Item 40 Staff Report Consider Planning Commission Recommendation Regarding Modification of Alcohol Beverage Policy in the DowntownTOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: October 27, 1993
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: TOWN MANAGER
SUBJECT:
COUNCIL AGENDA
DATE: 11 /1 /93
ITEM NO. , / ,\
CONSIDER PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION REGARDING
MODIFICATION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE POLICY IN THE DOWNTOWN
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Consider the Planning Commission's recommendation to extend the hours during which alcoholic
beverages may be served to begin at 10 AM rather than 11 AM.
2. Discuss extending nighttime hours to serve alcoholic beverages with meals.
3. Discuss serving hard liquor in restaurants with meals.
4. Discuss entertainment in restaurants.
5. Direct staff to prepare a draft resolution if changes are proposed.
BACKGROUND:
On June 23, 1993 the Planning Commission considered an application to extend the hours of operation for
the Los Gatos Brewing Company. The Commission's action was to deny extending nighttime hours while
approving the morning hour extension so that champagne could be served during weekend brunch. In its
motion, the Commission requested that Council review the Alcoholic Beverage Policy to consider amending
the hours during which alcoholic beverages may be served. The Commission made its recommendation
citing the fact that the current Council has yet to review this policy in Tight of recommendations stated in the
Commercial Plan Report.
(Continued on Page 2)
PREPARED BY: LEE E. BOWMAN
PLANNING DIRECTOR
LARRY J. TODD
CHIEF OF POLICE
LEB:KH:sm 10/27/93 9:15 am
MB08\CNCLRPTS\ALCOHOL.POL File #
Attachments: (See Page 3 for list of attachments)
Distribution: (See Page 3 for distribution list)
Reviewed by:
Attorney Clerk Finance Treasurer
COUNCIL ACTION/ACTION DIRECTED TO:
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE POLICY IN DOWNTOWN
October 27, 1993
DISCUSSION:
In May of 1991 Council accepted the Commercial Plan Committee's report. The Committee identified several
implementation measures to be applied in the Central Business District. Some of these policies are identified
below with a priority ranking of either high, medium or low as determined by the Town Council.
Develop policies and design guidelines to encourage the location of quality restaurants in this area.
(high priority)
Develop criteria and guidelines to allow "on -sale general" alcoholic beverage licenses in conjunction
with full service dinner restaurants. (high priority)
Develop policies and guidelines for the preservation and upgrading of theatre resources and the
development of other compatible nighttime entertainment businesses. (medium priority)
The present Alcoholic Beverage Policy is attached. The Los Gatos Brewing Company is currently allowed
to operate until midnight on the weekends under its Conditional Use Permit. In May 1991, the Council
approved the Conditional Use Permit with the provision that after nine months from the date the restaurant
started operation, the Planning Commission would review the Conditional Use Permit. The Planning
Commission's consideration of the Brewing Company's application to extend its hours coincided with the
review of the CUP. While the Commission found the Brewing Company a good neighbor, it denied the
request for nighttime extension based on current policy.
While the Council has the prerogative to approve applications that conflict with its policies, this practice
raises concerns with the next applicant that would like to be afforded the same privilege. Whether the
Council finds the policy should be amended or remain in its present form, the policy should apply to all
applications for alcoholic beverage service within the downtown.
RECOMMENDATIONS
There are five (5) areas of concern which staff believes should be addressed in reviewing the Town's
Alcoholic Beverage Policy.
1. Full Service Restaurant: Staff strongly recommends that serving alcoholic beverages only be allowed
in conjunction with meals in any restaurants that do not already have existing bars and/or a
Conditional Use Permit.
A meal should be defined as a combination of food items selected from a menu which would
constitute a normally accepted "meal" (breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner). Appetizers such as
popcorn, nachos, pretzels, potato skins, relish trays, etc. (served hot or cold) should not be
considered meals.
2. The policy should be expanded to allow all alcoholic beverages so long as they are served in
conjunction with meals.
3. Expanded Hours of Operation: Staff does not object to expanded hours of operation. As the
Council has done in the past, consideration should be given to the impact the operation has on the
surrounding neighborhood.
4. Outdoor Service: A growing number of applications have been received by the Town for outdoor
food and alcohol service. State law and local ordinance forbid the consumption of alcoholic
beverages in public places except under specific conditions. Most cities forbid the consumption of
alcohol in any public places except licensed bars and restaurants. The Town of Los Gatos allows
the consumption of beer and wine in certain public parks in conjunction with a meal.
Staff does not oppose serving alcohol in outdoor seating areas of restaurants as long as there is
an adequate separation of the area from adjacent public areas. This should include a design which
PAGE 3
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE POLICY IN DOWNTOWN
October 27, 1993
creates a physical image that clearly suggests that alcohol is not allowed outside the restaurant area.
This has been done successfully at several existing restaurants with outdoor seating. The same
policy should be maintained with any future applications for outdoor seating. Since current zoning
regulations limit walls adjacent to the street to three feet, staff recommends that this requirement
be modified to permit aesthetically pleasing means of separation to exceed three feet to control
alcoholic beverage consumption outside the restaurant area.
