roasted cauliflower, capers, red onions and creme fraiche

with slow roasted San Marzano tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil

Ten layers of housemade pasta laced with a Bolognese meat ragú and creamy bechamel sauce (Thursday and Friday only)

with roasted butternut squash, cream and smoked ham

with slowly cooked pork, veal, prosciutto and porcini mushroom ragu

with scallops, broccoli rabe, calabrian chili oil, garlic and crisp bread crumbs

with smoked pancetta, pasteurized eggs, black pepper and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

vegetables, wine, tomatoes, italian butter beans and gremolata

with sweet vidalia onions and smoked bacon, served with grilled polenta

with aged balsamic vinegar served with roasted brussels sprouts

with vegetables, wild mushrooms, marsala wine and san marzano tomatoes

calamari, mussels, clams tossed in saffron rice, green olives, roasted tomatoes and a lemon dressing

with sweet onions, endive, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar and slivers of Pecorino cheese

with walnuts in a creamy gorgonzola cheese dressing

Crisp, deep-fried small squid with paprika served with a spicy tomato sauce

Buffalo mozzarella with slow roasted San Marzano tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil

Sauteed veal sweetbreads with smoked pancetta, Delicata squash and wild mushrooms

Lightly smoked salmon, roasted cauliflower, capers, red onion and creme friache

Fennel salami, speck, Tuscan chicken liver pate, gorgonzola dolce, marinated olives and pickled vegetables served with grilled bread

Soup of the day

Ten layers of housemade pasta laced with a Bolognese meat ragu and creamy bechamel sauce (Thursday and Friday only)

Housemade stuffed pasta of the day

Housemade ricotta gnocchi of the day

Garganelli with a slowly simmered oxtail ragu and pecorino sardo

Cavatelli with scallops, broccoli rabe, garlic, crisp bread crumbs and Calabrian chili oil

Spaghetti with smoked pancetta, fresh corn, pasteurized eggs, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and black pepper

Rigatoni with a San Marzano tomato sauce, garlic, oregano and smoked mozzarella

Housemade buckwheat noodles with roasted butternut squash,cream and smoked ham

Grilled Dixon lamb chops, Caggiano Italian sausage served with potato gratin, roasted carrots, onions, broccoli rabe and salsa verde

Slow roasted beef short rib with Chianti wine, vegetables, tomatoes, horseradish gremolata and soft polenta

Grilled Niman Ranch pork chop with a Balsamic vinegar glaze served with farro, heirloom squash and radicchio

Sauteed veal medallions in a mustard cream sauce served with mashed potatoes and green chard

A stew of white fish, clams, mussels and prawns cooked in a fennel, garlic, chili, San Marzano tomatoes and fish broth served with grilled bread (Monday - Wednesday only)

Pan-seared Day Boat scallops with butternut squash, fennel, Agrodolce onion and golden rasins

Multi-colored beet salad, with sweet onions, endive, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar and slivers of Pecorino cheese

Thinly sliced fennel and tangerines with arugula, green olives, ricotta salata, sliced almonds, extra virgin olive oil and lemon dressing

Romaine salad with walnuts in a creamy gorgonzola dressing

Chocolate mousse cake with whipped cream

Cannoli with ricotta, mascarpone, chopped chocolate and candied oranges, served with chocolate sauce

Lemon brulee with short bread cookies

Italian ladyfingers soaked in an espresso-brandy mixture, layered with sweet mascarpone cheese

Chocolate coated, dome shaped, rum scented pound cake filled with whipped cream, chocolate, almonds and hazelnuts

Housemade gelato of the day

Espresso with brandy or grappa

served with a Calabrian chili marinara

braised in San Marzano tomato sauce and soft polenta

poached tuna and smoked salmon

with smoked duck breast, whole grain mustard, cheese and pear mostarda

butter bean puree with broccoli rabe and an aged balsamic vinaigrette

Homemade soup of the day

Mixed green salad with shaved Parmigiano cheese, croutons, extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar

