Greg and Teresa Johnson operated ZinsValley in Browns Valley for almost 10 years, and loved every day of it. Their slogan, “We can’t wait to feed you” conveys the enthusiasm both share for good food and hospitality.

For the past four or five years, though, they thought about moving to downtown. “We couldn’t find the right spot or the rent was too high in the places we found. We enjoyed where we were, so we stayed put,” said Teresa. When the economy tanked, it had a silver lining for the Johnsons. They were finally able to negotiate a lease and make the move.

ZinsValley is now at 1106 First St., in the back of Dwight Murray Plaza (home of the old clock tower) next to Kohl’s, and downtown is a better place for it.

Chef Greg Johnson cut his kitchen chops at Magnolia Grill, a James Beard house in North Carolina. He spent time at Mustards, Bistro Don Giovanni, Auberge de Soliel and most recently, Chardonnay Golf Club. His is “inspired American cuisine,” and will undoubtedly delight diners who may not have visited them before.

The restaurant interior and the full bar are all Teresa’s touch. “It’s like coming into my home.” The fireplace, shutters on the window and 42-inch TV give the bar a comfortable vibe. Inspiration for the whole restaurant comes from some of Teresa’s favorite places — Bouchon, Mustards and the Martini House.

Napans followed them to the new location, and have been very supportive, which the Johnsons appreciate. “Our wait staff wear shirts with “Small Town Proud” on them. We appreciate our community and thank everyone.”

Open seven days a week at 11 a.m., until you leave.

Make lemonade …

Kim Perata discovered Thomas Kincade 12 years ago, and was hooked. She frequented the same gallery, and learned to rely on the expertise of Carrol Cox, who has been with Kincade for 15 years.

Both women were crushed when their favorite store closed, but Perata made the best of the situation and opened Thomas Kincade of Napa Valley in the Napa Town Center, on First Street across from Talbots. And of course, she hired Cox to manage the gallery.

Kinkade is famous for creating “peaceful places where you want to be,” said Perata, repeating what she’s heard other aficionados say for years.

Kinkade creates “giclee prints,” a French term that refers to images that are created from high resolution digital scans and printed with to archival quality inks. The bottom line? People love what Kinkade does with light. Stop in the gallery seven days a week, or call 258-8200. Yesterday was their grand opening, so it’s the perfect time to stop in.

Boo!

OK, that may not have been very scary, but check out the sixth annual Hometown Halloween Parade next Saturday. It begins with a pet costume contest at 1:30 p.m. at the corner of Main and Pearl streets. Sponsored by Napa Humane, prizes and bragging rights are at stake here. The parade starts at the same corner at 2 p.m., moves south on Main to First Streets, then west to Franklin. It’s free, and open to children of all ages. Trick or treaters can have their photos taken with the casts of The Wizard of Oz and the Nightmare Before Christmas.

Join me and wish my wife a Happy Birthday. See you Downtown!

Craig Smith is the executive director of the Napa Downtown Association, and can be reached at 257-0322 or craig@napa

downtown.com.