5. The Town's existing policy of not allowing entertainment at restaurants should be maintained.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Alcoholic Beverage Policy for the Downtown
2. Motion made by Planning Commission at June 23, 1993 meeting
DISTRIBUTION:
Barbara Spector, St. James Park Building, 152 North Third Street, Suite 500, San Jose, CA 95112
Andrew P. Pavicich, Los Gatos Brewing Co., 130-G N. Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030
POLICY CONCERNING THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
IN DOWNTOWN LOS GATOS
The deciding body may approve a Conditional Use Permit for a restaurant, including the
sale of beer and wine with meals, in downtown, based on the merits of the project if the
following minimum requirements are met:
1. Beer and wine may only be served with meals on the premises.
2. Maximum hours of operation shall be from 11 A.M. to 11 P.M. seven days a week.
3. No entertainment uses shall be allowed for the restaurant.
4. The Conditional Use Permit shall be subject to annual review by the Town Police
Department. If it is determined that the sale of alcohol is a nuisance, the permit
shall be subject to reevaluation by the Planning Commission.
The Town shall continue to discourage applications for the sale of hard liquor with meals
and for new bar establishments in conjunction with or separate from a restaurant use. In
addition, the Town shall discourage applications for entertainment establishments which
serve any type of alcoholic beverages.
The aforementioned policy statement is not to be construed to be a right of development.
The Town specifically retains the right of review and approval (or denial) of each project
based on its merits.
C31 \MISC\ALCOPOL.CLN
ATTACr "�
--s F.N��
PLANNING CO ISSION MINUTES —17
June 23, 1993
ROLL CALL
VOTE
his es -blishment. It seems to me that if Los Gatos wants to encourage this type of
usiness ' downtown and get the revenue that it produces and the clientele it encourages,
flowing it .. remain open another hour is not a bad thing.
omm. Rudol
think Commiss
hat the Town Co
pplication, and ac
ddition of an extra h
n Los Gatos. I don't t
ould ask the Police to
I am also in opposition to the motion for pretty much the same reasons.
ner Allmand already expressed them. I would be happier to recommend
ncil look at this as a possible policy change and then to continue the
n it as soon as we got more specific direction. I don't think that the
r is going to materially change the social interaction of the evenings
ink it will result in an awful lot of more unfortunate incidents. We
nduct an annual review.
limand: I have never seen .r heard a loud person when I've been there late, or seen a
isturbance. Aside from the •'sturbing the peace calls that the one person mentioned, I
aven't heard anything from th 'office Department or anyone else.
udolph: The motion on the floor to deny the application.
otion passes 4-2 on roll call vote.
YES: Commissioners Chase, Grimes, M. gan, and Roberts
OES: Commissioners Allmand and Rudol
BSTENTIONS: None
BSENT: Commissioner Abkin
owman gave appeal rights.
own Attorney Anderson: May I also ask for an additio -I motion from the Commission as
the policy issue. If the Commission wants to consid- it, I might recommend that the
ommission request the Council to consider this appfi tion or the Council consider
mending the policy to allow the 10 a.m. opening. Curr- tly, the Council policy as I
nderstand it, is that you can not serve liquor before 11 a.m.
hase: It's only with meals, right?
nderson: Right. The approval proposed by the Commission is to allo liquor to be served
10 a.m. as long it was served with meals.
organ: It's to serve alcohol but the bar itself won't open until 11 a.m.
nderson: Liquor would be served with meals from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. whic is an hour
rlier than the current Council policy allows. What I would ask from the Com • ission is
ther a request to the Council to consider amending the entire policy or consider 10 a.m.
pening policy so long as it's served with meals as to this application.
MOTION Comm. Morgan moves, seconded by Comm. Rudolph, to ask the Council to consider
amending the policy for the morning hours of 10 a.m. opening, serving liquor with meals,
rather than 11 a.m. In addition, I would ask that the Council consider this whole policy. I
think it's time to do that. Not that I'm necessarily in favor of making it more lenient, but I
think it's time to make a policy statement. I know Mrs. Lubeck, and I believe Mr. Blanton,
served on the business committee that recommended a less restrictive policy. I think it's
time for the new Council to make its policy clear for our sake and the sake of the applicants,
too.
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
November 1, 1993
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN MANAGER
COUNCIL AGENDA
DATE: 11-1-93
ITEM NO.
DESK ITEM
CONSIDER PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION REGARDING
MODIFICATION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE POLICY IN THE DOWNTOWN
DISCUSSION
The owner of the Los Gatos Brewing Company, Mr. Andrew Pavicich, Jr., has submitted Attachment 3 in
support of expanding the limits of the Alcoholic Beverage Policy in the Downtown. The attachment was not
received in time to include in the Council's packet.
ATTACHMENTS: Previously submitted
1. Alcoholic Beverage Policy for the Downtown
2. Motion made by Planning Commission at June 23, 1993 meeting
New submittal
3. Los Gatos Brewing Co. submittal
PREPARED BY: LEE E. BOWMAI�(��J
Planning Director
LEB: kh:
n:\dev\kirk\alc.desk
Reviewed by: Attorney Clerk
Finance Treasurer
COUNCIL ACTION/ACTION DIRECTED TO:
11/1/93 4:44 pm
File #
SPECTOR LAW FIRM
ST. JAMES PARK BUILDING
152 NORTH THIRD STREET, SUITE 500
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA 95112
TELEPHONE (4O8) 279-6006
MEMO
TO: MAYOR & TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: IRA & BARBARA SPECTOR
RE: CONSIDER PLANNING COMMISSION
RECOMMENDATION REGARDING
MODIFICATION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE
POLICY IN THE DOWNTOWN
DATE: November 1, 1993
/; /I /93
We support the existing policy, as is.
