La Toque -- CLOSED
Rutherford, CA 94573
Phone: (707) 963-9770
- Price:
- $$$$
- Hours:
- Wed-Sun 5:30pm-10pm
Editorial Review for La Toque -- CLOSED – by Amanda Dorato
The Scene
An elegant yet relaxed retreat attached to the bucolic Rancho Caymus Inn, frequented by Wine Country locals and tourists alike, La Toque is a perfect choice for a romantic tete-a-tete. The service is some of the most polished in the region: Hot towels start your meal, never does a water glass or bread basket go empty, and the staff displays a vast knowledge of the wines and food, all delivered with a gracious smile.
The Food
Chef Ken Frank moved his longstanding La Toque from Los Angeles to the Napa Valley to pursue his passion for wine. The prix-fixe menu changes daily and features the best produce and meats money can buy, including Four Story Hill Farm's apple-fed pigs and milk-fed chickens. Such great product calls for simple preparation, which at times is perfect and at others needs a tad more oomph. Despite occasional misfires, the chef's talent is obvious, and this restaurant's top marks are well-deserved.
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User Reviews for La Toque -- CLOSED
06/25/2007 Posted by scooterams
I've dined at La Toque 6 times over the last 3 years. I just wanted to throw that out there to let people know that my two-cents are not based on one visit or any one experience! THE FOOD: Top notch!! It's a 5 course prix fixe format, and the amount of food presented has always been perfect. It's structured in a classic progression & the intensity of the dishes builds with each course. I've tasted foie gras dishes from all over the country, and I've found the best preparations here at La Toque. If you're a lover of foie gras make sure you don't miss it. Also, don't miss the ravioli with fresh porcini. And, in January when they're in season, they offer a separate 5 course Black Truffle Menu! THE WINE: As an oenophile, I have to tell you that the best food & wine pairings I've ever had were at La Toque. I once dined there with five of my friends who all work in fine dining restaurants, and we were all blown away by the the sommelier's wine pairing & presentation of each wine. Even with a full dining room, he had the time to pour each of the wines & tell us about the background / history of the wine & why it was chosen to pair with that dish. It was amazing! On another occasion a couple of years ago, the same sommelier recommended a bottle of Sea Smoke pinot noir, and I loved it so much that the next day I joined their mailing list (since then, it's become something of a cult wine). THE SERVICE: The service has always been warm, hospitable, knowledgable, and memorable. The servers are elegant & professional, but relaxed & unpretentious. I can't recall any requests that were not accomodated immediately! THE PRICE: Other reviewers have made an issue of the price, and you should know that it's about $425 for dinner for two people -- but it's a great value for dining in one of the Napa Valley's top restaurants (and it's half as much as you'll spend at the French Laundry). If you can afford it, don't miss La Toque. If you can't, don't write a crappy review.
Pros: food & wine pairings, wine list gems, attached to a hotel, cigar menu
Cons: hard to get a reservation, no full bar
11/06/2006 Posted by gegori
We have been going once a year for 5 years and only for 1 year were things slightly below normal. The service is about as good as it gets. The food is spot on. The pairing are often unusual and contain some true hidden gems. The dining room is small and just about any table is good one, but ask to sit near the fireplace if possible (it can get warm, however). If things end up not being to your liking, let them know, they will accomodate you. If you are ok with $150+ per person, La Toque should not be overlooked, it one of N.Cal's best.
Pros: Food, wine, setting
Cons: Wish it was closer to SF
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