05/23/08

Great ambiance, world-class food!

by fassaj

We went here on our first anniversary and it was very memorable. I called in advance about some dietary restrictions which Chef Josiah Slone was easily able to accommodate. Not only that, but he personally came out before our dessert course to confirm a certain ingredient was OK to use. Thats amazing service.

We both had the vegetarian tasting menu and were very impressed. The parsnip soup was bold and flavorful, but not overpowering. There was a mushroom course (I think a Mushroom Ragout) that blew me away. Also, the cactus sorbet as a palette cleanser was a nice touch. Our waiter Javier is clearly a professional in classical dining, and led us through the evening gracefully.

We'll definitely be coming back!

• Pros: Atmosphere, service, food, accomodation of staff
• Cons: Not the best parking, but its Saratoga so thats no surprise

03/31/08

go to a real resturant not a gallery

by nevergoback

I will never go back, I was very clear to the chef/owner that this was my 5year anniversary and I wanted bottle of champagne opened at our table as soon as we arrived. But needless to say not only did he stick us in a corner that was very uncomfortable and odd but he did not even bother to provide the champagne or come out and meet us. The food was so poor and tasteless, our starter was the lobster salad which smelled like it was a few days old I almost gagged and the 48hr short rib that our waiter boasted about being fork tender was even difficult to cut with a knife and tasteless. Also there are lots of paintings on the wall for sale, I wasn?t sure if the owner thinks he or she is running a gallery because it?s sure he?s not running a restaurant. there are many better places to go in san jose.. now i know why the chefs leave so quickly and opent here own restaurnts. also if you like sitting on a hard chair for two ours feel free to make your reservation..

• Pros: in a fantastic city
• Cons: owner and chef

02/16/07

worst experience ever

by momojojo45

Came here for V-day 2007. It was the worst high end restaurant experience I ever had. The food was good but over priced. The waiter was excellent, BUT the management was terrible. Owner (short Asian lady) was probably too greedy and over booked. It felt like i was in "In & Out Burger" during busy lunch hour. We made reservation at 8 but was not seated till 9. There were at least 10-16 people standing around the entrance waiting to be seated. One couple that was already seated actually walked out since it was so loud and nosy. I would not return here again.

• Pros: food was good, waiter was good
• Cons: terrible management, be prepared to wait more than 45min with a reservation on busy days