Incoming and outgoing board members …
I’d like to take a moment to send my sincerest “thank you” to all the outgoing members of the Chamber board of directors: Walter Collins (Pacific Union College), Sandra Elles (Napa County Farm Bureau), Elizabeth Healy (The Doctors Company), Suzanne Shiff (Napa Valley Coalition of Nonprofit Agencies), Rex Stults (Napa Valley Vintners), Patrick Sweeney (Napa Unified School District) and Cindy Webber (Napa Valley Register).
Rex, Elizabeth and Walter were all members of the CEO search committee. I wanted to again say “thank you” for providing me with the opportunity and the challenge of leading the Napa Chamber. I know I wasn’t everyone’s first choice — as some of you were gracious enough to share — yet you were all very supportive as I find my way and purpose. Your continued support is essential for the success of the Chamber and our members.
To my incoming board of directors … thank you for agreeing to assist in taking on the challenge of making the Chamber a significant organization once again, for our members, and for localbusinesses charities.
Christi Coors-Ficeli (Goosecross Cellars), Michael Downer (Mechanics Bank), Michael Holcomb (West Pueblo Partners), Gary Garaventa (Garaventa Florist and Gifts), Michael Murray (Napa Recycling and Waste), George Nielson (Nielson Construction), Mark Pope (Bounty Hunter), Mick Salyer (ZuZu and LaTaberna), I’m looking forward to you joining our returning board members, rolling up our sleeves and getting right to work for our members and the community.
Welcome Atlas Social, Pasta Prego and 8 Noodle! As sad as many people were to see the closing of longtime favorite Pearl Restaurant, I’m very excited to see three recent openings of new downtown restaurants.
Being the foodie kind of guy that I try to be, you can never have too many options. Congratulations to Michael and Christina Gyetvan on the newest addition to their triumphant trio of downtown Napa restaurants. If you haven’t had a chance, please be sure to visit soon. They’re open every day from 5 to 10 p.m. Check out the very cool website at AtlasSocialNapa.com. You absolutely must have the Atlas Jack. Their new school take on and old- school favorite …Cracker Jacks.
I never made it to Mini Mango (now Mango on Main) before it moved to Main Street but have quickly become fan of 8 Noodle Shop, the latest creation by Chef David Lu, located at the old Mini Mango location. Liberty duck buns, chicken and rice bowl and pork belly, pulled pork ramen are among my favorites. Located at 1408 Clay St. Check out the menu at EightNoodleShop.com.
I’ve heard a lot of rumblings about this old local favorite, and haven’t had the chance to get there with the family, but as the sign says on the old Rossi’s Deli building: Pasta Prego is back! Open daily — dinner only — from 5 to 9:30 p.m.