NAPA. ABC, as locals know it, is a friendly, streetside cafe and bakery in downtown Napa where chef and namesake Alexis Handelman regularly wows patrons with baked goods and hearty breakfasts. Of course, the true menu stars are sweets, and few could argue against the virtues of a homemade French tart, German torte, or even a traditional American fave like carrot cake or a chocolate-fudge brownie.

NAPA. Charming, rustic Angèle serves rich, tempting dishes from southern France. Boasting a small bar and a pleasing riverside patio, the restaurant offers a coziness that happily ensconces patrons as they dine. A peach, nectarine and arugula appetizer salad leaves plenty of room for your <i>plat chaud</i>; try spring chicken with chanterelle mushrooms or filet mignon bordelaise. The <i>galette aux fruits</i>, a summer fruit tart with citrus-infused whipped cream, is a popular dessert choice.

CALISTOGA. One of the few breweries in the wine country, Calistoga proudly brews its grain in the midst of the grape. Wheat ale, pilsner, red ale, stout, and IPA are just a few of the hand-crafted brews you'll find on tap in the restaurant and the adjacent pub. The British-style pub is a comfy spot featuring two TVs for avid sports fans and a patio where live music can often be heard. Jazz, blues, and flamenco entertain crowds throughout the week; on Friday and Saturday, R&B and funk get folks out on the dance floor.

NAPA. Regarded by many as one of Napa's best-kept secrets, Celadon goes the extra mile to combine Europe-by-way-of-California style with the best the Wine Country has to offer. A rough, weathered exterior hardly anticipates the contemporary scene inside, which features a wine bar, intimate tables, seductive lighting, and a covered garden terrace. An ideal meal may include a starter of grilled quail followed by leg of duck confit with wild rice dressing or a grilled polenta napoleon with garden veggies and fresh mozzarella. Reservations recommended for both lunch and dinner.

NAPA. This funky, casual joint is flooded with natural light and boasts striking contemporary paintings created by the owner's wife. Flavorful fare includes a grilled chicken caesar pizza, shrimp cappellini, and veggie ravioli accented with parsley and Meyer lemon; meat dishes include a 14-oz. grilled New York steak and braised short ribs. A tempting dessert list offers a trio of crème brûlées and a chocolate-raspberry tart. Conveniently, desserts are paired with wine suggestions.