While it's true Gather not only accommodates vegetarians and vegans - they celebrate them - there is something here for everyone. Some real stand outs include - raw local halibut mixed with minutina, grapefruit, radishes and hot green garlic oil, house-made meatballs served over creamy polenta, seared cod on a bed of artichoke fava bean puree, baby artichokes and wild mushrooms and a burger made with Prather Ranch beef.
Really enjoyed our quick getaway to Yountville (and I do mean quick – 50 minutes door-to-door from our house to the hotel). I haven’t been to the area in years – more than 8 probably. It’s changed a lot and in a good way.
If my photos look like a study in signage – well Yountville is a study in good food and the good life in general. Surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and vineyards it still has all the charm of a small, quaint town but now there is something verging on chic about it.
Don’t worry, all of the tried and true anchors are still alive and well - Bouchon, Bistro Jeanty and of course The French Laundry. I have one word for you though – RESERVATIONS. You will need them to eat dinner anywhere and you will need them to taste good wine - so get to booking your getaway.
Loving the tasting salon concept and the 2007 Hyde Vineyard - Carneros Charonnay even more. The photos on the wall represent the select growers that Patz & Hall work with to produce their fabulous wines.
This new kid on the block - a stately Mirabel property - has real potential. It will benefit from a little age and patina though - and mature, lush landscaping. But sooner or later the woodburning fireplace surrounded by big comfy sofas and chairs in the courtyard will have everyone flocking for the place to be for a nightcap.
Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 12:19PM 
