Eating Vegetarian in the Napa Valley – Part 2

A follow up to Part 1 (I’m not sure why I feel the need to say that). This is my list for many of the oh-so-decadent vegetarian dishes to be had around the Napa Valley.

Let’s get to it then…

Angele, Historic Napa Mill, 500 Main Street , Downtown Napa
Cheese Plate, $15

A life without cheese is not a life worth living (apologies to all the vegans and the lactose intolerant, I’m sure your lives are great…albeit a cheese-depraved great). Their cheese selection is always new and unique. Side note: Chef Aaron, put the honey back on the cheese plate! I know you spit every time you see my request come back to the kitchen…just release the honey! Let it flow freely from the honey coffers!

Bistro Don Giovanni, 4110 Howard Lane, North Napa
Ravioli with Lemon Cream Sauce, $15

Almost better than my family’s ravioli (Grandma, I said ALMOST!). These are melt in your mouth good. If you prefer a healthier alternative they have another sauce to choose from, but treat yourself to this and you won’t be sorry. The focaccia bread is the best bread in the Valley. If they don’t bring it right away (ie. they try and bring you the standard stuff), ask if they have any in the back. Girls, bat your eyelashes at the server. Boys, flex your muscles. The bread is SO worth it.

Ubuntu, Main Street, Downtown Napa
Chefs Special – price varies based on party size

A completely vegetarian restaurant (no meat, no fish). Ubuntu has a plethora of choices including enough to make the strictest of vegans happy. Even carnivores can usually find something to their liking. Ubuntu’s menu is not always easy to decipher, but you can always count on the Chef’s Special. If you’re a picky veggie eater, DO NOT order this. It usually has a very wide variety of veggies and it’s not for the weak hearted. But, if you want to try something new, give this huge family style dish made for the table a shot.

Go Fish, 641 Main Street St, Helena
Spicy Bowl, $22

Some wonderful sushi can be had at Go Fish. One of the pricier options on this list, the Spicy Bowl is well worth it if you’ve never had the experience. The spicy bowl is a mixture of yellowtail, spicy tuna, and salmon over a bowl of sushi rice with little crispies of tempura goodness thrown in. If you really want to treat yourself, and you’re not shy about sushi, ask the chef to prepare whatever he wants to throw at you. He’ll send out dishes until you say you’re full. Beware though: the price of some of that fish could be used to purchase a small car. Well…maybe a nice bike.

Bouchon Bistro, 6534 Washington Street, Yountville
Pan-Roasted Trout (Truite aux Amandes), $28

Again, I know, fish isn’t technically vegetarian. However, if you enjoy fish, my favorite entree of all time is Bouchon’s trout. If I had to choose a last meal, this would be it. The Salmon Rilletts are also a must try and a very fun presentation, too. This is a great place for a late dinner since the bar is usually hoppin’ until midnight.

Mustards Grill, 7399 St. Helena Hwy, Yountville
Seafood Tostada, AQ

Known best for it’s Mongolian Porkchops, Mustards has several tasty fresh fish dishes. The seafood tostada is piled high with everything you’d expect in a tostada (and a few things you wouldn’t). You’ll never look at another tostada the same way. The Ahi Tuna Crackers and the warm Cabecou Goat Cheese Bread are also excellent…