An Italian deli is one of the biggest requests I hear from readers, and this should help satisfy many: Rick Molinari has signed to open an Italian deli and café called Molinari Caffè in the old Glass Gallery at 815 Main St. in Napa next to Fagiani’s Bar.

Rick’s family – which is not closely related to the Molinari’s who run the famous deli in San Francisco’s North Beach, formerly had Rossi’s deli in the spot most recently occupied by Frankie’s up Main Street.

Rick has traveled to study coffee houses and small cafés from NY, Boston, and Miami back to LA and San Diego in the last year, getting ideas.

He plans to open in early February if things go well.

Molinari will be open from 6 a.m. till 10 p.m., later on Friday and Saturday, serving Italian pasties in the morning, panini and salads at lunch and panini and dessert pastries in the evenings.

He’ll be open Sunday and Monday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with fresh waffles Sunday morning.

He will serve coffee and tea from John Weaver of Weavers Coffee and Tea (www.weaverscoffee.com). John was the understudy of Alfred Peet of Peet’s coffee and their master roaster.

Other ingredients will be local, too, including breads and pastries, and produce from Giovannoni; Jim Davis of Mike Hudson will be his supplier of meats and Molinari salami products as well.

Molinari says his place won’t be like Genova Deli with its wide selection of market items, but will serve basic sandwiches and panini. He will try to price them at $7 to $8; ditto for the salads.

He will serve no beer or wine. “There are enough places for that nearby,” he says.

Molinari Caffè is designed to be comfortable, with lounges, high-end Wi-Fi and a small newsstand. It will hold 25 to 30 people, and though there’s no outside seating, Veterans Park is across the street.

The place has been upgraded to earthquake standards, and the front will be completely new. It will have a high ceiling and no second floor.

Rick plans to exhibit local artists’ paintings for sale.

He wants his caffè to be the perfect place to start or end a day – but I bet midday will be very popular, too.

Though Molinari will just be a few blocks from Napa Valley Roasting Co., and also the new gelateria and caffè in the Riverfront (see next item), and Starbucks is sniffing around downtown, he thinks there’s plenty of business for each – and believes his place will be sufficiently different to coexist.

Matt Connolly and Michael Holcomb of Strong & Hayden Commercial Real Estate handled the deal.

With this and the announced tenants taking over Fagiani’s, Napa’s most visible block is finally coming together. Then there’s Henry’s and Asia Chop Suey…

Dreamweavers becomes Napa Valley Players

Culminating six months of an intense “extreme makeover,” Dreamweavers Theatre Troupe will present eight live stage productions in 2012 under the new banner of Napa Valley Players.

During 2011, its board of directors undertook a series of steps to build on the Dreamweavers legacy, working to improve all aspects of theatre policy and operations and enhance the play-going experience for the audience.

Improvements include a redesign of the seating area to add more leg room and better viewing angles, new carpet in the lobby, a new online ticketing system, wine available at all performances, increased stage space to allow more creativity in scene design, and more.

“We have looked at every element of the theatre’s operations, from the plays we select to our production policies,” said Board President Randi Storm. “We are re-branding the theatre company as Napa Valley Players to highlight all the new and exciting energy we’re bringing to local theatre.”

Other changes include ending the small Black Box productions – the main theater only holds 100, after all. They’re also producing a variety of plays intended to lure people out of their comfortable homes, including musicals, familiar classics, farce, intrigue, and new plays.

Of special interest is an innovative new play festival that will feature eight very short (110 minutes) plays open to established or aspiring local playwrights and others.

They’re also looking for new blood and volunteers.

The lineup for 2012 includes:

Fully Committed by Becky Mode Jan. 19-29

Perfect for the foodie Napa Valley, Fully Committed is a one-man show that the New York Times called a “mocking dismantlement of megalomaniacal chefs, coked-up maîtres d’hôtel, food-averse V.I.P.s, strung-out publicity agents and customers with exploding bowels.” Well-known Bay Area actor Dan Saski brings his skills to portraying 40 characters in this hilarious romp, recently seen at 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa.

Mauritius by Theresa Rebeck Feb. 16-March 4

After their mother’s death, two estranged half-sisters discover a book of rare stamps that may include the crown jewel for collectors. One sister tries to collect on the windfall, while the other resists for sentimental reasons. In this gripping tale, a seemingly simple sale becomes dangerous when three seedy, high-stakes collectors enter the sisters’ world, willing to do anything to claim the rare find as their own.

