Restaurant James Randall seems to be doing everything right. From the moment you walk through the front door of this charming Los Gatos establishment, you can immediately tell you're in for a treat. Double thick pork chop with maple jus and innovative appetizers come pouring out of the kitchen onto the wooden counter that overlooks the dining area. The ambiance is incredible and the food is even better. Executive Chef Ross Hanson is making a name for himself . . . and he's only been open for 6 months. A great date spot, a great spot to catch up with old friends, and a great place to take the family. How can I describe the overall feel . . . Think sophisticated yet simple comfort food with a ton of pure and authentic flavors. Subtract all the silly and gimicky bells and whistles that restaurants these days seem to rely on. Add a geographically expansive yet reasonably priced wine list and picture a restaurant run by a tight-knit group of friends and family (the Chef's mother is the owner and came out to greet our table). I've been three times and I haven't had a bad dish. No joke. This place is a true hidden gem. I live in San Francisco and the restaurants I would compare James Randall to in the City are all twice the price. If it's your first time, I recommend trying either the beef tenderloin with bleu cheese potatoes or the lamb chop with cinnamon couscous. \r
\r
It's great to see a neighborhood restaurant that stands above the rest. Look no further.
Pros: The salads, the soup, the lamb and beef entrees
Cons: so sad they closed for lunch -- you should have tried this pulled pork sandwich
more