Sunnyvale and Silicon Valley are more than just high tech. This world-famous tech area also has an abundance of great restaurants. Sunnyvale has one of the most popular eateries in the area: Dish Dash, a Middle Eastern restaurant. Dish Dash offers lamb, beef, chicken, fish and vegetarian dishes with the flavors of North Africa and Arabia. Foodies can indulge in stuffed grape leaves, shish kebab, tabouli, lentil soup, and other Middle Eastern entrees followed by that well loved dessert, baklava. The stock of beers and wines complement the dinners nicely and the decor goes well with the ethnic dishes. Since 2006, Zagat has rated the bustling and always packed Dish Dash as a restaurant adventure that should not be missed. If you need to provide food for a party, then Dish Dash can cater the event for you, with food for a small group or a corporate crowd.
A number of popular Sunnyvale restaurants include Tarragon, Faz, the Lion and Compass, P.F. Chang's, and Turmeric. Tarragon's menu begins with rack of lamb and filet mignon, and also offers pork tenderloin, and broiled artichoke. Seafood served here includes mussels, clams, and whitefish. For pasta lovers Tarragon recommends their linguine or penne. Try one of Tarragon's fine assortments of dessert cocktails to conclude your meal.
The Faz Restaurant's specialty is the Mediterranean Platter. Also note worth are the delicious smoked salmon platter, rotisserie lamb, pizzas and pastas with chocolate pecan torte as one of their unique desserts. Faz offers catering and has additional locations in Danville, Pleasanton, and Palo Alto.
The Lion and Compass serves Thai Chicken & Shrimp Stir Fry, seared salmon, grilled pork T-bone steak, and a rich vegetable curry stew. Banquet facilities are available at the Lion and Compass, and specials and events are regularly scheduled.
At P.F. Chang's, besides their famous Happy Hour appetizers in a range of prices from $3 to $6, are VIP Duck with plum sauce, Dali Chicken, and Wok-Seared Lamb with scallions. Watching the food being prepared at P.F. Chang's can be pure entertainment as it is done with a dramatic flair. Finally, the Turmeric restaurant serves Indian food, with favorites such as Bombay bhel puri, a la carte dinners, vegetarian appetizers, and rice pudding for dessert.
Other towns in Silicon Valley have choice dining establishments also. Fahrenheit is in San Jose where Cajun-Seared Ahi Tuna, Hoisin Barbecued Ribs and Mandarin Duck Breast are some of its highlights. Other entrees include rack of lamb and halibut infused with a citrus-sake marinade. Fahrenheit offers half-price wines on Wednesdays, an industrial chic interior, and a “Best of the Bay” recommendation by local radio station KRON. The great music at Fahrenheit and the capacity for up to 300 patrons are other pluses.
Another San Jose restaurant, the Loft Bar & Bistro, is a late night spot with a menu that offers grilled salmon, calamari, and shaved tri-tip. The Loft is a favorite spot for the dating crowd and for locals who come to enjoy the terrific bar and bistro atmosphere. In Santa Clara Parcel 104 is a popular restaurant serving delicious dishes such as sea bass, king salmon, corn bisque, and warm lava cake for dessert.
For French and Catalan cuisine, head on to the Manresa Restaurant in Los Gatos. The Manresa cooks up a delicious ling cod with broccoli and horseradish, as well as Monterey Bay abalone and charred octopus. Master Chef David Kinch, who beat out the renowned Bobby Flay in an Iron Chef competition in 2009, heads the kitchen at the Manresa. An intimate and warm fireplace room is available for smaller groups, as well as outdoor patio dining when the weather is beautiful. The Manresa is one of the few Silicon Valley restaurants that require reservations, so be sure to book it.
The Blue Pheasant in Cupertino specializes in salmon Wellington, Australian lobster tail, and veal piccata. The Blue Pheasant, with an award winning restaurant and phenomenal bar, starts taking New Year's Eve reservations early. Their New Year's Eve menu includes New York steak and scampi, dessert, a bottle of wine, champagne toast, and party favors. There will, of course, be music and dancing and that wonderful moment as the clock strikes twelve and everyone kisses the one they love most.