Six months is usually considered the earliest a new restaurant, bar or coffeeshop can receive a fair review. By then the kinks should be ironed out, the bad apples fired and the dishes and drinks refined. But who’s got time for that? Each month, Metro spotlights five of the newest places we think are worth a look-see.
Bell Tower Cafe
680 Fremont Ave, Los Altos. 650.941.0680
Previously known as Brian’s Restaurant, this new cafe in Los Altos has a sweet business strategy. New owner Danny Shafazand hired back everyone who previously worked at the defunct Brian’s Restaurant’s, including a cook who’d been there worked at the restaurant for 30 years and even former owner Brian Whitlock, who’s now the general manager. The menu retains the Brian’s specials, as well as some favorites from the Saratoga location of Bell Tower Cafe. Try the Brian’s Special Breakfast ($14.95)., which comes with three scrambled eggs, sautéed green and yellow onions and linguica or pork sausage, served over sticky white rice with toast.
Crema
950 The Alameda, San Jose. 408.295.5690. facebook.com/CremaCoffeeCo
As a family-owned coffeehouse, Crema’s expansion along The Alameda is welcome news to Rose Garden residents. Not only does this café brew top-rate drip coffee, it also hosts Songwriter Saturdays, where local singers and musicians perform. The sleek space —formerly home to an art supply store—has a comfortable vibe to get work done or sit back with a friend to enjoy an espresso ($2) alongside a decadent slice of cake from Anton SV Pâtisserie ($10.80).
Earl of Sandwich
One S Market St Ste 20, San Jose. 408.931.6550. earlofsandwichusa.com
Few sandwich shops portend to trace their lineage back nearlynearly three centuries. But the popular Earl of Sandwich chain, which gained a cult following thanks to a spot set in Disneyland, recently rolled out the red carpet for a grand opening on the first floor of a the One South Market high-rise in downtown San Jose. WFor the newbs, we recommend the Original 1762, which comes piping hot with artisan sourdough, roasted beef, sharp cheddar and horseradish. Every sandwich checks in at a reasonable ($7.50). (AJ)
sweetgreen
300 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. 415.737.9900. sweetgreen.com
Sourcing fruits, vegetables and grains from local farms, the seasons dictate menu here at sweetgreen, which also has locations in Palo Alto and Mountain View. Everything is vegan and gluten friendly, and appetizing options include salads like the Spicy Sabzi ($9.40), which comes with organic baby spinach, shredded kale, spicy broccoli, raw beets, organic carrots, bean sprouts, spicy quinoa, basil, roasted sesame tofu, sweetgreen hot sauce and carrot chili vinaigrette. Customers can also get creative and build their own meal.
The Everest Momo (Nepalese)
10 N Main St, Milpitas; 408.840.6369
Unbeknownst to many people gassing up their cars at nearby station, a food truck in Milpitas is frying up some of the area’s best Nepali chicken momos. All food on the menu checks in under $8, including delectable chow mein and fried rice dishes that can be veggie-style. Their masala tea ($1.49) is a traditional East-Indian chai with a blend of cinnamon, ground cloves, ginger and black peppercorn. The truck stays open until 10 p.m. to satisfy late-night cravings.