Special Occasion: Napa Rose or S55?

[avalon451]

How was Altura. Was it worth the cash?

It was, hands down, the BEST meal we've ever had. And we've had some amazing meals. If you're a foodie, this is foodie heaven. Seriously, each little bite was just amazing.

However. The Cost. Oh, the cost. When I found out after the fact how much DH had spent on this anniversary meal, I about killed him.

So I don't know. I don't think we'll ever do it again, because while we're comfortable, we're certainly not one of those nouveau riche Microsofties with a six car garage, a Lexus and a BMW. We drive a 20 year old Subaru and a 6 year old Toyota.

 

[paintingoncelluloid]

If I might piggyback on this thread while I have you foodies here, I've been curious what the Chef's Counter at Napa Rose might be like for a vegetarian. Does anyone have experience with meat-free meals there? The regular menu at Napa Rose isn't very reassuring on this front, but if the chefs are able to make great vegetarian entrees then I would love to give it a try. (My boyfriend is vegetarian, and I only eat meat occasionally.) For reference -- and since someone mentioned Philadelphia -- Vedge is our absolutely favorite restaurant. If you're ever there it is well worth a visit, even for the omnivorous!

 

[BriannaRuth]

I don't know but they seemed to be very accommodating with any kind of request. I'd give them a call and just ask them about it. We did have a dish or two that were vegetarian on our tasting and they were excellent.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

For the OP: if steak is a favorite, look at the menu for The Ranch on Ball Rd. It is about 10 minutes from the parks. This restaurant is known for good steaks and a strong wine list.

 

[ParksPixar&Pizza]

For the OP: if steak is a favorite, look at the menu for The Ranch on Ball Rd. It is about 10 minutes from the parks. This restaurant is known for good steaks and a strong wine list.

Thank you for the advice!

 

[rentayenta]

Definitely Napa Rose , even if not doing Chef Counter though it's my first choice it's a wonderful experience .

How do you make reservations for the Chef's Counter?

I agree with Napa Rose, but I'm not a huge fan of the Chef's Counter. I would much rather dine at a regular table and choose what I want. Chef's Counter was a fun experience, but not my thing.

I am afraid I would be served copious amounts of seafood. I enjoy seafood but I would not want a meal full of it. What did you not enjoy about it?

$100 for the five courses, $150 if you want accompanying wine pairings.

That doesn't seem horrible.

 

[Astylla]

Chef counter can be booked only directly 60 days out by calling : 714-300-7170.

You may need to leave a message as it's the direct line but they always get back to me promptly to confirm details.

 

[rentayenta]

Chef counter can be booked only directly 60 days out by calling : 714-300-7170.

You may need to leave a message as it's the direct line but they always get back to me promptly to confirm details.

Thanks!!!

 

[BriannaRuth]

I am afraid I would be served copious amounts of seafood. I enjoy seafood but I would not want a meal full of it. What did you not enjoy about it?

They are very accommodating with requests. If you want to limit the amount of seafood, just let them know.

Reservations open 60 days ahead of time, but you may be able to make your reservations much closer to your date. We made our just a couple weeks out, and the night we were there in mid-August there was only one other couple dining at the Chef's Counter -- so there were 4 empty seats. We did the late seating.

I think the price is very reasonable considering what you pay for tasting menus elsewhere. We did one in Seattle last week that was $170 per person and another $70 or so per person for wine. That was more courses ... I think there were 7 or 8, but the amount of food per course was smaller. I was surprised at how large the "main" course was at Napa Rose.

 

[lilmissfoodie]

How do you make reservations for the Chef's Counter?




I am afraid I would be served copious amounts of seafood. I enjoy seafood but I would not want a meal full of it. What did you not enjoy about it?




That doesn't seem horrible.

Regarding being served copious amounts of seafood. At the beginning of your service, one of the sous chefs will ask you what are your likes and dislikes and they'll craft a menu around that. Don't be afraid to be a little adventurous as they'll often exceed your expectations (they did mine). Mostly what they do give you is some adaptation of the current menu. My favorite part is being so close to the kitchen that you get to watch all the line cooks at work. One time, one of them was having a problem recreating the chef's dish and kept having to redo it. The sous got mad at him and then got angrier that she lost her temper in front of us. Like watching a real-life version of Hell's Kitchen (swearing and all). She did apologize to us later for losing her temper.

 

[rentayenta]

They are very accommodating with requests. If you want to limit the amount of seafood, just let them know.

Reservations open 60 days ahead of time, but you may be able to make your reservations much closer to your date. We made our just a couple weeks out, and the night we were there in mid-August there was only one other couple dining at the Chef's Counter -- so there were 4 empty seats. We did the late seating.

I think the price is very reasonable considering what you pay for tasting menus elsewhere. We did one in Seattle last week that was $170 per person and another $70 or so per person for wine. That was more courses ... I think there were 7 or 8, but the amount of food per course was smaller. I was surprised at how large the "main" course was at Napa Rose.

Thank you! I agree about the price being reasonable. $150 per person for 6 courses with wine pairings while watching them prepare the food seems worth it. I did read to plan on 3 hours which is what a concert or some other comparable event would cost.

Regarding being served copious amounts of seafood. At the beginning of your service, one of the sous chefs will ask you what are your likes and dislikes and they'll craft a menu around that. Don't be afraid to be a little adventurous as they'll often exceed your expectations (they did mine). Mostly what they do give you is some adaptation of the current menu. My favorite part is being so close to the kitchen that you get to watch all the line cooks at work. One time, one of them was having a problem recreating the chef's dish and kept having to redo it. The sous got mad at him and then got angrier that she lost her temper in front of us. Like watching a real-life version of Hell's Kitchen (swearing and all). She did apologize to us later for losing her temper.

Love that show and not like I like to see people get scolded but that would be quite the show. Thank you for advice. I am not really all that picky and enjoy some seafood, just not fishy fish like salmon unless it's done exceptionally well. I think DH would enjoy watching them cook.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... One thing I find lacking at Napa Rose, is that the menu doesn't change as much as you'd find at any other tasting menu type meal. They have stuff on the menu there still that they had there when I first went 8 years ago (I'm looking at you, pan seared scallop!) ...

Ate at NR this evening. Much to our surprise, the scallop dish has changed! It is now served with beef cheeks. The server informed us that it had been served with a fresh corn sauce on the previous menu. (So that's two recent changes!) The Smiling Tiger Salad has FINALLY disappeared from the menu (and a yummy harvest salad has appeared), as has the Sizzling Rock appetizer. Nice to see changes and updates afoot.