EMILE’S

I took Beth to this long time, San Jose fixture to celebrate her Birthday last week.  Twenty or thirty years ago, Emile’s was known as the best restaurant in San Jose.  Since then, it’s seen it’s ups and downs.  First thing we noticed was the lovely decor and atmosphere.  It’s definitely a nice date place!  The menu looked promising, and the waiter promptly opened the bottle of 1992 Chateau Montelena Estate Cab we had brought.  The wine was very fruity at first, but soon settled down and was very good, although probably not one of the better years.

Unfortunately, the next time the waiter came around, he bore bad news.  They were out of caviar!  He said he hoped we hadn’t wanted to order any, and we had to inform him that I was definitely going to get the caviar and egg appetizer.  Oh well, I settled for the gnocchi and goat cheese, which was delicious if you made sure to get some baby spinach, goat cheese and a cherry tomato all on the fork with the gnocchi.  All together, the four ingredients make a wonderful taste experience.  Beth ordered a Filo Flower Pot, or something like that.  A filo dough “pot” with goat cheese (different than my goat cheese), greens, sliced pears, roasted walnuts and a Port reduction.  Great presentation and a very tasty dish as well.

For our entrees, Beth got a plate with Lamb, Veal, and a beef fillet on a bed of potatoes (mashed, I think) each with its own sauce.  Very good!  I ordered the Duck a la Orange.  The duck was great, but the veggies on the plate were just ok.  Not that special.

We ordered the Grand Marnier Soufflé when we ordered our appetizers, but there was still at least a 20 minute delay in getting the Souffle after we were finished with our entrees.  Not very good timing.

Overall, a good French restaurant in San Jose, but needs a little work.  It was a Thursday night, and there were only about 7 tables going while we were there so maybe there was only a couple of cooks in the kitchen?  Cost wasn’t too bad.  Less than $200.  Corkage was $25 I think.  I think we will try a different French restaurant in the area before heading back to Emile’s.

Tags: Emile's, French restaurant, San Jose