2008 Terra Valentine Amore

Once upon a time there was a restaurant in St. Helena called Martini House. The locals used to congregate there for a drink, whether it be the spot's namesake cocktail or the valley's pride (duh - wine). The menu featured a most delicious tasting of mushrooms, including a cream of mushroom soup that was a meal in itself.

But, alas, Martini House has now closed. A staple Napa Valley spot is no longer; however, I had the opportunity to say goodbye (and hello, for that matter - it was my first time there!) this past Friday night.

I'm amazed that such a Napa Valley haunt had eluded me for five whole months, during which time I seemed to trying every restaurant and drink spot in the county. How could I have missed this one?

So, as soon as Christina mentioned that she and Rory would be dining there on one of the very last nights with a group of friends, I subtly offered to take one of the spots at the table (and by subtle I am referring to my desperate plea to Christina that I'd never been and how could I live in Napa for nearly half a year and NOT go to Martini House before it closes? My enthusiasm and charm earned me "in" on the reservation).

Despite the rain, our group of seven dined al fresco, on the covered terrace warmed by heat lamps. Perfect conditions for cream of mushroom soup, which was just as delicious as I'd been promised, and brought a tear to my eye at the thought of never being able to have this particular preparation again.

It went perfectly with the glass of 2008 Terra Valentine Amore that Rory brought along, a super Tuscan style Sangiovese blend that is my go-to from the Napa producer up on Spring Mountain (and, conveniently, Rory's place of employment).

The soup (and wine) alone filled me, but I couldn't turn down the halibut with pistou sauce and grilled tomatoes that came next. Or the offer of dessert. Especially when the server expressed concern that they might, in fact, have already sold the last raspberry almond tart.

I regret to inform you that I do not have a photograph of the look of horror that passed across mine and Christina's faces. I will tell you, though, that it wasn't pretty. And we were beyond relieved when we learned that we had secured the restaurant's final tart.

So relieved that we managed to fit it in after all the other food (good thing they had stopped serving bread the day before!) and then still frequent the downstairs bar, which made me think of an old tavern.

The rumor is that the restaurant will reopen under a new name and new management in the near future. Still, I had my heart set on experiencing the true original - and it didn't disappoint.

In fact, I think I'm still digesting it.