Elite Event: Global Treats at Heritage Eats

North Bay YEE’s are typically small, exclusive affairs. The Global Treats at Heritage Eats YEE was no exception. The difference with this NB YEE, however, wasn’t that it was so much at some upscale setting or magnificent winery estate. As many NB YEE’s often are. Instead, quite possibly, it was a glimpse into the future.
Heritage Eats is a fast casual restaurant that, at this point, would most likely be compared to Chipotle. The ordering of food & the assembly of that order here is mechanically very similar to how it’s done at a Chipotle. But that’s where the similarity ends. & the diversity of the menu is the reason why.
At Chipotle, you can get a burrito. That’s about it. Really. Remove the tortilla & you have a bowl. Stuff it into shells & you have tacos. But the list of ingredients that go into any of those formats is short & repetitive. In contrast, the Heritage Eats menu we were handed at this YEE was enticing, intriguing, & open to numerous distinctly different possibilities.
It was like going from a drab monochrome World into an existence full of vibrant colors. 6 proteins. 7 bases. 9 toppings. 10 sauces. & the ability to mix & match all of those in any whimsical way desired. If you’re struck with indecision, there’s also pre-​composed dishes selected from the wealth of options.
That’s the route I took. I got their Jamaican Bao. From their menu, it’s: Jamaican jerk chicken (protein) on 2 steamed bao buns (base) w/​crunchy cabbage slaw (topping), Asian pickled veggies (topping) & pineapple habanero sauce (sauce). Given the number of choices for each component, the diversity of outcomes is staggering.
Equally impressive as the food concept was the enthusiasm of the owners/​founders Ben & Jason. They showed a real passion for food & a commitment to using locally/​responsibly/​sustainably sourced ingredients. All while presenting bits of cuisines from all around the World. It’s their inspiration that drives the diversity of the menu.
As for that glimpse into the future, a constant topic of discussion for us Elites at this YEE was where would they open their next location. It’s apparent they’ve taken a successful fast casual model & elevated it to the next level. I know if there was a Heritage Eats in my neighborhood, I’d pick them over any other fast casual competitors.
Thanks again & always, Kevin B. for another fantastic NB YEE. It wasn’t all the grand splendor that NB YEE’s tend to be. But maybe it was a little peek at things to come. Thanks to the Unilocal friends who turned out for a weekday night in Napa. It was great seeing you. & thanks Heritage Eats for the delicious intro to what you do. I strongly feel you’re onto something.

My first official North Bay YEE ! woot woot !!
thank you heritage eats for hosting us at your restaurant! it was a delightful evening with great company, great food, and great wine!
we started the night and were seated in the outside patio! … which was equipped with heaters and a flat screen TV… oh did i mention their patio is dog friendly… in case you happen to have your fur baby with you… I would have totally made my +1 my pup lol.
so we got a few app. pita chips and sweet potatoes fries ! yummy ! along with them came a few of their in house made sauces :)
All of us received a Heritage eats tote bag, perfect since there are a few groceries store in this complex :)
Wine tastings were also included in our delightful evening.
Prior to proceeding inside, we got an introduction to their revolutionary concept, ethnic food at affordable prices all under one roof ! with the choice to mix and match :)
the restaurant was founded by Ben and Jason, what a cool concept to bring to Napa, they also do a great job at using local produce.
As we made our way inside, we got to pick a meal combo. I went with the chicken tikka masala burrito! it was packed with all sorts of savory ingredients.
My partners in crime got tacos and the cowboy steak burrito. IN addition, we also asked to try and the horchata and thai ice tea… OMG the thai ice tea was delicious! pretty on par with other thai ice teas I ve had.
Thank you again Kevin and heritage eats for having us! looking forward to coming to visit heritage eats!

The gourmet experience in Napa with the convenience of fast-​casual environment.
Ben and Jason are the hearts, souls, and hands behind this new kid on the block, Heritage Eats. Sourcing local and seasonal ingredients, highlighting foods’ flavor and complexity through tasteful preparation, and serving it fresh to-​go or to dine-​in within minutes at a limitless combinations. All for a very affordable price, less than $ 12-​$ 15 a person tip and tax included.
Walking in, the graphics and decors are original, colorfully and creatively curated with food-​inspired Slogans. They ironically promoted the slow food movement through their fast food concept, they are doing all the work and the diners are there to enjoy and support the farm-​to-​table movement.
The best thing is that they let you try all their fixings: cowboy steak, lemongrass pork, jerk chicken, etc. To guests visiting for the first time that is especially important. Do ask, if you get greedy like me to ask for 2 or 3 different meats to go on top of your wrap/​rice/​bao.
Don’t forget their delicious waffle-​cut-​fries or their sweet potato fries paired with 10 different sauces, the boom sauce is my favorite.
Cheers.

