Napa 29

Napa 29 is a hidden treasure. It's location doesn't do it justice. With a
view of the freeway on a dead end road it's surrounded by furniture
stores. Just inside their doors it's a whole different story. A man
playing guitar sings a jazzier rendition of a Boz Scaggs tune "Low
Down" while lazy onlookers settled into low back chairs unwind and the
chattier ones are seen socializing at the bar.

As we are escorted to our table in the dining room I can't help but notice
the place seems brighter than before. Bare sage walls are less dramatic
against the cherry wood walls. Inquiring with the waitress it's affirmed
the restaurant had changed hands a month previous and the past
owners had taken their paintings with them. I quickly looked at the
menu for familiar favorites which are thankfully there.

The tables are still properly dressed in white with footed water and wine
glasses ready to be filled. A basket of fresh baked crusty rolls arrive
with a divided condiment dish offering butter and a surprisingly delicious
balsamic reduction to pair it with. They have a nice wine list which
includes a perfectly balanced Cakebread Chardonnay ($75). Their Stoli
Doli ($8) pineapple infused vodka martini was fresh, juicy and way too
easy. I love 'em!

Appetizers are so good they shouldn't be overlooked. Sauteed
Dungeness Crab Cakes ($12) were so tender and moist, served with a
Red Remoulade Sauce and green apple slaw. Ahi Tuna Tartar ($13) was
the best quality, but the wasabi cream and sweet soy drizzle was a
tease. The Caramelized Sea Scallops ($12) is a definite favorite
sauteed in brown butter and scattered with fried capers around a mound
of Parsnip Puree which could have been mistaken for whipped potatoes.
Words can't even describe the Wild Forest Mushroom Tart ($10). The
blue cheese was light, the crust flaky and sweet and a scattering of
toasted walnuts made for such an unbelievably divine appetizer.

Entrees warrant the cost with a lovely pesto cream sauce drowning
Cheese Raviolis ($18) which are finally topped with crunchy julienne
vegetables. The daily Surf & Turf ($42) "special" offered a most tender
rib eye paired with a light sea bass in a buttery sauce. The Bacon
Wrapped Tenderloin Filet ($34) topped with bleu cheese and served
with a Bordeaux sauce was as good as it sounded. I especially marvel
how they made a simple side of Sauteed Spinach ($4) with garlic so
irresistible. Even a bowl of their wonderfully tangy Tomato Soup or
creamy Butternut Squash Soup ($9) with their addicting bread can be
quite filling for a light appetite.

One trip ending sipping a Toasted Almond Martini, on another was a
perfect Creme Brulee ($7) and their Champagne Sabayon ($7) with the
freshest blueberries, blackberries and strawberries topped with a thickly
whipped champagne cream. There's just no going wrong here.

Open for Dinner Tuesday through Saturday 5:00 - 10:00 P.M. and Sunday
5:00 to 9:00 P.M.

Serving lunch soon!

Live music Friday and Saturday nights

Located at 280 Teller Street, Suite 130 in Corona.

Telephone (951) 273-0529

Website: www.napa29.com