DINING: HOT SPOTS
DINING HOT
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PALO ALTO
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Landing, with its panoramic views of Pillar Point Harbor and the Pacific Ocean, is the ideal place to dine on a gourmet feast. Crab, lobster, steaks, lamb, poultry, fresh seafood catches, and an oyster and sushi bar – all prepared with the freshest ingredients – provide epicurean delights for all appetites.
LOS ALTOS
POMPEII RISTORANTE $$ [Italian] 100 State St., Los Altos (650) 949-2400 www.pompeiiristorante.com
With a casual ambience, crisp white tablecloths and an order of tortellini all’ arrabiata, Pompeii Ristorante will have you throwing the Bertolli back in the freezer. Nestled in charming downtown Los Altos, Pompeii Ristorante offers an array of delectable pasta and meat dishes, including gnocchi gorgonzola, lasagna di carne and pollo marsala. Accompanying the dinner menu is an extensive pizza list and lunch menu filled with numerous panini options made with freshly-baked bread.
LOS GATOS
BLUE CHALK CAFÉ $$ [Mexican] 630 Ramona St., Palo Alto (650) 326-1020 www.bluechalk.com
Amenities at the Blue Chalk Café include billiards, shuffleboard, two distinctive bars, signature margaritas, live music, and festive recipes from the famed Left at Albuquerque restaurant. Favorites on the menu include the veggie stampede burrito (fresh sautéed vegetables, spicy black beans, feta cheese and basil dressing rolled in a whole wheat tortilla and drizzled with chipotle aioli) and the simple yet delicious fajita combo.
CALAFIA CAFÉ $$ [California] Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real, Ste. 130, Palo Alto (650) 322-9200 www.calafiapaloalto.com
Opened on Inauguration Day by Google superstar chef Charlie Ayers, Calafia has been an instant hit with its fast presentation of slow food, all made using fresh, local, natural ingredients. Don’t miss the lamb meatballs or the duck dumplings (and ask for a side of Ayers’ legendary Google hot sauce, if you dare!). Adjoining the café, Calafia’s Market A-Go-Go features an organic salad bar and offers prepared fare for those on the go, including sushi, wraps, salads, sandwiches and drinks.
THE COUNTER BURGER $$ THREE DEGREES $$$ [Modern American, French] 140 S. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos (408) 884-1054 www.threedegreesrestaurant.com
Three Degrees is a universal delight and is praised for breakfast, lunch and dinner alike. Because they use fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farms, the menu changes often. Expect a French twist on Modern American cuisine, and do not miss the champagne Sunday brunch, which features delectable dishes like tortellini in a mascarpone crème sauce. For dinner, rendezvous on the patio for a touch of romance.
WINE CELLAR $$$ [Modern American] 50 University Ave., Los Gatos (408) 354-4808 www.winecellarlosgatos.com
Whether dining inside among intimate custom ironwork and mica lighted booths, or on the outside patio with scenes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, it’s certain you’ll be romanced at The Wine Cellar. The restaurant is well known for its wine and fondue (traditional Swiss gruyere and cheddar and ale), but be sure to leave room for the succulent starters, pastas, entrées and, of course, chocolate fondue.
DINING
MOUNTAIN VIEW
SAKOON RESTAURANT $$ [Indian] 357 Castro St., Mountain View (408) 965-2000 www.sakoonrestaurant.com
Embark on a culinary journey with a mouthwatering blend of contemporary and traditional flavors representing multiple regions of India. Executive chef Sachin Chopra whips up tantalizing dishes, including kebabs, scallops, vegetarian naan and macadamia and white chocolate kulfi for dessert.
TIED HOUSE BREWERY $$ [American] 954 Villa St., Mountain View (650) 965-2739 www.tiedhouse.com
The cuisine is just as diverse as the beer menu, making every trip to the Tied House interesting and delicious. Standard, original beers include the Alpine Gold, Cascade Amber, Ironwood Dark and New World Wheat, and close to a dozen seasonal and specialty beers are rotated on the menu. Daily pastas, fresh fish, poultry, and steak, hearty salads, sandwiches and pub-style foods dominate the menu.
[American] 369 California Ave., Palo Alto (650) 3213900; 3055 Olin Ave., Ste. 1035, Santana Row, San Jose (408) 423-9200 www.thecounterburger.com
Do you ever crave a 2/3-lb. turkey burger with horseradish cheddar cheese, roasted red peppers, spicy pepperoncinis, a fried egg, and roasted garlic aioli on an English muffin? At The Counter, not only is there such a thing, but with five easy steps of choosing your meat, cheese, toppings, sauce and bun, anyone can create the ultimate personal burger. They also offer signature prefabricated burgers for those who are simply overwhelmed.
THE FISH MARKET $$ [Seafood] 3150 El Camino Real, Palo Alto (650) 493-8862 www.thefishmarket.com
There’s a dish to satisfy any seafood craving at the Fish Market. Chowders, seafood cocktails, sashimi and sushi, raw shellfish, salads, smoked fish, steamed shellfish, baked shellfish, cioppino and pastas, sandwiches, fish ’n’ chips and mesquite grilled entrées are just some of the categories offered at this seafood paradise. The garlic cheesy bread is a must-have with your meal.
FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR $$ [American, Steakhouse] 180 El Camino Real, Palo Alto (650) 329-8457 www.flemingssteakhouse.com
Prime beef reigns supreme at Fleming’s – marbled and aged for up to four weeks, then broiled at an unholy 1,600 degrees to seal in its flavors. Other indulgences include succulent seafood and chicken dishes and decadent desserts. More than 100 wines adorn the extensive list, including boutique wines, and all are available by the glass. A friendly, inviting atmosphere highlights this classic steakhouse experience.
LOUI LOUI $$$ [Steakhouse] 473 University Ave., Palo Alto (650) 326-2900 www.louilouisteak.com
Loui Loui’s menu, for all intents and purposes, looks like your standard steakhouse fare. Just one bite, however, and it’s clear that “standard” should not be mistaken for “common”. Try the braised short ribs with saffron risotto and see for yourself.
SUNDANCE THE STEAKHOUSE $$$$ [American] 1921 El Camino Real, Palo Alto 42
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THEWAVEMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 11-29, 2009