The 4 Most Exciting New Restaurants In Silicon Valley

The 4 Most Exciting New Restaurants In Silicon Valley

October 1, 2019 by

Laura Ness Laura Ness

Maum, Camper, Hero Ranch Kitchen and Tre Monti tempt with innovative preparations.

Camper, Menlo Park

4_camper.jpg

The Scene

Silicon Valley energy indoors, leafy ambiance outdoors.

Behind the Name

Chef-owner Greg Kuzia-Carmel wants everyone to be a happy camper.

The Bottle

Carlo Mondavi’s Raen Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir.

Specialty of the House

Roasted chickpea panisse with brassicas and Tuscan kale pesto.

What the Chef Likes

“The roast chicken reminds me of simple meals with friends and family, of the cornbread, and of the cornmeal pancakes Dad made when we camped in the Adirondacks as a kid!”

898 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 650.321.8980

Tre Monti

300dpi_TREMONTI_2197.jpg
The Scene

White tablecloths, intriguing Italian wines.

Behind the Name

“Three mountains” is a play on the three owners’ disparate heights.

The Bottle

Specogna Sauvignon Blanc, Friuli; Babone Riserva Super Tuscan, 2015 Sassicaia.

Specialty of the House

Gamberi al pistacchio: deep-fried prawns in pistachio batter served with mascarpone and pistachio paste.

What the Chef Likes

Mattia Galiano loves preparing pistachio-encrusted rack of lamb, but says, “I don’t cook for me; I cook to make people happy!”

270 Main St., Los Altos, 650.695.6806

Hero Ranch Kitchen

Chicken_SKillet.jpg
The Scene

Warmly finished reclaimed barnwood, bright decor, separate wine bar.

Behind the Name

Named for serial chef-owner Angelo Heropoulos.

The Bottle

Hero Ranch Estate Pinot Noir, grown on Heropoulos’ south county ranch.

Specialty of the House

Octopus salad tenderized in olive oil and herbs and grilled.

What the Chef Likes

Raw Brussels sprouts salad with bacon in a vinaigrette of freshly ground pecans, grilled lemon and honey.

14583 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, 669.267.3183

Muam

Maum_Caviar_Photo_Cred_Ai_Sugano.jpg
The Table

Communal-style dining at one table for 16.

The Raison D’Etre

Founded as a private club stemming from owners Brian and Grace Koo’s desire to introduce Silicon Valley to the cuisine of their heritage.

Behind the Name

Korean for “from the heart.”

The Experience

An eight-to 10-course Korean tasting menu ($195 per person) by Michael and Meichih Kim

The Bottle

Den Sake, Junmai Nama Genshu

Specialty of the House

Galbi, Korean barbecue with meat; banchan (small sides of vegetables, pickles and kimchi); seasonal cast iron pot rice; seaweed soup.

The Goal

Re-create the abundance of the Korean table.

322 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650.656.8161













The 4 Most Exciting New Restaurants In Silicon Valley

October 1, 2019 by Laura Ness

Maum, Camper, Hero Ranch Kitchen and Tre Monti tempt with innovative preparations.

Camper, Menlo Park

4_camper.jpg

The Scene

Silicon Valley energy indoors, leafy ambiance outdoors.

Behind the Name

Chef-owner Greg Kuzia-Carmel wants everyone to be a happy camper.

The Bottle

Carlo Mondavi’s Raen Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir.

Specialty of the House

Roasted chickpea panisse with brassicas and Tuscan kale pesto.

What the Chef Likes

“The roast chicken reminds me of simple meals with friends and family, of the cornbread, and of the cornmeal pancakes Dad made when we camped in the Adirondacks as a kid!”

898 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 650.321.8980

Tre Monti

300dpi_TREMONTI_2197.jpg
The Scene

White tablecloths, intriguing Italian wines.

Behind the Name

“Three mountains” is a play on the three owners’ disparate heights.

The Bottle

Specogna Sauvignon Blanc, Friuli; Babone Riserva Super Tuscan, 2015 Sassicaia.

Specialty of the House

Gamberi al pistacchio: deep-fried prawns in pistachio batter served with mascarpone and pistachio paste.

What the Chef Likes

Mattia Galiano loves preparing pistachio-encrusted rack of lamb, but says, “I don’t cook for me; I cook to make people happy!”

270 Main St., Los Altos, 650.695.6806

Hero Ranch Kitchen

Chicken_SKillet.jpg
The Scene

Warmly finished reclaimed barnwood, bright decor, separate wine bar.

Behind the Name

Named for serial chef-owner Angelo Heropoulos.

The Bottle

Hero Ranch Estate Pinot Noir, grown on Heropoulos’ south county ranch.

Specialty of the House

Octopus salad tenderized in olive oil and herbs and grilled.

What the Chef Likes

Raw Brussels sprouts salad with bacon in a vinaigrette of freshly ground pecans, grilled lemon and honey.

14583 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, 669.267.3183

Muam

Maum_Caviar_Photo_Cred_Ai_Sugano.jpg
The Table

Communal-style dining at one table for 16.

The Raison D’Etre

Founded as a private club stemming from owners Brian and Grace Koo’s desire to introduce Silicon Valley to the cuisine of their heritage.

Behind the Name

Korean for “from the heart.”

The Experience

An eight-to 10-course Korean tasting menu ($195 per person) by Michael and Meichih Kim

The Bottle

Den Sake, Junmai Nama Genshu

Specialty of the House

Galbi, Korean barbecue with meat; banchan (small sides of vegetables, pickles and kimchi); seasonal cast iron pot rice; seaweed soup.

The Goal

Re-create the abundance of the Korean table.

322 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650.656.8161