THE GRAPEVINE If it’s late summer, it must be art and wine season! Throughout the region, opportunities abound for residents in nearly every city to enjoy the bounty of local talents and vineyards. This year, the Almaden Valley Art and Wine Festival at Almaden Lake Park in San Jose celebrates its 38th year on Sunday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event features a wide array of arts and crafts, food, a children’s play area, entertainment, a silent auction and, of course, a tasty selection of local wines. Among those pouring will be Sycamore Creek Vineyards, David Bruce Winery, Burrell School Vineyards, Chaucer’s Cellars, Cinnebar Vineyards, Hallcrest Vineyards, Pelican Ranch Winery and Trout Gulch Winery. The J. Lohr family marks four decades of local wine production by hosting a special dinner prepared by Chef Dave Page on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 7 to 9 p.m. The J. Lohr 40th Anniversary Dinner takes place at 1000 Lenzen Ave. and features two limited edition wines, as well as a vertical tasting of Gesture library wines. Tickets, $85; call 408/288-5057. Soak up some good vibes in a creekside courtyard during Bargetto Winery’s Thursday Night Music Series every week in August. A different local band performs each Thursday; there’s no cover charge and food and wine are available for purchase (3535 N. Main St., Soquel). —D.K. 94 South Bay Accent 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. $$ Huntington Station, 30 E. Third St., Morgan Hill. 408/779-3376. Generously portioned beef, chicken, seafood and pasta entrees are served up in a casual, sports pub atmosphere. $$ 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. $$ Lark Creek Blue, 378 Santana Row, Suite 1100, San Jose. 408/244-1244. From its decadent raw bar to its welcoming covered patio, Lark Creek Blue at Santana Row is designed for a stylish dining experience. A menu of seasonal American cuisine features globally inspired dishes that recall the flavors of Italy, Japan, India, Thailand and beyond. Guests dine on ocean-fresh seafood, such as misoglazed Pacific halibut and Maine lobster spaghetti arrabiata. The menu also includes a wide selection of prime and grass-fed steaks with inventive, seasonal side dishes. A different “nightly classic” dish is featured each evening. Added to this are wines from top regional and international vineyards and an array of exceptional cocktails. $$$ 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. An innovative take on classic American dishes made with fresh, sustainable ingredients. $$-$$$ Morton’s The Steakhouse, 177 Park Ave., Suite 100, San Jose. 408/947-7000. Renowned for serving quality, USDA prime-aged steak, fresh seafood, choice produce and decadent desserts. $$$ Moss Beach Distillery, 140 Beach Way, Moss Beach.650/728-5595. Historic tavern offers breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and a menu of all-natural meats, wild-caught seafood and organic produce. $$ Parcel 104, 2700 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara. 408/970-6104. Seasonal menu from acclaimed chefs Bradley Ogden and Jonathan Hall combines freshness and sophistication. $$$ Leal Vineyards, Fortino Winery and Martin Ranch Winery. Also in the South Bay, the 43rd annual Mountain View Art and Wine Festival is planned Sept. 6 and 7. Castro Street will be buzzing with highly touted artwork, entertainment and special events, along with great food and wine. And, the Santa Clara Art and Wine Festival is set the following weekend in Central Park. Here you’ll find 175 booths, fine wines and microbrews and 25 community groups serving international foods. Over the hill, another popular fete is the 32nd annual Capitola Art and Wine Festival, scheduled Sept. 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. More than 150 fine artists and some 22 Santa Cruz Mountain wineries will participate in this year’s event, which offers street performers, live music and children’s craft projects. Look for such familiar labels as Bargetto Winery, nando St., San Jose, 408/998-9998. The inventive menu of flavorful modern global cuisine is as captivating as its chic atmosphere. $$-$$ Flames Eatery and Bar, 88 S. Fourth St., San Jose. 408/971-1960. Modern take on the classic American diner featuring an eclectic mix of Greek, Italian and American specialties. $$ Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, 180 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. 650/329-8457. A meat lovers paradise that serves up prime cuts in a modern setting. $$$ Forest on First Café, 129 First St., Los Altos. 650/383-5760. All-natural, locally sourced fare, featuring child-friendly amenities and take-home meal options. $$ The Grill on the Alley (The Fairmont), 172 S. Market St., San Jose. 408/294-2244. The classic American steakhouse, complete with martini hour. $$$ Rasam’s 200 DINING HOT SPOTS Casa de Cobre
South Bay Accent - Aug/Sep 2014
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