This was such a fun event! Got to drink some wine and try some flavorful foods. Always a good time with the North Bay Unilocalers and Heritage Eats was such an interesting place to visit! A bit like a globally inspired Chipotle, but with many more choices (and a bit more flavor…).
The lemongrass pork was so flavorful and delicious as was the tikka masala. I picked the bao with lemongrass pork and I was not disappointed! The bao was very soft, but also that tender/​chewy consistency. I got a mixture of all the toppings — tabbouleh, pickled veggies, and grilled veggies. The toppings add a different texture and crunch to the softness of the pork and bao. Also added a vinegary dimension as well as upping the «feel like you are doing something healthy», because vegetables!
The food was beautifully presented and prepared. There is a huge emphasis on local and sourcing food that is in season. Which makes sense in the Napa Valley. I can’t wait to come back and see what will replace the cauliflower as the seasonable vegetable — I hear rumors it may be butternut squash! Can’t wait to be back. Good job guys!

As someone with a PhD in salad consumption, trust me when I say I know salad and that Heritage Eats has a great one. The «Wall Salad» is an affectionate nickname given to the salad whose photo graces one wall of the café. It’s the salad I received when I told the co-​owner, Jason, that I wanted «salad and spicy» and it can be said that he knows his menu. The Wall Salad is fabulous, everything I asked for and more:
* Jamaican Jerk Chicken (dubbed extra spicy)
* Salad Bowl
* Crunchy Cabbage Slaw
* Quinoa Tabbouleh
* Roasted Corn & Edamame
* Pico de Gallo &
* Creamy Cilantro Sauce
Heritage Eats is being compared, by many, to Chipotle, a comparison which I think people intend as a compliment. It needs further explanation however, to understand why that’s a compliment. Here there is the same formula of a) get in line b) walk through the variety of offerings and c) say what you want at each stage. There is a similar offering of tortilla wrapped items, rice bowls, and salad bowls but the comparisons stop there.
Do you remember, in math class, when you were asked to determine the number of possible combinations for an assortment of items being offered? Me too but I’m not going to figure it out for you. Just know that the Custom Built Eats section of the menu offers 5 different proteins (e.g. Chicken Tikka Masala, Crispy Chickpea Falafel), 7 different bases (e.g. Steamed Bao Buns, Norcal Dutch Crunch), 9 different toppings, and 10 different sauces. I think that’s upward of one million possible delicious variations.
Make it easy on yourself. Go for the Wall Salad or any of the 7 «Good Calls» that Heritage Eats has already standardized, then add what you like to customize it. And while you’re at it, don’t forget the fabulously non-​greasy Waffle Fries or Sweet Potato Fries ($ 3.75 each).
Heritage Eats isn’t one of those beautiful Wine Country destination restaurants. It’s a casual, clean place with a sweet, heated outdoor patio. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner with the family or solo, and once you’ve tasted what’s offered you’ll likely be inclined to make it a personal destination spot for entirely different reasons. It is really good.
Thanks to the generosity of the owners (Ben & Jason) for their great food. Thanks to Innovatus Wines (Cecil,
) for the wonderful fine wine accompaniment, and to Kevin and Unilocal for hosting what proved to be a very perfect November night.

Kevin did an awesome job in arranging this event.
The food was fresh, seasoned beautifully and everyone had a good time with lots of laughs.