The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan, produced by New Technology High School March 9-18

Special project April 22-29

Leading Ladies by Ken Ludwig May 10-27

In this hilarious comedy by the author of Lend Me a Tenor and Moon Over Buffalo, two English Shakespearean actors find themselves so down on their luck that they’re performing Scenes from Shakespeare on the Moose Lodge circuit in the Amish country of Pennsylvania. When they hear that an old lady in York, Pa., is about to die and leave her fortune to her two long-lost English nephews, they resolve to pass themselves off as her beloved relatives and get the cash. The trouble is, when they get to York, they find out that the relatives aren’t nephews, but nieces. Hilarity ensues, as guaranteed by this master-of-farce author.

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by Rebecca Feldman and William Finn June 14-July 1

The Tony award-winning musical comedy featuring six quirky adolescents and three quirky adults competing in the bee at the fictional Putnam Valley Middle School. An audience favorite with audience participation.

The Dixie Swim Club by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten Aug. 30-Sep. 16

Five Southern women, who met years ago on their college swim team, reunite once a year at the same beach cottage on North Carolina’s Outer Banks to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other’s lives. The Dixie Swim Club spans a period of 33 years. This comedy of enduring friendship is hilarious, poignant, touching and unforgettable.

Souvenir by Stephen Temperley Oct. 10-28

Set in a Greenwich Village supper club in 1964, Souvenir relates the musical career of Florence Foster Jenkins, a wealthy socialite with a famously uncertain sense of pitch and key. In 1932, she met mediocre pianist Cosmé McMoon, and over the next dozen years their bizarre partnership yielded hilariously off-key recitals that became the talk of New York, earned them cultish fame and culminated in a sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall in 1944.

8 x 10: The Napa Valley Players 10-Minute Play Festival, a co-production with Lucky Penny Productions Nov. 29-Dec. 9

Napa Valley Players will present the first theatrical event of this type in Napa, showcasing new works written for this competition. The program will consist of eight separate plays of no more than 10 minutes each, chosen from all the entries into the contest by a “blind” reading committee of experienced local theatre artists. For the audience, a series of short, new plays makes for a fresh and energetic experience.

For directors and actors, it’s a chance to develop skills by working on a variety of situations and characters.

For emerging and established writers, it’s an opportunity to see the words go from the page to the stage.

Snowing at Delphi at Dreamweavers

It’s not all happening next year at Dreamweavers. This year, Dreamweavers and Lucky Penny Productions present Snowing at Delphi, a comedy by Catherine Butterfield directed by Barry Martin Dec. 2-18.

Five old friends gather for a nontraditional Christmas, bringing with them their dissatisfactions and cynicism. The appearance of a surprising unexpected guest changes their lives for the better. Touching, funny, poignant and sometimes shocking, it’s a play that will touch your holiday spirit without carols, stockings or Santa. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

The cast includes Tice Allison, Karin Argoud, Taylor Bartolucci DeGuilio, Nicholas Joy, Barry Martin and Beverly Wiles.

The opening night gala will be Friday, Dec. 2 with wine by Madonna Estate and hors d'oeuvres by Vallergas.

Buy tickets at dreamweaverstheatre.org.

Food and wine in Napa Valley

Specials at Silverado Resort

Silverado Resort’s two restaurants offer many seasonal specials that should be of interest to us here in the valley as well as to Silverado guests:

The informal Grill offers free corkage Sunday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. though Feb. 1.

It serves prime rib Sunday from 5 to 9:30 p.m. through Feb. 4.

Wednesday is American Kobe Burger Night from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. for $10 through Feb. 4.

For golfers, bring in your Silverado golf score card to buy one appetizer and get one free and enjoy $2 draft beer all week from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. until Feb. 4.

Happy Hour at Silverado happens Tuesday and Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. Buy one appetizer and get one free until Feb. 4.

At the fancy Royal Oak restaurant, enjoy free corkage Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. until Dec. 29 (Perhaps not on Thanksgiving!)

Dinner is Served seats on sale now

One of the most popular benefit meals in the Valley is Dinner is Served for the Napa Valley Opera House. Enjoy a great meal with the proceeds donated to the Opera House – and corkage is free, too. Most are on Thursday, Feb. 16, but some offer other options.

