For Persian New Year which is the first day of Spring and called Nowruz (new day) I took a few days off to rest and reflect after my mother passed. It was energizing to take a day trip to Napa Valley to immerse myself in the beautiful natural scenery.

We had lunch at a fantastic family-owned French restaurant Bistro Jeanty in the heart of Yountville in the Napa Valley. The menu is classic French cuisine with all of favorites like sole meuniere, thin crispy French fries, entrecote, and the most delicious tomato soup with a puff pastry crust. Chef Philippe Jeanty creates dishes that are satisfying to one’s soul with farm to table ingredients from the area.

The dessert selection is pure heaven with a seasonal apple tart, profiteroles with chocolate sauce, and my favorite crepes suzette. There is an impressive wine selection and a host of nonalcoholic libations.

One can sit inside or on the covered terrace. The day we visited the weather was sublime, so we sat on the terrace, and it was a magical experience of great cuisine and ambience. The team at Bistro Jeanty make you feel comfortable and the whole experience is perfect for relieving stress.