Off the Beaten Path: Thomas Keller
Chef-owner Ad Hoc, Bouchon, French Laundry
La Luna Market & Taqueria
It’s a Mexican market that has some really terrific burritos. These are bigger than the traditional ones but not as huge as ones you would find at La Salsa. » 1153 Rutherford Rd., Rutherford, 707-963-3211.
La Taquiza
It’s owned by a young man, Patrick, who was our head baker at Bouchon Bakery. It’s a fish taco restaurant, and it’s wonderful. I’ve visited many times. » 2007 Redwood Rd., Napa, 707-224-2320.
Tacos Garcia
You know how those trucks seem to be everywhere in L.A.? There’s one in Yountville now. It’s usually parked during the day at Pancha’s, a colorful bar. » 6764 Washington St., Yountville, 707-980-4896.
Oenotri
Two young chefs own this Italian place. It’s become quite busy, so I’m not sure if it qualifies as off the beaten path, but it’s good. » 1425 1st St., Napa, 707-252-1022.
Bouchon/Ad Hoc
Yes, really. Ad Hoc is simple, fresh, market driven. Bouchon is a traditional bistro: roast chicken, stuff like that. » Bouchon: 6534 Washington St., Yountville, 707-944-8037 or bouchonbistro.com. Ad Hoc: 6476 Washington St., Yountville, 707-944-2487.
Off the Beaten Path: Josiah Citrin
Chef-owner Mélisse
Boon Fly Café
It’s at the Carneros Inn. For breakfast I like the Poppa Joe’s Eggs in a Hole: two fried eggs in the center of sourdough with ham. I get some salsa verde on the side. » 4048 Sonoma Hwy., Napa, 707-299-4870.
Cook
I went with a couple of chefs, and we pretty much ordered the whole menu: mussels, fried calamari, braised short ribs. It’s a little spot with a great counter and fresh, tasty food. » 1310 Main St., St. Helena, 707-963-7088.
Terra Restaurant
I’ve been going there for years. Delicious. It’s a nice fusion between French and Japanese. One day I had a caramelized pork belly with adashi broth and bok choy. It was terrific. » 1345 Railroad Ave., St. Helena, 707-963-8931.
Bouchon
Whenever I travel to Napa, I like to go there. The shellfish platter reminds me of being in Paris, and the foie gras terrine is excellently executed. » 6534 Washington St., Yountville, 707-944-8037.
Fatted Calf
They have great pâtés, great confits. I loved the spicy pork terrine sandwich with country bread. The porchetta is done super well, with a hint of lemon and fennel. » Oxbow Public Market, 644C 1st St., Napa, 707-256-3684.
Off the Beaten Path: David Myers
Chef-owner Comme Ca & David Myers Group
Cafe La Haye
The tiny place serves fresh local, seasonal New American-style cuisine at a high level. The modern decor is an interesting contrast to the picturesque scenery. » 140 E. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-935-5994.
The Girl & the Fig
The menu changes weekly, if not more, and they only use the best local products. They also have an interesting “Rhône-alone” wine list and an incredible Black Mission fig jam. » 110 W. Spain St., Sonoma, 707-938-3634.
Harvest Moon Cafe
The husband-and-wife chef team beautifully executes simple yet elegant bistro dishes. People obsess over their trout. They have a nice outdoor dining area and a chef’s table. » 487 1st St. West, Sonoma, 707-933-8160.
Zazu Restaurant & Farm
It’s magical. The restaurant feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere and has an interesting, locally sourced menu that leans toward Northern Italian. » 3535 Guerneville Rd., Santa Rosa, 707-523-4814.
Barndiva
This hidden gem has a modern-rustic menu with French influences and great handcrafted cocktails that use local produce. » 231 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-431-0100.
Illustrations by Andy Friedman