This year, 41 restaurants with 380 seats are participating. Buy the tickets now; they go fast.

Check out the details and sign up at nvohstore.org (under “Upcoming Events”).

If you wish to reserve a block of seats send an e-mail to DIS co-chair Linda Cantey at lindacantey@live.com.

Truffle Festival coming

Rare and delectable Black Périgord truffles will be the center of attention at the second annual Napa Truffle Festival, Jan. 13-16, at the Westin Verasa, where they will be discussed, examined, probed, prepared, demonstrated and, finally, paired with wines and feasted upon for breakfast, lunch and a fabulous Truffles & Wine dinner prepared by Michelin star chefs.

The festival begins with a Friday night reception with hosts Robert Chang and Dr. Paul Thomas of the American Truffle Company, and chef Ken Frank of La Toque, along with fellow truffle lovers.

The next morning starts with a breakfast with keynote address by distinguished food and travel writer, and former editor of Bon Appétit, Barbara Fairchild.

Saturday and Sunday feature culinary and scientific programs, along with winery lunches, VIP winery tastings and local truffle orchard tours. Truffle dogs will also be on hand to sniff things out.

The highlight of the festival is the Saturday night Truffles & Wine dinner, hosted by Michelin star chef Ken Frank of La Toque, and featuring a multi-course truffle menu and wine pairing – each course prepared by a Michelin star chef.

The festival concludes on Monday with a truffle brunch at Westin’s Bank Café, followed by the Napa Truffle Festival Marketplace at Oxbow Public Market — from farm, orchard and vineyard to kitchen, table and glass — showcasing local wines and artisanal vendors with their specialty food products.

Get more information and tickets at www.napatrufflefestival.com.

A big November

November used to considered off season in Napa Valley other than the Thanksgiving weekend, when many visitors come to enjoy life here.

This year, however, the Napa Valley Destination Council and others created a full schedule of events to attract visitors at a usually dead time of the year.

The month started with Worlds of Flavor for food professionals at the Culinary Institute of America, this year featuring street food from around the world.

Then came the first Napa Valley Film Festival Nov. 9 to 13, a clear hit with approximately 5,000 people, with a total attendance of 25,000.

The second annual Napa Valley Film Festival will take place Nov. 7 to 11. If you can think that far ahead – I certainly can’t – a special holiday pre-sale offers festival passes for $125 (regularly $245) and Pass Plusses for $375 (regularly $495) through Dec.16 at www.napavalleyfilmfest.org.

The came the first Wine Tourism Conference, which attracted visitors around the country, many hoping to find out what made Napa Valley such a prime destination.

Sorry, guys, it’s the location, the beauty and the wine,  not lodgings, restaurants, converts, events and weddings at wineries, not allowed here (almost).

Overlapping that was the Napa Valley Grapegrowers ‘mini Unified, admittedly for locals in the business, then the first Flavor Napa Valley, which sold out its program of wine and food events.

Created by the CIA and Silverado Resort, Flavor could become one of the world’s top culinary events.

Free wrapping in St. Helena

Range Mercantile is proud to sponsor the Boys and Girls Club of St. Helena & Calistoga by providing space for their first holiday gift wrapping fundraiser.

This gift wrapping service will be from Nov. 26 to

Dec. 24 on Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

You may drop by and wait for your package, or drop off the package and receive a receipt for pick-up at a later time. There is no charge but donations are accepted.

Call 968-0844 for more information.

Range Mercantile is at 1428 Main St. in St Helena.  

News for Napa’s wine world

Green Wine Summit

The Green Wine Summit showcasing green business and sustainability for the wine industry will present its fourth annual conference Nov. 30 at the Marriott Napa Valley.

General sessions will examine sustainability from the perspective of global businesses and benchmark California winery sustainability efforts against other New World countries.

For information, visit www.greenwinesummit.com.

You can also call Waunice Orchid at 261-8716 or email waunice@winesymposium.com.

Think Tank closed

Think Tank, the innovative laboratory plus for winemakers started by Andy Erickson, has closed after only a year.

