Vintner's Journal

At Budo, they call the food "Asian Accented." Many dishes are more than "accented" -- it might be more accurate to say they are Asian (primarily Japanese?) with western accents. Occidental or Oriental, this cuisine is one of our favorites.

Everything we tried was great, but our favorite was an appetizer: the miso crusted La Belle Farms foie gras served on seared big eye tuna and truffle ponzu sauce. This Asian treatment of traditionally French foie gras was sublime. But we wanted more! Note that all of the dishes at Budo are small, decorative presentations.

The wine list at Budo is comprehensive and fairly priced. And something unique among Asian restaurants: there are menu choices available that can take advantage of the extensive list of Cabernet Sauvignons and other bolder red varietals. We're usually red wine drinkers and it's nice to have some choices in food fare that complement our preferred wine choice. By the way, we took a 375ml of our soon-to-be-released 2002 Match Cabernet Sauvignon. It went wonderfully with the foie gras and with my entree, a bison tenderloin with oyster mushrooms, fingerling potato puree and bone marrow jus. Sasha enjoyed her tasting of Maine Lobster (prepared four ways) which was complimented by a glass of Delamotte, Blanc de Blancs, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.

As you may be able to tell, I'm not a professional restaurant reviewer, but I whole heartedly recommend Budo. Perhaps the only "gig" one might give to Budo is it is expensive, especially considering that the portions were small. A large dinner for two (3 shared appetizers, two entrees, two desserts, and a $20 corkage) came in at $230 excluding tip. Expensive, but to my mind this meal ranks up there with anything else in the Valley. Also, plan on dinner at Budo taking a while -- it's an experience, not just a meal.

Restaurant Budo
1650 Soscol Avenue
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 224-2330