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. $$
Ladera Grill, 17305 Monterey St., Morgan Hill.
408/201-9200. This eclectic epicurean eatery
consistently garners accolades including the Wine
Spectator Award of Excellence. $$$
102 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. $$$
Moss Beach Distillery, 140 Beach Way, Moss
Beach. 650/728-5595. Historic tavern offers
breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and a menu of
all-natural meats, wild-caught seafood and organic
produce, along with select wines and cocktails. $$
Nola, 535 Ramona St., Palo Alto. 650/
328-2722. This funky, popular spot
brings New Orleans style to the
South Bay. $$
Orchard City Kitchen (The
Pruneyard) 1875 S. Bascom
Ave., Suite 190, Campbell.
408/340-5285. Led by Michelinrecognized
Executive Chef Jeffrey
Stout, OCK offers inventive, seasonal
dishes. $$
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. $$
Prime 109 Steak & Libation House, 43968
Pacific Commons Blvd, Fremont, 510/544-0034;
4150 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, 408/519-
3119. With craft cocktails and superlative steaks,
this eatery oozes old school elegance and charm. $$$
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
THE GRAPEVINE
The rest of the world is catching up to what South Bay wine lovers
already know: we live in a superb locale for some of the best wines in California.
The region flies under the radar, which means tasting excellent wines in
a relaxed atmosphere at scores of wineries not far from home.
Take a break from the hectic fall season with a Sunday of Groovin’ in the
Grove @ Clos LaChance, 1-4 p.m., Oct. 7. The winery hosts the retro
music duo Free Spirit while offering wine tasting located at its 150-acre
vineyard (1 Hummingbird Lane, San Martin). Stroll the beautiful gardens
or play a game of bocce ball and of course taste some of Clos
LaChance’s wines using sustainable methods, including its 2016 Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon or 2016 Monterey Chardonnay, among many others.
Santa Clara Valley winemakers recognized long ago that the region shares similarities
to the Rhone Valley in Southern France and have been producing varietals
like Viogner and Grenache Blanc to great success. The tour company California
Passport (californiapassporttours.com) offers a specialized daytrip called
Pathways to Rhone Valley from 12-5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 13, to experience those
wines. The tour leaves downtown Morgan Hill at noon with stops at Lion Ranch
Vineyards & Winery, Aver Family Vineyards and La Vie Dansante Wines. Ticket
includes transportation, wine tasting and a gourmet cheese platter.
It’s an annual event not to be missed for lovers of Cabernet Sauvignon, Premier
Cruz. The exclusive dinner hosted by the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers
Association is held at House Family Vineyards in Saratoga on Saturday,
Nov. 3. The evening begins with a wine reception where guests get to
sample new releases as well as rare and older vintages of Cab and Bordeaux
varietals produced locally. The dinner is farm-to-table cuisine prepared by
House Vineyards’ own executive chef, Rodney Baca. Visit scmwa.
com for tickets.
Get a jump on holiday gift shopping while sipping outstanding
wines at the Fortino Winery Fall Boutique
(4525 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy), 11 a.m.-5 p.m.,
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17-18. More than 30 vendors
offer a cornucopia of arts, crafts and food. The
tasting room features the winery’s Pinot Grigio and
Chardonnay from 2016, and a Cabernet, Merlot and
Zinfandel from 2014, among others. —Pam Marino
BEST BITES
La Viga
Alexander’s
Steakhouse
