While staying in Napa Valley, we were driving through St Helena
looking for somewhere to have a nice dinner. We had not done any research and
were strictly choosing by the feel that we got for a place and from there we
were just going to take our chances.
We drove past Tra Vigne, and then because
of the beautiful exterior and the indoor and outdoor dining we decided to give
it a try.
Boy were we glad we did.
As soon as we were seated we knew that we were in for something
special. The inside was very spacious and had high ceilings.
We felt like having a cocktail, and they had some very interesting
signature drinks on their menu. We decided on the Drop Di Cello (Ketel One
Citroen Vodka, Limoncello, Disaronno de Amaretto, Lemon and Cinnamon-Sugar Rim
$12) and I must say that it was delicious and refreshing!
Our server greeted us and we could tell that not only had he done
this for many years but that he loved what he did. The receipt says his name is
Jim and I would highly recommend asking for him.
We had our eye on several
items on the menu and then when he suggested them as being some of their best
dishes we knew we had been thinking along the right lines.
We started with Mozzarella Cheese "Al Minuto" (hand made
at the moment ordered, grilled bruschetta, Napa Valley olive oil $14)
For what is obviously their most popular appetizer, a small table is
brought out and a carver comes and hand pulls your mozzarella and places it on
your grilled bread, then drizzles it
with olive oil. It is quite the show, but
even more importantly it is absolutely melt-n-your-mouth delicious.
My friend ordered the Sage Infused Pappardelle (braised rabbit ragu,
wild mushrooms, grana padano $18)
He loved it, and I might
have even had a bite and thought it was pretty good.
As for me, I ordered what our server told us was his absolute
favorite dish on the menu...
Grilled Hill Ranch Pork Tenderloin (creamed corn
with bacon and arugula, baby marble potatoes, fresh cherry sauce $26)
First of all I don't normally order pork tenderloin when I am out
because several years ago I got food poisoning from ordering it at a
not-so-great establishment.
But this was different, because I could tell that Tra Vigne was a
far superior restaurant, plus the ingredients that were served with it sounded
to good to let my personal hang ups get in the way.
This was a dish that had a
variety of textures and flavors to please all of the senses. The potatoes were
small and perfectly crispy, cooked just shy of being burnt and giving the dish
a great crunch. The creamed corn, bacon and arugula sat on top of the
potatoes and gave the tender pork slices a creamy-sweet-and-salty bed to rest
on. Then the
entire plate was covered with the fresh cherries and their sweet,
rich sauce. When the plate was first brought out I didn't think that I was
going to be able to finish it, however it was so incredibly delicious that I
somehow managed to make room.
To make it simple, Tra Vigne gets an A+ from me and I highly
recommend giving it a try. Great service, ambiance and food and I will remember
this experience for a long time!
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