Living in Napa we are certainly spoiled for choice when it comes to fabulous restaurants. There is always something new opening up with cuisines to tempt the tastebuds. Having said that, there are restaurants that become favorites because they have just that little bit extra – delicious food, great atmosphere, and wonderful service. Lucy Restaurant located in the Bardessono Hotel and Spa is one of our favorite places to dine, drink, and enjoy a casual but upscale night out.
Why is it one of our favorites? It starts with the atmosphere. Laid back, luxurious, and just a little bit of fun all rolled up in one. It’s not a place that you feel is stuffy or pretentious. We have been there on romantic nights for two, or with groups of friends for a special occasion meal. I have also had several business meetings there.
One of the things I love about Lucy is the indoor/outdoor seating. The patio is a wonderfully relaxing place to enjoy Napa’s gorgeous weather. Don’t worry about catching a chill in the evening, they have gorgeous fire-pits and patio heaters; along with throws to keep you warm. In the warmer weather, the patio is shaded and in a cool courtyard surrounded by beautiful water features. It gives the atmosphere a little something special.
Inside, the restaurant is modern, warm, and inviting. Booths and tables are cleverly placed for privacy without feeling isolated. I especially like that the seating is comfortable so that you feel you can relax and enjoy your meal.
Wine and Cocktails
The wine menu is truly impressive. We were offered an iPad menu to select from an extensive list of wines from around California and those from around the globe. Perusing the menu, I thought it was a really balanced mix and something for everyone. Can’t choose? Ask their on-duty sommelier for help. Don’t forget their wines by the glass or the signature cocktails. We enjoyed a few before dinner and they were very tasty.
Amuse Bouche
Chef Nate Lindsay and his team hit it out of the park with our meals. They had a freshness to them we both loved, and the presentation was lovely.
We were given an amuse bouche to tease our tastebuds. This was a single bite of fresh sea-bass on a plantain chip. It was lightly sweet and the perfect palate cleanser.
First Course
I started out with the baby beet and fried goat cheese salad. I am not even a fan of beets and this dish has possibly changed my mind. Small breaded goats cheese rounds served with blanched, peeled beets on an arugula mousse. The sweetness of the beets was cut by the sour creaminess of the goat’s cheese with the crispy coating giving it texture and dimension in the mouth. The dish was further accented by the arugula mousse which brought in an earthy dimension bringing the dish over the top.
Our next dish was the soba noodles with seared ahi tuna. This was such a winner! The soy ginger sauce really brought out the gorgeous freshness of the perfectly cooked ahi. The watermelon radishes gave the dish a bit of bite, and the slivers of carrot and green onion brought the whole dish together. I could have eaten just this and have been happy. It was a large portion; perfect for sharing.
Main Course
For my main course, I chose the grass-fed fillet of beef with the truffled Dauphinoise, cauliflower puree, and confit carrots. The beef was beautifully cooked to order medium-rare with perfect searing. The potatoes melted in the mouth. The entire dish was a delight as I enjoyed each bite.
David’s main course was the Diver Scallops and Calamari. Smoked scallops, stuffed calamari, poached leeks, and green lentils made up this plate of goodness. It was so good he didn’t even want to share with me! The Scallops and calamari were so tender they just melted in the mouth. We highly recommend this dish. The flavors and textures were amazing!
Dessert
Dessert was a lime tart accented by blueberry lavender marscapone cheese mousse. The tartness of the lime, the creaminess of the cheese and the bursting berry and hint of lavender made this dessert something really special. The pastry was so light and flakey, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar was truly a hit. Our spoons dueled for the last bite.
Our night was as perfect as the food we were served. The next time you are in Yountville, check out Lucy Restaurant. In a town where wine and cuisine are known for their amazing quality, Lucy is a standout. Cheers!
