Oak & Rye - Los Gatos

Ok so we are starving again and decided to try the new joint. It's beautiful inside but the menu is tiny and we are hungry! It's mostly 12" pizza's and a choice of 4 salads. It seems like a place you would come to for a bottle of wine with a friend and order a few bites to share. The decor is rustic and cool. Our potatoe chips appetizer just arrived, and looks amazing! The dip is a sweet onion homemade dip and is delish!

Kelly ordered the Brussel and Flow and I ordered the mixed green salad.

Very sizable portions and beautifully presented. My salad was amazing but Kelly's pizza was supposed to have added pancetta on it but it was no where to be found. When the chef was asked he said he put it under the chesse?? Well we think that was a tall tale because we looked under the cheese and it was not there.

The prices are very nice for the portion size and I have to say I love the music! So far I've heard Bowie, The Moody Blues and Janis Joplin!! The wine list is mostly by the bottle and all imported Italian or Chilian. 

So for our first try, we give this new place 1 pepper and 2 salts (for the music). 

On a side note: Our server was really nice!!

Wedge Matt's Way - Forbes Mill Steak House

Everyone loves a wedge. It comes in the same standard forms you are familiar with. Iceberg lettuce, blue cheese, bacon and cherry tomatoes. Good right? But you haven't experienced anything until you experience a Wedge Matt's Way, created by Matt Cannon. It has all of the above plus cucumbers and a balsamic reduction drizzle. The balsamic reduction offers a perfect toning down of the blue cheese and balances the flavor. The cucumbers are a nice additive to the salad but it's all about the balsamic that escalates this salad to a whole new level! So when in town, stop by Forbes and ask for a Wedge Matt's Way, and don't  get that confused with asking Matt for a wedgy!! We give this 3 Salts and 3 Peppers!!

Hult's Restaurant - Los Gatos

We tried out the brand new restaurant in Los Gatos last night on Halloween. The turn around time on this place from Hobbee's to Hult's took a mere 7 weeks and is owned by Alex Hult and his wife Sara. Alex is a recent transplant from Sweden and the remodel was done with a little help from his Swedish friends. The interior is very elegant with dark wood floors, off white walls and leather chairs. The fabulous views through the 10+ windows looks out onto Hwy 9 and gives the space a very airy feel of light and movement. I did suggest they add a fire feature on the far back wall to give the element of warmth in the space to offset the chill of the glass. The staff is nicely dressed in all black and definitely gives you the feel of fine dinning. I arrived prior to Kelly in my Halloween costume and sat at the bar. I was warmly greeted and ordered a glass of Landmark Chardonnay which I sorta liked. The wine list could use some more variety and local favorites but I'm sure it will change as they get to know their clientele. I ended up trying the Hafner which I liked much better! We shared the beet salad to start which was beautifully presented. The flavors were rich and bright, with a bit of salted olive oil drizzle. We then shared the pork belly appetizer and the cut to order french fries. Kelly loved the pork belly and relished in every bite! I enjoyed the fries with the cholula aioli...yum! I did also order the braised organic greens but felt they were a bit over braised. I prefer my power greens with a bit more integrity left in them. Alex was happy to return them to the kitchen. After our meal we were given a selection of 4 incredible chocolates! You can never go wrong by giving a girl chocolate!! We are planning to return soon to try their Hult Experience, which is an offering of 4 elements: Land (game) Water (seafood) Air (poultry) or Earth (vegetarian) which is all paired with wines and each course is presented as a surprise to what is to come next. It sounds amazing and is only $39!! The menu has a farm to table quality to it and all under the watch of Michael Ellis, a Michelin Star Chef. I like the casual elegance and European feel of Alex's influence.

Bathroom review:
The bathrooms are very close to the bar which makes it easy but not very private. You can see into them as the doors opens and close. The first stall is a little tight and you may hit your head on the door when you sit down. I know I did.

We give this restaurant 2 salts and 3 peppers.