Wine Market Council Wine Consumer Trends

The Wine Market Council presents its seventh annual Wine Consumer Trends seminar on Friday, Feb. 3 at the Event Center at Vintners Inn in Santa Rosa from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

It will feature new research on older millennials and younger “mini-llennials,” buying wine in an ever-changing economy, and the results of a study of the choice process in selecting wines and the relationship of brands The information will be presented by:

•            John Gillespie, Wine Market Council

•            Danny Brager, The Nielsen Company

•            Dr. Greg Carpenter, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University

The conference is free for Wine Market Council members and $95 per person for others.

New this year will be a Winery Marketing Strategy Workshop with Dr. Greg Carpenter immediately following the conference from 12:30 to 5 p.m.

This workshop will give 15 small- and medium-sized winery representatives the chance to work with Dr. Carpenter and learn how to apply the research presented in the morning conference to each participant’s specific marketing goals and strategies. The Workshop fee of $195 for Wine Market Council members or $395 for others includes entrance to the morning conference and a working lunch.

For information, visit www.winemarketcouncil.com or email Sherri Fidel at admin@winemarketcouncil.com or call 738-8796.

UC Davis Extension winter wine courses

UC Davis Extension offers a variety of courses for novice and experienced grape growers, winemakers and wine lovers. The following courses will take place January to March in Davis, unless otherwise indicated.

·      Online Introduction to Wine and Winemaking

·      Introduction to Sensory Evaluation

·      Descriptive Analysis of White and Red Table Wines

·      Recent Advances in Viticulture and Enology (RAVE)

·      Current Wine and Winegrape Research

·      Introduction to Wine Chemistry

·      Introduction to Wine Microbiology

·      Wine Microbiology Workshop

·      Introduction to Winery Sanitation

·      Introduction to Wine Analysis

·      Managing the Small Vineyard I

·      Tasting Room Design and Management

Get details at www.extension.ucdavis.edu/winemaking or call (800) 752-0881.

Hess Collection appoints two

Candida Banti has joined The Hess Collection as national accounts manager, West Coast. Banti was with Young’s Market Company and Moet Hennessy.

Ahna Jotter has been selected for the newly created position of assistant manager of the Hess Collection Visitor Center.

This week in Napa Valley

This week at the Cameo Cinema

Movies this week at the Cameo Cinema in St. Helena:

·      Monday, Nov. 21 Three Musketeers – 3D (PG-13) 5:30 and 8 p.m.

·      Tuesday, Nov. 22 Margin Call (R) 5:30 & 8:30 pm.

·      Wednesday, Nov. 23 Margin Call 2:30 & 5:30 p.m.
Art Film Series – Dirty Girl (R) 8 p.m.

·      Thursday, Nov. 24 Margin Call noon & 2:30 p.m.

·      Friday, Nov. 25 Family Film Series – Puss in Boots – 3D noon
Art Film Series – Dirty Girl 2:30 pm

·      J Edgar (R) 5:30 and 8:30 pm

·      Saturday, Nov. 26 Family Film Series – Puss in Boots – 3D 12 Noon
J Edgar 2:30, 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.

·      Sunday, Nov. 27 Family Film Series – Puss in Boots – 3D 12 Noon
J Edgar 2:30, 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Cameo Cinema is at 1340 Main St. in St. Helena. Phone 963-9779 or visit www.cameocinema.com.

Regional French meal at Bank Café

Here’s this week’s regional French meal at Bank Café and Bar in the Westin Verasa hotel in Napa.

It features food from Normandy. The cost is $34.

·      Lobster bisque

·      Blanquette of braised veal cheeks

·      Mille feuilles

Crossroad Chicken Menu

Here’s the Crossroad Chicken menu for Nov. 21-23

Wood oven sandwiches $8.95:

·      Chicken and mozzarella sandwich with a basil-lemon aïoli and greens

·      Wood oven tri-tip sandwich with horseradish aïoli, and greens

·      Roasted mushroom and caramelized onion sandwich with pesto aïoli, garlic and arugula

Add bacon or chicken to any item $2

Pumpkin ginger soup with pumpkin seeds $4.95

Rancho Gordo bean chili $4.95

Check Facebook at Crossroad Chicken for location and/or menu updates.

Tuesday Night Flicks start this week

The long anticipated successor of Copia’s popular Friday Night Flicks returns to downtown Napa with Tuesday Night Flicks at the Napa Valley Opera House presented by the same host, Richard Miami.

The film shown that night will be The Philadelphia Story directed by George Cukor, which was scheduled to be the Friday Night Flick the night Copia closed three years and one day ago (Nov. 21, 2008).

