104 South Bay Accent
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. $$$
Menlo Grill Bistro & Bar (Stanford Park Hotel),
100 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. 650/330-2790.
Innovative take on classic American dishes that are
made with fresh, sustainable ingredients. $$–$$$
Moss Beach Distillery, 140 Beach Way, Moss
Beach. 650/728-5595. Historic tavern offers
breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and a menu of
all-natural meats, wild-caught seafood and
organic produce, along with select wines
and cocktails. $$
Nola, 535 Ramona St., Palo Alto.
650/ 328-2722. This funky, popular
spot brings New Orleans style
to the South Bay. $$
Orchard City Kitchen (The
Pruneyard) 1875 S. Bascom Ave.,
Suite 190, Campbell. 408/340-
5285. Led by Michelin-recognized
Executive Chef Jeffrey Stout, OCK offers
inventive, seasonal dishes. $$
Parcel 104 (Santa Clara Marriot) 2700 Mission
College Blvd., Santa Clara. 408/ 970-6104. Seasonal
menu from acclaimed chefs Bradley Ogden
and Jonathan Hall combines freshness and sophistication.
$$$
Park Station Hashery, 1701 Park Ave, San Jose.
408/320-1711. Thanks to deep roots in the San
Jose culinary scene, this homey spot elevates the
neighborhood restaurant concept. $–$$
Paul Martin’s, Mountain View, 650/917-9941;
San Mateo, 650/212-7400. Wide-ranging selection
of tasty seafood, beef and poultry dishes served in a
relaxed, contemporary setting. $$
Prime 109 & Libation House, 43968 Pacific
Commons Blvd, Fremont, 510/544-0034; 1219,
4150 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, 408/519-
3119. With craft cocktails and superlative steaks,
this eatery oozes old school elegance. $$$
Roots + Rye, 3055 Olin Ave., San Jose. 408/429-
2909. Buzzing with energy, this lively “new American”
restaurant specializes in handcrafted signature
cocktails and contemporary comfort cuisine. $$
Scratch, 401 Castro St., Mountain View. 650/237-
3132. This sleek eatery combines upscale American
comfort food with an impressive drinks menu. $$$
Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops (Doubletree
Hotel), 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose. 408/437-
2170. Spencer’s delivers exquisite prime beef
dishes. $$$
Sundance The Steakhouse, 1921 El Camino
Real, Palo Alto. 650/321-6798. Since opening
its doors in 1974, this upscale, family-owned and
operated steakhouse has earned critical acclaim
as one of Palo Alto’s top dining destinations. Pair
selections from the nationally recognized wine
list with exclusively aged, prime graded steaks or
indulge in house specialty, slow-roasted prime rib,
in the candlelit mahogany dining room. In addition
to the award-winning beef, Sundance prides
itself on fresh, succulent seafood, jumbo cold-water
lobster tail, savory side dishes and decadent desserts.
You’ll also enjoy the vintage sports lounge,
featuring an inviting fireplace and offering a full
dinner menu, handcrafted cocktails, local micro
beers and premium wines by the glass. $$
The Table, 1110 Willow St., San Jose. 408/638-
7911. Hot spot from Jim Stump, serving contemporary
American cuisine complemented by
hand-crafted cocktails and progressive wines. $$
Tender Greens, (Stanford Shopping Center),
180 El Camino Real #1050. 650/285-6702. With
locations throughout the Bay Area, this fast-casual
farm-to-table eatery serves up healthy cuisine in a
bustling buffet setting. $
THE GRAPEVINE
It’s summertime and the living is easy in South Bay wine
country! A picnic blanket and a basket full of charcuterie, cheese, a baguette
and an interesting bottle of vino enjoyed at a local vineyard, and
you’ve got the perfect summer picnic.
Charming Aptos is hosting the second annual Taste of the Mountains
Aptos Village Wine Wander from 1 to 4 p.m., on Saturday, June 9. Participating
Santa Cruz Mountain wineries include Integrity Wines, Burrell
School Vineyards, Stockwell Cellars, Windy Oaks Estate Vineyards and several
others. Tickets are $35 and all benefit three local elementary schools.
Another Santa Cruz Mountain winery, Bargetto (3535 N. Main St., Soquel), is
releasing its 2014 La Vita vintage—a blend of three Northern Italian varietals,
dolcetto, nebbiolo and refosco—from 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, June 10. The party
includes live music and light appetizers in the Creekside Courtyard. Tickets are
limited and reservations are required; call 831/475-2258, ext. 10.
For a pre-weekend warmup, visit Big Basin Vineyards’ Saratoga tasting room
(14598 Big Basin Way) from 5 to 7 p.m., on June 28 and July 26 and the last
Thursday of every month for its Throwback Thursdays: Sip, Talk and Learn.
The winemakers come up with an interesting tasting experience each month, so
guests always come away learning something new and expanding their palates.
Cost per taste flight is $25.
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the Santa Cruz Mountains Passport Day,
Saturday, July 21. Passports purchased for $65 are good for up to two years, to
be used during any Passport Day, held four times a year. More than 50 wineries
participate in these special days. Some of the wineries include Cooper-Garrod
Estate Vineyards, Kings Mountain Vineyards and Regale Winery and
Vineyards. See scmwa.com to purchase passports.
Livermore Valley Wine Country is hosting its annual Taste
Our Terroir four-day event, Thursday, July 26 to Sunday,
July 29. It kicks off Thursday evening with a dinner and
competition featuring Bay Area chefs and winemakers.
Friday and Sunday there are events throughout the
valley, including winery tours, a Winemaker’s Concert,
a lobster feed, and a vineyard hike, among others. Visit
lvwine.org to purchase tickets. —Pam Marino
BEST BITES
ASA
Espetus
Churrascaria