While we were
downing glasses of champagne at the Schramsberg
vineyard in Calistoga, we were tipped off that the place
to have lunch in St.
Helena is the
roadside Taylor's Automatic
Refresher. We were told to just drive down the main street
and look for the massive line of people. Sure enough, we found
this retro style restaurant by its funky design, and line of
people around the block. Taylor's
Automatic Refresher is exactly what an American fast food joint
should be. It serves up classics like burgers and fries but with
a gourmet twist- and is also the recipient of a James Beard award
(how many fast food places can say that?) We tucked into turkey
burgers (which were delicious, except for the mango chutney which
I thought was overkill), as well as chilli dusted sweet potato
fries and washed it all down with a green tea milkshake. As
Rachael Ray would say, Yum-O! Next time I'll have to come back
and try the fish tacos. For lunch for two, expect to pay about
$50 - a small price to pay for fast food that actually tastes
good. Taylor's
Automatic Refresher, 933 Main Street, St. Helena, CA
94574. Phone: (707) 963-3486.