707 Scout

By 707 correspondent, Deirdre Bourdet. Last month Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc opened a super casual backyard operation for the restaurant’s beloved fried chicken and barbecue. Last Tuesday, the Yountville BOUCHON BAKERY started pumping out pizzas on Tuesday nights. Will a TK taco truck be next? French Laundry employees…

By 707 correspondent, Deirdre Bourdet. Cindy Pawlcyn announced recently in the Weekly Calistogan that she is transitioning her sushi and seafood restaurant GO FISH into BRASSICA, a Mediterranean concept featuring the wine-friendly flavors and dishes of that delectable region. The word Brassica is the Latin name for the mustard family…

By 707 correspondent, Deirdre Bourdet. Marin County isn’t technically in the 707, but its location makes it the logical stopping off ground for folks coming from the city up north (or vice versa)—particularly when 101 is backed up and hunger and/or road rage strikes. I recently had…

By 707 correspondent, Deirdre Bourdet. Fresh off her win at Aspen’s Food and Wine Classic, Queen of Porc Duskie Estes is back in Sonoma County and cooking for a tasty cause on Saturday July 30th. She’s teamed up with local event management company From Farm to Table to…

By 707 correspondent, Deirdre Bourdet. Lots of action these days in the kitchens of wine country … and plenty of chef changes too. In Guerneville, executive chef Bruce Frieseke has left the RESTAURANT AT APPLEWOOD INN to join Bella Vineyards’ culinary program. He’s betting the new daytime gig will give…

By 707 correspondent, Deirdre Bourdet. This June in Napa was the rainiest in years, which made everybody cranky. Luckily we also had a rash of new restaurant openings to keep our spirits up through the grey days of early “summer.” Yesterday the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group opened ADDENDUM, an all-takeout…

A tablehopper.com exclusive by 707 correspondent, Deirdre Bourdet. Whether you’re a fan of Spinal Tap, women’s weekends, bears, or Russian River pinot, Guerneville’s new BIG BOTTOM MARKET has something for you. G-town maven Crista Luedtke (of boon hotel + spa and boon eat + drink) and food and…

By 707 correspondent, Deirdre Bourdet. The SILVERADO RESORT needs no introduction for those who live in Napa Valley. The gorgeous 1870s mansion house and old-money aura are an institution that’s been around as long as anyone can remember. Outside the valley, folks know Silverado for its supporting role as…

By 707 correspondent, Deirdre Bourdet. People don’t generally hit Pride parties because of their fine food and wine … but when the parties are in Napa or Sonoma, quality food kinda comes with the territory. This year both Napa and Sonoma are hosting special events that celebrate the LGBT community…

By 707 correspondent, Deirdre Bourdet. Last week MORIMOTO NAPA opened its long-awaited Market in the restaurant’s front room. In addition to the premium Wagyu beef and pristine sashimi-grade fish we expected to see, the retail case is stocked with duck and quail eggs; premium soy sauces; marinated, ready-to-cook “angry…