Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch

© Farmstead | Long Meadow Ranch

When I pulled into Long Meadow Ranch, I was immediately taken by the quaintness of the whole area. At first, I mistakenly ventured into the store/tastingroom, and the friendly staff happily pointed me in the direction of Farmstead, the on-site restaurant.

The 650-acre ranch produces and purveys food and wine from three Napa Valley locations; I was at the three-acre St. Helena destination for lunch at the restaurant and to sample some of the fresh produce, grass-fed beef and other products. And, of course, the wine.

Inside Farmstead, the décor could be described as farm-to-table chic. It is rustic, yet elegant, with long wooden tables and leather banquettes, large metal lighting fixtures hanging from the ceiling. The restaurant was buzzing, nearly every table occupied. My dining companion and I started with a crisp, cold glass of LMR’s sauvignon blanc. A favorite wine of both us, we returned the next day to purchase a bottle each, regretting the fact we hadn’t purchased one on our first visit.

© Farmstead | Long Meadow Ranch

To start, we opted for a daily special — burrata cheese served with ranch-made olive oil, a large head of roasted garlic and toasted baguette. It left us speechless. I followed with the LMR grass-fed beef chili with rancho gordo pinquito beans and vella cheddar and an order of cheddar biscuits with honey butter. The chili perfectly warded off the chill in the air outside and was hearty without being overly filling. Same for the biscuits — homey, and not overpoweringly cheesy. I stole a bite of my friend’s wood-grilled pork chop with summer beans, jalapeno grits, figs and apples. Beautifully presented and quite good.

I have a definite sweet tooth and the lemon meringue pie (it was the first day for the specialty, as the Meyer lemons we passed on the way in had just finished ripening) and chocolate cream pie we shared were the perfect finish. I couldn’t tell you which was better!

Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch

738 Main St.

Saint Helena, CA 94574

tel 707 963 4555