Less than 36 hours ago, I was sitting in Amsterdam, indulging in European cuisine and dreading the end of my holiday. Suddenly, I found myself inside the Olive & Hay restaurant at The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, California. It was like all of my worries about returning to the United States were gone with one bite of my French fry. Yes, I was dining at an elevated Italian restaurant. Yes, I was also ordering French fries.
If there’s one thing about me, it’s that I love French fries. While Olive & Hay brings a taste of Italy to California, it also brings a delicious French fry appetizer. Upon my first bite, my cranky attitude about being home from my holiday was immediately lifted. While I’m usually hesitant to be excited or recommend resort food, Olive & Hay is well worth a day trip to Napa.
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The Meritage Resort and Spa brings forward an almost ski village-like atmosphere. There are numerous shops, cafes, activities, and places to visit within the property. After eating at all of the resort’s spots and many around downtown Napa, I’ve come to the conclusion that Olive & Hay is the spot for an Italian dinner.
Once I finished feasting on my French fries and first glass of red wine, I welcomed a delicious rigatoni. As someone who spends over half the year in southern Germany, visiting Italy is a monthly occurrence. So when I say I know my pasta, I have some street cred. This pasta was phenomenal. I’d eat this pasta over some of the dishes I’ve had in some of Italy’s most famous cities.
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While Chef Patrick Callarec is from France, he knows how Italian is done. His farm-to-table approach pulls many ingredients from the property’s own chicken coop, garden, and onsite vineyard. An extensive collection of local wines is available to pair with your dish. Trinitas Cellars is partnered with The Meritage Resort and Spa, and I’d highly suggest enjoying a delicious red blend with your pasta.
After filling up my belly with pasta, it was time for the grand finale: dessert. Enter the tiramisu. With one flick of my fork, I was back in Treviso. I’m not even a big tiramisu fan, but I was in love.
My meal at Olive & Hay was top-tier. It transformed my cranky, jet-lagged attitude into one big smile. Plus, I can tell you those fries were the best I tried on my recent trip to California. Believe it or not, I’m quite picky with my French fries. Note that restaurant guests are not limited to resort guests. While you can charge the meal to your room if you’re staying at the hotel, you can still enjoy the restaurant as part of a day trip.
While there are more than 150 restaurants in Napa Valley, Olive & Hay is a little-known gem that is worth a stop. Don’t let its resort-side location trick you, as it can hold its own. What other off-the-beaten-path restaurants should we explore in California? Let us know by filling out this nomination form.
Cait was hosted by The Meritage Resort and Spa as part of their trip to Napa. All opinions and thoughts expressed in this content are their own.
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