Down the pike from Ad Hoc, in Yountville, is a place I had never heard of – and that was absolutely splendid. It is called Mustards Grill. We went there one night, sat at the bar, and had both a delightful chat with the bar tender (who I suspect had more to do with the place than I initially imagined) and a terrific meal. The ambience is warm, welcoming, and seems to be a mix of locals and tourists. (Remember, this is Napa.)
Now, months after starting this blog entry, I am finishing it, having been tied up (not literally) with a few other responsibilities. And, I have to say, while the meal was wonderful, what lingers is the warmth of the welcome. THe bar was beautiful -- the drink spectacular -- but it is not always the case that wnderful restaurants come with wonderful people. I cannot imagine what it would feel like to welcome strangers to your place every night for meals day after day and wek after week and . . . And this place made it seem like the best of all possible worlds.
My partner left a ring there. Accidentally. What was miraculous was they opened the next day to let us pick it up. So: not only is the food amazing, but the kindness that flavors the food flavors their interactions even more.
Eat there. You will not regret it. And, you will remember it for food and for more.
Want the menu? Click here. Better yet, go there.
