Redd Wood in Yountville, Napa Valley

Yountville is an idyllic town nestled in the heart Napa Valley.  It is full of boutique hotels, world class restaurants and fantastic shopping.  Luckily for me, it is only about an hours drive from my house.  Two long term friends and I have a restaurant club that we shaped several years ago.  Our aspiration was to have a reason to try out new restaurants around the Bay Area every 5 or 6 weeks along with staying in touch and catching up. We set up the premise to rotate with the “pick and pay” concept with the caveat being it had to be a place none of us have been to prior. A simple concept that just gets better and better with each place we visit.

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Our Restaurant Club loves Yountville.  We have been to Bouchon, Bottega, Redd, Ad Hoc, Jeanty Bistro and now Redd Wood.  The Michelin star rated chef, Richard Reddington from the infamous Redd Napa Valley in Yountville brings a second showcase restaurant Redd Wood to this quaint town.  The vibe inside is ultra cool, extremely vogue with subway tiles, white marble and leather tufted chairs and bench seating.  Dark wood adorns the space with copper accents and groovy lighting embellishments.  Don’t miss a visit to the modern boutique hotel next door called North Block Hotel. (Note to self: need to take hubby here for a nice weekend)  If you need to use the facilities, this is where you will be directed.  Trust me, take a visit, you will be amazed by the sophisticated yet eclectic décor this commode offers. Check out how the mirror is secured to the wall. 

Forgive me since I forget our waiter’s name, but he was knowledgeable and had a certain disposition about him that we found quite charming along with being amusing at the same time.  His explanation of the specials made our mouths water along with wanting to order one of everything.  We do tend to go “family style” on our adventures so we can experience as many tastes as possible.  I began with a glass of 2011 Cabernet from Round Pond Estate in Napa that was simply perfect for our Sunday lunch.  We started the gastronomy of delights with the Chilled Corn Soup, Basil Pesto, Corn and Cherry Tomato Salsa.  Our waiter was kind enough to divide it into three small cups. It was sublime.

One of the specials was a Beet Ravioli with Whipped Goat Cheese, Brown Butter, Roasted Beet Wedges and Toasted Hazelnuts.  Such an interesting dish that left us wanting a second plate, but we resisted. Next we enjoyed two salads – first was Stone Fruit, Figs, Prosciutto, Burrata, Olives and Balsamico with a couple Grissini and then we had the Mielle’s Chopped, Romaine, Arugula, Salami, Ceci Beans, Black Olives, Provolone and Red Wine Vinaigrette.  We especially loved and devoured the stone fruit salad – it just bursted with wine country flaire. 

Another special that we enjoyed was the Handmade Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce and Shaved Truffles.  It was incredibility rich but simple decadent.  The Fennel Gratin, Grana Padano, Chili and Olive Oil side dish was something we really wanted to try.  It was unique with a bit of kick from the chili but very satisfying.  Since Redd Wood is known for their wood-fired pizzas, we knew we needed to make room to share one.  After previewing the menu we elected to try the Ricotta, Corn, Bacon, Chili, Basil, Pecorino and Red Onion Pizza.  I would describe this pizza as the epitome of wine country pizza.

Our lunches always ends with something sweet.  Once receiving the dessert menu, our first choice hands down was the Cannoli, Toffee, Ricotta and Almonds.  Along with that we were drawn to the home-made ice creams and selected the Caramel Brownie Swirl and the Mint Chocolate Chip.  Both desserts were transcendent. One of my friends who has a discerning palate like myself, mentioned that Redd Wood was perhaps the best restaurant we have been to thus far.  In fact, this sentiment was unanimous. I highly recommend and encourage you make a reservation at Redd Wood for the next time you are headed to Yountville. Check out all of the buzz they are receiving. Trust me – you won’t be disappointed.