Thank you to Kevin, our awesome North Bay Community Manager and to Ben and Jason of Heritage Eats for another great evening of fantastic food with our Unilocal friends. I had read about this newest Napa creation in our local Santa Rosa newspaper and it seemed quite intriguing. The menu covers many areas of global eats and I think they have found themselves a great niche here in really great shopping center in Napa town. We had our meet and greet and never ending pours of delicious Innovatus wine on the covered AND heated patio. We were introduced to Ben and Jason and their big smiles and joyous energy! They were ready to lead us into the dining room and kitchen to order our choice of meals! And, oh how hard it was to decide! Ban Mi Dutch Crunch, the Jamaican or Thai Bao, Chicken Tikka Masala or Falafael Pita? Hubby and I shared 4 of these huge entrees. Our faves were the Thai Bao with the ultra soft and pillowy buns and the Falafel Pita. They also have a great selection of wines by the glass. Oh, I can’t forget the absolutely amazing waffle fries — the best I have ever eaten!
This was really a fun evening with a small group of very hungry and grateful Unilocalers!
Would love to see Heritage Eats come over the hill to our valley in Sonoma. But if not, guess we will have to drive over the hill and try all the great items on the menu! This is truly a fun experience with high quality, locally sourced food and great prices.

When I read the menu for this place I knew I would be a fan. I am happy to say it didn’t disappoint either! Ben and Jason, the masterminds behind this cute spot really hit the nail on the head. The esthetic is clean with a urban vibe. It does have the industrial look that seems to be popular with places like Chipotle, but I think a much warmer energy.
All of the food is heritage, locally grown and resourced from the area. It’s the only location and recipes are created in-​house. Jason’s wife hand makes the pita and Bao buns which are light, fluffy and delicious with a slightly sweet touch on the finish.
I tried the Thai Bao which was incredibly delicious. Lemon grass pork that was a little sweet, super tender it almost melted in your mouth. Definitely a winner in my book. I also tried the jerk Bao which was yummy with a nice spicy kick. Of the two my favorite was the Thai.
They make a house sauce called boom sauce and if you really want to bring it all home, ask to go to boom town. Ben will hook it up.
If sammies aren’t your thing you can nosh on rice bowls, salads, and wraps as well. I can’t wait to come back when I’m in the area again to try more delicious items on the menu.
Kevin and Heritage delivered a deliciously fun evening complete with delicious wines from Innovatus poured by the winemaker Cecil. Overall another great event and I’m so glad to have found a sustainably responsible and delicious go-​to when in Napa. Thanks everyone for a great way to spend a Thursday evening.

Intimate groups are always the best. You can have staring contest, your seat taken if there aren’t enough chairs, and daring conversations amidst Foodies and Friends. You have to appreciate good wine, good meats, and dining on a patio. Kudos to Kevin and the Unilocal family for putting this together. I’ve enjoyed this place so much, I will write a more detailed account on the «Heritage eats» page. Payce and chicken grease!

Another awesome Unilocal Elite north bay event with some tasty food and vino and great company! Thanks Kevin and the Unilocal team and to our Heritage Eats hosts for the top notch treatment and perfect patio warmth on a cool evening! Wish Heritage Eats was a little closer to home.

Huge, huge treat from Kevin and Heritage Eats; all so amiable, down to earth, and dedicated.
Great snacks as we listened to their story, good wine made the chill of seating on their nice patio go away, and then when ordering every item looked both intriguing and delicious.
While wishing they were located closer to home does nothing, this place is worth the drive if you have the opportunity to visit. With their extended and elevated menu, it really is almost like a place where global eaters and citizens of the world would get together. I know I will.

A night at Heritage Eats, dining on the patio with a small group of 25, was exactly why we all love Unilocal (and food, too). Heritage Eats brings globally inspired food to your neighborhood, giving you flavor from various cultures while still supporting local farms/​programs while doing so. Unilocal give us opportunities to experience these local businesses, meet other folks in the community, and eat some yummy things.
Upon arrival we received tote bags that ironically mimicked how traffic had been getting there «slow & steady wins the taste.» It was slow getting over there, but definitely worth the taste we received from Heritage Eats!
Benedict and Jason (as well as the wife), founders of Heritage Eats and clearly good buddies as well, introduced us to the restaurant with genuine passion and pride. They gave their welcome speech, then went right back behind the counter to serve the food along with the rest of their employees. It’s a really awesome thing to see companies where «the boss guy» is willing to get down to the ground level, put on some gloves, and participate in all aspects of their place — it shows they have pride in their product while still being humble themselves. This is also why I appreciate our Unilocal events so much, we get to meet the owners and see the substance behind the food we eat!
After our meal cards were exchanged for a veryhardtodecidebecauseeverythinglooksdelicious meal, we headed back to the heated outdoor patio to wine, dine, and discuss. The food, which was also generously sampled, was absolutely delicious. Heritage Eats offers a wide selection of food from different taste inspirations that you mix & match yourself, so it was really neat to see how all these food-​savvy Unilocalers created their own combinations. Something for everyone, and such a range of possibilities!
Even though we had the patio sectioned up just for the Elites, the restaurant itself was still open to the public. This interaction allowed us to see the everyday customers at the store, and they got to see how awesome our Unilocal events are. That was cool!
Cecil Park hosted the wine table, bringing us four offerings of the first wines made under her own brand name: Innovatus Wines. In seven years she’s gone from knowing little of wine to making her own rich flavorful bottles, they were great! (Seriously, I might need to buy a bottle or two online).
Overall, this pause for dinner on my trek driving around for work was the perfect way to spend my evening. Thanks to Heritage Eats for providing us with the delicious eats, to Cecil for the wine, to Kevin for adding me last minute, and for all the North Bay Elites for letting me crash your dinner party!

