It’s not as if I’m short of things to stitch, I’m not, and it’s not as if I don’t want to stitch them, I do. But sometimes life gets in the way. My daughter is here for the weekend because two of her closest friends are in town for a work conference. She came out to show them Napa.
Except for today, I’m not involved, but today we are going to have lunch after Mass at Bistro Jeanty, one of my favorite restaurants. Since we haven’t seen these guys in awhile and because the meal will be big, I don’t expect there will be time for stitching.
So instead I will tell you about this wonderful place. The owner, Philippe Jeanty, was the original chef at Domaine Chandon’s much-acclaimed restaurant. He was quite young when he started and along the way he married and his family grew by two daughters. He decided he wanted a place where his daughters could stop by and that would have a less hectic place.
So he went back to his roots, bought a dive bar, and renovated it with stuff he bought at home in France to create a very authentic French bistro in Yountville. Although Thomas Keller’s most sophisticated bistro, Bouchan, gets lots more press, my heart belongs to Bistro Jeanty. There are lace cafe curtains at the windows, tons of huge French posters, a a wonderful ceramic rooster that has worn a medal ever since France won the World Cup.
Although there are additional specials, the menu has hardly changed since it opened. You can get amazing quiche, cassoulet, onion soup, and even very retro thing such as Crepes Suzette. We have celebrated holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and we take special visitors there.
I almost always order the flammiche (quiche) which is sublime and my DH orders Steak Tartare, which he loves but can rarely find. If I branch out it’s usually with an appetizer. Maybe I will try something new today.
I am constitutionally incapable of not eating too much there. I expect to come home sleepy and full and in no condition to stitch.
If you are coming out this way, let me know and I will turn you onto some amazing food!
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
Brenda's Needlepoint Studio says
The restaurant sounds wonderful. Have a great time with your daughter.
Helene says
Fabulous restaurant. Can’t think of a better reason to skip stitching today – family, friends and great food.
Janet M Perry says
Lovely lunch, great food, perfect day.
Keep stitching,
Janet