You will forgive a ‘greater Palo alto’ update. We seem to have achieved a post covid stabilization.
Alpine inn, with it’s massive outdoor update, is going very well, that is, very popular.
Bistro Vida is much bigger now, but we still go to Left bank. Barrone opened for dinner starting two weeks ago. Farmhouse kitchen is very popular.
New kid is The Mandrin in the old black pepper space. Write up in the Palo alto paper is favorable, Yelp is favorable, menu is pedestrian, looking forward to trying it.
Finally did killeny kopitam. Very low key place, fittingly, liked, didn’t love. Joya is not open yet, which is a surprise. Ettan is great, rooh is great. Bevri is in high rotation. Very excited about the newish bar at Zola. Had a great time there a few weeks ago, it solves the space crunch that always kept us away from Zola proper.
CA ave seems dominated by terun and zareens. I hope zareens takes over the world. They are so good at a reasonable price.
In the northern direction, I recommend Capella’s bbq near Sigonas. The bbq is legit, they have been running a successful truck, but they are adding a beer garden. Rwc generally is about like normal, with a larger drink / party area in the block where Blacksmith is on Broadway. That section hops till midnight most nights, regrettably the only food choice is the underwhelming rock n wraps.
Overall, it is interesting, many places are still on reduced menu, and I think it is good for them. Some places like nola are now a bit too small in menu to be interesting, but they brought back some cornerstone dishes I was missing, and what they do, they are doing well.
Questions?