Question about Napa Rose Chef's counter

[oscarkitty1]

DH and I ate at Napa Rose for the first time this year when we celebrated our anniversary. Of course we loved it!

We are going back in February to celebrate his birthday along with DMIL and DFIL. I'm going to make a reservation for the four of us for the Chef's counter experience.

We'd like to leave the menu up to the chef rather than order off the menu. All four of us are adventurous for the most part - however, I do not eat veal or lamb (for personal reasons) and I just plain don't like duck.

Will they work around those parameters or am I being too picky?

Also, can you give us an estimate of how much the dinner will cost (average per person)? We are going to do it no matter what, but just curious how much it is.

Thanks!

 

[Ariel224]

DH & I ate at the Chef's Counter last month. We were going to do the surprise tasting menu, but ended up ordering off of the regular menu because there was so much that sounded good, and we were pretty set in our decision on 3 of the 4 courses. But I can tell you how it works....

Yes, they will work with your likes and dislikes and any food allergies. If something on the regular menu looks good, mention it and it can be worked in. If I recall correctly, the personalized tasting menu is the same price as the Vintner's Tasting Menu, which is $85 per person for 4 courses. You can add a flight of 4 wines for $45 per person more. HTH.

 

[oc_tony]

We'd like to leave the menu up to the chef rather than order off the menu. All four of us are adventurous for the most part - however, I do not eat veal or lamb (for personal reasons) and I just plain don't like duck.

Will they work around those parameters or am I being too picky?

When we ate at the Chef's counter for our anniversary, the couple next to us did exactly what you are describing. It was fun to see what they would get for each course, and everything looked wonderful. The chef was very accommodating and made sure to work around their likes, dislikes, and allergies. You'll love it!

 

[oscarkitty1]

DH & I ate at the Chef's Counter last month. We were going to do the surprise tasting menu, but ended up ordering off of the regular menu because there was so much that sounded good, and we were pretty set in our decision on 3 of the 4 courses. But I can tell you how it works....

Yes, they will work with your likes and dislikes and any food allergies. If something on the regular menu looks good, mention it and it can be worked in. If I recall correctly, the personalized tasting menu is the same price as the Vintner's Tasting Menu, which is $85 per person for 4 courses. You can add a flight of 4 wines for $45 per person more. HTH.

Thanks, that is very helpful! I loved the salad with the tempura lobster so I'd love to have that again, but otherwise I'd love to try something new! We are so excited about the Chef's counter!!!

 

[Flitterific]

DH & I ate at the Chef's Counter last month. We were going to do the surprise tasting menu, but ended up ordering off of the regular menu because there was so much that sounded good, and we were pretty set in our decision on 3 of the 4 courses. But I can tell you how it works....

Yes, they will work with your likes and dislikes and any food allergies. If something on the regular menu looks good, mention it and it can be worked in. If I recall correctly, the personalized tasting menu is the same price as the Vintner's Tasting Menu, which is $85 per person for 4 courses. You can add a flight of 4 wines for $45 per person more. HTH.

Yup, the personalized tasting menu is the same price as the Vintner's Tasting menu. The chef will make notes of your likes/dislikes/allergies and prepare 4 courses for you accordingly. When DBF and I dined at the Chef's Counter, we found that a lot of the dishes were actually off the menu and not dishes that they created especially for us, which makes sense since a lot of them require a lot of prep work. However, it was nice to be surprised with the dishes that they presented us. Soft drinks and tea is included in the price...they only charge you extra if you order alcohol. OP - have a wonderful time!

 

[scamper45]

They will do what ever u like. We did a little of both. some off the menu some the chef just made up for us based on our likes and diskikes.Ask for saucy to be your waiter he is awesome!!!

 

[lulubelle]

Thanks, that is very helpful! I loved the salad with the tempura lobster so I'd love to have that again, but otherwise I'd love to try something new! We are so excited about the Chef's counter!!!

That would be the Smiling Tiger Salad. My personal favorite at Napa Rose. I like to order it with another appetizer and then split an entree with DD.

We loved the meal at the Chef's counter. We let them pick for us and my only dislikes are veal (like you) and chocolate. It was one of the most fabulous meal we have ever had. Very special. There were three of us and DD & I did the wine pairings. DH had an iced tea and then some coffee. We were charged for both of his non alcoholic beverages. This was earlier this year. Maybe things have changed?

Anyway, enjoy your meal. Have a magical time.

Please do a report back on your experience.

 

[Ariel224]

Mmmmm......Smiling Tiger......

