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No one can argue that the Napa Valley offers an amazing array of fabulous restaurants. However, perhaps surprisingly, there is a definite lack of options in the ethnic food category.

While there are some Mexican establishments (though really not many), there are only a handful of Chinese restaurants - and even fewer choices when it comes to Japanese, Thai, or Indian. And most of those places are in the town of Napa.

In fact, the restaurant I’m profiling here is one of only two Chinese eateries in the entire Upvalley area (the other is in Calistoga). And there are no Japanese, Thai, or Indian places Upvalley - with the exceptions of CC Blue (better for date nights than family dining) and the phenomenal sushi at Go Fish (though an Asian restaurant it certainly is not).

That said, Golden Harvest is a solid option for families looking for Chinese food. The menu is huge, and even offers plenty of vegetarian options. The portions are large (but not overly so), the food is fresh - and freshly prepared - and consistent. The service is professional, quick without being hurried, and cheerful. The ambiance is simple - there is a waiting/cashier/bar-type area upon entry, then a large open dining room.

While they serve both lunch and dinner, we usually seem to eat-in only at lunchtime (we do plenty of take-out at dinnertime though too). While prices at Chinese restaurants in general can get high, Golden Harvest’s lunch special offers one of the best deals in the Valley - a cup of the soup of the day, steamed rice and entrée - all for around $8.00 (prices range from $7.25-$8.95). There are over 30 entrée choices. And unlike many other restaurants that are now charging for hot tea, it is included here.

Who: All ages

What: Decent Chinese food, lots of choices, great lunch specials, quick and pleasant service, beer & wine only

Where: 61 Main Street (Highway 29), Saint Helena; just south of downtown

When: Particularly good for weekday lunches; I also especially enjoy the hot tea on rainy days

Why: To fulfill that craving for Chinese food; a quick, satisfying and inexpensive lunch

We LOVE old-school Mexican food.

The chips & guacamole, the super-cheesy enchiladas, and–yes–even the deep-fried chimichangas (and the “gasoline” margaritas at Sinaloa).
Light & healthy it is not.

We also LOVE “New Mexican” cuisine.

The grilled fresh fish tacos, the unique & unusual salsas, the made-to-order tortillas.

But sometimes the creativity goes to far (Mexican wood-fried pizza?–sorry, I just don’t get it).

Enter C Casa, a new addition to the ever-growing culinary scene at Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa.

I met the owner Catherine a few weeks ago.
I was immediately intrigued not only by her background but also by this new venture she calls “An Innovative Taqueria”.

So when we ran errands down in Napa this past weekend, we stopped in for lunch.

Walking into the market, we were immediately impressed by the wonderful patio.

When we went inside to order, we were equally impressed.

We shared the Spiced Lamb Taco, the C Casa Chicken Taco, the Grilled Mahi Mahi Taco, and the “Nachos Not!”.

Everything was wonderful. The portions were just right, but we ordered too much food for our family of three. Next time, we’ll order fewer items, or a salad or such in place of the nachos. While the food was intensely flavored–in that fresh, perfectly-delicious way–nothing was too spicy for Samantha.

Service is walk-up and the atmosphere is casual. Prices, especially for Napa, are reasonable.

Who: All ages–the market is bustling and just loud enough that families with kids of all ages can relax

What: A fresh, original, and sophisticated take on Mexican cuisine in a hip environment

Where: Oxbow Public Market, 610 First Street Suite 6, near downtown Napa

When: Anytime of year; lunch or dinner (and breakfast on the weekends)

Why: To “do Mexican” in a delicious, innovative, and healthy way

Who knew Rutherford Grill was kid-friendly?

Up to now, Tom and I always reserved the Grill (as the locals call it) for grown-ups-only occasions. It is a special place for us because it is where, five years ago, we decided to move to the Napa Valley.

So while we’ve seen kids at the Grill–and everything seemed to work out just fine for those families (and for those around them)–we just had never brought Samantha along.

That is, until recently. And it was great.

They have, upon request, an etch-a-sketch. That, paired with her trusty crayons, kept her happily occupied until the food arrived.

We ordered several dishes to share. While kiddo’s favorite was the deviled eggs, she ate some of everything.

Since our visit, I have heard that they also have a kids menu (upon request). As we didn’t know one existed, we didn’t ask for it. Give it a try.

