Le Papillon

Le Papillon, San Jose, CA

Linguine and Prawns with Cognac Truffle Cream

Sugar Snap Pea Soup with Roasted Button Shiitake Mushrooms

Swordfish and Braised Duck Breasts

Papillon was built in 1977 by Mike Mashayekh. His goals was to simply create one of the best fine-dining restaurants in the Bay Area. Scott Cooper is the executive chef and is a Bay Area native. His style and art of cooking is presented with such passion. From the beginning to the end of dining, the experience is unique and fun.

The restaurant looks like an old vintage home in the middle of a busy intersection. There is a sign that explains "No phones allowed". Once I walked in, I noticed a group of classy business people huddled around the bar tasting wine while the sommelier explains the origins and contents of their wine. The dining room looks like an upscale & mellow living room with white-linen tables and a rose on top of each table. Silver ware is placed according to how a person is "suppose" to eat. Fresh bread & butter is served and refilled each time. The menu is simple; either a 3 course or 4 course prix fixe is chosen with a number of special items from appetizer, soup/salad, and entree.

I started with the linguine and prawns with cognac truffle cream. This was a plate with a bundle of linguine that had a silky texture. The prawn was fresh and chunky with that fresh seafood scent. The truffle cream was light but still had that truffle bite to it. Second, I chose to have the snap pea soup with shiitake mushrooms. This was honestly the best soup I've ever had, hands down. The sugar snap pea soup was thick and rich. It had lots of texture from fresh pureed snap peas. The sugar naturally came out of the ingredients. The shiitake mushrooms were medium-sized and had that fresh tender bite to them. The scent of the mushrooms can easily be sniffed from the start. I definitely recommend this soup to have. Finally, I ordered the swordfish. Nothing but fresh and tender bites out of this bad boy. It was like a fish steak on my plate that was grilled to perfection. It has a soy-verjus reduction with scallions and risotto croquets. The fish was a perfect size; almost compared to a fist full. Before all this was served, my friend Wes and I tried a jelly cube with some type of syrup inside and a  vegetable puree with fish roe inside this tea cup. At the end of our exotic meal course, we received a white chocolate cube with salt on the bottom as a sweet delight.

The food here at Le Papillon is outstanding. The flavors are presented well. Each ingredient complimented each other. The ideas of even putting together a menu like this, is just eye-boggling. The mini bite size apps in the beginning were served in exotic platforms like a wooden bark, marbled tray, etc. Presentation and quality of the food is key here. It's nothing but the best. I had an amazing experience here at Le Papillon. This is definitely the restaurant to experience fine-dining here in the South Bay.

* I recommend ordering the 2010 Chappellet Napa Valley; Cabernet Sauvignon. This will definitely pair well with your meats. ($14 a glass)


Photo by: Allister de Vera
Le Papillon, San Jose, CA.

Pampas

Pampas, Palo Alto, CA

Filet Mignon

It's been years since I've been wanting to come here to this steakhouse. It's not some ordinary steakhouse where you sit, order wine & steak, and leave. No, this is a Brazilian steakhouse that serves over a dozen type of meats from lamb, chicken, and steak. The experience of having a server come with a sword with freshly cooked meat to the table is an experience. The rule is when you want more meat, you would flip the Pampas circle card to green and when you want to take a break, you would flip it to red. It's simple! 

As you walk inside Pampas, the atmosphere is business casual. People are dressed casually with a slight sophistication. This restaurant is a white-linen type place so be prepared to dress accordingly. There is a small lounge in the front of the restaurant with a live band. There is also a downstairs seating for more space; this was awesome to look at. Wine is a big deal here so make sure to definitely pay attention to the reds while wanting to pair it with your meats. The servers are on point! Even though the places busy, they still manage to take good care of refills and they're efficient with green card tables.