 

[iconian]

wow, so sweet!!

 

[oscarkitty1]

Thanks everyone! We are very excited to do the Chef's counter - it sounds like such a great experience!

Glad to see there are lots of fans of the Smiling Tiger salad! I think it was my favorite part of the meal!

I will definitely take lots of pics are report back. Only 60 days to go!!

 

[DizMe]

My sister and I did the Chef's Counter/Vintner's last month. We had them choose for us and it was neat! Almost everything was off the menu but tailored to what we liked. If they brought something we didn't care for, they just went off and made something else! And yes, it did happen to me! I got a rabbit meatloaf, which wasn't that bad but not at all what I was hoping for so they just brought me something I really loved (filet mignon thing).

However, it was VERY disappointing to me that we were the only ones there! No one interacted with us and that included the chefs. Our waitress did a little bit, but not too much. We tried to chat with them but they were so busy (don't know why since there were only a few others in the restaurant) that they didn't have much to say to us. My sis and I had a great time in each other's company but had thought we'd be able to share the experience with others and talk to the chefs as they were preparing the food. They made it clear they weren't interested in talking, though. We went on a Sun. night at 8:30 (Nov 14). Maybe the 5:30 dinner would have been better, though we were told there were plenty of openings at that one, too.

I am not a foodie, so it was a fun experience and truly wonderful food but (a) way too much and (b) way too expensive for me to want to do it again. Next time, I'll sit at a table and order from the menu. Oh, let me clarify that I paid $85 + the $45 wine flight fee so $130 plus tip. Ironically, I (usually) don't even drink (migraines) and I eat very small portions. I figured I was paying for a cool new experience so the fact that I didn't get the whole interactive thing made it seem like a really expensive dinner instead.

One final note: my dessert was absolutely luscious and we were sitting near the pastry chef so we got to see all of the different desserts going out. I consider dessert the main part of a meal, so that was awesome.

 

[Flitterific]

That would be the Smiling Tiger Salad. My personal favorite at Napa Rose. I like to order it with another appetizer and then split an entree with DD.

We loved the meal at the Chef's counter. We let them pick for us and my only dislikes are veal (like you) and chocolate. It was one of the most fabulous meal we have ever had. Very special. There were three of us and DD & I did the wine pairings. DH had an iced tea and then some coffee. We were charged for both of his non alcoholic beverages. This was earlier this year. Maybe things have changed?

Anyway, enjoy your meal. Have a magical time.

Please do a report back on your experience.

Hmm...we sat at the Chef's Counter in August and our server (I think his name was Steve) told me that non-alcoholic beverages were included in the price of the tasting menu. DBF had ordered a coke and I had a strawberry daiquiri and we were only charged for the alcoholic drink (I actually asked him about it because we thought he had forgotten to charge us for the soda). So perhaps it's new or maybe it just depends on your server?

Thanks everyone! We are very excited to do the Chef's counter - it sounds like such a great experience!

Glad to see there are lots of fans of the Smiling Tiger salad! I think it was my favorite part of the meal!

I will definitely take lots of pics are report back. Only 60 days to go!!

Another fan of the Smiling Tiger Salad here! The beef in it makes it extra tasty as well and I love the dressing!

My sister and I did the Chef's Counter/Vintner's last month. We had them choose for us and it was neat! Almost everything was off the menu but tailored to what we liked. If they brought something we didn't care for, they just went off and made something else! And yes, it did happen to me! I got a rabbit meatloaf, which wasn't that bad but not at all what I was hoping for so they just brought me something I really loved (filet mignon thing).

However, it was VERY disappointing to me that we were the only ones there! No one interacted with us and that included the chefs. Our waitress did a little bit, but not too much. We tried to chat with them but they were so busy (don't know why since there were only a few others in the restaurant) that they didn't have much to say to us. My sis and I had a great time in each other's company but had thought we'd be able to share the experience with others and talk to the chefs as they were preparing the food. They made it clear they weren't interested in talking, though. We went on a Sun. night at 8:30 (Nov 14). Maybe the 5:30 dinner would have been better, though we were told there were plenty of openings at that one, too.

I am not a foodie, so it was a fun experience and truly wonderful food but (a) way too much and (b) way too expensive for me to want to do it again. Next time, I'll sit at a table and order from the menu. Oh, let me clarify that I paid $85 + the $45 wine flight fee so $130 plus tip. Ironically, I (usually) don't even drink (migraines) and I eat very small portions. I figured I was paying for a cool new experience so the fact that I didn't get the whole interactive thing made it seem like a really expensive dinner instead.

