Bistro Jeanty - Napa Valley

Napa Valley is filled to the brim with fine dining establishments and Bistro Jeanty is definitely one of them. You walk in and you're suddenly transported across the Atlantic to a quaint French Cafe. Ooh - la-la! We didn't have reservations and had to wait about 15 minutes, not bad at all! I do recommend getting reservations though, we just happen to be there at a time of year when things are just starting to pick up, basically we were very lucky that we only had to wait that little. We were offered the opportunity to sit a their community table, a long table for 12, that you can sit at first come - first serve with other patrons. Not a bad idea, but we were going for that whole romantic Napa type feel and just weren't feeling the community table.

The food is to DIE FOR! Oh my lord! Our favorite thing on the menu was the "Creme de tomate en croute". That's tomato soup in puff pastry for those of you that haven't brushed up on your French lately :) I told the waiter, "this is the best tomato soup I've ever had" and he responded "it's the best tomato soup ever made!" He was so right! I'm salivating as I write this, that's how delicious, smooth, and decadent it was! I can seriously go on forever . . .here's a picture I took of it! Make sure to wipe the drool off you keyboards folks!

We also order and onion tart . . .c'est magnific! To top it off, it had goat cheese on it! I was in French food heaven! The onions were caramelized to perfection, the pastry was perfect, and the little side frise salad with the light vinaigrette was a wonderful compliment. Lord, maybe I shouldn't be writing this post before dinner, I'm so hungry and writing about all of this delicious food is simply torture!
For the main course we shared the Coq Au Vin, a creamy blend of chicken, mushrooms, bacon, and red wine stew. It was yummy, but it wasn't our favorite, but then again I think we just wanted more tomato soup! We ordered a side of Frites (aka French fries) as well!

I can't remember for the life of me what we had for dessert! I know, I must be getting sick! I can forget a lot of things, but a dessert???? Such a travesty!!!

Don't forget about Bistro Jeanty when you're in Napa and order the tomato soup, maybe order two servings of it just for yourself! Mmm!

Many, Many THANKS to our friend Gena for recommending this fine restaurant! We will definitely be heading back there on our next trip to Napa!

Pumpkin & Black Bean Soup a la Weight Watchers

In an effort to eat healthier in 2008, I've found a ton of healthy recipes. I made this soup last week and not only was it quick to make, but healthy and tasty as well.

Weight Watchers Pumpkin and Black Bean Soup
Makes 6 servings

2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup pumpkin puree, pack down the cup, NOT pumpkin pie filling
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup chopped onions
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup fat free sour cream

1. In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic in the olive oil for about 4-5 minutes.
3. Add the cumin and curry powder, and sauté for an additional 4-5 minutes.
4. Add the broth, thyme, pumpkin puree, salt, pepper and sugar. Bring to a boil.
5. Stir in the black beans and tomatoes.
6. Reduce heat. Cover and gently simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove from heat and leave for a few minutes.
8. Stir in the 1/4 cup nonfat sour cream and serve.

WW POINTS per serving: 3
Nutritional information per serving: 262 calories, 3.9g fat, 13.6g fiber