2D0ININ0G HOT SPOTS
Our incomparable SEMIANNUAL
92 South Bay Accent
Here’s the dish.
DINING GUIDE
pleases your palate
AFGHAN
for whatever
Kabul, 351 W. Washington Ave., 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. $$$
The Basin, 14572 Big Basin Way, Saratoga. 408/867-1906.
This casual neighborhood bistro in downtown Saratoga
serves up a seasonal American menu tinged with Spanish
and Italian influences. Low lighting and inlaid wood tables
give the restaurant an elegant look, but the atmosphere is
come-as-you-are. Dishes are creatively prepared, using an
abundance of fresh, wild and organic ingredients from local
sources. Small plates and daily specials are featured, along
with standout entrees, such as wild mushroom rigatoni,
thick-cut short ribs and hearty flavorful Spanish rice. Specialty
martinis are popular at the bar, which also offers an
extensive wine list. Enjoy a relaxing meal on the outdoor
patio or a successful business dinner in the fully equipped
private dining room. $$
Bird Dog, 420 Ramona St., Palo Alto. 650/656-8180.
Inventive small plates featuring crudo and boutique meats
are a specialty at this energetic, sleek spot. $$-$$$
Bourbon Steak & Pub (Levi’s Stadium), 4900 Marie
P. DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara. 408/217-2490. Modern
American steakhouse featuring Chef Michael Mina’s creative
interpretations on classic dishes. $$$
Buck’s, 3062 Woodside Road, Woodside. 650/851-8010.
Nestled against the hills of Woodside, Buck’s wacky, unconventional
interior is as charming as its food is hearty and
delicious. Breakfast is legendary. $
The Catamount, 50 University Ave., Los Gatos, 408/442-
5533. Inspired by breezy estates of the South, this restaurant
features an inviting atmosphere alongside modern
American cuisine and a refined cocktail program. $$
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, Palo Alto, 650/321-3900; Santana Row,
408/ 423-9200; San Mateo, 650/212-3200; and locations
throughout the Bay Area. Build your own burger with
more than 300,000 combinations to choose from. $
Dry Creek Grill, 1580 Hamilton Ave., San Jose. 408/264-
2011. Serving up succulent meats and fresh, locally sourced
seafood in a lively, spirited atmosphere. $$$
Eureka!, 19369 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, 669/266-
6752. Burgers take center stage at this gourmet gastropub.
Bone marrow, bison and Fresno fig are just a few of Eureka’s
innovative interpretations. $$
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 180 El
Camino Real, Palo Alto. 650/329-8457. A meat lovers
paradise that serves up prime cuts in a modern setting. $$$
The Halford, Santa Clara, 408/243-1290. With a flair
for fine dining renditions of hearty dishes that pair well