Two grest and 3 very good places from our trip I'd recommend

Marinus --at Bernardus.
An idyllic setting with both indoors and outdoors [we ate outide in the fresh air] with professional upper tier grade service [Henri], excellent food, a very good if somewhat CA limited wine list. The Dutch owner, B. Pons, is planning on opening a second place in Salinas. May be worth watching.

Zachary's Pizzeria-- Oakland
A small corner place crowded beyond belief when we went; Chicago style well deep dish za. Get the house style with all the goodies. The best pizza west of Chicago that I have tried.

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Meadowood-- StHelena
In the CC. Idyllic surroundings with upper level views of a golf course. Excellent food; somewhat slow service. Company was the story here.

Angele- Napa
This was a great choice in Downtown near the Napa River. Lots of interesting French-based food on the menu.

Anjou- SF
We reserved the Slanted Door, but because of 6 additional guests who I was treating, we made a last minute change. Nicely styled French food and Loire based wines. Pears are subtly featured in various main courses and desserts. Close to Union Square

nice to see you back dr. t. i hope the vaca was great.

vaca? Is that an Italian wine???