Lucy Restaurant & Bar, located at Yountville’s famed Bardessono Hotel & Spa, is itself a singular destination. It helps that it’s located within one of only 7 LEED Platinum certified ‘green’ resorts in the world. It’s in the middle of the Napa Valley, where millions visit each year to witness the magic transformation of the humble grape. But while these associations are indeed serendipitous to Lucy’s popularity, the truth is that Lucy is alone worth a trip to Yountville. Here’s why you’ll love Lucy.
1. The Chef
Executive Chef Nate Lindsay: Lindsay has been with Lucy for less than a year, and he brings with him a love of garden fresh produce, acquired during his youth. A native east-coaster, Lindsay fondly recalls long summer days that included visits to the garden to pick corn, tomatoes, strawberries, and blueberries. He learned from his grandmother that uncomplicated preparations of garden ripened fruits and veggies best allow natural flavors to shine. He employs that same philosophy in the Lucy kitchen, such as with his simple and delectable baby beet salad—whole baby beets with wild arugula mousse, garden sprouts, and fried goat cheese. Or with his stone fruit salad—slices of peach, nectarine, plum, apricot, and cherries, with house made ricotta, arugula, and roasted peach vinaigrette. Lindsay is constantly changing his dishes and menu to make the best use of seasonal ingredients and to showcase items picked directly from Bardessono’s small but abundant on-property garden—a daily source of inspiration.
2. The Food
Simply put, it’s good. Really good. Most entrées come in two portion sizes, allowing guests to sample many items. A succulent piece of sea bass sits on a bed of Brentwood corn puree, with curly-cues of summer squash, and paper thin black truffle slices—enough to accompany each bite. The dry-aged striploin includes foraged mushrooms, truffled “rosti,” a small piece of incredible foie gras, and smoked beef belly bordelaise. Additional selections feature duck, chicken, ahi tuna, scallops, and more—each with tantalizing and perfectly matched accompaniments.
3. Whimsical Cocktails
Lucy’s craftologists recently revealed a new beverage menu of artisanal I Love Lucy-inspired cocktails with names like ‘The Ethel,’ ‘The Fred Mertz,’ ‘The Tropicana,’ and ‘Mrs. McGillicuddy.’ Favorites include the ‘Lucille Ball,’ featuring El Dorado rum, house-made orgeta, lime, orange blossom, pineapple and grenadine, and the ‘Desi Arnaz’ with Peligroso tequila, lime, and muddled cilantro and serrano pepper. Several of the creative drinks include the muddling technique with use of fresh fruits and herbs, blurring the line between garden and bar. Enjoy your cocktails with live jazz each Wednesday from 6:00pm – 9:00pm through summer.
4. Ambiance
Lucy echoes the design aesthetic and green ethos of Bardessono, proving that positive environmental initiatives can co-exist with fully luxurious guest experiences. The gorgeous woods used throughout the hotel and restaurant are milled from salvaged trees, including Lucy’s spectacular central dining table. Napkins are made of organic linen. Windows fold open to bring the outside in. The outdoor dining patio, illuminated with overhead lights, looks out on the resort’s soothing water features. The mood is earthy, relaxed, and elegant – and worthy of a visit. Admittedly, a Bardessono overnight stay provides the proverbial icing on Chef Lindsay’s delicious Chocolate Marquise cake.
