Location: 501 Main St, Pleasanton, CA 94566

Accessibility: Very accommodating

Michelin star rated restaurant well known for their good service and awesome food. The head chef has toured around to learn different cuisines and learned under some notable figures in the cooking industry. Majority, if not all, of the ingredients are either locally and/or sustainably sourced. Some expensive prices but incredibly reasonable considering the quality and portion sizes.

I decided to save up my money to treat my mom to a nice meal for an early birthday gift. I did research and settled on this place for dinner. I bought the chef’s tasting menu for us as an extra special experience and so my mom could feel like a princess. All I can really say is wow. Everything tasted spectacular. It was a series of seven courses starting with appetizers and ending with a dessert. I will cover each one.

Course 1: Seasonal Canapes

Raw oyster with mango compote and peppercorn. Strong flavor but well balanced. The sea flavor is grounded by the peppercorn and the sweetness of the mango. Very slimy. Not everyone might be able to handle the texture of raw oyster.

Deviled egg with smoked salmon and roe. Creamy deviled egg with dynamic flavor and a little texture variety.

Pork belly with peach slices and fresh mint. Very tender pork on a skewer. Sweet and juicy.

Course 2: Kombu Cured SF Halibut Crudo

Pluot and halibut matched with fennel, pistachios, and olive oil. Another sweet tasting dish with fish. The olive oil was a little overwhelming but good otherwise.

Course 3: Tomato And Pluot Salad With Rustic Bread On The Side

A beautiful arrangement of fresh tomatoes and pluots with puffed farro grain and mint on a bed of fruity goat cheese. Wonderfully vibrant in color and huge range of texture from the creamy goat cheese to the soft pluots and crunchy farro. The farro had a great nutty flavor that was almost similar to popcorn. A nutritious and fun dish that elevated the idea of a salad to something novel.

The bread itself was not too interesting but well executed. Crispy crust on the outside and a soft fluffy interior. Served with fresh butter and volcanic salt. A smooth and salty crunch as an optional addition.

Course 4: Gnocchi

Gnocchi with spiced barbeque lamb sausage, raw English peas, sauce, and a light grating of cheese. Soft as a cloud inside and mildly spicy on the outside because of the meat. More than tolerable as someone who cannot handle spicy food. Warming and filling.

Course 5: Ora King Salmon

Ora king salmon in a broth with muscles, clams, fennel, and saffron. My absolute favorite dish and often unavailable outside of the chef’s tasting. Hands down the best tasting salmon I have ever had. Buttery flavor and melts in the mouth. Ora king salmon is farmed in New Zealand completely sustainably and is certified as such. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has even acknowledged the practice as sustainable. Chefs love this type of salmon for the marbling of fat. The difference in quality is undeniable if you taste it.

Course 6: Grass Fed Beef Tenderloin

Medium rare tenderloin with bordelaise sauce, toy box squash, and mille-feuille potato. Pretty typical tenderloin and square shaped squash. The only interesting part is the potato. It is layered and pressed giving it a flakey texture. Normal potato flavor without being overwhelming.

Course 7: Peach And Blueberry Crisp

A crisp with blueberries, peach pieces, hazelnut halves, and vanilla gelato. Very homemade taste with notes of cinnamon and spice. Fruit and nuts mixed throughout. Bottom crust soft and gooey. The heat of the fresh made crisp a wonderful combo with the cool gelato. A great ending dessert to round out the chef’s tasting experience.

Other: Blackberry Blossom Mocktail And Peaches And Cream Donuts

I was happy that mocktails were available even though they have a beverage focus on alcohol. It was pretty as seen in the picture near the top of the post. Served with a fresh blackberry and decorative lime slice, blackberry syrup, orange blossom, lime, and sprite. Refreshing drink with a tropical twist. Creative drink option for those that do not consume alcohol. I enjoyed not ordering a basic drink.

I got peaches and cream donuts to go as it is a specialty dessert of the restaurant. Unfortunately I do not have pictures of them since my family and I descended upon them like rabid wolves as soon as we got home. They are three Irish style donuts covered in sugar crystals, house cream, and juicy peach pieces. Absolutely luxurious dessert and probably the best donut I have had. Much fancier than a person would expect out of a donut. Delicious and will be reordering again in the future.

Accessibility: Starting with the website, an email was provided if any ADA accommodations are needed. There is a typical two hour window in which you are allowed to sit for the reservation. They said on the website that they would understand if a person needs more time due to disability. I emailed stating that I would need extra time and needed to be sat out of the way because of my wheelchair. I also stated my worry that I might not be able to finish all the food there. I received a reply no less than five minutes later. They reassured me that I would have the time I needed, would be accommodated seating wise, and could bring home any food I needed to.

Upon arrival, the door was opened for me and my mom and I were escorted to a table. The first table position was not ideal for my mom to assist me so we were moved to a different table. Service was prompt and friendly. We were treated to facts about our food and comfortable and natural small talk. Our waiter kept close attention. Anytime our water was low or we needed something, he appeared without being asked for. I was very worried about needing help eating in such a fancy place but was made to feel like a valued customer.

Conclusion: My mom and I got to feel like celebrities. Obviously too expensive to regularly eat at but plan to eventually return. Perfect for special occasions or very rare treat. Most likely will be ordering off the regular menu next time due to price. Perfect service and awesome food. Wish I could eat there every day.