Re-creating the role she originated in Philip Barry’s wickedly witty Broadway play, Katharine Hepburn stars as the spoiled and snobby socialite Tracy Lord in this sparkling 1940 screen adaptation, one of the great romantic comedies from the golden age of MGM studios. Socialite Tracy Lord prepares to remarry, but her ex (Cary Grant) and a tabloid reporter (Best Supporting Actor Oscar-winner James Stewart) have other ideas as they converge on her home for a fateful visit.

The three stars form an incomparable trio in one of the most tantalizing screwball romances ever. Snappy dialogue flows like sparkling wine under the sophisticated direction of George Cukor in the film that turned the tide of Hepburn’s career from “box-office poison” to glamorous Hollywood star.

David Rosenzweig will play live piano music in the Opera House cafe starting at 6:30 p.m. The films are at 7 p.m.

Richard Miami is a lifelong lover of film & music. He was the film and performance manager for Copia, where he curated the Friday Night Flick series and the indoor and outdoor concert series including the Community Spotlight Concerts. He holds a BA and MA in Theater Arts from San Francisco State University.

Upcoming movies include Yankee Doodle Dandy Tuesday, Dec. 27 and Spellbound Tuesday, Jan. 24, both at 7 p.m.

If you buy the three film series in advance, it costs $15, $5 per film. A single film purchase is $7.

Art on F1rst launches this week

Art on F1rst, a temporary, annual, site-specific art program, debuts its second annual exhibition on Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gordon Huether Gallery on First Street.

Guests are encouraged to tour the installation windows along First Street, between Main and Randolph following their official lighting at 6:30 p.m.

This year, the focus is on 16 local and students at New Technology High School and The Oxbow School. The installations brighten vacant retail space.

Art on F1rst is funded and promoted by Napa’s Tourism and Business Improvement District in partnership with Arts Council Napa Valley, Gordon Huether Gallery, and Napa Downtown Association. Art on F1rst’s installations will give First Street a luminescent glow this holiday season, as all art on display will be lit through 2 a.m. for nighttime viewing.

The 2011-12 Art on F1rst exhibiting artists include Sandra Booth, Joey Colombo, Carol Dacanay, Catherine George, Brandon Gomez, Shellene Hanan, Mikey Kelly, Lorenzo Mills, Sunshine Moeschler, Oscar Aguilar Olea, Marie Shelley, Margaret Starrett, Sam Tubiolo, New Technology High School, Gordon Huether, The Oxbow School, Diana Meehan, Katie Pratt and Daniel Reilly.

A list of locations and artists will be available at napaartonfirst.com or www.artscouncilnapavalley.org following the launch.

For more information on arts programming in Napa County, contact Arts Council Napa Valley at 257-2117.

Christmas tree lighting

Napa mayor Jill Techel will light Napa’s downtown Christmas tree in a ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 6 p.m. in Veterans Memorial Park.

Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and cookies donated by local merchants and entertainment from local youth groups.

Phone 257-0322 if you have questions.

Music this week at Uva Trattoria

Wednesday, Nov. 23 Dan & Margarita  Cool Jazz 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 25 Jack Pollard & Dan Daniels R&B-Jazz-Blues 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 26 Nate Lopez Trio Funk, Jazz and Blues 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 27 James & Ted Jazz Duo 6:30-9 p.m.

Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen supper club

Wednesday this week, Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen supper club will feature her “diet” supper to save room for Thanksgiving:

·      Chicken consommé with celery root, carrots, turnips and herbs

·      Grilled mahi mahi with tomatillo salsa, toasted pumpkin seeds and black beans

·      Tequila lime sorbet, papaya and mango salsa, Mexican wedding cookie

Thanksgiving specials

Restaurants open

(The list is courtesy of Napa Valley Destination Council; expansions are from the restaurants. We asked them all and many didn’t respond. In general, restaurateurs are terrible at marketing.)

All Seasons Bistro 942-9111

Alexis Baking Company 258-1827

Auberge du Soleil 963-1211

Avia Kitchen 224-3900

Bardessono 204-6000

Bardessono will serve a Thanksgiving buffet in the Bardessono ballroom from 12 to 3 p.m. or 5 to 7 p.m.