One final note: my dessert was absolutely luscious and we were sitting near the pastry chef so we got to see all of the different desserts going out. I consider dessert the main part of a meal, so that was awesome.

Aww...sorry to hear that your experience wasn't that great. We were at 5:30pm seating in August and although the chefs were very busy, they made an effort to talk to us and explain the various things they were doing. We sat near the dessert section and the pastry chef was especially nice. Anyone ever notice a difference between the 5:30 and 8:30 seatings?

 

[oscarkitty1]

My sister and I did the Chef's Counter/Vintner's last month. We had them choose for us and it was neat! Almost everything was off the menu but tailored to what we liked. If they brought something we didn't care for, they just went off and made something else! And yes, it did happen to me! I got a rabbit meatloaf, which wasn't that bad but not at all what I was hoping for so they just brought me something I really loved (filet mignon thing).

However, it was VERY disappointing to me that we were the only ones there! No one interacted with us and that included the chefs. Our waitress did a little bit, but not too much. We tried to chat with them but they were so busy (don't know why since there were only a few others in the restaurant) that they didn't have much to say to us. My sis and I had a great time in each other's company but had thought we'd be able to share the experience with others and talk to the chefs as they were preparing the food. They made it clear they weren't interested in talking, though. We went on a Sun. night at 8:30 (Nov 14). Maybe the 5:30 dinner would have been better, though we were told there were plenty of openings at that one, too.

I am not a foodie, so it was a fun experience and truly wonderful food but (a) way too much and (b) way too expensive for me to want to do it again. Next time, I'll sit at a table and order from the menu. Oh, let me clarify that I paid $85 + the $45 wine flight fee so $130 plus tip. Ironically, I (usually) don't even drink (migraines) and I eat very small portions. I figured I was paying for a cool new experience so the fact that I didn't get the whole interactive thing made it seem like a really expensive dinner instead.

One final note: my dessert was absolutely luscious and we were sitting near the pastry chef so we got to see all of the different desserts going out. I consider dessert the main part of a meal, so that was awesome.

Ahhh the rabbit meatloaf - thanks for reminding me!! I have a pet bunny so there's no way I'd even be willing to try that one!

That's too bad to hear about the lack of interaction you had - that's one thing I'm looking forward to. My DFIL is a major foodie so I know he'll enjoy himself no matter what! But I do hope we get to interact and I REALLY hope we get to meet Chef Sutton!!

Thanks again to everyone for all the comments! Love the DIS!!

 

[Ariel224]

My sister and I did the Chef's Counter/Vintner's last month. We had them choose for us and it was neat! Almost everything was off the menu but tailored to what we liked. If they brought something we didn't care for, they just went off and made something else! And yes, it did happen to me! I got a rabbit meatloaf, which wasn't that bad but not at all what I was hoping for so they just brought me something I really loved (filet mignon thing).

However, it was VERY disappointing to me that we were the only ones there! No one interacted with us and that included the chefs. Our waitress did a little bit, but not too much. We tried to chat with them but they were so busy (don't know why since there were only a few others in the restaurant) that they didn't have much to say to us. My sis and I had a great time in each other's company but had thought we'd be able to share the experience with others and talk to the chefs as they were preparing the food. They made it clear they weren't interested in talking, though. We went on a Sun. night at 8:30 (Nov 14). Maybe the 5:30 dinner would have been better, though we were told there were plenty of openings at that one, too.

I am not a foodie, so it was a fun experience and truly wonderful food but (a) way too much and (b) way too expensive for me to want to do it again. Next time, I'll sit at a table and order from the menu. Oh, let me clarify that I paid $85 + the $45 wine flight fee so $130 plus tip. Ironically, I (usually) don't even drink (migraines) and I eat very small portions. I figured I was paying for a cool new experience so the fact that I didn't get the whole interactive thing made it seem like a really expensive dinner instead.

One final note: my dessert was absolutely luscious and we were sitting near the pastry chef so we got to see all of the different desserts going out. I consider dessert the main part of a meal, so that was awesome.

We did the 8:30 seating on Wed 11/15. It actually turned out to be a 9:00 seating, as the couple from 5:30 who had the seats we were to get were taking a VERY long time. Our experience was a lot like yours....not much interaction at all. Chef Sutton wasn't there, but the Sous Chef did at least come over once to check on us. It was interesting to watch the action, even if some of our action was the kitchen cleanup....our late start put us past closing time. That in itself made me feel a little rushed towards the end.

