Farmstead Review

Farmstead food

The head chef, Sheamus Feeley used to head up the Rutherford Grill which has long been a locals' favorite. And with Farmstead offering a "farmhouse" menu, we were curious if it was going to be more like a meat eater's delight like the Rutherford Grill or if it would be different. It focuses on a upscale Southern comfort food cooking (well Southern I guess for Napa Valley) and a "from farm to table" sustainable farming philosophy.

Below is the "potted" pig wtih homemade mustard and toast which was like a salty, roasted pig that was buried under a deep layer of pig fat. I know it's is supposed to be like this, but I had trouble eating the tasty pork with *that* much fat. Just too rich for my blood so we ended up spooning 3/4 of the fat out and left a little in there to go with the pork. I wonder if anybody ever finishes the whole thing without developing an arrhythmia.

Some gnocchi below (Southern cooking, eh? Southern farmhouse Italy?) with braised chuck, tomato, red wine, and herbs. Fairly hearty, fluffy gnocchi.

Below is Hazel's chicken and buttermilk dumplings. It's actually lighter and sharper than you expect for chicken and dumplings. It was fine, but a little pricey at $18. In the background are two sides of macaroni and homemade potato rolls and cheddar biscuits. Macaroni is fine for homemade macaroni. But I do order the rolls and cheddar biscuits every time we go there.

And finally some chocolate pudding pie with some coco nibs. It was alright. Not great, but not bad either.

So, their menu overall isn't really my idea of Southern cooking, and maybe the prices are a little high for what they're offering. I think they should probably dial down some of the Napa Valley influences so that they can ratchet up the Southern pieces (where's my fried chicken?) That being said, we do go here occasionally since the flavors are different from the typical Napa Valley fare.

Farmstead setting and service

Seating area is an upscale farm (lots of wood, rich browns, steep vaulted ceilings like a barn, etc.) Service is ok, a little on the young and perpetually green side. Outdoor seating area is fairly pleasant as Farmstead is in the Long Mead Road Winery.

Price of our meal 

1 appetizer + 2 main dishes + 2 sides + 1 chocolate pie + coffee + 2 glasses of wine + tax & tip = $120 

Other Farmstead reviews and links

• Urbanspoon reviews
• SF Gate review 
• Yelp reviews for Farmstead
• Accidental Wino's review on Farmstead
• Vintage Garden Gal's review
• Nice write-up on Feeley and Farmstead at the Napa Valley Register.
  
• Nileguide summary