Note: Rutherford Grill is usually very busy. They don’t take reservations and it may take a while to be seated. But there is a nice grassy area out front where the kids can run around. Of course, as you know, it’s always a good idea to bring along snacks, toys, and books.

Who: The littlest of babies tucked into the portable car seats, and those about age 4 & up. There are no highchairs or booster seats so kids must be able to sit in a booth on their own (and for the entire dinner–no running around in the Grill). I wouldn’t try Rutherford Grill during the squirmy toddler stage as there is just too much going on.

What: Lively, upscale yet casual atmosphere; fabulous food (try the Prime Rib French Dip or the Sashimi Ahi Salad); wonderful service; excellent wine list and full bar; seating indoors or out on a beautiful patio

Where: 1180 Rutherford Road, Rutherford (at the corner of Highway 29 & Rutherford Cross Road)

When: Lunch or dinner

Why: Well, it’s absolutely fabulous

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Located in the town of Calistoga, Buster’s Southern Barbeque has been offering generous servings of their mouth-watering BBQ since 1965.

Now, I know that folks can be…well, let’s just say picky…about barbeque. But Buster’s delivers just what I think of when I want barbeque: smoky and tender meats with a classic spicy tomato-based sauce, served with a side of garlic bread, baked beans or coleslaw.

One note on that spicy sauce: the hot is HOT. Super hot. Tom & I both enjoy a good deal of spice (meaning we aren’t wimps here), but we couldn’t even eat the food the time we went with the hot sauce (and to think, a big, burly construction worker-type had warned us…). So take this as your warning: Go with the mild. Seriously. And put in on the side for the little ones.

Like the food, the setting is simple–perhaps ‘rustic’ is a better description. And as every parent knows, ‘rustic’ usually means kid-friendly. The only seating is outdoor–a few tables are outside, but the main area is an enclosed patio. They do have those tall heaters going in the winter, so we were comfortable in our light California-winter jackets.

The prices are decent–and as the servings are generous, you could likely even share and cut some costs.

And Calistoga is a great little town to visit, you can check out more about it here.

Who: All ages

What: Authentic Southern Barbeque

Where: 1207 Foothill Boulevard, Calistoga

When: Anytime, but be prepared for outdoor seating

Why: Barbeque done very well

Located in a little strip mall near Queen of the Valley Hospital in the town of Napa, Genova Delicatessen at first appears to be nothing special.

But it’s been a locals’ favorite since 1926, serving generous sandwiches, salads and hot case items such as lasagna, eggplant parmesan, and more.

They also have a grocery featuring a extensive variety of cheeses, authentic Italian pastas, sauces and all sorts of dry goods. They also have a nice selection of local and imported wines, and an espresso bar.

It is the sort of place you walk in, wade your way through the throngs of people, take a number, and wait. While they have a legion of workers, be prepared to be patient as each sandwich is carefully made to order.

Seating is indoor or outdoor. The few outdoor tables are just out on the sidewalk, nestled between the building front and the parking lot.

You could also place your order to-go and enjoy lunch at one of the many nearby wineries with picnic grounds (see category Kid-Friendly Napa Valley: Wineries for some ideas).

This Napa dining spot is super-casual–nothing fancy here–just straightforward, delicious deli foods.

Who: Absolutely all ages

What: Quality, old-school Italian deli classics

Where: Genova Delicatessen, 1550 Trancas Street, Napa

When: Monday-Saturday: 9am-6:30pm; Sunday: 9am-5pm

Why: When you want to get back to the basics; this is a very special place

Pizzeria Tra Vigne is just across the street from one of our other favorite kid-friendly dining spots, Taylor’s Refresher.

When it’s too hot or too cold for Taylors’ outdoor-only seating, or just when we feel like having pizza, we opt for Pizzeria Tra Vigne.  Now, Pizzeria is not to be confused with the renowned, much-more fancy Tra Vigne Restaurant. Both places are part of the same restaurant group and are located pretty much next to each other (with Merryvale Vineyards slotted in between). But, Pizzeria is upscale-casual and very family-friendly, while Tra Vigne is more for those get-a-babysitter-evenings.

Pizzeria offers indoor or outdoor, first-come, first-serve seating as well as a small bar with wine & beer, a menu that changes seasonally, a pool table–and best of all–free corkage.

