1984 Auberge du Soleil Expansion, Rutherford, California

The unveiling of Auberge du Soleil took place Sunday, September 27, 1981. It may have been the first black tie dinner party given in the Napa Valley town of Rutherford, California. The $150 per person dinner was a benefit for the Napa Valley Symphony and included fashion show by Wilkes Bashford and dancing to the Peter Mintun Trio. This video clip was broadcast a little over four years later and features an interview with co-owner Claude Rouas, who discusses the cuisine and the concept for expanding the tiny hotel, which attracted the likes of Johnny Carson and other celebrities after it opened in June, 1984. His architect, Sandy Walker, is also in the clip. Michel Cornu came to the Napa Valley in 1983 as executive chef of Auberge du Soleil, then cooked at his own place, an already established restaurant called Mama Nina's, in Yountville from 1987 to 1992, when he sold the restaurant and began catering exclusive parties under the name Michel & Co. He has served as culinary director of Far Niente Winery since 1987, preparing food for its special tastings and meals. Rouas was born to a large family in North Africa. At his older brothers suggestion, he attended hotel and restaurant school. Subsequently he worked at Maxims in Paris and made his way to America. He became the manager of Ernies, one of San Franciscos finest restaurants, where he met Henri Barberis. Together they leased LEtoile, a struggling restaurant in the Huntington Hotel on Nob Hill. Within a few years LEtoile became one of San Franciscos most sophisticated restaurants, and allowed the partners to purchase another restaurant, Fleur de Lys on Sutter Street. LEtoile closed in 1990 and Fleur de Lys is now in the hands of Rouas brother, Maurice. Auberge du Soleil is a member of Relais & Chateaux.

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