BEST BITES TASTE TRIPS Bay Area restaurants continue to be at the forefront of culinary innovation and change, and its not always easy to keep up with where to try the next best thing. Reviewers with Zagat are keeping us in the loop, like with its recent list of “Ten Reasons to Eat in the East Bay.” We highlight four restaurants on the list here for your next foodie daytrip. A good fish taco is mandatory here in California. Zagat praises Cholita Linda (4923 Telegraph Ave., Oakland) for getting its fish tacos just right. The Baja Fish combines crispy fried fish, salsa, cabbage slaw and its Baja crema, served on two soft corn tortillas with a wedge of lime, for a spot on version of this tasty staple. For the meat lovers, there’s delicious carnitas of slow braised pork, carne asada steak, or roasted chicken. There’s even a seasoned organic tofu taco for vegetarians. Or try the amazing sandwiches, like the Cubano, made with pulled pork shoulder and black forest ham. One of the hottest restaurants in West Oakland is FuseBox (2311 Magnolia St., A), which is why you’ll want to make restaurants in advance, since it’s hard to get seats in this 700-square-foot Korean fusion eatery. Those who do get inside are raving about concoctions like the Tokyo Po’boy, a sandwich made with fried chicken and red cabbage slaw. Favorites include the Korean fried chicken wings, covered in a sweet, sticky and tasty sauce, the crispy sliced pig ears, or pork belly skewers. While meat is a star here, vegetables get similar star treatment, like the trio of kimchis, which change based on what’s in season, or the pickled seasonal vegetables. Another Zagat East Bay favorite is Miss Ollie’s (901 Washington St., Oakland). At lunch the Caribbean soul food eatery features a different comfort food entrée everyday, like fried chicken or roast pork; Fridays are reserved for fish. Dinners feature Miss Ollie’s skillet-fried four-piece chicken meal, served with potato salad, “Island-Style” slow-roasted pork, and for vegetarians, a tofu curry served on basmati rice. The fried chicken, created by chef Sarah Kirnon, is renowned for its flavorful layer of vinegared herbs stuffed under the crunchy skin. Sabores del Sur (3003 Oak Rd., #105, Walnut Creek) is a Chilean restaurant getting lots of press for its food, but especially for its authentic alfajores cookies—buttery sandwich cookies filled with dulce de leche and coated with powdered sugar. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. At breakfast the Chilean Skillet comes with scrambled eggs with a choice of ham, linguica, chorizo, bacon, soy chorizo or cheese. You’ll also find empanadas on the menu, pocket sandwiches stuffed with meats or vegetables. A favorite is the Osso Buco al Jugo, or Chilean pot roast. —Pam Marino 92 South Bay Accent restaurant has redefined the traditional steakhouse experience by melding American and Japanese influences. $$$ LB Steak, 334 Santana Row, San Jose. 408/244-1180. Sister restaurant of Left Bank Brasserie puts modern French twist on American steakhouse cuisine. Save room for luscious pastry desserts. $$$ Manresa, 320 Village Lane, Los Gatos. 408/354-4330. Chef David Kinch amazes diners with his creative, awardwinning cuisine. $$$ Mosaic Restaurant and Lounge (Four Points Hotel), 211 S. First St., San Jose. 408/282-8888. Noelani’s This stylish bar and restaurant offers an American/ Asian twist on Continental cuisine. $$$ Viognier, 222 E. 4th Avenue, San Mateo. 650/ 685-3727. This Cal-French restaurant blends California’s bounty of fresh food with southern sensibilities. Features a world-class wine selection and seasonal dishes. $$$ ETHIOPIAN Zeni Ethiopian, 1320 Saratoga Ave., San Jose. 408/615-8282. Inviting spot serves up a tantalizing variety of flavorful dishes, many vegetarian, with your choice of spice level. $ FRENCH Baumé, 201 S. California Ave., Palo Alto. 650/328- 8899. New venture from the Michelin-starred chef Bruno Chemel. $$$ Black Sheep Brasserie, 1202 Lincoln Ave., San Jose. 408/816-7251. Stylish Willow Glen Parisian-style brasserie melds contemporary and classic French and Californian tastes. Full bar offers creative cocktails, craft beers and a changing wine selection. $$-$$$ Chez TJ, 938 Villa Street, Mountain View. 650/964-7466. This Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its high-end, contemporary French cuisine and use of fresh ingredients, served amid extraordinary decor and ambiance. $$$ La Mère Michelle, 14467 Big Basin Way, Saratoga. 408/867-5272. Elegance and fine traditional French cuisine combined with family pride provide a memorable dining experience. $$-$$$ Le Papillon, 410 Saratoga Ave., San Jose. 408/ 296-3730. Le Papillon is renowned for serving fine cuisine in an elegant setting. Executive Chef Scott Cooper offers flawlessly prepared, three- and four-course prix fixe menus, as well as a seven-course tasting menu. Cooper’s artistically presented dishes are inspired by modern French cuisine and paired with fine wines from a list of more than 500 entries. Top-quality ingredients are fresh, seasonal and sourced from local purveyors. The restaurant offers intimate patio dining for guests, who may choose from several menu options, including an extensive array of a la carte items. From its private dining areas to its superb catering, each facet of this award-winning restaurant is designed to achieve the highest level of excellence. $$$ Left Bank, Menlo Park. 650/473-6543; San Jose. 408/984-3500. Popular eatery features contempo- Hult’s
South Bay Accent - Apr/May 2017
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