NOVATO ADVANCE - January 24, 1996 - Vol 77, No. 4
Editor:
As a Novato resident since 1982, I have dined at Novato's oldest restaurant since it was called Maison Marin . What a pleasure to rediscover The Hilltop Cafe anew.
Novatans who think they must drive to San Francisco for wining and dining must attend one of the restaurants delightful events, "Winemaker Dinners." They offer far more than mere excellent food and wine.
Each Winemaker Experience begins with a fabulous, elegant dinner. Chef Mark Lesley deserves acclaim for his creative menus. They rival those we've experienced aboard cruise ships.
Manager John Wiedwald then invites the participation of a special winery. Wine-masters from each company study Chef Lesley's menu diligently, choosing wines to complement each course as it is served.
The educated wine-masters not only attend each dinner, they move from table to the next. they welcome each patron inviting questions. Informative short talks offer educational details about each wine in "layman's language."
Robert Mondavi representative delighted us by introducing himself as "The Wine Guy" No superfluous. botanical sounding adjectives were offered. Instead, the wine guy explained just how and why he had made his selections to accompany each course.
December's Robert Mondavi Winemaker dinner sold out early, disappointing over thirty would be dinners. Buena Vista has the honors for for January and S Anderson for February. Franciscan and Fetzer follow.
Success at the Hilltop is assured with exemplary employees. Manager Wiedwald is quick to praise them. We applaud his judgement in hiring such outstanding people.
They are more than servers - they are friends who speak well for the whole staff. The American Work Ethic is alive and well at the Hilltop Cafe in Novato
Prices are more than fair. One flat price per person includes a complete dinner and all wine. Ordered individually, the cost would exceed $85 per person. Pay $42 instead and receive an elegant experience in our own Novato. why go further?
For more information, contact John Wiedwald, c/o Hilltop Cafe, 850 Lamont Ave., Novato, CA 94947. Thank you Mr. Wiedwald. We'll see you once a month.
NOVATO ADVANCE - January 24, 1996 - Vol 77, No. 4