“Good friends, great food and wine, and memorable moments are the perfect recipe for a truly exceptional dining experience."
Cecile and I had dinner with good friends and travel companions, Susie and Nelson Bye, at the Wine Cellar restaurant. Nestled at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains in historic Old Town in Los Gatos, CA., this has been a favorite since 1966. With its dim lighting and rustic decor including warm, golden washed walls and candle-lit booths it offers an intimate, cozy, and relaxed ambiance for its patrons. The extensive menu features a diverse selection of dishes, with the focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Nelson and I enjoyed a draft 805 beer and Susie had a Lemon Drop cocktail while we waited for our starters. Susie had a Caesar’s Salad and Nelson had a French Onion Soup, while Cecile and I shared a Roasted warm Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with baby spinach tossed in sherry vinaigrette, and toasted hazelnuts.
For our entrees, Susie had Hungarian Goulash with tender beef, mushrooms, carrots, Spanish onions simmered in white wine paprika Demi grace and served over buttered noodles with sour cream garnish. Nelson had a Bistro Steak with Sautéed crimini mushrooms, Spanish onions and green peppercorns flamed in sherry, finished in Demi glace, smashed Yukon gold potatoes and veggies. Cecile and a Soy Glazed Grilled Salmon with baby bok choy, ginger beurre blanc & wasabi drizzle, and I had Zinfandel Braised Short Ribs with mashed potatoes and veggies.
Though a wine theme prevails throughout the interior, and an extensive wine list that features over 100 selections from around the world, Nelson brought a bottle of our favorite Chappllet Cabernet Sauvignon from his home wine collection to accompany our meal. Our meals were extraordinarily delicious, and our waiter Tim, was attentive and friendly, making for a memorable dining experience.
We were sufficiently satisfied with the generous portions and passed on dessert.
