No man is an island; we are all interconnected by our humanity. That
is the philosophy of Ubuntu, a belief rooted in Zulu culture that
emphasizes people's allegiances, relationships, community, sharing, and
generosity. Ubuntu, then, is an apt name for the Michelin-starred
restaurant, which aims to connect patrons with the bounty of the earth
through produce that is sustainably and biodynamically grown. Located in
downtown Napa, Ubuntu is a restaurant, yoga studio, and store, all in
one building. The dining space is quite modern and rustic with exposed
brick, wood, steel, and conduit and features a wine bar with an
expansive wine list and an open kitchen. I had the absolute pleasure of
dining at Ubuntu on my day trip to Napa two weekends ago. What sets the
restaurant apart is its all vegetable menu. All dishes are vegetarian or
nearly vegan, but what some might consider a culinary limitation
becomes limitless in the hands of executive chef Aaron London.
The saying is true that you eat with your eyes first. At Ubuntu
everything looks like it is created by an artist. As you can see by the
photographs, chef London presents food in a unique and very eye-catching
way. The stunning dishes don't just stop at looks, they taste wonderful
too. Many dishes, such as the salads, are just combinations of
different vegetables prepared simply, but with amazing flavors that
speak beyond their simplicity. It definitely has something to with the
fact that all the produce used by the restaurant is sourced locally,
much of it from the restaurant's own garden, about 10 miles outside
downtown Napa. The care that goes into the garden and the cooking
definitely shows on the plates.