Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1002743
s u m m e r 2 0 1 8 | 5 5 N apa Valley is home to world- class wines, breathtaking vineyards, and a host of tal- ented chefs and restaurateurs. Dining experiences range from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual, less-pricey venues in what has become one of the most sought-after food hotspots in the country. The culinary landscape in Napa Valley is exploding, with top-notch chefs using lo- cally sourced ingredients to create enticing menus and distinctive dining experiences. When parsing through a plethora of options, the question often becomes, "Who is cooking exciting dishes at reasonable prices?" The Clever Root recently explored this question, and as we gathered our top ten recommen- dations, we drew inspiration from this Julia Child quote: "You don't have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces—just good food from fresh ingredients." Fortunately, Napa Valley has that in spades. COMPLINE WINE BAR Enophiles flock to Compline—a new wine bar in Downtown Napa run almost entirely by wine pro- fessionals—for its spectacular wine list, wine classes, and food. Compline's burger with cheddar, red onion, and "secret sauce" is about the best the Valley has to offer, especially when combined with a side of duck fat fries(!). Compline even offers a special co-owner Ryan Stetins calls "an ode to industry meal" that in- cludes dinner and a glass of wine starting at 9 p.m. As an added bonus, celebrity somm sightings are commonplace. Compline Wine Bar, Restaurant and Merchant, 1300 1st St. #312, Napa, 707-492-8150, complinewine.com Compline's burger with cheddar cheese and secret sauce pairs best with duck fat fries and any number of wines on the menu. SOLBAR Chef Massimo Falsini began his career in Rome more than 16 years ago at the much- acclaimed Trattoria Felice e Testaccio, but today the Solbar Executive Chef calls Napa Valley home. In his words, "Solbar is entirely built on Mother Nature's will." The menu is alive, he says, and this is true: Salads often include fresh calendula and wild flowers from the on-site garden. The food is delightful, with the fish tacos, seared day-boat scallops, and risotto making a particularly fantastic impression. Solbar (located in the Solage Auberge Resort), 755 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga, 707-226-0860, solage.aubergeresorts.com/dine/ Salads at Solbar often feature fresh vegetables and edible flowers from the restaurant's garden.