CORPORATE EVENTS ~ WEDDINGS ~ GETAWAYS golf 18 HOLES OF CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF ONE HOUR FROM RENO AND TAHOE April/May 2015 83 Zola may be a bistro, but main courses are fresher, lighter and have more modern zip than the typical spot found in a Parisian arrondissement. Bienaimé is a whiz with seafood (sustainable, of course), with even more delicate fish like flounder, snapper and cod emerging moist and flavorful. He does right by salmon as well, pan-roasting it and complementing it with carrot ginger mousseline and sesame brown butter. Two eminently satisfying meat entrees are emerging as signature dishes. Served in a cute little iron pot, the chef ’s short ribs “Bourguignon” feature slow-cooked protein redolent of wine and mirepoix that is fall-apart tender. Ever-popular pork belly here is paired with pork loin and roasted until achieving a crisp outside and unctuous middle. The apple, turnips, Brussels sprouts, maple and sage are perfect accompaniments. Just as Bienaimé is progressive in his cooking, he’s also innovative when it comes to wine. He curates his own list, including interesting French and some California wines and doesn’t slap on the usual consistently high markup. Meanwhile, his corkage fee for older wines brought in by guests is just $10. Like the other courses, desserts here combine the past with the present, such as outrageously good chocolate mousse that prettily layers the pudding with coffee gelée, cocoa cookie crumbles, whipped cream and flakes of salt. The nicely presented spice cake with cream cheese, ginger and pears is also a luscious mouthful. The small, narrow interior is pure French bistro, with teal blue ceiling and wall, plank floors and bentwood chairs. Despite the addition of panels to lower noise, Zola’s decibels can be on the high side when the room is crowded—which is usually. This isn’t the spot for a quiet, romantic dinner. But the happy supply of patrons isn’t deterred, streaming into this convivial, new-fashioned bistro to get a little taste of Paris 5,600 miles away. ZOLA, 565 Bryant St., Palo Alto, 650/521- 0651; www.zolapa.com HOURS: Tuesday–Thursday, 5–9 p.m. Friday– Saturday until 10 p.m. Reservations strongly recommended. PRICES: Starters: $7–$15; entrees: $24–$34; desserts: $6–$8. n Pro ShoP & Starting timeS 530•836•2323 graeagle, California 96103 web: playgraeagle.com With a View Graegle:Graegle 3/25/09 6:39 PM Page 1 Get back to basics and discover the pace of nature at Costanoa. Surrounded by acres of undisturbed wilderness, rolling hills and secluded beaches, Costanoa offers a spectacular setting for family getaways, team building, high-speed wireless internet access, gourmet catering, massage, horseback riding, mountain biking, and more. To think outside the box, think outside… Think Costanoa. 2001 Rossi Road., Pescadero CA 94060 • www.costanoa.com • 650.879.1100 1 hour South of S.F. on Historic Highway 1
South Bay Accent - Apr/May 2015
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