BEST BITES
THE GRAPEVINE
Fall is considered by many as the best time to visit local vineyards
and wineries, thanks to good weather, smaller crowds and a chance to see the
harvest in action. Don’t miss this magical time of year at any of the dozens of
wine spots in and around the South Bay.
Unwind after a long week at work with wine and music at the Cinnabar Winery
Tasting Room (14612 Big Basin Way, Saratoga). Every Friday in October from
5:30-7:30 p.m., the winery is pairing eclectic musical talents with great
wines. Musicians range from jazz crooners to guitar soloists. Buy
wines by the bottle, or selected wines by the glass. Artisan crackers,
cheese, olives and charcuterie is also available for purchase.
The Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrower Association (SCMWA)
is celebrating two of the best reds the region has to offer
during two exclusive events this fall. In October winegrowers
are celebrating Pinot Noir wines at the Taste of the Mountains
Pinot Paradise three-day event. The weekend kicks off 6-9 p.m.,
Friday, Oct. 13, with a Reserve Tasting, where 20 winemakers from
wineries like Bargetto Winery, Mindego Ridge Vineyard, Cooper-Garrod
Estate Vineyards, and others, will pour premium wines; $80 per person.
The next day, Oct. 14, features a workshop on the history of pinot noir from
the Santa Cruz Mountains American Viticulture Area (AVA), followed by a Pinot
Picnic in the Park; $45 and $25, respectively. Sunday, Oct. 15, is the Pathway to
Pinot Paradise, a chance to visit wineries between 12-5 p.m., for tours and barrel
samples; $25 per person. For tickets and locations visit scmwa.com.
In November the SCMWA showcases the region’s best Cabernets at
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 mapleglazed
duck leg confit. $
Hangar Steak, 1800 Old Bayshore Highway, Burlingame.
650/552-3505. Part of the Marriott, this
standout New American steakhouse offers delightful
dining by the bay. $$
Hult’s, 165 Los Gatos Saratoga Road, Los Gatos.
408/354-3434. Fine dining and a romantic ambience
accompany farm-to-table, seasonal fare and an
impressive wine list. $$$
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. $$
John Bentley’s, 2915 El Camino Real, Redwood
City. 650/365-7777. Sophisticated but comfortable,
John Bentley’s is a favorite among diners who
come from miles around to enjoy the highly touted
contemporary seasonal American cuisine. Guests
enjoy entrees such as peppercorn crusted Ahi
with soba noodle salad and exquisite meat courses
including grilled marinated rib-eye with gorgonzola
cabernet demi-glace. Desserts, like the sticky toffee
pudding cake with caramel gelato and almond
nougatine, are a must. A fun and lively spot, with
a full bar and ample room for private dining, John
Bentley’s combines warmth and elegance with outstanding
service and food. $$
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. $$
The Loft Bar & Bistro, 90 S. Second St., San
Jose. 408/291-0677. Contemporary and
casual restaurant in a historic downtown
building, featuring great appetizers,
tapas style. $
Los Altos Grill, 233 Third
St., Los Altos. 650/948-3524.
Dinner spot features tasty
dishes, including rotisserie
pork chops and a spicy tuna
burger. $$
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. $$
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. The
open concept layout adds to the airy, refreshing
vibe of the space, inviting guests to socialize and
mingle. Crave-worthy dishes include hamachi
with avocado mousseline, roasted cauliflower with
almonds and dried figs, foie gras with unagi glaze,
house made spam, and sunny egg, aged duck breast
with swiss chard and cherry. With a bustling atmosphere
and one of the largest selections of rare whis-
94 South Bay Accent
the Premier Cruz Cabernet tasting event, one of the biggest
wine events of the season. Cab lovers will be flocking to
the Toll House Hotel (140 S. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos),
from 3-6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4. It’s an exclusive
tasting of the best Cabernets from the region, including
new releases and rare and older vintages.
Meet winemakers and ask questions about the
distinctive wines they’re creating. Participating
wineries include Beauregard Vineyards, La Rusticana
d’Orsa, Mount Eden Vineyards, and 16
others. Tickets are $65 and sell fast; visit scmwa.
com for purchase. —Pam Marino
Rosie
McCann’s
Straits