However, if the council should choose to consider staff's recommendations, we feel
strongly about the following:
(1) Hours should not be extended beyond 11:00 p.m., on weekdays.
(2) No entertainment uses should be allowed.
We just received notice of this agenda item today (November 1, 1993). As a result,
we probably will be unable to attend the meeting. We are giving this memorandum to Dan
McFadden to distribute to you.
Thank you for your cooperation.
1
J/} 7\«
4.%•
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• 5- •
'
C®z
November 1, 1993
Los Gatos, California
HEARINGS CONTINUED
LAND USE PERMITS CONT.
The Town Clerk read the title of the draft ordinance.
Motion by Mrs. Lubeck, seconded by Mr. Blanton, to waive the reading of the draft ordinance.
Carried unanimously.
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Attaway, that Council introduce Draft Ordinance
entitled, ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AMENDING THE TOWN CODE
TO PROVIDE AUTHORIZATION TO THE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE TO
BE THE DECIDING BODY FOR DETERMINING CERTAIN LAND USE PERMITS. Carried
unanimously.
Motion by Mr. Attaway, seconded by Mr. Blanton, that Council review this Ordinance in one
year. Carried unanimously.
Motion by Mr. Attaway, seconded by Mr. O'Laughlin, that the Planning Commission Chair
review, for the first six months of this ordinance, the decisions made by the DRC. Carried by
a vote of 4 ayes. Mr. Blanton voted no.
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESS/STREAMLINING (38.47)
Motion by Mrs. Lubeck, seconded by Mr. Blanton, that Council accept report and file. Carried
unanimously.
Motion by Mrs. Lubeck, that Council refer Item #3, Accessibility Requirements, to Planning
Commission to consider reducing the standards. Carried unanimously.
BELGATOS PARK/FINANCIAL REPORT (39.26)
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. O'Laughlin, that Council: 1) Accept Friends of
Belgatos Park offer of financial support and volunteer assistance; 2) Accept Los Gatos Kiwanis
Club's offer of volunteer support; 3) Reduce the budget for Billy Jones Soil Contamination
Clean-up in the Parks Construction Fund account number 4475-85005 project number 475PBILL-
85005 and increase the budget in the Parks Construction Fund account number 4475-85705
project 475PBELL-85705 by $45,000 for playground equipment at Belgatos Park; 4) Add
Belgatos Park to the 1993-98 CIP budget; 5) Authorize transfer of $4,000 from Account No.
6045-51100 to 6030-60549; 6) Direct Park Commission and staff to work with the Friends of
Belgatos Park on park issues and improvements. Carried unanimously.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE POLICY/DOWNTOWN (40.42)
Mayor Benjamin stated that this was the time and place duly noted to consider Planning
Commission's recommendation to extend the hours during which alcoholic beverages may be
served with meals in restaurants, and entertainment in restaurants.
The following people from the audience spoke to this issue:
Dan McFadden, 123 University Ave., requested that Council not relax the standards for service
of alcoholic beverages.
TC: D5: MM 110193
8
November 1, 1993
Los Gatos, California
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE POLICY CONT.
John Spaur, 50 University Ave., representing the Chamber of Commerce, considered the new
policy guidelines appropriate.
Jay Vlasak, 885 Old Mill Pond Rd., representing the Los Gatos High School, asked that Council
not relax the standards for service of alcoholic beverages.
No one else from the audience addressed this issue.
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. O'Laughlin, that Council approve the service of
alcoholic beverages only in conjunction with meals at any full service restaurant that does not
already have existing bar and/or conditional use permit. Carried unanimously.
Mayor benjamin requested that staff return with report on gross receipts as they relate to the
percentage of food served with alcohol at an establishment.
Motion by Mrs. Lubeck, seconded by Mr. O'Laughlin, that Council approve that the policy be
expanded to allow all alcoholic beverages so long as they are served in conjunction with meals.
Carried by a vote of 3 ayes. Mr. Attaway and Mayor Benjamin voted no.
Motion by Mrs. Lubeck, seconded by Mr. O'Laughlin, that Council permit the service of alcohol
starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays only. Motion failed. Mr. Attaway, Mr. Blanton
and Mayor Benjamin voted no.
Motion by Mr. Attaway, seconded by Mrs. Lubeck, to allow the service of alcohol starting at
10:00 a.m. all days. Carried by a vote of 3 ayes. Mr. Blanton and Mayor Benjamin voted no.
Motion by Mrs. Lubeck, seconded by Mr. O'Laughlin, that Council extend the hours for service
of alcohol to 12 midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. Mrs. Lubeck withdrew her motion with
the understanding that staff would review the possibility of conditional use permits regulating
the appropriate behavior of the business requesting alcohol service with meals and its ability to
monitor its relationship to the neighborhood, and mitigate concerns voiced by residents and staff.
Each business to be considered and reviewed individually on a case by case basis. The ability
to revoke the extended hours of operation to reserved by the Town. The extension of hours will
not be acted on until staff has supplied Council with sufficient criteria delineating the
enforceability of the conditional use permits. Mr. Anderson mentioned that penalty procedures
would involve restriction of hours of operation.
Motion by Mr. O'Laughlin, seconded by Mrs. Lubeck, that Council approve the service of
alcohol in outdoor seating areas of restaurants as long as there is an adequate separation of the
area from adjacent public areas. Carried unanimously.