·      Creamy celery root soup with toasted pumpkin seeds and pumpkin oil

·      Garden greens with roasted quince and pomegranate vinaigrette

·      Choice of:

·      Bardessono cured ham with Brussels sprouts, wild mushrooms, potato purée and brandy pear jus

·      Willie Bird turkey light and dark meat, lemon thyme brioche stuffing, haricots verts and marjoram gravy

·      Wild Columbia River sturgeon roasted Lucy carrots, kale’s and winter squash, wild rice and mustard beurre blanc

·      Assorted holiday pastry selections

·      Peet’s coffee and tea service

The cost is $65.

Bardessono is at 6526 Yount St. in Yountville

204-6030 www.bardessono.com

Bistro Jeanty 944-0103

Boon Fly Café at Carneros Inn 299-4870

Brannan’s Grill 942-2233

Brix Restaurant 944-2749

Brix will serve a special Thanksgiving dinner from 2 to 8 p.m. Executive Chef Chris Jones has created a Thanksgiving menu with ingredients fresh from Brix’s gardens. Starters include a roasted chestnut soup and wild mushroom and fromage blanc vol au vent with main courses including items like a roasted heritage turkey and pan roasted sturgeon filet. Fall classics like pumpkin cheesecake and heirloom apple-huckleberry galette will be featured on the dessert menu. $60, children 7-12 $30. An optional wine flight is $35.

Brix is at 7377 St. Helena Highway. www.brix.com 944.2749

Calistoga Inn & Brewery 942-4101

Celadon 254-9690

Celadon will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 3 to 8 p.m. serving a traditional four-course Thanksgiving menu along with regular menu items. They have a full house every year so making reservations soon is recommended. 500 Main St. Napa

Cuvée Restaurant 224-2330

Special menu served from 12 to 8 p.m. for $59. Regular dinner menu not available but lounge menu is available in lounge all day. 1650 Soscol Ave., Napa 

Downtown Joe’s 258-2337

Etoile Restaurant at Domaine Chandon 944-2892

Farm Restaurant at Carneros Inn 299-4880

Fish Story

Fish Story will be serving a three-course prix fixe menu featuring a traditional free-range Thanksgiving Turkey dinner, with a full complement of farmers market sides, or a pound-and-a-quarter live Maine lobster dinner with traditional accompaniments. Your choice is just $39. A la carte menu is also available. Children 10 and under, half portion, half price. Under 3? No charge. 790 Main St. in Napa. www.fishstorynapa.com 251-5600

Great American Grill at Hilton Garden Inn 252-0444

Grille 29 at Embassy Suites 253-9540

Hurley’s Restaurant 944-2345

Three-course prix fixe “plus” a la carte from 1 to 8 p.m. $48

Hydro Grill 942-9777

La Toque at Westin Verasa 257-5157

La Toque will celebrate its 14th annual Thanksgiving feast with an early seating at 1:30 p.m. and later seating at 4 p.m. The four-course menu will highlight seasonal specialties with a Thanksgiving twist. It will feature free-range turkey slow roasted in Combi ovens. Everyone will go home with “leftover” turkey sandwiches.

The Grill and Restaurant at Meadowood 963-3646

Ristorante Allegria 254-8006

The Grill and Royal Oak at Silverado Resort 257-0200

Silverado Resort celebrates the holidays with a festive Thanksgiving buffet prepared by executive chef Jeffrey Jake. He will offer a Thanksgiving Day buffet in the resort’s Grand Ballroom featuring an array of dishes such as roast butternut squash soup; Marshall Farm honey brined Petaluma turkey breast; wild mushroom stuffing; organic Straus Creamery butter whipped potato; and a variety of signature Silverado desserts. Seating times are 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Adults $56; children 4-12 years $25; Children under 3 free. Make reservations at 257-5431.

The Royal Oak at Silverado will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. for dinner. The Grill will also be open from 3 t0 9 p.m. and serve a special three-course Thanksgiving dinner for $36 as well as a limited Grill menu. www.silveradoresort.com 257-5400.

