Sad news for fans of Foothill Cafe: Chef and owner Mari Jennings has announced she plans to close the charming neighborhod  bistro in early February.

Jennings, who took over the restaurant from Jerry Shaffer, brought fresh imagination to the menu but still retained the cafe’s famed ribs and prime rib. She also updated the restaurant, creating a candlelit setting for its enticing foods.

The new restaurant garnered one of three Bib Gourmand rankings for Napa Valley restaurants in Michelin’s first guide to Northern California  last fall. These are awarded to restaurants that are personal preferences of the Michelin inspectors.

Jennings had worked at Don Giovanni and Gordon’s Cafe before opening her own cafe.

Her talented sous chef Namon  File can be seen on Public Television during February, talking with the Register’s Pierce Carson on “Wining and Dining,” which airs this Thursday and Saturday on Channel 28. 

The Foothill Cafe is at 2766 Old Sonoma Road. For reservations or take-out  —  to taste those delectable ribs while you can  —  call 252-6178.

Cooking with Pilar

Pilar Sanchez hosts her first Saturday of the month cooking class this Saturday, starting at 11:30 a.m. On the menu for February is Dungeness Crab Bouillabaise with Rouille and Apple Tart on Home-made Puff Pastry. The cost of the class is $35.

Pilar is at 807 Main St., Napa. To reserve a place for the cooking class, call 252-4474.

Crab feed

The 2007 Napa High Crab Feed is Sat. Feb. 24 in Chardonnay Hall-Napa Valley Expo. Open seating tickets are $50 per person and include all-you-can-eat crab, pasta, salad and French bread. The annual fundraiser by the Napa High Sports Booster Club features silent and live auctions and dancing.

There is a no-host bar and attendees must be at least 21 years old. Blackjack tables will be open through the evening.

 Special reserved seating is available for $100 per person, which includes a sparkling wine reception, special raffles, butter warmers, crab crackers, wine and premium seating.

Open seating tickets are available at all Vintage Bank locations and the Napa High Athletics Office (9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday). Reserved seating tickets can be purchased at the A.D office or through a Crab Feed committee member.

For auction or donation information, contact Cindy Boyett at 259-1455 or Devonna Smith at 322-3855 or fax 251-9810.

 To volunteer as a food server, contact Caryn Green at 287-0742. For further information  contact Scott Kostecka, athletic director, at 253-3840./Register