Food

California—and specifically Napa, Sonoma and the Upvalley—are inexorably linked to fresh, local flavors that barely have time to cool from the afternoon sun before they make it to the plate. Simple trips to morning farmer’s markets can result in a stunning array of artisan cheeses, olive oils, heirloom meats, mushrooms, fruits and vegetables that are just hours from the farm. Biting into a warm California tomato in August, or a tasty squash in the fall, we’re allowed to be a little smug. In fact, with such a bounty available almost year round, it’s almost easy for us to take our Wine Country meals a little bit for granted. Until, of course, we travel elsewhere and realize just what is missing.

Best Italian RESTAURANT

Tra Vigne has been a legendary luncheon spot of power brokers and ladies who lunch, cult winemakers, and those courting them, since the dawn of California Cuisine way back in the mid-1980s. Started by equally legendary chef Michael Chiarello (who now heads a multi-media cookbook and lifestyle empire), the food is everyday Italian that takes advantage of the bounty of California’s wine country.

Best Mexican

Chips? Affirmative. Salsa? Fresca, roja and otherwise. Margaritas as big as your cabeza? You better believe it, gringo. Amigos, Spanish for friends, has one of Sonoma’s most exhaustive Mexican menus, with an eye-popping list of everything from tacos to frijoles, and moles to fajitas. Locals love it for the excessively friendly portions; authentic home-style cooking and tequila-powered margaritas that make everyone feel a little more excessively friendly. Ole!

Best Asian

Most folks either love sushi or they hate it: there is no in-between. But when the sushi bug bites, one is forever on the hunt for the most lush tuna bellies and brilliant orange salmon at whatever cost and in whatever odd places it may appear—including the local Safeway. In Napa, Sushi Mambo quells the craving with super fresh fish and not a little entertainment from the chef, who at lunchtime will chat up pretty much anyone at the counter as he arranges plates of Nigiri. For fast service, your best bet is the bar or call ahead for takeout. Sushi-phobic? Mambo serves up perfectly nice plates of teriyaki, tempura and other Japanese standards for friends and dining partners who don’t appreciate your single-minded passion for raw fish.