San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
House of Better
One of Wine Country’s best kept secrets is the unofficial pie shop at the Dr. Wilkinson’s resort in Calistoga. (There’s even a pie vending machine, but it’s currently out of service.) Chef Trevor Logan’s beloved, buttery pies from the defunct San Francisco outfit Green Chile Pies are now served at his newest restaurant, House of Better, a casual, Southwestern-themed eatery with a healthy spin. While this small takeout window always has plenty of flavors on deck — like Mexican chocolate or nectarine and berry — its signature green chile apple pie wins every time, so don’t let the others distract you. Yes, it sounds like an odd choice, but there’s something magical about this sweet-and-spicy combo and the way the modest kick from the green chiles complements the baked apples instead of overpowering them. You can order by the slice ($8) or full pie ($40) while dining at the resort’s tables or Adirondack chairs. Have a go on the giant tree swing before you leave. — J.L.
1507 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga. houseofbetter.com