Bill Murray, who’s grown as famous for his appearances in the real world as his roles on screen, dined this weekend at Acacia House just outside downtown St. Helena. His chef/admirer for the meal was Chris Cosentino, meat master of Cockscomb in SoMa, who opened Acacia House at the new luxury hotel Las Alcobas in May.
Murray is known for spontaneity, but in this case, the actor’s presence is long-planned: He’s in town for Festival Napa Valley where he’ll perform readings from Whitman to Twain accompanied by music from cellist Jan Vogler. The big show is on Thursday, July 20, and beforehand, Cosentino will host a “Vintner’s Luncheon” at Acacia House associated with the Festival.
Cosentino, a Top Chef Master winner and something of a star himself, appears to have given Murray a sneak preview of the food — and wine — for the event Thursday. The chef writes on Instagram that he “never ever fan boy[s]”, but had to make an exception for Murray. Understood.
Those in Napa might keep an eye out for Murray, but should maybe keep the fanboying/girling to a minimum. In Carmel last year he reportedly seized phones from starstruck diners at Vesuvio and pitched them off the roof. He paid for the damages and they didn’t press charges.
- Top Chef Masters' Chris Cosentino To Open St. Helena Restaurant [ESF]
- Chris Cosentino Reveals Name and Concept for St. Helena Restaurant [ESF]
- Festival Napa Valley [festivalnapavalley.org]
- Bill Murray Hurled Fans’ Phones Off Rooftop [TMZ Sports]