A fun party! The group really seemed to click at this event. The camaraderie was extra special evidenced by the scintillating conversations and copious laughter being shared.
Was it the food? The wine? The brisk evening weather? The anticipation of the upcoming holiday season? Yes!
Oh Kevin B., north SF bay Unilocal community manager — You do know how to throw a festive event!
Oh the food… If you like Chipotle, you will love Heritage Eats. Same dining concept with a lot more variety. Satisfying flavors, huge portions, low prices. All good!

So my girlfriend and I enter this sort of basic shopping center and then we see it. A huge bright sign proclaiming eat here that screams «HERITAGE EATS.» It dominates our vision. Its like a bug light to a moth, we can’t look away. We are mysteriously drawn to it. We become weaker. We give in and follow our nose.
First we see the smallish outdoor seating area (with heat lamps) and judge if its too cold. We want to eat here and enjoy the meal outdoors. Kevin welcomed us to the event for the North Bay Unilocal Elite «FIGHT CLUB,» and explained how the service would work for the night after getting our meal ticket. We were also joined by two interesting and very nice ladies. Kailyn and Catherine. Their conversation was brilliant. Thank you ladies for the company. Dawn and I are glad you chose our table.
As a starter we were served prolly the best waffle fries I ever had. And they were huge. With them in the basket were sweet potato fries. Also a basket of pita chips with home made hummus. Everything made here fresh … NOT frozen. And the dips. Oh yes the dips. spicy garlic, cilantro, and ranch. Everyone sat outside comfortably. New people joined our table and it was wonderful making new friends.
Not knowing anything about the food we look at the menu. Familiar foods in unique combinations. We think to ourselves are we brave enough to try something different. Hell ya. Bring it. Its time to let our mouths be awash in layers of world flavors and happy nuances. Now its time to go inside and order our evening delights.
We went inside and were greeted by one of the owners. First we met Jason. Big smile and eager to please. How nice is that. Then we met Ben the other owner. You could see how proud they are of this operation. A large staff on the assembly line furiously creating our unique meal before our eyes. Bins of prepared ingredients enticed us with choices of local organic vegetables, roasted or fresh. One may create all the hundreds of variations to be skillfully put together, or select from the menu the house suggestions.
Since it was our first time, we stuck with the menu instead of the custom built option, as the variations were endless to the final product. My gf had the #1 Bahn Mi Crunch (served in a Dutch crunch roll). And I had the #5 Thai Bao (made with the home made Bao Buns). The only way it could be better is to do it again the same. I had the Thai Iced Tea and my gf had the Horchata (a typical Mexican drink made from rice) beverages. Both made fresh. Portions were a great size. But the value came in the form of a happy palate. Layers of flavors come together in your mouth. Every bite seemed a little different and just as good. The Indonesian Chef is the heart and soul of the Kitchen. She makes sure it all comes together.
Outside We met Cecil. The wife of one of the owners and winemaker. She was tasting her fine product INNOVATUS Chardonnay, Merlot, Blend, and Cab Sauvignon (available online at
). All soft and lush. Balance of acid and tannin, and the chard was not too grassy. I found the chard went well with your meals and the reds stood against the seasonings in the hummus and appetizers. All were delicious and fruit forward.
Great food? Beyond that. Unique, innovator, forward thinking, teamed with sustainable agriculture and protein resources. I would return again with passion awakened.

