96 South Bay Accent farm-to-table dining scene. Sustainable California cuisine, with hint s of Scandinavia, includes such favorites as lime-stuffed, pan-roasted salmon with trout caviar sauce, and baconwrapped beef Lindstrom. The casual, upscale restaurant also features “The Hult Experience,” a five-course tasting menu that eloquently presents the flavors of the present season. California boutique wines, authentic French champagnes, locally brewed beers and craft cocktails add spirit to the friendly atmosphere—replete with a welcoming wraparound bar, and patio dining around glass fire tables. Popular with the locals are Hult’s Sunday brunch and a lively happy hour. $$ John Bentley’s, 2915 El Camino Real, Redwood City. 650/365-7777. Sophisticated but comfortable, John Bentley’s is a favorite among diners who come from miles around to enjoy the highly touted contemporary seasonal American cuisine. Guests enjoy entrees such as peppercorn crusted Ahi with soba noodle salad and exquisite meat courses including grilled marinated rib-eye with Gorgonzola Cabernet demi-glace. Desserts, like the sticky toffee pudding cake with caramel gelato and almond nougatine, are a must. A fun and lively spot, with a full bar and ample room for private dining, John Bentley’s combines warmth and elegance with outstanding service and food. $$ Loma Brewing Company, Los Gatos, 408/560-9626. The brainchild of brothers Scott and Kevin Youkilis, this buzz-worthy new brewpub brings together delicious craft beers and high-quality casual comfort food in a lively atmosphere. $ 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. $$ Madera, 2825 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park. 650/ 561-1540. Signature restaurant of Rosewood Sand Hill Hotel features wood-burning grill to produce artful seafood and meats. $$$ Mixx, 420 Castro Street, Mountain View. 650/966-8124. Contemporary American cuisine featuring small plates as well as shareable entrees and an elaborate list of beers and artisan cocktails. $$ Orchard City Kitchen, 1875 S. Bascom Ave., Suite 190 (The Pruneyard) Campbell. 408/340- 5285. Led by Michelin-recognized Executive Chef Jeffrey Stout, OCK offers inventive, seasonal dishes along with a wide variety of beer, wine and spirits. $$ 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. $$$ Sundance The Steakhouse, 1921 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. 650/321-6798. This upscale steakhouse, family-owned and operated for over 40 years, features hand-cut, USDA prime-graded beef. Enjoy slow-roasted prime rib, specially aged New York strip loin and tender filet mignon in the candlelit mahogany dining room. In addition to the award-wining beef, Sundance prides itself on serving the freshest seafood and shellfish available. Favorites include grilled Pacific swordfish, ahi tuna sashimi and jumbo cold-water lobster tail. To complete your dining experience, the menu is supported by a nationally recognized wine list with over 450 global selections. Check out the cozy fireplace lounge. It’s an ideal spot for sipping martinis and aged single-malt scotch before or after dinner. $$ The Table, 1110 Willow St., San Jose. 408/638- 7911. Hot spot from culinary guru Jim Stump, serving contemporary American cuisine complemented by hand-crafted cocktails and progressive wines. $$ Tessora’s Barra Di Vino, 234 E Campbell Ave., Campbell. 408/626-7711. With a wide selection of over 20 wines by the glass, taste, flight and Tessora’s Barra Di Vino is an enophile’s dream. Craft brews and light bites round out the menu. $ Turn Bar & Grill, Los Altos, 650/559-8876. Serving comfort food in chic surroundings, this upscale yet laid-back grill keeps guests satisfied with updated takes on American classics, including great steaks, burgers and pizza. $$ Vault 164, 164 S. B St., San Mateo. 650/348- 8164. An eclectic selection of American style cuisine, with a wide variety of aged steaks, chick- THE GRAPEVINE Ching! Ching! Time to celebrate the holiday season and a brand-new year with some great wine. Local wineries are offering some festive events in December and January where you can engage in some merriment and do some gift shopping. Sip while you shop at Guglielmo Winery’s 28th annual Holiday Faire, happening 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, the first two weekends of December (1480 E. Main Ave., Morgan Hill). Browse holiday decorations and unique gift possibilities, including ornaments, stocking stuffers, home décor and more. A $10 admissions fee includes wine tasting and food sampling with a beautiful view of the vineyards. Another wine and shopping opportunity that also helps the community is the Santana Row Holiday Open House and Wine Stroll, 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6. This year the wine stroll benefits Second Harvest Food Bank. Tickets are $40, and guests who bring canned food to donate will be entered into a drawing to win a $250 Santana Row gift card. The event includes wine tasting inside various shops, carolers, hot chocolate and more. Visit santanarow.com/events for ticket information, or visit the Santana Row Concierge. Start your new year off right at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Jan. 7, with a Walk With the Winemaker through the Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards, 22645 Garrod Road, Saratoga. Winemaker Bill Cooper takes guests through the entire winemaking process, from grape to glass, in about one hour. After the complimentary walk, stay to taste some great wines for a $10 fee, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir. The Walk With A Winemaker takes place the first Saturday of every month. The first of four 2017 Santa Cruz Mountains Winemakers Association Passport Days kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 21. Purchase a $55 passport and spend the day visiting a few of the more than 50 wineries in the program. Each passport is good for two years, entitling holders to one visit per winery. Some of the wineries are only open to the pubic on Passport Days. Get a commemorative stamp in your passport from wineries, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Passports are available through scmwa. com, or from a participating winery. —Pam Marino BEST BITES LV Mar Sundance the Steakhouse
South Bay Accent - DecJan 2016
To see the actual publication please follow the link above