2D0ININ0G HOT SPOTS ©KONDOR83/SHSUTTERSTOCK Here’s the dish. Our incomparable SEMIANNUAL DINING GUIDE pleases your palate AFGHAN for whatever Kabul, 833 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. 408/245- 4350. Entrees include garlicky spinach stew, charcoaled meats and leek and onion dumplings. $$ AMERICAN All Spice, 1602 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo. 650/627-4303. Michelin-starred restaurant serving evocative New American cuisine featuring Indian and other worldly influences. $$ Arcadia, 100 W. San Carlos St. (San Jose Marriott), San Jose. 408/278-4555. Created by Michael Mina, this stylish steakhouse puts innovative twists on classic American cuisine. Also an extensive wine list. $$$ The Basin, 14572 Big Basin Way, Saratoga. 408/867- 1906. This casual neighborhood bistro in downtown Saratoga serves up a seasonal American menu tinged with Spanish and Italian influences. Low lighting and inlaid wood tables give the restaurant an elegant look, but the atmosphere is come-as-you-are. Dishes are creatively prepared, using an abundance of fresh, wild and organic ingredients from local sources. Small plates and daily specials are featured, along with standout entrees, such as wild mushroom rigatoni, thick-cut short ribs and hearty flavorful Spanish rice. Specialty martinis are popular at the bar, which also offers an extensive wine list. Enjoy a relaxing meal on the outdoor patio or a successful business dinner in the fully equipped private dining room. $$ Birk’s, 3955 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara. 408/980- 6400. One of the Bay Area’s premier steak and chophouses, Birk’s presents itself as a traditional old-city grill, but then offers a decidedly contemporary twist. $$ 92 South Bay Accent Buck’s, 3062 Woodside Road, Woodside. 650/851- 8010. Nestled against the hills of Woodside, Buck’s wacky, unconventional interior is as charming as its food is hearty and delicious. Breakfast is legendary. $ Café Stritch, 374 S. First St., San Jose. 408/280-6161. Trendy small plates featuring artisan pizza, chicken and ribs in a colorful, artsy atmosphere. $ Chicago Steak & Fish, 330 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408/354-8858. A wide selection of Five Diamond Harris Ranch beef cuts and seafood make for a classy dining experience in a casual setting. $$-$$$ The Counter, Mountain View, 650/948-2333; Palo Alto, 650/321-3900; Santana Row, 408/423-9200; San Mateo, 650/212-3200; and locations throughout the Bay Area. The hamburger has its beginnings with the Mongols, who on their 13th-century rides into battle would stash meat patties between their saddles and their horse and eat the meat raw after it had been tenderized. But at The Counter, the hamburger is the opposite of an afterthought. Here is a much-needed update to the burger joint, with fresh, antibiotic- and hormone-free humanely handled beef that—along with other all-natural chicken, turkey, vegan and seafood options; cheeses, toppings, sauces and an assortment of buns (including gluten-free) and bowls—make for a build-your-own checklist menu that can produce more than a million combinations. The Counter also offers business lunch catering. $ Dry Creek Grill, 1580 Hamilton Ave., San Jose. 408/264-2011. Succulent meats and fresh, locally sourced seafood in a lively, spirited atmoshere. $$$ Fahrenheit Lounge & Restaurant, 99 E. San Fer-
South Bay Accent - Aug/Sep 2014
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