Motion by Mr. O'Laughlin, seconded by Mrs. Lubeck, that Council approve the modification of
the three foot wall adjacent to streets zoning ordinance to permit aesthetically pleasing means
of separation to exceed three feet to control alcoholic beverage consumption outside the
restaurant area. Carried unanimously.
Motion by Mr. O'Laughlin, seconded by Mr. Blanton, that Town's existing policy of not allowing
entertainment at restaurants should be maintained. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mr. attaway
voted no stating that a single person playing a non -amplified instrument should be allowed.
TC: D5: MM 110193 9
r
Since
THE DINER'S PUB
TO: Los Gatos Town Council
FROM: Los Gatos Brewing Company
RE: Amendment of Town Ordinance for Extended Hours
Dear Council Member:
We respectfully request your approval for the amendment of the Town
Ordinance limiting our hours of operation. You will see on the
following pages why in just one short year, we are proud of our many
accomplishments, as well as our contributions to the Town of Los Gatos.
The prestigious awards we have received also reflect on the Town since
the Los Gatos Brewing Company is synonymous with the Town of Los Gatos.
We are a destination restaurant. Meaning people come to our Town to
explore a fine dining experience. We are conveniently located in the
heart of downtown, so that other local businesses may benefit from our
clientele. We support Los Gatos merchants, by purchasing many of our
staple items from them, and we employ over 100 local residents in our
operation. First and foremost, we are a Fine Dining Establishment, that
happens to brew its own award winning beer on premises along with an
extensive wine list (See Dining Reviews).
Our advertising and marketing firm is Rauh, Good, Darlo and Barnes,
again another local company. Our marketing program is designed to
attract the age groups of 35 to 60 years of age. Our resale of
personalized clothing, ie., polo shirts, sweatshirts, aprons and caps
is great advertising for the Town, since they all read "Los Gatos
Brewing Company".
We are the most reviewed and written about restaurant in the Bay Area,
which provides a strong support for the commercial base of the Town
Business Center.
Thanking you in advance for your support of the Los Gatos Brewing
Company.
Respectfully,
ANDREW P. PAVICICH, JR.
President
130-G North Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030 Telephone (408) 395-9929
n r)
Since j (TB 1991
SILVER MEDAL
Best Light Lager In United States
Great American Beer Festival
Denver, Colorado
October, 1993
1st Place Nationally
Throughout the United States. —
Best Outdoor Signage
ROUTER SANDBLASTED OR CARYED:110UNTED OR PROJECTING
FIRST PLACE
Designers
Raugh, Good, Darlo & Barnes
IDS Gatos, CA
Gary Rhodes
Surfside Signs
Soquel, CA
Fabricators
Surfside Signs
Forster forge (steel bracket)
Bonny Doon, CA
Client
Los Gatos Brewing Co.
The background of this sign is sand-
blasted,. the sign face is chiseled and
laminated. The mug, barley and center -
panel copy are hand -carved from clear
heart redwood. The oval is hand
scoop -carved and gilded with 23K gold
The sign is painted to spec colors.
SIGNS OF THE TIMES / JANUARY 1993 $1
SIGN SYSTEMS
THIRD PLACE
Designer
Rough, Good, Dario & Barnes
Los Gatos, CA
Fabricator
Surfside Signs
Soquel, CA
Client
Las Gatos Brewing Co.
This system includes hand -painted walls
and a grain silo, 23K gold windows with
I8K gold centers and hand -carved rest -
room signs- The glass logo is sand
blasted, acid -etched and glue -chipped.
The other logo is hand -carved and sand
blasted mahogany.
90 SIGNS OF THE TIMES / JANUARY 1993
r) n
SMN SYSTEMS
SIGNS OF THE TIMES f JANUARY 1993 fl
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BREWPUBS
LIFT YOUR SPIRITS
ENJOY THE FOOD
HOW WORKING
ADULTS ARE
GETTING THEIR
DEGREES
EXOTIC CRUISES
Cover Photo of South Bay Accents
Interior of Building
A GUIDE TO MORE THAN 150 NOTEWORTHY RESTAURANTS
MID-\YEEK
DISCOU
DINNER t
J0 PER
7 . 7 ti COUPLE
Including a Glass of Speciality Brew
Glass of House Wine or a
Beverage of your choice
(Tax & Gratuity not included)
100,000 INVITATIONS TO
COME TO LOS GATOS
(DIRECT MAIL MARKETING PROGRAM)
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--•••i
Terri Buchner,
left, and Eileen
McEnaney find
room to offer a
toast at the al-
ready crowded
Los Gatos
Brewing Com-
pany.
There's big business brewing
3Y DAVID L. BECK
lercury News Restaurant Writer
FROM the gleaming tanks to the faux -
marble walls, the Los Gatos Brewing
Company looks like a million bucks
aid probably cost twice that. 1i business
bias, the owners snould luxe their invest-
ment back by — oh, Tuesday or Wednesday.
An Oakland firm called Toledo Design has
aken a building with a checkered past and
urned it into the Ti; Mahal of brew -pubs.
'day Llte YJ'IS a Luau',
vith people.
The place was built as a garage, with big
kylights and an elegant row of lozenge-
haped windows circling the building just be -
ow the roof line. Previous tenants include
'aul Swanson Lincoln-Mercury and Bob's Bait
Sox. Most recently, it was two restaurants,
me Chinese-American, one Italian -American,
Los Gatos Brewing Company
*** Ale and hearty
■ Where: 130 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos.
