The Charter Oak restaurant in St. Helena, California was the elegant setting of a spectacular Sur La Table hosted dinner among 50 friends and fellow diners held the second Saturday in October during the Napa Valley harvest season. The evening marked the first “ Dinner Series” event, a chef-led, moveable dining experience presented by Sur La Table.
The Charter Oak Chef-owner Christopher Kostow [@ckostow] welcomed an enthusiastic crowd of diners onto the stunning brick terrace of his New American restaurant — an architectural and culinary jewel just steps from St. Helena’s main street in the charming enclave known for its terroir and food and wine culture.
A James Beard “Best Chef” and Michelin three-star earner, Chef Kostow has been luring serious foodies to the Napa Valley since 2008. His current flagship, The Charter Oak, which opened in 2017, features an ever-changing seasonal menu shaped by the whims of his impressive kitchen garden located just blocks from the restaurant. The chef and his business partner wife, Martina, tend to every aspect of operations, including the meticulously curated four-course menu prepared especially for this Dinner Series inaugural gathering.
As guests from all over — many of whom were celebrating special occasions and anniversaries — mingled in anticipation of the first bite, they got acquainted with each other and the beautiful setting over passed caviar croquettes and a welcome craft cocktail from the Charter Oak menu.
The signature Tequila Strawberry Spritz refresher showcased a bright, not-too-sweet fusion of tequila, Aperol, orgeat syrup, cucumber-lime syrup, and lime juice — with a splash of Strawberry-Peach LaCroix Sparkling Water furnished by event sponsor LaCroix.
“We love to see The Charter Oak Courtyard transformed during events. The Sur La Table Dinner showcased their simple and elegant products across our large oak tables, and under the canopy of mulberry trees and string lights. We were honored to host the group in Napa Valley for this harvest dinner, highlighting the bounty of our farm.”
After the crowd settled into their seats at the communal dining table, Sur La Table Culinary Director Chef Meredith Abbott raised a toast to the talented chef and his wife, and to the special meaning behind the dinner which echoes the origin story of Sur La Table — to make good food, invite people, and celebrate it around the table.
Since Sur La Table’s humble beginnings in Seattle’s Pike Place Market in 1972, our founder Shirley Collins held this simple idea that resonates as strongly today as it did over 50 years ago.
“Tonight, we gather for what we cherish most: sharing meals around the table. It’s in these moments that some of life’s best memories are made, and we are thrilled to share this experience with you.”
As Sur La Table expands beyond retail and cooking classes, we are focusing on partnering with renowned chefs across iconic locales and food destinations, like the beautiful dinner planned for this evening. The Charter Oak and Sur La Table have a shared philosophy of thoughtful curation that produced a beautiful synergy felt throughout the dinner.
The menu featured ingredients and provisions grown locally, but nothing had a sense of place more tied to the region than the Grilled Avocado dish prepared with heirloom Brokaw avocados (perfected by third generation growers Brokaw Nursery). The heritage thin–skinned variety, which was served unadorned but for a sprinkle of salt, is celebrated for its creamy, buttery texture and a delicate, nutty flavor.
Chef Kostow is known for cooking food that is thoughtful, personal, and in concert with his community and collaborators, and his menu for the evening perfectly echoed this spirit. “Nothing is more beautiful than what nature has already made,” he shared in his toast. A fitting description of every plate that was passed up and down the long table.
Other menu standouts included Sourdough Bread made with a 30-year-old starter, Crudité picked moments before the dinner and served with fermented soy, colossal Grilled Prawns, a Mole Spiced Tri Tip Steak, and Stuffed Petaluma Chicken. A Malted Chocolate Pudding provided palates with the perfect, sweet finale. Each of the four courses was paired with a wine from the LVE Collection of Wines by John Legend and Raymond Vineyards.
Event sponsor Kerr Cellars, a boutique Napa Valley and Sonoma County winery, also provided their 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2021 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, both made by Helen Keplinger, a 2023 Winemaker of the year.
Each guest received a Sur La Table Tote bag complete with a Sur La Table ceramic pitcher, available to shop here, a Sur La Table merchandise coupon, a copy of the new Sur La Table Holiday Entertaining magazine, which can be purchased online here, and a token from Kerr Cellars for a complimentary wine tasting at their Napa tasting lounge.
We are honored to have had Chef Kostow cook for and host our first Dinner Series and we thank our generous sponsors and all who attended for helping to create a delicious memory in an enchanting setting.
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