where to eat now: london

Bargain bistro amid pricey restaurants

London is one of the most expensive cities in the world for dining. Casse-Croûte, a tiny bistro near London Bridge, shows it doesn't have to be. The bistro and wine bar serve quality food at prices you might have paid 10 years ago. Starters are 6.50 pounds ($10), entrees are around 13 pounds and desserts, 4.50 pounds. The 20-seater occupies a corner on Bermondsey Street, a foodie destination because of restaurants such as Zucca, Jose and Pizarro. But this informal place, with the day's menu written on a blackboard, hits the spot without breaking the budget (www.cassecroute.co.uk).

Bloomberg news

deal of the week

Time for food, wine and savings in Napa

The Harvest Inn in St. Helena, Calif., is offering a package in conjunction with Flavor! Napa Valley, a food and wine festival in November. The deal, valid Nov. 20-24, starts at $1,700 for two people, with taxes, and includes two nights in a vineyard-view room, daily breakfast, a bottle of wine and two tickets to a pair of signature events: the welcome dinner featuring a five-course meal with wine pairings by such chefs as Todd English and Larry Forgione, and the Appellation Trail: Tasting Napa Valley, a sampling of wines from more than 100 wineries and amuse-bouches from 25 restaurants. By comparison, two nights at the inn costs about $1,000, including taxes, and the two events are more than $1,000 for two people. Info: 1-800-950-8466; www.harvestinn.com.

Washington post