200 DINING HOT SPOTS THE GRAPEVINE Ernest Hemingway once called wine “one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection....” Enjoy some perfect wine at one of these upcoming events. The romantics at Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards (22645 Garrod Rd., Saratoga) are furthering Cupid’s cause by helping people find the right wines for intimate Valentine dinners. The Vineyard Valentines event is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, February 11-12, and noon to 5 p.m., Monday and Tuesday, February 13-14. The winemakers are offering lush red wines for tasting, alongside paired Brix Chocolate Bites. Tasting 94 South Bay Accent dining scene. Sustainable California cuisine, with hints of Scandinavia, includes such favorites as lime-stuffed, pan-roasted salmon with trout caviar sauce, and bacon-wrapped 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. $$ John Bentley’s, 2915 El Camino Real, Redwood City. 650/365-7777. Sophisticated but comfortable, John Bentley’s is a favorite among diners who come from miles around to enjoy the highly touted contemporary seasonal American cuisine. Guests enjoy entrees such as peppercorn crusted Ahi with soba noodle salad and exquisite meat courses including grilled marinated rib-eye with gorgonzola cabernet demi-glace. Desserts, like the sticky toffee pudding cake with caramel gelato and almond nougatine, are a must. A fun and lively spot, with a full bar and ample room for private dining, John Bentley’s combines warmth and elegance with outstanding service and food. $$ 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. $$ Madera, 2825 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park. 650/ 561-1540. Signature restaurant of Rosewood Sand Hill Hotel features wood-burning grill to produce artful seafood and meats. $$$ 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. $$ Orchard City Kitchen, 1875 S. Bascom Ave., Suite 190 (The Pruneyard) Campbell. 408/340- 5285. Led by Michelin-recognized Executive Chef Jeffrey Stout, Orchard City Kitchen (OCK) offers a rotation of inventive, seasonal dishes inspired by fresh ingredients along with an elaborate selection of beer, wine and spirits, all served in a kick-back environment that exudes positive energy. Stout puts his signature touch on small-plate offerings and shareable entrees such as smoked pork loin, duck confit, blackened bone-in ribeye steak, lobster dumplings and Skuna Bay salmon. Enticing vegetable dishes include kale and green apple salad, charred avocado, Yukon gold potatoes and cedar plank zucchini. With Stout at the helm, OCK provides an exciting, new style and atmosphere for modern, casual dining. $$ 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. $$$ Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 180 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. 650/329-8457. A meat lovers paradise that serves up prime cuts in a modern setting. $$$ 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. $$$ The Halford, Santa Clara, 408/243-1290. With a flair for fine dining renditions of hearty dishes that pair well with imported and locally brewed beer, this anglophile gastro pub dishes out savory favorites like Waygu flatiron steak and mapleglazed duck leg confit. $ Hangar Steak, 1800 Old Bayshore Highway, Burlingame. 650/552-3505. Part of the Marriott, this standout New American steakhouse offers delightful dining by the bay. $$ Hult’s Restaurant,165 Los Gatos-Saratoga Rd., Los Gatos, 408/354-3434. Former professional hockey player Alexander Hult scores big with a fresh new addition to the Bay Area’s farm-to-table fee is $10 per person. J. Lohr Winery is offering a special Valentine’s Day Dinner featuring Chef Justin Perez, 6-9 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the J. Lohr San Jose Wine Center (1000 Lenzen Ave., San Jose). Couples will enjoy a sumptuous dinner paired delightfully with some of the best wines offered by J. Lohr. Tickets are $105 per person, available in advance at the wine center. The Santa Clara County Fairgrounds (344 Tully Rd., San Jose) is hoping to start a new tradition with its first Hop ‘N Vine Festival and Market, 2 to 8 p.m., Saturday, March 11. The festival features both wine and beer from wineries and craft breweries all located in Santa Clara County. Tasting tickets include light appetizers and live entertainment. The market will be stocked with bottles so you can take home your favorites. Tickets purchased before March 10 are $55, tickets for designated drivers or anyone tagging along are $15. Prices go up to $65 and $20 the day of the event. Get up close and personal with the wineries of the Santa Clara Valley by visiting them March 18-19, during the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley Passport Weekend (santaclarawines.com/passport). A $45 pass includes a souvenir glass to take to more than 25 participating wineries, from Saratoga to Gilroy. Some wineries will also have live music, food and special discounts for passport holders. Launch the weekend with a special event from 6-8 p.m., Friday, March 17, at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center (17000 Monterey Rd., Morgan Hill). —Pam Marino Straits Sino
South Bay Accent - Feb/Mar 2017
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