And we’re back (finally!) with the thrilling end to the Napa getaway roundup. Last time, as you may recall, we sipped on some sparklers at Schramsberg and Mumm. As people who enjoy food and get hungry every few hours (yeah, we’re weird like that) we decided to stop for lunch at Calistoga Inn and Bouchon Bistro. My tummy is growling just thinking about it.

Calistoga Inn

It was the perfect spot for lunch on the patio — just make sure you get a spot in the shade or else be prepared to “glisten” profusely. I went for the half sandwich, half salad, but it was the salad that really stole the show. The slices of dried peaches with the vinaigrette? the cheese? the walnuts? Turns out I don’t hate all walnuts. Who knew?

Ham and brie sandwich with a delicious side salad.

Bouchon Bistro

After a full day of tasting, Matt and I checked into our hotel room and began looking up places to eat. Our dream was to eat at Bouchon Bistro, ever since learning more about Thomas Keller. I got the Bouchon book for Matt for Christmas and hope to make something out of it soon. We thought an amazing place like this would never have openings for walk-ins on a Friday night. But nothing sounded good elsewhere. So we called to ask and they said they had a few tables open. It’s not an exaggeration to say that we quickly gussied up and raced on over to the restaurant.

We made it!

Needless to say we were excited about being there. I was totally geeking out. Can you tell?

Big grin for Bouchon.

To see more of our food and experience at Bouchon, read more after the jump…

We perused the menu, which greeted us as we were quickly seated at the gorgeous marble table. They gave us some bread and butter, just like on the cover of the Bouchon book.

You had better believe I asked for one of these to take home as a souvenir.

The hustle and bustle of the Bouchon bar. It was a great vibe all around.

I had a chicken dish and Matt had the beef brisket. Both were great, although next time I think I might have the steak frites. Because there is totally going to be a next time!

Matt's beef brisket.

My chicken. I love how it has tucked an asparagus spear under its wing to swim in the pool of yummy broth.

Dessert was great as well. I also really liked the dessert menu in its metal frame. I wanted to take that home as well, but it was a bit more substantial than the paper one. Maybe I should have asked anyway.

Blingin dessert menu.

Matt's dessert was on special and we can't remember what it was ... besides amazing.

This was the marquise de chocolat: dark chocolate mousse with burnt orange creme. I almost licked my plate clean, but adhering to social norms held me back.

So that wraps up our dining adventures in Napa. I’m hoping to go back in the not so distant future. Anyone have any recommendations for places to eat up there?