Book excerpt: Follow Christopher Kostow’s journey from a young line cook in a seaside town to the storied Restaurant at Meadowood, the Napa Valley mainstay that has earned three Michelin stars and James Beard Awards for best chef and outstanding service under Kostow’s leadership. Through 100 artfully constructed recipes and stunning photography, Kostow details the transformative effect this small American valley has had on his life and work—introducing us to the artisans, products, growers, and wild ingredients that inspire his unparalleled food. As he shares stories of discovering wild plums and radishes growing along the creek behind his home or of firing pottery with local ceramists, Kostow presents a new Napa cuisine—one deeply rooted in a place that’s rich in beauty, history, and community.