There are a lot of people who go to Sonoma, Napa, Calistoga, and Carneros to drink wine and dine extravagantly.  We ourselves have enjoyed some very fine meals at Farm, The Girl and The Fig, Harvest Moon, Carneros Bistro, Della Santina, and Cuvee Napa.  But what makes our mouths water when we think of the Napa Valley is the wonderful availability of amazing sandwiches.

I mentioned before how much I loved the sandwiches at The Fig Pantry.  Sadly, the Fig is closed now.  Apparently someone drove a car, by accident I am told, right through the front of the building, decimating the deli.  That wonderful deli with its scrumptious Fig Salad and Portobello Mushroom Goat Cheese Sandwich is now gone.  I am told that its owner, Sondra Bernstein, has decided not to re-open in the same location.  I am told she is looking for another property.  I can only hope she will bring back the amazing sandwiches my whole crew enjoyed all last summer. 

But don’t despair.  My husband and partner, Randall Miller, will argue that the best Napa Valley sandwiches are to be found at the Oakville Grocery.  Many a location scout last summer made its obligatory stop at the Oakville Grocery so Randy could get one of their fabulous sandwiches.  His favorite is The House Roast Turkey & Pesto Mayo (with Provolone, leaf lettuce and tomato on herbed focaccia).  But I will tell you, their Roast Beef & Blue (blue cheese spread, tomato, red onion & leaf lettuce on a baguette) is awesome.  The Oakville is a bustling place with lots of little tidbits and samples one can munch on while waiting in line.  It has an upscale country atmosphere and a lot more than sandwiches to offer.

My son, Jesse, a true sandwich aficionado, will tell you that his favorite Napa sandwich can be found at the deli at the Sonoma Market or its sister market in Glen Ellen, the Glen Ellen Village Market.  At either of these markets, the deli offers panini’s that can’t be beat.  Jesse is happy with either the Baked Turkey or the Prosciutto & Brie Panini, especially when he can have a little of their fresh cole slaw on the side.

Some other great sandwiches worth mentioning are the feed-your-whole-family-and-some-of-the-neighbors-too enormous sandwiches at the Broadway Deli in Sonoma.  The Broadway Deli is a down-to-earth establishment with reasonable prices and fresh ingredients.  If you don’t want to feed your whole family and some of the neighbors too, you can just get a fresh and tasty sandwich for one and eat it yourself. 

The Sonoma Cheese Factory, which has a generous offering of fine and varied cheeses, makes wonderful sandwiches too.  And it is conveniently located right on The Plaza in downtown Sonoma where we shot many scenes of BOTTLE SHOCK.