Finally, Bay Area foodies can rejoice. Next week, from September 14th -21st, Silicon Valley Restaurant Week returns, and in full force, with a great selection of discounted prix-fixe menus from all your old favorites and a few different places hoping to become your new ones.
This is the deal. There are three tiers of pricing, $25, $35 and $45 a person for a multiple course restaurant experience, representing appetizers, main courses and desserts of the restaurant’s regular size and quality. Some restaurants give you the choice of which tier to purchase, allowing for a more budget-conscious experience while allowing those who want the whole shebang a chance to try the higher end dishes. Some will just have one fixed rate with limited choices for each course. Either way, it’s a great way for restaurants to show their appreciation for their customers every year, and the perfect way to discover a new, amazing place.
One may remember a couple years back, Alexander’s Steakhouse was on the SVRW menu, and now totes a Michelin star. You probably won’t see it on the annual selection again, but that’s just one example of how good you really can go for the price.
This year, Blue Mango, voted best Thai of 2011, boasts a $45 for two people prix fixe, allowing for multiple starters, a couple entrees and one dessert to share with rice included, AND coffee or tea, really pushing the whole bang-for-your buck thing.
California Café in Los Gatos also is offering a classic menu with an optional, super-reasonable wine pairing addition of only $15 for 3 glasses of wine with the courses, while downtown Mexican restaurant La Pinata is serving up Latin favorites with a tequila flight for an additional $15.
Paolo’s, an old school Italian spot and San Jose institution, boasts an definitive menu of regional Italian and if you happen to go on Martini Thursday, enjoy a discounted price for your martini ($4 well, $6 premium), the perfect addition to your Goodfellas-esque dining experience.
If you’re in the Santana Row neighborhood, don’t miss Village Bistro’s solid selections of California cuisine and upscale versions of American classic comfort food, Blowfish’s modern take on traditional Japanese dishes and Yankee Pier’s classic East-Coast-inspired always-sustainable seafood.
And if you decide to venture slightly out of San Jose, Arya [Global Cuisine] is a good place to do it, a great mix of Persian and Mediterranean food where the hummus is unbeatable, the dishes inspired and service friendly. Also try Sent Sovi, with locally sourced, super-seasonal, fresh forward-thinking French-American fare.
As always, these rates do not allow for substitutions or sharing and tax and tip is not included. So get out there, as they say, “Log off, Dine out,” and don’t forget to tip your servers!
For more information go to www.siliconvalleyrestaurantweek.com
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