Restaurant entrance at rear, bar entrance at the
side, on Gray's Lane
■ Hours: Lunch and dinner daily
■ Reservations: (408) 395-9929
■ Parking: Free city Tots in rear
■ Et cetera: Beer and wine. No smoking.
Wheelchair access. Most credit cards.
How's the food? Good but variable. If the
entrees were a bit disappointing, the pizza
and starters were first-rate.
The top -of -the -line pizza Here is made with
scallops, rock shrimp and smoked salmon,
with fennel, shallots, saffron and tomatoes,
for $9.95. As an appetizer, we went with a
on a smoky flavor and tasted like grilled
onions.
One of my companions had marinated pork
back ribs ($10.95) as an entree. They were
meaty and tender, but the sauce was too
sweet and had no bite.
Another ordered pasta: penne with spit -
roasted chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted
peppers, garlic, extra virgin olive oil ($10.95).
Sounds terrific, doesn't it? Alas, it was merely
OK, and a little dry at that. More garlic, more
peppers, more everything except pasta and
chicken, would have perked it up.
My entree was lamb shank braised in one of
the house ales — braised too long or too
' vigorously, I should say. It had become a little
dry, and lost most of its flavor to the cooking
liquid, which was wonderful, with couscous
and Swiss chard.
11 p/AW-l%I• kS'�IwYiias
DINING OUT
* * * San ,Franrisco et ronicle (ZZ-6) FOOD
k Brew -Pub for the Young and Hungry
TOM SIETSEMA
,icle Staff Writer
ed pepper and goat cheese
timbales are not the fare of
it garden-variety brew -pub. But
n.the Los Gatos Brewing Co., in
toric downtown Los Gatos, eras-
nost preconceptions about such
ing destinations.
Look inside. Of course, there's
requisite comfortable bar,
h two televisions suspended
lye it, and the predictable eye -
:ling stainless steel beer tanks
wcased behind a wall of glass.
weekend nights, the space is
tmed with enough chiseled
s and posturing nymphs to
ce months' worth of sports and
iron magazines. A lot of them
cooling off, drinking one of a
dful of thirst -quenching house
le brews, including the malty
oberfest and pale, pleasantly
er Los Gatos Lager ($2 each).
urn in Pubis Clothing
But the dramatic interior — a
airy barn of a space warmed
with knotty pine floors, scarred
;tard-colored walls, stained
s windows and open kitchen —
Ls to be the work of a stage de-
ter. From what began as a car
lership, evolved into a yacht
ipany and later the Noodle Pal -
the architects have created
:e for 260 drinkers and diners.
Iunds about as tranquil as a
its stadium, but dividers, gen-
iehtine and soothing colors
BY LLZ HAFALLA/THE CHRONI
The high ceilings and vast interior of the Los Gatos Brewing Co. give it a dramatic feeling
On weekends, the space is jammed with
enough chiseled jaws and posturing
nymphs to grace months' worth of sports
and fashion magazines
LOS GATOS BREWING CO.
130-G North Santa Cruz Ave. (at
Grays Lane), Los Gatos
' (408) 395-9929
Open daily for lunch 11:30 a.m.-3
p.m.; for dinner 5-10 p.m. Sunday -
Thursday, 5-1 1 p.m. Friday -Saturday
Special occasions call for Brewing C
Once
you have tried this
place you may want to
save it for special occa-
;ions, on the other hand every-
thing is so delightful, you may
Find yourself inventing more
special occasions.
The Los Gatos Brewing
Company is what we hope all
our dining out experiences will
be. Starting with the fact that
reservations are honored and
your place is ready when you
arrive (we chose a busy time,
too). The hostess and all the
other staff are pleasant, in-
formed and thoughtful. The
menu is varied and the food is
excellent.
The dining room is appeal-
ing. It has a large open fire-
place (where their spit roasted
chicken is really spit roasted
and open beam construction.
this is offset by the use of
warm woods and comfortable
seating. You can view the mas-
sive brew tanks through the
glass wall at one and of the
room. The mahogany arches
behind the bar are to be noted
for their beauty rather than
their past (service in a St. Lou-
is brothel).
Our waiter for the evening
was named Owen. He was to-
tally professional. He knew the
foods, spices and how the food
was prepared. He cheerfully
answered our questions and
his recommendations were
very good.
-Zn-::::i i _C -------
andd goat cheese timbale or soft
polenta or quesadilla of chick-
en. They also offer more ordi-
nary choices like oyster on a
half shell or clam chowder (all
less than $7). My choice was a
bowl of a very good cream of
broccoli soup ($3).
Dining Out
By Walter F. Bolleau Sr.
Passing on the appetizers
my fair lady chose the fresh
Asian pear salad which fea-
tured Cambozola cheese. It
was a delightful tastes remind-
ing you of a blue cheese but
very creamy and contrasted by
the crisp delicious pear taste
($5.95).
Each delight made us won;
der what they could offer next
to top it. We were never disap-
pointed.
t Ly lady ordered the special
orthe evening which was a
grilled swordfish steak. I
couldn't resist the spit roasted
chicken. We need not have
worried. These entrees carried
_:-LA. mL -
inated in parsley, garlic and
lemon then roasted to a turn.
It was served along with
roasted Moroccan potatoes and
mixed carrots broccoli and cau-
liflower. This dish would take
second place to none.