There is a appetizer bar that contains over 45 items from vegetables, raw fish, salad-building, to even a cheese section. This was very unique to me. I enjoyed every type of meat that was served but I personally loved the filet mignon because it was juicy and tender. The thickness was just right and the insides had a medium rare type texture. I also liked the cordeiro which was leg of lamb marinated with garlic and mint. The special vinaigrette was the perfect pair for this meat. Finally the frango picante which is chicken legs marinated with chilies and vinegar. The skin white meat was cooked to perfection to where it literally fell off the bone. 

My experience here was what I expected. I didn't have to wait long to get a new cut of meat or even get my drinks refilled because the servers kept coming. The ambiance was everything; people enjoying their food and just having a great time talking/laughing. I suggest coming with a group of friends or even just celebrating an anniversary here. The food and service will not disappoint. 

* Make sure to purchase the Rodizio! This menu provides the complete experience here at Pampas.

Photo by: Allister de Vera

Pampas, Palo Alto, CA

RAAM

Raam, San Jose, CA

Cracker snacks; complimentary

Red Chile Pork

Raam is a ramen shack located in Nordstrom (Valleyfair Mall, San jose, CA). It's a noodle boutique with bar seating on one side. There is a small kitchen and a bar for plating inside this shack with a cook, a prep person, and a host/server. The menu here contains two major ramen bowls which are Red Chile Pork and Char Siu Beef. Then there are two different types of their famous steamed buns: Red Chile Pork Steamed buns and Char Siu Beef. Not much going on here but the flavors are amazing! The menu and the idea of having a ramen hut in the middle of a high-end retail store has drawn me inside to taste.

I'm approached by this young lady named Samantha. She is a host and server for Raam. She leads me to my seat and answers a couple of my questions. Raam is supposedly the only ramen bar in this particular Nordstrom. The menu is also suppose to only be temporary until it changes to a more extensive list. The food on the menu is like a sample for customers to try first then possibly change to a more dynamic food course. I'm glad I get to be one of the first to try it out!

I ordered the Red Chile Pork ramen which contains: noodle broth, fresh ramen noodles which has a delicate soft texture, carrots, zucchini, spinach, and the best part, a 6-min egg which is plump & ripe and the yolk breaks into this pasty yellow texture that spreads all over the soup. The soup base isn't salty either which gives you the opportunity to mix in soy sauce, spice powered, or sesame oil to enhance your taste. What I find unique here is the well marinated chile pork that is the exact ingredient/base for their buns used for this ramen. It causes the ramen to be a little sweet with a salty blend; this is why the whole idea of simple ingredients, balances the ramen all together. I appreciate this ramen shack, I really do! Simple ingredients, a simple yet high-end feel experience of sitting down and watching the cook prepare your meal, in the middle of Nordstrom is cool! It's one of those "why not?" moments. I have to come back to try their beef ramen and buns just to complete the list.

I shall warn you though, this isn't your traditional ramen house with salty based soup with the other fabulous ingredients. No, this is a simple shack that prides itself with their meat mixed inside such as the chile pork and beef. It's worth trying. Although the prices are about $1.5 more with is sort of a rip-off BUT the flavors make up for it. I feel the prices need to go down but knowing people with money that have no clue about ramen prices, will spend the money for a small bowl. This place should be tested and should stay for the long run. I personally think there should be more items on the list such as appetizers and possibly dessert even. So why not? Just eat it.


Photo by: Allister de Vera
Raam, San Jose, CA
Taken by: iPhone 5s

Speakeasy

Speakeasy

Kyle

Green Point & Eagle Rock

A modern-day speakeasy is a hidden establishment that legally sells alcoholic beverages. Usually people will find out about the place by word of mouth. I guess the setting is suppose to be quiet and dim lights to create intimacy between you and your guest(s). There are rules that come across most hidden bars and speakeasies such as no talking loud, no gum chewing, silent phones, Do Not ask for specific drinks, know your palate so you can ask for what cocktail you desire, etc. Usually you are told these rules before walking inside. 

