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Saturday, June 23, 2012

Yountville

It was a gorgeous day in wine country--sunny, mid 70s, light breeze. A perfect day to visit Yountville.


First stop was Bouchon Bakery for one of its buttery, flaky croissants. These are giant croissants--not a bad value at $3.25.

 
Lunch was at Redd--one of my favorite restaurants. Its Michelin star is justly earned.

 
Loved the Sashimi of Hamachi, Sticky Rice, Edamame and Lime Ginger Sauce for $14. The hamachi was fresh and buttery and the lime ginger sauce was light. There was a layer of sesame-seasoned seaweed under the fish and a crunchy cucumber accompaniment. Just a hint of spiciness in the chili oil.

 
The Yellowfin Tuna and Hamachi Tartare, Avocado, Chili Oil, Fried Rice (actually toasted rice) and Cilantro was equally delicious. Cost was also $14. There was just a hint of sesame oil and the cilantro and chili oil were barely discernible.


The Simple Forni Brown Green Salad with Warm Goat Cheese, Hazelnuts and Beets cost $12. There were orange and red beets--there's nothing like fresh sweet beets. I'm also a fan of goat cheese and this one was warm, soft and smooth.

 
Next up was Caramelized Diver Scallops, Cauliflower Puree, Almonds and Balsamic Reduction. Starter potion was $14 and entree portion was $27. There was a layer of roasted cauliflower--delicious. The scallops had been sliced in half but were still tender inside.

 
The Shortrib Sandwich, Horseradish, Aioli and Onion Rings was a huge portion at $16. The shortrib was tender and the horseradish provided just the right kick to the sandwich. It was served on a brioche roll so the sandwich was very rich. The onion rings were lightly battered and the onions were sweet. The small accompanying salad was perfect to cut all the fat on the plate. I didn't think I'd be able to finish the sandwich but since my starter of hamachi was so light, I cleaned the whole plate. Couldn't stop since the horseradish called.

 
The Mushroom Risotto with Spinach and Truffle Oil was $18. I expect my risotto to be served al dente and this one delivered. I also love anything with truffle oil, even if it's just a bunch of chemicals. The dish was creamy and the mushrooms were large enough to identify.

 
The Molten Chocolate Cake, Caramelized White Chocolate Ice Cream and Bourbon Caramel was $10. The cake was moist but could have been more gooey. It must have been good because by the time I returned from the restroom, the entire plate had been devoured, save for 1 bite. Good thing I'm not a dessert fan.
  
2012 06 23

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