Though I did not meet her,
I'm told the pastry chefs name
is Kathleen Lynch. She placed
on the menu a dish she calls
"Tiramisu." This dessert is
made with layers of lady fin-
gers and mascarpone cheese
soaked in rum and espresso.
This temptation of the angels
is then topped with ground
chocolate and Kahlua creme
anglaise ($5). I am confident
she will go to weight watcher's
jail for this one day. I know she
is guilty of making one of the
best desserts I've tasted in a
long time.
For those who would also
like to see how the beer is
brewed - special arrangements
can be made for small (6-8 peo-
ple) parties by calling the
brewery ahead of time.
From the dining area you
can see them twirling the pizza
dough high in the air making
crust the old-fashioned way.
Try this one when you want
somethin very special. The
Los Z`ator rewrn= omlany
is located at 130 N. Santa t,ruz
Ave. at Gray's Lane in Los Ga-
TASTE
Photograph by George Sakkestnd
Captain Bill Peil (left), owner Andrew Pavicich (center) and chef Jim
Stump welcome guests to the Los Gatos Brewing Company.
Los Gatos Brewing
Company Celebrates
By ELIZABETH ORR
When the Los Gatos Brewing
' Company lured head chef Jim
Stump from Le Mouton Noir in
Saratoga last year, the management
promised him free creative reign
over the menu.
The result has been an epicurean
boon to Los Gatos and an unex
throughout the menu: the charred -
tuna carpaccio ($6.95) is seared
over an oak fire, chilled and filled
with sensitive, delicate flavors in a
light soy vinaigrette surrounded by
a ring of mild wasabi.
The fresh pear, watercress and
grilled radicchio salad ($5.95) is
simply exquisite, with chunks of
RESTAURANT REVIEW:
Los GATOS BREWING CO.
KATHERINE DORSCH
Price range: Inexpensive to
moderate, dinners from $6.95
to $18.95 (soup and salad ex-
tra)
Location: 130 N. Santa Cruz Ave.,
Los Gatos, (408) 395-9929
Hours: Lunch, 11:30AM-3PM; dinner,
S-1 OPM, bar open until midnight
Misc.: MC, Visa, and American Express
accepted. Wheelchair access. No smoking.
Parking on street or in lot.
Soon after the opening of the Los Gatos
Brewing Co. last year, my husband and I
dropped in to get a bite to eat and wash it
down with some home brew. Unfortunately,
they weren'tyet making theirown beer, so we
had to settle for the commercial variety. I
remember that the food was pretty good; but
it was too noisy to carry on a conversation,
and our table was situated adjacent to a major
thoroughfare, so we were constantly getting
jostled. It was a very unpleasant situation
indeed.
The second time we went to the Brewing Co.,
it was so crowded they wouldn't let us in until
somebody left. Not in the mood for a wait, we
went elsewhere.
Our third try was the charm. The secret to
having a wonderful dining experience here is
to go early, say about six o'clock. If you are
organized enough to procure a reservation,
make sure you ask for a table or booth away
from the bar. The c loser to the bar, the louder
it gets.
Immediately at'ter you are seated, you are
served crusty, robust sourdough bread with
olive oil and balsamic vinegar. We ordered
beer ($3 a pint), a Dunkel (dark) for my
husband and an Octoberfest (amber) for me.
The amber beer was even better than what
I've tasted in San Jose's premier brew ubs.
The dark beer was definitely to my likin as
well. It had a nutty, lively flavor an was not
as oppressingly heavy as some such beers
can be.
Deciding on our dinner order was no easy
task. The special: fresh soft-shelled crab
($18.95), sounded incredibly tantalizing, but
I decided to order a salad and appetizer
instead. For $5.95, 1 aot the most inventive
_salad I've ever taste. ! Can you imagine
sliced fresh pear, watercress, grilled
radicchio, cambozola cheese, and toasted
walnuts served with a balsamic vinaigrette?
It sounds weird, but was a true gastronomic
del_ igh_ I even got freshly ground black
pepper on it. My husband ordered the Caesar
salad ($4.95), -which was very good. Not the
best he'd ever had but nonetheless much
better than average.
Pizza is always a good choice at the Los
Gatos Brewing Co. My husband had an indi-
vidual sized pizza made with Linguica sau-
sage, tomatoes, pecorino romano, and leeks
($8.50). He loved it and I loved the two bites
of it he offered me. I had the soft polenta
appetizer ($5.95) which was served with
gorgonzola and a wild mushroom ragout.
The rich brown sauce was permeated with
earthy, woodsy flavors. If you like that sort of
thing, you'lllove this dish. It is out of this
w l'
By not ordering a full meal, I saved room for
dessert. Our waitress recommended the spe-
cial fruit torte ($4.50), made of blackberries,
papaya, kiwi, and strawberries. If this item is
offered when you visit the Brewing Co., by all
means order it.. The torte is colorful to behold
and quite refreshing to the palate.
By th-- a.amay the servi a waa excell nt We
were in and out of the restaurant to under an
hour. And just as we were finishing up our
meal, the decibel level began to increase.
Theoretically, you can grab a high quality,
quick bite to eat on the cheap by ordering a
salad, appetizer, soup, burger, pasta, or pizza.
However the food is so excitin ou will
probably want to order more.
\ r)
0
5TO TRAVEL
SE DIVISION
00-438-1777
is in Sunnyvale
San Francisco
roll
or
404;
?ant
urant
H
loose from:
ted Snapper
Parmigiana
spaghetti
1-farinara
'ettucine
Alfredo
one salad, garden
urdough 1ta1Ln
Valid for everyone
What's
the secret to pP-fect al
dente pasta? It's i :100
percent semolina, and it's
done when it floats.
