Napa’s Basalt restaurant opened this week and showcases a menu inspired by California’s first settlers, drawing on flavors from Mexico, Spain and Portugal. Chef Esteban Escobar, formerly of San Francisco’s Town Hall and Walnut Creek’s Corners Tavern, has created a menu of plates large and small that includes dishes like chicharrones with lime salt and honey; marinated and fried chicken wings with cilantro cream; chorizo consommé with toasted noodles, pork belly and poached egg; and an achiote-cocoa-marinated black cod.
The restaurant is playing up its bar offerings, created by cocktail master Jason “Buffalo” LoGrasso. In addition to a solid list of classic cocktails, the bar will feature a 20-head tap system for wine and beer. The handsome interior was designed by Rapt Studios, which sourced 80 percent of all furnishings and lighting from local artisans and fabricators.
Basalt is open for dinner, 5pm to 10pm, Sunday–Thursday, and until 11pm on Friday and Saturday. Lunch service will be added later. 790 Main St., Napa. 707.927.5265. basaltnapa.com.