I was excited when I saw Kevin post this Event. Limited to 25 Elites. I RSVP’d for the Event and Crossed my Fingers. Most Elites know that Kevin puts a lot of Efforts into his events and it shows.. I was happy when my Confirmation Email came saying I was in .
The day of the event my PO gave me the Ok to go and I had a fresh charge on my Ankle Bracelet I jumped in my Whip Black Beauty and rolled up to Napa. I got caught on Gridlock Traffic on 80 but once I hit 29 I hammered down. I was able to park right in front of the Patio at Heritage Eats .
I rolled out of my Whip and was welcomed by Kevin B the North bay Unilocal CM. I signed in and he gave me a nice Heritage Eats Tote Bag.
Jason and Ben the Creative Owners of Heritage Eats really rolled out the Red Carpet. We had the Whole Outside Patio, which is Heated and also Brightly Lit and even has a Huge LCD TV with Thursday nights NFL game on .
Cecil Park of Innovatus Wine. Com was pouring a Cuvee Red Blend and other Wines at her table on the Patio. The wine offerings I had tasted were Wonderful and Paired with the food offerings we tried very well.
Jason and Ben the Owners Of Heritage Eats — Slow Meats Fast TM. Gave us a Brief History and Overview of their Menu. I really like the Layout of their restaurant its Brightly Lit, Very Clean and Nicely Decorated. Its a Place You feel very Comfortable at. I hope they expand to the Eastbay. Their Concept is Pretty Awesome and their food is too .
I was at a Table of Exceptional Elites Led by «COOKIE AKA Christine R –North Bay Elite Queen Bee — She ordered Heritage Eats — Menu Items −1−7 off the Good Calls Menu for the Table .
We had a Sampling of Thai Bao, Jamaican Bao, Bahn Mi Dutch Crunch, Braised Pork Tacos, Cow boy Steak Wrap, Crispy Falafel Pita, Chicken Tikka Masala Wrap, Waffle and Sweet Potato Fries. it was literally a Feast. The Flavors were Vivid, Distinct and Very Fresh .I was very impressed by the Quality of the Food offerings .
Ben and Jason told us that their food is created from locally sourced ingredient’s.
They had a lot of Great Drink Options — Thai Iced Tea, Vietnamese Iced Coffee, Horchata and Hibiscus Tea All of these are made in house. They also have Pepsi Product also.
Leila the Northbay Staff Photographer Captured the Elite Event in Photos .
Thanks to Kevin B, Ben and Jason and the Staff of Heritage Eats for a Stellar, Yummy and Delish !! Elite Event !!!
2015 The Year Of Learning, Earning And The School Of Hard Knocks !!!

Dynamic duo Ben and Jason are RAD! Thank you for hosting an intimate group of thirsty and hungry Unilocalers on a Thursday evening. The spacious patio fit us comfortably with football on, while we imbibed on endless wines poured by winemaker herself Cecil Park, thank you for introducing us to INNOVATUS.
Kevin greeted us with nice tote bags with meal tickets stapled to each. We handed these tickets to the register for complimentary meals. We had helluva time deciding what we all wanted, so many good eats to choose from! Our solution was to order 1 thru 7 from the «Good Calls» menu to share at the table (Bánh mì Dutch crunch, Jamacian bao, braised pork tacos, cowboy steak wrap, Thai bao, chicken tikka massala wrap, and crispy Falafel pita). Everything tasted superb and fresh! These global-​inspired treats were palate-​pleasing, and there’s something for everyone. Who needs to travel when one can travel to Napa and dine at Heritage Eats. I love their tagline: «slow meats fast», keeping it simple.
The «Custom Built Eats» offered four options #1 pick protein, #2 choose base, #3 add toppings, and #4 pick sauce, all made with local ingredients. House made drink options were Thai iced tea, Vietnamese iced tea, hibiscus tea, and horchata. The waffle fries and sweet potato fries were addicting, so were the creamy sauces. Can we say «food coma» altogether? (rhetorical question).
A fun evening had by all thanks to our ever-​so-​dapper-​looking fella Kevin B. for organizing another outstanding event! Thanks to Leila for always being there to capture our quirky, Unilocaly moments. Kudos to all those who tipped the stellar staff at Heritage Eats. Remember tipping is always Useful, Funny, and Cool. Can’t wait to come back to this fine establishment with the fam bam!
‘Til we meet again ~ cheers and SYOY!
P. S. Hope to see Heritage Eats in Marin or SF soon «slow meats fast» =)