A little simplistic, maybe, but
Fiorello's managers Jimmy Breslin
and Lucy Fiorello swear by it.
The Fiorellos have run their fam-
ily -style restaurant since 1987, and
now the younger half has taken over
and added some new dishes: sun-
dried tomato pasta, prawns Borde-
laise and pasta Milanese.
The pasta lover can select from a
menu of 15 kinds of fresh pasta
made daily, and all dinner items can
be ordered to go or chosen from the
(uncooked) pasta bar.
Breslin and Fiorello are proud
that many customers come back
and plead for a popular pasta
"hiL"
One favorite, the De Capri, (a
tasty clam -and -prawn dish served
over linguini), originated as a spe-
cial and after many requests is per-
manently on the menu.
"And they keep coming back for
more," Breslin says with a smile.
Fiorello's . °,"
354 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
395-1215
BEST HOT AND SPICY
CUISINE
Sweet Basil
on't let the "hot and spicy"
fool you; Sweet Basil is one of
the few restaurants in town
with a spice gauge right on the menu
(0-10, from mild to hot) so spice shy
customers may select the level of
"heat" desired.
"More people in the Los Gatos
area are becoming aware that Thai
The best place to broker a deal?
Los Gatans say power lunches ."+ .-
happen at the Los Gatos Brewing
Company.
Photograph by George Sakkestad
Sherry Horst, the Best Chef in Los Gatos, doesn't work for a restaurant,
but for catering company A Matter of Taste.
cuisine doesn't have to be spicy and
can still retain its authentic flavor,".-
Thai chef and Sweet Basil owner
Dee Malwitz insists. "With quality
Thai food, you can distinguish won-'
derful flavors in one dish."
Favorites include basil lamb sea-
soned with ginger, garlic and pep-
per and gai pra ram, marinated.
chicken breast with garlic and -
cilantro and•charbroiled with a dab
of coconut milk and satay (peanut
sauce).
Myriad exquisite flavors await
those with a willingness to simply
taste a bit of the exotic, and for the
city -bound adventurer, Sweet
Basil's cool, tropical ambience will
soothe the day's challenges and
reward them with a comfortable,
overstuffed cabana chair and a
relaxing drink.
Sweet Basil
25 E. Main St
399-5180.
BEST POWER LUNCH
Los Gatos Brewing
Company
Ios Gatos' movers and shakers
know what they're talking
about when it comes to pow-
erhouse lunch meals that would
impress any impresario.
Although the Brewing Company
turns into a'raucous high -life spot
at night, in the daylight hours, it's
filled with business people huddled
around tables discussing the latest
trends and slicing up thick'cuts of
juicy swordfish or taking bites from
huge, open-faced ham sandwiches._
Diet -conscious folk prefer the
most popular power sandwich: the
vegetarian, with grilled eggplant,
tomatoes, sliced avocados, daikon
sprouts and more. And salad -lovers
enjoy the grilled tuna salad, which
keeps the calories away and the
tastebuds hopping.
Most entrees are served with an
interesting variety of side dishes,
and soups are made fresh daily with
delicious and innovative touches.
For example, the yellow -squash
soup is made with yellowneck
squash, caramelized red onion and
marjoram. Chef Jim Stump adds his
creative ingenuity to every meal,
and eating slowly —if you can —
pays off.
And of course, to cleanse that
power palate, there's the best beer
in town right out of the brewery:
Los Gatos Lager, Pilsner, Okto-
berfest and Dunkel.
It's no surprise that the art of the
deal criss-crosses about the room
here and meets up with exception-
al food.
Los Gatos Brewing Company
130-G N. Santa Cruz Ave. .
395-9929
you can c
Many
Greek of
cheese,
and Gre
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and othe
All on
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Dino sa'
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Other
wonders
cakes, v
banana!
French
apples,
request,
milk bis
the sout
good.
Souther
27 E. Mr
354-751.
BEST
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RESTAURANT RAGOUT
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15
Los Gatos Brewing Company
Los Gatos Brewing Company, in the South Bay, is a
classy addition to the Bay Area 's bombing brewpub
scene. Mahogany and oak are set off by colorful leaded
glass windows, magically aged stucco walls and stressed
plank flooring. Chickens turn on their spits in front of
an open fire. It is a cozy, if a little noisy, setting.
Brewmaster Jeff Alexander brews -crisp, clean
gers with "German influence" (his words). His beers
match the menu well, primarily because he and execu-
tive chef Jim Stump communicate often about their
beer and theft'food, adjusting both to improve the
match. Stump describes his food as California cuisine
with regional influences, but his extensive menu cov-
ers all the mid -American bases, smartly updated and
4very, very good
Creamy polenta with a wild mushroom ragout and
Gorgonzola is wonderfully earthy, though a little salty.
A goat cheese -red pepper timbale served with grilled
vegetables and croutons is another great way to start.
The aforementioned roasted chicken is herby and
crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and its
accompanying roasted new potatoes have the same
r
1111111re
five
A*11
texture contrast. A grilled dry -aged rib eye steak is
served with mushroom sauce and tasty mashed pota-
toes with a hint of horseradish. Each dish has been
created thoughtfully; a duck breast might be grilled
while the leg is slowly roasted. And some of the
combinations are interesting scallops paired with
lenfils:In this category, an asparagus -cheese strudel is
almost too much of a good thing - it would work
better as a smaller appetizer portion.
