Napa Rose Chef's table advice

[DDhunter]

My husband and I will be going to Napa Rose for our 30th Wedding Anniversary and are thinking of doing the chef's table. My husband has a shellfish allergy but other than that will eat anything (literally ANYTHING). I am really picky in that I don't like any sort of fish/seafood at all and I don't really like any meat that is outside of the norm. I don't think I could eat a dove for example. I would love to do it because I know my husband would adore it, but I'm worried I would not share that feeling. I would get the wine pairings which may make me more adventurous I'm sure. Basically I'm wondering if anyone extremely picky has done it and enjoyed it. TIA.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

First off, just so you are aware, it is the Chef's Counter (not table). You will be seated at the counter that runs along the front of the kitchen and around the side of the dessert station (so about 16 seats in all). The kitchen is very good at dealing with allergies. Make sure that you specify that your DH has allergies when you make the reservation. Repeat this with your server. The kitchen is also very good at working with picky eaters. They will ask you lots of questions about what you do and don't like, then will work within those limits. The wine pairings will be lots of fun. If you have preferences with wine (likes and don't likes), make sure to share those with your server so that s/he can choose things that will really work for you. I know someone who ate at the counter whose DH only ate chicken and various sides (yes, he's that picky -- not even steak...). The kitchen did a great job for him, and he had a great time.

 

[Niltiac]

I've seen others report that they will ask you about your likes and dislikes, but that wasn't my experience. The chef asked about allergies, and then walked away and didn't come back for the duration of the meal. So I would suggest speaking up about your preferences when they ask about allergies, just in case.

That said, I'm glad I didn't have the chance to limit them with my preferences. I'm usually somewhat picky, but everything they served us was so well-made that I loved it all, even the foods I thought I disliked. Also, they make a point to bring you and your partner different items for each course, so if you don't like something you can trade with your husband. And there are enough courses that you will have enough to eat even if you don't like one or two. Worst case scenario, your husband will have a huge meal and be very happy and you can grab a snack on the way back to the hotel.

 

[Aladora]

We have done this twice and both times we were asked about allergies as well as likes/dislikes. I am a bit picky, I don't like mushrooms, fish (but will eat shellfish) and I am not a fan of game or organ meat. Both times the chefs were able to cater to all of these preferences and out of both visits, there was only one single dish that I didn't really like.

 

[GeneralTso]

I just did this the other day. The Executive Chef is Gloria, and she is fantastic. She had very thorough conversations with us and the people next to us. She customizes the menu to your likes, and definitely to your dislikes. There was someone who was gluten-free, vegan. They seemed to have a great experience as well. My thought is to not worry about it, it'll be great. They are thoughtful and want you to have a fantastic time.

 

[emmybee]

When I had my meal there, there was one instance where I wished I had been more adventurous. I got a bison filet, which was very good, but boy, I wish I had my husband's venison! The only thing I felt bad about tasting was hubby's octopus Those little fellas are too beautiful and smart to eat w/out a speck of guilt!

 

[BriannaRuth]

When we were there, they asked about allergies and preferences. DH said he'd do anything and I had a few restrictions just on preferences. They were really good about honoring them. But ... as a result of reading here, I didn't request they NOT give me a few things I normally don't like, just because I've heard that you'll be surprised at what you actually like there. For instance, I don't normally like raw tomatoes but I didn't tell them that. They brought me an appetizer that consisted almost entirely of different types of raw tomatoes. I was thinking, "Oh no, what have I done?" But it ended up being one of my favorite things I had that night!

So my advice is -- be as adventurous as you possibly can. If there's something you really hate, tell them, but otherwise try what they give you. If it's not your favorite, you'll have about 10 other dishes so it's no great loss! You won't go home hungry.

 

[Niltiac]

I just did this the other day. The Executive Chef is Gloria, and she is fantastic. She had very thorough conversations with us and the people next to us. She customizes the menu to your likes, and definitely to your dislikes.

I don't remember the name of the chef we had, but it was a man. So I'm thinking the likes/dislikes conversation might depend who is working that day. I was disappointed with the lack of interaction we had, but only because I had read on here about them catering to your preferences and talking to you throughout the night. If I hadn't gone in with that expectation, I would have been thrilled with what we got. It was still the best meal I've ever had, and since I wasn't able to limit them with my preferences I tried some delicious items that I never would have ordered (the rabbit stew was my favorite). They always seemed to serve me and my partner significantly different items, and I think they do that figuring you'll share or trade sometimes. Your wine will be paired with your food, so if you trade food trade your wine too.

 

[DDhunter]

First off, just so you are aware, it is the Chef's Counter (not table). You will be seated at the counter that runs along the front of the kitchen and around the side of the dessert station (so about 16 seats in all).

LOL, yes, Chef's counter. I need to repeat it several times in my head so I don't sound like an idiot when I call to make the reservation . I actually watched a couple of video reviews so saw the set up for it. It looks like a lot of fun.

Thank you to all who replied, I am definitely going to go ahead and do it. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all of your input.

 

[DisBabe94]

I just did this the other day. The Executive Chef is Gloria, and she is fantastic. She had very thorough conversations with us and the people next to us. She customizes the menu to your likes, and definitely to your dislikes. There was someone who was gluten-free, vegan. They seemed to have a great experience as well. My thought is to not worry about it, it'll be great. They are thoughtful and want you to have a fantastic time.

Do you remember what the vegan person was served? I'm vegan and would love a perspective on what type of meal Napa Rose would serve me!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I don't remember the name of the chef we had, but it was a man...

It was probably Chef Alex. He can also be found at CCR.