Being a life long resident of the South Bay Area of Northern California, specifically Los Gatos, Campbell, and San Jose, I have dined at a vast number of restaurants in the area. Those who know me understand a few things including the fact that I am referred to as a chef by all who have eaten my food preparations (even though I have no formal education in the subject…just 30+ years of experience and personal research), that I can eat more than most large animals, and that I am happy to share both my compliments and criticisms of food and especially dining. Having worked with literally thousands of clients in my fitness programs at Prime Physique and San Jose Adventure Boot Camp in San Jose, people also know that I love to share tips about how to make their diet more enjoyable, and since there is a time in every diet to ‘cheat’…I can help with that too!
With all that being said, I decided that it would be fun to add this category to the Blog site;-)
Now, here is some more background information which will help you to understand what I am writing: Having dined at a vast number of restaurants in the South Bay Area (San Jose, Campbell, Los GGatos, Saratoga…), I have found 2 consistencies:
1. There are very few restaurants in the South Bay Area that are very good or very consistent.
2. Most of the ratings of restaurants are very incorrect and probably based on popularity of owners and marketing dollars.
3. Most of the people down here just do not have good taste or have very low standards for dining.
What do I expect from my dining experience? Well, that is very simple:
1. Great food.
2. Great service.
3. Great times.
To me that should be the definition of a great dining experience, and that is what I insist on having. Come on, shouldn’t I receive a meal that beats what I can make at home when I go out? Seriously, these people ARE professionally trained to do this, right?!?!
Now just to take this a bit farther, I have no issues with paying for the meals that I order…not that I am rich, rather I am out for the experience and know that things cost money. Now since I am paying a lot for this pleasure, it better be good. A quick story: recently we dined at a local establishment which I frequent. My family, all of them, were there to celebrate a birthday. My dad ordered lamb chops which were very flavorful and cooked very properly…but there were only 2! The chef, being quite good and caring, stopped by the table to see how dinner was and seriously wanted feedback…so Pop told him that he had never seen a lamb chop plate with just 2, and he would have liked to see more (not to mention EAT MORE;-). The chef listened to this and his response included price/cost…well like I said, things cost money. We were there to eat, not be cheep. Sure I want value, but I also want food…so please feed me;-) Even when leaving the French Laundry in Yountville, I am always satisfied, so I also expect that.
My purpose here is to share my experiences and recommendations. I hope you enjoy the great places mentioned and that you share your reviews also. Should my reviews, and yours, help to raise the bar for the local dining establishments then we will all benefit.
Enjoy!
Now go workout! And have a great day;-)
Brett A. Riesenhuber
©2008 Prime Physique, LLC.
www.BayAreaFitnessConnection.com
www.PrimePhysique.com
www.SanJoseBootCamp.com
Our New Program: www.AmericasWeightLoss.com