PRESS

They had me at bacon.. Sat at the bar before dinner and lo and behold one of the apps was a bacon bar; Double-Cut Nueske’s, Wisconsin  Snake River Kurobuta, Idaho; Durham Ranch Wild Boar, Wyoming, Benton’s,Tennessee, Candied Hobbs, California. You can buy them individually or do a tasting for $22. I just knew this was going to be a good night.

The décor has been called ‘farmhouse chic’ with soaring ceilings, big picture windows framing the vineyard hillside, large fireplaces and both indoor and outdoor seating. It is sophisticated, yet very comfortable.

The prime dry-aged beef is grilled over almond and cherry wood, chickens are cooked on a wood-fired rotisserie chicken, and the restaurant uses locally raised lamb and pork. Fresh fish and seafood are offered daily.

This is a steakhouse, but the free range organic chicken brined with bay leaves, garlic, thyme, salt, brown sugar and black pepper stuffed with lemon, onion, garlic, sage and thyme will keep you up at night dreaming about having it again.

The wine list is extraordinary, PRESS has the largest collection of Napa Valley wines in the world. The all Napa Valley wine list celebrates current vintages as well as older wines going back over 50 years. It starts with about 40 wines by the glass and includes a good selection of ½ bottles and large format wines. There are big names and prices here, but also plenty of excellent choices under $100.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: This is a sexy restaurant, particularly outside on the terrace.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…

Wine Spectator Award of Excellence

Match “phenomenal” steaks with a “fabulous” Napa wine list and “you’re in for a terrific meal” at this St. Helena American, an “elegant but not stuffy” destination styled as a chic farmhouse; while the “lofty space” (boasting a “great patio with fire pits”) signals equally “lofty prices”, service is “stellar” and it’s a prime pick for a “romantic evening.” ZAGAT