Garganelli with roasted butternut squash, shallots, prosciutto, butter and cream

Braised beef shoulder with vegetables, wine and tomatoes

Grilled salmon served on a bed of braised lentils

Homemade soup of the day

Mixed greens with extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar and shaved Parmigiano

Garganelli with roasted butternut squash, shallots, prosciutto, butter and cream

Roasted turkey breast salad of arugula, baby greens, fingerling potatoes and mustard dressing

Carneros 2007

Sonoma County 2012

Napa Valley 2007

Alexander Valley 2011

Sonoma County 2012

Dunnigan Hills 2012

Santa Barbara County 2012

Carneros 2013

Carneros 2012

Napa Valley 2012

Arroyo Grande Valley 2012

Central Coast 2011

Livermore 2012

Monterey 2012

Napa Valley 2013

Santa Ynez Valley 2010

Lake County 2012

Napa & Sonoma Counties 2013

Shenandoah Valley of California 2013

Santa Barbara 2012

Paso Robles 2011, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, Marsanne

Lodi 2010, Vermentino

Santa Ynez Valley 2011, Grenache Blanc

Napa Valley 2011, Albarino

Clarksburg 2013, Chenin Blanc, Viognier

Feudi Di San Gregorio 2010, Falanghina

Jermann 2008, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Ribolla, Malvasia, Picolit

Chiarlo 2010, Cortese

Planeta 2010, Grecanico, Chardonnay

Antinori 2013, Vermentino

Colterenzio 2012, Pinot Grigio

Santa Margherita 2013, Pinot Grigio

Antinori 2006, Chardonnay

Arnaldo - Caprai 2011, Grechetto

Amador County 2011

Santa Barbara County 2011

Amador County 2011

Amador County 2009

Napa Valley 2012

Napa Valley 2009

Napa Valley 2011

Napa Valley 2009

Santa Barbara County

Napa Valley 2011

Alexander Valley 2006

Napa Valley 2012

Napa Valley 2008

Sonoma Mountain 2008

Lodi 2012

Napa Valley 2008

Alexander Valley 2008

Alexander Valley 2010

Alexander Valley 2010

Napa Valley 2005

Sonoma County 2005

Paso Robles 2011

El Dorado County 2011

Sonoma County 2011

Napa Valley 2011

Santa Ynez Valley 2007

Napa Valley 2010

Shenandoah Valley 2008, Aglianico

Amador County 2008, Grenache

Yolo County 2011, Petite Sirah

Santa Ynez Valley 2010

Bien Nacido Vienyard, Santa Maria Valley 2004, Nebbiolo

Santa Barbara County 2008, Mourvedre, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley 2006, Cabernet Franc

Santa Ynez Valley 2010, Grenache

Santa Rita Hills 2009, Dolcetto

Napa Valley 2012, Cabernet Franc

Santa Ynez Valley 2009, Grenache

Napa Valley 2011, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, Petite Sirah

Lodi 2008, Petite Sirah

Costa de Oro - "Dijon Selection"

Sta. Rita Hills 2010

Santa Maria Valley 2009

Sta. Rita Hills 2010

Arroyo Grande Valley 2013

Carneros 2011

Sta. Rita Hills 2012

California 2013

Russian River Valley 2012

Santa Lucia Highlands 2012

Russian River Valley 2012

Carneros 2012

Sta. Rita Hills 2010

San Luis Obispo County 2012

Santa Lucia Highlands 2012

Santa Barbara County 2010

Shenandoah Valley 2010

Shenandoah Valley 2012

El Dorado County 2010

Dunnigan Hills 2011

Santa Barbara County 2012

Capay Valley 2009

Shenandoah Valley 2006

Amador County 2011

El Dorado County 2012

Cucamonga Valley 2008

Napa Valley 2011

Lodi 2010

Amador County 2011

Amador County 2011

Clarksburg 2012

Librandi Antonio Cataldo 2010, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gaglioppo