This fine establishment here, have highly skilled bartenders that are ready to serve you. They will question what you like and will strive to create the perfect mix for you. I recommend giving an accurate description of what you want just so it makes things much smoother. There are fresh ingredients right on the bar for mixing purposes such as fruit, hot sauces, liquids, etc. The staff is completely professional and will make your experience worth while. Questions will be answered. This isn't a typical bar, club, pub.. no no this establishment is more of an organized meeting type place with fine drinks that are only specific. It's also a laid back feel rather than an upright 6-star bar. I recommend trying the Green-point old fashioned. It has bitters and a hint of some sweetness honey to the taste. A slice of freshly peeled lemon is dashed inside too! Great choice here. 

So here is my word. Go visit the place below this...

Photo by: Allister de Vera

Single Barrel, San Jose, CA

Taken by: iPhone 5s

HOME

Home, Los Angeles, CA

Front Patio

Breakfast Burrito

Home is where the heart is.. so is food. Here at Home, the atmosphere and the structure of this house creates a comfortable setting for everyone. The outdoor patio has an open bar, open seating, a fountain filled with fish, and most importantly, people. 

As you walk inside, you'll notice people sitting around eating together like family style with food stacked on their plates. The servers are efficient and carry a great attitude especially during the hectic hrs in the morning. Seating is also available inside the house which is called the living room space. There are plenty of tables to sit at so thats perfect.

I ordered the breakfast burrito which is a tomato basil tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, diced smoked bacon, black beans and melted cheese. I also had a side of home fries to along with my dish. The flavors inside the burrito stuck right out from the first bite to the last. The bacon helped put this smoky meat taste to the burrito which created a hardy bite. Portions here at Home is just right and will definitely take care of a heavy appetite. 

Home is truly a gem in the city of Los Angeles. I've never experienced breakfast in such a way where people are incredibly full of joy and eating as a family. The house itself is breath-taking to me; the old vintage look with a garden and fountain. It takes the new place of having breakfast rather than the typical diner/restaurant store. This is a new experience for me!! There is no place like home for sure.

*Tip- I suggest finding parking next door within the neighborhood due to the high volume. Home also serves valet parking just incase too!

Photo by: Allister de Vera

Home, Los Angeles, CA

Taken by: iPhone 5s

The Polo Lounge

The Beverly Hills Hotel

The Polo Lounge, Los Angeles, CA

Filet Mignon & Lobster Lasagna

The Polo Lounge bring out the Luxury that LA has to offer. This has been the favorite dining spot for generations of stars and Hollywood deal-makers. The dining experience is accompanied by a musician playing jazz music. According to our server Reaz; he mentions that The Polo Lounge is the 2nd most busiest restaurant of all LA. Reservations are taken by phone or online so I suggest booking a month ahead. The tables have white silk linen draped over with stainless steel silver wear and a soft cloth for the lap.

Guests are treated with high respect and as if you are already a regular. Freshly baked breads and twists are served at the table with rich & creamy butter on the side. I ordered their filet mignon and my friend Weston ordered lobster lasagna. Both were served within just 25 mins and they looked up to par. Just by looking at the dish gives you an idea of how creative the chef's are with the decor and fresh ingredients used for cooking. Portions are what you expect from a high-end restaurant. My steak was thick and buttery with the perfect amount of blood oozing out; I had it medium rare of course. The peppercorn sauce was nicely marinated within the steak and poured over to infuse the flavors along with the glazed cippolini and parsnips. The fingerling potatoes snapped with each bite and had that fresh garden-picked aroma.

From the decor of this lounge, the professional service, the 6-star quality dishes, to the ambience, The Polo Lounge deserves a diamond tag. You feel as if you were a celebrity in your own way when dining here. You are handled with great care here from the servers. The people don't talk as loud here either so the intimacy level is very high. I suggest before coming here, to prepare your find dining manners along with attire that is appropriate for the occasion. Who knows, you might just be dining next to a celebrity just what I experienced. My friend Wes and I ate within just a couple feet away from Rick Caruso! (Owns one of the largest privately held real estates in the U.S. and owner of The Grove).


