Any suggestions for dinner in Napa or Sonoma for 10 people?
Most people will be staying at Silverado. It will be nice to have dinner in that area.

As for golf, which is better, Chardonnay or Silverado? Any others?

Thanks.

A relatively new - and quite good - restaurant in the city of Napa is Angele, which serves French bistro food. It's right on the river downtown. (It is small but it has one private room that should be large enough.) After some fits and starts, Julia's Kitchen at Copia has finally hit its stride. The restaurant at Auberge du Soleil, which has had its ups and downs over the years, is truly one of the best in the valley now. Many in the valley have a soft spot for Bistro Don Giovanni, which serves hearty Italian food with a touch of French.

BDG is a favorite of my wife and I.

As for golf, both Chardonnay and Silverado are nice layouts (and Silverado has two courses from which to choose). Chardonnay has a tendency to be windy in the afternoon. The North course at Silverado is more difficult from the tips, with the south being a little more difficult from the whites. I like the North a little better. Chardonnay can play very difficult from the black tees. It also has blue and white tees with the white being around 6000 yards. Vineyards run throughout the golf course. Both are very nice.
Chardonnay is generally cheaper, but since many are staying at Silverado, they usually have some type of price break. Play in the morning at both places if at all possible!!!

Have a great time!!!

Thanks for the updates. Couple of friends are up their looking at the restaurants. They like Angele, but due to its size, we'll go for brunch the next day. They are going to see Bistro Don Giovanni right now. Thanks for the update on Silverado and Chardonnay. We are coming from the East Bay, so Chardonnay is appealing only because it saves us 20 minutes drive in the morning. Do you know if there is any repairs being made on either courses? Coworkers recommend both courses.

Although not very big, Bistro Jeanty in Yountville can accomodate 10 people with advanced notice.

If price is not a heavy factor into the consideration, La Toque should be on the short list as well. The restaurant is located in Rutherford, next door to BV.

While the food and atmosphere at Auberge is very good, the service is less than desirable, at least during my visit back in November. For the same amount of $$$$, La Toque is by far a better choice.

As regards to Bistro Don Giovanni, I may be in the minority on this one. For me, this is one of the most overrated restaurant in the valley.

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2004 Whirlwind Tour

Consider taking a few extra minutes and drive over to the course at Sonoma Mission Inn. It is on Arnold Drive up against Sonoma Mountain on west side of the Valley of the Moon. It is an older style course that was completely renovated with a new clubhouse a few years ago. The course has a rich history of tradition with Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Ken Venturi and some of the older great names from golf playing challenge matches there back in the 1940's and 50's. The Senior Tour Championship was played there last year. You won't be disappointed.


707-996-0300
www.sonomamissioninn.com

GKM

Thanks for all your suggestions. I think dinner has been set at Julia's. I'm still debating between Silverado and Chardonnay. Right now, it appears I may be able to get Chardonnay at $40 vs. $85 for Silverado. GMCHUGH, we will have to try Sonoma some other time.

This looks like a great deal at Siverado.

OOPS- Click on HERE in the next post

[QUOTE]Originally posted by cluricaunwines:
This looks like a great deal at Siverado.

link

HERE

That price came off of the Silverado (Napa) website.

http://www.silveradoresort.com/pan/golf.shtml

Sonoma National (what it used to be called) is one of my favorite courses in NorCal. Unfortunately, they have recently gone private/resort and now it costs around $150 to play if you aren't staying at the resort.

Silverado recently underwent some major renovations and is supposed to be in very good shape. Simply ask them....