Best Thing to Eat in Napa Valley

Who knew the power of ham sandwich?  It's been two weeks since I visited Farmstead Restaurant, but still, I can't get those ham sandwiches out of my mind.  A good friend from San Francisco took my wife and I on a tour of Napa Valley.  The entire tour revolved around eating lunch at Farmstead Restaurant in St. Helena.  He kept on saying, "You've got to try their ham sandwiches.  They are unbelievable."  I thought it strange to have such singular focus on pork, but now I understand.  The ham sandwiches at Farmstead Restaurant are truly one of the best things I have ever ate. The rest of their food is pretty good too!

What to Expect

Ham Sandwiches from Farmstead, Napa Valley

Farmstead Restaurant is located in a renovated nursery barn.  The high ceilings and original woodwork give the restaurant an open and rustic feel.  There are tables inside and out, with the patio offering a spectacular view of the landscaped grounds. Stephen Barber, the executive chef, focuses the menu around seasonal and locally produced foods.  I won't attempt to critique the Farmhouse's wine selection, but it seemed extensive.  For those that would like to bring in their own bottle of wine, there is no corkage fee at Farmstead--instead they ask for a $2 donation to a local non-profit.

We arrived around 2pm on a Saturday, and though the restaurant was crowded, we were able to sit down immediately without a reservation.  At our friend's urging, we ordered a plate of the "Mini Ham Sandwiches with Fresno Pepper Jelly" as appetizers.  The sandwiches were the perfect marriage of salty (ham), sweet and spicy (jelly), and buttery goodness (biscuits).  After the sandwiches, I wasn't sure what to do for the second course--my body was telling me to eat more ham, but my mind said I better try something new.  I ordered the pulled pork sandwich, my wife ordered tomato soup, and our friend ordered more ham sandwiches.  While my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our choices, we couldn't help but stare in envy as our companion sat in culinary bliss with his plate of ham sandwiches.  We should have ordered more ham sandwiches too.    

Farmstead, St. Helena

There is a popular show on the Food Network called "The Best Thing I ever Ate."  On the show, popular chefs share their favorite dishes from restaurants across the country.  If I could, I would  nominate the ham sandwiches from Farmstead Restaurant as the "Best thing to eat in Napa Valley."  Even if you choose to forgo the ham sandwiches, Farmstead Restaurant is a must-stop lunch destination for any tour of Napa Valley.

Just the Basics

• Location: 738 Main Street, Helena, California
• Hours: Open daily from 11am to 6pm 
• Website: http://www.longmeadowranch.com/Farmstead-Restaurant
• Cost: First course $7-$13, Second Course $15-$27
• Advice: Order the mini ham sandwiches to share at your table.  You may decide to order another round as your main course.  

Best BBQ in Kansas City

Oklahoma Joe's Carolina style brisket sandwich

When I think of Kansas City, a couple of things immediately come to mind; "City of Fountains," Chiefs football, and (above all else) the nation's best barbecue restaurants.  When my wife and I planned a summer trip to Kansas City, we focused our research on what BBQ joints to test.  National food critics (including Anthony Bourdain and "Man v. Food" host Adam Richman) agreed with KC locals in labeling Oklahoma Joe's Barbecue Kansas City's best barbecue.  My wife and I were excited to put the rave reviews to the test to see if the food could match the hype.  

What to Expect

Line outside of Oklahoma Joe's

We completely missed Oklahoma Joe's when we first drove by the first time because of it's unassuming exterior.  It is located within a gas station, masking the world-class barbecue inside!  Though it was only a Monday, there was still a line stretching out the door by the time we arrived at around 6pm.  Clearly, you must arrive early or call in a take-out order if you are on a time schedule.  After an hour of waiting in line, we knew exactly what we wanted to order because we eyed the plates of patron's ahead of us.  My wife ordered a rib dinner (1/2 slab) with a side of BBQ beans while I chose a Carolina style beef brisket sandwich with a side of red beans and rice.   

We have frequented many BBQ joints, but the food at Oklahoma Joe's was far and away the best.  The Carolina style sandwich, which was beef brisket topped with spicy slaw and Bubba's sauce, was the perfect combination of tender beef and spice.  My wife described the ribs as the "most meaty and tender ribs" she had ever tasted.  Just to be sure our praise was not misplaced, we decided to also stop at Arthur Bryant's, another of Kansas City's famous BBQ joints, the next day. Though Arthur Bryant's portions were hearty, the meat was much to saucy, completely killing the taste.  Oklahoma Joe's was the clear victor in the battle of Kansas City barbecues.

Oklahoma Joe's BBQ

While our description of Oklahoma Joe's Barbecue might not compare with the eloquence of Anthony Bordain's words, we both agree on the main point; Oklahoma Joe's Barbecue deserves a place on your "bucket list" restaurants.     

 

Just the Basics

• Oklahoma Joe's Location: 3002 W. 47th Ave., Kansas City, KS (corner of 47th and Mission Rd) 
• Oklahoma Joe's Website: http://www.oklahomajoesbbq.com
•  Carry-Out Phone Number: 913-722-3366 
• Recommended Order: Carolina Style Beef Brisket Sandwich 
• Advice: To avoid lines, arrive before 11:30am for lunch or 5pm for dinner