Cold, wet winter days mean lots of time indoors. Add little ones to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for cabin fever. Such was the case last week, so we decided to check out a newcomer to the downtown dining scene, The Little Gourmet, described as “a kid’s restaurant that’s grown-up friendly”.

Arriving with our brood, ages 5 and 2, we knew right away this would be no ordinary lunch out. As we walked up to the building, a sign directed us to stroller parking, very handy indeed. We entered and heard familiar children’s music playing softly in the background, and were immediately greeted by friendly staff. The kid’s eyes zoomed in on shelves filled with toys and games at both ends of the restaurant.

We chose a table near one of the shelving units, and within seconds, we had water, the kids in fun colored unbreakable cups, and a selection of cutup veggies with ranch dip. Assuming they were presented to keep little fingers busy, we offered them to the kids who smiled at us with eager smiles and asked if they could go play with the toys instead. No problem, my husband and I polished off two servings while we chatted about the extensive menu.

The kid’s menu was huge, with a wide array of healthy, fun sounding choices. The adult menu showed the place is grown-up friendly. We had seven things to choose from, plus that day’s special, ranging from a tiger prawn salad with a creamy mint dressing, to pasta with grilled portobello mushrooms. Neither of us could choose just one, so we opted to get the roast beef French dip panini and a grilled organic Niman Ranch hamburger. I couldn’t resist adding a side of sweet potato fries to the order.

After a quick meal consultation, the kids went back to the toys. The adults got to chat while the tikes played happily, and we weren’t silently hoping for the food to hurry up and get there, like we usually do when out with the kids.

When lunch did arrive, we had to lure the children back to the table. Wagon wheels alfredo and PBJ&B (peanut butter, jelly, and banana) pizza did the trick.

We had a great lunch, the panini alone is reason enough to go back, and when my son spilled his apple juice, nobody flinched. In a place made for kids, such things are everyday occurrences, and were handled quickly and without batting an eyelash by the easy going staff.

When it comes to design for kids, no detail was overlooked. From the atmosphere to the menu to the service, it is obvious the owners are the parents of a little one as well.

We ended our meal with the chocolate pot de crème, which was so good there was a flurry of silver as the spoons flew in and out of it. So good it was, in fact, that I ordered a second to keep all for myself.

Usually when we take our kids out to it, a lot of forethought is involved. I pack a little bag filled with toys, books, crayons and the like, anything to keep them busy at the table. When we took them to the Little Gourmet, I didn’t bring a thing but my appetite. My kids were happy and entertained the whole time we were there, had a healthy meal, and can’t wait to go back. As for my husband and I, we decided it was one of the most peaceful meals we’d had in a long time. Add that to the chocolate pot de crème and we can add this place to our list of favorites.

The Little Gourmet is at 1040 Main St., behind the Napa Valley Opera house, across from the movie theater. They are open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. For more information, check out the Web site at  www.thelittlegourmetnapa.com, of call257-7700.