Napa, California

On a recommendation from A. Couture, we stopped in Napa for dinner at Ubuntu. Ubuntu, which means something like “treat people humanely.” You simply can’t pass on something described as, “a bit pricey, but the best vegetarian food ever.” An award-winning restaurant that doubles as a yoga studio and (necessarily) gives out a wealthy, uber-healthful, urban hippy vibe. Or something like that. I wonder if the staff could sense that I’ve had a pork sandwich or two in my life.

After a minute or two at the bar, we were seated outside and promptly given a menu that I basically couldn’t understand. There were references to veggies I had never heard of; single and double quotes, seemingly delivering a message way beyond me; and a intentionally mysterious format.* Our primary waitress did a great job of deciphering it, and helped us pick out five dishes (the plates are pretty small, and she recommended between 2 and 3 per person), including:

• Chocolate financier with cheese, walnuts, and ice flowers
• A savory, Italian donut-like thing filled with soft cheese
• A bowl of bean soup/stew with fried egg
• A florescent green pasta dish, with a hint of lemon or some other citrus
• Small potatoes served with mushrooms, soft boiled eggs, and a green salsa
• For desert, milk (with curd or something floating on the top) and fresh, warm, gooey macadamia nut cookies

These descriptions do no justice to the crazy ingredients, the unfamiliar tastes, and the spectacular bizarreness of the meal.

The staff at Ubuntu seemed to take their jobs very seriously, and certainly knew their way around the menu. The customers seemed a bit more light-hearted about it all,** and most seemed to be enjoying themselves. We certainly did.

In fact, it’s no exaggeration to say that everything was great. The presentation was impeccable and quite interesting; the menu and its delivery/explanation totally hilarious; the tastes were unique and all very good. We both agreed that this meal finishes a close second behind our Portland Thai feast at Pok Pok with Lisa and Kari. Not bad.

*To see what I mean, check out an outdated menu: www.ubuntunapa.com/index.php/food-wine.

** Overheard at the table next to us: “It’s the soil that makes the dish. This is the best soil I’ve ever had. I’m serious.”