Australian Octopus Shines in a Seasonal Menu Paired by New Sommelier Christina Stanley
NAPA, Calif., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- La Toque, Napa Valley's celebrated culinary landmark, is excited to announce the return of its 9th Annual All Black Truffle Menu: Summer Edition, offered exclusively from Wednesday, July 9 through Sunday, July 20, 2025.
Under the direction of Chef Ken Frank—internationally recognized as North America's foremost truffle chef—La Toque continues its tradition of celebrating the rare and nuanced flavors of the Tuber Melanosporum, also known as the Black Winter Truffle. Thanks to Southern Hemisphere cultivation, these exceptional Australian truffles arrive at peak ripeness during the Northern Hemisphere's summer months.
This year's multi-course tasting menu will highlight the prized Australian Black Winter Truffle in every dish, thoughtfully paired with peak-season ingredients such as fresh corn and morels. Among the featured items is Australian octopus, celebrated for its rich flavor and delicate texture.
"This season promises to be our most flavorful yet - I love the creative tension between summer's vibrancy and the truffle's intensity— their deep, earthy flavor is the perfect counterpoint to bright, peak-season ingredients," said Chef Ken Frank
La Toque is proud to collaborate with a curated group of Australian exporters - including Chef Frank Brunacci, the truffle sourcer-importer for The Subdus Group, and the Fremantle Octopus, known for its sustainably wild-caught octopus from Western Australia - to bring these exceptional ingredients to Napa for a limited-time experience. Frank Brunacci said, "I source the winter Perigord truffle through a network of farmers, exporters, and importers like myself."
"Over the years, we've built a deep trust with Frank—a shared commitment to quality, timing, and flavor," said Chef Ken Frank.
La Toque's renowned wine program—boasting over 2,500 selections—elevates the truffle dining experience with carefully curated pairings. Each course on the Summer Truffle Tasting Menu is thoughtfully matched with wines selected to enhance the depth and nuance of the truffles, drawing from esteemed producers from France and Sonoma Coast including, Champagne Waris-Larmandier (Grand Cru), Daniel Etienne-Defaix (2013 1er Cru) Chablis, Domaine Guillemot Savigny les Beaune (2021) and Marine Layer Pinot Noir (2022). Guests are encouraged to opt for the wine pairing option to experience the full symphony of flavors.
This summer also marks the debut of La Toque's new sommelier, Christina Stanley, a Napa Valley native and Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers. Christina brings a creative foundation to her blind tasting approach, holding a Bachelor of Music and an MFA in Music Improvisation and Composition from Mills College. Her experience includes roles as Wine Director at Oenotri and The Slanted Door Napa, as well as sommelier positions at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, The Charter Oak, Ungrafted, and Goose & Gander.
Reservations for the Summer Truffle Menu are now available:
About La Toque
La Toque is the signature restaurant of Chef Ken Frank, located in downtown Napa at the Westin Verasa. Recognized with a Michelin Star for over a decade and Wine Spectator's Grand Award since 2014, La Toque is celebrated for its French-inspired, seasonally driven menus and world-class wine program. The restaurant's seasonal menus are thoughtfully crafted, featuring ingredients sourced from a trusted network of local farmers, growers, and producers. At La Toque, every dish reflects a dedication to peak-season ingredients, sustainability, and ethically produced foods. For more information, visit or @LaToque on Facebook and @LaToqueRestaurant on Instagram.
Media Contact
Ashley Teplin, Studio 707 for La Toque, 1 287-9727 101, [email protected],
Laiko Bahrs, Studio 707 for La Toque, 1 415-794-9882, [email protected],
SOURCE Studio 707 for La Toque
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