Photo by: Allister de Vera
The Polo Lounge, Los Angeles, CA
Taken by: iPhone 5s

Bottega Louie

Bottega Louie, Los Angeles, CA

Porchetta sandwich 

Macrons

Bottega Louie is a restaurant that has an upscale & fine dine feel to it. The place is extremely clean. The windows are wiped up, the marbling on the floor brings out a shine, the employees are dressed in clean white suit attire with a black tie, and the aroma from the pastries float in the air. Even the bartenders look like models out of a GQ magazine. 

The menu has a good amount of food that caters to breakfast & brunch along with late lunch around 3pm. I ordered the Porchetta which is a burger with diced roasted pork, caramelized onions, peppers, a rugula & brined caper aioli. This burger/sandwich is def in my top 10 list for sure! Even the fries were lightly salted with a nice crispy bite to them. 

Going straight to the pastry section; the pies and tarts is a bit pricey but they had unique ingredients to them. The decor of each pastry is out of this world! the colors, the gloss on top of each dessert, the 5-star look to it was just everything. I bought a 5-pack macaron set that includes earl grey, salted caramel, pistachio, and two dark chocolates. The macaron isn’t anything too special. The shell on the outside is fragile; it can snap and crumble quick if pressed hard enough. Otherwise the flavors are there, the color is there and texture is there, but like I said, it’s nothing special here (I’ve had better). 


Photo by: Allister de Vera
Bottega Louie, Los Angeles, CA
Taken by: iPhone 5s

Brite Spot

Brite Spot, Los Angeles, CA

Belgium Waffle: Pecans, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream

Plain Belgium Waffle

Brite Spot is a diner that has an upscale feel to it. The diner is busy with late-night crowds coming in for food to cure their hangovers. As I sat on the bar, I noticed the different crowds coming too; different age groups and different style types.

The food is prepared fresh and right from the grill/kitchen and is served in bulk. I ordered the Belgium waffle with pecans, a scoop of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. The size of the waffle is about the same size of the plate itself so that is great. The texture was caky; it has this moist and thick bite to it. Each bite is sweet and has the griddle crunch to it. The batter is thick and rich so it may take a while to put down a bite-size portion. What I find to be unique is the melted butter inside a tin cup on the side. It's a must to pour this over the ice cream and waffle along with drizzled maple syrup all over. Here you have a fully-stacked dessert that'll wake you up and fulfill your late-night sweet cravings!



Photo by: Allister de Vera
Brite Spot, Los Angeles, CA

Bäco Mercat

bäco mercat, Los Angeles, CA

"the toron" bäco

The term “bäco” is derived from the signature flatbread sandwich that was created by chef Josef Centeno. This invention later became a staple for poultry, pork, and seafood sandwiches. 

As I walked inside the restaurant, I automatically get this busy LA nightlife vibe. People are having a great time talking and eating. The bar from the front entrance is packed full of young adults taking on unique cocktails, servers are busy walking around the floor, and the lighting of this place fits the mood. I noticed the modern rustic Tuscan furniture that were set up for eating which gives off this LA loft look.

I ordered “the toron” which is this fluffy breaded chalupa-shaped sandwich that contained oxtail hash, cheddar tater, and horseradish-yogurt. The portion was just right! it took two hands to grasp it. As you pick up the bäco, the juices from the meat and yogurt mixed and dripped off to the tip of the sandwich. The aroma was fresh and had this roast-pork scent to it with a hint of sweet pepper. Each bite was smooth due to the moist and creamy-like texture. The flavors are all there for sure! 

I definitely recommend coming here with a group of friends for a nice dinner and ordering their cocktails along with their famous bäco. The menu has variety so theres lots to choose from with a description of what’s in it. I also suggest asking the waiter/waitress what the special is. 



Photo by: Allister de Vera
Bäco Mercat, Los Angeles, CA