Five Senses Brings Modern Japanese Dining to Calistoga |
Chef Spencer Conaty turns a private dining venture into a gathering place on Lincoln Avenue |
Before Five Senses had a restaurant address in Calistoga, it was a private dining experience built around the idea that a meal could tell a story.
Now chef-owner Spencer Conaty is bringing that approach to 1227 Lincoln Avenue, Suite C, with a modern Japanese restaurant that combines sushi-bar craftsmanship with Northern California ingredients.
For residents looking for another dinner option downtown, the appeal starts with a choice: settle in at the counter to watch the preparation, or order à la carte and share plates around the table.
Conaty’s interest in Japanese cooking has a familiar beginning for anyone who grew up watching cooking competitions.
He admired Masaharu Morimoto on television, then went on to spend four years working at Morimoto’s Napa restaurant.
His subsequent experience included Atelier Crenn and Saison in San Francisco, followed by culinary work with Napa Valley wineries including Silver Oak, Brian Arden and Sequoia Grove.
Executive chef Ben Cereghini, who previously worked with Conaty in the private dining business, joins him in the restaurant kitchen.
That background helps explain the attention to presentation, but Five Senses describes its dining room as a place for families and friends as well as couples.
The menu allows guests to explore at their own pace.
Sushi, sashimi and small plates form the core of the restaurant’s modern Japanese approach, with seasonality shaping the connection to the surrounding valley.
At the sushi bar, preparation becomes part of dinner as the chefs work in view of their guests.
For a first visit, consider whether you would rather watch that process from the counter or make the evening about sharing dishes with your companions.
Because the restaurant labels its posted menus as samples, check the current offerings before planning around a particular dish.
Five Senses lists dinner hours Wednesday through Sunday, from 4 to 8:30 p.m.
Reservations are available through the restaurant, and the phone number is 707-947-9988.
A private dining idea now has a public home, giving Calistoga residents another reason to make dinner plans close to home. |
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A lot of impressive places on Spencer’s resume. I’m interested to see how that experience comes together at this new spot.
Sushi, sashimi and small plates are right up my alley. The counter seating sounds especially appealing.
My family likes sushi, but it’s nice to hear they want the dining room to work for families too. We’ll give it a try.
Raymond E.We’ve been looking for a place the kids can enjoy too. Let us know how it goes!
I’m always happy to see a new place downtown, though I hope reservations aren’t too hard to get at first.
Allison T.Hopefully the initial rush settles down. A weeknight reservation might be easier to snag.
Ben Cereghini joining Spencer in the kitchen sounds like a strong team. Hope they do well in Calistoga.
Good tip about the menus being samples. I’ve been disappointed before when a dish I planned on wasn’t available.
Sharing a few plates with friends sounds like the way to go here. I’m glad it isn’t only set up for a formal dinner.
Megan F.Agreed, sharing plates makes dinner feel more relaxed. I’m already thinking of who to invite.
I’ve walked past Suite C on Lincoln and didn’t know this was going in there. I’ll keep an eye out for it.
That 4 to 8:30 schedule is a little early for a late dinner, but it could work well for an evening out in town.
I like the idea of Japanese cooking that uses what’s in season around the valley. Hope the menu changes often.
Eli W.That would be great. The valley has so much seasonal produce to work with.
The private dining idea sounds lovely, but a public restaurant makes it much easier for the rest of us to try it.
Four years at Morimoto’s in Napa is impressive. Looking forward to trying the food for myself.
Glad to see another restaurant opening in Calistoga. It’s nice to have more choices close to home.
Becky L.Same here. It’s nice not having to drive out of town for another dinner option.
I hope they have a few approachable options for people who don’t eat sushi. The small plates sound promising.
Watching the chefs make sushi sounds like a nice experience. I’d probably choose the counter for my first visit.
Wednesday through Sunday hours are good to know. I’ll have to check the current menu before we make plans.
Chris B.Good reminder about the sample menus. I’d hate to plan around a dish that’s changed.
A new dinner option on Lincoln Avenue is welcome. I like that you can either sit at the counter or share plates at a table.
Janet SilvaThe counter sounds fun for a first visit, especially if you can watch them make the sushi.
Morimoto Napa and Atelier Crenn is quite a background. I’m curious to see what Spencer does with local ingredients.
I never got to try the private dinners, so I’m glad Five Senses has a place downtown now. The sushi bar sounds like a fun way to start.