THE GRAPEVINE Raise your Riedel to National Drink Wine Day, celebrated each year on Feb. 18. Then toast the South Bay’s eclectic lineup of events for local wine-lovers. Always a treat, the 11th annual three-day Pinot Paradise is planned for March 20- 22, with The Mountain Winery (14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga) hosting the usual lively program. Look for a technical session and VIP reception, vineyard tours, barrel samplings and a Grand Tasting with more than 40 area pinot noir winemakers, along with gourmet edibles from local restaurants. A silent auction and raffle accompany the tastings. Tickets for various activities are from Throughout the month of February, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines presents Wine and Cheese Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in its after-hours wine bar (1000 Lenzen Ave., San Jose). A flight of four wines is featured each week, with specially paired gourmet cheeses. Advance tickets are $15; walk-ins are welcome, but availability cannot be guaranteed. Call 408/918-2195 for details. There’s more Friday night action at Bargetto Winery (3535 N. Main St., Soquel) during February and March, when local bands perform in the winery’s historic cellar from 6 to 8 p.m. Entrance is free, and wine by the glass and food may be purchased. Heading south? Stop by the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach for the 25th annual Great Taste of PG on Feb. 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. The event features local foods, wines and a silent auction at $55 per person. Participating wineries include Joullian Vineyard, Bernardus Winery and Pisoni & Lucia Vineyards. — D.K. 94 SSoouutthh BBaayy AAcccceenntt Jose. 408/294-2244. The classic American steakhouse, complete with martini hour. $$$ Hangar Steak, 1800 Old Bayshore Highway, Burlingame. 650/552-3505. Part of the Marriott, this standout New American steakhouse offers delightful dining by the bay. $$ 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. $$ Lark Creek Blue, 378 Santana Row, Suite 1100, San Jose. 408/244-1244. Seasonal American cuisine features globally inspired dishes, top wines and exceptional cocktails. $$$ 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. $$$ Scratch, 401 Castro St., Mountain View. 650/237- 3132. This sleek eatery combines upscale American comfort food with an impressive drinks menu. $$$ Sundance The Steakhouse, 1921 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. 650/321-6798. This upscale steakhouse, familyowned 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 shell- $25 to $100. Call 831/685-8463 for details or visit scmwa.com. The streets of downtown Campbell will be alive with oenophiles on Wednesday, Feb. 11 for the town’s Winter Wine Walk from 5 to 9 p.m. The self-guided tour through shops and galleries features wines from the Livermore Valley to the Santa Cruz Mountains, with live entertainment along the way. Tickets are $30 in advance ($35 that evening if available) and include a program, commemorative wine glass and a wristband for tasters. Among participants last year were Villa del Monte Winery, Travieso, Martin Ranch, Fortino Winery, Loma Prieta Winery, Sycamore Creek Vineyard, Poetic Cellars and Lightheart Cellars. Dry Creek Grill, 1580 Hamilton Ave., San Jose. 408/264-2011. Succulent meats and fresh, locally sourced seafood in a lively, spirited atmoshere. $$$ Flames Eatery and Bar, 88 S. Fourth St., San Jose. 408/971-1960. Modern take on the classic American diner featuring an eclectic mix of Greek, Italian and American specialties. $$ 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. $$$ Forest on First Café, 129 First St., Los Altos. 650/383-5760. All-natural, locally sourced fare, featuring child-friendly amenities and take-home meal options. $$ Gott’s Roadside, Town & Country Plaza, Palo Alto, 650/326-1000. Enjoy mouthwatering comfort food made from the freshest local ingredients in a wartm, family-run kitchen. $ The Grill on the Alley (The Fairmont), 172 S. Market St., San Tarragon 200 DINING HOT SPOTS Kyoto Palace
South Bay Accent - Feb/Mar 2015
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