Mendoza's - Review

I take great pleasure writing reviews for establishments like Mendoza's. Mendoza's is perfect for what it is. Authentic Michoacan fare, where everything is homemade, the mariachi band is loud, and the buzz is deafening. It was supremely busy and the food took a lifetime to arrive, but it was definitely worth the wait! Everything was tremendous, down to all the sauces in the squeeze bottles (which I thought of stealing so I could have them later). I definitely found my new favorite "Mexican" restaurant. Come here, take your time and enjoy something wonderful.

Meadowood Restaurant- Review

Dining at Meadowood Restaurant was certainly an enlightening experience. After a full day of wine tasting and loving the pure beauty that Napa had to offer, my boyfriend and I decided to finish our perfect adventure with an evening of extravagance. We journeyed up the winding roads of St. Helena, famished and nervously excited, praying that our experience would be live up to the vaulted expectations that we had. The setting was picturesque, looking up, the milky way lit up the night sky, the smell of the trees enlivened our senses. The only way to describe the setting is pure romance. It was beautiful, the ambiance was hushed but still comforting. The evening began with two glasses of Krug.

I would like to think that I, like my boyfriend, am a completely unique diner. I rarely do a "standard" tasting menu an I order way too much food for my own good. Meadowood offers two styles, a tasting menu of nine courses and a Summer prix-fixe menu of four courses. My boyfriend and I found ourselves in a predicament. The tasting menu, to be honest, was not nearly as exciting to read as the prix-menu and we wanted to try more than just four items from that menu. We ended up trying everything offered on the prix-fixe menu, which ended up being a total of fourteen courses.

Each course was exquisite. Chef Kostow's vision of California cuisine is a revelation. Each course was thoughtful and balanced, presenting an elegance rarely found in a Chef so young. The best bite of the evening came from the Lobster, Morel Mushroom, Sweetbread, and Black Truffle course. As if peering into my soul, Chef Kostow created a dish of everything I love most in life. It was so perfect, I forgot how to speak. I sat in a catatonic trance, unable to move, reeling from the feeling of pure bliss. It was literally that grandiose of a moment. I completely understand why Michelin bestowed three stars to Chef Kostow. Completely deserved.

Service here is remarkable and by far the best I have ever had, anywhere. As a professional in the industry, I am constantly disappointed by service, jaded because I can spot a flaw without any hesitation. Olin was our server and he was a consummate professional. His gate and personality were indicative of an illustrious pedigree, his demeanor was warm and welcoming, and he was on point throughout our entire experience.

I loved Meadowood. They made us feel like we were the most important guests in the dining room. Every moment was appreciated and lovely. I cannot wait to come back and do it all again.

I am back.

So I created a blog last year to explain the service industry to the world and got caught up in life. I am back now and will be writing with a vengeance. After spending the last year opening a potential two michelin star restaurant and working with one of the brightest chef's in the entire world, I now know how I want to convey my expertise to the world. Look for my new reviews on here, subscribe to my blog, leave me comments. I am an open book and am looking to share my love of food with others