Meadowood Dining

Whether you live in the area, are staying at another hotel, or lucky enough to be staying at Meadowood, breakfast here is a must. It's even better if you book the Bed and Breakfast package so that you can avoid the typical $70 for two charge.

That's right. $70 for two people for breakfast. But it's worth it. Every single penny. Especially if you order the Salmon Benedict. House smoked salmon set upon home made English muffins topped with a thick hollandaise with just the right amount of lemon. Potatoes are fresh (not frozen), sauteed with roasted red peppers, caramelized onions and seasoned to perfection.

And it doesn't end there. Other choices (and I tried them all during my stay) include the Meadowood Omelet with caramelized onion, roasted tomatoes, sauteed mushrooms and sweet peppers, the St. Helena Omelet with House-Smoked Salmon, sauteed Spinach and cream cheese. And then there is my all time favorite, the Huevos Rancheros. Eggs prepared as you wish with black beans, salsa, guacamole, pepper jack cheese and sour cream - all atop a Crispy Tortilla.
And just how do you get to the $70 price point? Well, that's easy. While you are waiting for your breakfast entrees, order two cappuccinos, two glasses of freshly squeezed grapefruit or orange juice and the Bakery Basket ,which includes fruit coffee cake, blueberry/lemon and bran muffins, currant and rosemary scones, a croissant and is served with house-made preserves, butter and cream cheese. And be prepared to waddle out of the restaurant when breakfast is complete.

If you are too stuffed to move, hopefully you have been seated on the outside deck. If so, sit back and enjoy the serenity. Notice the sound of a nearby waterfall, the chirping of the crickets and watch the early morning golfers tee up. It is the most peaceful and serene setting you could imagine.

And in case you think the delectable offerings are limited to breakfast, I encourage you to sidle up to the bar at the Meadowood Grille in the evening and partake in an after-dinner drink and dessert pairing. Sabrina will take excellent care of you. She is working to make the bar at the Meadowood Grille into a "must do" destination while in The Valley. The night we stopped by, she insisted that we try the milk chocolate caramel tart with Colombian dark chocolate mousse and caramelized milk, which she paired with a 1985 Wares Port. It is her favorite dessert on the menu and now mine, as well. We also tried the the Butterscotch Souffle with Tahitian Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, which the Sommelier perfectly paired with Quarts de Chaume "Les Varennes", Domaine Jo Pithon – Loire Valley, France 2001.

I encourage you to check out the Meadowood Grille. And while you are there, be sure to ask for Sabrina. Tell her Erin sent you and maybe, just maybe, she will share what famous Napa Valley chef she is dating...