Desserts are spectaciilar, and often live pp to their
appearance. The service is generally intelligent, un-
pretentious and friendly. And conveniently, a rather
elaborate bar menu is available all day.
-SARA SCHNEIDER
LOS GATOS BREWING COMPANY
130 North Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos
(408) 395-9929
Lunch daily, 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Dinner, Sun. - Thurs., 5:00 - 10:00 p.m.;
Fri. & Sat. to 11:00 p.m.
Bar open until 11:00 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. to midnight
Entrees from $6.95 to $17.95
Maxim's
Chef Mark Glaser, of the former Christopher's
Cafe, answered Berkeley's need for a good Cali-
fornia cuisine cafe and moved back to open Maxim's
in March. The menu is large, with no less than seven
appetizers and thirteen entrees, blending contempo-
rary and oriental influences and American classics.
Despite some uneven results — inevitable for such an
ambitious start — the dishes are satisfying. and some
nated in sweet soy sauce and cilantro, sauteed 4fh red
onions, jalapenos, red bell peppers, ginger and hoisin
sauce, and served with (dry) green rice ($11.25); and
the juniper bevy -marinated center -cut pork chops
with fresh fruit chutney and roasted garlic and olive oil
mashed potatoes ($10.50).
As this deluge of descriptive words suggests, Glaser
tries very hard to offer interesting flavors and comhina-
v • :.- .':'-x---;.S4.41: i.,,:...:-.,,,z,......;.. - ... ,T?..,-,......?ititMoN
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hen was the last time ,41.
you savored a beer for
its "slight hop nose" or',f.1
its .:;"clovelike" :'''',' or .
1
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instead of gulping it down and elc-.:1.
haiina "Ahhh!" with a belch? r.,o,':_.,..,„,.v4,.t...... „...•.: „,-,;,,;,.,,.. .=.
Oates BieNking Company gives, elsietf 'die:11'.. ill.
4'.",ltibit
packerS a -reason tojump ship.' .ft,•-.-7,415-?:i1.7,71
"The concept of the restauranf,isi0:‘Oft.i.
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food, good beer and a lively atmosphere" gen'
:manager Jennifer Shamblee-Colasnonno giiii*,17*.4,‘...
•: ‘: Brewmastez Jeff .Alekander ' COnsinicts -fasty'. .
- suds to. Onke the thirsts of PatronOired,a,erder•`7Q114 CrailE. 49s GufidalairatLGBC.
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house -brewed pint fillers and a urrnet:menu thatty.....;—*.i.i..4". - - - -,•-...,--:=----—.
. , is 20- ve stan ,,.(cher jhn...:. on can almos see every tame worn wnere you're
3tULUP Ud km apron on at Le Mtintiaidslairand .sitting. and PeOl* kO-Ow each other here," sham-
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tie -unwinding and postgame postulating h
dining area with comfy. booths aid' unobstructedLos Gatos Brewing Company, 130 Grays Lane, Los
....... ,.., • .
At
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sightlines facilitates the gathering -of local gossip. -i:Zatos (408/ 395-9929)
SEM
Los Gatos Brewing Company
130 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos
408/395-9929
Los Gatos Brewing Company is a
newcomer on the brewpub scene. It is a
.rlaw,gitrliiinq. The decor is warms and
rich, vvita mahogany and oak set off by
colorful leaded glass windows. Bur the
large room is casual, too, with magically
aged stucco walls and stressed plank
flooring. One is tempted to settle in for
the afternoon to watch the roasting
chickens turn temptingly on their spits in
front of the open fire.
prewmasrer Jeff Alexander,,armed with
a B.S. in Fermentation Science from U.C.
Davis, brews primarily crisp, clean lagers
with a "German influence." His three
staples are a Dunkel, dark, robust, and
malty; an Oktoberfest, which imitates
Germany's famous harvest celebration
brew; and a Los Gatos Lager, pale,
slightly bitter, and nicely balanced. He
also offers seasonal specials —even an
occasional ale.
Brew like this will be well worth your
trio, bur come for the food as well! One
reason for the great match
between bar and menu here is
that Alexander and Executes
Chef Jim Stump (formerly of
Saratoga's Le Mouton Noir)
communicate often about their
beer and their food, adjusting
both to improve the match. Look
for proof of this in the lamb
shank braised in house ale.
5rump describes his food as
California cuisine with regional
infli,rnrr` It's a gourmet meal in
itself. For lunch, choose a grilled
salmon paillard with smoked
trout, marinated vegetable salad,
grilled new potatoes, and
citronerte dressing. Or a Cobb
sandwich on housemade foccacia bread.
For dinner, the salmon might be served
roasted with herb horseradish and a
breadcrumb crust on braised English
cucumbers. A grilled breast of duck and
slowly roasted leg are served on roasted
apples with cider vinegar and citrus sauce.
And a grilled, dry -aged rib -eye steak
comes with mashed potatoes, mushroom
sauce, and creamed braising greens.
What's more, many of these items can be
ordered to go, or from the bar menu all
the way up to closing time.
SOUTII BAY ACCE\T
LIKE GOOD WINE,
GOOD BEER IS MADE TO
ENHANCE THE FLAVORS
OF GOOD FOOD.
n
FREE Volume 1, Number 6
CD S CD
SID E
Published Monthly FREE
October 1992