Napa Valley Grille Review
The Napa Valley Grille has always been a special place for Dude and I. It was the restaurant we went to on our second date, THE date where we really connected, after dinner we walked on the beach till 4AM. Life before children!
Every now and then we go back and reminisce.
Street View
The Napa Valley Grille is located in the heart of Westwood Village, the perfect location for a pre or post dinner stroll.
Everytime we go, we wonder why it’s been so long since our last visit. The atmosphere of the restaurant is great. High ceilings, lit marble bar, and floor to ceiling wine racks. Not to mention a fantastic outdoor patio.
Napa in LA
Our Selections from the Napa Valley Grille Menu
We sat down to the menu… My husband I were both intrigued by the Scallops “Chowda” Style, so we decide to get that with the Alaska Halibut.
We started with a harvest platter – which we liked, but didn’t love. It had American prosciutto, salami, house pickles, marinated tomatoes, mozzarella, hearth nuts, with crispy parmesan toast and might have been the highlight of the dinner. This could explain why we don’t end up going back too often.
Scallops
We were both pretty disappointed with our entrees. The wild Scallops “chowda” style were served with fingerling potatoes, thumbelina carrots, crispy pancetta… the scallops were a little chewy and the “Chowda” was thin on flavor and more of a broth. The wild Alaskan Halibut summer vegetable bake, tomato fondue, basil emulsion… the halibut was dry and the whole dish just looked like a mess – which would have been fine if it was delish – but it wasn’t.
Wild Alaska Halibut
There was nothing “wrong” with the dishes, they just weren’t yummy. I ended up ordering fries just so I would feel like I had ONE yummy with our dinner.
Garlic Fries – Served in a mini “fry basket”
Dude suggested that perhaps our palettes weren’t sophisticated enough. looking around the half full restaurant on a Saturday night – I wasn’t convinced that we were the problem in this equation.
The meal wasn’t even redeemed by the White Peach Pie, which was fine, but not really worth the calories. The filling was actually pretty yummy, but there wasn’t much of it and the crust was missing that extra touch of butter and could have benefited from an extra touch of sweetness.
Very Rustic Peach Pie
I loved seeing organic options on their menu, their support of Community Supported Agriculture , the service is solid, and the memories are perfect. Now, I remember without a doubt the reason we don’t go back more often… they need to focus on the flavor of the food they are serving.
{ 2 comments… add one }
Years ago my hubby and I went to the Napa Valley Grill. I still remember what I had because it was so good! I ordered the Seafood Pasta. I remember it was full of scallops, clams, shrimp, and even tiny octopus. The sauce was delicious! Interesting how your dinner didn’t taste so good. I would return and have the Seafood Pasta again. I can’t eat too much at once. So, I’ll only have the entree. I wish I had the room for an appetizer and dessert. Sigh…
Hello Tania and your loyal fans,
I was recently forwarded your blog review of your experiences both past and present at Napa Valley Grille in Westwood. I was dismayed to read about your recent visit because I lead the team that supports and fosters our restaurants’ excellence and our guests’ experience. I can assure you that the description of your visit does not come anywhere near our expectations. We are a chef-driven restaurant and pride ourselves on the fresh, seasonality of our ingredients and the culinary skill with which we craft every dish. Our Executive Chef in Westwood personally sought out the CSA because he believes in the high quality, flavor and value offered by their local farmers’ produce. I know he has sought information and made menu choices with an eye toward sustainable practices in his selections of proteins and fish.
I would like to personally request that you give us another chance to showcase the quality and exceptional flavors we have to offer.
Please contact Tracy Thayer our General Manager and arrange for a return visit so we can correct our mistakes. She can be reached at tracythayer@napavalleygrille.com or (310)824-3322.
Thank you; I have signed up for your blog and look forward to your next post! Bill Bartlett, COO, Tavistock Restaurants