7 people, $520 included mandatory 17% gratuity. This was our annual family Christmas gathering marred by extremely poor service. Our waitress was friendly but throughout the meal forgot to bring out numerous items and had to constantly be reminded. Side dishes were ordered, acknowledged, but not all came out. By the time they did, we were done with the main course. Same thing happened with cocktails ordered and again with dessert! BAD!!!!!
Sit at the counter and marvel at one of the largest open kitchens you'll ever see. At times a little uneven, but still we had several "bests", including hands down the best corn chowder I've ever tasted. Lamb ragout with pappardelle - out of this world. Great food, great setting in the old Christian Brothers winery, and really nice people.
Given its location and pedigree, you'd expect this place to produce spectacular food, service and wine lists. Its run by students and serves as a training ground for up and coming chefs. However, the food is inconsistent and not that great...just run of the mill. The wine selection is decent and the decor is "institutional".
To walk in to the CIA in St Helena is enjoyment enough. The restaurant is up and behind the school. After the food experience, you must go down and look over what this beautiful castle has to offer
Expensive but totally worth it. Go at least once in your life!
Jan. 2013