NVL things to do
Thailand with distinct colors, fabrics, patterns, and furnishings, in addition to prized items from her extensive antique collection. A stay at Bann begins with a leisurely tea time in one of their outdoor pagodas, and each morning starts with a traditional Asian breakfast spread, featuring hot dishes like rice soup with shrimp and a boiled egg. True to other wine country destinations, Bann also has a pool, hot tub, and vineyard views abound. // bannnapa.com
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Le Paris Artisan and Cafe This classic French bakery with locations in downtown Napa and American Canyon has a Filipino twist. Owner Jay Magsano, who hails from the Philippines and formerly operated restaurants in Japan, incorporates classic Filipino flavors and ingredients into some of his pastries and sandwiches, like the Adobo Pork Belly on Croissant. A must-order is the Ube Cream Filled Croissant, a purple-striped, hand-rolled croissant with bright purple filling made from ube halaya. Also known as purple yam jam, it's a traditional Philippine dessert made from boiled and mashed purple yam. Sounds weird? Maybe, but it’s also utterly delicious. // lepariscafe.com Breakfast at Bann at Oak Knoll Napa
Empress M
A Taste of Asia BY JESS LANDER
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hen people think of Napa Valley dining, images of white tablecloths and pristinely-plated French delicacies may come to mind for most, but there’s so much more to dabble in than caviar, foie, and a heavy plate of coq au vin. While Napa sadly lost two beloved Asian establishments in the past year – Miminashi and Asia Cafe — the local Asian culinary scene is thriving and diversifying, bolstered by a few exciting new openings, like the Empress M restaurant, RD Winery’s tasting room, and Bann, a new luxury bed 24
NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM
and breakfast. From China to Japan and Thailand to the Philippines, here’s where to get an authentic taste of Asia in Napa wine country.
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Bann at Oak Knoll Napa Travel to Thailand at Bann, a new boutique inn off Oak Knoll in Napa from San Francisco’s Osha Thai restaurateur and chef Lalita Souksamlane. Each of the five luxurious rooms is uniquely designed in tribute to a different region of Souksamlane’s native
Empress M’s 2021 opening off the south end of the Silverado Trail was a refreshing and welcomed addition to Napa Valley’s small cadre of Chinese food restaurants. It’s also the first to offer not only authentic but also elevated and experiential Chinese dining. Start the meal with dim sum (dumplings, steam buns, potstickers, spring rolls, etc.) and some small plates to share, like a Chinese take on calamari and crispy walnut shrimp. Mains range from all kinds of meat to fish to vegetarian options, and adventurous eaters will love the chance to try some of Empress M’s most traditional dishes. Chicken feet, anyone? // empressm.us
Morimoto Napa This list would not be complete without Napa’s most notorious sushi spot on Napa’s riverfront: Morimoto. As expected from a big-time celebrity chef, a sit-down dinner here is more than worthy of a special occasion celebration (which should always end with the fiery chocolate tart for