Because of the free corkage, our family of three can dine well (appetizer, salad, pizza and the soft-serve ice cream for dessert) for around $40.

Who: All ages. We brought Samantha here as an infant and just plunked the car seat right on the booth bench

What: Upscale-casual environment and delicious wood-fired brick-oven pizzas, pastas and salads

Where: 1016 Main Street, Saint Helena

When: Lunch or dinner

Why: Great food, a menu with something for everyone and FREE corkage

We’ve been regular customers at Villa Corona in Saint Helena since we moved to town over four years ago.

While their website needs help, offline the food is great, the ambience is upbeat and casual and the prices are reasonable.

The restaurant offers that hybrid-style of service–you place your order at the counter and then your food is delivered to your table. The Saint Helena location has a nice little patio, and as it is located right on Main Street in downtown there are plenty of people-watching opportunities.

On a recent visit, Tom & I shared the Super Chicken Burrito (the red sauce is fantastic), the Ceviche Special and a Pineapple Agua Fresca while Samantha enjoyed a kids Cheese Quesadilla. As our total bill was around $20, this is one of the few budget-friendly dining options Upvalley as well.

Who: All ages

What: High-quality, healthful Mexican food in a casual, attractive setting

When: Hours vary by location, see their website

Where: Four locations: Saint Helena, Napa & two in Vacaville

Why: To fulfill that nagging craving for Mexican food

Villa Corona, Saint Helena

Up to now, much of the content for this month’s theme of kid-friendly activities in the Napa Valley has been focused Upvalley (the term used by locals to connote the northern part of the valley).

And the fact that, so far, I’ve mainly highlighted activities in Saint Helena is natural as that is where we live and spend most of our time.

But we do occasionally wander down valley. And one of our favorite spots is Michael Chiarello’s flagship NapaStyle store and Paninoteca in Yountville.

While the store itself isn’t necessarily kid-friendly (with all the fancy glassware and whatnot), it isn’t un-kid-friendly and it’s totally worth it to take the time to browse and shop. Plus, you might also see Michael himself–sometimes even with his family too.

The Paninoteca is located towards the rear of the store. Just place your order at the register back there and take a seat at one of the several tables inside, or as we prefer, on the pretty patio outside. You’ll enjoy a casual courtyard with dappled shade along with the freshly-prepared, delicious salads and sandwiches. There is also a nice selection of wine and non-alcoholic beverages.

Who: All ages, but I am not sure if they offer highchairs–note: kids need to be closely supervised when inside the store, but there’s a lot of freedom out on the patio

What: Wonderful, eclectic NapaStyle goods in a beautiful retail space; but for families we really like the Paninoteca–especially the patio dining

Where: NapaStyle, V Marketplace, 6525 Washington Street in Yountville

When: Lunch, particularly on a nice day so you can sit outside

Why: To bring home something special for your home, kitchen or garden and to delight in upscale-casual lunchfare in a kid-safe, easy outdoor setting

Piggyback

The olive grove of the Paninoteca patio

Playing on the patio

An aside: I was very impressed when I saw this clever use of a champagne riddling rack at NapaStyle.

Perhaps these racks aren’t common where you live, but you see them all over the place in the Napa Valley. In our home, we have one Tom gave me for a birthday present; we use it simply for decoration.

Here, they purposed one to grow herbs, greens, and even tomatoes. I think this is an awesome idea for anyone with limited space who wishes to grow at least a bit of their own food.

Riddling rack as garden

Taylor’s Automatic Refresher is an institution.

In business since 1949 (and not much has changed since then), the place is your classic burgers-and-fries type of joint, albeit Napa Valley-fied.

We regularly visit the original Saint Helena location on what has come to be called “French Frydays” (in the past few years, they’ve also opened locations in San Francisco and the town of Napa).

And while it definitely is not cheap, Taylor’s serves excellent food and drinks. But, we particularly enjoy the outdoor ambience.

It is hands down the most kid-friendly AND adult-friendly* eating place in town.

Who: All ages

What: Yummy food & drinks served in a super-casual, yet upscale setting

Where: St Helena: 933 Main St; SF: 1 Ferry Building, #6; Napa: Oxbow Public Market, 644 First St

When: Lunch/Dinner; St Helena location is best when it’s warm and sunny

Why: To eat decently while the kids play

* adult-friendly = they serve wine & beer AND the food is good