It’s getting to that time of year when people are considering where to go for their Christmas meals, in December. I won’t be ranting about it in the same way, this year, as I’m pleased to see that there are a good number of places taking a more balanced approach to things. However, I’m still sad to see so many places still treating the customers they work so hard to value the other 11 months of year with such little festive regard. “Happy Xmas – that’ll be double the price, for half the quality” seems to be their motto.

In happier news, Calistoga continues to rise above this, maintaining its approach of not inflating their prices in December. It was this refreshing approach that brought my work colleagues and I to their door, last December, when we were treated very nicely indeed, for an entirely reasonable price.

I’d been meaning to visit in a more sober frame of mind, so was pleased to do so, today, with guest quester Kim.

Their lunchtime menu offers a good range of options. Menus that offer two different soups are always going to be a winner with me, so I was pleased to start with the salmon and corn chowder, while Kim opted for the butternut squash soup. She followed with the mackerel fillet with sweet potato chips, while I chose their flatiron steak.

The place retains all its charm, and our waiter was attentive and helpful throughout.

Our piping-hot soups were soon with us, with mine looking particularly bonnie, with its little avruga caviar garnish. It proved a really good dish, with chunks of hot smoked salmon in a nicely seasoned broth, with crackers offering a nice textural element. It was a highly accomplished dish.

Main courses were equally impressive. My flatiron steak was packed with flavour, with a lovely char to the meat. It’s fast becoming a favourite cut with me, as I had another really good one at One Square, just recently. The chips were top notch, too.

So overall, I was delighted to pay Calistoga a second, long-overdue visit. It’s a great wee place, offering excellent value. I was a little sad not to be able to try some more of their excellent wine, this lunchtime, but the office called me back. I’d strongly recommend you pay it a visit, next time you’re looking for a high quality dining experience. And if you’re looking for a Xmas lunch venue, it would be my top recommendation.

Scores
Blythe scores Calistoga
4/5 for food
4/5 for presentation
4/5 for setting
4/5 for service
giving an overall 16/20

Today’s questers were: Kim, Blythe

We ate: salmon and corn chowder; butternut squash and ginger soup; mackerel fillet with sweet potato chips; flat iron steak with chips

We drank: water, espresso

We wore: white top; blue shirt

Total bill: £31