Bistro Jeanty

Bistro Jeanty in Yountville delivers an authentic taste of France in the heart of Napa Valley

After a wonderful day of wine tasting at Robert Biale and at Opus One Winery, I was feeling both satisfied and ready for food.

Wine tasting is always enjoyable. But, after a day that began at 5am for me and ended in a swirl of wine and architecture, I was more than ready for a late lunch.

I made my way to Bistro Jeanty in Yountville, a place that had visited a few times –  years prior. I was very excited to see if it lived up to my fond memories.

Fortunately, I had a reservation and was quickly seated at a lovely table, next to a fireplace in the dining room.

After conversing with my server between the soups, I didn’t hesitate to order the CRÊME DE TOMATE EN CROUTE. It’s Bistro Jeanty’s signature tomato soup baked under a dome of puff pastry.

The puff pastry’s golden dome was deliciously inviting. Breaking through the crust released a cloud of steam. One spoonful in, and it was clear this was something special.

I absolutely loved it. I arrived at Bistro Jeanty to try and duplicate the incredible French onion soup I’d had in Paris at Brasserie du Louvre – Bocuse. Instead of my original idea, I was glad that I took a chance on the fanciest tomato soup I’d ever had the pleasure of devouring. The depth of flavor felt both classic and elevated. The pastry added just the right amount of richness – light, buttery, and indulgent in all the right ways. I might have thought I’d wanted one thing – but this was better.

Sometimes, it’s best to not get what you want – when you get what you actually need.

I also ordered the FRITES, which arrived hot and generously salted.

As I wrapped up my meal, I felt genuinely glad I’d made time for it – instead of just stopping at McDonalds on the way to Berkeley.

It was a simple meal.

But, it was decadent perfection.

- -