to steamed BBQ pork buns (fluffy, pillowy buns stuffed with sticky pork). Enjoy the pics on my Instagram starting with this photo and go asap, weekends only. The hotspot is partnering with Empress M for their Dim Sum Brunch. Great service by Ari and Mac!
This is fabulous spot for Napa locals, terrific for families, kids (think fruit smoothies!). Everything was delicious! This hotspot is definitely filling a void in downtown Napa! And, bring your kids! You might even meet the youngest Hallum, Gunner!
Have you ever been to a wine shop and a gas station rolled into one? If you have not, make sure and stop into Honor Market during your Yountville visit.
Hillstone Group, owners of Rutherford Grill & R&D Kitchen in Napa Valley, and Kelly's Filling Station & Wine Shop has made a name change. Kelly's is now called Honor Market. Expect your same special scones, coffee and of course, the best hotdog stop in the Valley, as well as a full wine shop.
North Block Hotel Scoops Up Former Chandon Executive Chef
When invited by General Manager, Hillery Walsh, to an intimate VIP launching their new restaurant design (see above) and offerings including vast cocktail offerings and aperol spritz'. Wonderful food items that were amply served included margarit and wild mushroom stone-bakes flatbreads, local cheeses, avocado gazpacho, carrot hummus and tuna crudo.
But the big news is the hotel has scored Juan Cabrera, formally Executive Chef at Chandon Estates! His work there and at the opening are and were spectacular and memorable! Congratulations to the North Block's team!
Under the management of Palisades Hospitality Group and Mosaic Hotel Group, North Block hotel is a luxe, contemporary boutique inn with European charm. When you enter, find cobblestone walkways, private outdoor spaces, and a communal courtyard that opens up to the rolling hills of Napa Valley. With its mix of old world charm and modern sensibilities, North Block is the perfect home base for a relaxed and memorable wine country escape.
'Golden Hour' Happy Hour menu is daily from 3-5 PM. It currently includes: oyster experience with two martinis and six oysters, oysters without martini are $2 each, olives, artisanal cheese boards from local California purveyors, baba ganoush and flatbreads. Wine list offering by the glass are hyper local from Yountville vineyards notable like Gentlemen Farmer, Hoopes Vineyards and Larkin Wines.
Another scoop and another Yountville Restaurant to open.
At long last the new restaurant next to Priest Ranch is opening. Called, The Kitchen at Priest Ranch, the formal opening should be beginning of August.
Craig Becker, director of viticulture and winemaking at Somerston Estate, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dan Solomon as executive chef of the prestigious Napa Valley wine estate. Beginning this spring, Chef Dan is set to enhance the wine and dining experiences across Somerston Estate, including the Priest Ranch tasting room in the heart of downtown Yountville, the forthcoming adjacent restaurant, The Kitchen at Priest Ranch, as well as private culinary events at the sprawling 1,682-acre Somerston Estate nestled in Napa Valley’s eastern Vaca Mountain range.
In his new role, Chef Dan brings an impressive resume that showcases both his Michelin starred experience and humble Midwestern roots. Focusing on approachable cuisine that melds his passion for fermentation, an affinity for Chicago-style dishes, and high-quality, seasonal ingredients, his vision and concept will first come to life in the opening of the highly anticipated The Kitchen at Priest Ranch in the heart of Yountville. Offering a casual yet delectable menu that perfectly complements Priest Ranch’s portfolio of wines, Chef Dan and his team will also deliver unforgettable wine experiences at the Priest Ranch tasting room, as well as elevated food experiences at the vast Somerston Estate property.
Want to stay in the know? Simply forward to a friend or email patti@citypeek.com email address to get on the list.
Patti Neumann is Founder of CITYPEEK.com & an award-winning website & blog. Based in Napa Valley, Patti is one of the USA's top Social Media Publicists, Columnists and Influencers on food, sips, hospitality & the good life.
CITYPEEK.com has its finger on the pulse of what's hot in the world of food, wine and travel trends. Come journey along with our 'CITYPEEK Patti' Neumann, as she nibbles, sips and shares her taste buds as she travels on social media 'Citypeek Patti'
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