Siena Restaurant at Meritage Resort 251-1900

Silverado Brewing Company 967-9876

Solbar at Solage 226-0850

Sweetie Pies 257-7280

Taste of the Himalayas 255-4310

Uva Trattoria 4-8 p.m.255-6646

Vin Eleven at Napa Valley Marriott 253-8600

Napa Valley Wine Train 253-2111

Traditional Thanksgiving feast on board. Gourmet Dinner $109. Vista Dome Dinner $139

To go for Thanksgiving

BarBersQ

Fumé Bistro

Smoakville

·      $28 per person (4, 8, 12, 16) for a complete meal with turkey, stuffing, mashers, gravy, cranberry sauce and rolls

·      Diestel Family turkey farm bone in breast brined with brown sugar and spices, smoaked with cinnamon and barrel staves

·      Stuffing Smoakville sausage, fresh herbs and spices

·      Cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries, orange zest, cinnamon, star anise, a little serrano chile

·      Mashed potatoes and gravy with giblets

·      Extra sides $4.50 per person

·      Baked sweet potatoes with maple and smoaked brown sugar

·      Green bean casserole

·      Roasted root vegetables: carrot, parsnip, rutabaga, celery root

·      Pies are $30 per 9” pie: chocolate pecan, apple and pumpkin

The dinner comes fully cooked and ready to reheat with instructions included. Pick up Wednesday.

Closed on Thanksgiving

These restaurants have told us they’re closed:

Azzurro Pizzeria

Carpe Diem

Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen

Cole’s Chop House

Compadres Rio Grille

JoLe

Mustards

Norman Rose Tavern

Redd

Yountville Festival of Lights

Yountville’s 23rd annual Festival of Lights will kick off its holiday Winterscape season Friday, Nov. 25, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Winterscape will continue until Dec. 31.

Visitors can indulge in the town’s famous food and wine, holiday carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, shopping and a special appearance by Santa Claus.

The evening will lead up to the moment when the town is lit up with thousands of holiday lights.

Shops and other Yountville businesses will stay open late after the festivities for late-night shopping and fun.

Careriage rides will be offered from 6 to m9 p.m.

V Marketplace will have special “gift sommeliers” on hand to offer complimentary, one-hour holiday gift consultations over wine and tasty bites. The “gift sommeliers” will be available the evening of Festival of Lights and throughout December.

Throughout December’s Winterscape, the town will be hosting a series of special promotions, events and holiday activities taking place with Yountville restaurants, wineries, hotels, spas and shops.

Visitors can visit the Napa Valley Museum’s special holiday exhibit “Dreams of Toyland,” which features original vignettes created by renowned vintage holiday toy and artifact collector, Dolph Gotelli.

Pinot and Potluck Party at Back Room Wines

Back Room Wines hosts a Pinot and Potluck Party the day after Thanksgiving Friday, Nov. 25 at 5 p.m.

Everything's Pinot as they pour Brut Rosé Sparkling (made from Pinot Noir), Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Pinot who-knows-what.

Bring a Thanksgiving leftover finger food savory r to share with others.

If you're visiting Napa and would like to come, and have no dish to bring, just bring yourselves and have a good time with us.

They'll pour five different delicious Pinots.

The cost is $10 or an appetizer admits one.

Artist Michael Wilkinson at Cordair gallery

Meet artist Michael Wilkinson at Quent Cordair Fine Art Friday, Nov. 25 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Over the last 30 years Michael Wilkinson has created a body of figurative sculpture in acrylic known for its beauty and universal appeal.

You can meet him, view his latest work and spend the evening contemplating the romantic art collection.

Wine and appetizers will be served. RSVP to 255-2242 or art@cordair.com.

Quent Cordair Fine Art is at 1301 First St. in Napa.

This week at Silo’s Jazz Club

Here is the music this week at Silo’s Jazz Club in the Napa Mill:

Friday, Nov. 25 Silo's Sing a Song 7-11 p.m. No cover.

Saturday, Nov. 26 Hall 1 8-11 p.m. $10 cover .

Silo’s is in the Historic Napa Mill next to the Napa River Inn at 500 Main St.

For reservations and more information, call 251-5833 or visit www.silosnapa.com

“Twas the Night Before Christmas” Parade

Join your family, friends and neighbors for Napa’s Annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 5 p.m.

Since becoming it became an evening parade, Napans have figured out how to add lights to any entry, cars, horses and even children.

Santa starts his journey at First and School Streets with judging at Dwight Murray Plaza with two prizes of $500 each awarded to the best theme oriented and the best use of lights.

Santa will lead everyone to the Town Center Rotunda following the parade.

It happens rain or shine from 5 until 8 p.m.

