Best of Palo Alto 2012 yellowtail with fresh orange Serrano salsa and the much-loved ceviche de huachinango (Pacific snapper in agua chile cucumber sauce, jicama, mango and red onion). Reposado, which also features a dizzying array of tequilas and wines, is fine dining with a traditional feel. 236 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, 650-833-3151; reposadorestaurant.com
New Restaurant Triathalon champion LYFE Kitchen manages to strike the delicate balance among the three key components of a good restaurant: affordable, healthy and delicious. LYFE Kitchen’s diverse menu offers sandwiches, burgers, wraps, salads and desserts — all in a fresh, clean, sit-down dining area. The restaurant also caters to vegans and vegetarians with diverse options. LYFE’s food is sure to please your taste buds as well as your bathroom scale. 167 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, 650-325-5933; lyfekitchen.com
Outdoor Dining (first-place tie) This year, Cafe Borrone shares the spotlight for exceptional outdoor dining (with Caffe Riace; see below). Borrone offers its patrons a wealth of outdoor seating — beneath the sun and in the shade. Owner Marina Borrone says that customers regularly comment on the high quality of food and service, too, as well as the restaurant’s community feel. “They say they absolutely love the people that
work here,” she says. “They love that it’s family and it’s community. It has a very special place in their heart.” 1010 El Camino Real #110, Menlo Park, 650-327-0830; cafeborrone.com The welcoming ambiance of Caffe Riace provides the perfect outdoor dining experience. Warm, delicious Italian food coupled with the cafe’s elegant, European architectural decor allows you to enjoy your delectable lunch or dinner on the great outdoor patio under the beautiful Palo Alto sunshine or moonlight. 200 Sheridan Ave., Palo Alto, 650-328-0407; cafferiace.com
Restaurant to Splurge Hall of Fame: Third Year Warm and classy. With its wood-fire aroma and chattering crowds, Evvia Estiatorio was an instant hit when it arrived on the Palo Alto scene in 1995, and has been a perennial favorite. A project of Greek-born real-estate developer George Marcus of Los Altos Hills, Evvia offers a wide-ranging menu of fresh and delicious Hellenic cuisine. 420 Emerson St., Palo Alto, 650-3260983; evvia.net Whether it’s a Bong Su Aperitif, Drunken Octopus, Hoisin Lamb Chops or Chili-Lime Aubergine, Tamarine Restaurant is an elegant place to go big for a special occasion. This sophisticated establishment was also voted a fusion favorite. See the complete listing under Fusion.
Romantic Restaurant Hall of Fame: Third Year Piety and romance don’t necessarily go hand in hand, but Palo Alto’s top romantic-dining destination is a saint. St. Michael’s Alley has been charming guests for years, earning it a spot in the Best Of Hall of Fame. The soft-glow ambiance, enticing menu (including summer zucchini tart, seared wild sea scallops and tiramisu) and robust wine selection help set the table for a truly romantic outing both you and your date will savor. 140 Homer Ave., Palo Alto, 650-326-2530; stmikes.com Romantics also swooned over La Bodeguita del Medio as a LatinAmerican restaurant, for its bar/lounge and excellent ambiance. See the complete listing under Ambiance.
Solo Dining Hall of Fame: Third Year When it comes to eating alone, Best Of Hall of Famer Cafe Borrone is the place to be. One of these reasons is Chef Josh Pebbles, who started working at Borrone when he was 18. He now heads up the kitchen, delivering a constantly changing but always delicious menu. Pebbles says that his dinner specials are the most popular, from in-house-made pasta to ratatouille with polenta. 1010 El (continued on page 51)
Calafia Café and Market A-Go-Go knocked out the competition in the Vegetarian Restaurant category (pictured: Calafia owner Charlie Ayers).
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Twilight Concert Series
2012
3ATURDAYS PM s &REE !DMISSION July 28 – Rinconada Park
Fil Lorenz Orchestra August 4 – Mitchell Park
Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet August 11 – California Avenue
Sunday, August 19 11 am to 3:30 pm Bloodmobile will be parked at 3121 Middlefield Road, Redwood City Make a blood donation to help local patients in need. Then enjoy a day of free live entertainment, arts and crafts, food and beverages, children’s rides and acivities and a fesitve parade.
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ShopPaloAlto.com Today
North Fair Oaks Community Festival Blood Drive
The Unauthorized Rolling Stones August 18 – Mitchell Park
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Part of Stanford University School of Medicine.
Presented by the City of Palo Alto Arts and Sciences Division and the Palo Alto Weekly, with additional support from Palo Alto Online, Palo Alto Community Fund, Whole Foods, The Counter, and Gordon Biersch
Schedule a donation: 888-723-7831 bloodcenter.stanford.edu
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