A. Caggiano 2011, Aglianico

Umberto Cesari 2010, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon

Celli 2010, Sangiovese

Chiarlo 2009, Nebbiolo

Oberto 2013, Barbera

Bruno Rocca 2010, Barbera

Chiarlo 2008, Nebbiolo

Ceretto 2010, Nebbiolo

Travaglini 2008, Nebbiolo

Planeta 2012, Nero d'Avola, Merlot

Cusumano 2008, Nero d'Avola, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Cusumano 2010, Nero d' Avola

Banfi 2009, Sangiovese

Col D'Orcia 2008, Sangiovese

La Fiorita 2007, Sangiovese

Antinori 2011, Sangiovese, Merlot

Antinori 2010, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon

Antinori 2010, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon

Banfi 2012, Sangiovese

Antinori 2003, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese

Antinori 2010, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah

Arnaldo Caprai 2010, Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Merlot

Lungarotti 2008, Sangiovese, Canaiolo

Masi 2009, Corvina, Rondinella, Molinaro

Zonin 2008, Corvina, Rondinella, Molinaro

Grassi 2008, Corvina, Rondinella, Molinaro

Sonoma County 2001

Sonoma County NV

Napa Valley 2010

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin 2004

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin NV

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin NV

Collavini NV

Trento NV, Chardonnay

Bele Casel NV

Located in the historic Larkmead Winery in Calistoga (the 3rd oldest winery in Napa), Frank Family Vineyards is owned by former Disney executive Rich Frank and family. The present winery was started in 1992 with purchase of a 25-acre vineyard parcel in Rutherford, now known as Winston Hill. Today the winery has over 300 acres throughout the region. A full range of sparkling and still wines are produced under the direction of experienced winemaker Todd Graff. But Frank Family Vineyards (and Napa Valley) is best known for Cabernet Sauvignon. And it is fitting that a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is our Wine of the Month for the holidays. The 2012 Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich, full-bodied, opulent, well balanced and fruit forward expression of why Napa Valley Cab is so highly regarded. Aromas of cocoa and blackberries, excellent mouthfeel with tame tannins and a long, lingering finish make for a very distinctive experience. As is our usual custom, I recently enjoyed a bottle (with Biba and friends, of course) with a Prime Ribeye steak. It was superb. For the entire month of December 2015 we are offering the Frank Family Vineyards 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at the reduced price of $72 per 750 ml bottle or $18 per glass. Don't miss this opportunity to savor an excellent Napa Valley gem. The tasting room, located just south of the town of Calistoga, is open daily from 10 am until 5 pm. Address: 1091 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515. Tel: 707 942 0859

Buffalo Mozzarella, smoked ham, persimmons and pear mostarda

Lightly smoked salmon, arugula salad with shaved farm egg, crème fraiche and caviar

Multi-colored, roasted beet salad with sweet onions, endive, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar and slivers of Pecorino cheese

Butter leaf lettuce, thinly sliced fennel, mandarins and marinated rock shrimp with a citrus dressing

Housemade ravioli with butternut squash in a sage, butter and Parmigiano sauce

Linguine with imported tuna, capers, tomato, olives and pepper flakes

Housemade gnocchi with a wild boar and porcini mushroom ragu

Housemade fettuccine with prawns in a tomato, chive, cream sauce

Grilled Filet Mignon, Marsala wine reduction, winter black truffles served with roasted root vegetables

Breaded, crisp veal cutlets, served with green chard, capers and lemon

Roasted breast of duck with cherries, honey and Port wine sauce, served with braised carrots and buttery fennel

Grilled swordfish served with toasted fregola, oven roasted tomato, castelvetrano olive salsa

Chocolate coated, dome shaped, rum scented pound cake, stuffed with whipped cream, chocolate, roasted almonds and hazelnuts

Lemon, mascarpone tart with raspberry sauce

Chocolate mousse cake with whipped cream and salted caramel sauce

Espresso gelato served with a waffer cookie