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NVLife_NovDec_2012

For the love of Fries By Cailin Monahan For the greater good and with sacrificial surrender to my A bit shorter and thinner than traditional cut sweet potato waistline, I decide to embark on the hunt for the top French fries, Gott’s sweets fried in soybean oil fit the bill for that indul- Fries in the Napa Valley. This was one of the most mouth- gent snack. The fries are gently dusted with a blend concocted watering adventures I’ve ever been on and surely negated all with six different spices. Frisk them up with the green ranch. those sweaty spin classes I’ve been religiously attending! Ah, Sweet Potato Fries ($3.99), Gott’s Roadside, 933 Main Street, c’est la vie! The search for the best fry in the Napa Valley has Saint Helena. (707) 963-3486 begun… and as you can imagine, a bit like men, they come in all different shapes, sizes and varying ranges of satisfaction. Traditional about your French fries? Cindy’s Backstreet Executive Chef Scott Kendall Kitchen won my heart. Served brings a bold twist to his sea- Dutch Style, meaning with soned French fry in Downtown aioli, these fries are hand cut Napa, and definitely the most every day and never frozen. unique. Inspired by his world The Kennebec potatoes are travels to Turkey and Cape Town, fried in canola oil and go Kendall was exposed to the Tuni- with…. Bubbles, of course. sian spice harissa. Their house fries are coated in this unforget- Sometimes it’s good to go tably intense and complex spice that brings a mysterious party back to the basics, where to your palate, and you subconsciously become mesmerized it always begins. French Fries, Dutch Style ($4.50), Cindy’s by the flavor. Made from peppers and tomatoes, this spice Backstreet Kitchen, 1327 Railroad Avenue, Saint Helena. (707) traditionally used as a meat rub may have found its new home 963-1200 on Carpe Diem’s crisp French fry. Pair these with a chilled glass of fruity Sauvignon Blanc. House Fries ($6), Carpe Diem Wine Executive Chef of Solage Calistoga, Brandon Sharp presents Bar, 1001 2nd Street, Napa. (707) 224-0800 Sol Fries! Immediately out of the fryer, Sol fries are tossed in spices that Sharp was a bit reluctant to disclose. After a “Critical Mass Fries” will be sure to few charming smiles, he revealed the secret blend (smoked cure any late night desires or aid paprika, coriander and Grains of Paradise). The paprika adds morning recovery. Available any chili flavor, the coriander adds aesthetic and Grains of Para- time of day but found on Hurley’s dise bring peppery spice. From West Africa and traded in the Late Night Bar Menu, this criti- Middle Ages as an inexpensive version of black pepper, this ad- cal situation pairs just right with dition is now rare and adds a peppery warmth and lemon cit- sports and an ice cold beer. Truffle rus to the creation. The cool and creamy housemade lime aioli oil, chopped garlic, smoked bacon cuts the spice of the Grains of Paradise. I’m certain you will be and melted fontina cheese cover a large portion of extra crisp transported to French fry paradise upon the first bite. Sol Fries French fries. Always evolving, these fries will not disappoint. ($7), 755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga. (707) 226-0850 Critical Mass Fries ($12), Hurley’s Restaurant and Bar, 6518 Washington Street, Yountville. (707) 944-2345 After gaining a few pounds from research I’m heading back to Spin. What’s that you say? I promised the “best”? While I can’t Cut from potatoes grown just 25 miles away, Gott’s Roadside say there is one “clear cut” best, I will say that the prize goes (image in header) has created a special house cut just for you. to Scott Kendall of Carpe Diem. Well done, Chef! 3


NVLife_NovDec_2012
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