I'm not a foodie either. The food was delicious, but I found towards the end of each course I just couldn't finish it...not because I was full, but because the food was so rich. I think next time we'll just sit in the lounge and have Smiling Tigers, the appetizer pizzetti, and dessert...oh, and of course a glass of Magicale.

 

[DizMe]

We did the 8:30 seating on Wed 11/15. It actually turned out to be a 9:00 seating, as the couple from 5:30 who had the seats we were to get were taking a VERY long time. Our experience was a lot like yours....not much interaction at all. Chef Sutton wasn't there, but the Sous Chef did at least come over once to check on us. It was interesting to watch the action, even if some of our action was the kitchen cleanup....our late start put us past closing time. That in itself made me feel a little rushed towards the end.

I'm not a foodie either. The food was delicious, but I found towards the end of each course I just couldn't finish it...not because I was full, but because the food was so rich. I think next time we'll just sit in the lounge and have Smiling Tigers, the appetizer pizzetti, and dessert...oh, and of course a glass of Magicale.

EXACTLY!!! Since we were the only ones in the restaurant the last half hour or so, they had begun to do the cleanup and closing prep which made us feel a little rushed. I would have preferred a nice table near the fireplace and a simpler meal. Your choices sound just like what I'd choose!! And yes, the food is extremely rich!! My sister was given a glass of Magicale and I got something else, which was quite delicious but I did pout a little about not getting M so they brought me a glass of that, too. I have no complaints about them listening to my wishes.

Our pastry chef was a young guy, who seemed very sweet but shy. He did not have very much to say until the end of the meal, when I mentioned to him that my dd was training to be a chocolatier. Suddenly, he blossomed and it was fun to hear all of the things he had to say after that, which sadly was a fairly short time period since we were about done with our meal.

OscarKitty, ACK!! I couldn't eat rabbit meatloaf if I had a pet bunny, either!! It was hard enough as it was, although I have several pet chickens and still manage to eat that meat, just not from one of my girls .

 

[toocherie]

I would definitely go for the earlier seating. And for me, they brought me a salad of octopus! Luckily one of my friends (there were three of us) liked octopus so we traded. It just never occurred to me to list "tentacles" as something I wouldn't eat (just about any other seafood item would have been a-ok--I just don't do tentacles). I think the only thing I had told them was no asparagus.

Chef Sutton wasn't there the night we did the chef's counter but Chef Gloria was and I felt like she spent a lot of time talking to us--of course we asked a lot of questions.

Vicki have a GREAT time! (and I wake up nights dreaming of the Smiling Tiger salad!)

 

[lulukate]

When we dined at Napa we had the waiter named Saucy and he truly is wonderful!! I hope that we see him again on our next visit.

 

[Ariel224]

EXACTLY!!! Since we were the only ones in the restaurant the last half hour or so, they had begun to do the cleanup and closing prep which made us feel a little rushed. I would have preferred a nice table near the fireplace and a simpler meal. Your choices sound just like what I'd choose!! And yes, the food is extremely rich!! My sister was given a glass of Magicale and I got something else, which was quite delicious but I did pout a little about not getting M so they brought me a glass of that, too. I have no complaints about them listening to my wishes.

Our pastry chef was a young guy, who seemed very sweet but shy. He did not have very much to say until the end of the meal, when I mentioned to him that my dd was training to be a chocolatier. Suddenly, he blossomed and it was fun to hear all of the things he had to say after that, which sadly was a fairly short time period since we were about done with our meal.

OscarKitty, ACK!! I couldn't eat rabbit meatloaf if I had a pet bunny, either!! It was hard enough as it was, although I have several pet chickens and still manage to eat that meat, just not from one of my girls .

Hey DizMe, I'm starting to think we should spend a little more time together on our next concurrent trip!

Regarding the rabbit meatloaf, DH had it for his appetizer....I was more disturbed by the quail egg on top. We have both jackrabbits and quail that frequent our back yard. The rabbits I hate (poop all over the yard, dog hunts the babies & traumatizes the kids, and they eat my garden), but the quail are sooo cute, especially the babies! We like the quail.

 

[godalejunior]

When we dined at Napa we had the waiter named Saucy and he truly is wonderful!! I hope that we see him again on our next visit.

We gave had Steve the last two times...and he has been horrible. I will request a different server next time for sure.

 

[toocherie]

When we dined at Napa we had the waiter named Saucy and he truly is wonderful!! I hope that we see him again on our next visit.

LOL--and I have had friends who can't STAND Saucy! I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder!