I’m just gonna say it. American pastries can be good, even great, but they rarely hold a candle to the delicate, Old World pastries of Europe. If you’ve been overseas, you know that smell, that swoon-worthy feeling when you plunge headlong in a cream-filled puff of butter, flour and years of perfection. Ca’Momi Enoteca at the Oxbow Market in Napa somehow embodies all of that, stateside.

“Obsessively authentic Italian” only begins to describe their “bigne”, 100% organic cream puffs flavored with orange, vanilla bean, strawberry, hazelnut, coffee and almonds, then drizzled with caramelized sugar or chocolate. You’ll want to buy them by the dozen, because they won’t last long once you’ve popped a few in your mouth.

While you’re there, stop in for lunch or dinner, where they’re currently serving up gnocchi with butter, sage and Parmigiano reggiano, braised cuttlefish on polenta with, fried sweetbreads or lasagna with radicchio.

What else? We also discovered a treasure trove of bitters, booze and shrubs from Napa Valley Distillery at the Market. It’s a grown up cocktail-Candyland, from their own reserve vodka, Meyer lemon liqueur and whiskey to Luxardo cherries, artisan bitters from around the world, flavored vinegars and specialty tonics.

Oxbow Market, 644 1st St. at Soscol Ave., Napa.

Call us flabbergasted. The Best Restaurant in America, as voted by OpenTable diners is St. Francis Winery in the Sonoma Valley.

Not that the luxe wine and food pairings that I once gushed “rival the kitchen of any Michelin-starred restaurant” aren’t deserving of the award. Most foodies know that wineries pay big bucks to have top-notch chefs doing super creative work (and not have to be at the whims of the general public), pairing great wines with great food.

But its surprising that the Best Restaurant in America is, well, first and foremost a winery. And beat out heavy hitters like The French Laundry, SF’s Acquerello, Daniel and Le Bernardin in New York and 99 other major hitters across the U.S.

So with a hearty clap of the hands, we say congrats to Winery Chef David Bush, who culls the best produce from the Sonoma Valley winery’s two-acre garden, taking inspiration from whatever’s in season, and has won numerous accolades for his work.

Want to see for yourself? St. Francis Winery has reservations for their food and wine pairings Friday through Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday) here.

From Dec. 6, 2013, to Feb. 9, 2014, Calistoga hosts its fifth annual Winter in the Wineries Passport program, a unique wine tasting guide offering visitors a relaxed way to tour, taste and meet winemakers at 14 noteworthy wineries, as well as experience the warm and genuine vibe of the charming northern Napa Valley town.

For $75, Calistoga’s Winter in the Wineries Passport program allows passport holders to access up to 14 wine tastings any time during the two month period – a wine tasting value of over $250. Additionally, passport holders will receive discounts at several of Calistoga’s finest restaurants, lodging properties and downtown shops. More information online or call (707) 942-6333.

Biteclubbers tipped me off that the former owners of Twisted Vines in Petaluma have opened Twisted 2, an intimate prix fixe dining experience (and happy  hour) Thursday through Sundays.

Owners Dick and Julie Warner each play to their own strengths, with Dick (a local wine merchant) focused on the well-curated wine selections and Julie (most recently of Glen Ellen’s Olive & Vine) in the kitchen. There’s a strong focus on line-caught Hawaiian fish along with lots of produce from their own gardens and local producers. Sample four-course enu  includes ahi sashimi, escarole Caesar, grilled fish with parsnip potatoes, lamb chops, meyer lemon pudding and flourless walnut cake.

Dinner prices range from around $60pp without wine to $95 with wine. Just want a nibble and a sip? Check out the Happy Hour and a Half from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with wines by the glass and small plates, soup and salads. Reservations recommended, (707) 789-9914, 29F Petaluma Blvd North, Petaluma.

We couldn’t leave this one alone: Apparently the Duck Dynasty now has a wine label. The reality television show, which features the foibles and follies of a group of camo-wearing, beard-sporting good ‘ol boys from Louisiana, has spun-off hundreds of products (from cookbooks and faith literature to T-shirts and “duck” tape) was apparently a natch for a line of wines from Trinchero Family Estates (based in Napa).

On the Duck Commander wine roster:  Wood Duck Chardonnay (rich tropical fruit aromas, creamy finish), Triple Threat Red Blend (jam like fruit) and of course, Miss Priss Pink Moscato (white peaches, honeysuckle). They’ll be in stores just in time for holiday giving. Imagine that.

Michelin-starred Madrona Manor will once again hold their beloved annual Dickens Dinners Dec 8 through Christmas Day. In addition to a five-course feast from Chef Jesse Mallgren, strolling carolers in 19th century garb serenade diners throughout the evening.

The menu includes Smoked Egg Sabayon with Estate Watercress, and Proscuitto Syrup and Potato, Beef Wellington with Mashed Potatoes and Red Wine Reduction. Osetra Caviar, black winter truffles and Alba white truffles.

Prices range from $90 to $170 per person (for the Christmas night dinner). Reservations are required, and can be made by calling (707) 433-4231. More details online.

Want to extend your holiday fun? Book a room at Madrona Manor on the night of your dinner reservation and receive 25% off the room rate for that night.

Area Mary’s Pizza Shacks will celebrate what would have been founder Mary Fazio’s 100th birthday Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013. Which, of course, means a free slice of birthday cake for diners throughout the day at all Mary’s locations.

The iconic pizzeria has been a Northbay staple since 1959, when Mary founded her first “shack” in Boyes Hot Springs, growing to 19 locations in Northern California. Fazio passed away in 1999, but her family continues to run the company.

Kaede Japanese is slated to open in the Larkfield Shopping Center (near Molsberry Market) in the coming months.

So far, not much info, but it joins Baan Thai (one of the best local Thai restaurants that’s remained well under the radar), Cookie Take A Bite’s kitchens (gourmet cookies from a former Cyrus pastry chef) and Sweet Cakes, BiteClub’s newest bakery find with scratch-baked morning muffins, croissants, brownies, cupcakes, custom cakes, pies and, well you get the idea. We’re especially fond of their signature graham cookies and Snack Crack (a pretzel rod covered in caramel and chocolate).

Oops! And how could I forget Big Boys Buns and Burgers!

Torc, a new American restaurant in downtown Napa, opened in early December 2013. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the opening dishes. Stay tuned for other menu items including Dungeness crab with Buddha’s hand, artichoke soup, roasted beet salad, Liberty Duck agnolotti, pork with cheddar grits, Pacific sablefish and sweet and sour baked Rancho Gordo beans.

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On Dec. 5, 86 Sonoma County restaurants will donate up to 50% of their food sales to Food For Thought, Sonoma County AIDS Food Bank. The national night of dining out benefits local AIDS/HIV-focused non-profits. All you have to do? Eat out. A list of participating restaurants in Sonoma County is available at diningoutforlife.com/sonomacounty/restaurants.