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Restaurant at Wente Vineyards

Maybe it was because it was our anniversary celebration.  Or maybe it was because my wife and I were out together for an extremely rare evening alone.  Whatever it was, there was a special magic to our recent visit to the Restaurant at Wente Vineyards in Livermore. 

We called ahead for reservations and learned that you can reserve a table for dinner and work in a quick wine tasting beforehand at the within-walking-distance Vineyard Tasting Room.  Thinking that sounded like a great evening, it quickly became our anniversary plan.  We thought to have about an hour to taste right before dinner, since the Vineyard Tasting Room closes at 6:30 PM. Great plan, but we got there behind schedule, leaving us a very short amount of time to taste.  Our wine server saved the day by suggesting we share a flight, which worked out really well.  We shared the Nth Degree flight for around $10 and each had several sips of some nice wines. A perfect way to start out any anniversary dinner. 

Even the two minute walk to and from the parking lot between the Tasting Room and the Restaurant was nice due to the beautiful wedding taking place on the grounds.  The scene was serene, with the Restaurant’s patio humming with patrons enjoying the sun-soaked early evening. 

My wife and I both feel that the service that night was excellent.  From the host/manager who sat us to our waiter with his knowledgeable recommendations, we really got the impression that the restaurant was infused with class and elegance simply by their skilled delivery.  Our food was wonderful, including a Mary’s Farm chicken dish and a recommended pan stew.  Even the bread and butter brought at the beginning of the meal were notable, including a light sprinkle of salt on the butter.  My wife said that the word “fresh” kept coming to her mind, with the veggies being a consistent standout.  We had a fritto misto appetizer that was crunchy and light (even though fried), however both of us felt that there was a mysterious fried item (was it lemon slices?) that created an odd flavor.  We also ordered a side dish of baby artichokes that was a nice accompaniment.  Sweetly, Wente created an assorted cookie/truffle plate for us spelling out a chocolatey “Happy Anniversary!”  It’s the little things that make all the difference.

At the end of this special evening, more magic wafted around our table as a well-meaning, older couple leaned over and expressed that we must always remember how important it is to fit alone time into the daily hectic schedule of young family life.  Agreed.  And this night was so memorable that it will be a bookmark in our lives, serving as that important reminder.  Thanks, Wente.

TriValleyVine Restaurant Review: Dublin’s Amakara

Ahhhhh, sushi.  I love sushi.  If I could eat any meal in a restaurant it would almost always be sushi. I have tried many sushi restaurants in the Tri-Valley including many in San Ramon, Danville, and Pleasanton.  For the past few months, however, I have only had eyes for one place – Amakara in Dublin. 

The first time I went to Amakara, I will admit that I was not overly impressed.  I think they were working out some kinks in their service and their food.  But, at the urging of some very good friends, I went back to give Amakara a second chance.  I am so grateful I did!

My second visit to Amakara imparted upon me an amazing sushi experience; however our waiter was a bit controlling as to how our tables were set up.  It was sort of weird and rubbed my party the wrong way.  But, no matter, the sushi made me a believer.  I officially became an Amakara devotee on that very night.

Every time since, I have had great service from the waitstaff and wonderful food.  Even when we arrive with all of our kids and friend’s kids in tow, the staff does an impeccable job of making everyone happy and routinely and pleasantly stuffed. 

The restaurant is pretty elegant inside and quite large.  The sushi bar is right in the middle of the dining room and is where all the action’s at.  The first several times I went, there wasn’t much of a crowd.  It was a cinch to get a table, even on weekends.  The last few times I’ve been, this hasn’t been the case – it’s plenty busy. 

On a recent Saturday night, we waited 15 minutes (not bad, but not nothing) for a table at about 7PM and the entire restaurant was full for most of the night. I am happy for Amakara; the word is out!  This devotee will call for reservations on future trips.

My Favorites:

Sushi Items You Cannot Go to Amakara Without Ordering: Hawaiian Delight, Spicy Sesame Seared Tuna or ask the chef to make you an original.

Non-sushi Craveables: Amakara’s gyoza is light, thin and crispy, standing out from most I’ve tasted.  I’ve heard of some who love their grilled edamame, but I would hands-down stick with the steamed.  My wife wants me to mention that Amakara offers the option of ordering white meat chicken teriyaki.  This deserves bonus points, as few folks enjoy the knobs that can make the dark stuff downright distasteful.

Tri-Valley Receives a Gift in Danville’s Sideboard

My wife loves to try new restaurants.  She wants me to relay to my readers what she considers a true gem in a newly opened restaurant in downtown Danville.  The restaurant is Sideboard, and it is in the quaint Danville Hotel on Hartz Ave.

Sideboard is a casual restaurant with a concentration on local, organic (when possible) ingredients.  Think of Sideboard as gourmet comfort food at its best.  The vibe in the restaurant is cozy chic done in a modern, welcoming way.  The attention to detail and thoughtful touches make this restaurant a real stand-out and one that needs to be on the top of your “Go and Try” list.

My wife has gone twice with her friends for dinner.  They are open for breakfast and lunch, too.  You order at the counter at Sideboard, and they give you a little table marker and bring your food to your table.  You gather your own utensils, napkins, water.  The water, fruit and herb-infused, is even good at Sideboard.  Some may find this approach a bit too casual, but it seems to work at this unpretentious cafe. 

Everything comes to your table Read more

Two San Ramon Pizza Favorites: Zachary’s Vs. Z Pizza

We should all feel so fortunate to have two vastly different yet phenomenal pizza restaurants right here in the Tri-Valley city of San Ramon.

Let’s start with one pizzeria that has been a staple in the East Bay for over 25 years.  Zachary’s Chicago Pizza has quickly become a Tri-Valley favorite with its newest location in the heart of San Ramon.  Zachary’s Pizza is best known for serving up deep dish style pizza.

For years, I have traveled to the Berkeley restaurant just to pick up a couple of half-baked deep dish pizzas to bring home.  As I started my return trip, the amazing smells that emanated from the box put me into an euphoric state. I remember numerous times being so overwhelmed that I almost pulled the car over on the 580 highway just to take a bite. 

Obviously, I like pizza. Not only are the Read more

Fine Dining with Kids? Faz is your Answer

My wife and I recently celebrated our wedding anniversary.  We were able to go out just the two of us over a weekend, but on the actual date we brought our kids to dinner.  We found such a terrific Tri-Valley restaurant for just this type of occasion that I felt like I should pass it on to my readers.  In my opinion, our dinner was so smooth, easy and delicious because of the restaurant we chose.

Did you know there is a Faz in the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel on Hopyard Road in Pleasanton?  Just minutes from the 580/680 interchange, this gem of a restaurant shines in an understated way.  This is where we brought the kids for dinner on our anniversary.

First off, the restaurant’s interior is quite nice with new décor.  We have gone several times and every time we go there is no wait, and our dinner is enjoyed in peace and quiet.  The host and waitstaff are very professional and kind to our children.  This particular dinner, Read more

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