Food with a view...

Auberge du Soleil, Rutherford

http://www.tripadvisor.com/AllReviews...

This beautiful restaurant in the exclusive Auberge resort and spa is extremely pricey ($200 pp) but the bar is a great alternative. Nothing beats setting in the elevated deck of the outdoor bar overlooking the gorgeous valley looking southwest. You can see Rutherford and the span of the valley from Silverado Trail to Highway 29 with the patchwork of  vineyards all in between. The bar's  wooden deck features pretty little tables, almost all of which have an unobstructed view. Heaters ward off the chill of the northern California evenings. If you care to sit inside, the post-modern Mexican architecture is unusual and posh. You have your choice of gazing into the fire or looking up at one of the large flat screen tv's. The bar at Auberge du Soleil is an absolute treasure at sundown as the sky gets pink and you look out over the valley while enjoying a fabulous glass of wine. The carafe of house redis a terrific value and an excellent wine as well; they don't reveal their source but locals know it comes from a highly reputable winery nearby.

St. Helena Hospital Cafeteria, Deer Park

Sounds bizarre... but locals know that up a windy path (Deer Park Rd to Sanitarium Rd) off Silverado Trail lies a hidden gem. The hospital is nestled in the eastern hills of the Napa Valley and boasts an incomparable view. Take the elevator down a level from the entrance and you'll find yourself in a one-of-a-kind eatery. The Adventist roots of the hospital make this a mostly meatless diner... but the homecooked food and salads won't let you miss the meat. A highly trained battery of Napa cooks turn out a series of delicious pastas, casseroles, vegetables and desserts... Hours are limited so the food is always fresh and not sitting around under heat lamps. Food is sold by weight at an INCREDIBLY reasonable rate. A tray piled high with garlicky spaghetti squash, pasta, fresh salad greens, two homemade cookies, a large ice tea, and a homemade Dutch Crunch roll ran me about $6.50. The best thing about the cafeteria is the outside patio. Take your tray outside and sit in the shade of numerous umbrellas behind a quaint stone wall. Gaze down at the tiny cars traveling through the vineyards and smell the star jasmine and roses in the landscaping. This is like no hospital dining anywhere!