200 DINING HOT SPOTS
THE GRAPEVINE
Squeeze what’s left out of summer with some good wine
and great company at these special events in and around the South Bay.
In 2016 the owners of three Santa Clara Valley AVA wineries—Stephens
Winery, Alara Cellars and Sarah’s Vineyard—purchased a former industrial
facility in Gilroy to create a unique winemaking concept called The
Stomping Ground (6500 Brem Lane). They’re partnering with artisan
retailer Maker’s Market to bring more than 20 local artisans together with
winetasting, live music and food trucks from 2-8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10. There’s
a weekly party 6:30-9:30 p.m., all other Saturdays through Aug. 31, with wine, food
and live music on an outdoor stage.
Enoteca La Storia (320 W. John St., San Jose) hosts “Taste of the Mountains,”
2-5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24; showcasing the bounty of boutique wineries of the
Santa Cruz Mountains winemakers including Left Bend Winery, Katherine Kennedy
Winery, and Wright’s Station Vineyard and Winery.
The Cupertino Chamber of Commerce (cupertino-chamber.org) hosts its third
Wine and Food Stroll, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 29, in and around
PY KItchen
Kosta Browne, Rombauer Vineyards and more than 20 others.
86 South Bay Accent
gourmet gastropub. Bone marrow, bison and Fresno
fig are just a few of Eureka’s innovative interpretations.
$$
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
& Wine Bar, 180 El Camino
Real, Palo Alto. 650/329-
8457. A meat lovers paradise
that serves up prime cuts in
a modern setting. $$$
Flights, Campbell,
408/364-1564; Los
Gatos, 408/354-3434;
Mountain View, 650/386-
6424; Burlingame, 650/513-
6059. Specializing in shareable
comfort food served tapas style,
Flights’ four locations have taken off
as dining destinations for high-flying foodies.
Founded by restaurateur Alex Hult, and his
wife, Sarah Hult, the eclectic eateries have won
over scores of fans. Amping up its foodie chops,
Flights announced the arrival of Chef Kyle Kingrey,
previously of Lavo Las Vegas, as well as Beauty &
Essex in NY, Hollywood and Las Vegas. Taste
Chef Kingrey’s innovative offerings on the internationally
inspired new lunch and dinner menu
at Flights’ Mountain View, Campbell, Burlingame
and Los Gatos locations. The crowd-pleasing aviation
themed restaurants keep variety flowing into
glasses with refreshing beer, wine, spirit and cocktail
flights. $$
The Grill on the Alley, (The Fairmont), 172 S.
Market Street, San Jose. 408/294-2244. This is a
classic American steakhouse, complete with martini
hour. $$$
Gott’s Roadside, Town & Country Village, Palo
Alto, 650/326-1000. Enjoy mouth-watering comfort
food made from the freshest local ingredients
in a warm, family-run kitchen. $
The Halford, 1494 Halford Ave., Santa Clara,
408/243-1290. This anglophile gastro pub dishes
out savory favorites like Wagyu flatiron steak and
maple-glazed 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. $$
Huntington Station, 30 E. Third St., Morgan
Hill. 408/779-3376. Generously portioned beef,
chicken, seafood and pasta entrees are served up in
a casual, sports pub atmosphere. $$
Ladera Grill, 17305 Monterey St., Morgan Hill.
408/201-9200. This eclectic epicurean eatery
consistently garners accolades including the Wine
Spectator Award of Excellence. $$$
Lalla Grill, 55 River Oaks Pl., San Jose. 408/618-
8072. The mirrored 15-foot-long wall of spirits and
colorful mod architectural theme set the tone for
vibrant dishes including ahi ceviche. $$
The Loft Bar & Bistro, 90 S. Second St., San
Jose. 408/291-0677. Contemporary and casual restaurant
in a historic downtown building. $
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. $$
Madera, 2825 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park. 650/
561-1540. Signature restaurant of Rosewood Sand
Hill Hotel features wood-burning grill to produce
artful seafood and meats. $$$
Main Street Cupertino (19401 Stevens Creek Blvd.). Sip local wines
and nibble on dishes from local restaurants.
The venerable Mountain View Art and Wine Festival
celebrates its 48th year, 11am-7pm, Saturday, Sept. 7,
and 10am-6pm, Sunday, Sept. 8. Wines from around the
world will flow, joined by 500 artisan and food booths,
live music and entertainment.
The Montalvo Food & Wine Classic brings together lovers
of culture, cuisine and wine 4-7 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 8,
at the Montalvo Arts Center (15400 Montalvo Rd., Saratoga).
Top chefs create culinary magic, and local wineries showcase
their best, including Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards,
The Counter also offers business lunch catering,
full bar, happy hour and outdoor seating. $
The Creek Eatery, 5623 Silver Creek Valley Road,
San Jose. 408/440-0944. Comfort food classics
with a twist, including variations on poutine, are
showcased in this communal setting. $–$$
Dry Creek Grill, 1580 Hamilton Ave., San Jose.
408/264-2011. Serving up succulent meats and
fresh, locally sourced seafood in a lively, spirited
atmosphere. $$$
Crepevine, Mountain View, 650/969-6878; Palo
Alto, 650/ 323-3900; San Jose, 408/ 297-1100.
This popular spot specializes in breakfast and lunch
comfort food served up in a friendly atmosphere. $$
District, 65 N. San Pedro St., San Jose. 669/292-
5252. The well-rounded menu features shareable
plates, pizza, house-made charcuterie, and wines
and whiskeys from around the world. $–$$
Eureka!, 19369 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino,
669/266-6752. Burgers take center stage at this
Closing out the season the weekend of Sept. 14-15: the Santa Clara Art and Wine
Festival, in Central Park (969 Kiely Blvd.); and the Almaden Valley Art and Wine
Festival on Sunday only, at Almaden Lake Park (corner of Almaden Expressway
and Coleman Avenue, San Jose). Savor a good sampling of what local winemakers
have to share. —Pam Marino
The Counter