Wappo Bar Bistro

We wandered out of the spa in a blissful state and decided on picking up a bottle of wine and sitting on the lovely porch and having a glass before dinner. We spotted the local wine store only to discover that they’d closed early that night because of a special social function (they actually left a note to that effect on the door). This being the perfect day we decided not to be discouraged; it was obviously not meant to be. We discussed restaurants and eliminated the ones we’d eaten at before as being just adequate but no were near special enough for the perfect day. I suggested that we head over to Washington as our landlady had first put her finger on the map on a specific location when we were asking her for dinner recommendations. We saw a sign, “Wappo Bar Bistro” (1226B Washington, Calistoga, CA 94515 (701) 942-4712) between two old and charming buildings and went down a cobblestone courtyard lined with tables to reception podium. “How are the two of you doing this evening?” asked the pleasant hostess with a huge and inviting smile on her face. “Terrific now that we’re here.” I replied. “We’ve just wandered in without a reservation is there any possibility of accommodating us?” She looks down at her reservation list and my eye follows. There’s not even enough room to put down a nickname clearly there is no space. She looks us each in the eye and says, “I like to live on the edge. Right this way” and seats us under an enormous grape arbor with vines that were as thick as my thigh so must have been hundreds of years old. The waitress recommended a wonderful buttery chardonnay which was fantastic and we both ordered the gazpacho. I’d only just mentioned to Sue how I only liked chunky not pureed gazpacho when the chunkiest gazpacho I’ve ever seen was served. For a main course Sue had a tandori chicken and I had the nights special which was roasted lamb shank served over lentils with grilled vegetables. The meal was perfection as is the location. I look forward to returning. As well the hostess came by the table a few times to chat and in the course of one of the conversations we’d mentioned going to the spa that afternoon and she commented on how she didn’t know how we could stand it in the summer (we’ve only ever been in the summer) that for the locals that is a winter thing to do and we should come back in the autumn. As it gets cold the hot springs in the area create a mist that shrouds the town in a wonderful and mysterious fog. The hot treatments are a treat and sitting at the same restaurant in front of a roaring fire with friends is a huge treat. We made a pact on the spot to return in November or December and Max and Dana agreed that they want to join us too!
We were both getting buzzed from the wine so took the unfinished ½ a bottle with us back to our inn where we later sat up on the porch in the wonderfully comfortable cushioned wicker furniture and talked until we couldn’t. I don’t think either one of us even turned over in our sleep that night. A truly perfect Friday.