My husband and I celebrated his birthday in Calistoga, Ca. We walked the length of main street, looking at about a dozen dinner menus and decided Jole’s menu was the most interesting.

We made reservatations for a Wednesday night and were happy we did as some without had to be turned away. We noted the restaurant nearby, we had considered, had no diners when we left to walk back to our room.

My husband. who loves duck was entirely satisfied with their preparation. I had the price fixed 4 entres with wine matching.

The services was excellent, I enjoyed the ability to choose any 4 items and picked three entres and a dessert. Each was matched with a wine which was ample in portion. The total amount of food was perfect for me. I particularly enjoyed their foie gras but everything was delicious.

We heard from the co-owner and pasty chef that people get angy if she removes the coconut cream pie from the menu, and we can see why.

We dine out regularly, this was in our top three for 2009.