Phone 257-0322.

Un Ballo in Maschera at Jarvis

Un Ballo in Maschera by Giuseppe Verdi will be presented in a new production from Opera Leipzig, Germany conducted by Riccardo Chailly.

It will be shown at the Jarvis Conservatory Saturday, Nov. 26 in HD with Dolby Digital sound.

Riccardo Chailly, who made a critically acclaimed start in his position as general music director of the Leipzig Opera with this staging, directs the Gewandhaus orchestra and a cast of experienced Verdi singers in a collaboration between the Zurich and Leipzig Operas.

Un Ballo in Maschera – a story of love, power and political murder in 19th century America – is as exciting as a thriller, but with a passion that can only be experienced in a Verdi opera.

The Italian film director Ermanno Olmi (The Legend of the Holy Drinker, The Tree of Wooden Clogs) staged it accordingly.

The sculptor Arnaldo Pomodore, who designed the fantastic colorful set and costumes, created the amazing visual effects in this production.

Showtime is 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available at www.jarvisconservatory.com, or at the door the evening of the event.

Call 255-5445 for information.

Jarvis Conservatory is at 1711 Main St. in Napa.

Future events

Historic B&B Holiday Tour

Napa’s Historic B&Bs host their seventh annual holiday tour on Saturday, Dec. 3.

In what has become a tradition starting Napa’s Christmas season, historic bed and breakfast inns all over Napa will host the Holiday Tour, Saturday Dec. 3 from 3 to 7 p.m.

This charity event will feature a “who’s who” of Napa Valley restaurants, wineries and inns decked out in their holiday finery with entertainment.

Guests can walk or take the shuttle between inns.

This year 10 inns will be featured, including Arbor Guest House, Beazley House, Candlelight Inn, Cedar Gables Inn, Churchill Manor, Hennessey House, McClelland Priest, Napa Inn, the Old World Inn Main House and Old World Inn & Suites.

A variety of live entertainment and events will be featured at the inns, including Francesca Fanelli on Harp and Sonia & Lenny Murphy guitar and vocals, Don Nurisso, Johnny Smith, The Julianne Band, kitchen demonstrations by pastry chef Annie Baker, pianist/singer Rick Esser, Jim and Amy Maris (keyboards and vocal), and Tarabini’s Jazz Quartet.

Meet winery owners, winemakers, and hospitality staff in an intimate B&B setting. Featured wineries include Ahnfeldt & Carducci, Artesa, Baldacci, Black Stallion, Castello di Amoroso, Charbay, Farella, Dutch Henry, Hess Collection, Hendry, Sequoia Grove, Jessup Cellars, John Anthony, Laird Family, Twenty Rows, Vinoce, Napa Cellars, Robert Biale, Trefethen, Madonna Estates, Mumm, Rutherford Grove, V. Sattui and Waterstone.

Tickets are $55 at www.napaholidaytour.com.  

New Year’s Eve benefit on the Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train’s popular New Year’s Eve gala has developed a purpose: raising money for local breast cancer patients.

The popular annual event, which includes a sparkling wine and caviar reception, a four-hour multi-course gourmet meal, and dancing to a live band until the wee hours of the new year, has added a new component: a portion of the proceeds raised that evening will help provide support services to breast cancer patients via the Queen of the Valley Medical Center Foundation.

The Wine Train polled its Facebook fans early this year, and they overwhelmingly voted for a Black, White, and Pink ball that included a donation to support breast cancer patients. The toga party, disco and an End of the World theme (2012) didn’t have a chance next to the winner.

Renowned local designer Michael Holmes, of Michael Holmes Designs will be creating the ambiance at the Wine Train station. Holmes’efforts will set the tone for the evening, and he will also contribute an item to the evening’s drawing — one of his highly sought-after events, personalized for the lucky winner.

Winemaker Rob Mondavi Jr.’s Onehope Chardonnay will be available on the train for dinner, and at the station during the party. Fifty percent of profits from Onehope California Chardonnay sales are donated to charities that support the fight against breast cancer.

The evening starts at 5:30 p.m., the after party begins at 10 p.m., and dancing continues until 1 a.m. Tickets are $235 for dinner and party; $50 for the party only.

The event is sure to sell out. For more information, call (800) 427-4124 or go to WineTrain.com/holiday/new-years-eve.

 

 

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