Napa Valley's The Restaurant at Meadowood Awarded Three Michelin Stars

Chef Christopher Kostow, 34, joined The Restaurant at Meadowood in 2008. He was awarded two Michelin stars in the 2009 and 2010 editions of the Guide. He has now become only the second American-born chef to receive a three-star ranking.

About what's next after receiving Michelin's ultimate ranking Kostow commented, “I don't feel that I'm even close to being the chef I want to be. I want to continue to present our guests with a dynamic, evocative, even playful experience."

Kostow adds, "One of the great things about cooking in the Napa Valley is that the bar is set at such a high level. The local vintner community has maintained an unparalleled commitment to entrepreneurialism and excellence in winemaking. The culinary community has followed suit and Napa Valley is now one of the most exciting places in the world to visit if you love food as well as wine. It's a great place to be as I look toward the future."

Asked what he felt contributed to the elevation from two to three stars Kostow said, "As a kitchen team we are, by nature, passionate and relentless. We're never completely satisfied with a particular dish and are constantly trying to improve what we do. I believe the fact that we have a young team contributes to the energy in the kitchen and the dynamism of the food. And, I believe we've been successful in communicating our joy and our passion to our guests.”

Kostow emphasized the importance of service to achieving a three-star rating: “The service in The Restaurant both compliments and completes the experience. I view service as the pivotal element allowing elegant food to be approachable and fun. Our Restaurant Director, Nathaniel Dorn, has run the front of the house since The Restaurant re-opened in 2006 and he has set a tone for service that is at once professional, warm and generous. He is an invaluable partner."

A Chicago native, Kostow cooked in kitchens throughout the United States and abroad after finishing a degree in philosophy from Hamilton College in upstate New York. He didn't attend culinary school, instead learning on the job. He credits his mentors with helping to shape his skills and develop his philosophy. And, he holds his mentors in high esteem, reiterating often that being a mentor himself is now very important to him.

Kostow already feels the additional pressure that goes hand-in-hand with a three star award. "It's important for me and my team to continue to live by the values we've established over the last two-and-a-half years. We must continue to strive and evolve in a way that's innovative and relevant. As many chefs will tell you, we're only as good as our last meal."

Michelin Rankings
One Star: A very good restaurant in its own category.
Two Stars: Excellent cooking, worth a detour.
Three Stars: Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey. One always eats extremely well here, sometimes superbly.

Hotel Profile: Meadowood Napa Valley