200 DINING HOT SPOTS
98 South Bay Accent
offers more casual fare and portions. Since 1947,
Shadowbrook has delighted diners who come for
special occasions or just to enjoy a fine meal in an
atmosphere of Old World charm and grace. $$-$$$
Sun of Wolf, 406 California Ave, Palo Alto.
650/325-8888. Serving a variety of dishes with
Californian-Mexican influences, this eclectic eatery’s
vibrant atmosphere is as lively as the flavors
on the menu. $$
31st Union, 5 S. Ellsworth Avenue, San Mateo.
650/458-0049. A popular locavore eatery featuring
artisanal California food and drink with seasonally
changing plates. $–$$
Village Pub, 2967 Woodside Road, Woodside.
650/851-9888. Local favorite features a gorgeous
interior and a menu that shows a serious devotion
to meat dishes. $$$
Viva, 15970 Los Gatos Blvd., Los Gatos. 408/356-
4902. Upscale neighborhood eatery fuses diverse
California and Mediterranean cuisine with comfortable
family-style dining. $$
CAMBODIAN
Chez Sovan, 2425 South Bascom Ave., Campbell.
408/371-7711. This authentic, delicious food will
make you a permanent convert! Among favorites is
the popular Cambodian dish Amok. $$
CARIBBEAN/CUBAN
Cha Cha Cha Cuba, 112 S. B St., San Mateo.
650/347-2900. Authentic, zesty Cuban flavors are
served up in a vibrant, friendly space. $$
Coconuts Caribbean Restaurant & Bar, 642
Ramona St., Palo Alto. 650/329-9533. Tropical
cocktails, music and authentic Caribbean dishes
quickly get diners in the island mood. $$
La Bodeguita del Medio, 463 California Ave.,
Palo Alto. 650/326-7762. Enjoy coastal cuisine
enhanced with flavorful Cuban influences and fantastic
fish! $–$$
CHINESE
Chef Chu’s, 1067 North San Antonio Road, Los
Altos. 650/948-2696. Savor great food at this popular
restaurant, such as the outstanding signature
minced shrimp in lettuce cups. $$
Din Tai Fung, 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd. (Westfield
Valley Fair), Santa Clara. With its ultrachic
interior and shareable plates, South
Bay’s hottest dumpling house is a firstdate
destination. $$
Fey, 1368 El Camino Real, Menlo
Park. 650/324-8888. An expansive
selection of traditional Chinese
favorites as well as specialties featuring
beef, lamb, chicken, duck
and seafood. $–$$
Royal Feast, 148 El Camino
Real, Millbrae. 650/692-3388. Led
by award-winning Chef Zongyi Liu,
this hidden gem serves Sichuan recipes and
“Aristocratic Cuisine,” featuring such delicacies
as abalone, eel and sea cucumber. $$
Sino, 377 Santana Row, San Jose. 408/247-8880.
Lunch specialties include dim sum and a la carte
dishes. The dinner menu offers contemporary Chinese
regional cuisines. $$$
Tai-Pan, 560 Waverley St., Palo Alto. 650/329-
9168. Hong Kong–style Cantonese cuisine served
up in an airy, upscale setting. $$
TASTE TRIPS
The 2019 Michelin-starred restaurants of Napa and Sonoma
are worth the drive, but a little advance planning is best. Some are pricey, mealof
a-lifetime destinations with dress codes and required reservations; some have
moved to pre-payment online. Others are a bit more attainable and still delicious.
The Restaurant at Meadowood (900 Meadowood Ln., St. Helena) received
three stars for the ninth year in a row. One reviewer declared it the
best meal of his life, noting his chef’s counter meal for two with
wine pairing would cost more than his couch. The seasonal
tasting menu is lower priced, and a three-course bar menu
is available. Chef Christopher Kostow draws inspiration
from the restaurant’s 2.5-acre farm and the bounty of
Napa Valley producers of meats, produce, cheeses and
wines for his modern-American cuisine.
Jumping from two to three stars is SingleThread Farm
(131 North St., Healdsburg), the Japanese-inspired tasting
menu restaurant that took the food world by storm shortly
after opening in 2016. The farm provides delectable vegetables
for the 11-course tasting menu. Diners might see Japanese
turnips in a sun-dried turnip dashi broth, or black cod grilled over
Japanese charcoal served in a miso broth.
Four years after opening famed The French Laundry, Chef Thomas Keller opened
Bouchon Bistro (6534 Washington St., Yountville), a bit easier to get into and
afford. The Michelin one-star restaurant offers traditional French bistro fare that
changes seasonally, although favorites like the roast chicken are served year
round. Diners also enjoy the pan-seared flat iron steak served with caramelized
onions and French fries; mussels steamed in white wine; fresh handmade pastas;
a selection of fois gras; cheeses and fresh seafood.
One-star La Toque (1314 McKinstry St., Napa), was also awarded Wine Spectator’s
highest honor, The Grand Award, for its wine list and excellent service. Chef
Ken Frank is passionate about pairing wine and food. He offers three
menus, the Core Menu for four- or five-course meals, the Vegetable
Tasting Menu of five savory courses and two desserts, and the ultimate
Chef’s Table Menu featuring nine courses. One example of
what to expect is the dry-aged duck breast served with leeks and
wood ear mushrooms, braised in a smoked tea and Chinese spices.
Beautiful Madrona Manor (1001) Westside Rd., Healdsburg) received
a star this year for its inventive tasting menu using fresh produce from
its estate gardens. They also serve larger plates like the salmon served
with brussels sprouts and dry farmed potatoes; duck with kabocha squash; or,
wagyu beef with pickled kohlrabi and served with wilted kale. Reservations are
recommended, but you can slide into the lounge for a special menu of small plates
or the famed Madrona Burger. Save room for dessert created by the restaurant’s
own pastry chef. —P.M.
Crow’s
Nest
Shadowbrook