French Blue Restaurant In St. Helena, Ca, To Open May 2012

Opening in May 2012, French Blue is a beautiful and warm neighborhood restaurant located in the heart of Napa Valley from renowned architect Howard Backen, his wife interior designer Lori Backen and vintner Leslie Rudd (also owner of Press restaurant). Set in the old Vanderbilt building on the north end of downtown St. Helena, the restaurant's name comes from the blue doors which graced its entrance for over 50 years. The space will feature a large open kitchen with a wood burning oven and grill, two fireplaces, a communal table in the center, outdoor seating and a private dining area.

Bringing this restaurant to life is Managing Partner, Stanley Morris. Stanley brings 30 years of hospitality experience to French Blue. Most recently, he has acted as Managing Partner at the world class dining and entertainment venue, Teatro ZinZanni in San Francisco, which he helped establish in 2001. Fomerly, Stanley was Vice President of Operations for Stars Bar & Dining in Singapore, Seattle and San Francisco. His California restaurant career began with famed restaurateur, Larry Mindel, where he was General Manager of Prego on Union Street in San Francisco followed by the position of Director of Operations for the first five Il Fornaio restaurants along the West Coast.

Serving as Executive Chef will be Philip Wang, formerly the Executive Chef of Merriman's Kapalua in Maui, Mason's in Sacramento, Napa Valley's Carneros Inn, and Truc in Boston; Chef Phillip also worked in the kitchens of Blackbird in Chicago, Restaurant Daniel in New York, Jardini�re in San Francisco, and several others.

French Blue's menu by Chef Philip will showcase local food sourced largely from nearby Rudd Farm & Orchards on Mt. Veeder, with fresh baked goods crafted by Noe Valley Bakery Owner, Michael Gassen. The flavorful dishes will be simply prepared with excellence and care, using the best local ingredients. Nearly everything will be house-made from the charcuterie to honey and jams. The beverage program will feature wines from the growing regions of Northern California, local craft beers, and seasonal cocktails.

Designed by Howard Backen with interiors by his wife, Lori Backen, French Blue captures the warmth and comfort of wine country living, re-imagined for its contemporary setting. Behind the restaurant will be Howard Backen's newly designed office for his architecture firm, Backen, Gillam and Kroeger - making for an easy commute! One of California's most renowned architects and recently named one of Architectural Digest's 100 Designers, Howard Backen's work includes wineries such as Harlan Estate, Ovid, Screaming Eagle, Rudd, Bond and Paul Hobbs; restaurants such as Press, Evvia, Kokkari and Il Fornaio; and hotels Meadowood Resort in Napa Valley, Esperanza in Cabo San Lucas, and Sundance in Utah.

French Blue will be open throughout the day, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a retail market offering house-made products and other specialty foods that highlight artisanal techniques.

Address: 1429 Main Street in St. Helena
Telephone (General and for Reservations): 707-968-9200
Web: frenchbluenapa.com