![]() ![]() He enjoys liquors that aren’t smoky, dive bars that are, and has a vague dread that someone, somewhere might be having more fun than him. Joe Starkey is the tallest person in the room 90% of the time. Generally, it's food, which really works out. And the "Brick Chicken," which is a Cornish Game Hen with saffron rice and pimentón. ![]() The Presidents Terrace is perched atop the new Graduate Hotel, which reinvigorated the shuttered Hotel. Turns out, it's things like ricotta dumplings with English peas and black truffles. Presidents Terrace Take in 360-degree views at Palo Altos only rooftop bar. ![]() Good as all of that will be, though, you came here to see what one of those French Laundry vets has been up to back in the kitchen. Take your seats, do that excited little looking-around-while-smiling-and-generally-settling-in thing that you do, and promptly order a classic cocktail like a Manhattan or Mint Mule. now.Īs you and a very special person who's willing to leave the city with you enter, you'll immediately be graced with the tan banquettes and the backlit bar and the general sense that you're about to get into something pretty special here. We'll also assume that means you'll gladly make the short pilgrimage to Palo Alto for Protégé, a new restaurant that's the love child of a French Laundry chef and a French Laundry master sommelier. Dessert was a choice of Black Forest Gateau which is what we opted for or selections from their cheese cart with jam nuts and honey.When we say "French Laundry," you say "How high?" The second course was a lobster tail, followed by a 7 layer lasagna which a bit more than bites sized but very rich and they offered a shaving of truffle for $30, followed by Romesco Crusted lamb loin which was very tender and tasty. We started with a amouse Bouche that was a Cameron I stuff with smoked fish paste, followed by a Hamachi. I had brought along a 2009 Colvin Tychson Hill Cabernet which they charged a $75 corkage for which I thought was a bit steep. Protg is an upscale casual restaurant featuring New American cuisine and a comprehensive wine & spirits program. We opted for the tasting menu which took almost 2.5 hours. la Carte menu, and fairly large bar in between. They have a Tasting Menu with 4 courses at one side of the restaurant that seats about 20. I have been wanting to go to this new place for almost a year and finally made it. Protege is certainly a worthy dinner destination. Were not accepting online orders at this time, but feel free to. With the wooden service aside, the evening was enjoyable, the food was delicious, the wine and drinks were on the mark. Whoever manages the 'front of house' needs to inspire some interest and passion that'll match what the kitchen produces. They are helpful, but aloof, and their commentary is canned. They do the correct things, but their timing is off. The service is efficient and staff is clearly well trained, but their guest interaction comes off being perfunctory and bureaucratic. The menu changes seasonally so the awesome Crab & Caviar will likely be gone soon, but something equally wonderful will replace it. They have an impressive wine list and their cocktails have the same creative passion that inspires their food. ![]() The presentation is also creative and sometimes can verge on oddly whimsical. Each dish is inventive, interesting, and impeccably crafted. The inside is understated and casually elegant. They have a number of outdoor dining tables - all pleasant even if on an active sidewalk. There's lots of easy parking nearby, and the street is vibrant without being busy.
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