After several months in operation, I finally made it to St. Helena’s newest and most anticipated restaurant, AKA. Although I have received mixed reviews from different people, I decided it was about time I go and experience it for myself.
Formerly Keller’s Market, AKA opened its doors in October at 1320 Main St. in Saint Helena. Most entrees are priced under $25.00, and are made from locally grown organic ingredients. They serve lunch and dinner daily, with a beautiful large bar and lounge area with over 600 wine selections.
AKA’s menu boasts a range of dishes from pasta with foraged mushrooms ($16.00), grilled organic vegetable sandwich ($14.00) to build your own burgers ($12.00). If you are looking for an entrée, you can try Pan Roasted Wild Pacific Salmon ($24.00), Herb Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad ($22.00) or the All Natural Flat Iron with Organic Vegetables and Steak Fries ($24.00).
We arrived at around 7:30 on a weeknight with no reservation and were promptly seated at one of the several open tables. The décor— a mix of elegance and traditional with urban minimalism—is appealing and fresh. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and so were our greeter and server.
I ordered the Portobello Mushroom Fries ($9.00) appetizer which was wonderful—fresh and full of flavor, with a surprisingly light taste. My main course of a Whole Roasted Game Hen ($19.00) arrived in a timely manner. On the side were crushed potatoes (which were light and delicious), garlic spinach, and a very small amount of Cabernet Jus. I don’t usually order game hen, but decided to give it a try. It was well seasoned and fairly good, although I felt it was a bit dry and needed a more balancing sauce to compliment the Game Hen’s subtle flavors. My husband ordered a Rueben sandwich (14.00) and reported that his was really nothing above average.
I finished dinner with a molten chocolate cake ($8.50), which was tasty, but unexceptional and very small. I would not recommend trying to share this dessert.
Although I did have an overall pleasant experience considering the delightful ambiance, I was not overwhelmingly impressed. But I did enjoy the décor, ambiance and friendly wait staff and I think it would be worth trying again. It is nice to see an unpretentious place that feels comfortable serving sandwiches for dinner, but I feel they have a little ways to go to becoming an “exceptional” Napa Valley dining establishment.
Written by Karen
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