Bistro Jeanty - Great Experience

Hello all,

So many reviews to write!

I feel I have to advocate for Bistro Jeanty, as the recent reviews and TA posts about it have been fair at best. We almost skipped this restaurant, and I am so glad we didn%26#39;t.

I am posting my review below. If you go to the TA review section , you will see a few photos of our meal and such...

------------------------------------

Bistro Jeanty was by far our favorite meal in Napa Valley. We also ate at Redd and The French Laundry; both experiences were outstanding, but flawed. In fact, our meal at Bistro Jeanty was the only flawless dining experience we had in Napa Valley. From the service, to the setting, to the food, everything was perfect.

We sat outside under the stars on a cool night in September. Our reservation was for 9pm so the patio was quiet. Nearby heat lamps removed the chill from the air. It was the most romantic meal we had on our vacation.

Given the recent reviews, we had some concerns about dining at Bisto Jeanty . However, after a long day of wine tasting, we really wanted to walk to dinner and Bistro Jeanty was but a moment away by foot. Not to mention, recommendations were coming left and right to eat here, in fact two winery owners insisted we at least stop in for the tomato soup. I am so glad we listened.

Our waiter Jamie was wonderful. He was attentive and friendly without being intrusive. Furthermore, after a long expensive day of drinking Oakville Cabs, he helped us select the perfect Pinot Noir.

To start, we shared the Heirloom Tomato Salad and the Tomato Soup in Puff Pastry. The mix of heirloom tomatoes was outstanding, some small, some large, all perfectly ripe and sweet yet wonderfully balanced by a tart vinaigrette and rich parmesan. The tomato soup was velvety smooth with the right combination of crème, butter and tomato. The puff pastry was light and flakey on its own, and even better after falling into the soup. I had read on TA forums that this dish comes out so hot you have to wait 15 minutes for fear of burning your tongue. Our soup cooled in only a few minutes and was the just the right temperature. This dish was so good I honestly thought we’d come to blows over it. We should have ordered two. I wanted to post photographs of the soup, but it did not photo as well as it tasted.

For dinner my husband had the Mussels Steamed in Red Wine. Not only were the mussels fresh, but they were by far the largest sized mussels we’ve ever encountered. The broth was a savory combination of red wine, shallots and garlic. It was so balanced and rich, yet not heavy, I can only describe it as decadent. The dish was accompanied by a huge chunk of grilled French Bread and despite being uncomfortably full, my husband could not stop dipping into the broth.

I ordered the Sole with Lemon Caper Butter over Mashed Potatoes. The fish (5 pieces of it) was fresh and flakey. The mashed potatoes were light and fluffy with hints of butter, crème and potato chunks. The lemon butter caper sauce was ideally balanced. I always worry a sauce like this will be too oily or too heavy, or even too capery (if that is even a word) but it was made to perfection. I desperately wanted to eat all 5 pieces of fish but just had no more room. We also shared an order of French Fries. Mmm. Mmm.

The evening came to a sad end when we realized we were too full to have dessert. We%26#39;ll just have to go back.

Bistro Jeanty - Great Experience

Thanks for your detailed, descriptive review. Boy, did I get hungry while reading it!! Felt like phoning for reserv%26#39;s and then ordering ';exactly what KT had';! Great report.

Bistro Jeanty - Great Experience

Thanks so much for the report, sounds like a great meal. We have always had good meals at Bistro Jeanty. bon appetit!

Wow, made me hungry, too! Reminded me of the time we both kept eating although ';uncomfortably full';; just too good to stop. I%26#39;m glad you had such a great meal. We always love stopping at Bistro Jeanty and I was sad to see so many poor reports lately.

Oh, going through a travel book I%26#39;d gotten, an Insiders%26#39; Guide edition called ';Napa Valley: Land of Golden Vine,'; there%26#39;s a recipe for their tomato soup, if you%26#39;re interested. I%26#39;d gotten this book for the great combination of travel reviews combined with receipes from the local chef. Tasty stufff.

Looking forward to all your reviews!

excel