THE GRAPEVINE
Whether you’re celebrating a day of love or just the love of
wine, there are dozens of wineries and vineyards in the South Bay and nearby to
make any day a special one. These events get the celebration started.
Romantic Shadowbrook Restaurant (1750 Wharf Rd., Capitola) plays host to different
winemakers from the Santa Cruz Mountains, 4 to 10 p.m., each Wednesday
evening in the Rock Room Lounge. Enjoy a flight of wines, accompanied by
complimentary hors d’oeuvres prepared by Shadowbrook’s chefs. Selected
by-the-glass wines are 50 percent off, as are featured bottles of wine.
The winemakers at Regale Winery and Vineyards (24040 Summit
Rd., Los Gatos) married the love of pizza with the love of wine for their
Wood-Fired Pizza Series, noon to 4 p.m., the first and third Sundays
of every month. Pizza chefs from Sleight of Hand Pizza in Santa Cruz
bake up the pies in the winery’s own wood-fired oven. Regale’s wines are
perfectly paired with each pizza.
Just in time to find the perfect wine for Valentine’s Day, the Downtown Campbell
Business Association is hosting the Winter Bubble Walk, 6 to 9 p.m., Wednesday,
Feb. 13. Twenty different wineries will be pouring tastes all evening at various
locations. Tickets are available online (downtowncampbell.com) or at the event.
The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley are issuing Spring Passports for entry to
32 wineries during the month of March. The $50 passports entitle holders to discounts
94 South Bay Accent
Flights, Los Gatos 408/354-3434, Campbell
408/364-1564, Burlingame 650/513-6059. Upscale
comfort food served tapas-style in “tasty trios” along
with flights of wine, beer, and cocktails. $$–$$$
Gott’s Roadside, Town & Country Village, Palo
Alto, 650/326-1000. Enjoy mouth-watering comfort
food made from the freshest local ingredients
in a warm, family-run kitchen. $
The Grill on the Alley, (The Fairmont), 172 S.
Market Street, San Jose. 408/294-2244. This is a
classic American steakhouse, complete with martini
hour. $$$
The Halford, Santa Clara, 408/243-
1290. With a flair for fine dining
renditions of hearty dishes that
pair well with craft beer, this
anglophile gastro pub dishes
out savory favorites like Waygu
flatiron steak and maple-glazed
duck leg confit. $
Huntington Station, 30
E. Third St., Morgan Hill.
408/779-3376. Generously
portioned beef, chicken, seafood
and pasta entrees are served up in a
casual, sports pub atmosphere. $$
Ladera Grill, 17305 Monterey St., Morgan
Hill. 408/201-9200. This eclectic epicurean eatery
consistently garners accolades including the Wine
Spectator Award of Excellence. $$$
Lalla Grill, 55 River Oaks Pl., San Jose. 408/618-
8072. The mirrored 15-foot-long wall of spirits
and colorful mod architectural theme set the tone
for vibrant dishes including ahi ceviche. $$
The Loft Bar & Bistro, 90 S. Second St., San
Jose. 408/291-0677. Contemporary and casual restaurant
in a historic downtown building, featuring
great appetizers, tapas style. $
Los Altos Grill, 233 Third St., Los Altos.
650/948-3524. This popular dinner spot features
tasty dishes, including rotisserie pork chops and a
spicy tuna burger. $$
Madera, 2825 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park. 650/
561-1540. Signature restaurant of Rosewood Sand
Hill Hotel features wood-burning grill to produce
artful seafood and meats. $$$
Menlo Tavern, 100 El Camino Real Menlo Park.
650/330-2790. This warm and inviting neighborhood
tavern specializes healthy takes on classic
American comfort food. Breakfast, lunch and dinner
menus highlight regional and seasonal ingredients,
and patio dining makes the laid-back yet sophisticated
space a hit with aficionados on the weekend.
The extensive wine-by-the-glass, cocktail and craft
brew selection draws a lively tech-savvy after work
and late-night crowd. Locals network over cocktails,
such as the Sazerac, harkening back to classics,
along with on-trend newcomers like the whimsically
named “Heated Kiss.” This versatile new venue is
already a buzz-worthy local destination. $$
Moss Beach Distillery, 140 Beach Way, Moss
Beach. 650/728-5595. Historic tavern offers
breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and a menu of
all-natural meats, wild-caught seafood and organic
produce, along with select wines and cocktails. $$
Nola, 535 Ramona St., Palo Alto. 650/ 328-2722.
This funky, popular spot brings New Orleans style
to the South Bay. $$
Orchard City Kitchen (The Pruneyard) 1875 S.
Bascom Ave., Suite 190, Campbell. 408/340-5285.
at numerous businesses for specials like half-off appetizers, hotel
discounts and more. It starts with a Kick Off Celebration at Coyote
Creek Golf Club (1 Coyote Creek Golf Dr., Morgan Hill), 6:30 to
8:30 p.m., March 1. The $75 ticket includes wine tasting,
flavors from local restaurants, and a passport.
The Hop ’N Vine Festival is now a favorite annual tradition
at the Santa Clara Valley Fairgrounds. This year’s
outing is 2 to 7 p.m., Saturday, March 9, featuring wineries
and breweries all from Santa Clara County. The
festival includes “Hop ’N Vine University” with expert
speakers, and the Friends of the Winemakers will share
the history of winemaking in the Santa Clara Valley, as
well as plans for a wine museum in San Jose. —Pam Marino
The Creek Eatery, 5623 Silver Creek Valley Road,
San Jose. 408/440-0944. Comfort food classics
with a twist, including variations on poutine, are
showcased in this communal setting. $–$$
Crepevine, Mountain View, 650/969-6878; Palo
Alto, 650/ 323-3900; San Jose, 408/ 297-1100.
This popular spot specializes in breakfast and lunch
comfort food served up in a friendly atmosphere. $$
District, 65 N. San Pedro St., San Jose. 669/292-
5252. The well-rounded menu features shareable
plates, pizza, house-made charcuterie, and wines
and whiskeys from around the world. $–$$
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. $$$
200 DINING HOT SPOTS
Porta Blu
Pho Wagon